Locking structure of arm-rest

Abstract

The present invention relates to an armrest locking device, and more specifically, to an armrest locking device that provides a structure for facilitating the position adjustment and fixing of an armrest. An armrest locking device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a knob, a fixing member, and a rotary locking member.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a locking device used in an armrest. Background Technology

[0002] Automotive interiors have continuously evolved to maximize driver convenience and ride comfort. In particular, armrests, which comfortably support the arms of drivers and passengers, have established themselves as a key component of car interiors. Beyond simply serving as armrests, these armrests enhance the practicality of the vehicle by providing internal storage space or combining with various other functions. Generally, vehicle armrests are designed to open and close using hinges, and an interior space is provided for storing personal belongings. To this end, armrests include a locking mechanism that plays a crucial role in preventing the armrest from opening unnecessarily and ensuring the safety of stored items.

[0003] Conventional armrest locking mechanisms operate using a rack and pinion system and have a complex structure. Furthermore, the application of this rack and pinion structure requires separate space, posing a problem. In addition, the complex assembly process incurs additional labor costs, contributing to an overall increase in costs.

[0004] Recently, various types of armrest locking mechanisms are being developed to enhance user convenience and provide more stable locking functions. These technological advancements are aimed at improving the durability of armrests and enabling users to operate them more conveniently.

[0005] There is a need for a new type of armrest lock that improves upon the limitations of existing armrest locks and is more reliable and easier to operate.

[0006] (Patent Document 1) Korean Patent Application No. 10-2015-0172054 (December 4, 2015) The problem to be solved

[0007] The present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned problems and has one objective of providing a locking device capable of keeping the armrest in a locked state to suit user convenience.

[0008] In addition, the purpose is to enable the stable storage of personal belongings in the armrest regardless of the automatic opening and closing of the vehicle, even when used in an electric vehicle. means of solving the problem

[0009] The present invention provides an armrest locking device formed as follows to achieve the above objectives.

[0010] An armrest locking device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a knob that is fixed to the armrest so as to be movable in a first direction and includes a keyhole through which the distance of the longest part in the first direction among the through shapes is longer than the distance of the longest part in the second direction intersecting the first direction; a fixed member connected to the knob and including a hook that engages with any structure included in the armrest, and having a fixed pivot axis continuous in the second direction so as to rotate when the knob moves in the first direction; and a rotation locking member that includes a main body extending in a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction, and a protrusion extending from the main body in the third direction, wherein at least a portion of the protrusion is connected to the keyhole and is rotatably connected to the knob while being coupled with the third direction as a pivot axis.

[0011] For example, the keyhole includes a first edge extended in the first direction, a second edge continuous with the first edge and extended in the second direction, and an outer edge connecting the first edge and the second edge, and the area enclosed by the first edge, the second edge, and the outer edge is formed by penetrating, and when the protrusion comes into contact with the second edge, the movement of the knob in the first direction may be restricted.

[0012] For example, the knob comprises a housing that receives force from the outside of the armrest and is coupled to the armrest, an extension portion that extends from the housing and has a first direction and a first angle and includes the keyhole, and a rail portion that is coupled to the housing and guides movement in the first direction, and the fixing member may be positioned so as to be in contact with at least a portion of the extension portion.

[0013] For example, the main body includes a first surface comprising an inlet groove introduced from the outside, and a column portion connected from the first surface and extended cylindrically in the third direction, and when the protrusion and the column portion are projected onto any surface parallel to the first direction and the second direction, the area of ​​the column portion may be larger.

[0014] For example, the above column may include one or more protrusions protruding outward.

[0015] For example, based on the third direction, the part of the fixed member that contacts the extension may be positioned closer to one end of the fixed member than to the position of the rotation axis.

[0016] For example, the hook may be formed at the other end of the fixed member. Effects of the invention

[0017] In this invention, the armrest locking device can be operated mechanically, so the problem of malfunction may occur less compared to other methods.

[0018] In addition, you can safely store important personal belongings inside the vehicle.

[0019] In addition, it can provide useful advantages in space management.

[0020] In addition, the user can easily lock and unlock the armrest by simply operating the knob, and the coupling structure prevents the armrest from moving unintentionally, allowing it to be securely fixed.

