Patent Description:
A chair is typically equipped with armrests for supporting arms of a user, such that comfort of the user during seating is improved. Conventional chair armrests may be categorized into fixed armrests and movable armrests. In the movable armrest, the position of the armrest relative to the chair may be adjusted.

At present, the fixed armrest and the movable armrests both have only one support plane, and thus the forearm and elbow of the user in a scenario where the user has to bend the elbow when using a mobile phone or the like fail to be effectively supported, which causing fatigue of the arm.

<CIT> discloses an armrest pad assembly, comprising: an armrest pad (<NUM>) made of a flexible material, a bendable section, and a second support section that are successively connected along a lengthwise direction of the armrest pad; wherein the armrest pad is internally provided with a first inner frame and a second inner frame, the first inner frame being fixed to the first support section, and the second inner frame being fixed to the second support section; wherein the first inner frame and the second inner frame are configured to be connected to an armrest frame of a chair, such that during upward and downward folding adjustment of the armrest frame of the chair, the first inner frame and the second inner frame drive the first support section and the second support section to be folded upward and downward about the bendable section to a predetermined position.

<CIT> also discloses first support section, bendable section, second support section, first inner frame and a second inner frame.

Accordingly, embodiments of the present disclosure provide an armrest pad assembly and a chair armrest, such that the forearm and elbow of a user when the user bending the elbow are supported in sections.

According to one aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, an armrest pad assembly is provided. The armrest pad assembly includes: an armrest pad made of a flexible material, wherein the armrest pad includes a first support section, a bendable section, and a second support section that are successively connected along a lengthwise direction of the armrest pad; wherein the armrest pad is internally provided with a first inner frame and a second inner frame, the first inner frame being fixed to the first support section, and the second inner frame being fixed to the second support section; wherein the first inner frame and the second inner frame are configured to be connected to an armrest frame of a chair, such that during upward and downward folding adjustment of the armrest frame of the chair, the first inner frame and the second inner frame drive the first support section and the second support section to be folded upward and downward about the bendable section to a predetermined position; Wherein the bendable section is provided with a recess, wherein the recess is extended to an edge of the armrest pad along a widthwise direction of the armrest pad.

In an optional embodiment, a plurality of recesses are provided, wherein the plurality of recesses are spaced apart along the lengthwise direction of the armrest pad.

In an optional embodiment, the recess is linear or curved.

In an optional embodiment, the recess includes a first curved slot, a second curved slot, and a linear slot disposed between the first curved slot and the second curved slot; wherein along the widthwise direction of the armrest pad, a distance between the first curved slot and the second curved slot progressively increases and then progressively decreases from a middle position to two ends, a spacing between the first curved slot and the second curved slot at the middle position is minimum, and the linear slot is not contiguous at the middle position.

In an optional embodiment, an accommodation chamber is disposed at a bottom of the armrest pad, wherein the recess is disposed in an inner surface, in the accommodation chamber, of the bendable section and/or disposed in an outer surface, facing away from the accommodation chamber, of the bendable section; and the first inner frame and the second inner frame are disposed in the accommodation chamber.

In an optional embodiment, the first inner frame is disposed corresponding to the first support section in the armrest pad, and the first inner frame is a support frame of the first support section; wherein the second inner frame is disposed corresponding to the second support section in the armrest pad, and the second inner frame is a support frame of the second support section.

In an optional embodiment, a thickness of the bendable section is less than or equal to a thickness of the first support section, and the thickness of the bendable section is less than or equal to a thickness of the second support section.

According to another aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a chair armrest is provided. The chair armrest includes: an armrest frame and the armrest pad assembly as described above. The armrest frame includes a first support arm, a second support arm, and a rotation locking mechanism connected between the first support arm and the second support arm, the first support arm being fixed to the first inner frame, and the second support arm being fixed to the second inner frame; wherein the rotation locking mechanism is configured to automatically lock the first support arm and the second support arm in the case that the first support section and the second support section are relatively folded about the bendable section to a predetermined position.

