Child safety seat

Abstract

To provide a child safety seat.SOLUTION: A child safety seat includes: a seat shell having sidewalls each of which is provided at one of left and right sides; a buffering part which is connected with the seat shell and movable between a first position corresponding to a stowed position where the buffering part is retracted toward the sidewall and a second position corresponding to a deployed state where the buffering part protrudes sideways from the sidewall; a retaining mechanism which is connected to the seat shell, has a retaining position and a release position, and is placed in the retaining position to retain the buffering part in the stowed position or placed in the release position to move the buffering part relative to the seat shell; and a release mechanism which is connected to the seat shell and operable to urge the retaining mechanism to switch its position from the retaining position to the release position so as to move the buffering part from the first position to the second position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

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, which is a divisional application of Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-129479 filed on August 6, 2021, which is a divisional application of Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-137983 filed on August 31, 2022, and claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 201910345902.1 filed on April 26, 2019.

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

[0003] 2.Background technology Child safety seats are typically used in automobiles to properly restrain children during a crash. In particular, child safety seats can provide protection by restraining children from forward or rearward movement when the vehicle is subjected to a frontal or rearward collision.

[0004] In addition to providing protection during frontal and rear-end collisions, some child safety seats can also have a side impact protection structure adapted to dissipate collision energy induced by a side collision of the 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 protection element that can be stored for storage or deployed for use, and the caregiver needs to apply pressure to the protection element to unlock or unlock the protection element in order to deploy it.Due to the location of the protection element on the side wall of the child safety seat, the caregiver may forget to deploy the protection element, and as a result, the protection element will remain in the stored position and will not provide effective protection.

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

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Chinese Patent Registration No. 105329121 Summary of the Invention

[0007] The present application describes a child safety seat having a side impact protection system configured to provide protection during a side impact collision of a vehicle, which can be stowed for compact storage and deployed in a convenient manner.

[0008] According to one embodiment, the child safety seat includes a seat shell, a buffer portion, a retention mechanism, and a release mechanism. respectively was established The first side wall and the second The buffer portion is connected to the seat shell, and the buffer portion has a side wall. No. 1 A first position corresponds to a storage position where the buffer portion is stored toward the side wall. No. 1 a first position corresponding to a deployed state in which the buffer portion protrudes laterally from the side wall, and a second position corresponding to a deployed state in which the buffer portion protrudes laterally from the side wall. The retention mechanism is connected to the seat shell and has a retention position and a release position, the retention mechanism being in the retention position to hold the buffer portion in the stowed position and in the release position to move the buffer portion relative to the seat shell. The release mechanism is connected to the seat shell and is operable to switch from the retention position to the release position to prompt the retention mechanism to move the buffer portion from the first position to the second position. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1]1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a child safety seat having a side impact protection system in a stowed position; FIG. [Figure 2] 1 shows a perspective view of a child safety seat with a side impact protection system in a deployed state; FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of an impact receiving module of the side impact protection system. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of the construction of the side impact protection system. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is an exploded view from the opposite side to FIG. 4. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 shows in partially exploded view details of some assemblies of the side impact protection system. [Figure 7] 1 is a schematic diagram showing the structural details of the retention and release mechanisms of the side impact protection system; [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating a holding mechanism having another configuration different from that shown in FIG. 7. [Figure 9] 1 shows in cross section structural details provided in a side impact protection system; FIG. [Figure 10] 1 shows a perspective view of an operating device provided on a release mechanism of a side impact protection system; FIG. [Figure 11] 1 is an exploded view showing some of the structural details of the operating device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] 1 and 2 are two perspective views showing one embodiment of a child safety seat 200. Referring to FIGS. 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, respectively, to laterally restrict movement of a child seated on the seat shell 102. The two side walls 1301 are fixedly connected to the backrest portion 130 and protrude forward from the backrest portion 130 on the left and right sides of the seat shell 102, respectively, and from the top of the backrest portion 130 towards the seat portion 110.

