阅读说明：本技术 汽车安全座椅装置 (Safety seat device for automobile ) 是由 曼努埃尔·珍妮·圣玛丽亚 于 2019-09-10 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明涉及一种汽车安全座椅装置,该汽车安全座椅装置包括：第一座椅,其在旋转基部上固定至Isofix固定基座；以及第二座椅,其尺寸较小,并能自由锚固在所述第一座椅上,其中所述第一座椅包括至少一个椅座形外部壳体和安装在所述Isofix固定基座上的刚性结构,使得所述第一座椅能相对于所述Isofix固定基座旋转并且能锚固在两个不同的位置,即面向前方的第一位置和面向后方的第二位置。所述第一座椅还包括可折叠的支撑腿,该支撑腿集成到所述刚性结构中,并在一端铰接至所述刚性结构的背部,使得所述支撑腿能采取两个不同的位置,即展开位置和折叠位置。(The present invention relates to an automobile safety seat device, comprising: a first seat secured to the Isofix stationary base on the rotating base; and a second seat that is smaller in size and freely anchorable to the first seat, wherein the first seat comprises at least one seat-shaped outer shell and a rigid structure mounted on the Isofix base, such that the first seat is rotatable relative to the Isofix base and anchorable in two different positions, a first position facing forward and a second position facing rearward. The first seat further comprises a foldable support leg integrated into the rigid structure and hinged at one end to the back of the rigid structure, so that the support leg can assume two different positions, namely an unfolded position and a folded position.)

1. A car safety seat arrangement (1, 2, 11) of the type usable by infants of height 40cm to 150cm, the car safety seat arrangement (1, 2, 11) comprising:

-an Isofix fixation base (2);

-a first seat (1), the first seat (1) being fixed on a rotating base to the Isofix fixed base (2),

wherein the first seat (1) comprises at least:

-an outer shell (10, 7, 8a, 8b, 5, 4) in the form of a chair comprising a seat (10), a backrest (7) with sides (5) and two armrests (8a, 8 b); and

-an internal rigid structure (6), said internal rigid structure (6) being mounted on said Isofix fixed base (2) such that said first seat (1) is rotatable with respect to said Isofix fixed base (2) and anchorable in two different positions, a first position facing forwards and a second position facing backwards; and

-a second seat (11), the second seat (11) being smaller in size than the first seat (1) and being releasably anchorable on the first seat (1);

characterized in that said internal rigid structure (6) comprises:

-a rotating base (6e), which rotating base (6e) is firmly attached to an upper structure (6a, 6b) extending up to a portion close to the back (7) of the first seat (1), wherein the rigid structure (6) is configured to be mounted in the lower and rear portions of the outer shell (10, 7, 8a, 8b, 5, 4) of the first seat (1), and wherein the rotating base (6e) is configured to be mounted in a rotating manner on the Isofix base (2); and

-a foldable support leg (12), the support leg (12) being integrated into the rigid structure (6), the height of the support leg (12) being adjustable and the support leg (12) being hinged at its upper end to a rear portion of the superstructure (6a, 6b) of the rigid structure (6) so that the support leg (12) can assume two different positions:

-assuming a deployed position when said first seat (1) is facing backwards, in which said support legs (12) are detached from said rigid structure (6); or

-assuming a folded position when the first seat (1) is facing forward, in which the support legs (12) are anchored by means of a lower portion to a portion of the Isofix base, so that in this folded position one lower portion of the support legs (12) remains fixed to the Isofix base (2) and acts as a reinforcement of the rigid structure (6).

2. The car safety seat arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the height of the support leg (12) is adjustable from a maximum unfolded position to a non-extended position, and the support leg (12) is configured as at least one pair of male and female telescopic sections, wherein the upper female section comprises a protruding portion at its lower end, and a base element is provided in the lower part of the lower male section of the support leg, such that in its fully retracted position the lower male section is slidable from and fully stored inside the upper female section as a larger section, the protruding portion bearing down on the base of the support leg and also serving as a structural support when the support leg is in the folded and non-extended position.

3. The car safety seat arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the Isofix fixing base (2) comprises a locking/unlocking mechanism at the rear of the Isofix fixing base, i.e. on the Isofix anchor side, to be able to block the lower part of the support legs (12) when the support legs are in the folded position.

4. The car safety seat arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the Isofix fixing base (2) comprises an accommodation (23) in the rear of the Isofix fixing base (2) to accommodate the lower part of the support legs (12) when the support legs (12) are in the folded position.

5. The car safety seat arrangement according to claim 1 or 3, wherein the support leg (12) is hingedly fixed at its upper end to a portion near the upper end of the superstructure (6a, 6b) of the rigid structure (6).

6. The car safety seat arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the rigid structure (6) comprises an articulation mechanism for articulating the upper end of the support leg (12), said hinge means being formed by a plate (22) mounted between said support leg (12) and said rear structure (6a, 6b), the plate (22) is joined together with the support leg (12) and the bar construction (6a, 6b) by means of a transverse shaft (26), and wherein the plate (22) has a "U" -shaped body having on both sides (22') slots (27) for the transverse passage of the shaft (26), whereby said shaft (26) is also movable along these grooves (27) according to the angular position of said outer casing (10, 7, 8a, 8b, 5, 4) with respect to said rigid structure (6).

7. The car safety seat arrangement according to claim 1 or 5, wherein the outer shell (10, 7, 8a, 8b, 5, 4) of the first seat (1) is tiltable in different tilted positions relative to the fixed rigid structure (6) and the support leg (12).