In an optional embodiment, the rotation locking mechanism includes a guide assembly, and a fixing wheel, a slider and an elastic member that are mounted on the guide assembly; wherein one end of the guide assembly is fixed to the first support arm, the fixing wheel is rotatably connected to the other end of the guide assembly and fixed to the second support arm, the fixing wheel is provided with a plurality of fixing teeth disposed along a circumferential direction, the slider is provided with latching teeth in mesh with the fixing teeth, the slider is disposed between the fixing wheel and the elastic member, and the elastic member is abutted against a side, facing away from the fixing wheel, of the slider and is in a compressed state; a guide groove is disposed at a position, between the fixing wheel and the elastic member, of the guide assembly, wherein the slider is partially slidably disposed in the guide groove, and the guide groove is provided with a first end and a second end; and the fixing wheel, in response to rotating upward and downward relative to the guide assembly, drives the slider to slide back and forth between the first end and the second end, and the slider and the fixing wheel are meshed and in a one-way locked state in the case that the slider slides to the first end, and the slider and the fixing wheel are in an unlocked state in the case that the slider slides to the second end.

In an optional embodiment, the guide groove is an arc-shaped groove, wherein a distance from the arc-shaped groove to a center of the fixing wheel progressively increases from the first end to the second end, and/or a width of the guide groove along a radial direction progressively increases from the first end to the second end.

In an optional embodiment, the rotation locking mechanism further includes a restoration torsion spring, wherein the restoration torsion spring is disposed on the guide assembly, one end of the restoration torsion spring is fixed to the first support arm and the other end of the restoration torsion spring is fixed to the second support arm, and the restoration torsion spring is configured to supply a return force for restoration of the first support arm and the second support arm.

In an optional embodiment, the guide assembly includes a fixing base, and a first guide plate and a second guide plate that are symmetrically disposed on both sides of the fixing base; wherein the fixing base is fixedly connected to the first support arm; wherein a moving space is formed between the first guide plate and the second guide plate; wherein one end of each of the first guide plate and the second guide plate is fixed to the fixing base, and the other end of each of the first guide plate and the second guide plate is provided with a first through hole and a second through hole that are coaxially disposed.

In an optional embodiment, the fixing wheel is disposed in the accommodating space and is provided with a first convex shaft and a second convex shaft at both ends along the axial direction, and the first convex shaft and the second convex shaft are in a clearance fit.

According to another aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a chair is provided. The chair includes the chair armrest as described above.

During use of the armrest pad assembly according to the embodiments, in the case that the armrest frame of the chair and the support arm connected to the first inner frame are folded upward and downward relative to the support arm connected to the second inner frame, the first support section is driven, by the first inner frame and the second inner frame, to be folded upward and downward relative to the support arm about the bendable section, such that the first support section and the second support section of the armrest pad may be relatively folded. In this way, a single support plane of the armrest pad assembly is switched to two support surfaces that are inclined to each other in terms of space. With such configuration, in a scenario where the user needs to bend his or her elbow in using a mobile phone or reading a book, the armrest pad <NUM> is capable of supporting the forearm and elbow in sections, relieving fatigue, and improving user experience.

The above description only summarizes the technical solutions of the present disclosure. Specific embodiments of the present disclosure are described hereinafter to better and clearer understand the technical solutions of the present disclosure, to practice the technical solutions based on the disclosure of the specification and to make the above and other objectives, features and advantages of the present disclosure more apparent and understandable.

By reading the detailed description of preferred embodiments hereinafter, various other advantages and beneficial effects become clear and apparent for persons of ordinary skill in the art. The accompanying drawings are merely for illustrating the preferred embodiments, but shall not be construed as limiting the present disclosure. In all the accompanying drawings, like reference numerals denote like parts. In the drawings:.

Reference numerals in the embodiments and denotations thereof:.

The embodiments containing the technical solutions of the present disclosure are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiments hereinafter are only used to clearly describe the technical solutions of the present disclosure. Therefore, these embodiments are only used as examples, but are not intended to limit the protection scope of the present disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG> illustrates a top view of an armrest pad assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, <FIG> illustrates a perspective cross-sectional view of <FIG> along an A-A direction according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and <FIG> illustrates a schematic structural view of an armrest pad assembly bent upward for use according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

An embodiment of the present disclosure provides an armrest pad assembly <NUM>. The armrest pad assembly <NUM> includes an armrest pad <NUM> made of a flexible material. The armrest pad <NUM> includes a first support section <NUM>, a bendable section <NUM>, and a second support section <NUM> that are successively connected along a lengthwise direction (an X-axis direction in <FIG>) of the armrest pad <NUM>. The armrest pad <NUM> is internally provided with a first inner frame <NUM> and a second inner frame <NUM>. The first inner frame <NUM> is fixed to the first support section <NUM>, and the second inner frame <NUM> is fixed to the second support section <NUM>. The first inner frame <NUM> and the second inner frame <NUM> are configured to be connected to a support arm corresponding to an armrest frame of a chair armrest, such that during upward and downward folding of the support arm of the armrest frame of the chair armrest, the first inner frame <NUM> and the second inner frame <NUM> drive the first support section <NUM> and the second support section <NUM> to be folded upward and downward about the bendable section <NUM> to a predetermined position.

