ARMREST ASSEMBLY AND VEHICLE HAVING SAME

The disclosure relates to an armrest assembly and a vehicle having the armrest assembly. The armrest assembly is configured to be capable of holding a cup. The armrest assembly includes: an armrest body, wherein a cavity and an opening communicating with the cavity are arranged in the armrest body; a headrest, wherein the headrest is rotatably fixed to an end portion of the armrest body close to the opening, and a cup receptacle capable of receiving the cup is arranged on the back of the headrest; and a cup holder mechanism, wherein the cup holder mechanism has a cup holder arranged in the cavity, and the cup holder is ejectable from the opening to hold the cup. With the armrest assembly in the vehicle of the disclosure, the depth at which the cup is held can be increased, the holding effect can be improved, and the comfort and safety of the headrest can be ensured.

This application claims the benefit of China Patent application No. 202210600737.1 filed May 30, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosure relates to the technical field of vehicles, and in particular to an armrest assembly and a vehicle having the armrest assembly.

BACKGROUND

A vehicle in the prior art is usually equipped with a foldable armrest in the middle area of rear seats, allowing users to fold and unfold the armrest according to actual needs. When the armrest is folded, the space of the rear seats can be fully utilized. When the armrest is unfolded, the user can use the armrest to support their elbow conveniently, improving the user experience. Typically, a headrest is also provided at the top of the armrest to ensure the comfort and safety of the user.

To enhance the functionality of the armrest, an armrest with a cup holder function has been developed in the prior art. For example, the Chinese utility model patent CN 210258134 U discloses a rear center armrest-headrest structure with a cup holder. The rear center armrest-headrest structure includes a headrest and a cup holder assembly, and the cup holder assembly is arranged in the headrest in a concealable manner. The cup holder assembly can be unlocked from the headrest by an unlocking button, and then the user pulls the cup holder assembly out of the headrest by grasping a cup holder front plate. When the cup holder assembly is pulled out, a cup tray and a cup holder panel arranged on the cup assembly cooperate with each other to hold and limit a cup. However, the cup holder assembly in this rear center armrest-headrest mechanism is arranged inside the headrest, resulting in a limited depth at which the cup holder assembly can hold the cup and a poor holding effect. In addition, since the cup holder assembly occupies a part of the internal space of the headrest, the space originally used for arranging headrest components to ensure the comfort and safety is squeezed, resulting in a corresponding reduction in the comfort and safety of the headrest.

Therefore, there is a need for a novel technical solution to solve the problem described above.

BRIEF SUMMARY

In order to improve or, to some extent, solve the technical problems that, in the prior art, armrest assemblies have poor effect in holding a cup and headrests are poor in comfort and safety, the disclosure provides an armrest assembly. The armrest assembly is configured to be capable of holding a cup. The armrest assembly includes: an armrest body, wherein a cavity and an opening communicating with the cavity are arranged in the armrest body; a headrest, wherein the headrest is rotatably fixed to an end portion of the armrest body close to the opening, and a cup receptacle capable of receiving the cup is arranged on the back of the headrest; and a cup holder mechanism, wherein the cup holder mechanism has a cup holder arranged in the cavity, and the cup holder is ejectable from the opening to hold the cup.

The armrest assembly of the disclosure includes the armrest body, the headrest, and the cup holder mechanism. The cavity and the opening communicating with the cavity are arranged in the armrest body. The headrest is rotatably fixed to the end portion of the armrest body close to the opening so that the angle of the headrest can be adjusted according to actual needs to meet design requirements for storage and placement. Since the cup receptacle capable of receiving the cup is arranged on the back of the headrest, the headrest can be used to hold the cup conveniently, enhancing the functionality of the headrest. Moreover, when the headrest is idle, the cup receptacle may be covered with the headrest and prevented from being exposed to affect the appearance. The cup holder mechanism has a cup holder arranged in the cavity, and the cup holder is configured to be ejectable from the opening to hold the cup. With the above arrangement, the cup receptacle for receiving the cup and the cup holder mechanism for holding the cup are arranged on two components, i.e., the headrest and the armrest body, respectively. In one aspect, it is convenient to increase the depth at which the cup is held and ensure the holding effect by setting the relative position of the cup receptacle and the cup holder mechanism; and in another aspect, excessive occupation of the internal space of the headrest can also be avoided to ensure the comfort and safety of the headrest.