8. The car safety seat arrangement according to claim 6, wherein the outer housing (10, 7, 8a, 8b, 5, 4) is tiltably fastened to the rigid structure (6) by means of two different points: -an attachment to the outer casing (10, 7, 8a, 8b, 5, 4) by means of the plate (22); and the lower part of the bar structure (6a, 6b) is attached to the other of the outer shells (10, 7, 8a, 8b, 5, 4) so that the outer shells (10, 7, 8a, 8b, 5, 4) of the first seat (1) can be moved in different inclined positions relative to the rigid structure (6) by means of a guide mechanism having a slotted groove (27).

9. The car safety seat arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the upper structure (6a, 6b) is a structure formed by one or more rigid elements having more than one segment of different inclination or curvature, and wherein the rigid elements (6a, 6b) of the rear portion of the upper structure (6a, 6b) have a space in which an upper portion of the support legs (12) can remain arranged in a folded arrangement.

10. The car safety seat arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the superstructure (6a, 6b) extends upwards until it reaches a portion near the upper part of the backrest (7) of the first seat (1).

11. The car safety seat arrangement according to claim 9, wherein the upper structure (6a, 6b) comprises two bars (6a, 6b) and further comprises one or more "U" -shaped reinforcement bars (6c, 6d) connecting the two bars (6a, 6b) with the swivel base (6 e).

12. The safety seat arrangement of claim 1, wherein the outer shell (10, 7, 8a, 8b, 5, 4) of the first seat (1) comprises a highly extensible headrest (4), wherein each armrest has a respective receptacle (9a, 9b) to receive each connector (18a, 18b) of the second seat (11).

13. Safety seat arrangement according to claims 1 and 12, wherein the second seat (11) configured to be used by a young child of a height of about 40-75 cm is constituted by a portable crib of external dimensions housed inside the first seat (1) without protruding from the first seat (1), and comprises removable anchors (18a, 18b) for anchoring the second seat (11) in the housing (9a, 9b) of the first seat (1).

14. Safety seat arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the Isofix fixing base (2) is constituted by a body having a flat bottom surface (24) and a top surface (26), the body having a lower front portion (2b) and a higher rear portion (2a), and wherein the top surface has a first front region of lesser inclination and a second rear region of greater inclination with respect to the lower flat bottom surface, and a narrower raised region (2c) is formed in the rearmost portion of the Isofix fixing base (2) to support the rear surface of the support leg (12) in the folded position.

15. A child car safety seat (1, 2) of the type usable by young children of height 100cm to 150cm, formed by an Isofix fixing base (2) and a first seat (1), said first seat (1) being fixed in a rotating manner on said Isofix fixing base (2), wherein said first seat (1) is adapted to anchor a second seat of smaller size above, and wherein said first seat (1) comprises at least:

-an outer shell (10, 7, 8a, 8b, 5, 4) in the form of a chair comprising a seat (10), a backrest (7) with sides (5) and two armrests (8a, 8 b); and

-an internal rigid structure (6), said internal rigid structure (6) being mounted on said Isofix fixed base (2) such that said first seat (1) is rotatable with respect to said Isofix fixed base (2) and anchorable in two different positions, a first position facing forwards and a second position facing backwards;

characterized in that said internal rigid structure (6) comprises:

-a rotating base (6e), which rotating base (6e) is firmly attached to an upper structure (6a, 6b) extending up to a portion close to the back (7) of the first seat (1), wherein the rigid structure (6) is configured for mounting in the lower and rear portions of an outer shell (10, 7, 8a, 8b, 5, 4) of the first seat (1), and wherein the rotating base (6e) is configured to be mounted in a rotating manner on the Isofix base (2); and

-a foldable support leg (12), said support leg (12) being integrated into said rigid structure (6), said support leg (12) being adjustable in height and this support leg (12) being hinged at its upper end to a rear portion of said superstructure (6a, 6b) of said rigid structure (6), so that said support leg (12) can assume two different positions:

-assuming a deployed position when said first seat (1) is facing backwards, in which said support legs (12) are detached from said rigid structure (6); or

-assuming a folded position when the first seat (1) is facing forward, in which the support legs (12) are anchored by means of a lower portion to a portion of the Isofix base, so that in this folded position one lower portion of the support legs (12) remains fixed to the Isofix base (2) and acts as a reinforcement of the rigid structure (6).

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a child safety seat arrangement for a motor vehicle. In particular, the present invention relates to a safety seat arrangement for a motor vehicle having an Isofix type rear seat attachment with supporting legs, which seat arrangement is suitable for use in a child/child size range of 40cm to 150cm in height, which means that it can be used by children from the age of a child (0 years) to the age of 10 to 12 years.

Background

To comply with legislation in every country and expert advice, child seats should be used between the age of birth and approximately 10 to 12 years of age.

There are several types of child safety seats currently available that may be installed on the rear seats of a car and are typically designed for a particular child/child size and/or weight range. Thus, these child seats are categorized according to different groups, depending on the size and/or weight range.

Generally, there are two main types of child seats, ranging in size from 40cm to 75cm (i.e. about 0 to 10 to 13 kg): firstly, a portable crib; and secondly a child seat. These child seats should be installed all the time backwards.

Generally speaking, seats for young children in the size range of 60cm to 105cm (i.e. about 9 to 18 kg) include child seats that are attached to the rear seats of the vehicle using a harness or Isofix connection system, depending on the size/weight of the child and the specific regulations of the country, and attach the child to the child seat from the seat itself using straps or safety hooks at commonly used locations during child travel so that the child can look forward or backward. More and more recent studies suggest placing these chairs backwards to avoid cervical spine injuries.