[0011] 1 and 2, the side impact protection system 100 may include an impact receiving module 10 and a retention mechanism 20 (better shown in FIG. 9) coupled to each other on each of the left and right sides of a seat shell 102, and a release mechanism 12 coupled to the retention mechanism 20 on each of the left and right sides of the seat shell 102. The 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 arranged in symmetrical positions on the two side walls 1301 of the backrest portion 130 (only one impact receiving module 10 is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2). Each impact receiving module 10 has a stored state shown in FIG. 1 for easy storage and an expanded state shown in FIG. 2 for use. The impact receiving module 10 may be held in the stored state by the retention mechanism 20 coupled thereto, and may be switched from the stored state to the expanded state by operating the release mechanism 12. When the vehicle in which the child safety seat 200 is installed is subjected to a lateral collision, any of the impact-receiving modules 10 in the deployed state can be pressed against the vehicle body (e.g., the vehicle door panel) to dissipate part of the impact energy, thereby achieving lateral cushioning to better protect the child seated on the child safety seat 200.

[0012] In relation to FIGS. 1 and 2, FIG. 3 is a perspective view of one impact-receiving module 10, and FIGS. 4-11 are various views showing further structural details of the side impact protection system 100. Referring to FIGS. 1-6, each side wall 1301 may have an opening 1302 on its outer side to accommodate the assembly of a corresponding impact-receiving module 10. The impact-receiving module 10 includes a buffer section 11 movably connected to the seat shell 102. The buffer section 11 may have any suitable structure adapted to provide a cushioning effect. According to one structural example, the buffer section 11 may include two casing sections 113 and 115 fixedly attached to each other. Examples of suitable materials for fabricating the buffer section 11 include, but are not limited to, plastic. The buffer section 11 is movable relative to the seat shell 102 on the outer side 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 stored 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 sidewall 1301 of the opening 1302. The first position of the buffer portion 11 corresponds to the stored state shown in FIG. 1 , and the second position of the buffer portion 11 corresponds to the deployed state shown in FIG. 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 sidewall 1301. During a side collision, the buffer portion 11 in the second position is pressed against the vehicle body (e.g., a vehicle door panel), resulting in deformation, crushing, and / or deforming a portion of the seat shell 102 around the buffer portion 11 to dissipate a portion of the impact energy.

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

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

[0015] 3 to 6 , the mount base 13 may illustratively include a pivot support member 131 and a housing 133. The housing 133 may have a cavity 133A and may be fixedly connected to the seat shell 102 within an opening 1302 in a side wall 1301. The pivot support member 131 may be fixedly connected to the seat shell 102 below the cavity 133A of the housing 133 and may extend into the cavity 133A through an opening 1331 provided in the housing 133. The portion of the pivot support member 131 extending into the cavity 133A of the housing 133 may have a hole 1311 (better shown in FIG. 6 ), and a pivot shaft (not shown) may be assembled through the hole 1311 to pivotally connect the buffer unit 11 to the pivot support member 131. The assembled buffer portion 11 can thereby rotate relative to the pivot support member 131, and the buffer portion 11 can be substantially contained in 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] 4 and 6, the child safety seat 200 may include a spring 30 coupled to the buffer portion 11 on each of the left and right sides. The spring 30 may bias the buffer portion 11 toward a second position corresponding to the deployed state. According to one structural embodiment, the spring 30 may be a torsion spring. The spring 30 may be disposed inside a hole 1311 of the pivot support member 131 and may have opposite ends fixed to a slot 1313 provided in the pivot support member 131 and a slot 111 provided in the buffer portion 11, respectively. The biasing action exerted by the spring 30 may facilitate the deployment of the buffer portion 11.