In a preferred technical solution of the armrest assembly described above, the headrest includes: a housing; and an insertion bar mechanism, wherein the insertion bar mechanism includes a cross bar extending in a width direction of the housing and fixed in the housing, and a first insertion bar and a second insertion bar extending in parallel into the cavity from two ends of the cross bar, respectively, and the cross bar is configured to be rotatable relative to the first insertion bar and the second insertion bar, enabling the headrest to rotate up to a predetermined angle relative to the armrest body. The cross bar is fixed in the housing of the headrest and rotatable relative to the first insertion bar and the second insertion bar so that the cross bar can be fixed to the armrest body and can also be rotated conveniently relative to the armrest body. In addition, by the cooperation between the first insertion bar and the second insertion bar, the height of the headrest on the armrest can also be adjusted to meet individual needs of users.

In a preferred technical solution of the armrest assembly described above, the headrest further includes an unlocking mechanism, the unlocking mechanism including: a first ratchet and a second ratchet, the first ratchet being fitted over the cross bar, and the second ratchet being rotatably fixed in the housing, wherein the headrest is locked when the second ratchet abuts against the first ratchet, and the headrest is unlocked when the second ratchet is disengaged from the first ratchet. The cooperation between the first ratchet and the second ratchet can facilitate locking and unlocking of the headrest.

In a preferred technical solution of the armrest assembly described above, the unlocking mechanism further includes: a fixed bracket fixed in the housing and provided with a through hole allowing the unlocking lever to pass through, wherein the second ratchet and the transmission member are both rotatably fixed to the fixed bracket. With the arrangement of the fixed bracket, the components such as the unlocking lever, the transmission member and the second ratchet achieve a stable and effective cooperation to improve the structure stability.

In a preferred technical solution of the armrest assembly described above, the transmission member has a force receiving end cooperating with the unlocking lever and a force applying end spaced apart from the force receiving end, and when the force receiving end receives an acting force from the unlocking lever, the force applying end is enabled to abut against the second ratchet such that the second ratchet is disengaged from the first ratchet. With the above arrangement, an external force applied to the unlocking button can be conveniently transferred to the second ratchet, achieving the cooperation between the second ratchet and the first ratchet.

In a preferred technical solution of the armrest assembly described above, the predetermined angle ranges from 50° to 60°. With the above arrangement, the predetermined angle has an appropriate range to meet industrial design requirements for storage and placement.

In a preferred technical solution of the armrest assembly described above, the cup holder mechanism further includes a cover plate and a bottom plate opposite each other and fixed in the cavity, and the cover plate and the bottom plate together enclose an inner cavity allowing the cup holder to slide therein. With the above arrangement, the cup holder is allowed to conveniently slide in the inner cavity that is enclosed by the cover plate and the bottom plate, thereby switching between an idle state and a working state.

In a preferred technical solution of the armrest assembly described above, the cup holder includes: a holder body, wherein a U-shaped recess capable of accommodating the cup and having an outward opening is arranged on each of two sides of the holder body; and fingers, wherein each finger cooperates with the corresponding U-shaped recess to define an accommodating space to accommodate the cup, and the finger abuts against the cup to apply a predetermined pressure to the cup when the cup is placed in the accommodating space. The U-shaped recess, arranged on the holder body and having an outward opening, can accommodate the cup conveniently. In addition, the finger can be arranged to prevent the cup from escaping from the U-shaped recess, improving the holding stability.

In a preferred technical solution of the armrest assembly described above, a guide rod extending vertically downward is formed at a lower part of each finger, and a guide slot cooperating with the guide rod is provided in the bottom plate. By the cooperation between the guide rod and the guide slot, the relative position of the finger can be ensured when the entire cup holder slides in the inner cavity, preventing a misalignment of the finger during sliding.

In a preferred technical solution of the armrest assembly described above, a limiting post extending vertically upward is formed on an upper surface of the holder body; a limiting member is arranged on the cover plate, and a limiting protrusion and a release recess surrounding the limiting protrusion are formed on the limiting member, wherein the limiting protrusion can abut against the limiting post to restrict the cup holder within the inner cavity, and the limiting post can slide along the release recess and be disengaged from the limiting protrusion to unlock the cup holder. By the cooperation between the limiting post and the limiting protrusion, the cup holder can be conveniently restricted within the inner cavity. Further, by the cooperation between the limiting post and the release recess, the cup holder can be unlocked conveniently.

In a preferred technical solution of the armrest assembly described above, a slider extending in a sliding direction of the holder body is arranged on a lower surface of the holder body, and a sliding slot capable of receiving the slider is arranged on the bottom plate. The above arrangement enables the holder body to slide more stably.

In a preferred technical solution of the armrest assembly described above, a plurality of guide rails spaced apart from each other in a direction perpendicular to the sliding direction are further arranged on the lower surface of the holder body, and guide protrusions cooperating with the corresponding guide rails are arranged on the bottom plate. The above arrangement enables further improvement of the stability of the holder body in sliding.