Seats for children in the size range of 105cm (i.e. about 15 to 36 kg) include child seats, but in this case child seats are specifically designed to secure both the child and the seat itself (i.e. without a harness to anchor the child seat itself) with the vehicle's own harness. This type of child seat "lifts" the person therein so that the vehicle seat belt is properly fitted.

Some car seat models can be used in two or more different size ranges. However, there are different problems associated with automotive seat designs that can be used in two or more different size ranges.

Furthermore, in 2013 the safety standard for european car safety seats "i-Size" was in force, where it was stated that children under 15 months had to go through a trip facing backwards (also known by the acronym "RF", facing backwards) and had to be attached to the seat of the vehicle by means of the Isofix system.

Furthermore, the current design trend is to have children under the age of 3 to 4 years experience a backward trip to minimize possible neck injuries in an accident.

The Isofix vehicle anchoring system provides maximum safety against accidents, which includes: two connectors that hold the seat by means of the rear lower portion, anchoring the seat to a hook of the vehicle; and a third point to prevent forward rotation of the seat in the event of a frontal collision. The industry has developed two different systems as a third point: the "top tether (toptier)" and the "support leg". A "top strap" comprises a strap that comes out of the upper back of the seat and is anchored to a so-called third Isofix connection point, which is located behind the seat in which it is installed; and the support legs are adjustable length legs that exit the front region of the seat base and remain a fixed distance from the floor, preventing the seat from swinging forward.

For this reason, new seats for sizes ranging up to 105cm must be able to be positioned facing backwards (RF) and able to correctly and comfortably accommodate young children/children under the age of 3 to 4 years. However, currently available seats that can be placed in the RF direction are not entirely practical due to space and child comfort issues (especially when the child is 3 or 4 years old).

Currently, there are some models of seats for sizes ranging up to 105cm that can be mounted facing forward (front facing, FF) and also Rear Facing (RF) depending on the size and specific weight of the child, thanks to a lower platform that allows the seat to rotate.

There are also certain models of car seats suitable for new born children to children 10 to 12 years old, whose position (RF/FF) and/or configuration can be modified according to the size of the child. However, some of them do not have Isofix anchoring systems for anchoring to the rear seats of the vehicle, or they do not have support legs, or they do not allow the seat to be used facing backwards when the child is 3 or 4 years old, or they are uncomfortable for young children or children.

In view of the above, it is apparent that there is a need to provide a new design for an automotive safety seat arrangement that is attached to a vehicle in an Isofix manner by support legs and that can be comfortably used by infants/children aged 0 to 3 to 4 years facing backwards (RF) and infants/children aged 1-3, 5 to 10 to 12 years Facing Forwards (FF).

Disclosure of Invention

It is therefore a first object of the present invention to provide a child safety seat device for automobiles which can be comfortably used and has a space for a child of 40cm height to a child of 150cm height, thereby solving the aforementioned inconveniences and exhibiting the following advantages.

In accordance with the first-mentioned object, the present invention relates to a child safety seat arrangement for a motor vehicle, comprising:

a first seat secured to the Isofix stationary base on the rotating base; and

a second seat, of smaller dimensions, freely anchorable to said first seat,

wherein the first seat comprises at least one seat-shaped outer shell and a rigid structure mounted on the Isofix fixed base such that the first seat is rotatable relative to the Isofix fixed base and anchorable in two different positions, a first position Facing Forward (FF) and a second position facing Rearward (RF).

In contrast to the child safety seat arrangements for cars known from the prior art, the first seat proposed in a characteristic manner by the invention additionally comprises:

a foldable support leg integrated into the rigid structure and hinged at one end to the back of the rigid structure, such that the support leg can assume two different positions:

a deployed position in which the support legs are separated from the rigid structure when the first seat is facing rearwardly; or

The first seat when facing forwards assumes a folded position in which the support legs are received in the rear of the rigid structure and lowered into position in the receptacles of the Isofix base such that in the folded position the support legs act as stiffeners for the rigid structure.

Due to this advantageous construction, the user of the child car seat has a seat which is always attached to the rear seat of the Isofix-supporting vehicle (i.e. maximum safety) and which can be used by children 40cm to 105cm in height facing backwards (RF) and 60cm (or 100cm) to 150cm in height Facing Forwards (FF). Hereinafter, abbreviations RF and FF will be used. The child safety seat arrangement of the present invention can be used in the following manner, but it can also be mounted in other locations:

when the seat is used by a child approximately 40cm to 75cm in height, a second seat smaller than the first seat is anchored above the first seat via a removable anchoring mechanism, and the first seat is arranged in an RF position, the child comfortably sitting on the second seat, the second seat being configured to be used by a child approximately 40cm to 75cm in height;

when the seat is used by a child of about 60cm to 105cm in height, the second seat is unfastened from the first seat by a simple manual operation of unfastening the removable anchoring mechanism, and the child sits on the first seat disposed in the RF position and is restrained with a five-point harness, thereby providing sufficient space for the child.

When the seat is used by a child approximately 100cm to 135cm (or 150cm) tall, the first seat is unfastened from the Isofix anchor, rotated 180 degrees relative to the Isofix base, the support legs are folded and stored behind the seat by their hinges and placed in the FF position, and the Isofix base is reattached to the Isofix anchor (the third point of the support legs are now replaced with a "top strap"), and the child is seated on the first seat in the FF position and restrained with a car seat belt, thereby retaining the five point harness of the first seat within the seat.

