Armrest assembly

Abstract

An armrest assembly, comprising an armrest frame (2) rotatably connected to a seat assembly around a rotation axis (201) and an unlocking mechanism, wherein a headrest (3) is mounted on the end of the armrest frame (2) away from the rotation axis (201) such that the headrest (3) can be in a folded state or an unfolded state. The unlocking mechanism comprises a pull cable (41), wherein a head end of the pull cable (41) is connected to the headrest (3), and a tail end of the pull cable (41) is positioned on the armrest frame (2) at an eccentric point offset from the rotation axis (201); the pull cable (41) is pulled during the rotation of the armrest frame (2) from a folded state to an unfolded state, thereby driving the headrest (3) to be in an unfolded state. The armrest assembly allows for unlocking the headrest, and the unlocking mechanism involves a simple structure, convenient mounting and low cost, and does not need to occupy much internal space of the armrest frame.

Description

Armrest Assembly Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of automotive seat technology, and in particular to an armrest assembly. Background Technology

[0002] To enhance passenger comfort and experience while riding in a car, rear seat armrests are increasingly integrating various functions. For example, headrests are often integrated at the top of the armrest for passengers to lean against while resting. Additionally, armrests may include displays providing visual or video information, or cup holders for passengers to place their drinks. The cup holders are usually concealed within the armrest and only extend when the armrest is open. However, if the cup holders extended from the side of the armrest, they would take up passenger space. Therefore, it's common practice to choose a design where the cup holders extend from the top of the armrest when it's open. Consequently, the headrests located at the top of the armrest need to be easily folded up to allow the cup holders to extend.

[0003] There are two main types of unlocking mechanisms currently available for opening headrests:

[0004] The first type is a mechanical unlocking mechanism, as shown in Figure 1. This unlocking mechanism includes a cable 11, a first slider 12, and a second slider 13. One end of the cable 11 is connected to the locking mechanism of the headrest, and the other end is connected to the first slider 12. The first slider 12 is fixed to the armrest frame via a first bracket 121, and the second slider 13 is fixed to the armrest pivot (not shown in the figure) via a second bracket 131. When the armrest frame rotates, the armrest pivot rotates along with the armrest frame, causing the second slider 13 to rotate. The second slider 13 has a groove, and the first slider 12 has a pin that mates with the groove. The rotation of the second slider 13, through the action of the groove and the pin, is converted into the movement of the first slider 12, which in turn drives the cable 11 to pull the locking mechanism of the headrest, thereby unlocking the mechanism. This unlocking mechanism 1 has many parts, is difficult to assemble, is relatively large, and its arrangement and motion envelope require a significant amount of internal space within the armrest frame.

[0005] The second type is an electronic unlocking mechanism, as shown in Figure 2. This unlocking mechanism includes a cable 11, a motor assembly 14, and a sensor. One end of the cable 11 is connected to the locking mechanism of the headrest, and the other end is connected to the motor assembly 14. The sensor detects whether the headrest needs to be opened and sends a signal to the motor assembly 14 when it does. Upon receiving the signal, the motor assembly 14 controls the cable 11 to pull the locking mechanism of the headrest, thereby unlocking the mechanism. This unlocking mechanism has a complex structure, is difficult to assemble, is heavy and bulky, and also occupies a significant amount of internal space in the armrest frame. Furthermore, the motor assembly 14 and the sensor are costly. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To address the aforementioned problems, this application provides an armrest assembly. The unlocking mechanism of the armrest assembly unlocks the headrest by rotating the armrest frame. The unlocking mechanism of the armrest assembly of this application has a simple structure, is easy to install, has low cost, and does not require occupying much internal space of the armrest frame.

[0007] The armrest assembly of this application includes an armrest frame rotatably connected to a seat assembly about a rotation axis. A headrest is detachably mounted on one end of the armrest frame away from the rotation axis. The armrest assembly is characterized by further including an unlocking mechanism, which includes a cable. The first end of the cable is connected to the headrest, and the second end of the cable is positioned at an eccentric point on the armrest frame that is off-center from the rotation axis. The cable is pulled during the process of the armrest frame rotating from a closed state to an open state, thereby causing the headrest to open.

[0008] In one embodiment, a first fixed point is fixed inside the handrail frame; a cable movably passes through the first fixed point and has a cable segment located at the first fixed point and an eccentric point; the length of the cable segment is changed during the process of the handrail frame rotating from a closed state to an open state.

