Armrest

Abstract

[Problem] To provide an armrest that, while having a simple structure, makes it possible to easily set an elbow placement part to an appropriate set position. [Solution] An armrest which comprises a fixed member 10, a rotating member 20, a support shaft 30, a restricting pin 40, and a biasing member 50, and in which it is possible to switch an elbow placement part 21 between a plurality of set positions P1-P4, wherein: the fixed member 10 and the rotating member 20 each have a U-shape in cross-section with a left-right pair of side walls and a connecting wall that connects the side walls; the fixed member 10 is provided with a support shaft mounting hole β1 for mounting the support shaft 30 and a rotation stopper β2; the rotating member 20 is provided with an elongate support shaft insertion hole γ1 through which the support shaft 30 is inserted and a stopper abutting surface γ2; the restricting pin 40 is fixed to one of the fixed member 10 and the rotating member 20; and the other one of the fixed member 10 and the rotating member 20 is provided with a left-right pair of restricting pin passages α and left-right pairs of restricting pin engagement grooves α1-α4, the respective inner parts of which have a width smaller than the outer diameter of the restricting pin 40. When the rotating member 20 is rotated to a position at which the restricting pin 40 overlaps with a restricting pin engagement groove α1-α4, the restricting pin 40 enters into that restricting pin engagement groove α1-α4 and engages therewith in a wedge-like manner, thereby locking the rotating member 10.

Description

Armrest 【0001】 The present invention relates to an armrest that allows the elbow rest portion to be switched between multiple set positions. 【0002】 Armrests, which consist of a frame covered with cushioning material and upholstery, are installed to reduce fatigue and improve comfort while driving. However, the position of a person's arms while seated in a car seat varies depending on their physique. Furthermore, if the armrest tilts backward along with the seat back when the seat back is reclined, the occupant may not be able to extend their arms, resulting in an uncomfortable posture. Also, when the armrest is not in use, the elbow rest can get in the way. For these reasons, many cars and other vehicles employ armrests that allow the angle of the elbow rest to be adjusted. 【0003】 For example, Figure 1 of Patent Document 1 discloses an armrest that is rotatably mounted on a seat frame, with the arm 4 (corresponding to the "elbow rest") rotated upward to a storage position and downward to a usage position. In this armrest, stopper contact surfaces 19 and 21 are formed on the arm 4, and stopper receiving surfaces 20 and 22 are formed on the mounting bracket 3, which is fixed to the seat frame at a predetermined angle. By rotating the mounting bracket 3 180°, the stopper contact surfaces 19 and 21 are received at different positions, thereby changing the usage position of the arm 4. 【0004】 Furthermore, Figure 2 of Patent Document 2 discloses a height-adjustable armrest comprising a fixed-side member 2 fixed to the seat frame, a rotating-side member 3 having an arm member 31 (corresponding to an "elbow rest"), and a lock spring mechanism 4 composed of a lock spring 41 and cam mechanisms 42, 43. In this armrest, the angle (height) of the arm member 31 can be adjusted steplessly between the lowest position during use (Figure 2(a) in the same document) and the highest position during use (Figure 2(b) in the same document), and the arm member 31 can be moved to a stowed position along the seat back (Figure 2(c) in the same document). 【0005】Japanese Patent Publication No. 2012-148023, Japanese Patent Publication No. 6685527 【0006】 However, the armrest in Reference 1 is designed with the assumption that the angle of arm 4 (elbow rest) will be set by the dealer or other relevant party. In the armrest of that reference, if one were to try to change the angle of arm 4 (elbow rest) after it has left the factory, it would be necessary to remove the mounting bracket 3 from the seat frame and change its orientation. As a result, the angle of arm 4 (elbow rest) cannot be changed when the driver temporarily changes or when the seat back is reclined. 【0007】 In contrast, the armrest in Reference 2 allows the angle of the arm member 31 (elbow rest) to be adjusted by operating the arm member 31 (elbow rest). Therefore, the angle of the arm member 31 (elbow rest) can be easily changed when the driver temporarily changes or when the seat back is reclined. However, the armrest in the same document has a complex lock spring mechanism 4 with many parts, making it difficult to reduce weight. 【0008】 Furthermore, conventional armrests, which allow the angle of the elbow rest to be adjusted by operating the elbow rest itself, have several drawbacks: the elbow rest tends to rattle up and down when driving on rough roads, and there is a risk that the retracted elbow rest may spring forward from its retracted position during sudden braking. In addition, there are challenges in increasing rigidity and strength in the lateral direction, and the design is not suitable for wide or long armrests. 