When the seat is used by a child of about 120cm to 150cm in height, the first seat is used in the same FF position, and in order to adapt the size of the seat to the child, the back of the first seat is adjusted by lifting the back of the first seat upwards, so that the seat expands vertically upwards in different height positions. A child sits on the first seat and is restrained by a vehicle harness.

Both the first and second seats include a safety harness (wire harness), commonly referred to as a five-point harness, so that the child can be retained when placed on the second seat and when placed on the first seat. When the first seat is used for children over 105cm or 100cm in height, instead of using a five-point seat belt, the vehicle's own seat belt is used. In this way, the device of the invention has the following advantages: when the child is still small, both the first seat and the second seat may be used, with a five-point harness securing them.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the outer shell of the first seat comprises: a chair seat; a back rest having sides; two armrests; and an extendable height headrest. The provision of height extendable headrests known in other seats allows the first seat to be extendable in height at different height positions by the action of a button which actuates upward or downward movement of the headrest on the back of the first seat to adapt the first seat to the size of the child. As an example, the adjustable headrest may have four or five different positions. The height adjustment of the headrest has the advantage that the child is better protected against lateral shocks while the child's head is retained. Furthermore, the outer shell has a very particular and advantageous shape (in particular a portion of its seat) with a very specific curved geometry that allows the second seat to be housed inside. Furthermore, the outer casing has also at the outer rear and at the bottom a housing able to receive and be fixed to a rigid structure. Preferably, each armrest has a respective receptacle to receive a respective anchor point of the second seat. Depending on the possible design of the outer housing, each side of the outer housing has an upper part with a respective receptacle for the passage of a vehicle safety belt.

However, the second smaller seat may be anchored to the first seat by means of its respective anchoring point at other points arranged at positions other than the armrests, without altering the essence of the invention.

In other words, the rigid structure (which integrally incorporates the folding support legs) is fixed, while the first seat held on the rigid structure may be tilted at a different angle of β.

Because the support legs are configured in a fixed manner relative to the internal structure (rather than attaching the support legs to the housing of the first seat as in most conventional juvenile seats), a number of advantages are provided in that once the support legs are located on the floor of the interior of the vehicle and the Isofix anchors are anchored, the housing of the first chair can be tilted regardless of whether the support legs will never move or be adjusted again according to the tilt position. This greatly facilitates the user's manipulation of the chair and minimizes assembly errors. According to a preferred embodiment of the embodiment, the rigid structure comprises a lower swivel base firmly (fixedly) attached to a bar structure, wherein the rigid structure is permanently mounted on the bottom and back of the outer shell of the first seat, and wherein the swivel base is mounted on the Isofix base.

According to a preferred embodiment of the implementation, the rigid structure comprises a hinging mechanism for hinging the upper end of the supporting leg with respect to the bar structure, said hinging mechanism being formed by a plate mounted between the supporting leg and the bar structure, these three parts being joined by means of a transverse shaft. Preferably, the aforementioned plate will have a "U" -shaped body having slots on both sides for the transverse passage of the shaft, so that the shaft can also move along these slots depending on the angular position of the outer casing with respect to the rigid structure.

According to this preferred configuration, the rigid structure is fixed and the outer shell of the first seat can be fastened tiltably on said rigid structure by means of two distinct points: one fixed to the outer case via a plate; the lower part of the bar structure is fixed to another fixation of the outer shell so that the outer shell of the first seat can be moved in different inclined positions relative to the rigid structure (including the support legs) via guiding means, for example by means of neck (collar) slots which allow guiding of the fastening points by means of the inside of said slots.

According to a preferred embodiment of the embodiment, the bar construction is made up of at least two bars at a distance from each other, the bars having more than one segment (e.g. four segments) of different inclination. Specifically, in this space between the rods, an upper portion of the support leg is fitted and received in a folded arrangement. The rod configuration can be replaced by another type of rigid structure.

Furthermore, the bar structure may optionally include one or more "U" shaped reinforcing bars that join the two bars with the rotating base. Preferably, the rigid structure will be made of a metallic material and also preferably, the two bars constituting the bar structure are joined by welding with the support base and the "U" bar, but other means of connection are possible without altering the essence of the invention.

According to a possible embodiment of the implementation, the rotating base of the rigid structure has a flat base of circular profile, which can rotate 360 ° with respect to the central axis of the circular profile in the direction perpendicular to the base and is anchored in two distinct positions, one forward-facing position and the other backward-facing position, with respect to the Isofix fixed base. In this way, the first seat can be installed and used in two locations (RF and FF) depending on the specific needs of the child.

The support legs are adjustable in height to enable adjustment for each car and have a stopping point at their bottom with the floor of the rear of the vehicle. The height mechanism is typically adjustable, for example, two extendable male-female tubular elements being brought into different preset positions by means of a plurality of holes arranged at different heights. According to a possible embodiment, the articulated support legs are removable from the rigid internal structure, but merely foldable. In an alternative form, the hinged support legs may be detachable. The support leg has such a length that, in its maximum extended position, it must be able to reach the floor of the vehicle interior. Preferably, the height of the support legs is adjustable from a maximum deployed position to a non-extended position and is configured as at least two male-female telescopic sections: wherein the male lower section retracts to its position (i.e., the smaller section) and can slide within and completely fit within the upper female section (the larger section). The upper female section comprises a projection at its lower end and the lower part of the lower male leg of the supporting leg is provided with a base element. The projection bears downwardly against the base element of the leg and also acts as a structural abutment when the support leg is in its folded position against the first seat and in its non-extended position.

