JP2004504218A - Child safety device attachable to vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

A child safety device that can be mounted on a vehicle. The device according to the invention consists of a seating element (2) with a tiltable handle (4) and an abutment surface, and a base (3) fixed so as to be immobile on the vehicle seat, 2) and the base (3) are centered and provided with positioning means and means for vertically locking the seating element (2) relative to the base (3) by rotation. According to the invention, the vertical locking means comprises a fixing part (15) with at least one locking branch (16), and an opening (17) opening into the recess along the engagement position. Inserting the locking branch (16) through the opening (17) and then holding the seating element (2) in the locked position by rotation of the opening (17) relative to the anchoring component (15). To be able to come.

Description

[0001]
The invention belongs to the technical field of child car safety devices and can be used in the rear and / or front of personal vehicles.
[0002]
The term "children's vehicle safety device" is limited to lightweight classes, i.e., devices for 0, 0+, and 1 groups of 0-10 kg, 0-13 kg, and 9-18 kg children, respectively.
[0003]
The invention relates more precisely to a device consisting of a shell and a transport handle, which provides functions such as transport outside the vehicle or use in a swing deck chair.
[0004]
Usually, these devices are fastened directly to the seat of the vehicle by means of safety belts, which means that every time a child enters or leaves the vehicle, the work has to be re-started, in which case the repetition of the safety adjustments has to be repeated. With every danger that would be caused.
[0005]
At present, it is known to combine these devices with a second element called a "pedestal" or "base" in order to solve the above-mentioned problems. The base is fixed in the vehicle by the safety belt and remains as it is. Each time the vehicle enters or exits, the shell simply continues to fit and lock onto the pedestal. A single safety belt may optionally assist in the function of the base holding the shell by being properly routed around the shell.
[0006]
A major disadvantage of current safety devices lies in the repetitive and not always easy operation, which is associated with the installation of the device in the vehicle, whether or not the vehicle has a base.
[0007]
In fact, without a base, the device is held directly by the belt, and its good positioning requires an effective hold down of the device. This means that in daily activities, the user must take extra care to ensure the safety of his or her child. In addition, the location through which the belt must pass is not necessarily an accessible location and some effort is required to install the device. The conclusion is that not only is the iteration a constraint, but it can be dangerous.
[0008]
Devices with bases are installed only when the device is used for the first time, thus providing the best installation reliability. Practical aspects have also been improved thanks to the base, since the installation only involves plugging one of the two elements into the other. However, the space for placing the device in the vehicle is reduced due to the presence of the base, which necessitates the need to fold the handle before entering the vehicle. This involves placing the device, weighing approximately 10 kg, at right angles to the vehicle seat, with the arms extended exactly, but with the handles pre-folded to reduce the external dimensions of the device. As a result, the device has no practical gripping points.
[0009]
Finally, after installation in a vehicle, regardless of the device, it is often necessary to adjust the position of the child in the device or adjust the adjustment of the safety belt. However, since the child's position is at right angles to the adult and with his back toward the road, he can no longer move effectively, because the accessibility within the shell is limited and the adjuster is often located in the seat. Close to the back, which reduces the range of activity. To this is added the stretch of the safety belt of the vehicle, and one of the two belts is usually stretched in the space separating children and adults.
[0010]
Accordingly, an apparatus has been proposed which comprises a base capable of pivoting about a rotation axis so as to position the seating element and lock said seating element relative to the base along a suitable direction. .
[0011]
International Patent Application WO 98/23462 describes such a device that allows the seating element to be pivoted relative to a base. The base of the device has a complex mechanism that allows the seating element to be locked vertically and rotationally when positioned along a particular direction. The lock is secured by a horizontal rod inserted into a hole located around the abutment surface of the seating element. Locking is only possible when the horizontal rod faces the hole in the seating element. The primary colors at the tips of these rods allow the user to visually confirm that the locking of the seating element to the base is effective. Locking of the seating element is ensured by a handle acting on the locking mechanism.
[0012]
Users of safety devices for children are generally safety-conscious, but also want to be easier to use. Thus, the presence of the unlocking handle, the visual confirmation of the lock, and the rotation adjustment of the seating element are all measures and tasks which complicate the use of the device proposed in document WO 98/23462. In addition, the use of these technical measures often results in intermittent movements that impair the child's comfort. Finally, the complexity of the device does not guarantee reliable use over time.
[0013]
It is precisely the object of the present invention to propose a device which serves the purpose of being safe, simple and comfortable.