The flexible material may be an elastic material such as silicone, rubber, or other elastic composite materials, which is not specifically limited herein. The first inner frame <NUM> and the second inner frame <NUM> may be made of, but not limited to, a hard material, such as hard plastic, or a metal.

The first inner frame <NUM> is disposed corresponding to the first support section <NUM> in the armrest pad <NUM>, and the first inner frame <NUM> is a support frame of the first support section <NUM>. The second inner frame <NUM> is disposed corresponding to the second support section <NUM> in the armrest pad <NUM>, and the second inner frame <NUM> is a support frame of the second support section <NUM>. The armrest pad <NUM> is made of a flexible material, such that the armrest pad <NUM> is entirely flexible. In the case that the first inner frame <NUM> is folded upward and downward relative to the second inner frame <NUM>, the first support section <NUM> may be driven to be folded upward and downward about the bendable section <NUM> relative to the second support section <NUM>. A position angle of the relative folding between the first support section <NUM> and the second support section <NUM> may be adjusted according to an elbow bending angle posture of a user's arm.

During use, in the case that the armrest frame of the chair armrest and the support arm connected to the first inner frame <NUM> are folded upward and downward relative to the support arm connected to the second inner frame <NUM>, the first support section <NUM> is driven, by the first inner frame <NUM> and the second inner frame <NUM>, to be folded upward and downward relative to the support arm <NUM> about the bendable section <NUM>, such that the first support section <NUM> and the second support section <NUM> of the armrest pad <NUM> may be relatively folded. In this way, a single support plane is switched to two support surfaces that are inclined to each other in terms of space. With such configuration, in a scenario where the user needs to bend his or her elbow in using a mobile phone or reading a book, the armrest pad <NUM> is capable of supporting the forearm and elbow in sections, relieving fatigue, and improving user experience.

In some embodiments, a thickness of the bendable section <NUM> may be less than a thickness of the first support section <NUM> or the second support section <NUM>, such that the flexibility of the bendable section <NUM> is greater than the flexibility of the first support section <NUM> or the second support section <NUM>, and the bendability of the bendable section <NUM> is improved.

It is understandable that, in other embodiments, the thickness of the bendable section <NUM> may also be equal to the thickness of the first support section <NUM> or the second support section <NUM>.

According to the invention, the bendable section <NUM> is provided with a recess <NUM>. The recess <NUM> is extended along a widthwise direction (a Y-axis direction in <FIG>) of the armrest pad <NUM>, and two ends of the recess <NUM> are extended to an edge of the armrest pad <NUM>.

An extension direction of the recess <NUM> may be perpendicular to a central axis of the lengthwise direction of the armrest pad <NUM>, or may be inclined at an angle with respect to the central axis of the lengthwise direction of the armrest pad <NUM>.

In this embodiment, by configuring the recess <NUM> on the bendable section <NUM>, a thickness of the area where the recess <NUM> is provided on the bendable section <NUM> is less than a thickness of the bendable section <NUM> in other areas, so as to improve the flexibility of the bendable section <NUM>, such that the first support section <NUM> and the second support section <NUM> may be more easily folded relative to the bendable section <NUM>.

In some embodiments, a plurality of recesses <NUM> are provided, wherein the plurality of recesses <NUM> are spaced apart along the lengthwise direction of the armrest pad <NUM>.

In general, the size of the bendable section <NUM> is limited. In the case that only one recess <NUM> is provided on the bendable section <NUM>, the size of the recess <NUM> occupies a larger space on the bendable section <NUM>. This weakens an overall structural strength of the bendable section <NUM>.

In this embodiment, by configuring the plurality of recesses <NUM> spaced apart along the lengthwise direction of the armrest pad <NUM> on the bendable section <NUM>, a width of the single recess <NUM> along the lengthwise direction of the armrest pad <NUM> may be reduced, and the structural strength of the bendable section <NUM> is improved.

In some embodiments, the recesses <NUM> may be linear or curved. The recesses <NUM> may be in a curved shape such as, but not limited to, a sinusoidal wave shape or an arc shape.