【0009】 This invention was made to solve the above problems and provides an armrest with a simple structure that allows the elbow rest to be easily set to an appropriate position. Another objective of this invention is to reliably restrict the rotation of the elbow rest in both the vertical and horizontal directions when the elbow rest is in the set position, thereby preventing rattling and the elbow rest from popping out. Furthermore, another objective of this invention is to provide an armrest that can be easily used in wide or long types, as it allows for increased rigidity and strength in the horizontal direction. 【0010】The above problem is solved by an armrest comprising a fixed member fixed to a seat frame, a rotating member having an elbow rest portion, a support shaft for supporting the rotating member in a state where it can rotate up and down relative to the fixed member, a regulating pin for restricting the up and down rotation of the rotating member, and a biasing member for biasing the rotating member relative to the fixed member, wherein the elbow rest portion can be switched between multiple set positions, the fixed member and the rotating member having a U-shaped cross-section with a pair of left and right side walls and a connecting wall connecting them, the fixed member is provided with a support shaft mounting hole for attaching the support shaft and a rotation stopper, the rotating member is provided with an elongated support shaft insertion hole for inserting the support shaft and a stopper contact surface that contacts the rotation stopper when the rotating member is in the lower limit position, and the regulating pin is fixed to either the fixed member or the rotating member. The problem is solved by providing an armrest characterized in that the other member is provided with a pair of regulating pin passages on the left and right sides, each containing a regulating pin passage for moving a regulating pin when the rotating member rotates, and a regulating pin locking groove formed inward or outward in the rotational radius direction from a predetermined position in the regulating pin passage, with the width of the inner part being narrower than the outer diameter of the regulating pin, and the rotating member is biased by a biasing member in a direction in which the regulating pin is locked into the regulating pin locking groove, and when the rotating member is rotated to a position where the regulating pin overlaps with the regulating pin locking groove at the set position, the regulating pin enters the regulating pin locking groove and locks in a wedge shape, thereby locking the rotating member. 【0011】 Here, "setting position" is a concept that includes not only the "usage position" (the position in which the armrest is used) but also the "storage position" (the position in which the elbow rest is facing upwards and along the side of the seat back). Of these, the "usage position" is the position in which the elbow rest is used as an elbow rest, and is a concept that includes the "driving position" and "resting position" which will be described later. The "driving position" is the position in which the elbow rest is set when driving, and the "resting position" is the position in which the elbow rest is set when resting (when the seat back is reclined). 【0012】In the armrest of the present invention, the elbow rest can be locked in the optimal position during use by operating it. For example, when driving, the elbow rest can be moved to the driving position where it is nearly horizontal, and when resting with the seat back reclined, the elbow rest can be locked in a position lower than the driving position (resting position). Furthermore, when the armrest is not in use, the elbow rest can be operated upward and locked in the stowed position so that it does not get in the way. Thus, in the armrest of the present invention, the elbow rest can be locked in a desired position by operating it. 【0013】 Specifically, when the rotating member (elbow rest) is moved and the regulating pin aligns with the desired position in the regulating pin locking groove, the rotating member moves due to the biasing force of the biasing member, causing the regulating pin to engage with the regulating pin locking groove and lock. This lock is released (unlock operation) by pushing the elbow rest to the opposite side (the side where the regulating pin disengages from the regulating pin locking groove), which allows the biasing force of the biasing member to be increased to a certain extent. Therefore, a sufficiently strong lock is possible. The force that locks the rotating member can be set by the angle of the inner wall surface of the regulating pin locking groove, the distance from the pivot shaft to the regulating pin, or the biasing force of the biasing member. The regulating pin locking groove is formed so that its width narrows towards the back (at the back, it is formed to be narrower than the outer diameter of the regulating pin), so that the regulating pin and the regulating pin locking groove are locked in a wedge shape, allowing the movable member (elbow rest) to be reliably positioned (locked) without any wobbling. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent the armrest from extending forward from its retracted position during sudden braking or other similar situations. 【0014】 Furthermore, in the armrest of the present invention, the fixing member and the rotating member have a U-shaped cross-section with a pair of left and right side walls, and the regulating pin passage and regulating pin locking groove are also provided in a pair on the left and right of these side walls, making it possible to increase the rigidity and strength in the left-right direction. For this reason, it is also possible to increase the left-right width of the elbow support portion and to lengthen the elbow support portion. 【0015】In the armrest of the present invention, it is preferable to further provide a driven member attached to a support shaft in a manner that allows it to rotate in conjunction with the rotating member, and to provide an elongated hole for inserting a regulating pin in the driven member, with one end of the biasing member attached to the driven member and the other end attached to the rotating member. 【0016】 This is because, as mentioned above, the force that locks the rotating member (locking force) is influenced by the biasing force of the biasing member. If one end of the biasing member is directly attached to the fixed member without providing the driven member, the direction of the biasing force of the biasing member with respect to the rotational radius will change depending on the position of the rotating member (elbow rest). As a result, the biasing force will be stronger at one set position and weaker at another. This is why the biasing force changes depending on the set position. In this regard, by attaching one end of the biasing member to a driven member that moves with the rotating member but does not move in the rotational radius direction, the rotating member can be biased in a direction that locks the regulating pin into the regulating pin locking groove, while the direction of the biasing force of the biasing member with respect to the rotational radius does not change, and the locking force can be made approximately equal at any set position. 【0017】 In the armrest of the present invention, the biasing member can be either a tension spring or a compression spring. Furthermore, the biasing member can be a leaf spring or the like, not just a coil spring. 【0018】 In the armrest of the present invention, the elbow rest portion of the rotating member can be made of a separate component from the main body portion of the rotating member (the portion supported by the pivot shaft). This makes it easier to create variations in the shape of the elbow rest portion. For example, the elbow rest portion can be formed by bending a metal wire. 【0019】 In the armrest of the present invention, it is also preferable to incline one of the pair of inner wall surfaces in the regulating pin locking groove (the inner wall surface that supports upward rotation) at an angle that causes slippage under a set load (for example, 20 to 40°). 【0020】This is because the unlocking operation is performed by moving the elbow rest in the direction that releases the regulating pin from the regulating pin locking groove (the unlocking direction). In this regard, by inclining the inner wall surface on the side that supports upward rotation in the locking pin locking groove, when rotating the elbow rest upward while it is locked, simply rotating it upward will cause the elbow rest (rotating member) to also move in the unlocking direction according to the aforementioned inclination. This makes it possible to easily adjust the position of the elbow rest. However, since the inner wall surface on the side that supports downward rotation in the regulating pin locking groove is not inclined, when rotating the elbow rest downward, it is necessary to move the elbow rest in the unlocking direction. This prevents the elbow rest from unintentionally rotating downward while it is locked. 【0021】 As described above, the present invention makes it possible to provide an armrest with a simple structure that allows the elbow rest to be easily set to an appropriate position. Furthermore, when the elbow rest is in the set position, it is possible to reliably restrict the rotation of the elbow rest in both the vertical and horizontal directions, thereby preventing rattling and the elbow rest from popping out. In addition, it is possible to provide an armrest that can be easily used in wide or long types, as it is easy to increase the rigidity and strength in the horizontal direction. 【0022】 This is an exploded perspective view of the armrest of the first embodiment. This diagram shows the armrest of the first embodiment as viewed from various directions. This diagram illustrates the operation of the armrest of the first embodiment. This diagram illustrates the armrest of another embodiment. 