[0009] In one embodiment, the first fixed point rotates with the rotation of the armrest frame, and satisfies the condition that during the process of the armrest frame rotating from the closed state to the open state, the cable segment first becomes longer to drive the headrest to open, and then the cable segment becomes shorter.

[0010] In one embodiment, during the process of the handrail frame rotating from a closed state to an open state, the cable segment is adapted to relax after it shortens.

[0011] In one embodiment, the eccentric point is fixed relative to the seat assembly.

[0012] The seat assembly has a pivot shaft that extends along the axis of rotation, and the armrest frame is rotatably connected to the pivot shaft.

[0013] In one embodiment, the unlocking mechanism further includes an eccentric unlocking component, which has a center point directly opposite to the rotating shaft and an eccentric point offset from the rotating shaft. The rotating shaft is fixed to the center point, and the tail end of the cable is connected to the eccentric point.

[0014] In one embodiment, the eccentric unlocking element is an eccentric piece, which includes a central portion and an extension formed at the edge of the central portion and extending outward along the central portion. The central point is located at the center of the central portion, and the eccentric point is located at one end of the extension away from the central portion.

[0015] In one embodiment, both the center point and the eccentric point are hole structures, and the rotating shaft is inserted into the hole structure of the center point and fixed to the center.

[0016] In one embodiment, the end of the cable is fixed with a pin head, which is rotatably inserted into a hole structure at an eccentric point.

[0017] In one embodiment, the eccentric unlocking component is an eccentric wheel, with the shaft passing through the shaft hole of the eccentric wheel, the center point located at the center of the shaft hole of the eccentric wheel, and the eccentric point located at the edge of the eccentric wheel.

[0018] In one embodiment, the eccentric point is implemented as a groove on the edge of the eccentric wheel, and the end of the cable is connected to the groove.

[0019] In one embodiment, a damper is mounted on the shaft, and the shaft passes through the damper and is then fixed to the eccentric unlocking element.

[0020] In one embodiment, a directional clamp is provided on the armrest frame; the directional clamp is adjacent to the headrest so that the end of the cable extends through the directional clamp and is connected to the headrest.

[0021] In one embodiment, the headrest includes a headrest body and a locking mechanism mounted on the headrest body. The locking mechanism includes a locking tooth plate fixedly disposed relative to the armrest frame; a first locking groove provided on the locking tooth plate; and a pawl mounted on the headrest body and adapted to rotate relative to the headrest body. The pawl includes an engaging tooth and a driving arm; wherein the engaging tooth of the pawl is adapted to engage with the first locking groove to put the headrest in a closed state; and the driving arm is adapted to be driven by a cable to move to disengage the engaging tooth from the first locking groove and open the headrest.

[0022] In one embodiment, the locking tooth plate is further provided with a second locking groove spaced apart from the first locking groove; wherein, after the headrest is opened, the engaging teeth are adapted to engage with the second locking groove so that the headrest is locked in the open state.

[0023] In one embodiment, during the transition from engagement to disengagement of the engaging teeth and the first locking groove, the drive arm has an unlocking stroke; the sum of the distance from the first fixed point to the center point and the distance from the eccentric point to the center point is greater than or equal to the sum of the length of the cable segment when the headrest is in the closed state and the unlocking stroke of the locking mechanism.

[0024] According to the armrest assembly of this application, the unlocking mechanism of the armrest assembly unlocks the headrest by rotating the armrest frame. The unlocking mechanism has a simple structure, is easy to install, has low cost, and does not require much internal space in the armrest frame. In addition, through the coordinated design of the positions of each point in the unlocking mechanism, the cable section has a process of lengthening and shortening during the rotation of the armrest frame, thereby enabling the headrest locking mechanism to automatically reset and lock after unlocking, avoiding damage to the cable and locking mechanism caused by the cable constantly tightening the locking mechanism. Attached Figure Description

[0025] With the aid of non-limiting examples of exemplary embodiments of this application, the present application will be further described in a detailed description following with reference to several accompanying drawings. The drawings are not drawn to scale.

[0026] Figure 1 shows an exploded view of a conventional mechanical unlocking mechanism.

[0027] Figure 2 shows an exploded view of a conventional electronic unlocking mechanism.

[0028] Figure 3 shows an exploded view of a first embodiment of the armrest assembly of this application.