[0017] The two retention mechanisms 20 provided on the left and right sides of the seat shell 102, respectively, may be similar in structure and are positioned adjacent to the two impact-receiving modules 10. FIGS. 3, 6, 8, and 9 show the details of the configuration of one retention mechanism 20. Referring to FIGS. 1, 3, 6, 8, and 9, each retention mechanism 20 can be configured to hold its associated buffer section 11 in a first position corresponding to the storage state. According to one embodiment of the configuration, the retention mechanism 20 can include a magnetic element 21 coupled to the seat shell 102 and a magnetic element 23 coupled to the buffer section 11. For example, the magnetic element 21 can be positioned adjacent to the housing 133 of the mount base 13 on the seat shell 102, and the magnetic element 23 can be fixedly attached to the buffer section 11, such that the magnetic element 23, together with the buffer section 11, can move relative to the seat shell 102 and the magnetic element 21. The two magnetic elements 21 and 23 may include magnets, electromagnets, ferromagnetic components, magnetically sensitive components, and similar elements that can interact with each other through 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 part containing iron or other ferromagnetic material. When the buffer unit 11 is in a first position corresponding to the stored 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 unit 11 in the first position. When the buffer unit 11 moves from the first position to the second position, the magnetic element 23 can move away from the magnetic element 21.

[0018] 1, 2, and 4 to 9, the release mechanism 12 includes an operating device 50 operably connected to the holding mechanism 20 on each of the left and right sides of the seat shell 102. The operating device 50 is operable to release each buffer portion 11 from the holding mechanism 20, thereby allowing the buffer portion 11 to move from the first position to the second position. For example, the release mechanism 12 can be configured to displace each magnetic element 21 relative to the seat shell 102 from a holding position (corresponding to the configuration shown in FIG. 7) to a 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 therefore, 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 released position, magnetic element 21 is displaced away from magnetic element 23, reducing or preventing magnetic interaction between magnetic elements 21 and 23, thereby allowing buffer portion 11 to move from the first position to the second position. According to one structural embodiment, release mechanism 12 can include an operating device 50, two actuators 70 (better shown in Figures 4 and 6-9), and two link elements 60 coupling operating device 50 to the two actuators 70, respectively.

[0019] The two actuators 70 are arranged adjacent to the two impact receiving modules 10, respectively, and may have a similar structure. FIGS. 4 and 6-9 show structural details of one actuator 70 provided on one of the left and right sides of the seat shell 102. Referring to FIGS. 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 seat shell 102 between a retained position shown in FIG. 7 and a released position shown in FIG. 8. According to a structural example, the actuator 70 may be connected to the seat shell 102 and may include a magnetic element carrier 71 and a spring 77. The magnetic element carrier 71 may illustratively be a single component having a rod-like, elongated shape. However, it will be understood that the magnetic element carrier 71 may have any other suitable shape. The magnetic element carrier 71 can be fixedly connected to the magnetic element 21 and movably connected to the seat shell 102, whereby the magnetic element carrier 71 and the magnetic element 21 carried thereon can move in unison between a holding position and a releasing position.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the structure, the magnetic element carrier 71 is pivotally connected to the seat shell 102 and can rotate relative to the seat shell 102 between a holding position and a release position. For example, the magnetic element carrier 71 can 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 disposed through the opening 713 to pivotally connect the magnetic element carrier 71 around the shaft portion 1336. This allows the buffering part 11 and the magnetic element carrier 71 to be disposed at two opposite sides of the housing 133, achieving a compact assembly. The magnetic element 21 can be fixedly attached to the end 711 of the magnetic element carrier 71 remote from the shaft portion 1336 and can be at least partially housed in an arc-shaped recess 1333 provided in the housing 133. The recess 1333 can illustratively be provided on a 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] 7 to 9, spring 77 is connected to seat shell 102 and magnetic element carrier 71, respectively, and can urge magnetic element carrier 71 toward the holding position. For example, housing 133 fixed to seat shell 102 can have stud 1334, magnetic element carrier 71 can have another stud 717, and spring 77 can have two ends connected to studs 1334 and 717, respectively. To ensure that magnetic element carrier 71 can be properly stopped at the holding position, housing 133 can be provided with fixing rib 1335 adapted to limit the rotation path of magnetic element carrier 71. When magnetic element carrier 71, urged by spring 77, rotates and reaches the holding position, magnetic element carrier 71 can come into contact with fixing rib 1335, and fixing rib 1335 can stop magnetic element carrier 71 at the holding position.