【0023】 Embodiments of the armrest of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings. In the following, four embodiments, from the first to the fourth embodiment, will be given as examples. However, these embodiments are merely preferred embodiments, and the technical scope of the armrest of the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. The armrest of the present invention can be modified as appropriate without impairing the spirit of the invention. 【0024】1. Armrest of the First Embodiment First, the armrest of the first embodiment will be described. Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of the armrest of the first embodiment. Figure 2 shows the armrest of the first embodiment as viewed from various directions. Figure 2(a) shows the armrest as viewed from the side, Figure 2(b) shows the armrest as viewed from above, Figure 2(c) shows the B-B cross-section in Figure 2(b), and Figure 2(d) shows the A-A cross-section in Figure 2(a). Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the armrest of the first embodiment. 【0025】 The armrest of the first embodiment is constructed by assembling the fixing member 10, rotating member 20, pivot shaft 30, regulating pin 40, biasing member 50, and driven member 60 shown in Figure 1, as shown in Figure 2. In an actual armrest, the frame (rotating member 20 having the elbow rest portion 21) is covered with a skin, and the gap between the outer surface of the armrest frame and the inner surface of the skin is filled with cushioning material (urethane foam, etc.). However, the skin and cushioning material are not shown in Figures 1 to 3, etc. 【0026】 The fixing member 10 is fixed to the seat frame (not shown) of the seat back. Therefore, when the seat back is reclined, the fixing member 10 and the seat back move together. The rotating member 20 has an elbow rest portion 21 for the user of the armrest to rest their elbow on. The support shaft 30 supports the rotating member 20 in a state that allows it to rotate up and down relative to the fixing member 10. The regulating pin 40 is for restricting the up and down rotation of the rotating member 20 relative to the fixing member 10. In the armrest of the first embodiment, the regulating pin 40 is fixed to the rotating member 20. The biasing member 50 is for biasing the rotating member 20 relative to the fixing member 10. The driven member 60 is attached to the support shaft 30 in a state that allows it to rotate in conjunction with the rotating member 20. 【0027】 In the armrest of the first embodiment, as shown in Figure 3(a), the elbow rest portion 21 (rotating member 20) is positioned relative to the fixing member 10 along the rotational center line L １It is rotatable up and down about the center, and the elbow rest part 21 (rotating member 20) can be locked between a plurality of set positions. Specifically, the elbow rest part 21 is set to the rest position P １ and the first operating position P ２ and the second operating position P ３ and the storage position P ４ and can be switched. The rest position P １ is selected when the seat back is reclined backward for rest. The first operating position P ２ and the second operating position P ３ are selected during driving with the seat back upright. Which of the first operating position P ２ and the second operating position P ３ is selected varies depending on the physique of the user of the armrest and the upright angle of the seat back, etc. The height h1 from the tip of the elbow rest part 21 in the rest position P １ to the tip of the elbow rest part 21 in the first operating position P ２ is usually about 5 to 10 cm, and the height h2 from the tip of the elbow rest part 21 in the rest position P １ to the tip of the elbow rest part 21 in the second operating position P ３ is usually about 10 to 20 cm. The storage position P ４ is selected when storing without using the elbow rest part 21. When in the storage position P ４ , the elbow rest part 21 faces upward and is in a state along the side surface of the seat back. 【0028】 As shown in FIG. 1, the fixing member 10, the rotating member 20, and the driven member 60 all have a U-shaped cross-section with a pair of left and right side walls and a connecting wall connecting them. In the armrest of the first embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 2(b) and 2(d), the rotating member 20 is arranged inside the side wall of the fixing member 10, and the driven member 60 is arranged inside the side wall of the rotating member 20, but it is not limited to this. For example, it is also possible to adopt a structure in which the fixing member 10 is arranged inside the side wall of the rotating member 20. 【0029】 As shown in FIG. 1, on each side wall of the fixing member 10, there are a regulating pin passage α and a regulating pin locking groove α１ , α ２ , α ３ , α ４ and the support shaft mounting hole β １ A pair of these are provided on the left and right sides. The regulating pin passage α is the part that moves the regulating pin 40 when the rotating member 20 rotates up and down relative to the fixed member 10. In the armrest of the first embodiment, the outer side of the arc-shaped end face on the side wall of the fixed member 10 functions as the regulating pin passage α. Regulating pin locking groove α １ , α ２ , α ３ , α ４ This is a recess for locking the regulating pin 40, and is formed inward from a predetermined position in the regulating pin passage α towards the rotation center. 