CHILD SEAT WITH IMPACT SHIELD FOR ATTACHING TO A MOTOR VEHICLE SEAT

Abstract

The invention relates to a child seat for attaching to a motor vehicle seat, comprising an impact shield, wherein the impact shield is prevented from being dismantled from a main body in at least a first configuration and/or in at least a first state of use of the child seat and/or is prevented from being partially or at least fully mounted on a/the main body in at least a second configuration and/or in at least a second state of use of the child seat, and/or wherein possibilities for configuring and/or installing the child seat are dependent on the fastened state of the impact shield.

Claims

1. A child seat for attaching to a motor vehicle seat, comprising: an impact shield, wherein its disassembly from a main body in at least one first configuration or in at least one first state of use of the child seat is prevented or its partial or at least complete mounting on a main body in at least one second configuration or in at least one second state of use of the child seat is prevented or wherein possibilities for configuring or installing the child seat depend on a fastening state of the impact shield.

2. The child seat according to claim 1, wherein disassembly is prevented in all configurations or states of use.

3. The child seat according to claim 1, wherein the first or second configuration comprise(s): an orientation of the child seat relative to a base or a configuration, in particular inclination, of a backrest of the child seat or a configuration, in particular inclination or height adjustment, of a headrest of the child seat, or a configuration, especially height adjustment, of a side bolster of the child seat.

4. The child seat according to claim 1, wherein the first or second state of use comprises: a state with or without a child in the child seat or a state in which a rear side or underside of the child seat is accessible or not accessible or a state in which the child seat is arranged on a base or not on the base or a condition in which the child seat is arranged on a vehicle seat or not on the vehicle seat.

5. The child seat according to claim 1, wherein said impact shield is connectable to the main body at a plurality of points on the main body and is detachable from the main body at each of the plurality of points, wherein the impact shield cannot be released simultaneously at all of the several points at the same time or wherein a locking device is provided at each of the plurality of points comprising an arresting device comprising a latch, or an actuating device (113, 213), e.g. an actuating comprising a button or slider, for locking the assembly of the impact shield at the respective point, wherein the locking devices, in particular their arresting devices or actuating devices, are in operative connection with one another, e.g. mechanically or electrically/electronically, from at least two of the plurality of points, in such a way that unlocking a first of the at least two locking devices is only possible if a second of the at least two locking devices is in a locking state.

6. The child seat according to claim 1, wherein a non-releasable connecting device, e.g. a strap or belt, is provided between the impact shield and the main body, is designed such that it at least does not absorb any substantial forces in the state of use of the impact shield or has no child-retaining function or has at least one or exclusively a retaining function to prevent the child from slipping under the impact shield.

7. The child seat according to claim 1, wherein an actuating device is provided for permitting release of the impact shield, wherein the actuating device is not accessible in an installed state of the child seat or is arranged on a rear side or an underside of the child seat or wherein, if the actuating device permits a release of the impact shield and the child seat is not installed or no child is sitting in the child seat, an installation of the child seat or arrangement of the child in the child seat is prevented or wherein the actuating device permits a complete release of the impact shield only if the child seat, in particular its headrest or side bolsters, is adjusted to a size within a predetermined size range.

8. The child seat according to claim 1, wherein the possibility of complete release of the impact shield or the possibility of mounting of the impact shield is coupled to the size adjustment of the child seat, in particular an adjustment of a headrest or of side bolsters, wherein the impact shield is only releasable when a predetermined minimum size is set.

9. The child seat according to claim 1, wherein the possibility of size adjustment of the child seat, in particular an adjustment of a headrest or of side bolsters, is coupled to a fastening state of the impact shield, in particular a size which is at or above a predetermined minimum size, is adjustable only when the impact shield is at least partially, in particular completely, released or a size which is at or below a predetermined minimum size is possible only when the impact shield is at least partially fastened.

10. The child seat according to claim 1, wherein an orientation of the child seat relative to a base can be changed, wherein the impact shield is not releasable in every possible orientation, further neither in a forward nor in a rearward orientation, or wherein the possibilities for adjusting or changing the orientation depend on a fastening condition of the impact shield or wherein the child seat can be completely released from the base, wherein the impact shield can only be released from the child seat which is removed from the base or the child seat cannot be mounted in the rearward orientation on the base when the impact shield is mounted or the child seat cannot be mounted on the base in the forward direction when the impact shield is not mounted.