[0022] 1 , 2 , 7 , 8 , 10 , and 11 , the operating device 50 can be assembled with the seat shell 102 at a position remote from the two actuators 70 and connected to the two actuators 70 via two link elements 60, respectively. According to one structural embodiment, the operating device 50 can be disposed 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 illustratively include wires, cables, cords, etc. Each link element 60 can have an end 60A (better shown in FIG. 11 ) fixed to the operating device 50 and another end 60B (better shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 ) operably connected to a corresponding magnetic element carrier 71. Thus, the operating device 50 is operable to simultaneously move the two magnetic element carriers 71 and the magnetic elements 21 carried thereon from a holding position to a releasing position, respectively, to release the two buffer sections 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 may be fixed to a driver 73 disposed adjacent to the magnetic element carrier 71. The driver 73 may be slidably assembled with the seat shell 102 and may be in contact with the magnetic element carrier 71. For example, the driver 73 may have a guide slot 731, and a housing 133 fixed to the seat shell 102 may have one or more protruding ribs 1332 that are in sliding contact with the guide slot 731. This allows the driver 73 to slide in the K direction relative to the seat shell 102, come into contact with the magnetic element carrier 71, and urge the magnetic element carrier 71 to rotate from the retained position to the released position.

[0024] Furthermore, springs 75 can be connected to the drive part 73 and the seat shell 102, respectively, and can slide the drive part 73 in the direction opposite to the K direction. In this configuration, the operating device 50 can be actuated to exert a pulling force through each link element 60, which can slide its drive part 73 in the K direction and urge the magnetic element carrier 71 to rotate from the holding position to the release position. When the operating device 50 is released and no pulling force is exerted through each link element 60, the drive part 73 can be restored to its initial position by the biasing force exerted by the spring 75, and the magnetic element carrier 71 can be rotated from the release position to the holding position by the biasing force exerted by the spring 77. can be done.

[0025] According to a structural embodiment, interaction between the magnetic element carrier 71 and the drive part 73 can be achieved via contact between a flange 715 provided on the magnetic element carrier 71 and an end 733 of a curved arm 735 attached to the drive part 73. For example, when the drive part 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 and urge the magnetic element carrier 71 to rotate from the holding position to the release position. The curved arm 735 is elastically deformable, which can facilitate the magnetic element carrier 71 to move toward the holding position under the biasing force of the spring 77.

[0026] The drive 73 is provided to facilitate driving the magnetic element carrier 71. However, it will be appreciated that other configurations are possible. For example, a structural variation could omit the drive 73 and spring 75 and fix the end 60B of the link element 60 directly to the magnetic element carrier 71, whereby the operating device 50 is actuated to exert a pulling force via the link element 60, urging the magnetic element carrier 71 to rotate from the retained position to the released position.

[0027] 1, 10, and 11, the operating device 50 may include an actuating portion 51, two coupling portions 53, a shaft 55, and a spring 57. The two coupling portions 53 are pivotally connected to the seat shell 102 around the same pivot axis Y extending laterally from the left side to the right side of the seat shell 102, and may be connected to end portions 60A of two link elements 60, respectively. According to one structural example, each coupling portion 53 may be a casing portion having a substantially cylindrical shape and may include an anchor portion 535 protruding from its outer circumferential surface. The end portion 60A of the link element 60 may be attached to the anchor portion 535 of the coupling portion 53.

[0028] The actuating unit 51 can be assembled with two connecting portions 53 and can rotate together with the connecting portions 53 about the pivot axis Y relative to the seat shell 102. According to one structural embodiment, the actuating unit 51 can include a rod portion 511 and a mount portion 513 fixedly connected to each other. The actuating unit 51 including the rod portion 511 and the mount portion 513 can be integrally formed. The mount portion 513 of the actuating unit 51 can be disposed within a cavity 531 at least partially defined by the two connecting portions 53, and the rod portion 511 can protrude outward through an opening 533 provided in the two connecting portions 53. Furthermore, the mount portion 513 disposed within the internal cavity 531 is pivotally connected to the two connecting portions 53 about the pivot axis Y, thereby allowing relative rotation between the actuating unit 51 and the two connecting portions 53. For example, the mount portion 513 can have a hole 5131, and the shaft 55 is disposed through the two coupling portions 53 and the hole 5131 of the mount portion 513, such that the actuating portion 51 is pivotally connected to the two coupling portions 53. Relative rotation between the actuating portion 51 and the two coupling portions 53 can be defined, for example, by the path of the rod portion 511 between two opposing edges of the opening 533. With this assembly, the actuating portion 51 is pivotally connected to the seat shell 102 via the coupling portions 53, and can be rotated to raise or lower the rod portion 511 relative to the surface 102A of the seat shell 102 in the thigh region.