【0030】 As shown in Figure 3(a), the regulating pin locking groove α １ The elbow rest portion 21 is in a resting position P. １ The regulating pin 40 is locked when it is in the regulating pin locking groove α ２ In the first operating position P, the armrest portion 21 is located ２ The regulating pin 40 is locked when it is in the regulating pin locking groove α ３ In this position, the elbow rest 21 is in the second operating position P ３ The regulating pin 40 is locked when it is in the regulating pin locking groove α ４ The elbow rest 21 is in the stowed position P ４ The regulating pin 40 is locked when it is in this position. Regulating pin locking groove α １ , α ２ , α ３ , α ４ The width of the inner part is formed to be narrower than the outer diameter of the regulating pin 40. Therefore, the regulating pin 40 is formed in the regulating pin locking groove α １ , α ２ , α ３ , α ４ It is wedge-shaped and locked in place so that the elbow rest portion 21 (rotating member 20) is securely locked in that position without any wobbling. 【0031】 By the way, in the armrest of the first embodiment, as shown in Figure 3(b), there is a regulating pin locking groove α １ , α ２ , α ３, α ４ A pair of inner wall surfaces S １ , S ２ Of these, one inner wall surface S １ The inclination angle θ of the inner wall surface (to which the regulating pin 40 presses when the rotating member 20 rotates downward) １ The angle is set relatively small at approximately 5°. Therefore, the regulating pin 40 is located in the regulating pin locking groove α １ , α ２ , α ３ , α ４ In the locked state, the elbow rest 21 cannot be rotated downward unless the elbow rest 21 is pushed in the unlocking direction (outward in the rotational radius direction) to release the locking of the regulating pin 40. In contrast, the other inner wall surface S ２ The inclination angle θ of the inner wall surface (to which the regulating pin 40 presses when the rotating member 20 rotates upward) ２ The angle is increased to approximately 15°. Therefore, the regulating pin 40 is located in the regulating pin locking groove α １ , α ２ , α ３ , α ４ Even when locked in place, if an upward force exceeding the set load is applied to the elbow rest 21, the regulating pin 40 will move against the inner wall surface S ２ The upper part slips, releasing the locking of the regulating pin 40, allowing the elbow rest 21 to rotate upward. This makes it possible to easily switch the position of the elbow rest 21 upward while firmly supporting the downward load on the elbow rest 21. 【0032】 Support shaft mounting hole β １ This is the part for attaching the support shaft 30. Support shaft mounting hole β １ The inner diameter is approximately the same as the outer diameter of the support shaft 30. In addition, a rotation stopper β is provided on the upper surface of the connecting wall of the fixing member 10. ２ A rotation stopper β is provided. ２ This is the stopper contact surface γ of the rotating member 20. ２This part, which makes contact with the armrest 21, prevents it from rotating further downward. This enhances safety by preventing it from rotating downward (preventing it from falling below a predetermined lower limit) even when a large load is placed on the armrest 21, such as when a child sits on the upper part of it. 【0033】 Each side wall of the rotating member 20 has a support shaft insertion hole γ, as shown in Figure 1. １ And, stopper contact surface γ ２ A pair of these are provided on the left and right sides. Support shaft insertion hole γ １ This is the part through which the support shaft 30 is inserted. This support shaft insertion hole γ １ It is formed as an elongated hole extending in the front-rear direction (the longitudinal direction of the elbow rest portion 21). Therefore, the rotating member 20 is allowed to move not only in the direction of rotation (up and down rotation) relative to the pivot shaft 30, but also in the longitudinal direction of the rotation radius. Stopper contact surface γ ２ This is the rotation stopper β mentioned above. ２ This is the part that comes into contact with the armrest. The rotating member 20 consists of an elbow rest portion 21 and a main body portion 22 (the part supported by the pivot shaft 30), and in the armrest of the first embodiment, the elbow rest portion 21 and the main body portion 22 are integrally formed from the same material. 【0034】 Each side wall of the driven member 60 has a support shaft insertion hole δ, as shown in Figure 1. １ and the regulating pin insertion hole δ ２ It is provided with a support shaft insertion hole δ １ This is the part through which the support shaft 30 is inserted, and the support shaft insertion hole γ of the rotating member 20. １ Unlike the above, it is not elongated. Support shaft insertion hole δ １ The inner diameter is approximately the same as the outer diameter of the support shaft 30. Instead, there is a regulating pin insertion hole δ for inserting the regulating pin 40. ２is in the shape of a long hole. Therefore, the driven member 60 can rotate up and down following the rotating member 10, but does not move in the radial direction of the rotation radius with respect to the support shaft 30 (even if the rotating member 20 is moved in the radial direction of the rotation radius, the driven member 60 does not move in the radial direction of the rotation radius). On the connecting wall of the driven member 60, an upward single part is provided upright, and on the side part, a biasing member mounting hole δ ３ is provided. The meaning of providing this driven member 60 will be described in detail later. 