11. A system comprising a child seat according to claim 1 and a base.

12. A motor vehicle having a child seat according to claim 1.

13. (canceled)

14. A method for operating a child seat according to claim 1, wherein the child seat is installed on a vehicle seat in in such a way that an actuating device for permitting release of an impact shield is not accessible, or wherein a child is arranged in the child seat in such a way that an actuating device for permitting release of the impact shield is not accessible.

Description

[0059] In the following, the invention is described by means of exemplary embodiments, which are explained in more detail by means of the illustrations, wherein:

[0060] FIG. 1 shows a mechanism according to the invention for fastening an impact shield in a schematic view;

[0061] FIG. 2 shows the mechanism according to FIG. 1 in a further position differing from FIG. 1;

[0062] FIG. 3 shows the mechanism according to FIG. 1 in another position;

[0063] FIG. 4 shows a child seat according to the invention in a diagonal view;

[0064] FIG. 5 shows the child seat according to FIG. 4 in a side view;

[0065] FIG. 6 shows a further embodiment of a child seat according to the invention in inclined view;

[0066] FIG. 7 shows the child seat according to FIG. 6 in a side view;

[0067] FIG. 8 shows a section of another child seat according to the invention in a first configuration;

[0068] FIG. 9 shows the section according to FIG. 8 in a further configuration;

[0069] FIG. 10 shows the section according to FIG. 8 in a further configuration;

[0070] FIG. 11 shows the section according to FIG. 8 in a further configuration;

[0071] FIG. 12 a section of another child seat according to the invention in a first configuration;

[0072] FIG. 13 shows the section according to FIG. 12 in a further configuration;

[0073] FIG. 14 shows the section according to FIG. 12 in a further configuration;

[0074] FIG. 15 shows the section according to FIG. 12 in a further configuration;

[0075] FIG. 16 shows a schematic section of another child seat according to the invention;

[0076] FIG. 17 shows a schematic representation of components of another child seat according to the invention in a first configuration;

[0077] FIG. 18 shows the section according to FIG. 17 in a further configuration;

[0078] FIG. 19 shows an enlarged view of a section of FIG. 18; and

[0079] FIG. 20 shows the section according to FIG. 19 in a different configuration.

[0080] In the following description, the same reference numerals are used for identical and equally effective parts.

[0081] An overall mechanism 10 (see FIGS. 1 to 3) allows an impact shield (not shown in FIG. 1) to be secured against a main body on a first side (point) 100 and a second side (point) 200. On the first side 100 a first locking device (first locking mechanism) 101 is provided with a first arresting device 102 comprising a first locking element 111 having a first pin 110 at one end and a first inclined surface 112 at the opposite end. The first pin 110 is engaged with a first counter-structure 130 of the first arresting device 102 (e.g. recess or opening). The first locking element also has a projection which forms a first actuating device (first release mechanism) 113 and with which the first locking element 111 can be brought out of engagement with the first counter-structure 130 against the force of a first spring 114. The movement of the first locking element 111 (due to the actuation of the first release mechanism 130) is blocked by a first blocking means 120 having a third inclined surface 121 which is (exactly) opposite to the first inclined surface 112 of the first locking element 111 and can cooperate with the latter in order to allow movement of the first blocking means 120 in a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the first locking element 111 and against the force of a third spring 122.

[0082] The second side 200 has an almost identical construction with the (only) difference that no spring (corresponding to the third spring 122) is assigned to a second blocking means 220. Specifically, the second side 200 is assigned a second locking device (second locking mechanism) 201, a second arresting device 202, a second pin 210, a second locking element 211, a second inclined surface 212, a second actuating device (second release mechanism; e.g. button) 213, a second spring 214, a second blocking means 220, and a second counter-structure 230. The devices, means and/or elements listed in the previous sentence are preferably designed like the corresponding devices, means and/or elements on the first side 100.

[0083] Since no spring is associated with the second blocking means 220, the second blocking means 220 is in a release position with respect to the second locking element 211 (while the first blocking means 120 is in a blocking position with respect to the first locking element 111).

[0084] The two blocking means are connected by a first Bowden cable 11 and a second Bowden cable 12 (as examples of corresponding force-transmitting means in general), which are attached to opposite sides of the blocking means 120, 220 in such a way that they transmit a transfer of one (e.g. first) blocking means from its blocking position to its release position to a transfer of the other (e.g. second) blocking means from its release position to its blocking position. Due to the force of the third spring 122, the first blocking means is preferably in its blocking position and the second blocking means in its release position. The Bowden cables 11, 12 can be deflected in a suitable way by rollers 13.

