Patent Description:
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 <CIT> 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.

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 invention 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 invention 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 <NUM>° to <NUM>°. 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.

Preferred implementations of the disclosure are described below with reference to the drawings, in which:.

<NUM> - armrest assembly; <NUM> - armrest body; <NUM> - armrest shell; <NUM>- fixed end; <NUM> - movable end; <NUM> - cavity; <NUM> - opening; <NUM> - headrest; <NUM> - housing; <NUM> - front; <NUM> - back; <NUM> - cup receptacle; <NUM> - insertion bar mechanism; <NUM>- cross bar; <NUM> - first insertion bar; <NUM> - second insertion bar; <NUM> - unlocking structure; <NUM> - unlocking button; <NUM> - pressing end; <NUM> - unlocking lever; <NUM> - button reset spring; <NUM> - fixed bracket; <NUM>- through hole; <NUM> - via hole; <NUM> - transmission member; <NUM> - force receiving end; <NUM> - force applying end; <NUM> - limiting end; <NUM> - transmission member rotating shaft; <NUM> - first ratchet; <NUM> - first abutting face; <NUM> - first limiting end; <NUM> - second limiting end; <NUM> - second ratchet; <NUM> - force receiving face; <NUM> - second abutting face; <NUM> - second ratchet rotating shaft; <NUM> - protective sleeve; <NUM> - cross bar reset spring; <NUM> - first end; <NUM> - second end; <NUM> - toothed plate; <NUM> - damper; <NUM> - cup holder mechanism; <NUM> - cover plate; <NUM> - cover plate body; <NUM> - limiting member; <NUM> - limiting protrusion; <NUM> - U-shaped limiting notch; <NUM> - release recess; <NUM> - bottom plate; <NUM>- bottom plate body; <NUM> - sliding slot; <NUM> - guide protrusion; <NUM> - guide slot; <NUM> - buffer rack; <NUM> - inner cavity; <NUM> - cup holder; <NUM> - holder body; 341a - upper surface; 341b - lower surface; <NUM> - pressing rod; <NUM> - U-shaped recess; <NUM> - limiting post; <NUM> - slider; <NUM> - guide rail; <NUM> - buffer gear; <NUM> - roller; <NUM> - finger; <NUM> - finger body; <NUM> - finger linking rod; <NUM>-guide rod; <NUM> - clamping spring; <NUM> - accommodating space; <NUM> - force applying coil spring; <NUM> - first end; <NUM> - second end; <NUM> - fastener; and <NUM> - cup.

Preferred implementations of the invention 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 invention, 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 invention, 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 assembly <NUM>. The armrest assembly <NUM> is configured to be capable of holding a cup <NUM>. The armrest assembly includes: an armrest body <NUM>, wherein a cavity <NUM> and an opening <NUM> communicating with the cavity <NUM> are arranged in the armrest body <NUM>; a headrest <NUM>, wherein the headrest <NUM> is rotatably fixed to an end portion of the armrest body <NUM> close to the opening <NUM>, and a cup receptacle <NUM> capable of receiving the cup <NUM> is arranged on the back <NUM> of the headrest <NUM>; and a cup holder mechanism <NUM>, wherein the cup holder mechanism <NUM> has a cup holder <NUM> arranged in the cavity <NUM>, and the cup holder <NUM> is ejectable from the opening <NUM> to hold the cup <NUM>.