【0035】 The biasing member 50 biases the rotating member 20 with respect to the fixed member 10 in the direction (locking direction) in which the regulating pin 40 is locked in the regulating pin locking grooves α １ , α ２ , α ３ , α ４ . As a result, when the elbow rest portion 21 (rotating member 20) is rotated up and down and the regulating pin 40 overlaps with any of the regulating pin locking grooves α １ , α ２ , α ３ , α ４ , the rotating member 20 moves in the radial direction of the rotation radius by the biasing force of this biasing member 50, and the regulating pin 40 enters and is locked in the regulating pin locking grooves α １ , α ２ , α ３ , α ４ . The biasing force of this biasing member 50 and the above-described wedge shape cooperate to reliably position (lock) the elbow rest portion 21 in a desired position without rattling. Also, during sudden braking or the like, it is possible to prevent the elbow rest portion 21 from popping out forward. The release of this lock (lock release operation) is performed by pushing the elbow rest portion 21 to the opposite side (the inner side in the radial direction of rotation. In the armrest of the first embodiment, when the regulating pin 40 is disengaged from the regulating pin locking grooves α １ , α ２ , α ３ , α ４ ). 【0036】As the biasing member 50, a leaf spring or the like may be used, but in the armrest of the first embodiment, a coil spring is used. This coil spring is used in a state where it is stretched from its natural length (in the state of a tension spring). One end of the biasing member 50 (coil spring) is attached to the fixed member 10 side, and the other end is attached to the rotating member 20 side. One end of the biasing member 50 (coil spring) may be directly attached to the fixed member 10. However, in this case, the direction of the biasing force of the biasing member 50 with respect to the rotational radius direction changes depending on the position of the elbow rest portion 21 (rotating member 20), and the elbow rest portion 21 is at the set position P １ ~P ４ Depending on which one it is in, variations in the locking force may occur. 【0037】 In this regard, in the armrest of the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2(c), one end of the biasing member 50 (coil spring) is attached to the biasing member attachment hole δ ４ in the above-described driven member 60, and the other end of the biasing member 50 (coil spring) is attached to the regulating pin 40. Thereby, while biasing the rotating member 20 in the direction (inside the rotational radius direction) in which the regulating pin is locked in the regulating pin locking groove α １ ~α ４ the direction of the biasing force of the biasing member 50 with respect to the rotational radius direction is not changed, and the locking force can be made substantially equal at any set position. 【0038】 The armrest of the first embodiment described above has a small number of parts and a simple structure, and yet the elbow rest portion 21 can be easily set to the appropriate set positions P １ , P ２ , P ３ , P ４ Moreover, not only can the rotation of the elbow rest portion 21 locked at the set positions P １ , P ２ , P ３ , P ４ be reliably restricted, but it is also possible to prevent rattling and popping out of the elbow rest portion 21. In addition, it is easy to increase the rigidity and strength in the left - right direction, and it can be suitably adopted even when the elbow rest portion 21 is of a wide type or a long type. 【0039】2. Armrest of the Second Embodiment Next, the armrest of the second embodiment will be described. The description of the armrest of the second embodiment will mainly focus on the configurations that differ from those of the armrest of the first embodiment. For configurations of the armrest of the second embodiment that are not specifically mentioned, a configuration substantially the same as that described for the armrest of the first embodiment can be adopted. 【0040】 Figure 4(a) is an enlarged view of the area around the pivot shaft 30 in the armrest of the second embodiment. In the armrest of the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 3, the regulating pin 40 is fixed to the rotating member 20, and the regulating pin passage α and the regulating pin locking groove α １ ~α ４ The fixing member 10 had the following: In contrast, in the armrest of the second embodiment shown in Figure 4(a), the regulating pin 40 is fixed to the fixing member 10, and the regulating pin passage α and the regulating pin locking groove α １ ~α ４ The rotating member 20 is provided with a regulating pin passage α, and the pivot shaft insertion hole γ in the rotating member 20. １ The rotation center line L is located further forward (towards the tip of the elbow rest 21). １ It is formed by providing an arc-shaped elongated hole centered on [a specific point]. 