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

[0030] According to the configuration of the operating device 50 as described above, the rotation of the actuating part 51, which moves the rod part 511 relative to the surface 102A of the seat shell 102, can rotate the two connecting parts 53 in the same direction in unison, pulling the two link elements 60 and moving the drive parts 73 attached thereto, respectively, and urging the magnetic element carriers 71 to rotate from the holding position to the release position. When no external force is applied to the operating device 50, the spring 57 can rotate the actuating part 51 to lift the rod part 511 from the surface 102A of the seat shell 102, thereby removing the pulling force exerted on the link elements 60 by the actuating part 51 and the connecting part 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] 3, 5 and 9, each of the two buffer sections 11 may include a respective latch mechanism 40 operable to lock the buffer section 11 in a second position corresponding to the deployed state. The latch mechanism 40 is housed within a cavity 117 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 actuator 45.

[0032] The latch 41 is movable between a locked state in which the latch 41 engages the pivot support member 131 to lock the buffer section 11 in a second position corresponding to the deployed state, and an unlocked state in which the latch 41 disengages from the pivot support member 131 to unlock the buffer section 11 so that the buffer section 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 section 11 and is slidable into and out of engagement with a notch 1315 (better shown in FIG. 6 ) provided on the pivot support member 131. The latch 41 engages with the notch 1315 of the pivot support member 131 in the locked state 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 sidewall of the cavity 117, respectively, and can bias the latch 41 toward the locked state for engagement with the pivot support member 131.

[0034] The release actuator 45 is operable to urge the latch 41 to move from the locked state to the unlocked state. According to one structural embodiment, the release actuator 45 may be fixedly connected to the latch 41 and exposed for operation on the buffer unit 11. For example, the release actuator 45 includes an operating portion 451 and a mounting portion 453 that are fixedly connected to each other, where the operating portion 451 is exposed to the outside of the buffer unit 11 for operation, and the mounting portion 453 is fixedly attached within an opening 411 (shown in FIG. 9 ) provided in the latch 41. This allows the release actuator 45 to slide together with the latch 41 between the locked state and the unlocked state.

[0035] 1-11 , an exemplary operation of the side impact protection system 100 is described below. When the child safety seat 200 is not in use and there is no child thereon, each buffer portion 11 can be stowed in a first position for convenient storage, and the magnetic element carrier 71 biased by the spring 77 can be in a retaining position, as the magnetic interaction between the two magnetic elements 21 and 23 of the retaining mechanism 20 can hold the buffer portion 11 in the first position. Furthermore, the biasing force exerted by the spring 57 can hold the actuating portion 51 of the operating device 50 in position, with the rod portion 511 of the operating device 50 rising at an 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 actuating portion 51 and the two coupling portions 53 are urged to rotate in unison in the same direction (e.g., by manual operation by a caregiver or through contact with the child pushing the rod portion 511 of the actuating portion 51 toward the surface 102A of the seat shell 102), pulling the two link elements 60 and moving the drive portions 73 attached thereto, respectively, and urging the magnetic element carrier 71 to rotate from the retaining position to the release position. As a result, each buffer portion 11 is released from the retention 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 urge the latch 41 to move and engage with the notch 1315 of the pivot support member 131 to lock the buffer portion 11 in the second position.