<FIG> is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an armrest assembly in an idle state according to the invention; <FIG> is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the armrest assembly in a working state according to the disclosure; and <FIG> is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the armrest assembly holding cups according to the invention. As shown in <FIG>, in one or more embodiments, the armrest assembly <NUM> of the disclosure includes components such as an armrest body <NUM>, a headrest <NUM>, and a cup holder mechanism <NUM>. The armrest body <NUM> is 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 body <NUM> has an armrest shell <NUM>. The armrest shell <NUM> has a fixed end <NUM> and a movable end <NUM> opposite each other. The fixed end <NUM> is rotatably fixed to the rear seats and the movable end <NUM> is enabled to rotate about the fixed end <NUM> by a predetermined angle so that the armrest body <NUM> can 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 <NUM>°. Alternatively, the predetermined angle may be set to other proper angles greater than or less than <NUM>°. The cavity <NUM> is formed inside the armrest shell <NUM> and close to the movable end <NUM> to facilitate the arrangement of the cup holder mechanism <NUM>. The movable end <NUM> is further provided with the opening <NUM> communicating with the cavity <NUM> to enable the cup holder <NUM> of the cup holder mechanism <NUM> to be ejected from the opening <NUM> to hold the cup <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, in one or more embodiments, the headrest <NUM> is rotatably fixed to the movable end <NUM> of the armrest body <NUM>. The headrest <NUM> has a housing <NUM>. The housing <NUM> is formed with components such as a face cover, foam and a plastic skeleton, to ensure the comfort and safety of the headrest <NUM>. In an assembled state, the housing <NUM> has a front <NUM> facing away from the rear seats and a back <NUM> facing toward the rear seats. A cup receptacle <NUM> extending vertically inward is formed on the back <NUM>. When the armrest body <NUM> is in the idle position, the back <NUM> of the housing <NUM> abuts against the rear seats, so that the cup receptacle <NUM> is effectively covered and prevented from being exposed to affect the appearance. When the armrest body <NUM> is in the working position, by adjusting the angle of the headrest <NUM>, the back <NUM> of the housing <NUM> may substantially face toward the top of the vehicle, so that the cup <NUM> can be substantially placed in the cup receptacle <NUM> horizontally, 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 receptacle <NUM> to increase a friction force between the cup <NUM> and the cup receptacle <NUM>.

<FIG> is a schematic diagram of an internal structure of an embodiment of a headrest in the armrest assembly according to the invention. As shown in <FIG>, in one or more embodiments, the headrest <NUM> has an insertion bar mechanism <NUM>. The insertion bar mechanism <NUM> includes a cross bar <NUM>, a first insertion bar <NUM>, and a second insertion bar <NUM>. The cross bar <NUM> is fixed inside the housing <NUM> and extends substantially in a width direction of the housing <NUM> (based on the orientation shown in <FIG>, i.e., a left-to-right direction). In one or more embodiments, the cross bar <NUM> is a hollow tube having a circular cross section. The cross bar <NUM> may be made of resin (e.g., ABS and PP), metal (e.g., stainless steel and aluminum alloy), or other suitable material. The first insertion bar <NUM> and the second insertion bar <NUM> are arranged at the two ends of the cross bar <NUM>, respectively, and extend into the cavity <NUM> of the armrest body <NUM>, so that a fixed connection is formed between the headrest <NUM> and the armrest body <NUM>. The first insertion bar <NUM> and the second insertion bar <NUM> may 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 bar <NUM> and the second insertion bar <NUM> within the armrest body <NUM> is adjustable, allowing a user to adjust the height of the headrest <NUM> according to actual needs so as to meet the individualized needs. In addition, the cross bar <NUM> is configured to be rotatable relative to the first insertion bar <NUM> and the second insertion bar <NUM>, enabling rotation of the headrest <NUM> up to a predetermined angle relative to the armrest body <NUM>. In one or more embodiments, the predetermined angle ranges from <NUM>° to <NUM>°, so that the predetermined angle has an appropriate range to meet industrial design requirements for storage and placement.

<FIG> is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an unlocking structure in the armrest assembly according to the invention; <FIG> is a first schematic diagram of an embodiment of the unlocking structure in the armrest assembly according to the invention with a fixed bracket removed; and <FIG> is a second schematic diagram of an embodiment of the unlocking structure in the armrest assembly according to the invention with the fixed bracket removed. As shown in <FIG>, in one or more embodiments, the headrest <NUM> includes an unlocking structure <NUM>. The unlocking structure <NUM> includes components such as an unlocking button <NUM>, a fixed bracket <NUM>, a transmission member <NUM>, a first ratchet <NUM>, and a second ratchet <NUM>. Alternatively, the unlocking structure <NUM> may also be of other suitable structure.