[0029] Figure 4 shows a schematic diagram of the assembly state of the unlocking mechanism in the first embodiment of the armrest assembly of this application.

[0030] Figure 5 shows an enlarged view of point A in Figure 4.

[0031] Figure 6 shows an exploded view of a second embodiment of the armrest assembly of this application.

[0032] Figure 7 shows an exploded view of a third embodiment of the armrest assembly of this application.

[0033] Figure 8 shows a schematic diagram of the assembly state of the cable, eccentric unlocking component and pivot in the third embodiment of the handrail assembly of this application.

[0034] Figure 9 shows a comparison of the changing states of the unlocking mechanism during the rotation of the armrest frame of this application.

[0035] Figure 10 shows a schematic diagram of the working principle of the unlocking mechanism during the rotation of the handrail frame of this application.

[0036] Figure 11 shows the equivalent diagram of key parameters of the unlocking mechanism of this application when it is unlocking.

[0037] Figure 12 schematically shows the headrest and locking mechanism, with the headrest in the closed state.

[0038] Figure 13 schematically shows the headrest and locking mechanism, with the headrest in the open position.

[0039] Figure 14 schematically shows the headrest and locking mechanism, with the headrest locked in the open position.

[0040] In Figures 1 and 2, the following are the reference numerals: 11. Cable; 12. First slider; 121. First bracket; 13. Second slider; 131. Second bracket; 14. Motor assembly. In Figures 3 to 11, the following are the reference numerals: 2. Handrail frame; 201. Rotation axis; 21. First fixed point; 211. Slot; 212. Sleeve; 24. Second fixed point; 25. Orientation clamp; 3. Headrest; 301. Headrest body; 31. Headrest rod; 40. Eccentric unlocking component; 41. Cable; 411. Cable section; 412. Pin head; 42a. Eccentric piece; 42b. Eccentric wheel; 421. Center part; 422. Extension part; 423. Shaft hole; 424. Groove; 43. Bolt; 51. First rotating shaft; 52. Second rotating shaft; 6. Damper; 7. Angle adjuster; 8. Functional component. In Figures 12 to 14: 9, locking mechanism; 91, locking tooth plate; 92, pawl; 911, first locking groove; 912, second locking groove; 921, engaging tooth; 922, drive arm. Detailed Implementation

[0041] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the technical solutions of this application will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with specific embodiments and corresponding drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of them. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0042] Existing headrest unlocking mechanisms are complex in structure, difficult to assemble, bulky, and occupy a significant amount of internal space in the armrest frame. Therefore, this application provides an armrest assembly. The armrest assembly includes an unlocking mechanism that unlocks the headrest based on the rotation of the armrest frame. The unlocking mechanism has a simple structure, is easy to install, has low cost, and does not require occupying a large amount of internal space in the armrest frame. The armrest assembly will be further described below with reference to specific embodiments and accompanying drawings.

[0043] Referring to Figures 3 to 8, an armrest assembly includes an armrest frame 2 rotatably connected to a seat assembly about a rotation axis 201. A headrest 3 is operably mounted on one end of the armrest frame 2 away from the rotation axis. The headrest 3 has a locking mechanism 9, and the armrest frame 2 has a headrest rod 31 for mounting the headrest. The armrest assembly also includes an unlocking mechanism comprising a cable 41, the first end of which is connected to the locking mechanism 9. A first fixed point 21 is fixed within the armrest frame 2. The cable 41 movably passes through the first fixed point 21 and is positioned at an eccentric point on the armrest frame 2, offset from the rotation axis 201. The cable 41 is stretched during the rotation of the armrest frame 2 from a closed state to an open state, thereby changing the length of the cable segment 411 located between the first fixed point 21 and the eccentric point, which in turn unlocks the locking mechanism 9, allowing the headrest 3 to open.

[0044] Specifically, the seat assembly has a pair of relatively fixed rotating shafts extending along the rotation axis 201, namely a first rotating shaft 51 and a second rotating shaft 52. The armrest frame 2 is rotatably connected to the pair of rotating shafts. Specifically, the unlocking mechanism 4 also includes an eccentric unlocking member 40, which has a center point directly opposite the first rotating shaft 51 and an eccentric point offset from the first rotating shaft 51. The first rotating shaft 51 is fixed to the center point, and the end of the cable 41 is connected to the eccentric point.