【0041】 Furthermore, in the armrest of the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 3, one end of the coil spring (biasing member 50) was attached to the regulating pin 40, whereas in the armrest of the second embodiment shown in Figure 4(a), it is attached to the biasing member mounting shaft 23 fixed to the rotating member 20. Also, in the armrest of the second embodiment, the driven member 60 has a regulating pin insertion hole δ ２ Instead of (Figure 1), the biasing member mounting shaft insertion hole δ ４ These are provided in the shape of elongated holes. 【0042】 Thus, the member for fixing the regulating pin 40, the regulating pin passage α and the regulating pin locking groove α １ ~α ４ Even if the member providing the function is reversed compared to the armrest of the first embodiment, it is possible to make it perform the same function as the armrest of the first embodiment. 【0043】3. Armrest of the Third Embodiment Next, the armrest of the third embodiment will be described. The description of the armrest of the third embodiment will mainly focus on the configurations that differ from the armrest of the first embodiment. For configurations of the armrest of the third embodiment that are not specifically mentioned, substantially the same configurations as those described for the armrest of the first embodiment and the armrest of the second embodiment can be adopted. 【0044】 Figure 4(b) is an enlarged view of the area around the pivot shaft 30 in the armrest of the third embodiment. In the armrest of the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 3, the arc-shaped end face (rear end face) of the side wall of the fixing member 10 functions as a regulating pin passage α, and the regulating pin locking groove α １ ~α ４ However, the regulating pin passage α was formed recessed inward in the direction of the rotational radius from a predetermined location. In contrast, in the armrest of the third embodiment shown in Figure 4(b), the regulating pin passage α is formed along the rotational center line L on each side wall of the rotating member 20. １ The regulating pin locking groove α is formed by providing an arc-shaped elongated hole centered on it. １ ~α ４ It is formed recessed outward in the radial direction from a predetermined location in the regulating pin passage α. 【0045】 Furthermore, in the armrest of the first embodiment (Figures 1-3), a coil spring is used as a tension spring for the biasing member 50, and the rotating member 20 is biased inward (front) in the rotational radius direction relative to the fixed member 10. In contrast, in the armrest of the third embodiment (Figure 4(b)), a leaf spring is used as a compression spring for the biasing member 50, and the rotating member 20 is biased outward (rear) in the rotational radius direction relative to the fixed member 10. 【0046】 Thus, in the armrest of the third embodiment, the regulating pin locking groove α １ ~α ４ The orientation and the direction of biasing of the rotating member 20 by the biasing member 50 are the opposite of those of the armrest in the first embodiment. For this reason, in the armrest of the third embodiment, when the elbow rest portion 21 is pushed inward (forward) in the rotational radius direction, the regulating pin locking groove α１ ~α ４ The regulating pin 40 is released, the lock is released, and the elbow rest 21 becomes capable of rotating up and down. 【0047】 4. Armrest of the Fourth Embodiment Finally, the armrest of the fourth embodiment will be described. The armrest of the fourth embodiment will be described mainly in terms of its configuration that differs from the armrest of the second embodiment (Figure 4(a)). Configurations of the armrest of the fourth embodiment that are not specifically mentioned can be substantially the same as those described for the armrest of the first embodiment, the armrest of the second embodiment, and the armrest of the third embodiment. 【0048】 Figure 4(c) shows an armrest of the fourth embodiment. In the armrest of the second embodiment (Figure 4(a)), the elbow rest portion 21 and the main body portion 22 of the rotating member 20 were integrally formed from the same material. In contrast, in the armrest of the fourth embodiment, as shown in Figure 4(c), the elbow rest portion 21 and the main body portion 22 of the rotating member 20 are formed from separate materials. Specifically, the main body portion 22 is a material made by bending a steel plate, while the elbow rest portion 21 is a material made by bending a steel wire into a U-shape. The elbow rest portion 21 is subsequently integrated with the main body portion 22 by welding or the like. 【0049】 This makes it easier to create variations in the shape of the armrest portion 21 while using common materials for the main body portion 22. While the length of the armrest portion 21 and other specifications change depending on the vehicle model in which it is installed, this design allows for adaptation by simply switching the armrest portion 21. 