[0014]
In order to meet these objectives, the present invention is directed to a child safety device attachable to a vehicle that includes:
A seating element with a tiltable handle and a contact surface,
A base fixed to the seat of the vehicle so as not to move and provided with a support surface for cooperating with the contact surface,
A means for centering the seating element and the base to position the seating element on the base and a means for rotating and vertically locking the seating element relative to the base between an engaged position and a locked position;
[0015]
According to the invention, the vertical locking means comprises, on one of the support surfaces or abutment surfaces, a fuser component with at least one locking branch, and on the other of the support or abutment surfaces, a recess. An opening having an opening therein and having a passage section, said passage section of the opening being adapted to insert a locking branch through the opening along the engagement position, and then to the fixing part for the opening. The relative rotation allows the seating element to be brought into the locked position.
[0016]
Various other features will become apparent from the following description, which refers to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of non-limiting example, how the invention may be practiced and used.
[0017]
FIG. 1 shows a safety device for receiving a child seat according to the invention.
[0018]
FIG. 2 shows a seating element for receiving a child seat.
[0019]
FIG. 3 shows a base for supporting the seating element of the device according to the invention.
[0020]
FIG. 4 is a side sectional view showing the seating element positioned on the base of the device of the present invention.
[0021]
FIG. 5 shows the rotation locking operation of the seating element.
FIG. 1 shows, in a reduced form, a safety device 1 according to a non-limiting embodiment of the invention, comprising a seating element 2 placed on a base 3. The seating element 2 serves the function of receiving and protecting the child and comprises a single element constituting the seat and the backrest of the device or a plurality of elements respectively constituting the seating, the backrest and the pillow.
[0023]
These elements can take the form of a shell or a plurality of shell elements integral with the seating element 2.
[0024]
Preferably, the seating element 2 comprises a shell for receiving a child seat.
[0025]
The elements or components of this seating element 2 are relatively rigid and lightweight in order to meet the requirements of the standard and the convenience that consumers expect. As such, their construction can be reinforced with pipe framing, including metal:
-Foaming, injection, thermoforming, or rotational molding plastic (polypropylene, polyethylene, ABS),
·polystyrene,
・ Polyurethane,
Is mainly based on
[0026]
As shown in FIG. 2, the seating element 2 comprises a tiltable handle 4, which serves, in particular, for transport. Handle design and work engineering vary by device. Depending on the model, the handle offers the possibility of movement parallel to the body, movement perpendicular to the body, or both. The pedestal of the seating element 2 also has rails which guarantee the function of the swing garden chair.
[0027]
The base 3 is secured to the vehicle seat by any suitable means, including a safety belt or strap. As shown in FIG. 3, the base 3 includes sliders 5 and 6, and a passage point of a safety belt such as a baffle plate 7 having a slider with a fastener 8. The sliders 5 and 6 are positioned at a minimum of 150 mm from the point that forms the intersection of the seat back and seat surface of the vehicle on which the base 3 is fixed, in line with the requirements of the current European standard. The passage of the safety belt by the baffle plate 7 guarantees a deviation of the path of the safety belt, thereby making it possible to make room for the rotation of the seating element 2 on the base 3. The base can also be provided with a U-shaped part intended to limit the possibility of deformation of the seating element 2, which can open the seat / back angle. The U-shaped part 9 is in direct contact with the backrest of the seating element 2, thereby preventing any movement of the backrest relative to the base towards the front of the vehicle.
[0028]
In preparation for installation in the vehicle, the handle 4 can be folded from its vertical position towards the backrest of the seating element 2 to an intermediate position of about 45 °, thereby significantly reducing the occupation space of the seating element 2. , Thereby facilitating loading on the vehicle.
[0029]
The first stage of the installation is to position or stack the seating elements 2 on the base 3.
[0030]
As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the seating element 2 and the base 3 are provided with means enabling the seating element 2 to be centered and positioned on the base 3. Thus, the first stage of installation is to ensure these momentary centering and positioning functions of the seating element 2 without having to search for a position or lock, as in some devices of the prior art. Simplified by means.
[0031]
According to an embodiment of the invention, the centering and locating means comprises a cone or preferably a centering truncated cone on the support surface 11 cooperating with an abutment surface 13 arranged below the seating element 2. 12 are provided.
[0032]
Thus, this positioning step is easily achieved without the need to search for a suitable position in the dark, thanks to the cone or truncated cone 12 located on the base 3, whereby the seating element 2 is moved to the predetermined position. It is automatically centered in position, ie in the engaged position.