In some embodiments, the recesses <NUM> include a first curved slot <NUM>, a second curved slot <NUM>, and a linear slot <NUM> disposed between the first curved slot <NUM> and the second curved slot <NUM>. Along the widthwise direction of the armrest pad <NUM>, a distance w between the first curved slot <NUM> and the second curved slot <NUM> progressively increases and then progressively decreases from a middle position to two ends, a spacing between the first curved slot <NUM> and the second curved slot <NUM> at the middle position is minimum, and the linear slot <NUM> is not contiguous at the middle position. With this structure, in the case that the first support section <NUM> is folded upward and downward about the bendable section <NUM> relative to the second support section <NUM>, the risk of break of the bendable section <NUM> may be reduced.

It should be noted that the first curved slot <NUM>, the linear slot <NUM>, and the second curved slot <NUM> are extended along the widthwise direction of the armrest pad <NUM>, and the first curved slot <NUM>, the linear slot <NUM>, and the second curved slot <NUM> are spaced apart along the lengthwise direction of the armrest pad <NUM> on the bendable section <NUM>. The number of first curved slots <NUM>, the number of linear slots <NUM>, and the number of second curved slots <NUM> may be independently set according to the actual situation, for example, one, two or more. However, the numbers are not specifically limited herein.

In some embodiments, an accommodation chamber <NUM> is disposed at a bottom of the armrest pad <NUM>. The recesses <NUM> are disposed in an inner surface, in the accommodation chamber <NUM>, of the bendable section <NUM> and/or disposed in an outer surface, facing away from the accommodation chamber <NUM>, of the bendable section <NUM>. The first inner frame <NUM> and the second inner frame <NUM> are disposed in the accommodation chamber <NUM>.

As an example, the recesses <NUM> may only be disposed on an outer surface of a top of the bendable section <NUM>. In this way, the recesses <NUM> may be directly machined on an outer surface of the armrest pad <NUM>, and the operation is convenient.

Further, the recesses <NUM> may also be disposed on the inner surface, facing towards a side of the accommodation chamber <NUM>. Specifically, the recess <NUM> may be disposed on the bottom surface of the bendable section <NUM>. In this way, the recesses <NUM> are not exposed on the outer surface of the armrest pad <NUM>, which is conducive to improving the consistency of appearance and beautifying the appearance.

Further, the recesses <NUM> may also be simultaneously disposed on the outer surface and an inner surface of the bendable section <NUM>. That is, the recesses <NUM> are disposed on the bottom surface of the bendable section <NUM>, and the recesses <NUM> are also disposed on the top surface outside the bendable section <NUM>.

In this embodiment, by receiving both the first inner frame <NUM> and the second inner frame <NUM> in the accommodating chamber <NUM>, the armrest pad <NUM> may protect the first inner frame <NUM> and the second inner frame <NUM>, and the appearance of the chair armrest is simpler and cleaner.

It should be noted that the accommodating chamber <NUM> may also be configured to accommodate the armrest frame of the chair armrest.

An embodiment of the present disclosure also provides a chair armrest. Referring to <FIG> in combination with <FIG>. <FIG> illustrates an exploded view of a chair armrest according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, <FIG> illustrates another exploded view of the chair armrest according an embodiment of the present disclosure, <FIG> illustrates an exploded view of a rotation locking structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and <FIG> illustrates a side structure of a guide assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The chair armrest <NUM> includes an armrest frame <NUM> and the armrest pad assembly <NUM> in the above embodiments. For details about the specific structure and function of the armrest pad assembly <NUM>, reference may be made to the above embodiments, which are not described herein. The armrest frame <NUM> includes a first support arm <NUM>, a second support arm <NUM>, and a rotation locking mechanism <NUM> connected between the first support arm <NUM> and the second support arm <NUM>. The first support arm <NUM> is fixed to the first inner frame <NUM>, and the second support arm <NUM> is fixed to the second inner frame <NUM>. The rotation locking mechanism <NUM> is configured to automatically lock the first support arm <NUM> and the second support arm <NUM> in the case that the first support section <NUM> and the second support section <NUM> are relatively folded about the bendable section <NUM> to a predetermined position.