In a preferred technical solution of the armrest assembly described above, a buffer gear is further arranged on the lower surface of the holder body, and a buffer rack capable of cooperating with the buffer gear is arranged on the bottom plate. The cooperation between the buffer gear and the buffer rack may make the sliding process of the holder body smoother to improve user experience.

In a preferred technical solution of the armrest assembly described above, a plurality of rollers spaced apart from each other and rotatably fixed to the holder body are arranged on the side of the holder body away from the opening, and the cup holder mechanism further includes force applying coil springs, the force applying coil springs each having a first end fixed to the roller and a second end fixed to the bottom plate and close to the opening. After being unlocked from the inner cavity, the cup holder can be automatically ejected with a spring force of the force applying coil springs, without being pulled by the user, so that the user experience is improved.

In order to improve or, to some extent, solve the technical problems that, in the prior art, armrest assemblies have poor effect in holding a cup and headrests are poor in comfort and safety, the disclosure provides a vehicle. The vehicle includes an armrest assembly according to any one of the above technical solutions. With the armrest assembly in the vehicle of the disclosure, the depth at which the cup is held can be increased, the holding effect can be ensured, and the comfort and safety of the headrest can be ensured.

Solution 1:1. An armrest assembly, characterized in that the armrest assembly is configured to be capable of holding a cup, the armrest assembly including:an armrest body, wherein a cavity and an opening communicating with the cavity are arranged in the armrest body;a headrest, wherein the headrest is rotatably fixed to an end portion of the armrest body close to the opening, and a cup receptacle capable of receiving the cup is arranged on the back of the headrest; anda cup holder mechanism, wherein the cup holder mechanism has a cup holder arranged in the cavity, and the cup holder is ejectable from the opening to hold the cup.

Solution 2:2. The armrest assembly according to solution 1, characterized in that the headrest includes:a housing; andan insertion bar mechanism, wherein the insertion bar mechanism includes a cross bar extending in a width direction of the housing and fixed in the housing, and a first insertion bar and a second insertion bar extending in parallel into the cavity from two ends of the cross bar, respectively, andthe cross bar is configured to be rotatable relative to the first insertion bar and the second insertion bar, enabling the headrest to rotate up to a predetermined angle relative to the armrest body.

Solution 3:3. The armrest assembly according to solution 2, characterized in that the headrest further includes an unlocking mechanism, the unlocking mechanism including:a first ratchet and a second ratchet, the first ratchet being fitted over the cross bar, and the second ratchet being rotatably fixed in the housing,wherein the headrest is locked when the second ratchet abuts against the first ratchet, and the headrest is unlocked when the second ratchet is disengaged from the first ratchet.

Solution 4:4. The armrest assembly according to solution3, characterized in that the unlocking mechanism further includes:an unlocking button, fixed to the housing in a retractable manner and having an unlocking lever extending in the width direction; anda transmission member, rotatably fixed in the housing and configured to be capable of driving the second ratchet to rotate when driven by the unlocking lever.

Solution 5:5. The armrest assembly according to solution 4, characterized in that the unlocking mechanism further includes:a fixed bracket fixed in the housing and provided with a through hole allowing the unlocking lever to pass through, wherein the second ratchet and the transmission member are both rotatably fixed to the fixed bracket.

Solution 6:6. The armrest assembly according to solution 4 or 5, characterized in that the transmission member has a force receiving end cooperating with the unlocking lever and a force applying end spaced apart from the force receiving end, and when the force receiving end receives an acting force applied from the unlocking lever, the force applying end is enabled to abut against the second ratchet such that the second ratchet is disengaged from the first ratchet.

Solution 7:7. The armrest assembly according to solution 2, characterized in that the predetermined angle ranges from 50° to 60°.

Solution 8:8. The armrest assembly according to solution 1, characterized in that the cup holder mechanism further includes a cover plate and a bottom plate opposite each other and fixed in the cavity, and the cover plate and the bottom plate together enclose an inner cavity allowing the cup holder to slide therein.

Solution 9:9. The armrest assembly according to solution 8, characterized in that the cup holder includes: a holder body, wherein a U-shaped recess capable of accommodating the cup and having an outward opening is arranged on each of two sides of the holder body; and fingers, wherein each finger cooperates with the corresponding U-shaped recess to define an accommodating space to accommodate the cup, and the finger abuts against the cup to apply a predetermined pressure to the cup when the cup is placed in the accommodating space.

