Storage apparatus for seating unit, and seating unit

Abstract

A storage apparatus for a seating unit, and the seating unit. The storage apparatus (1) comprises: a storage main body (10), the storage main body (10) at least comprising a main body bottom (12) and a circumferential wall (14); a wireless charging module (20), the wireless charging module (20) comprising a module top surface (22) and a module bottom surface (24), wherein the wireless charging module (20) is movably arranged in the storage main body (10); and a locking device (30). By means of a force manually applied by a user, the wireless charging module (20) can slide between a raised position and a depressed position in the axial direction of the storage main body (10). In the raised position, the wireless charging module (20) is raised to the upper edge of the circumferential wall so as to allow charging of an electronic device. In the depressed position, the wireless charging module (20) is lowered, thereby defining an accommodating space for storing articles. When the locking device (30) is locked, the wireless charging module (20) is held in the depressed position, and when the locking device (30) is unlocked, the wireless charging module (20) is allowed to slide upwards to the raised position.

Description

Storage device for seat unit and seat unit Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to a storage device for a seat unit and a seat unit. Background Technology

[0002] As people's living standards improve, their demands for the comfort and functionality of sofas and chairs are increasing. Especially for different usage scenarios, there are growing demands for chair functionality. For example, users want to be able to sit in a chair for extended periods, using their phones or listening to music, even for several hours continuously. Additionally, users need to have storage space in the chair area to place remote controls, water cups, and other miscellaneous items.

[0003] In existing technologies, to meet the above requirements, charging ports for electronic devices such as mobile phones and headphones are typically provided on the seats, and additional storage compartments are constructed in the seat area, such as in the armrests and backrests, to store miscellaneous items. However, this results in the charging ports and storage compartments taking up too much space in the seat. This is particularly disadvantageous in confined spaces, especially for seats used in small rooms or car interiors. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by this application is to provide a seat unit with a compact structure and complete functionality.

[0005] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this application provides a storage device for a seat unit, comprising: a storage body, the storage body including at least a bottom and a circumferential wall extending upwardly in a cylindrical shape from the bottom; a wireless charging module, the wireless charging module being disc-shaped and including a top surface and a bottom surface, wherein the wireless charging module is movably disposed within the storage body; and a locking device including a latch and a buckle acting between the bottom of the body and the bottom surface of the module. A force manually applied by the user allows the wireless charging module to slide between a raised position and a lowered position along the axial direction of the storage body. In the raised position, the wireless charging module is raised to the upper edge of the circumferential wall to allow charging of electronic devices using the wireless charging module; in the lowered position, the wireless charging module is lowered, thereby defining a space for placing items by the wireless charging module and the inner surface of the circumferential wall.

[0006] In the present application, "force applied manually by the user" means a force applied by the user himself, such as a hand pressure or a pulling force applied by hand, a hydraulic force, a pneumatic force or a spring force achieved by means of an intermediate device, without the need for an additional electromechanical actuation mechanism.

[0007] According to the present application, the wireless charging module performs both charging and storage functions by switching between different height positions. This design not only occupies less space in the seat unit, but also ensures good functionality. In addition, the switching of the wireless charging module between the raised position and the depressed position is done manually, which not only saves the complex connection relationship and additional energy consumption required for electromechanical switching, but also speeds up the switching speed.

[0008] Furthermore, when the latching device is locked, the wireless charging module is held in the depressed position, and when the latching device is unlocked, the wireless charging module is allowed to slide upwards to the raised position.

[0009] In some embodiments, the latching device is configured as a mechanical self-locking switch. A locking tongue is arranged centrally on the body bottom of the storage body, and a locking catch is arranged centrally on the module bottom surface of the wireless charging module. Locking and unlocking of the latching device is achieved by pressing the wireless charging module.

[0010] In this embodiment, even if the pressing force is not precisely applied to the center of the module top surface of the wireless charging module, it will not hinder the effective locking and unlocking of the locking tongue and the locking catch.

[0011] The structure of a mechanical self-locking switch is known, when the self-locking switch is in the unlocked state, i.e. the locking tongue is disengaged from the locking catch, a single downward press can lock the locking tongue in the locking catch, thereby switching from the unlocked state to the locked state; a further downward press can disengage the locking tongue from the locking catch, thereby switching from the locked state to the unlocked state. Thus, the state switching of the latching device can be achieved by a simple pressing action. This is particularly suitable for limited structural space.

[0012] In some embodiments, the storage device further comprises a resilient member, and the resilient restoring force of the resilient member is used to achieve the sliding of the wireless charging module from the depressed position to the raised position.