With continued reference to <FIG>, the unlocking button <NUM> is fixed to the housing <NUM> of the headrest <NUM> in a retractable manner. In one or more embodiments, the unlocking button <NUM> is located on the left side of the housing <NUM>. Alternatively, the unlocking button <NUM> may also be arranged on the right side of the housing <NUM>. The unlocking button <NUM> includes a pressing end <NUM>, an unlocking lever <NUM> formed at the pressing end <NUM>, and a button reset spring <NUM> fitted over the unlocking lever <NUM>. The unlocking lever <NUM> extends from the inner side of the pressing end <NUM> toward the inside of the housing <NUM>, and has an extension direction substantially in parallel to the width direction of the housing <NUM>. When the user presses the pressing end <NUM>, the unlocking lever <NUM> is driven to move toward the inside of the housing <NUM>, and then applies a force to the transmission member <NUM> of the unlocking mechanism <NUM>. When an external force applied to the pressed end <NUM> is withdrawn, the unlocking button <NUM> can spring back and reset under the action of the button reset spring <NUM>.

With continued reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the fixed bracket <NUM> is fixed in the housing <NUM>, and the transmission member <NUM> the second ratchet <NUM> are fixed to the fixed bracket <NUM> at an interval, making the structure of whole unlocking mechanism <NUM> more compact. The fixed bracket <NUM> may 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 bracket <NUM> is provided with a through hole <NUM> allowing the unlocking lever <NUM> to pass through, so as to cooperate with the transmission member <NUM>. The fixed bracket <NUM> is further provided with a via hole <NUM> spaced apart from the through hole <NUM>, such that the cross bar <NUM> is allowed to pass through the fixed bracket <NUM> through the via hole <NUM>.

With continued reference to <FIG>, the transmission member <NUM> is rotatably fixed to the fixed bracket <NUM>. The transmission member <NUM> may 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 in <FIG>, the transmission member <NUM> has a force receiving end <NUM> extending substantially in a vertical direction and perpendicular to the width direction of the housing <NUM>, so that the unlocking lever <NUM> can abut against the force receiving end <NUM> conveniently. The transmission member <NUM> also has a force applying end <NUM> extending downwardly from the body of the transmission member <NUM> to apply an external force to the second ratchet <NUM>. In one or more embodiments, the transmission member <NUM> is further provided with a limiting end <NUM> that is spaced apart from the force receiving end <NUM> and the force applying end <NUM>. The limiting end <NUM> is configured to be enabled to abut against the fixed bracket <NUM> to define an initial position of the transmission member <NUM>. In one or more embodiments, a protective sleeve <NUM> is fitted over each of the force applying end <NUM> and the limiting end <NUM> so that a flexible connection is formed between the transmission member <NUM> and the fixed bracket <NUM> and between the transmission member <NUM> and the second ratchet <NUM>, respectively. The protective sleeve <NUM> may be made of a suitable material such as rubber and plastic. In addition, the transmission member <NUM> has a transmission member rotating shaft <NUM> fixed to the fixed bracket <NUM> and extending substantially in a direction perpendicular to the back <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. When an external force from the unlocking lever <NUM> is applied to the force receiving end <NUM>, the transmission member <NUM> rotates counterclockwise (based on the orientation described in <FIG>) about the rotating shaft <NUM> under the lever action. In this process, the force applying end <NUM> moves downward and then applies an external force to the second ratchet <NUM>. When the external force from the unlocking lever <NUM> is withdrawn, the transmission member <NUM> is configured to be capable of rotating clockwise about the rotating shaft <NUM> under its own gravity (based on the orientation shown in <FIG>) and abutting against the fixed bracket <NUM> (i.e., returning to the initial position), achieving resetting of the transmission member <NUM>.

With continued reference to <FIG>, the first ratchet <NUM> is fitted over the cross bar <NUM> and forms a fixed connection with the cross bar <NUM>. The first ratchet <NUM> may 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 face <NUM> is formed on the top of the first ratchet <NUM> to match a second abutting face <NUM> on the second ratchet <NUM>. Specifically, when the first abutting face <NUM> abuts against the second abutting face <NUM>, the first ratchet <NUM> and the second ratchet <NUM> are locked to each other and the cross bar <NUM> cannot rotate. When the second abutting face <NUM> is disengaged from the first abutting face <NUM>, the first ratchet <NUM> and the second ratchet <NUM> are unlocked from each other and the cross bar <NUM> can rotate relative to the first insertion bar <NUM> and the second insertion bar <NUM>. The first ratchet <NUM> further has a first limiting end <NUM> and a second limiting end <NUM> spaced apart from each other. Herein, the first limiting end <NUM> and the second limiting end <NUM> may abut against corresponding positions of the fixed bracket <NUM>, respectively, to define an initial position and a rotation position of the first ratchet <NUM>. In one or more embodiments, a protective sleeve <NUM> is fitted over the corresponding position of the fixed bracket <NUM> abutting against each of the first limiting end <NUM> and the second limiting end <NUM>, so that a flexible connection is formed between the fixed bracket <NUM> and the first limiting end <NUM> and the second limiting end <NUM> to prevent damage to the components during rotation of the first ratchet <NUM>.