Solution 10:10. The armrest assembly according to solution 9, characterized in that a guide rod extending vertically downward is formed at a lower part of each finger, and a guide slot cooperating with the guide rod is provided in the bottom plate.

Solution 11:11. The armrest assembly according to solution 8, characterized in that a limiting post vertically extending upward is formed on an upper surface of the holder body;a limiting member is arranged on the cover plate, and a limiting protrusion and a release recess surrounding the limiting protrusion are formed on the limiting member, wherein the limiting protrusion can abut against the limiting post to restrict the cup holder within the inner cavity, and the limiting post can slide along the release recess and be disengaged from the limiting protrusion to unlock the cup holder.

Solution 12:12. The armrest assembly according to solution 8, characterized in that a slider extending in a sliding direction of the holder body is arranged on a lower surface of the holder body, and a sliding slot capable of receiving the slider is arranged on the bottom plate.

Solution 13:13. The armrest assembly according to solution 8, characterized in that a plurality of guide rails spaced apart from each other in a direction perpendicular to the sliding direction are further arranged on the lower surface of the holder body, and guide protrusions cooperating with the corresponding guide rails are arranged on the bottom plate.

Solution 14:14. The armrest assembly according to solution 8, characterized in that a buffer gear is further arranged on the lower surface of the holder body, and a buffer rack capable of cooperating with the buffer gear is arranged on the bottom plate.

Solution 15:15. The armrest assembly according to any one of solutions 8 to 14, characterized in that a plurality of rollers spaced apart from each other and rotatably fixed to the holder body are arranged on the side of the holder body away from the opening, and the cup holder mechanism further includes force applying coil springs, the force applying coil springs each having a first end fixed to the roller and a second end fixed to the bottom plate and close to the opening.

Solution 16:16. A vehicle, characterized in that the vehicle includes an armrest assembly according to any one of solutions 1 to 15.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Preferred implementations of the disclosure are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art should understand that these implementations are only used to explain the technical principles of the disclosure, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the disclosure.

It should be noted that, in the description of the disclosure, the terms that indicate the direction or positional relationship, such as “upper”, “lower”, “left”, “right”, “inner”, and “outer”, are based on the direction or positional relationship shown in the figures, which is merely for ease of description instead of indicating or implying that the apparatus or element must have a particular orientation and be constructed and operated in a particular orientation, and therefore, should not be construed as limiting the disclosure. In addition, the terms “first” and “second” are used for descriptive purposes only, and cannot be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

In addition, it should also be noted that, in the description of the disclosure, the terms “mount”, “provide” and “connect” should be interpreted in a broad sense unless explicitly defined and limited otherwise, which, for example, may mean a fixed connection, a detachable connection or an integral connection; and may be a direct connection, an indirect connection by means of an intermediary, or internal communication between two elements. For those skilled in the art, the specific meanings of the foregoing terms in the disclosure can be interpreted according to a specific situation.

In order to improve or, to some extent, solve the technical problems that, in the prior art, armrest assemblies have poor effect in holding a cup and headrests are poor in comfort and safety, the disclosure provides an armrest assembly100. The armrest assembly100is configured to be capable of holding a cup200. The armrest assembly includes: an armrest body10, wherein a cavity12and an opening13communicating with the cavity12are arranged in the armrest body10; a headrest20, wherein the headrest20is rotatably fixed to an end portion of the armrest body10close to the opening13, and a cup receptacle2121capable of receiving the cup200is arranged on the back212of the headrest20; and a cup holder mechanism30, wherein the cup holder mechanism30has a cup holder34arranged in the cavity12, and the cup holder34is ejectable from the opening13to hold the cup200.

FIG.1is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an armrest assembly in an idle state according to the disclosure;FIG.2is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the armrest assembly in a working state according to the disclosure; andFIG.3is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the armrest assembly holding cups according to the disclosure. As shown inFIGS.1to3, in one or more embodiments, the armrest assembly100of the disclosure includes components such as an armrest body10, a headrest20, and a cup holder mechanism30. The armrest body10is suitable to be rotatably fixed in the middle area of rear seats (not shown in the figure) of a vehicle (not shown in the figure). The armrest body10has an armrest shell11. The armrest shell11has a fixed end111and a movable end112opposite each other. The fixed end111is rotatably fixed to the rear seats and the movable end112is enabled to rotate about the fixed end111by a predetermined angle so that the armrest body10can switch between an “idle position” abutting against the rear seats and a “working position” away from the rear seats. In one or more embodiments, the predetermined angle is 108°. Alternatively, the predetermined angle may be set to other proper angles greater than or less than 108°. The cavity12is formed inside the armrest shell11and close to the movable end112to facilitate the arrangement of the cup holder mechanism30. The movable end112is further provided with the opening13communicating with the cavity12to enable the cup holder34of the cup holder mechanism30to be ejected from the opening13to hold the cup200.