[0033]
According to an embodiment of the invention, the support surface 11 and the abutment surface 13 are rotationally symmetric with respect to the base 3 with respect to the rotation axis 14 of the seating element 2. Thereby, one of the features of the present invention of turning or rotating the seating element 2 with respect to the base 3 is obtained.
[0034]
This feature of swiveling makes it possible to position the seating element 2 on the base 3 so that, in the first stage of installation, the seating element 2 is at a position different from the transport position, a simple swiveling or Obtained by rotation.
[0035]
Thus, before pivoting the seating element 2 to the transport position from behind, it is possible to position it on the base 3 in the engagement position so that it is compatible with an adult.
[0036]
Preferably, the engagement position corresponds to the position of the seating element 2 relative to the base 3, which is arranged at right angles to the driving direction of the vehicle or in a seat of said vehicle. As shown in FIG. 1, this arrangement corresponds to the right angle arrangement of the seating element 2 with respect to the base 3 obtained during the first stage of the installation of the seating element 2 in the vehicle.
[0037]
The first stage of this installation is simple to carry out, since the seating element 2 is generally placed longitudinally inside the vehicle, whereby the occupied space can be reduced. This position, in turn, allows the adult to monitor the child's sitting in the shell and, in some cases, to easily reseat or easily adjust the safety belt, which allows the child and the shell to This is because it is not a right angle, as is usual, especially in a device without this turning characteristic.
[0038]
When the child is correctly positioned, the adult can pivot the seating element 2 on the base 3 and lock the seating element against the base 3, which corresponds to the second stage of the installation.
[0039]
The locking of the seating element 2 with respect to the base 3 is a second feature of the invention, which is initially secured approximately vertically by a vertical locking means.
[0040]
According to the invention, the vertical locking means comprises, on the one hand, a fixing part 15 with at least one locking branch 16 and, on the other hand, an opening 17 opening into the recess and having a passage section, The component 15 is inserted into the opening 17 along the engagement position. The passage section of the opening 17 firstly inserts the locking branch 16 through the opening 17 along the engagement position, and then the rotation of the opening 17 relative to the anchoring component 15 causes the seat element 2 Can be brought into the locked position.
[0041]
As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the fixing part 15 has a T-shape, and the upper part thereof forms two lock branches 16. Preferably, the fixing part 15 is arranged on the support surface 11, in particular on the truncated cone 12, and the opening 17 is such that it receives the fixing part 15 when the seating element 2 is in the engaged position. It is arranged on the contact surface 13. Immediately after the pivoting of the seat element 2 relative to the base 3, the fixing part 15 inserted into the opening 17 of the abutment surface 13 of the seat element 2 pressed the seat element 2 onto the base 3. Leave.
[0042]
It is also conceivable to arrange the fixing component 15 on the contact surface 13 and arrange the opening 17 on the support surface 11.
[0043]
Preferably, the vertical locking position itself corresponds to the position of the seating element 2 with respect to the base 3, which is arranged parallel to the driving direction of the vehicle or at right angles to the vehicle seat. As shown in FIG. 5, this arrangement corresponds to the parallel arrangement of the position of the seating element 2 with respect to the base 3, obtained in the second stage of installation.
[0044]
According to one embodiment of the invention, the vertical locking means of the seating element 2 with respect to the base 3 are further provided with at least one float stop 18 arranged on the seating element and on the base. At least one claw 19 is provided, the catch 18 and the catch 19 being arranged such that in rotation of the seating element 2 relative to the base 3 in the locked position, the catch 18 is inserted below the catch 19. You.
[0045]
In this way, the upper surface of the buoy 18 contacts the lower surface of the claw 19 so as to lock the seating element 2 with respect to the base 3 and prevent it from moving vertically.
[0046]
As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the float stopper 18 and the claw portion 19 are arranged when the seating element 2 is arranged parallel to the base 3, that is, when the seating element 2 is arranged at right angles to the base 3. A corresponding stop is placed on the seating element 2 and the base 3, respectively, such that the detent 18 is inserted under the pawl 19 when rotated about 90 ° relative to the engaged position.
[0047]
When the rotation has ended, the buoy 18 bears on the anchoring component 15 in order to prevent vertical or translational movement of the seating element 2. These two points are an effective and sufficient connection point of the seating element 2 to the base 3, ensuring the integrity of the two elements in the event of an accident. Thus, the means constituted by the buoy 18 and the pawl 19 enable an enhanced vertical locking of the seating element 2 to the base 3.