With continued reference to <FIG>, the second ratchet <NUM> is rotatably fixed in the fixed bracket <NUM>. The second ratchet <NUM> may be made of a suitable metal material, such as stainless steel, so that the second ratchet has a good mechanical strength. The second ratchet <NUM> has a force receiving face <NUM> opposite the force applying end <NUM> of the transmission member <NUM>, so that the force applying end <NUM> can apply an external force to the second ratchet <NUM> conveniently. A substantially curved second abutting face <NUM> is also formed on the bottom of the second ratchet <NUM> to match the first abutting face <NUM> on the first ratchet <NUM>. The second ratchet <NUM> has a second ratchet rotating shaft <NUM> fixed to the fixed bracket <NUM> and extending substantially in the width direction of the housing <NUM>. With the above arrangement, when an acting force from the unlocking lever <NUM> is applied to the transmission member <NUM>, the force applying end <NUM> of the transmission member <NUM> applies a corresponding acting force to the force applying face <NUM> of the second ratchet <NUM>, causing the second ratchet <NUM> to rotate about the second ratchet rotating shaft <NUM>. In this process, the second abutting face <NUM> and the first abutting face <NUM> that abut against each other are disengaged from each other and gradually move away from each other, achieving unlocking between the first ratchet <NUM> and the second ratchet <NUM>.

With continued reference to <FIG>, a cross bar reset spring <NUM> is also fitted over the cross bar <NUM>. The reset spring <NUM> has a first end <NUM> fixed to the bottom of the fixed bracket <NUM> and a second end fixed to a position of the first ratchet <NUM> close to the first limiting end <NUM>. With the above arrangement, after being rotated, the cross bar <NUM> can be reset conveniently by the stress action of the cross bar reset spring <NUM> itself.

With continued reference to <FIG>, in one or more embodiments, a toothed plate <NUM> spaced apart from the first ratchet <NUM> is also fitted over the cross bar <NUM>, and a damper <NUM> cooperating with the toothed plate <NUM> is also fixed in the housing <NUM>. By the cooperation between the toothed plate <NUM> and the damper <NUM>, the headrest <NUM> can be rotated more smoothly.

<FIG> is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a cup holder mechanism in the armrest assembly according to the invention; and <FIG> is an exploded view of an embodiment of the cup holder mechanism in the armrest assembly according to the invention. As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, in one or more embodiments, the cup holder mechanism <NUM> includes components such as a cover plate <NUM>, a bottom plate <NUM>, and a cup holder <NUM>. The cover plate <NUM> and the bottom plate <NUM> are fixed in the cavity <NUM> of the armrest body <NUM>. The cover plate <NUM> and the bottom plate <NUM> are arranged opposite each other to enclose an inner cavity <NUM> that allows the cup holder <NUM> to slide therein. In one or more embodiments, the cover plate <NUM> and the bottom plate <NUM> are connected to each other by six fasteners <NUM> spaced apart from each other. The fasteners <NUM> may be screws, bolts, rivets, etc. Alternatively, the number of the fasteners may be set to another suitable number greater or less than <NUM>. Alternatively, the cover plate <NUM> and the bottom plate <NUM> may also be snap-fitted or fixed to each other by other suitable means.

With continued reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the cover plate <NUM> has a substantially plate-like cover plate body <NUM>. The cover plate body <NUM> may be formed integrally by an injection molding process using a suitable resin material such as ABS and PP. A limiting member <NUM> is arranged on the cover body <NUM>. The limiting member <NUM> is configured to cooperate with a limiting post <NUM> on the cup holder <NUM> to achieve locking and unlocking of the cup holder <NUM>. <FIG> is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a limiting member and a limiting post in the armrest assembly according to the invention. As shown in <FIG>, in one or more embodiments, a limiting protrusion <NUM> is formed on the limiting member <NUM>, the limiting protrusion extending vertically downward from a lower surface of the limiting member. In the assembled state, the limiting protrusion <NUM> has a U-shaped limiting notch <NUM> facing a direction away from the opening <NUM>. The U-shaped limiting notch <NUM> is configured to be capable of receiving the limiting post <NUM> to achieve locking of the cup holder <NUM>. In addition, a release recess <NUM> surrounding the limiting protrusion <NUM> is arranged on the limiting member <NUM>, so that when an external force is applied to the cup holder <NUM>, the limiting post <NUM> can be disengaged from the U-shaped limiting notch <NUM> and separated from the limiting protrusion <NUM> along the release recess <NUM>, achieving unlocking of the cup holder <NUM>.