As shown inFIGS.1to3, in one or more embodiments, the headrest20is rotatably fixed to the movable end112of the armrest body10. The headrest20has a housing21. The housing21is formed with components such as a face cover, foam and a plastic skeleton, to ensure the comfort and safety of the headrest20. In an assembled state, the housing21has a front211facing away from the rear seats and a back212facing toward the rear seats. A cup receptacle2121extending vertically inward is formed on the back212. When the armrest body10is in the idle position, the back212of the housing21abuts against the rear seats, so that the cup receptacle2121is effectively covered and prevented from being exposed to affect the appearance. When the armrest body10is in the working position, by adjusting the angle of the headrest20, the back212of the housing21may substantially face toward the top of the vehicle, so that the cup200can be substantially placed in the cup receptacle2121horizontally, achieving the function of placement. In one or more embodiments, a non-slip pad (not identified in the figures) is also arranged at the bottom of the cup receptacle2121to increase a friction force between the cup200and the cup receptacle2121.

FIG.4is a schematic diagram of an internal structure of an embodiment of a headrest in the armrest assembly according to the disclosure. As shown inFIG.4, in one or more embodiments, the headrest20has an insertion bar mechanism22. The insertion bar mechanism22includes a cross bar221, a first insertion bar222, and a second insertion bar223. The cross bar221is fixed inside the housing21and extends substantially in a width direction of the housing21(based on the orientation shown inFIG.4, i.e., a left-to-right direction). In one or more embodiments, the cross bar221is a hollow tube having a circular cross section. The cross bar221may be made of resin (e.g., ABS and PP), metal (e.g., stainless steel and aluminum alloy), or other suitable material. The first insertion bar222and the second insertion bar223are arranged at the two ends of the cross bar221, respectively, and extend into the cavity12of the armrest body10, so that a fixed connection is formed between the headrest and the armrest body10. The first insertion bar222and the second insertion bar223may be made of a suitable metal material such as stainless steel and aluminum alloy, to ensure their mechanical strength. In one or more embodiments, the height of the first insertion bar222and the second insertion bar223within the armrest body is adjustable, allowing a user to adjust the height of the headrest20according to actual needs so as to meet the individualized needs. In addition, the cross bar221is configured to be rotatable relative to the first insertion bar222and the second insertion bar223, enabling rotation of the headrest20up to a predetermined angle relative to the armrest body10. In one or more embodiments, the predetermined angle ranges from 50° to 60°, so that the predetermined angle has an appropriate range to meet industrial design requirements for storage and placement.

FIG.5is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an unlocking structure in the armrest assembly according to the disclosure;FIG.6is a first schematic diagram of an embodiment of the unlocking structure in the armrest assembly according to the disclosure with a fixed bracket removed; andFIG.7is a second schematic diagram of an embodiment of the unlocking structure in the armrest assembly according to the disclosure with the fixed bracket removed. As shown inFIGS.4to7, in one or more embodiments, the headrest20includes an unlocking structure23. The unlocking structure23includes components such as an unlocking button231, a fixed bracket232, a transmission member233, a first ratchet234, and a second ratchet235. Alternatively, the unlocking structure23may also be of other suitable structure.

With continued reference toFIGS.4to7, the unlocking button231is fixed to the housing21of the headrest20in a retractable manner. In one or more embodiments, the unlocking button231is located on the left side of the housing21. Alternatively, the unlocking button231may also be arranged on the right side of the housing21. The unlocking button231includes a pressing end2311, an unlocking lever2312formed at the pressing end2311, and a button reset spring2313fitted over the unlocking lever2312. The unlocking lever2312extends from the inner side of the pressing end2311toward the inside of the housing21, and has an extension direction substantially in parallel to the width direction of the housing21. When the user presses the pressing end2311, the unlocking lever2312is driven to move toward the inside of the housing21, and then applies a force to the transmission member233of the unlocking mechanism23. When an external force applied to the pressed end2311is withdrawn, the unlocking button231can spring back and reset under the action of the button reset spring2313.

With continued reference toFIGS.4and5, the fixed bracket232is fixed in the housing21, and the transmission member233the second ratchet235are fixed to the fixed bracket232at an interval, making the structure of whole unlocking mechanism23more compact. The fixed bracket232may be made of any proper material such as stainless steel and aluminum alloy, so that the fixed bracket has a good mechanical strength. The fixed bracket232is provided with a through hole2321allowing the unlocking lever2312to pass through, so as to cooperate with the transmission member233. The fixed bracket232is further provided with a via hole2322spaced apart from the through hole2321, such that the cross bar221is allowed to pass through the fixed bracket232through the via hole2322.