In the upper part of the support leg, a cover element may be provided to cover the upper part of the support leg. The covering element can be articulated by means of its upper base (in the same way as the supporting legs) so that it folds with the same supporting legs when they are in the unfolded position and so that the covering element also folds when they are in the folded position.

According to a preferred embodiment of the embodiment, the second seat is constituted by a portable crib of such external dimensions that it is mounted inside the first seat without protruding or hardly protruding therefrom. In order to be able to anchor the second seat in the receptacle of the first seat, the second seat comprises on both sides a number of attachable and detachable anchoring points. Preferably, the second seat is constituted by a single-piece structure, made of a very light material (preferably weighing less than 2kg), such as plastic (for example polyamide or polypropylene), which may be covered by a layer of (expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam) covering the entire internal opening of the portable baby bed. The second seat may further comprise a reinforced headrest, preferably made of expanded polystyrene foam. The second seat may have a carrying handle for carrying the portable crib. Preferably, the second seat, which is smaller than the first seat, has an angle of repose such that the child actually unfolds, thereby minimizing the risk of oxygen desaturation, bradycardia and hypoxia. Its innovative design provides an optimal, healthy and safe location for the child to travel, both anchored in the first seat and also anchored to the chassis of the stroller.

As regards the connection system between the second seat and the first seat, this system may preferably be a clip-type connection system, formed by a male element arranged in the second seat, which is anchored by snapping into a female element arranged in the first seat, the male element and the female element being conformed. Thus, in order to install the second seat above the first seat, a single vertical downward movement is carried out to place the respective male elements in the respective slots of the two fixed housings of the first seat, without any further manipulation of the first seat being necessary. And in order to remove the second seat, both buttons located at the side must be pulled, and the second seat will be unloaded from the first seat by a single posture of the user.

It has a very advantageous and special construction compared to Isofix fixed bases to allow rotation of the rigid structure and to fix it in two opposite angular positions. To this end, according to a preferred embodiment of the embodiment, the Isofix fixing base comprises a body with a flat bottom surface and a curved upper surface, the body having a lower front and a higher rear (where the two Isofix anchors are located), and wherein the upper surface has a first front area of lesser inclination and a second rear area of greater inclination with respect to the lower flat bottom surface, and a narrower raised area is formed in the rear of the Isofix fixing base, the raised area serving to support the rear surface of the support leg in the folded position.

Preferably, at the back, the Isofix base has a receptacle of sufficient size to receive the lower portion of the support leg when the support leg is in the folded position, so that the support leg does not protrude outwardly relative to the rigid structure of the first seat. The receptacle of the back of the Isofix base may be configured to fully contain the lower portion of the support leg, or alternatively, the receptacle may be configured to receive only a portion (rather than the entirety) of the lower portion of the support leg.

Preferably, the curved top surface of the Isofix base has a first front region of lesser inclination and a second more inclined rear region. These two tilting zones enable the first seat to be placed correctly in two possible positions.

Optionally, the Isofix base also has a cover from the receptacle for closing the bottom of the folded support legs of the Isofix base from the back, such that the receptacle is covered by the cover when the support legs are in the folded position and placed inside.

As an alternative to the first embodiment described above, a safety seat assembly for a motor vehicle of the type that can be used by a child of 40cm height to a child of 150cm height comprises:

-an Isofix mounting base;

-a first seat rotatably fixed to the Isofix fixed base, wherein the first seat comprises at least:

-a chair-shaped housing comprising a seat, a backrest with sides and two armrests; and

-an internal rigid structure mounted on an Isofix base such that the first seat can be rotated relative to the Isofix base and can be anchored in two different positions: a first position facilitating travel and a second position opposing travel, an

-a second seat, smaller in size than the first seat, and releasably adjustable on the first seat;

the method is characterized in that:

-the internal rigid structure comprises a rotating base fixedly joined with an upper structure extending up to a portion close to the back of the first seat, wherein the rigid structure is configured to be mounted in the lower and rear portions of the housing of the first seat, and wherein the rotating base is configured to be rotatably mounted on the Isofix fixed base; and is

The internal rigid structure comprises a folding support leg of adjustable height and fixedly connected by its upper end to the rear of the upper structure of the rigid structure in an articulated manner, so that the support leg can assume two different positions:

-assuming a deployed position when the first seat resists travel, in which the support legs are detached from the rigid structure; or

-assuming a folded position when the first seat is advantageous for travel, in which the support legs are anchored by the lower part to a portion of the Isofix base, such that the lower part of the support legs is fixed to the Isofix base at the folded position and constitutes a reinforcement of the rigid structure.

This advantageous child seat configuration results in the effect that in the mode of operation with the folding support legs, the assembly formed by the folding support legs + Isofix base + internal rigid structure acts as a compact structure for the first seat, which optimally supports the first seat and may minimize child injuries in the event of a rear collision.

A great advantage of having an Isofix base is that it provides great safety and additional stability to the safety seat arrangement.

That is, in this alternative embodiment of the invention, the same construction as the first described embodiment is protected, but it is not necessary to have a receiving portion in the Isofix base for receiving the folded support legs, but it is necessary for the support legs to have lower anchoring points for the Isofix handles. Depending on the particular configuration of the Isofix fixing base, it may not be mandatory to have a receptacle to accommodate all or part of the support leg inside in its folded position, since the geometry of the Isofix fixing base itself may already allow positioning the lower part of the support leg in its folded position.