Since the first inner frame <NUM> is fixedly connected to the first support section <NUM> and the first support arm <NUM>, and the second inner frame <NUM> is fixedly connected to the second support section <NUM> and the second support arm <NUM>, in the case that the first support arm <NUM> rotates about a rotation axis of the rotation locking mechanism <NUM> relative to the second support arm <NUM>, the first inner frame <NUM> and the first support section <NUM> are driven to be folded upward and downward about the bendable section <NUM> relative to the second inner frame <NUM> and the second support section <NUM>, such that the relative position of the first support section <NUM> and the second support section <NUM> in space is adjusted, and the forearm and elbow of the user may be supported in sections when the user bends the elbow.

The rotation axis of the rotation locking mechanism <NUM> is disposed opposite to a folding axis of the first support section <NUM> that is bendable about the bendable section <NUM> relative to the second support section <NUM>, that is, the axes are parallel to each other.

Specifically, the rotation locking mechanism <NUM> includes a guide assembly <NUM>, and a fixing wheel <NUM>, a slider <NUM> and an elastic member <NUM> that are mounted on the guide assembly <NUM>. One end of the guide assembly <NUM> is fixed to the first support arm <NUM>. The fixing wheel <NUM> is rotatably connected to the other end of the guide assembly <NUM> and fixed to the second support arm <NUM>, and the fixing wheel <NUM> is provided with a plurality of fixing teeth <NUM> disposed along a circumferential direction. The slider <NUM> is provided with latching teeth <NUM> in mesh with the fixing teeth <NUM>, and the slider <NUM> is disposed between the fixing wheel <NUM> and the elastic member <NUM>. The elastic member <NUM> is abutted against a side, facing away from the fixing wheel <NUM>, of the slider <NUM> and is in a compressed state. A guide groove <NUM> is disposed at a position, between the fixing wheel <NUM> and the elastic member <NUM>, of the guide assembly <NUM>. The slider <NUM> is partially slidably disposed in the guide groove <NUM>, and the guide groove <NUM> is provided with a first end <NUM> and a second end <NUM>. The fixing wheel <NUM>, in response to rotating upward and downward relative to the guide assembly <NUM>, drives the slider <NUM> to slide back and forth between the first end <NUM> and the second end <NUM>, and the slider <NUM> and the fixing wheel <NUM> are meshed and in a one-way locked state in the case that the slider <NUM> slides to the first end <NUM>, and the slider <NUM> and the fixing wheel <NUM> are in an unlocked state in the case that the slider <NUM> slides to the second end <NUM>.

The first end <NUM> of the guide groove <NUM> is a proximal end close to the rotation axis of the fixing wheel <NUM> relative to the guide assembly <NUM>, and the second end <NUM> is a distal end far away from the rotation axis of the fixing wheel <NUM> relative to the guide assembly <NUM>.

The fixing wheel <NUM> is fixed to the first support arm <NUM>, the fixing wheel <NUM> is rotatably connected to the guide assembly <NUM>, and the guide assembly <NUM> is fixed to the second support arm <NUM>, such that the first support arm <NUM> and the second support arm <NUM> may relatively rotate about the central axis of the fixing wheel <NUM> (that is, the rotation axis of the fixing wheel <NUM> relative to the guide assembly <NUM> is collinear with the rotation axis of the first support arm <NUM> relative to the second support arm <NUM>), so as to adjust the relative position therebetween.

The slider <NUM> may be slidably disposed between the fixing wheel <NUM> and the elastic member <NUM> via the guide groove <NUM>, and the elastic member <NUM> is abutted against a side, facing away from the fixing wheel <NUM>, of the slider <NUM>. The latching teeth <NUM> is disposed on a side, facing towards the fixing wheel <NUM>, of the slider <NUM>, such that the elastic member <NUM> may supply an elastic driving force for maintaining meshing between the slider <NUM> and the fixing wheel <NUM>, and the latching teeth <NUM> of the slider <NUM> and the fixing teeth <NUM> of the fixing wheel <NUM> have a tendency to maintain intermeshing under the action of the elastic member <NUM>.

The fixing wheel <NUM> and the slider <NUM> are meshed with the latching teeth <NUM> via the fixing teeth <NUM>. In the case that the fixing wheel <NUM> rotates relative to the guide assembly <NUM>, relative movement is present between the fixing wheel <NUM> and the slider <NUM>.