[0085] The overall mechanism 10 can be completely integrated into the main body of the child seat, except for the counter-structures 130, 230. The counter-structures 130, 230 can be part of the impact shield and can be designed as belt tongues, for example. The two release mechanisms 113, 213 can have a memory function (not shown). This means that actuation of the respective release mechanism 113, 213 is maintained (without further external action) until the associated counter-structure 130, 230 is reinserted into it after its removal from a corresponding receptacle (e.g. belt buckle).

[0086] In the position of the overall mechanism 10 shown in FIG. 1, both sides 100, 200 are locked.

[0087] The overall mechanism 10 in FIG. 2 is identical to the one in FIG. 1, but now the second actuating device 213 is actuated in such a way that the second pin 210 of the second locking element 211 is disengaged from the second counter-structure 230 against the force of the second spring 214. Notice must be taken that the second locking element 211 now blocks the movement of the second blocking means 220 from its release position to the blocking position. However, due to the two Bowden cables 11, 12, this also prevents the transfer of the first blocking means 120 from its blocking position to its release position, so that the first release mechanism 113 cannot be actuated.

[0088] In the position of the overall mechanism 10 shown in FIG. 2, the first side 100 is locked and the second side 200 is not locked.

[0089] The overall mechanism 10 in FIG. 3 is identical to that in FIG. 1, except that the first actuating device 113 is now actuated in such a way that the first pin 110 of the first locking element 111 is disengaged from the first counter-structure 130 against the force of the first spring 114. At the same time, the first blocking means 120 was moved from its blocking position to its release position against the force of the third spring 122. Due to the connection of the blocking means 120, 220 by the Bowden cables 11, 12, the second blocking means 220 was also transferred from the release position to the blocking position. Thus, the first locking element 111 now blocks the movement of the first blocking means 120 from its release position into the blocking position and thus also prevents the transfer of the second blocking means 220 from its blocking position back into the release position so that the second release mechanism 113 cannot be actuated.

[0090] In the position of the overall mechanism 10 shown in FIG. 3, the first side 100 is not locked and the second side 200 is locked.

[0091] FIGS. 4 and 5 show a child seat 50 with a main body 51 and an impact shield 52, wherein the impact shield 52 has a transverse section 56 and a first (left) side section 57 and a second (right) side section 58. The impact shield 52 further accommodates a fastening belt 53 which is guided along the transverse section 56 and has a belt tongue 54 on each of the first and second side sections 57, 58 of the impact shield, which can be engaged with an associated belt buckle 55 on the sides of the main body 51. The belt tongues may include the counter-structures 130, 230.

[0092] With the seat according to FIGS. 4 and 5, it may be possible to release the impact shield in an entry and exit position and/or rotate it (compared to a base 60) to the front or back. Furthermore, a backrest 61 or the entire seat may be adjustable with regard to its inclination.

[0093] FIGS. 6 and 7 show a child seat 50 with a main body 51 and an impact shield 52 according to another embodiment. The impact shield 52 has a transverse section 56 and a first (left) side section 57 and a second (right) side section 58. The fastening of the impact shield 52 is not explicitly shown (it can be attached by means of a vehicle belt). The main body 51 includes a height-adjustable headrest 59.

[0094] With the seat according to FIGS. 6 and 7, the impact shield may be detachable depending on the headrest position. Even if the specific seat can optionally only be used in forward direction, a coupling of the orientation to the fastening of the impact shield is also conceivable.

[0095] FIGS. 8 to 11 show schematic sections of a child seat according to the invention in various configurations. The solid lines indicate a headrest 59 and the dashed lines indicate a backrest 61 of the child seat. Headrest 59 and backrest 61 can be moved (in a sliding manner) against each other. The backrest 61 has two slots 62, each of which is composed of two (slightly) offset straight sections 63, 64 and a connecting section 65 (extending essentially perpendicularly to the straight sections 63, 64, in particular at least essentially horizontally). The headrest 59 has two pins 66, which can move in a respectively assigned slot 62 or are guided in this slot. Pin 66 can assume (at least) two positions with respect to a direction perpendicular to the straight sections 63, 64 or perpendicular to an axis of symmetry of the headrest 59 (a first position is shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 and a second position is shown in FIGS. 10 and 11).

[0096] FIGS. 8 to 11 show that pin 66 can only be transferred from one position to the other in the area of connecting section 65.