<FIG> is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a bottom plate in the armrest assembly according to the invention. As shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, in one or more embodiments, the bottom plate <NUM> has a substantially plate-like bottom plate body <NUM>. The bottom plate body <NUM> may 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 slot <NUM> extending in a sliding direction (based on the orientation shown in <FIG>, i.e., a front-to-back direction) of the cup holder <NUM> is formed in the middle of the bottom plate body <NUM> to cooperate with a slider <NUM> on the cup holder <NUM>. In one or more embodiments, a buffer rack <NUM> spaced apart from the sliding slot <NUM> is arranged in the middle of the bottom plate body <NUM>. The buffer rack <NUM> extends substantially in the sliding direction of the cup holder <NUM> and cooperates with a buffer gear <NUM> on the cup holder <NUM>. In one or more embodiments, guide protrusions <NUM> extending substantially in the sliding direction of the cup holder <NUM> are respectively arranged on the left and right sides of the bottom plate body <NUM>. Each guide protrusion <NUM> may cooperate with a corresponding guide rail <NUM> on the cup holder <NUM>. In one or more embodiments, guide slots <NUM> that are spaced apart from the guide protrusions <NUM> are also respectively arranged on the left and right sides of the bottom plate body <NUM>. Each guide slot <NUM> is configured to cooperate with a guide rod <NUM> arranged on a finger <NUM> of the cup holder <NUM>. In addition, near the opening <NUM>, each guide slot <NUM> has a flared guide opening (not identified in the figure), so that the guide rod <NUM> can be easily inserted into the corresponding guide slot <NUM>, allowing the ejected finger <NUM> to be easily accommodated into the inner cavity <NUM>.

<FIG> is a schematic diagram of a front structure of an embodiment of a cup holder in the armrest assembly according to the disclosure; and <FIG> is a schematic diagram of a back structure of an embodiment of the cup holder in the armrest assembly according to the disclosure. As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, in one or more embodiments, the cup holder <NUM> includes a holder body <NUM> and fingers <NUM> respectively arranged on the left and right sides of the holder body <NUM>. The holder body <NUM> may be formed integrally by an injection molding process using a suitable resin material such as ABS and PP. A pressing rod <NUM> capable of cooperating with the opening <NUM> is formed at one end of the holder body <NUM>. Based on the direction shown in <FIG>, the pressing rod <NUM> extends substantially in the left-to-right direction. With the pressing rod <NUM>, the user can easily apply an external force to the holder body <NUM>, such that the holder body <NUM> can be ejected from the inner cavity <NUM>. A U-shaped recess <NUM> with an outward opening is formed on each of the left and right sides of the holder body <NUM> near the pressing rod <NUM> to receive the cup <NUM>. The holder body <NUM> has an upper surface 341a and a lower surface 341b opposite each other. In the assembled state, the upper surface 341a faces toward the cover plate <NUM> and the lower surface 341b faces toward the bottom plate <NUM>. A limiting post <NUM> extending vertically upward is formed in the middle of the upper surface 341a and located at the end away from the pressing rod <NUM>. The limiting post <NUM> is substantially cylindrical to cooperate with the limiting member <NUM> arranged on the cover plate <NUM>.