[0037] To store the buffer section 11, the actuating section 51 can be rotated in a direction that raises the rod section 511 from the surface 102A of the seat shell 102, thereby removing the tension exerted on the link section 60 by the actuating section 51 and the coupling section 53, and each magnetic element carrier 71 can rotate from the release position to the retention position under the biasing force of the spring 77. This rotation of the actuating section 51 can be driven by the biasing force of the spring 57 after the child is first removed from the child safety seat 200. The caregiver can then operate the release actuating section 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 stored in the first position, the retention force exerted by the retention mechanism 20 can hold the buffer section 11 in place.

[0038] The above-described configuration allows the buffer sections 11 to be deployed in a convenient manner. For example, the deployment of the two buffer sections 11 can be triggered by placing a child on the child safety seat 200, without the need for a 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 a child is installed in the child safety seat 200.

[0039] According to a variant embodiment, the operating device 50 and the link element 60 can be omitted, and the remaining structure is similar to the previous embodiment. In this variant embodiment, when the child safety seat 200 is not in use, each buffer section 11 can be similarly stored in the first position, and the magnetic interaction between the two magnetic elements 21, 23 can hold the buffer section 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 21 and 23 of at least one retention mechanism 20, so that the corresponding buffer section 11 can deploy to the 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 element 21 thereon from the retaining position to the release position relative to the seat shell 102 to release the buffer section 11 from the retention mechanism 20, and the buffer section 11 can deploy to the second position under the biasing force of the spring 30. Therefore, the configuration of the retention mechanism 20, which is comprised of two magnetic elements 21 and 23, may facilitate the deployment of the buffering portion 11 without the need for caregiver intervention.

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

[0041] Advantages of the child safety seat described herein include the ability to provide a side impact protection system that can be stowed for compact storage. Furthermore, the side impact protection system can be easily deployed when in use, which can provide adequate protection during a vehicle side impact collision.