[0013] In some embodiments, the resilient member is arranged between the body bottom and the wireless charging module, wherein in the depressed position, the resilient member is compressed.

[0014] In some embodiments, the resilient member is configured as a tower spring, a cylindrical spring or a tension spring. Of course, the use of an elastic body such as an elastic band can also be considered.

[0015] In some embodiments, the circumferential wall comprises a guide, and the wireless charging module comprises a guide adapter, and the wireless charging module is guided in the direction of sliding in the storage body by the cooperation of the guide and the guide adapter.

[0016] In some embodiments, the guide is configured as a guide groove formed on the circumferential wall, and the guide adapter is configured as a guide pin on the outer circumferential surface of the wireless charging module.

[0017] In some embodiments, the storage device comprises a position detection device configured to detect whether the wireless charging module is in the raised position or the depressed position.

[0018] In some embodiments, the position detection device is configured to achieve position detection in an optical and / or tactile and / or electromagnetic induction manner. In some embodiments, the position detection device comprises a Hall switch, which particularly cooperates with a magnet in some embodiments to achieve the position detection function. Of course, the position detection device can also comprise other types of position sensors, such as microswitches, etc.

[0019] In some embodiments, the storage device comprises a top cover which is annularly configured and covers the upper edge of the circumferential wall of the storage body, and the top cover constitutes a stop for the wireless charging module in the raised position.

[0020] In some embodiments, at least one operating element and / or interface and / or display screen is arranged on the top cover. Alternatively or additionally, at least one operating element and / or interface and / or display screen can also be arranged on the wireless charging module.

[0021] The operating element can be a button for operating the position transformation of the seat unit, a button for controlling the multimedia function playing of the seat unit, etc. The interface can be configured as a USB interface or a Type-C interface for charging connection and / or data transmission.

[0022] In some embodiments, the wireless charging module comprises a light-emitting device which emits light of different colors and / or different brightness according to the charging state in the raised position of the wireless charging module.

[0023] According to the present application, the wireless charging module is configured to charge electronic devices such as mobile phones, smart watches, tablets or earphones, etc.

[0024] In addition, to solve the above technical problems, the present application also provides a seat unit comprising at least one storage device as described above.

[0025] In some embodiments, the seat unit is configured as a car seat. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0026] The embodiments of the present application will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0027] Fig. 1 shows an exploded view of a stowage device for a seat unit according to the present application;

[0028] Fig. 2 shows an exploded view of the stowage device of Fig. 1 in another angle;

[0029] Fig. 3 shows a side view of a stowage device according to the present application, wherein the wireless charging module is in a raised position; and

[0030] Fig. 4 shows a side view of a stowage device according to the present application, wherein the wireless charging module is in a depressed position. Embodiments of the present application

[0031] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described with reference to the drawings in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present application, rather than all the embodiments of the present application. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by a person of ordinary skill in the art without creative work fall within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0032] The term "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" as used herein means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment can be included in at least one implementation of the application. The appearances of the term "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor are they necessarily referring to one specific embodiment. In some embodiments, the seat unit is configured as a car seat.

[0033] Figs. 1 and 2 show exploded views of a stowage device for a seat unit according to the present application in different angles, respectively.

[0034] The storage device 1 is configured for a seat unit. In some embodiments, the seat unit can be a movable seat or a movable sofa placed in a room which can be transformed between various postures, for example, it can be transformed between a sitting posture, a TV posture and / or a lying posture; the seat unit can also be a car seat. In particular in some embodiments, the seat unit can comprise one or more storage devices 1, for example, the storage device 1 can be arranged at an armrest, a backrest of the seat unit, or for a seat unit with multiple seats, the storage device 1 can be arranged at a connecting platform between two adjacent seat positions, for example, at a console between rear seats of a car.

[0035] The storage device 1 comprises a storage body 10, a movable wireless charging module 20, a latching device 30, an elastic member 40 and a top cover 50.

[0036] The storage body 10 is configured in a cylindrical shape, and accordingly has a circular body bottom 12 and a circumferential wall 14 extending upwardly from the body bottom 12. In some embodiments, the upper edge of the circumferential wall 14 comprises a flange 16 protruding radially outwardly, so that the storage body 10 can be fixedly installed in the seat unit by embedding the flange 16.