During use, in the case that the first support arm <NUM> rotates along a direction (such as upward) about the rotation axis of the rotation locking mechanism <NUM>, relative to the second support arm <NUM>, the fixing wheel <NUM> drives the slider <NUM> to slide to the second end <NUM>, the fixing wheel <NUM> is not meshed with the fixing teeth <NUM> or the latching teeth <NUM> of the slider <NUM>, such that the fixing wheel <NUM> and the slider <NUM> are in an unlocked state, and the first support arm <NUM> may continue to rotate along this direction relative to the second support arm <NUM>. When hovering at a position, where the first support arm <NUM> needs to be rotated along a reverse direction (such as downward), the elastic member <NUM> drives the slider <NUM> to be meshed with the fixing wheel <NUM> under the action of the elastic force. The fixing wheel <NUM> drives the slider <NUM> to move to the first end <NUM>, thereby locking the first support arm <NUM> in the hovering position.

Where the first support arm <NUM> needs to be reset to a horizontal state, the first support arm <NUM> needs to be rotated along a direction, the slider <NUM> is driven to slide to the second end <NUM>, and then the first support arm <NUM> is quickly rotated along a reverse direction. In this process, since the elastic force of the elastic member <NUM> is insufficient to push the slider <NUM> to be meshed with the fixing wheel <NUM>, such that the slider <NUM> may not move from the second end <NUM> to the first end <NUM> to lock the fixing wheel <NUM>. Therefore, the reset operation may be achieved. In this way, the relative position of the first support arm <NUM> and the second support arm <NUM> may be adjusted by rotation along a forward direction, and the relative folding position of the first support section <NUM> and the second support section <NUM> may be adjusted. A height position of the first end <NUM> on the guide assembly <NUM> is higher than a height position of the second end <NUM> on the guide assembly <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the guide groove <NUM> is an arc-shaped groove. A width of the arc-shaped groove along a radial direction progressively increases from the first end <NUM> to the second end <NUM>. Since the slider <NUM> are meshed with the fixing wheel <NUM> under the elastic force of the elastic member <NUM>, a smaller width of the arc-shaped groove along a radial direction causes a smaller moving space between the slider <NUM> and the fixing wheel <NUM> such that the slider <NUM> and the fixing wheel <NUM> are incapable of moving along the radial direction and thus incapable of detaching from each other. A larger width of the arc-shaped groove along the radial direction causes a larger moving space between the slider <NUM> and the fixing wheel <NUM> such that the slider <NUM> and the fixing wheel <NUM> are capable of moving along the radial direction and thus capable of detaching from each other. Therefore, the width of the arc-shaped groove along the radial direction progressively increases from the first end <NUM> to the second end <NUM>, which ensures that the latching teeth <NUM> of the slider <NUM> are better meshed with and locked to the fixing teeth <NUM> of the fixing wheel <NUM> in the case that the slider <NUM> is disposed at the first end <NUM>; and the fixing teeth <NUM> of the fixing wheel <NUM> are easily detachable from the latching teeth <NUM> of the slider <NUM> and unlocking therebetween is achieved in the case that the slider <NUM> is disposed at the second end <NUM>. Meanwhile, the guide groove <NUM> is configured in an arc-shaped structure to reduce a sliding resistance against the slider <NUM> and to avoid the problem of jamming in the case that the slider <NUM> slides along the guide groove <NUM>.

In other embodiments, the guide groove <NUM> may also be a strip-shaped groove.

In some specific embodiments, the guide assembly <NUM> includes a fixing base <NUM>, and a first guide plate <NUM> and a second guide plate <NUM> that are symmetrically disposed on both sides of the fixing base <NUM>. The fixing base <NUM> is fixedly connected to the first support arm <NUM>. A moving space is formed between the first guide plate <NUM> and the second guide plate <NUM>. One end of each of the first guide plate <NUM> and the second guide plate <NUM> is fixed to the fixing base <NUM>, and the other end of each of the first guide plate <NUM> and the second guide plate <NUM> is provided with a first through hole <NUM> and a second through hole <NUM> that are coaxially disposed. The fixing wheel <NUM> is disposed in the accommodating space and is provided with a first convex shaft <NUM> and a second convex shaft <NUM> at both ends along the axial direction, and the first convex shaft <NUM> and the second convex shaft <NUM> are in a clearance fit.

The guide groove <NUM> includes a first guide groove 410a and a second guide groove <NUM>0b. The first guide groove 410a is disposed on the first guide plate <NUM> and is positioned on a side, proximal to the fixing base <NUM>, of the first through hole <NUM>. The second guide groove 410b is disposed on the second guide plate <NUM> and is positioned on a side, proximal to the fixing base <NUM>, of the second through hole <NUM>. The slider <NUM> is positioned in the moving space, and both ends of the slider <NUM> are respectively and movably disposed in the first guide groove 410a and the second guide groove <NUM>0b. One end of the elastic member <NUM> is fixed to the fixing base <NUM>, and the other end of the elastic member <NUM> is positioned in the moving space and abutted against a side, facing away from the fixing wheel <NUM>, of the slider <NUM>.