[0021] In addition, it has a simple structure yet strong bonding force, so it can maintain high durability even with repeated use. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0022] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an armrest equipped with an armrest locking device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a knob included in an armrest locking device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a view of a knob included in an armrest locking device according to an embodiment of the present invention from one side, and an enlarged view of a part thereof. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a rotary locking member included in an armrest locking device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a fixing member included in an armrest locking device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating the case where the rotation locking member of the armrest locking device according to one embodiment of the present invention is in a first state. FIG. 7 illustrates a case where the knob and the rotary locking member of the armrest locking device according to an embodiment of the present invention are viewed from one side when the rotary locking member is in a first state. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the first state of the rotation locking member of the armrest locking device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the case where the rotation locking member of the armrest locking device according to one embodiment of the present invention is in a second state. FIG. 10 illustrates a case where the knob and the rotary locking member are viewed from one side when the knob is not subjected to force when the rotary locking member according to one embodiment of the present invention is in a second state. FIG. 11 illustrates a state in which the rotating locking member of an armrest locking device according to an embodiment of the present invention is in a second state and the fixed member is not rotated. FIG. 12 illustrates a case where the knob and the rotary locking member are viewed from one side when the rotary locking member of the armrest locking device according to one embodiment of the present invention is in a second state and the knob is under force. FIG. 13 illustrates a state in which the fixed member is rotated when the rotating locking member of the armrest locking device according to one embodiment of the present invention is in a second state. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the case where the rotating locking member of the armrest locking device according to one embodiment of the present invention is in a second state and the fixed member is rotated. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0023] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments are described in detail with reference to the attached drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily practice the present invention. However, in describing the preferred embodiments of the present invention in detail, if it is determined that a detailed description of related known functions or configurations may unnecessarily obscure the essence of the present invention, such detailed description is omitted. Additionally, the same reference numerals are used throughout the drawings for parts having similar functions and operations. Furthermore, in this specification, terms such as 'top', 'upper part', 'upper surface', 'lower', 'lower part', 'lower surface', 'side surface', etc., are based on the drawings and may actually vary depending on the direction in which the components are arranged.

[0024] Additionally, throughout the specification, when a part is described as being 'connected' to another part, this includes not only cases where they are 'directly connected,' but also cases where they are 'indirectly connected' with other components in between. Furthermore, 'including' a component means that, unless specifically stated otherwise, it does not exclude other components but may include additional components.

[0025] An arbitrary direction is defined as the first direction, a second direction intersecting the first direction, and a direction intersecting both the first and second directions are defined as the third direction. The first, second, and third directions may be orthogonal to each other, but are not limited thereto, and may refer to any direction that is not parallel. In the drawings and the following description, the first direction is denoted as DR1, the second direction as DR2, and the third direction as DR3.

[0026] Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0027] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an armrest equipped with an armrest locking device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] An armrest locking device (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention is installed on an armrest (1) and includes a knob, a fixing member, and a rotating locking member.

[0029] The armrest lock (10) can be installed so as to be exposed to the outside of the armrest (1), and the user can control the opening and closing by applying force to the exposed part of the armrest lock.

[0030] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a knob of an armrest locking device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a view of the knob seen from one side.

[0031] An armrest locking device (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a knob (100).

[0032] The knob (100) may protrude directly to the outside of the armrest, or it may be located inside so as to be connected to another member to receive force from the outside.

[0033] A knob (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a housing (110) that receives force from outside the armrest and is coupled to the armrest, an extension part (120) that extends from the housing (110) and has a first direction and a first angle and includes a keyhole (121), and a rail part (130) that is coupled to the housing (110) and guides movement in the first direction.

[0034] The housing (110) may be positioned to protrude outward from the armrest and may be structured to allow the user to directly apply force in a first direction. A guide groove (112) may be further included, which is recessed inward from the outer surface (111) of the housing (110). The guide groove (112) may be recessed inward to maintain a uniform gap or step difference with other surrounding structures included in the armrest, and may be continuously formed for a certain length in the first direction.

[0035] Additionally, the housing (110) may be further provided with a connecting part (113) including a guide projection so that it can move stably between the main body (210) of the armrest and the structure of the armrest.

[0036] The extension part (120) is formed to form a first direction and a first angle, so that when the knob (100) moves in the first direction, force can be applied to a different position in the third direction based on the position where the force is received, and the degree of movement in the first direction can also be changed.