[0037] The wireless charging module 20 is configured in a disc shape, comprising a module top surface 22, a module bottom surface 24 and a circumferential outer surface 26 extending in a circumferential direction, and has a cross section substantially matching the shape of the body bottom of the storage body 10. In addition, a charging module cable 28 is led out from the module bottom surface 24 of the wireless charging module 20. Correspondingly, a bottom opening 122 is provided on the body bottom 12 of the storage body 10, and the charging module cable 28 can be guided through the bottom opening 122 to be connected to a power source. The module top surface 22 of the wireless charging module 20 can be provided with a light emitting device, a display screen, an operating element. As shown in FIG. 1, a light emitting device 222 configured as a ring-shaped light strip is arranged on the module top surface 22.

[0038] The top cover 50 is configured in a ring shape. As shown in FIG. 4, when the top cover 50 is installed on the storage body 10, the top cover 50 completely covers the flange 16 of the upper edge of the circumferential wall 14 of the storage body 10.

[0039] By means of an external force exerted by a user, the wireless charging module 20 is slidable along the axial direction x of the article housing body 10 between a raised position as shown in Fig. 3 and a depressed position as shown in Fig. 4. In the raised position, the wireless charging module 20 is raised to the upper edge of the circumferential wall 14 to allow charging of an electronic device with the wireless charging module 20. The electronic device to be charged can be a mobile phone, but also an earphone, a smart watch, a tablet computer or the like. In the depressed position as shown in Fig. 4, the wireless charging module 20 is significantly lowered compared to the raised position, whereby a larger accommodation space is defined by the inner surface of the circumferential wall 14 of the article housing body and the wireless charging module 20 to place articles, for example a water cup, keys, a remote control, sunglasses or the like.

[0040] To direct the sliding of the wireless charging module 20 in the article housing body 10, the article housing device 1 comprises a guide and a guide adapter acting between the article housing body 10 and the wireless charging module 20. As shown in Figs. 1 to 4, the guide is configured as at least one radially outwardly protruding guide groove 142 formed on the circumferential wall 14 of the article housing body 10, and the guide adapter is configured as at least one guide pin 262 on the outer circumferential surface 26 of the wireless charging module 20, wherein the guide groove 142 extends parallel to the axial direction x and the guide pin 262 is slidably supported in the guide groove 142. The guide groove 142 extends along the axial direction over a partial length of the circumferential wall 14 of the article housing body 10, wherein the lower end of the guide groove 142 ends above the body bottom 12, thereby forming a step portion 142a. As an alternative, this step portion 142a can form a stop for the wireless charging module 20 in the depressed position. In the raised position as shown in Fig. 3, the wireless charging module 20 is slid upwards to the upper edge of the circumferential wall 14, wherein the module top surface 22 of the wireless charging module 20 is flush with the upper surface of the top cover 50 and the guide pin 262 has its upper surface resting on the lower surface of the top cover 50, whereby the top cover 50 forms a stop for the wireless charging module 20.

[0041] Exemplarily, the latching device 30 is configured as a self-locking switch in a known manner, comprising a latch tongue 32 centrally arranged on the module bottom surface 24 of the wireless charging module 20 and a latch catch 34 centrally arranged on the body bottom 12 of the article housing body 12 as shown in Figs. 1 to 4. By repeated pressing, the locking and unlocking between the latch tongue 32 and the latch catch 34 can be achieved in sequence. Of course, in an embodiment not shown, the latch tongue and the latch catch can also be arranged in reverse, for example the latch catch on the module bottom surface 24 of the wireless charging module 20 and the latch tongue on the body bottom 12 of the article housing body 12.

[0042] In the embodiment shown in Figs. 1 to 4, the elastic member 40 is configured as an elastic spring. The elastic member 40 is arranged between the module bottom surface 24 of the wireless charging module 20 and the main body bottom 12 of the object placing main body 12, wherein the lower end of the elastic member 40 is fixedly connected to the main body bottom 12.

[0043] In order to detect whether the wireless charging module 20 is in the lifted position or in the pressed position, a position detection device 60 is arranged on the main body bottom 12 of the object placing main body 10. In this embodiment, the position detection device 60 can be configured as a Hall switch cooperating with a magnet. Alternatively, the position detection device can also be configured as other position sensors based on optics, electricity, electromagnetic induction or touch, such as a micro switch.

[0044] When the user exerts pressure on the wireless charging module 20 so that it is in the pressed position shown in Fig. 4, the wireless charging module 20 is lowered, the distance between its module bottom surface 24 and the main body bottom 12 is reduced, so that the elastic member 40 is compressed. At the same time, the locking tongue 32 is inserted into the locking catch 34 and remains in the locked state, thereby keeping the wireless charging module 20 in the pressed position. At this time, an accommodation space is defined by the wireless charging module 20 and the circumferential wall 14 of the object placing main body 10. In some embodiments, the position detection device 60 can send a signal to turn off the charging power supply when the pressed position is detected.