[0045] In some embodiments, the eccentric unlocking member is an eccentric piece 42a, as shown in the first embodiment of Figures 3 to 5 and the second embodiment of Figure 6. The eccentric piece 42a includes a central portion 421 and an extension portion 422 formed at the edge of the central portion 421 and extending radially outward along the central portion 421. The central point is located at the center of the central portion 421, and the eccentric point is located at one end of the extension portion 422 away from the central portion 421. Both the central point and the eccentric point are hole structures. The first rotating shaft 51 is inserted into and fixed to the hole structure of the central point. The tail end of the cable 41 is fixed with a pin head 412, which is rotatably inserted into the hole structure of the eccentric point.

[0046] As shown in Figure 6, the first fixed point 21 includes a slot 211 fixed to the handrail frame 2 and a sleeve 212 secured within the slot 211, with the cable 41 movably passing through the sleeve 212. The slot 211 can be pre-integrated into the handrail frame 2, which is made of plastic or metal.

[0047] Since the cable 41 needs to extend from the headrest at the beginning to the first pivot 51 at the end, it almost runs through the entire handrail frame 2. To effectively protect the cable 41 and ensure the extension direction of the cable 41 at each position, a second fixing point 24 is fixed inside the handrail frame 2 at the position between the beginning of the cable 41 and the first fixing point 21. The second fixing point 24 is also preferably a plastic part, on which a through groove is formed for the cable 41 to move through. The through groove extends along the design path of the cable 41 and is mainly used for the turning of the cable 41. The second fixing point 24 can also be pre-integrated into the handrail frame 2.

[0048] Preferably, a directional clip 25 is fixed to the armrest frame 2 near the headrest 3. The directional clip 25 has a clamping space for the cable 41 to move through in the direction pointing towards the headrest. The directional clip 25 is positioned near the headrest to ensure that the first end of the cable 41 is naturally connected to the locking mechanism of the headrest.

[0049] The difference between the first and second embodiments described above lies in the structure of the handrail frame 2. In the second embodiment, as shown in FIG6, an adjuster 7 is installed on one side of the handrail frame 2 corresponding to the second rotating shaft 52. The adjuster 7 includes a fixed plate and a rotating plate rotatably connected to the fixed plate. The rotating plate is fixed to the handrail frame 2, and the fixed plate is fixed to the second rotating shaft 52. The adjuster 7 can drive the handrail frame 2 to rotate around the rotation axis to realize the opening and closing of the handrail frame. The eccentric piece 42a is located on the inner side of the handrail frame 2, and is fixed to the first rotating shaft 51 through a hole structure at the center point of the eccentric piece 42a. In the first embodiment, as shown in FIG3 to FIG5, a damper 6 is also installed on the first rotating shaft 51 to provide damping force when the handrail frame 2 rotates. The first rotating shaft 51 is fixed to the eccentric piece 42a after passing through the damper 6.

[0050] In some other embodiments, the eccentric unlocking component is an eccentric wheel 42b, as shown in the third embodiment of Figures 7 and 8. The third embodiment differs from the second embodiment only in the eccentric unlocking component. In the third embodiment, the center point is located at the center of the shaft hole 423 of the eccentric wheel 42b, and the first rotating shaft 51 passes through the shaft hole 423 of the eccentric wheel 42b and is fixedly connected to the eccentric wheel 42b. A groove 424 is formed at the edge of the eccentric wheel 42b, and the eccentric point is located at the groove 424 of the eccentric wheel 42b. The tail end of the cable 41 is connected to the groove 424. It is conceivable that a damper can also be provided between the eccentric wheel 42b and the handrail frame 2, and the first rotating shaft 51 passes through the damper 6 and is then fixed to the eccentric wheel 42b.

[0051] The unlocking principle of the unlocking mechanism will be explained below based on the first embodiment described above.

[0052] Figure 9 shows a comparison of the changing states of the unlocking mechanism during the rotation of the handrail frame. Figure 10 shows a schematic diagram of the working principle of the unlocking mechanism during the rotation of the handrail frame.

[0053] When the armrest frame is in the closed state, as shown in Figure 9(a), the headrest 3 is also in the closed state and is locked in the closed state by the locking mechanism, allowing passengers to lean their heads against it. The cable segment 411 is located to the left of the center point O1 (i.e., the axis of rotation) and is in a slack state. As shown in Figure 10(a), the line connecting the first fixed point 21, the center point O1, and the eccentric point O2 forms a triangle, and the line connecting the first fixed point 21 and the eccentric point O2 corresponds to the cable segment 411.