In this alternative embodiment of the invention, the internal rigid structure need not also comprise a bar structure, but the upper structure attached to the rotating base may alternatively be constructed from another type of equivalent rigid structure, the bearing capacity of which may be better than the first seat and with the rotating base around the Isofix base.

In this alternative embodiment of the invention, the rigid inner structure also need not have a space to accommodate a portion of the support leg in the folded position.

In a preferred embodiment of this alternative embodiment, the superstructure is a structure formed from one or more rigid elements (e.g. tubes or sheets) having more than one segment of different inclination or curvature, and wherein the elements located at the rear of the superstructure have (preferably, but not necessarily) a space in which the upper portions of the support legs fit in a folded arrangement.

In a possible embodiment of an alternative embodiment of the invention, the safety seat assembly has an Isofix fixing base having a receptacle arranged at the rear portion, the receptacle being configured to receive the lower portion of the support leg when the support leg is in the folded position. In order to provide a stronger folded support leg + Isofix base + internal structural assembly, the receptacle has a geometry and dimensions that are very similar and slightly larger than the outer profile of the lower leg, so that when the support leg is inside the receptacle, the space between them is small.

In this alternative embodiment of the invention, when referring to the phrase "a portion near the backrest" extending upwards until reaching the superstructure of the portion near the backrest of the first seat, it refers to the portion located next to the back of the first chair without calculating the height adjustable head. Preferably, the inner structure will extend until it reaches the rearmost part of the backrest. That is, near the upper base of the backrest (without the head). It is also preferred that the upper structure extends upwardly until it reaches a portion of the upper portion of the rear portion of the back of the first seat.

In this alternative embodiment of the invention, when referring to the term "rear part of the superstructure of rigid structure", it is intended to refer to the part located at a certain point of the rear part of the superstructure extending towards the back side, i.e. at any point at the height of any point on the back part of the first seat. Preferably, the folding support leg is hingedly connected by its upper end to the uppermost end of the rear structure of the rigid structure.

Thus, in this alternative embodiment of the invention, preferably the folding support legs are articulated at a point located near the upper part (without the head) of the backrest of the first seat. Specifically, the upper part of the backrest is located just near the head of the child, so that it is of great advantage to provide the joint point of the leg at this location. The applicant has verified (as will be seen later) that the closer the joint point of the support leg is to the upper end of the back of the first seat (not counting the head), the better the performance of the first seat in the event of an impact.

Preferably, in this alternative embodiment, the Isofix fixing base comprises a locking/unlocking mechanism located at the rear of the Isofix fixing base (i.e. on the Isofix anchor side) to enable locking of the lower portion of the support legs (keeping it fixed) when they are in the folded position. The locking/unlocking mechanism is preferably by means of a manual button which allows a portion of the lower part of the support leg to be anchored from an anchoring point of the Isofix base. As an example, this anchoring/locking point at the rear of the Isofix fixing base is a receptacle that keeps the lower point of the folded support leg captured.

Preferably, in this alternative embodiment, the support leg is fixedly connected at its upper end in an articulated manner to the rear of the upper part of the superstructure of the rigid structure, that is to say to a part close to the upper end of the superstructure of the rigid structure.

According to a second object, the invention relates to a child safety seat for a motor vehicle of the type usable by young children of height 105cm to 150cm, the seat comprising:

a first seat fixed on an Isofix fixed base on a rotating base, wherein the first seat is adapted to anchor a second seat of smaller size above, and wherein the first seat comprises at least one seat-shaped outer shell and a rigid structure mounted on the Isofix fixed base, such that the first seat is rotatable relative to the Isofix fixed base and anchorable in two different positions, a first position (FF) facing forwards and a second position (RF) facing backwards;

in contrast to the child safety seats known in the prior art, it is pointed out that the first seat proposed in a characteristic way by the invention comprises:

a foldable support leg integrated into the rigid structure and hinged at one end to the back of the rigid structure, such that the support leg can assume two different positions:

a deployed position in which the support legs are separated from the rigid structure when the first seat is facing rearward; or

A folded position is assumed when the first seat is facing forward, wherein the support legs are accommodated in the rear of the rigid structure and lowered into the position of the accommodation of the Isofix base, such that in this folded position the support legs serve as a reinforcement of the rigid structure.

As an alternative to the second object of the invention described in the preceding paragraph, a child safety seat for a motor vehicle that can be used by children of 100cm height to children of 150cm height comprises, in a manner known per se:

-an Isofix mounting base;

-a first seat rotatably fixed to the Isofix fixed base, wherein the first seat comprises at least:

-a chair-shaped housing comprising a seat, a backrest with sides and two armrests; and

-an internal rigid structure mounted on an Isofix base such that the first seat can be rotated relative to the Isofix base and can be anchored in two different positions: a first position to facilitate travel and a second position to oppose travel,

in a child safety seat proposed in a characteristic way by the invention, unlike child safety seats known in the prior art, the first seat comprises:

-an internal rigid structure comprising a rotating base fixedly joined with an upper structure extending up to a portion near the back of the first seat, wherein the rigid structure is configured to be mounted at the lower and rear portions of the housing of the first seat, and wherein the rotating base is configured to be rotatably mounted on an Isofix fixed base; and is

-wherein the internal rigid structure further comprises a height-adjustable folding support leg and which is fixedly connected by its upper end in an articulated manner to the rear of the upper structure of the rigid structure, so that the support leg can assume two different positions:

-assuming a deployed position in which the support legs are detached from the rigid structure, or

-assuming a folded position when the first seat is advantageous for travel, in which the support legs are anchored by the lower part to a portion of the Isofix base, such that the lower part of the support legs is fixed to the Isofix base at the folded position and constitutes a reinforcement of the rigid structure.