[0042] The child safety seat implementation has been described in connection with 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, for restricting lateral movement of a child seated on the seat shell, the two side walls including a first side wall and a second side wall; a buffer portion movably connected to the seat shell, the buffer portion being movable between a first position corresponding to a stored position in which the buffer portion is stored toward the first side wall and a second position corresponding to an expanded state in which the buffer portion protrudes laterally from the first side wall; a retention mechanism operable to retain the buffer portion in the first position; a release mechanism having an operating device disposed adjacent to a thigh region of the seat shell and operably connected to the holding mechanism, the operating device being operable to release the buffer portion from the holding mechanism for movement of the buffer portion from the first position to the second position; and A child safety seat equipped with [Appendix 2] The buffer portion is pivotally connected to the seat shell. Child safety seat as described in Appendix 1. [Appendix 3] The child safety seat has a spring coupled to the buffer portion, The spring biases the buffer portion toward the second position. Child safety seats as described in Appendix 1 or 2. [Appendix 4] the retention mechanism includes a first magnetic element coupled to the seat shell and a second magnetic element coupled to the buffer portion; a magnetic attraction force is generated between the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element to hold the buffer portion in the first position when the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element are proximate to each other. A child safety seat as set forth in any one of Appendices 1 to 3. [Appendix 5] The release mechanism comprises: an actuator connected to the seat shell; a link element coupling the operating device to the actuator; the actuator is operable to move the first magnetic element between a retaining position and a releasing position relative to the seat 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 proximate to each other, and therefore, a magnetic field between the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element is generated to hold the buffer portion in the first position. The attraction creates a holding force, the first magnetic element in the released position is spaced apart from the second magnetic element, so that the buffer portion can move from the first position to the second position; Child safety seats as described in Appendix 4. [Appendix 6] the actuator includes a magnetic element carrier and a spring; the magnetic element carrier is fixedly connected to the first magnetic element and movably connected to the seat shell, whereby the magnetic element carrier and the first magnetic element are movable between the retained position and the released position; the spring biases the magnetic element carrier toward the retaining position; Child safety seats listed in Appendix 5. [Appendix 7] the magnetic element carrier is pivotally connected to the seat shell; Child safety seats as described in Appendix 6. [Appendix 8] the link element having a first end fixed to the operating device and a second end operably connected to the magnetic element carrier; Child safety seats as listed in Appendix 6 or 7. [Appendix 9] the second end of the link element is fixed to a drive adapted to contact the magnetic element carrier; The drive unit is slidably assembled with the seat shell. Child safety seats listed in Appendix 8. [Appendix 10] the operating device has an actuation portion and a coupling portion that are assembled to each other and pivotally connected to the seat shell; the first end of the link element is fixed to the coupling portion; the actuation part is rotatable with respect to the seat shell together with the coupling part to exert a pulling force via the link element; Child safety seats as listed in Appendix 8 or 9. [Appendix 11] the actuation portion is pivotally connected to the coupling portion; Child safety seat as described in Appendix 10. [Appendix 12] the actuation portion has a rod portion, the actuation portion is rotatable to raise or lower the rod portion relative to the surface of the seat shell; Child safety seats as described in Appendix 10 or 11. [Appendix 13] the operating device further includes a spring connected to the actuation portion; the spring biases the actuating portion to lift the rod portion relative to the surface of the seat shell. Child safety seats as described in Appendix 12. [Appendix 14] the buffer unit is provided with a latch mechanism operable to lock the buffer unit in the second position. A child safety seat as set forth in any one of Appendices 1 to 13. [Appendix 15] the buffer portion is pivotally connected to a pivot support member provided on the seat shell, The latch mechanism includes a latch, a spring, and a release actuator. the latch is movable between a locked state in which the latch engages the pivot support member to lock the buffer section in the second position and an unlocked state in which the latch disengages from the pivot support member for rotation of the buffer section; the spring biases the latch toward a locked state; the release actuator is operable to move the latch from the locked state to the unlocked state. Child safety seats as described in Appendix 14. [Appendix 16] the seat shell having a back portion with a front surface; the buffer portion is located forward of the front surface and connects with a portion of the first side wall vertically adjacent to the shoulder height of a seated child; A child safety seat as set forth in any one of Appendices 1 to 15. [Appendix 17] a seat shell having two side walls provided on the left and right sides of the seat shell, respectively, for restricting lateral movement of a child seated on the seat shell, the two side walls including a first side wall and a second side wall; a buffer portion movably connected to the seat shell, the buffer portion being movable between a first position corresponding to a stored state in which the buffer portion is stored toward the first side wall and a second position corresponding to a deployed state in which the buffer portion protrudes laterally from the first side wall; a retention mechanism operable to retain the buffer portion in the first position, the retention mechanism including a first magnetic element coupled to the seat shell and a second magnetic element coupled to the buffer portion, the second magnetic element being movable together with the buffer portion relative to the seat shell and the first magnetic element, and a magnetic attraction force being generated between the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element to retain the buffer portion in the first position; Equipped with a child safety seat. [Appendix 18] The buffer portion is pivotally connected to the seat shell. Child safety seat as described in Appendix 17. [Appendix 19] The child safety seat further includes a spring coupled 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 seat shell, the actuator is operable to move the first magnetic element between a retaining position and a releasing position relative to the seat shell; when the first magnetic element is in the retaining position and the buffer portion is in the first position, the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element are proximate to each other, and thus a retaining force is generated to retain the buffer portion in the first position by a magnetic attraction between the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element; the first magnetic element in the released position is spaced apart from the second magnetic element, so that the buffer portion can move from the first position to the second position; A child safety seat as set forth in any one of Appendices 17 to 19. [Appendix 21] the actuator includes a magnetic element carrier and a spring; The magnetic element carrier is fixedly connected to the first magnetic element and movably connected to the seat shell, whereby the magnetic element carrier and the first magnetic element , movable between the holding position and the release position; the spring biases the magnetic element carrier toward the retaining position; Child safety seats listed in Appendix 20. [Appendix 22] the magnetic element carrier is pivotally connected to the seat shell; Child safety seats as described in Appendix 21. [Appendix 23] the buffer unit is provided with a latch mechanism operable to lock the buffer unit in the second position. 1. A child safety seat as set forth in any one of Appendices 17 to 22. [Appendix 24] the buffer portion is pivotally connected to a pivot support member provided on the seat shell, The latch mechanism includes a latch, a spring, and a release actuator. the latch is movable between a locked state in which the latch engages the pivot support member to lock the buffer section in the second position and an unlocked state in which the latch disengages from the pivot support member for rotation of the buffer section; the spring biases the latch toward a locked state; the release actuator is operable to move the latch from the locked state to the unlocked state. Child safety seats as described in Appendix 23. [Appendix 25] The latch is slidably connected to the buffer portion. Child safety seats as described in Appendix 24. [Appendix 26] the seat shell having a backrest with a front surface; the buffer portion is located forward of the front surface and connects with a portion of the first side wall vertically adjacent to the shoulder height of a seated child; A child safety seat as set forth in any one of Appendices 17 to 25.