With continued reference toFIGS.4to7, the transmission member233is rotatably fixed to the fixed bracket232. The transmission member233may be made of a suitable metal material such as stainless steel and aluminum alloy, so that the transmission member has a good mechanical strength. Based on the orientation shown inFIG.4, the transmission member233has a force receiving end2331extending substantially in a vertical direction and perpendicular to the width direction of the housing21, so that the unlocking lever2312can abut against the force receiving end2331conveniently. The transmission member233also has a force applying end2332extending downwardly from the body of the transmission member233to apply an external force to the second ratchet235. In one or more embodiments, the transmission member233is further provided with a limiting end2333that is spaced apart from the force receiving end2331and the force applying end2332. The limiting end2333is configured to be enabled to abut against the fixed bracket232to define an initial position of the transmission member233. In one or more embodiments, a protective sleeve236is fitted over each of the force applying end2332and the limiting end2333so that a flexible connection is formed between the transmission member233and the fixed bracket232and between the transmission member233and the second ratchet235, respectively. The protective sleeve236may be made of a suitable material such as rubber and plastic. In addition, the transmission member233has a transmission member rotating shaft2334fixed to the fixed bracket232and extending substantially in a direction perpendicular to the back212of the housing21. When an external force from the unlocking lever2312is applied to the force receiving end2331, the transmission member233rotates counterclockwise (based on the orientation described inFIG.4) about the rotating shaft2334under the lever action. In this process, the force applying end2332moves downward and then applies an external force to the second ratchet235. When the external force from the unlocking lever2312is withdrawn, the transmission member233is configured to be capable of rotating clockwise about the rotating shaft2334under its own gravity (based on the orientation shown inFIG.4) and abutting against the fixed bracket232(i.e., returning to the initial position), achieving resetting of the transmission member233.

With continued reference toFIGS.4to7, the first ratchet234is fitted over the cross bar221and forms a fixed connection with the cross bar221. The first ratchet234may be made of a suitable metal material such as stainless steel, so that the first ratchet has e a good mechanical strength. A substantially curved first abutting face2341is formed on the top of the first ratchet234to match a second abutting face2352on the second ratchet235. Specifically, when the first abutting face2341abuts against the second abutting face2352, the first ratchet234and the second ratchet235are locked to each other and the cross bar221cannot rotate. When the second abutting face2352is disengaged from the first abutting face2341, the first ratchet234and the second ratchet235are unlocked from each other and the cross bar221can rotate relative to the first insertion bar222and the second insertion bar223. The first ratchet234further has a first limiting end2342and a second limiting end2343spaced apart from each other. Herein, the first limiting end2342and the second limiting end2343may abut against corresponding positions of the fixed bracket232, respectively, to define an initial position and a rotation position of the first ratchet234. In one or more embodiments, a protective sleeve236is fitted over the corresponding position of the fixed bracket232abutting against each of the first limiting end2342and the second limiting end2343, so that a flexible connection is formed between the fixed bracket232and the first limiting end2342and the second limiting end2343to prevent damage to the components during rotation of the first ratchet234.

With continued reference toFIGS.4to7, the second ratchet235is rotatably fixed in the fixed bracket232. The second ratchet235may be made of a suitable metal material, such as stainless steel, so that the second ratchet has a good mechanical strength. The second ratchet235has a force receiving face2351opposite the force applying end2332of the transmission member233, so that the force applying end2332can apply an external force to the second ratchet235conveniently. A substantially curved second abutting face2352is also formed on the bottom of the second ratchet235to match the first abutting face2341on the first ratchet234. The second ratchet235has a second ratchet rotating shaft2353fixed to the fixed bracket232and extending substantially in the width direction of the housing21. With the above arrangement, when an acting force from the unlocking lever2312is applied to the transmission member233, the force applying end2332of the transmission member233applies a corresponding acting force to the force applying face2351of the second ratchet235, causing the second ratchet235to rotate about the second ratchet rotating shaft2353. In this process, the second abutting face2352and the first abutting face2341that abut against each other are disengaged from each other and gradually move away from each other, achieving unlocking between the first ratchet234and the second ratchet235.

With continued reference toFIGS.5to7, a cross bar reset spring237is also fitted over the cross bar221. The reset spring237has a first end2371fixed to the bottom of the fixed bracket232and a second end fixed to a position of the first ratchet234close to the first limiting end2342. With the above arrangement, after being rotated, the cross bar221can be reset conveniently by the stress action of the cross bar reset spring237itself.