[0048]
The removal of the seating element 2 can only be performed by a rotational movement in the opposite direction, not by a vertical movement. An advantage of the rotational locking according to the invention is that it eliminates the rattling movements that are often unavoidable with current devices in order to eliminate locking. This is because this sudden exercise shakes the child and may cause it to occur. In addition, the vertical lock is activated simultaneously with the start of rotation of the seating element 2 with respect to the base 1.
[0049]
The third stage of the installation consists in locking by rotation of the seating element 2 with respect to the base 3.
[0050]
According to one embodiment of the invention, the locking by rotation of the seating element 2 is ensured by tilting the tiltable handle 4 backward on both sides of the protrusion arranged on the base 3. .
[0051]
The tiltable handle 4 is parallel to the child's body and is generally secured by two connection points on either side of the seating element 2 to provide movement about an axis through the two connection points. Accordingly, the rotation lock of the seating element 2 with respect to the base 3 is ensured by the tiltable handle 4 which allows the adult to tilt backward or to lower horizontally when the rotation is effective, that is, when the seating element 2 is in the turning position. You. At this time, the handle 4 is pressed against the projection 20, thus preventing the rotation of the seating element 2.
[0052]
Locking by rotation of the seating element 2, or locking of rotation, is ensured to avoid any risk of accident.
[0053]
The use of the handle 4 as a rotation locking or unlocking means of the seating element 2 greatly simplifies the use of the device, since there is no additional means dedicated to locking or unlocking.
[0054]
According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the seating element 2 is provided with two side grips 22, calculated to be grippable even when the handle is tilted, to ensure easy transport.
[0055]
This is a real benefit, especially when installed in a vehicle, in order to limit the overall space occupied by the device (folded handle), while ensuring proper gripping. Even when the tiltable handle 4 is folded when preparing for installation in the vehicle, the grip 22 serves as the tiltable handle 4, so that transport is not inconvenient.

Claims (11)

In a child safety device that can be attached to a vehicle,
-With a handle (4) that can be freely tilted and a contact surface (13).
A seating element (2);
A base (3) fixed so as not to move to the seat of the vehicle and provided with a support surface (11) for cooperating with the contact surface (13);
Means for centering and positioning the seating element (2) on the base (3) with the seating element (2) and the base (3) and for the base (3) between the engaged position and the locked position Means for vertically locking the seating element (2) by rotation.
The vertical locking means comprises, on one of the support surface (11) or the abutment surface (13), an anchoring component (15) with at least one locking branch (16), the support surface (11) or the abutment surface. On the other of the contact surfaces (13), an opening (17) opening into the recess and having a passage section is provided, said passage section of the opening (17) having an opening along the engagement position. Inserting the locking branch (16) through (17) and then bringing the seating element (2) into the locked position by relative rotation of the opening (17) with the anchoring component (15). A child safety device, characterized in that it is enabled. The child safety device according to claim 1, characterized in that the anchoring part (15) has a T-shape whose upper part constitutes two locking branches (16). 3. The fixing device according to claim 1, wherein the fixing component is arranged on the support surface and the opening is arranged on the contact surface. Child safety device. Vertical locking means of the seating element (2) with respect to the base (3) are furthermore provided at least one float stop (18) arranged on the seating element (2) and on the base (3). And at least one pawl (19), the retainer (18) and the pawl (19) being in the locked position when the seating element (2) rotates with respect to the base (3). The child safety device according to claim 1, wherein the child safety device is arranged to be inserted below the claw portion. The centering and positioning means comprise on the support surface (11) a centering truncated cone (12) cooperating with an abutment surface (13) arranged below the seating element (2). A child safety device according to any one of claims 1 to 4. 6. The support surface according to claim 1, wherein the support surface and the abutment surface have a rotationally symmetrical shape with respect to the base with the rotation axis of the seating element. The child safety device according to any one of the above. That the locking by rotation of the seating element (2) is ensured by tilting the tiltable handle (4) backwards on both sides of the projection (20) arranged on the base (3). The child safety device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it is characterized in that: Characterized in that the seating element (2) is provided with two side grips (22), calculated to grab even when the handle (4) is tilted, to ensure easy transport. A child safety device according to any one of claims 1 to 7. 9. The child safety device according to claim 1, wherein the seating element (2) comprises a shell for receiving a child seat. 10. The child safety device according to claim 9, wherein the engagement position corresponds to the position of the seating element (2) with respect to the base (3) where the child is arranged at right angles to the driving direction of the vehicle. . 11. The child safety device according to claim 9, wherein the locking position corresponds to the position of the seating element (2) with respect to the base (3) on which the child is arranged parallel to the driving direction of the vehicle. .