[0037] For example, the extension (120) may include an inclined surface (122) extended in a first direction and at a first angle, and a parallel surface (123) extended from the inclined surface (122). In this way, the distance transmitted in the first direction and the third direction can be adjusted.

[0038] For example, the knob (100) is fixed to the armrest so as to be movable in a first direction and includes a keyhole (121) through which the distance of the longest part in the first direction of the through-hole shape is longer than the length of the longest part in the second direction that intersects the first direction. A part of the rotary locking member (200), which will be described below, is coupled to the keyhole (121) and can rotate within the keyhole (121). Also, the distance in the second direction may be smaller than the distance in the first direction. Additionally, the keyhole (121) may be formed across an inclined surface and a plane parallel to it, so that the distance of movement in the first and third directions can be easily adjusted according to the angle.

[0039] And since the distance in the first direction is formed to be longer than the distance in the second direction, a structure can be implemented that allows movement in the first direction but makes it difficult to move in the second direction. Further details will be explained below in relation to the rotation locking member (200).

[0040] A keyhole (121) of a knob (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a first edge (121a) extended in the first direction, a second edge (121b) that is continuous with the first edge (121a) and extended in the second direction, and an outer edge (121c) connecting the first edge (121a) and the second edge (121b), and the area enclosed by the first edge (121a), the second edge (121b), and the outer edge (121c) may be formed by penetrating through it.

[0041] For example, the keyhole (121) can be divided into three regions.

[0042] The first region (A1) may be a region enclosed by the first corner (121a) and the outer edge (121c). The first region (A1) may be a region where the rotation lock member (200) is not located in the region when the locking state (P1, see FIG. 6). And when the open state (P2, see FIG. 9), the rotation lock member (200) is located, but when a force is applied from the outside in the first direction, the rotation lock member (200) may occupy the largest area in the first region (A1).

[0043] The second region (A2) may be a region enclosed only by the outer edge (121c). The second region (A2) may have a rotation lock member (200) located in both the locked state (P1) and the open state (P2). In the open state, the rotation lock member (200) is always located, but when a force is applied from the outside in the first direction, the area occupied by the rotation lock member (200) in the second region (A2) may be the smallest area.

[0044] The third area (A3) may be an area enclosed by the second corner (121b) and the outer edge (121c). It may be an area where the rotation locking member (200) is located in the locked state (P1) but not in the open state (P2). Therefore, the rotation locking member (200) may be located in the third area (A3) only when it is in the locked state (P1).

[0045] The rail portion (130) is a part that guides the movement of the housing (110) in a first direction to be relatively controlled, and may be extended in the first direction, connected to the housing (110), and have a rail (131) formed thereon.

[0046] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a rotary locking member according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] A rotation locking member (200) according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a main body (210) and a protrusion (220).

[0048] The main body (210) may be in the form of a column extending in a third direction. The main body (210) may include a head portion (211) having a first surface (211b) formed therein including an inlet groove (211a) that is drawn in from the outside, and a column portion (212) connected to the first surface (211b) of the head portion (211) and extended cylindrically in a third direction.

[0049] The column portion (212) may include one or more protrusions (212a) protruding outward. The protrusions (212a) may protrude outward from the column portion (212) to be fixed in relation to other members or to limit their position. Additionally, another protrusion (212b) may be included at the end of the column portion (212) for the same reason.

[0050] The rotation locking member (200) has an arbitrary rotation axis formed in a third direction, and a specific member can be inserted and connected directly or indirectly to the insertion groove (211a) from the outside to apply torque. In this way, the user can rotate the rotation locking member (200), and as a result, force can be applied in the third direction as well, so a stopper to prevent such movement may be present inside the column part (121).

[0051] For example, the column portion (212) may be formed in multiple stages, and in this case, a groove may be formed inside one column portion (212c, see FIG. 8), and may be formed to be shaped and combined (212d, see FIG. 8) with another column portion connected thereto.

[0052] The protrusion (220) may be a part that extends in a third direction from the main body (210) and is connected to the keyhole (121). For example, the protrusion (220) may be part of a cylindrical shape.