With continued reference toFIGS.4to5, in one or more embodiments, a toothed plate24spaced apart from the first ratchet234is also fitted over the cross bar221, and a damper25cooperating with the toothed plate24is also fixed in the housing21. By the cooperation between the toothed plate24and the damper25, the headrest20can be rotated more smoothly.

FIG.8is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a cup holder mechanism in the armrest assembly according to the disclosure; andFIG.9is an exploded view of an embodiment of the cup holder mechanism in the armrest assembly according to the disclosure. As shown inFIGS.8and9, in one or more embodiments, the cup holder mechanism30includes components such as a cover plate31, a bottom plate32, and a cup holder34. The cover plate31and the bottom plate32are fixed in the cavity12of the armrest body10. The cover plate31and the bottom plate32are arranged opposite each other to enclose an inner cavity33that allows the cup holder34to slide therein. In one or more embodiments, the cover plate31and the bottom plate32are connected to each other by six fasteners36spaced apart from each other. The fasteners36may be screws, bolts, rivets, etc. Alternatively, the number of the fasteners may be set to another suitable number greater or less than6. Alternatively, the cover plate31and the bottom plate32may also be snap-fitted or fixed to each other by other suitable means.

With continued reference toFIGS.8and9, the cover plate31has a substantially plate-like cover plate body311. The cover plate body311may be formed integrally by an injection molding process using a suitable resin material such as ABS and PP. A limiting member312is arranged on the cover body311. The limiting member312is configured to cooperate with a limiting post3413on the cup holder34to achieve locking and unlocking of the cup holder34.FIG.10is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a limiting member and a limiting post in the armrest assembly according to the disclosure. As shown inFIG.10, in one or more embodiments, a limiting protrusion3121is formed on the limiting member312, the limiting protrusion extending vertically downward from a lower surface of the limiting member. In the assembled state, the limiting protrusion3121has a U-shaped limiting notch31211facing a direction away from the opening13. The U-shaped limiting notch31211is configured to be capable of receiving the limiting post3413to achieve locking of the cup holder34. In addition, a release recess3122surrounding the limiting protrusion3121is arranged on the limiting member312, so that when an external force is applied to the cup holder34, the limiting post3413can be disengaged from the U-shaped limiting notch31211and separated from the limiting protrusion3121along the release recess3122, achieving unlocking of the cup holder34.

FIG.11is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a bottom plate in the armrest assembly according to the disclosure. As shown inFIGS.8,9, and11, in one or more embodiments, the bottom plate32has a substantially plate-like bottom plate body321. The bottom plate body321may be formed integrally by an injection molding process using a suitable resin material such as ABS and PP. In one or more embodiments, a sliding slot322extending in a sliding direction (based on the orientation shown inFIG.11, i.e., a front-to-back direction) of the cup holder34is formed in the middle of the bottom plate body32to cooperate with a slider3414on the cup holder34. In one or more embodiments, a buffer rack325spaced apart from the sliding slot322is arranged in the middle of the bottom plate body32. The buffer rack325extends substantially in the sliding direction of the cup holder34and cooperates with a buffer gear3416on the cup holder34. In one or more embodiments, guide protrusions323extending substantially in the sliding direction of the cup holder34are respectively arranged on the left and right sides of the bottom plate body32. Each guide protrusion323may cooperate with a corresponding guide rail3415on the cup holder34. In one or more embodiments, guide slots324that are spaced apart from the guide protrusions323are also respectively arranged on the left and right sides of the bottom plate body32. Each guide slot324is configured to cooperate with a guide rod34221arranged on a finger342of the cup holder34. In addition, near the opening13, each guide slot324has a flared guide opening (not identified in the figure), so that the guide rod34221can be easily inserted into the corresponding guide slot324, allowing the ejected finger342to be easily accommodated into the inner cavity33.

FIG.12is a schematic diagram of a front structure of an embodiment of a cup holder in the armrest assembly according to the disclosure; andFIG.13is a schematic diagram of a back structure of an embodiment of the cup holder in the armrest assembly according to the disclosure. As shown inFIGS.12and13, in one or more embodiments, the cup holder34includes a holder body341and fingers342respectively arranged on the left and right sides of the holder body341. The holder body341may be formed integrally by an injection molding process using a suitable resin material such as ABS and PP. A pressing rod3411capable of cooperating with the opening13is formed at one end of the holder body341. Based on the direction shown inFIG.13, the pressing rod3411extends substantially in the left-to-right direction. With the pressing rod3411, the user can easily apply an external force to the holder body341, such that the holder body341can be ejected from the inner cavity343. A U-shaped recess3412with an outward opening is formed on each of the left and right sides of the holder body341near the pressing rod3411to receive the cup200. The holder body341has an upper surface341aand a lower surface341bopposite each other. In the assembled state, the upper surface341afaces toward the cover plate31and the lower surface341bfaces toward the bottom plate32. A limiting post3413extending vertically upward is formed in the middle of the upper surface341aand located at the end away from the pressing rod3411. The limiting post3413is substantially cylindrical to cooperate with the limiting member312arranged on the cover plate31.