[0054] When the armrest frame begins to rotate clockwise, it remains stationary because the eccentric unlocking component is fixed to the first pivot 51 of the seat assembly. That is, both the center point O1 and the eccentric point O2 remain stationary. However, the first fixed point 21 is fixed to the armrest frame 2; therefore, the first fixed point 21 will rotate with the armrest frame, thus changing its position relative to the eccentric point O2. Consequently, the cable segment 411 (located between the first fixed point 21 and the eccentric point O2) swings, resulting in changes in both angle and length.

[0055] When the armrest frame rotates clockwise to the first angle, as shown in Figure 9(b), the cable segment 411 is stretched to a taut state. As the armrest frame continues to rotate, the cable segment 411 continues to be stretched, thereby pulling the locking mechanism of the headrest 3 to move. When the locking mechanism moves beyond its unlocking stroke, as shown in Figure 9(c), the headrest 3 is unlocked and opened. The cable segment 411 swings with the rotation of the first fixed point 21 until the first fixed point 21, the center point O1, and the eccentric point O2 are collinear. At this point, the length of the cable segment 411 is at its longest. The optimal way is for the cable segment 411 to be stretched to its longest length at the moment the headrest 2 is unlocked and opened. In practical applications, the moment the headrest 2 is unlocked and opened can also be any moment during the process of the cable segment 411 being stretched and lengthened. In other words, the headrest 2 can be opened before the cable segment 411 swings to a state where the first fixed point 21, the center point O1, and the eccentric point O2 are collinear. Referring to Figure 11, this depends on the following relationship (1) satisfied by the unlocking stroke of the locking structure, the setting position of the first fixed point 21, the setting position of the center point O1, and the setting position of the eccentric point O2:

[0056] L1+L2>L0+d (1)

[0057] Wherein: L1 represents the distance from the eccentric point O2 to the center point O1; L2 represents the distance from the first fixed point 21 to the center point O1; d represents the unlocking stroke of the locking mechanism, including tolerance; L0 represents the length of the cable segment 411 in the initial state of the handrail frame (i.e., the handrail frame shown in Figure 9 and Figure 10(a) is in the closed state).

[0058] It should be understood that when L1+L2=L0+d, it means that when the cable segment 411 rotates to the first fixed point 21, the center point O1 and the eccentric point O2 are collinear, the headrest 2 is unlocked and opened.

[0059] Furthermore, to avoid damage to the cable 41 and the locking mechanism due to the cable 41 being constantly tightened, the cable segment 411 needs to undergo a process of lengthening and then shortening during the rotation of the armrest frame 2, so that the locking mechanism of the headrest 3 can automatically reset and lock after unlocking. Specifically, as shown in Figures 9(a) and 9(e), the cable segment 411 undergoes a lengthening process before swinging to the point where the first fixed point 21, the center point O1, and the eccentric point O2 are collinear; when it swings to the point where the first fixed point 21, the center point O1, and the eccentric point O2 are collinear, the headrest is in a fully open state. Next, the armrest frame rotates further, and the cable segment 411 swings to the right of the center point O1 (i.e., the axis of rotation), as shown in Figure 10(d). At this point, the length of the cable segment 411 begins to shorten. As the cable segment 411 gradually shortens, the locking mechanism of the headrest 3 resets and locks (i.e., the state shown in Figure 9(d)). If the handrail frame continues to rotate, cable segment 411 will return to a slack state (as shown in Figure 9(e)).

[0060] Figures 12, 13, and 14 schematically illustrate the state changes of the locking mechanism as the headrest transitions from its closed state to its open state.

[0061] As shown in Figure 12, the headrest 3 includes a headrest body 301 and a locking mechanism 9 installed on the headrest body 301.

[0062] The locking mechanism 9 mainly includes a locking tooth plate 91 and a pawl 92. The locking tooth plate 91 is fixedly disposed relative to the armrest frame 2 (i.e., the locking tooth plate 91 cannot rotate relative to the armrest frame 2). A first locking groove 911 and a second locking groove 912 spaced apart from each other are provided on the locking tooth plate 91. For example, the locking tooth plate 91 has an arc-shaped edge, and the second locking groove 912 and the first locking groove 911 are disposed on the arc-shaped edge and spaced apart. For example, when the headrest is rotated open (as shown in Figures 9(a) to 9(e)), the second locking groove 912 and the first locking groove 911 are spaced apart along the rotational opening direction of the headrest.