[0053] Additionally, when the protrusion (220) and the column (212) are projected onto an arbitrary plane parallel to the first and second directions, the area of ​​the column (212) can be formed wider. When the column (212) and the protrusion (220) are projected onto the same plane, the area of ​​the column (212) is designed to be wider, thereby allowing the rotation locking member (200) to be maintained more stably. This design ensures that the armrest maintains high durability even with long-term use and provides consistent fixing force even during repetitive movements.

[0054] And, at least a portion of the protrusion (220) is connected to the keyhole (121) and is rotatably connected to the knob (100) with the third direction as a rotation axis, so that the rotation locking member (200) and the knob (100) can be connected. The longest length (L) along one axis of the protrusion (220). K ) may be equal to or smaller than the second distance (L2), but in this case, it may be formed to be almost similar to the second distance. If it is too small compared to the second distance (L2), the locking function may be meaningless, so it can be appropriately selected.

[0055] Additionally, when the protrusion (220) rotates in the first rotational direction (clockwise in the drawing) within the keyhole (121) and comes into contact with the second corner (121b), the movement of the knob (100) in the first direction may be restricted. When the protrusion (220) comes into contact with the second corner (121b), it becomes locked (P1), and when the protrusion (220) rotates in the second rotational direction (counterclockwise in the drawing) within the keyhole (121) to become open (P2), it may come into contact with the first corner (121a). And in the open state (P2), the knob (100) can be moved in the first direction.

[0056] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a fixing member included in an armrest locking device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] The fixed member (300) is connected to the knob (100) and includes a hook (331) that hooks onto any structure included in the armrest, and a fixed pivot shaft (A) that is continuous in a second direction. L By providing ) the knob (100) can rotate when it moves in the first direction.

[0058] For example, the fixed member (300) may be positioned so that at least a portion of it comes into contact with the extension (120) of the knob (100). Since at least a portion of it comes into contact with the extension (120) of the knob (100), when the knob (100) moves in a first direction, the fixed member (300) can directly receive force.

[0059] And, since it is equipped with a fixed pivot axis that is continuous in the second direction, when the fixed member (300) receives a force in the first direction at the part (321, see FIG. 8) where the fixed member (300) comes into contact with the extension part (120) of the furnace, the fixed member (300) can rotate.

[0060] For example, a pivot shaft may be separately provided, and a shaft hole (310) to which the pivot shaft can be connected may be formed in the fixed member (300). And a spring member (311, see FIG. 11) may be connected to the pivot shaft so that it can return to its original state when no force is applied in the first direction.

[0061] For example, based on the third direction, the part where the fixed member (300) contacts the extension part (120) may be closer to one end of the fixed member (300) than to the position of the rotation axis. Also, even if the movement in the first direction is small and the rotation is not large at the part that contacts the one end (320), the other end (330) may rotate and move to a greater degree compared to the one end (320). Furthermore, a hook (331) is formed on the other end of the fixed member (300) so that the movement of the hook (331) is relatively large, allowing it to be fixed stably.

[0062] FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating an armrest locking member according to an embodiment of the present invention in a locked state, FIG. 7 illustrates a case where a knob and a rotary locking member are viewed from one side in a locked state, and FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the armrest locking member of FIG. 6 in a locked state.

[0063] Referring to FIGS. 6 to 8, it can be seen that in the locked state (P1), the first region (A1) of the keyhole (121) is empty, and the protrusion (220) is positioned in the second region (A2) and the third region (A3). In this case, even if force is applied in the first direction through the knob (100), movement may be impossible because there is no clearance in the third region (A3) in the first direction. Therefore, no force is applied to the fixed member (300), and it can remain in the locked state.

[0064] FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating an armrest locking member according to an embodiment of the present invention in an open state, FIG. 10 is a view from one side of a knob and a rotary locking member when no force is applied in a first direction while the armrest locking member according to an embodiment of the present invention is in an open state, FIG. 11 is a view from another side of the knob, rotary locking member, and fixing member when viewed from another side in the case of FIG. 10. FIG. 12 is a view from one side of a knob and a rotary locking member when a force is applied in a first direction, FIG. 13 is a view from another side of a knob, rotary locking member, and fixing member when viewed from another side in the case of FIG. 12. FIG. 14 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the armrest locking member of FIG. 13 in a locked state.