With continued reference toFIG.13, in one or more embodiments, a slider3414extending vertically outward is formed on the lower surface341bof the holder body341. The slider3414is arranged in the middle of the lower surface341band extends substantially in the sliding direction of cup holder34. The slider3414is inserted into the sliding slot322of the bottom plate32to restrain the sliding direction of the cup holder34. Alternatively, the number of sliders3414may be set to a plurality, such as 2 and 3, as long as they can match the corresponding sliding slots322on the bottom plate32. In one or more embodiments, two guide rails3415located on the left and right sides, respectively, are also arranged on the lower surface341b.Each guide rail3415may receive a corresponding guide protrusion323on the bottom plate32to further improve the stability of the cup holder34in sliding. Alternatively, the number of guide rails3415may also be set to other suitable number more or less than 2, as long as they can match the guide protrusions323on the bottom plate32. In one or more embodiments, a buffer gear3416rotatably fixed to the holder body341is further arranged on the lower surface341bof the holder body341to cooperate with the buffer rack325on the bottom plate32, making the cup holder34smoother when sliding inside the inner cavity33(especially when being ejected from the inner cavity33).

With continued reference toFIGS.9and13, in one or more embodiments, rollers3417that are respectively located on the left and right sides are arranged on the end portion of the side of the holder body341away from the pressing rod3411. Each roller3417is rotatably fixed to the holder body341, and the axis of rotation of each roller3417extends substantially in the left-to-right direction (based on the orientation shown inFIG.13). In addition, the cup holder mechanism30further includes force applying coil springs35cooperating with the rollers3417, so that the cup holder34can be automatically ejected from the inner cavity33by the elasticity of the force applying coil springs35after the cup holder is unlocked. Specifically, each force applying coil spring35extends substantially in the sliding direction of the cup holder34. Each force applying coil spring35also has a first end351and a second end352opposite each other. The first end351is fixed to the corresponding roller3417and the second end352is fixed to a position of the bottom plate32close to the opening13.

With continued reference toFIGS.12and13, in one or more embodiments, the fingers342are arranged on the left and right sides of the holder body341and cooperate with corresponding U-shaped recesses3412, respectively, to enclose an accommodating space343for holding the cup200. Each finger342includes components such as a finger body3421, a finger linking rod3422, and a clamping spring3423. The finger body3421is substantially curved and extends toward the corresponding U-shaped recess3412. The finger body3421is rotatably fixed to the finger linking rod3422so that cups of different sizes can be held by rotating the fingers3421. The finger linking rod3422is fixed to the lower surface341bof the holder body341. In one or more embodiments, a guide rod34221extending vertically outward is formed at a lower part of the finger linking rod3422. The guide rod34221is substantially cylindrical to cooperate with the guide slot324on the bottom plate32, allowing the finger342to have a stable relative position when sliding together with the holder body341. The clamping spring3423is arranged between the finger body3421and the finger linking rod3422, and the clamping spring3423is configured to apply a predetermined elastic force to the finger342when the finger342is rotated under an external force and fitted with the corresponding U-shaped recess3412to hold the cup200, so that the finger342applies a predetermined pressure to the cup200to firmly and stably hold the cup200.

The disclosure further provides a vehicle (not shown in the figures). The vehicle includes an armrest assembly100according to any one of the above embodiments. The armrest assembly100is arranged in the middle area of rear seats of the vehicle. In one or more embodiments, the vehicle is an electric vehicle. Alternatively, the vehicle may be a hybrid vehicle, a fuel vehicle, or another proper vehicle. The vehicle may be a car, an SUV, an MPV or other suitable vehicles.

Heretofore, the technical solutions of the disclosure have been described with reference to the preferred implementations shown in the accompanying drawings. However, those skilled in the art can readily understand that the scope of protection of the disclosure is apparently not limited to these specific implementations. Those skilled in the art may make equivalent changes or substitutions to the related technical features without departing from the principle of the disclosure, and all the technical solutions with such changes or substitutions shall fall within the scope of protection of the disclosure.