[0063] The pawl 92 is mounted on the headrest body 301 and is rotatable relative to the headrest body 301. The pawl 92 includes engaging teeth 921 and a drive arm 922. The cable 41 can be directly connected to the drive arm 922, or indirectly connected to the drive arm through a transmission mechanism (not shown in the figure). Depending on the actual situation, the locking mechanism 9 may also include other components, which will not be described in detail here.

[0064] As shown in Figure 12, when the armrest frame 2 is in the closed state, the engaging tooth 921 of the pawl 92 engages with the first locking groove 911, causing the headrest 3 to be in the closed state. When the armrest frame 2 rotates from the closed state to the open state, the cable 41 is tensioned and pulls the drive arm 922, causing the engaging tooth 921 to disengage from the first locking groove 911, and the headrest 3 is correspondingly rotated to the open state (as shown in Figure 13). It should be understood that during the process of the engaging tooth 921 and the first locking groove 911 transitioning from the engaged state to the disengaged state, the drive arm has the unlocking stroke described above.

[0065] As mentioned earlier, if the armrest frame 2 continues to rotate after the headrest 3 is opened, the cable section 411 shortens, and the engaging tooth 921 engages with the second locking groove 912, so that the headrest 3 is locked in the open state (as shown in Figure 14). This prevents the headrest 3 from shaking.

[0066] As mentioned earlier, if the armrest frame 2 continues to rotate after the headrest 3 is locked in the open position, the cable section 411 (or cable 41) will loosen and no longer tighten the locking mechanism 9. This helps to prevent damage to the cable 41 and the locking mechanism 9.

[0067] The unlocking mechanism of this application unlocks the headrest 3 based on the rotation of the armrest frame. The unlocking mechanism has a simple structure, is easy to install, has low cost, and does not require much internal space in the armrest frame 2. In addition, through the coordinated design of the positions of each point in the unlocking mechanism, the cable section 411 has a process of lengthening and shortening during the rotation of the armrest frame 2, thereby enabling the locking mechanism of the headrest 3 to automatically reset and lock after unlocking, avoiding damage to the cable 41 and the locking mechanism caused by the cable 41 being constantly tightened.

[0068] It should be noted that the present invention (e.g., inventive concepts, etc.) has been described in the specification of this patent document and / or illustrated in the figures according to exemplary embodiments; embodiments of the present invention are presented by way of example only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The structure and / or arrangement of the elements of the inventive concept embodied in the present invention as described in the specification and / or illustrated in the figures are merely illustrative. Although exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail in this patent document, it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that equivalents, modifications, variations, etc., of the subject matter of the exemplary and alternative embodiments are possible and are considered to be within the scope of the present invention; all such subject matter (e.g., modifications, variations, embodiments, combinations, equivalents, etc.) are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention. It should also be noted that various / other modifications, variations, substitutions, equivalents, alterations, omissions, etc., may be made in the configuration and / or arrangement of the exemplary embodiments (e.g., in terms of concept, design, structure, apparatus, form, assembly, construction, means, function, system, process / method, steps, sequence of process / method steps, operation, operating conditions, performance, materials, composition, combination, etc.). All such subject matter (e.g., modifications, variations, embodiments, combinations, equivalents, etc.) is intended to be included within the scope of this invention without departing from its scope; all such subject matter (e.g., modifications, variations, embodiments, combinations, equivalents, etc.) is intended to be included within the scope of this invention. The scope of this invention is not intended to be limited to the subject matter (e.g., details, structures, functions, materials, behaviors, steps, sequences, systems, results, etc.) described in the specification and / or figures of this patent document. It should be understood that the claims of this patent document will be properly interpreted to cover the full scope of the subject matter of this invention (e.g., including any and all such modifications, variations, embodiments, combinations, equivalents, etc.); the terminology used in this patent document is intended to provide a description of the subject matter of exemplary embodiments and not to limit the scope of the invention.

[0069] It should also be noted that, according to exemplary embodiments, the present invention may include conventional techniques (e.g., techniques implemented and / or integrated in exemplary embodiments, modifications, variations, combinations, equivalents, etc.), or may include any other applicable techniques (now and / or in the future) with the ability to perform the functions and processes / operations described in the specification and / or illustrated in the figures. All such techniques (e.g., techniques implemented in the manner of embodiments, modifications, variations, combinations, equivalents, etc.) are considered to be within the scope of the present invention of this patent document.