[0097] The transfer of pin 66 can be controlled either directly by (completely) loosening/removing or (at least partial, possibly complete) mounting the impact shield (not shown in FIGS. 8 to 11). Alternatively or additionally, it can be controlled indirectly by a (particularly concealed, possibly openly accessible) mechanism, e.g. a button and/or switch and/or slider. A concrete possibility for controlling pin 66 can be a linkage.

[0098] FIG. 8 shows the headrest 59 in its highest position. For this purpose, the respective pin 66 must be on the outside (shifted outward with respect to an axis of symmetry of the headrest), wherein a transfer of the respective pin to another position is not possible. In FIG. 9, the headrest 59 is in a middle position, wherein the respective pin 66 is (still) on the outside, but can be transferred to the inside. FIG. 10 shows the headrest in a middle position according to FIG. 9, wherein the respective pin 66 (now) is located inside (i.e. closer to the axis of symmetry of the headrest, but (still) can be moved outside (away from the axis of symmetry). In FIG. 11, the headrest is in its lowest position. For this purpose, the respective pin 66 must be comparatively far inside (shifted in the direction of the axis of symmetry), wherein it is not possible to transfer pin 66 to the position further outside (according to FIG. 8 or 9).

[0099] There may also be other, lockable headrest positions between the shown positions of headrest 59. Preferably, the headrest can be locked in the positions shown, but this is not mandatory.

[0100] So, depending on the embodiment, a transfer of the respective phi into different positions is either possible or not possible. If the transfer of the pin is coupled with a (complete) release and/or (at least partial) mounting of the impact shield, this means that a (complete) release and/or (at least partial) mounting of the impact shield is only possible if the pin can be transferred to the respective other position.

[0101] A control via the positioning of side bolsters can be done analogous to the control via the height of the headrest 59. A control over the height of the side bolsters can be carried out by (at least essentially) vertical slots. A control over a width can be carried out by (at least essentially) horizontal slots. A control over a height and width of the side bolsters can be realized by diagonal slots.

[0102] FIGS. 12 to 15 show a further embodiment of a child seat according to the invention in four different configurations. In solid lines, an underside 67 of a child seat is shown, and in dashed lines, an upper side 68 of a corresponding base 60. Child seat 50 and base 60 can be rotated against each other (without the child seat 50 necessarily having to be removed from base 60; the child seat can therefore preferably be rotated on base 60). The base 60 has a slot 69, which is composed of two semicircles that are offset against each other or have different radii. The two semicircles are connected to each other (at two connecting sections). The child seat 50 has a pin 70, which can move in the slot 69 or is guided in it and can basically take up two different positions with respect to the distance to a center of the semicircles or to an axis of rotation.

[0103] FIGS. 12 to 15 show that pin 70 can only be transferred from one position to the other at the two points where slot 69 changes its radius (or where the smaller semicircle ends and the larger semicircle begins). These positions correspond to entry or exit positions that are rotated 90° to possible usage positions (in the direction of travel or against the direction of travel). FIGS. 12 and 15 show the two preferred usage positions (forward or backward orientation).

[0104] FIGS. 13 and 14 show 90° positions, where the pin is set once to the larger semicircle and once to the smaller semicircle (radius). A transfer of the pin 77 can be controlled either directly by (complete) release/disassembly or (at least partial) mounting of the impact shield. Alternatively, it can be controlled indirectly by a (concealed or openly accessible) mechanism, for example a button or switch or slider. An option to control pin 70 can be a linkage.

[0105] FIG. 16 shows a further embodiment of a child seat according to the invention in sections and schematically, wherein an underside 67 of the child seat 50 is shown in solid lines and an upper side 68 of the base 60 is shown in dashed lines, wherein the child seat 50 can be removed from the base 60 and replaced again rotated by 180° (forward or backward orientation).

[0106] The base 60 has two recesses 71 in such a way that an asymmetry results with respect to the direction of travel. The child seat 50 has two protruding elements 72 on its underside 67, which can be accommodated by the respective recess 71—assuming a suitable orientation—when the child seat 50 is mounted on the base 60. The (respective) projecting element 72 can be moved in such a way that in a first position it allows the child seat 50 to be mounted on the base 60 in a forward direction and in a second position it allows the child seat 50 to be mounted on the base 60 in a rearward direction. A transfer can preferably be translatory (alternatively or additionally rotationally, for example by means of a pivot such as a toggle switch). A transfer of the (respective) protruding element 72 can be controlled either directly by (complete) release/disassembly or (at least partial) mounting of the impact shield; or control can be carried out indirectly by a (concealed or openly accessible) mechanism, for example a button or switch or slider. A suitable option for controlling the (respective) protruding element 72 can be a linkage.