The remaining features initially described for the car safety seat apply in the same manner to the child car safety seat.

The tests carried out were:

the applicant of the present invention carried out several crash tests to verify that the statements of the chair and lower chair assembly of the present invention comply with the specific specifications established in the united states european economic commission No. 129 (UN/united states european economic commission). Regulation No. 129 UN/ECE R129 is a mandatory regulation in europe for child restraint systems used on motor vehicles at present.

In particular, the applicant has carried out four different crash tests to guarantee the functional effectiveness of the chair assembly of the invention in minimizing the risk of injury or death in the event of an accident.

Two different seats were tested, each sitting on a mannequin: one seat is referred to as number 1 (corresponding to the chair assembly of the present invention with and without the upper chair in a position that facilitates travel (support leg folding); and a conventional seat in a position conducive to travel, referred to as # 2 (rotatable 360 degrees and anchorable in two different positions (conducive to travel and antagonistic travel), thanks to the provision of an Isofix base with support legs extending therefrom. The two seats were subjected to crash tests and several sensors were placed on the manikin chest and head, measuring the corresponding accelerations produced. These sensors measure the acceleration generated by a 3-axis impact. These accelerations are measured as force "g" every 3 milliseconds.

The terms Q0, Q1, and Q3 appearing in the results table below refer to different types of dummies that represent children from birth to about 4 years of age.

In these tests, acceleration and displacement readings experienced by the dummy under different construction/crash conditions were measured with the corresponding dummy. For example, in this case, a frontal crash (which is a "type" impact) is resumed at a velocity of about 50Km/h and with braking at an acceleration of 20 to 22g of force to measure the behavior in terms of displacement and acceleration of the dummy, thus knowing the ability of the restraint system of both child seat models to reduce child injury in the event of a crash.

Results comparison table

Dynamic comparison test for front impact of GW support leg

The table shows different values of acceleration and displacement experienced by different mannequins Q0, Q1 and Q3 under different crash conditions. In the first case, where the apparatus is a test chair of the complete invention (i.e. with a second upper chair arranged above a first lower chair), the manikin is subjected to significantly reduced acceleration values and displacements (ranging from 9% to 34%) under different crash conditions.

In the second case of the test, in which chair No. 1 of the invention was tested without the second upper seat installed, a reduction was also seen in both the acceleration values and the displacement of the manikin at these acceleration values (from 12% to 38%), except for the case where one displacement value was increased by 17%.

These results are very surprising and unpredictable and indicate that the presence of the folded support legs provides reinforcement to the rest of the internal structure of the first chair and provides greater and surprising resistance to the chair assembly in the event of a frontal impact.

Drawings

For a better understanding of the description, a set of drawings is provided which schematically and merely as non-limiting examples represent practical aspects of embodiments of the invention.

Fig. 1 is a front perspective view of an automobile seat of the present invention as an example of an embodiment, when the first automobile seat is in an FF position and in a maximum inclined position with a headrest slightly extended.

Figure 2a is a side view of a first automotive safety seat of the present invention in the same position as in figure 1.

Fig. 2b is a longitudinal cross-sectional view along line a-a' of fig. 1 of the first automotive safety seat of the present invention in the same FF position as fig. 1 and 2.

Fig. 2c is a side view of a first automotive safety seat of the present invention in the same FF position as fig. 1, but in this case in a non-reclined position, with the headrest not extended.

Figure 3 is a rear view of the first automotive safety seat of the present invention in the same FF position as in the previous figure 2 b.

Fig. 4 is a rear perspective view of the car safety seat apparatus of the present invention as an example of the embodiment, when the first seat and the second seat are in the RF position and the first seat is in the maximum reclining position.

Fig. 5 is a front perspective view of the vehicle seat device of the present invention in the same position as fig. 4.

Fig. 6 is a top view of the vehicle seat assembly of the present invention in the same position as in the previous fig. 4 and 5.

Fig. 7a is a side view of the vehicle seat arrangement of the present invention in the same position as in fig. 4, 5 and 6.

Figure 7b is a side view of the vehicle seat arrangement of the present invention similar to that of figure 7a but in a non-reclined position with the head rest of the first seat lowered.

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a second seat in an automobile safety device as an example of the embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 9 is a side view of the same embodiment of the second seat as figure 8.

Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the rigid structure of the first seat of the present invention with the legs in the deployed position (i.e., in the working position), and with the housing in the non-reclined position, as an example of an embodiment.

Figure 11 is a side view of the same embodiment as figure 10 of an embodiment of the rigid structure of the first seat.

Figure 12 is a top view of the same example as figures 10 and 11 of an embodiment of the rigid structure of the first seat.

Figure 13 is a front perspective view of the rigid structure of the first seat of the invention as an example of embodiment, with the legs in the folded position (i.e. in the rest position) and the rigid structure rotated 180 ° with respect to the position of figures 10, 11 and 12 and the housing in the non-reclined position.

Figure 14 is a side view of the same embodiment as figure 13 of an embodiment of the rigid structure of the first seat.