Claims

1. a seat shell having a first side wall and a second side wall provided on a left side and a right side of the seat shell, respectively; a buffer connected to the seat shell, the buffer movable between a first position corresponding to a stored position in which the buffer is stored toward the first side wall and a second position corresponding to a deployed state in which the buffer protrudes laterally from the first side wall; a retention mechanism connected to the seat shell and having a retention position and a release position, the retention mechanism being in the retention position to retain the buffer portion in the stored position and in the release position to move the buffer portion relative to the seat shell; a release mechanism connected to the seat shell, the release mechanism operable to switch from the retaining position to the released position to urge the retaining mechanism to move the buffer portion from the first position to the second position; and Equipped with the buffer section is provided with a latch mechanism operable to lock the buffer section in the second position; The buffer portion is pivotally connected to a pivot support member provided on the seat shell, the latch mechanism includes a latch, a spring, and a release actuator; the latch is movable between a locked state in which the latch engages the pivot support member to lock the buffer section in the second position and an unlocked state in which the latch disengages from the pivot support member for rotation of the buffer section; the spring biases the latch toward the locked state; 10. A child safety seat, wherein the release actuator is operable to urge the latch to move from the locked state to the unlocked state.

2. 2. The child safety seat according to claim 1, wherein the buffer portion is pivotally connected to the seat shell.

3. Further, a spring is connected to the buffer portion, 3. The child safety seat according to claim 1, wherein the spring biases the buffer portion toward the second position.

4. the retention mechanism having a movable element configured to move between the retention position and the release position to retain and release the buffer portion; the release mechanism includes an actuator movably connected to the seat shell; 3. A child safety seat as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the actuator is operable to urge the movable element of the retention mechanism from the retention position to the release position.

5. the movable element of the retention mechanism has a magnetic element; the actuator having a magnetic element carrier and a spring; the magnetic element carrier is fixedly connected to the magnetic element and movably connected to the seat shell, whereby the magnetic element carrier and the magnetic element are movable between the retained position and the released position; 5. The child safety seat of claim 4, wherein the spring biases the magnetic element carrier toward the retaining position.

6. 6. A child safety seat according to claim 5, wherein the magnetic element carrier is pivotally connected to the seat shell.

7. the magnetic element carrier is disposed adjacent to the drive; the drive unit is slidably assembled with the seat shell and attached to a curved arm, the curved arm having one end connected to the magnetic element carrier; 6. The child safety seat according to claim 5, wherein the curved arm is elastically deformable to facilitate movement of the magnetic element carrier.

8. the release mechanism further comprises an operating device disposed on the seat shell and operably connected to the actuator via a link element; 5. The child safety seat of claim 4, wherein the operating device is actuated by an external force applied to the operating device, exerting a pulling force through the link element, thereby switching the retention mechanism from the retention position to the release position.

9. the operating device has an actuation portion and a coupling portion assembled together; the coupling portion is pivotally connected to the seat shell; a first end of the link element fixed to the connecting portion; 9. The child safety seat according to claim 8, wherein the actuating portion is rotatable together with the connecting portion relative to the seat shell.

10. the operating device includes an actuating portion and a spring connected to the actuating portion and the seat shell, The actuating portion is rotatable about a pivot axis relative to the seat shell, The child safety seat of claim 8, wherein the spring is arranged around the pivot axis and biases the actuating portion to remove the tension force acting on the link element when no external force is applied to the operating device.

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