With continued reference to <FIG>, in one or more embodiments, a slider <NUM> extending vertically outward is formed on the lower surface 341b of the holder body <NUM>. The slider <NUM> is arranged in the middle of the lower surface 341b and extends substantially in the sliding direction of cup holder <NUM>. The slider <NUM> is inserted into the sliding slot <NUM> of the bottom plate <NUM> to restrain the sliding direction of the cup holder <NUM>. Alternatively, the number of sliders <NUM> may be set to a plurality, such as <NUM> and <NUM>, as long as they can match the corresponding sliding slots <NUM> on the bottom plate <NUM>. In one or more embodiments, two guide rails <NUM> located on the left and right sides, respectively, are also arranged on the lower surface 341b. Each guide rail <NUM> may receive a corresponding guide protrusion <NUM> on the bottom plate <NUM> to further improve the stability of the cup holder <NUM> in sliding. Alternatively, the number of guide rails <NUM> may also be set to other suitable number more or less than <NUM>, as long as they can match the guide protrusions <NUM> on the bottom plate <NUM>. In one or more embodiments, a buffer gear <NUM> rotatably fixed to the holder body <NUM> is further arranged on the lower surface 341b of the holder body <NUM> to cooperate with the buffer rack <NUM> on the bottom plate <NUM>, making the cup holder <NUM> smoother when sliding inside the inner cavity <NUM> (especially when being ejected from the inner cavity <NUM>).

With continued reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, in one or more embodiments, rollers <NUM> that are respectively located on the left and right sides are arranged on the end portion of the side of the holder body <NUM> away from the pressing rod <NUM>. Each roller <NUM> is rotatably fixed to the holder body <NUM>, and the axis of rotation of each roller <NUM> extends substantially in the left-to-right direction (based on the orientation shown in <FIG>). In addition, the cup holder mechanism <NUM> further includes force applying coil springs <NUM> cooperating with the rollers <NUM>, so that the cup holder <NUM> can be automatically ejected from the inner cavity <NUM> by the elasticity of the force applying coil springs <NUM> after the cup holder is unlocked. Specifically, each force applying coil spring <NUM> extends substantially in the sliding direction of the cup holder <NUM>. Each force applying coil spring <NUM> also has a first end <NUM> and a second end <NUM> opposite each other. The first end <NUM> is fixed to the corresponding roller <NUM> and the second end <NUM> is fixed to a position of the bottom plate <NUM> close to the opening <NUM>.

With continued reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, in one or more embodiments, the fingers <NUM> are arranged on the left and right sides of the holder body <NUM> and cooperate with corresponding U-shaped recesses <NUM>, respectively, to enclose an accommodating space <NUM> for holding the cup <NUM>. Each finger <NUM> includes components such as a finger body <NUM>, a finger linking rod <NUM>, and a clamping spring <NUM>. The finger body <NUM> is substantially curved and extends toward the corresponding U-shaped recess <NUM>. The finger body <NUM> is rotatably fixed to the finger linking rod <NUM> so that cups of different sizes can be held by rotating the fingers <NUM>. The finger linking rod <NUM> is fixed to the lower surface 341b of the holder body <NUM>. In one or more embodiments, a guide rod <NUM> extending vertically outward is formed at a lower part of the finger linking rod <NUM>. The guide rod <NUM> is substantially cylindrical to cooperate with the guide slot <NUM> on the bottom plate <NUM>, allowing the finger <NUM> to have a stable relative position when sliding together with the holder body <NUM>. The clamping spring <NUM> is arranged between the finger body <NUM> and the finger linking rod <NUM>, and the clamping spring <NUM> is configured to apply a predetermined elastic force to the finger <NUM> when the finger <NUM> is rotated under an external force and fitted with the corresponding U-shaped recess <NUM> to hold the cup <NUM>, so that the finger <NUM> applies a predetermined pressure to the cup <NUM> to firmly and stably hold the cup <NUM>.

The disclosure further provides a vehicle (not shown in the figures). The vehicle includes an armrest assembly <NUM> according to any one of the above embodiments. The armrest assembly <NUM> is 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.

Claim 1:
An armrest assembly (<NUM>), which is configured to be capable of holding a cup, the armrest assembly comprising:
an armrest body (<NUM>), wherein a cavity (<NUM>) and an opening (<NUM>) communicating with the cavity are arranged in the armrest body; headrest (<NUM>),
wherein the headrest is rotatably fixed to an end portion of the armrest body close to the opening, and a cup receptacle (<NUM>) capable of receiving the cup is arranged on the back of the headrest; and
a cup holder mechanism (<NUM>),
wherein the cup holder mechanism has a cup holder (<NUM>) arranged in the cavity, and the cup holder is ejectable from the opening to hold the cup.