[0045] When the user exerts pressure on the wireless charging module 20 again, the locking tongue 32 is disengaged relative to the locking catch 34, i.e. the latching device 30 is unlocked. Thus, when the pressure exerted by the user on the wireless charging module 20 is removed, the elastic restoring force of the elastic member 40 pushes the wireless charging module 20 to slide upward along the axial direction x, so as to reach the lifted position shown in Fig. 3. At this time, the module top surface 22 of the wireless charging module 20 is flush with the upper surface of the top cover 50, constituting a plane on which an electronic device can be placed for charging. In some embodiments, the position detection device 60 can send a signal to turn on the charging power supply when the lifted position is detected.

[0046] The light emitting device 222 arranged on the module top surface 22 can emit light continuously or in different modes in different postures. For example, when the wireless charging module 20 is in the lifted position, the light emitting device 222 can emit light of different colors and / or different brightness according to the charging status, so as to indicate the current charging status to the user; while when the wireless charging module 20 is in the pressed position, the light emitting device 222 only emits light rhythmically as an ambient light according to a preset program, or emits light with constant brightness and unchanged color, so as to achieve a lighting effect.

Claims

1. A storage device for a seat unit, the storage device comprising: a storage body comprising at least a body bottom and a circumferential wall extending upwardly in a cylindrical manner from the body bottom; a wireless charging module configured in a disc-like manner and comprising a module top surface and a module bottom surface, wherein the wireless charging module is movably arranged in the storage body; a latching device comprising a locking tongue and a locking catch acting between the body bottom and the module bottom surface, wherein the wireless charging module is slidable in an axial direction of the storage body between a raised position, in which the wireless charging module is raised to an upper edge of the circumferential wall to allow charging of an electronic device with the wireless charging module, and a depressed position, in which the wireless charging module is lowered such that an accommodation space for placing an article is defined by the wireless charging module and an inner surface of the circumferential wall, and wherein the wireless charging module is held in the depressed position when the latching device is latched and is allowed to slide upwardly to the raised position when the latching device is unlatched.

2. The storage device according to claim 1, wherein the latching device is configured as a mechanical self-locking switch.

3. The storage device according to claim 1, wherein the locking tongue is arranged centrally on the body bottom of the storage body and the locking catch is arranged centrally on the module bottom surface of the wireless charging module.

4. The storage device according to claim 1, wherein latching and unlatching of the latching device is achieved by pressing the wireless charging module.

5. The storage device according to claim 1, wherein the storage device further comprises a resilient member, the resilient return force of which is used to effect the sliding of the wireless charging module from the depressed position to the raised position.

6. The storage device according to claim 5, wherein the resilient member is arranged between the body bottom and the wireless charging module, wherein in the depressed position the resilient member is compressed.

7. The storage device according to claim 5, wherein the resilient member is configured as a tower spring, a cylindrical spring or a tension spring.

8. The storage device according to claim 1, wherein the circumferential wall comprises a guide and the wireless charging module comprises a guide adapter, the cooperation of which is used to direct the sliding of the wireless charging module in the storage body.

9. The storage device according to claim 8, wherein the guide is configured as a guide groove formed on the circumferential wall and the guide adapter is configured as a guide pin on the outer circumferential surface of the wireless charging module.

10. The storage device according to claim 1, wherein the storage device comprises a position detection device configured to detect whether the wireless charging module is in the raised position or in the depressed position.

11. The storage device according to claim 10, wherein The position detection device is configured to realize position detection optically and / or haptically and / or electromagnetically.

12. The article holder according to claim 11, wherein The position detection device comprises a Hall switch.

13. The article holder according to claim 1, wherein The article holder comprises a top cover which is configured annularly and covers the upper edge of the circumferential wall of the article holder body, the top cover constituting a stop for the wireless charging module in the raised position.

14. The article holder according to claim 13, wherein At least one operating element and / or interface and / or display is arranged on the top cover.

15. The article holder according to claim 1, wherein At least one operating element and / or interface and / or display is arranged on the wireless charging module.

16. The article holder according to claim 1, wherein The wireless charging module comprises a light-emitting device which emits light of different colors and / or different brightness depending on the charging status in the raised position of the wireless charging module.

17. The article holder according to claim 1, wherein The wireless charging module is configured for charging a mobile phone, a smartwatch, a tablet or a headset.

18. A seat unit, wherein The seat unit comprises at least one article holder according to any one of claims 1 to 17.

19. The seat unit according to claim 18, wherein The seat unit is configured as a car seat.

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