【0050】 Furthermore, in the armrest of the second embodiment (Figure 4(a)), a driven member 60 is provided, and one end of the biasing member 50 (coil spring) is attached to this driven member 60. In contrast, in the armrest of the fourth embodiment, as shown in Figure 4(c), a driven member 60 is not provided, and one end of the biasing member 50 (coil spring) is attached to a regulating pin 40 fixed to a fixed member 10, while the other end of the biasing member 50 (coil spring) is directly attached to a rotating member 20. 【0051】 Therefore, in the armrest of the fourth embodiment, the elbow rest portion 21 is set to position P. １ ~P ４ (See Figure 3.) Depending on which position it is in, the direction of the biasing force of the biasing member 50 with respect to the rotational radius changes, and the locking force also changes. However, since the driven member 60 is not required, the number of parts is reduced, which has advantages in terms of reducing manufacturing costs and weight. 【0052】 5. Applications The armrest of the present invention can be used in various seats equipped with a seat back. In particular, it can be suitably used in seats equipped with a reclining function for the seat back. Because the armrest of the present invention has a simple structure and is easy to reduce in weight, it can be particularly suitably used in seats of mobile vehicles such as automobiles and aircraft. 【0053】 10 Fixing member 20 Rotating member 21 Elbow rest 22 Main body 23 Biasing member mounting shaft 30 Support shaft 40 Regulating pin 50 Biasing member 60 Driven member P １ Rest position (use position) (setting position) P ２ First operating position (usage position) (setting position) P ３ Second operating position (usage position) (setting position) P ４ Storage position (setting position) α Regulatory pin passage α １ Regulating pin locking groove (resting position) α ２ Regulating pin locking groove (first operating position) α ３ Regulating pin locking groove (second operating position) α ４ Regulating pin locking groove (storage position) β １ Support shaft mounting hole β ２ Rotation stopper γ １ Support shaft insertion hole (rotating member) γ ２ Stopper contact surface δ １ Support shaft insertion hole (driven member) δ ２ Regulator pin insertion hole δ ３ biasing member mounting hole δ ４biasing member mounting shaft insertion hole

Claims

1. An armrest comprising a fixed member fixed to a seat frame, a rotating member having an armrest portion, a support shaft for supporting the rotating member in a state where it can rotate up and down relative to the fixed member, a regulating pin for restricting the up and down rotation of the rotating member, and a biasing member for biasing the rotating member relative to the fixed member, wherein the armrest portion can be switched between multiple set positions, the fixed member and the rotating member having a U-shaped cross-section with a pair of left and right side walls and a connecting wall connecting them, the fixed member is provided with a support shaft mounting hole for attaching the support shaft and a rotation stopper, the rotating member is provided with an elongated support shaft insertion hole for inserting the support shaft and a stopper contact surface that contacts the rotation stopper when the rotating member is in its lower limit position, and the regulating pin is fixed to either the fixed member or the rotating member. The other member is provided with a pair of regulating pin passages on the left and right sides, and regulating pin locking grooves formed inward or outward in the rotational radius direction from a predetermined position in the regulating pin passage, with the width of the inner part being narrower than the outer diameter of the regulating pin. The rotating member is biased by a biasing member in a direction in which the regulating pin is locked into the regulating pin locking groove. When the rotating member is rotated to a position where the regulating pin overlaps with the regulating pin locking groove at a set position, the regulating pin enters the regulating pin locking groove and locks in a wedge shape, thereby locking the rotating member.

2. The armrest according to claim 1, further comprising a driven member attached to a support shaft in a manner that it can rotate in conjunction with the rotating member, the driven member having an elongated hole for inserting a regulating pin, one end of a biasing member being attached to the driven member and the other end being attached to the rotating member.

3. The armrest according to claim 1, wherein the biasing member is a tension spring or a compression spring.

4. The armrest according to claim 1, wherein the elbow rest portion of the rotating member is made of a separate component from the main body portion of the rotating member.

5. The armrest according to claim 1, wherein one of the pair of inner wall surfaces in the regulating pin locking groove is inclined at an angle that causes slippage under a set load.

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