[0065] FIGS. 9 to 14 illustrate the case where the rotating locking member (200) is rotated and in an open state (P2), where FIGS. 9 to 11 illustrates the case where no force is applied in the first direction and the locking member (300) is fixed to the armrest, and FIGS. 12 to 14 illustrates the case where the locking member is released by applying a force in the first direction.

[0066] Referring to FIGS. 9 to 11, the rotation locking member (200) is rotated in a second rotation direction, so that some space is empty in the first region (A1) of the keyhole (121), and there is no free space in the first direction due to the protrusion (220) in the second region (A2). The third region (A3) is empty, with no protrusion (220) located therein.

[0067] In this state, referring to FIGS. 12 to 14, when an external force is applied in the first direction, the rotation locking member (200) is fixed in the first direction, so the free space in the first area (A1) is eliminated, and the extension member (120) transmits force to the fixing member (300) in the first direction. Accordingly, the fixing member (300) can rotate about the rotation axis. Therefore, the hook (331) of the other end can also rotate and be released from the fixed state on the armrest. If no force is applied, the fixing member (300) can return to the fixed state by means of the spring member.

[0068] The fixed member (300) is positioned in contact with the extension (120) of the knob (100) and includes a pivot axis fixed in a second direction. At this time, the position where the fixed member (300) contacts the extension (120) relative to the pivot axis has a significant effect on the fixing force. In the present invention, by designing the position of the pivot axis to be close to one end of the fixed member (300), the fixed member (300) can rotate more effectively when the knob (100) moves. Additionally, a hook (331) is formed on the other end of the fixed member (300), and this hook (331) engages with a specific structure inside the armrest to fix the armrest. The hook (331) is designed to be easily released according to user operation and maintains stable fixation by providing a constant elastic force. Through this design, the armrest locking device of the present invention can be easily operated by the user with minimal force, and automatically returns to its original position after use to maintain stable fixation.

[0069] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and it is understood that it can be modified and implemented by those skilled in the art without changing the technical concept of the present invention as claimed in the claims. Explanation of the symbols

[0070] 100: Knob 110: Housing 111: Exterior surface 112: Guide Home 113: Guide rail 120: Extension part 121: Keyhole 122: Slope 123: Parallel planes 130: Rail section 200: Rotating locking member 210: Main body 211: Head section 212: Pillar section 220: Protrusion 300: Fixed member 331: Hook

Claims

Claim 1 An armrest locking device comprising: a knob fixed to the armrest so as to be movable in a first direction, and including a keyhole through which the distance of the longest part in the first direction among the through shapes is longer than the distance of the longest part in the second direction intersecting the first direction; a fixed member connected to the knob and including a hook that engages with any structure included in the armrest, and having a pivot axis that is continuous and fixed in the second direction so as to rotate when the knob moves in the first direction; and a rotation locking member including a main body extending in a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction, and a protrusion extending from the main body in the third direction, wherein at least a portion of the protrusion is connected to the keyhole and is rotatably connected to the knob while being coupled with the third direction as a pivot axis. Claim 2 An armrest locking device according to claim 1, wherein the keyhole comprises a first edge extending in the first direction, a second edge continuous with the first edge and extending in the second direction, and an outer edge connecting the first edge and the second edge, wherein an area enclosed by the first edge, the second edge and the outer edge is formed by penetrating, and when the protrusion comes into contact with the second edge, the movement of the knob in the first direction is restricted. Claim 3 In claim 1, the knob comprises a housing that receives force from the outside of the armrest and is coupled to the armrest, an extension portion that extends from the housing and has a first direction and a first angle and includes the keyhole, and a rail portion that is coupled to the housing and guides movement in the first direction, and the fixing member is positioned so as to be in contact with at least a portion of the extension portion. Claim 4 An armrest locking device according to claim 1, wherein the main body comprises a first surface including an inlet groove introduced from the outside and a column portion connected from the first surface and extended cylindrically in the third direction, and when the protrusion and the column portion are projected onto any surface parallel to the first direction and the second direction, the area of ​​the column portion is larger. Claim 5 In paragraph 4, the armrest locking device comprising one or more protrusions that protrude outwardly from the column portion. Claim 6 In paragraph 3, an armrest locking device in which, based on the third direction, the part where the fixed member contacts the extension is closer to one end of the fixed member than the position of the rotation axis. Claim 7 In claim 6, an armrest locking device having the hook formed at the other end of the fixed member.

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