Claims

1. An armrest assembly comprising an armrest frame rotatably connected to a seat assembly about a rotation axis, wherein a headrest is operably mounted on one end of the armrest frame away from the rotation axis, characterized in that, It also includes an unlocking mechanism, which includes a cable. The first end of the cable is connected to the headrest, and the second end of the cable is positioned at an off-center point on the armrest frame that is away from the rotation axis. The cable is pulled as the armrest frame rotates from a closed state to an open state, thereby causing the headrest to open.

2. The armrest assembly as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The handrail frame is fixed with a first fixed point; the cable can move through the first fixed point and has cable segments located at the first fixed point and the eccentric point; During the process of the handrail frame rotating from the closed state to the open state, the length of the cable segment is changed.

3. The armrest assembly as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The first fixed point rotates with the rotation of the armrest frame, and satisfies the condition that during the process of the armrest frame rotating from the closed state to the open state, the cable segment first becomes longer to drive the headrest to open, and then the cable segment becomes shorter.

4. The armrest assembly as described in claim 3, characterized in that, During the process of the handrail frame rotating from the closed state to the open state, after the cable section shortens, the cable section is suitable for relaxation.

5. The armrest assembly as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The eccentric point is fixed relative to the seat assembly.

6. The armrest assembly as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The seat assembly is fixed with a pivot extending along the rotation axis, and the armrest frame is rotatably connected to the pivot.

7. The armrest assembly as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The unlocking mechanism also includes an eccentric unlocking component, which has a center point directly opposite the rotating shaft and an eccentric point offset from the rotating shaft. The rotating shaft is fixed to the center point, and the tail end of the cable is connected to the eccentric point.

8. The armrest assembly as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The eccentric unlocking component is an eccentric piece, which includes a central portion and an extension portion formed at the edge of the central portion and extending outward along the central portion. The central point is located at the center of the central portion, and the eccentric point is located at one end of the extension portion away from the central portion.

9. The armrest assembly as described in claim 8, characterized in that, Both the center point and the eccentric point are hole structures, and the rotating shaft is inserted into the hole structure of the center point and fixed to the center.

10. The armrest assembly as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The end of the cable is fixed with a pin head, which is rotatably inserted into the hole structure at the eccentric point.

11. The armrest assembly as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The eccentric unlocking component is an eccentric wheel, the rotating shaft passes through the shaft hole of the eccentric wheel, the center point is located at the center of the shaft hole of the eccentric wheel, and the eccentric point is located at the edge of the eccentric wheel.

12. The armrest assembly as described in claim 11, characterized in that, The eccentric point is implemented as a groove on the edge of the eccentric wheel, and the tail end of the cable is connected to the groove.

13. The armrest assembly as described in claim 7, characterized in that, A damper is installed on the rotating shaft, and the rotating shaft passes through the damper and is then fixed to the eccentric unlocking component.

14. The armrest assembly as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The armrest frame is provided with a directional clamp; the directional clamp is adjacent to the headrest, so that the first end of the cable extends through the directional clamp and is connected to the headrest.

15. The armrest assembly as described in claim 3 or 4, characterized in that, The headrest includes a headrest body and a locking mechanism mounted on the headrest body, the locking mechanism comprising: A locking tooth plate is fixedly disposed relative to the armrest frame; the locking tooth plate is provided with a first locking groove; and A pawl, mounted on the headrest body and adapted to rotate relative to the headrest body; the pawl includes engaging teeth and a drive arm; The pawl's engaging teeth are adapted to engage with the first locking groove to close the headrest; and the drive arm is adapted to be driven by the cable to disengage the engaging teeth from the first locking groove and open the headrest.

16. The armrest assembly as described in claim 15, characterized in that, The locking tooth plate is also provided with a second locking groove that is spaced apart from the first locking groove. When the headrest is opened, the engaging teeth are adapted to engage with the second locking groove so that the headrest is locked in the open state.

17. The armrest assembly as described in claim 15, characterized in that, During the process of the engagement tooth and the first locking groove transitioning from engagement to disengagement, the drive arm has an unlocking stroke; The sum of the distance from the first fixed point to the center point and the distance from the eccentric point to the center point is greater than or equal to the sum of the length of the cable segment when the headrest is in the closed state and the unlocking stroke of the locking mechanism.

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