The first convex shaft <NUM> of the fixing wheel <NUM> is inserted into the first through hole <NUM>, and the second convex shaft <NUM> of the fixing wheel <NUM> is inserted into the second through hole <NUM>, such that the fixing wheel <NUM> is positioned in the moving space and is rotatably connected to the guide assembly <NUM>. One end of the slider <NUM> is disposed in the first guide groove <NUM>0a, and the other end of the slider <NUM> is disposed in the second guide groove <NUM>0b, such that the slider <NUM> is rotatable about central axes of the first through hole <NUM> and the second through hole <NUM> (that is, the rotation axis of the fixing wheel <NUM> relative to the guide assembly <NUM>) along the guide groove <NUM> in the moving space. Both the first guide groove 410a and the second guide groove 410b have the first end <NUM> and the second end <NUM>. The elastic member <NUM> may be an L-shaped metal elastic piece. One end of the metal elastic piece may be fixed to a top of the fixing base <NUM>, and the other end of the metal elastic piece is extended into the moving space and is abutted against a side, facing away from the fixing wheel <NUM>, of the slider <NUM>.

The elastic member <NUM> may also be in an arc shape or other shapes, as long as an elastic force for driving the slider <NUM> to slide to the fixing wheel <NUM> along the guide groove <NUM> is supplied.

In some specific embodiments, the rotation locking mechanism <NUM> further includes a fixing shaft <NUM>. A middle portion of the fixing shaft <NUM> is disposed in the moving space and is sleevedly fixed to the fixing wheel <NUM>. Two ends of the fixing shaft <NUM> respectively penetrate the first guide plate <NUM> and the second guide plate <NUM> and reach the outside of the moving space and are fixedly connected to the first support arm <NUM>. That is, two ends of the fixing shaft <NUM> are respectively extended out of the first through hole <NUM> and the second through hole <NUM>, and are fixedly connected to the first support arm <NUM>.

Further, a middle position of the fixing wheel <NUM> is also provided with a fixing hole <NUM> allowing both ends of the fixing wheel <NUM> to penetrate, the fixing shaft <NUM> has a prismatic structure, and the fixing hole <NUM> is a prismatic hole adapted to the prismatic structure, such that the fixing wheel <NUM> does not rotate relative to the fixing shaft <NUM> after being sleeved on the fixing shaft <NUM>. Compared with fitting by a cylindrical shaft hole, the fixing wheel <NUM> and the fixing shaft <NUM> are limited and fixed with no need of a pin or other limiting members, such that fewer components are needed, the structure is simple, and disassembling and assembling of the fixing wheel <NUM> and the fixing shaft <NUM> are convenient.

It may be understood that, in other embodiments, the fixing wheel <NUM> and the fixing shaft <NUM> may also be formed as an integral structure.

In some embodiments, the rotation locking mechanism <NUM> further includes a restoration torsion spring <NUM>. The restoration torsion spring <NUM> is disposed on the guide assembly <NUM>. One end of the restoration torsion spring <NUM> is fixedly connected to the first support arm <NUM>, and the other end of the restoration torsion spring <NUM> is fixed to the second support arm <NUM>. The restoration torsion spring <NUM> is configured to supply a return force for restoration of the first support arm <NUM> and the second support arm <NUM>.

The connection between the restoration torsion spring <NUM> and the first support arm <NUM> is specifically illustrated in <FIG>. A side of the fixing base <NUM> is provided with an abutting arm <NUM>, wherein the abutting arm <NUM> is of a cylindrical structure. One end of the fixing shaft <NUM> is provided with a bayonet <NUM>. The restoration torsion spring <NUM> is sleeved on the end of the fixing shaft <NUM> provided with the bayonet <NUM>. One end of the restoration torsion spring <NUM> is clamped with the bayonet <NUM>, and the other end of the restoration torsion spring <NUM> is abutted against the abutting arm <NUM> of the fixing base <NUM>.