[0107] An interaction with the solution shown in FIGS. 1-3 can be, for example, such that by changing an orientation or configuration (at least) one of the deflection rollers 13 is shifted or displaced so that the Bowden cables have to cover less distance and both sides of the impact shield can be released simultaneously.

[0108] Alternatively, the pin and slot or depression and projection element may be reversed in the respective examples. Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable that the depression (recess) can be moved instead of the projecting element.

[0109] FIGS. 17 to 20 show a highly schematic and sectional view of a child seat comprising a main body 51 and an impact shield 52, wherein the impact shield 52 has (at least) one fastening belt 53 with two belt tongues 54 which interact with one belt buckle 55 (each) on the main body 51. In particular, between the two belt buckles 55 there is a coupling device 74 or clamp (specifically designed as a rod), which can assume two positions. In a first position, one (in FIG. 17, left) belt tongue 54 is in operative connection (cooperation, in particular engagement) with the corresponding belt buckle 55. In a second position, the other belt tongue 54 (in FIG. 17, right belt tongue) is in operative connection (cooperation, in particular engagement) with the corresponding belt buckle 55. The belt tongues 54 can each have a recess (hole). Changing the coupling device 74 (clamp) from the first to the second position (or back) is (only) possible if both belt tongues 54 are in operative connection (cooperation, especially engagement) with the respective belt buckles 55. The child seat is equipped with a (manually operated) mechanism, e.g. a switch or button or slider, wherein a rotary switch (as in FIG. 17) may be provided.

[0110] In addition, each belt buckle 55 can have a release mechanism that allows the belt tongue 54 and belt buckle 55 to be released from each other. The release mechanism can be a push button (or other manually operated device), which may be colored red. To prevent the user from perceiving the red signal color on the locked side as a request to unlock (although unlocking may optionally be prevented anyway), a cover for the release mechanism of the locked side may be provided, which can be put on (manually) or automatically when the rotary switch is turned. In the case of an automatic cover, the release mechanism (release button or push button) on the opposite side can optionally be made accessible again at the same time (also optionally automatically).

[0111] In FIGS. 19 and 20 it is further shown that each belt buckle 55 has a locking device 75 (locking element) which uses a penetration of the corresponding end of the coupling device 74 into a receiving space of the belt buckle 55 (to cooperate with the recess/hole of the belt tongue 54), so that there is no belt tongue 54 in the belt buckle 55. Optionally, this locking device 75 can be moved away (e.g. shifted or rotated) by penetrating the belt tongue 54 into the receiving space of the belt buckle 55, so that a path for the end of the coupling device 74 becomes free. The locking device 75 may be spring-loaded and/or return to the locked position when the belt tongue 54 is removed from the belt buckle 55.

[0112] At this point it should be noted that all of the above described parts are considered to be essential to the invention when viewed on their own and in any combination, especially the details shown in the drawings. Modifications of this are familiar to the person skilled in the art.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0113] 10 Overall mechanism [0114] 11 First Bowden cable [0115] 12 Second Bowden cable [0116] 13 Deflection roller [0117] 50 Child seat [0118] 51 Main body [0119] 52 Impact shield [0120] 53 Fastening belt [0121] 54 Belt tongue [0122] 55 Belt buckle [0123] 56 Transverse section [0124] 57 First side section [0125] 58 Second side section [0126] 59 Headrest [0127] 60 Base [0128] 61 Backrest [0129] 62 Slot [0130] 63 Straight section [0131] 64 Straight section [0132] 65 Connecting section [0133] 66 Pin [0134] 67 Underside [0135] 68 Upper side [0136] 69 Slot [0137] 70 Pin [0138] 71 Recess [0139] 72 Protruding element [0140] 74 Coupling device [0141] 75 Locking device [0142] 100 First side [0143] 101 First locking device [0144] 102 First arresting device [0145] 110 First pin [0146] 111 First locking element [0147] 112 First inclined surface [0148] 113 First actuating device [0149] 114 First spring [0150] 120 First blocking means [0151] 121 Third inclined surface [0152] 122 Third spring [0153] 130 First counter-structure [0154] 200 Second side [0155] 201 Second locking device [0156] 202 Second arresting device [0157] 210 Second pin [0158] 211 Second locking element [0159] 212 Second inclined surface [0160] 213 Second actuating device [0161] 214 Second spring [0162] 220 Second blocking means [0163] 221 Fourth inclined surface [0164] 230 Second counter-structure