That is, in the case that the first support arm <NUM> and the second support arm <NUM> are relatively rotated to different positions, the restoration torsion spring <NUM> may make the first support arm <NUM> and the second support arm <NUM> have a tendency to return to an initial state by applying a return force. As an example, it is assumed that in the initial state, the first support arm <NUM> and the second support arm <NUM> are in the same horizontal position, and the restoration torsion spring <NUM> is in a relaxed state, then in the case that the first support arm <NUM> is folded upward relative to the second support arm <NUM> to a predetermined position (for example, an included angle between the first support arm <NUM> and the second support arm <NUM> is <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, or the like), the restoration torsion spring <NUM> is twisted and elastically deformed. This causes the restoration torsion spring <NUM> to generate a return force for restoration to act on the first support arm <NUM> and the second support arm <NUM>, such that the first support arm <NUM> and the second support arm <NUM> have a tendency to return to the initial state upon relative rotation.

In some embodiments, the rotation locking mechanism <NUM> further includes a first support <NUM> and a second support <NUM>. One end of each of the first support <NUM> and the second support <NUM> is fixed to the second support arm <NUM>. The other end of each of the first support <NUM> and the second support <NUM> is fixed to both ends of the fixing shaft <NUM>, and at least one of the first support <NUM> and the second support <NUM> is detachably connected to the fixing shaft <NUM>. The fixing wheel <NUM> is sleeved on a middle position of the fixing shaft <NUM>.

During assembling, the fixing shaft <NUM> only needs to run through the first through hole <NUM> of the first guide plate <NUM>, the fixing hole <NUM> of the fixing wheel <NUM>, and the second through hole <NUM> of the second guide plate <NUM> in sequence, and then the second support <NUM> is fixedly connected to the fixing shaft <NUM>, such that the first guide plate <NUM>, the fixing wheel <NUM>, and the second guide plate <NUM> may be connected. In this way, assembling is convenient.

In some embodiments, the rotation locking mechanism <NUM> further includes two washers <NUM>. One of the two washers <NUM> is sleeved on the first convex shaft <NUM> and is disposed between the first support <NUM> and the first guide plate <NUM>. The other of the two washers <NUM> is sleeved on the second convex shaft <NUM> and is positioned between the second support <NUM> and the second guide plate <NUM>.

It should be noted that in other embodiments, the rotation locking mechanism <NUM> may also adopt other rotation locking mechanisms that may achieve locking at any position in the conventional chair armrests.

As illustrated in <FIG>, another aspect of the present disclosure further provides a chair <NUM>. The chair <NUM> includes the chair armrest <NUM> as described above.

It should be noted that unless otherwise specified, the technical terms and scientific terms used in the present disclosure shall express general meanings that may be understood by a person skilled in the art.

In the description of the embodiments of the present disclosure, it should be understood that the terms "central," "transversal," "longitudinal," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "axial," "radial," and the like indicate orientations and position relationships which are based on the illustrations in the accompanying drawings, and these terms are merely for ease and brevity of the description, instead of indicating or implying that the devices or elements shall have a particular orientation and shall be structured and operated based on the particular orientation. Accordingly, these terms shall not be construed as limiting the present disclosure.

In addition, terms of "first," "second," and the like are only used for description, but shall not be understood as indication or implication of relative importance or implicit indication of the number of the specific technical features. In the description of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the term "more" or "a plurality of" signifies at least two, unless otherwise specified.

Claim 1:
An armrest pad assembly, comprising:
an armrest pad (<NUM>) made of a flexible material, wherein the armrest pad (<NUM>) comprises a first support section (<NUM>), a bendable section (<NUM>), and a second support section (<NUM>) that are successively connected along a lengthwise direction of the armrest pad (<NUM>);
wherein the armrest pad (<NUM>) is internally provided with a first inner frame (<NUM>) and a second inner frame (<NUM>), the first inner frame (<NUM>) being fixed to the first support section (<NUM>), and the second inner frame (<NUM>) being fixed to the second support section (<NUM>);
wherein the first inner frame (<NUM>) and the second inner frame (<NUM>) are configured to be connected to an armrest frame (<NUM>) of a chair (<NUM>), such that during upward and downward folding adjustment of the armrest frame (<NUM>) of the chair (<NUM>), the first inner frame (<NUM>) and the second inner frame (<NUM>) drive the first support section (<NUM>) and the second support section (<NUM>) to be folded upward and downward about the bendable section (<NUM>) to a predetermined position;
wherein the bendable section (<NUM>) is provided with a recess (<NUM>), wherein the recess (<NUM>) is extended to an edge of the armrest pad (<NUM>) along a widthwise direction of the armrest pad (<NUM>).