Figure 15 is a top view of the same example as figures 13 and 14 of an embodiment of the rigid structure of the first seat.

Fig. 16 is a front perspective view of an Isofix fixed base of the first seat as an example of the embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 17 is a side view of the same embodiment of the Isofix mounting base as figure 16.

Figure 18 is a top view of the same embodiment of the Isofix mounting base of figures 16 and 17.

Detailed Description

A preferred embodiment of the seating unit is described below with reference to fig. 1 to 18.

The vehicle seat device of the present invention has a first seat 1 and a second seat 11. The first seat 1 is fixed to an Isofix fixed base 2, fixed to the vehicle seat, in a rotatable and unreleasable manner, so that the first seat 1 can be anchored in two different positions with respect to the fixed base 2; optionally, the car seat arrangement also has a second seat that is smaller in size than the first seat, including a portable crib that is permanently and freely disposed within the first seat without protruding or slightly protruding from the first seat.

As shown in fig. 1, 2a to 2c and 3, the first seat 1 may be used alone, anchored facing forward, with the five-point harness (not shown) of the first seat hidden within the backrest 7, when the child is about 100cm to 150cm in size. In addition, when the child is about 60cm to 105cm in size, the first seat 1 may be used alone, anchored in a rearward position (this position is not shown), with the five-point harness of the first seat 1 removed. Finally, referring to fig. 4, 5, 6 and 7a to 7b, the first seat 1 may be used facing backwards together with the second seat 11 anchored thereon when the child is about 40cm to 75cm in size.

The first seat 1 comprises an outer housing 10, 7, 8a, 8b, 5, 4 in the form of a seat and a rigid structure 6 arranged at the bottom and rear of the housing, wherein the rigid structure 6 is mounted on the Isofix base 2 such that the first seat 1 is rotatable relative to the Isofix base 2 and can be anchored in two different positions: a first position facing forward; and a second position facing rearwardly and wherein the first seat 1 further comprises a foldable support leg 12.

The rigid structure (which incorporates the folding support legs integrally) is fixed and the housing of the first seat 1 is mounted on the assembly formed by the rigid structure 6+ support legs 12+ Isofix base the housing of the first seat 1 is attached to the assembly of rigid structure 6+ support legs 12 and Isofix base by the upper point B of the rigid structure 6 (the rigid structure 6 is for the lower point a) at the plate 22 is fixed to the receptacle and is guided in movement relative to the assembly (6+12+2) by the guide 22 the receptacle of the first seat 1 is attached to the bottom point a of the rigid structure by the guide 31 (see figure 2a) provided in the receptacle so that the first seat 1 can assume different inclined positions at different angles β relative to the device (see inclined arrows in figure 2 c).

Fig. 1, 2a to 2c and 3 show possible configurations of the general structure of the outer shells 10, 7, 8a, 8b, 5, 4 of the first chair 1, wherein a seat 10 with a specific curvature, a backrest 7 with two side faces 5, two armrests 8a, 8b and an extendable height headrest 4 mounted on the upper part of the backrest 7 can be seen. Fig. 1 shows two receptacle receptacles 9a, 9b of each anchor pin 18a, 18b of the second seat 11. Fig. 2a to 2c, 3 and 4 show the arrangement in the upper base of the side 5 of one of the two receptacles 15 for attachment to a seat belt of a motor vehicle.

Possible configurations of the rigid structure 6 with integrated or integral foldable support legs 12 mounted on the Isofix base 2 can be seen in fig. 10 to 15. Fig. 10 to 12 show the rigid structure 6 with the support legs 12 in the deployed position, with the support legs 12 separated from the rigid structure 6 (i.e. when the first seat 1 is in the RF position), while in the remaining fig. 13 to 15 the rigid structure 6 with the support legs 12 in the folded position is shown, with the support legs 12 received in the rear of the rigid structure 6 and lowered into the receiving portion 23 of the Isofix base 2 (see fig. 13 to 15, i.e. when the first seat 1 is arranged as FF). It is possible to observe how the supporting legs 12 are integrated or integrated in the rigid structure 6 and are hinged by their upper ends to the upper end of the rigid structure 6.

Figure 15 shows how the supporting leg 12 in its folded position is located in the space between the two upper rods 6a, 6b so that there is no space between the lateral base of the supporting leg 12 and the two upper rods 6a, 6b, so that a set of two upper rods 6a, 6b together with the supporting leg 12 acts as a reinforcing block. In addition, as shown in fig. 14, the supporting leg 12 in its folded position is arranged with an inclination substantially equal to the inclination of the two upper bars 6a, 6b, so that this alignment also facilitates the formation of such a reinforcing block formed by the upper bars 6a, 6b + the reinforcing leg 12. As evidenced by tests conducted by the applicant, this reinforcement of the support leg 12 in the rigid structure provides greater resistance to the chair assembly in the event of a possible accident/collision.

The rigid structure 6 is constituted by a rotating base 6e firmly linked to a rod structure 6a, 6b, which in turn is composed of two tubes or rods 6a, 6b separated from each other by a certain distance, wherein each tube or rod 6a, 6b presents a plurality of segments of different inclination. Figure 11 shows four different pipe segments, from left to right, with a first descending segment, followed by an almost flat segment, followed by an ascending segment and finally an ascending segment with a greater inclination. Specifically, this design of the tube with different inclined sections allows the rigid structure 6 with the collapsible legs 12 to be held in two positions on the Isofix base 2: FF and RF, and can be allowed to tilt to different tilted positions with the housing facing forward and rearward, thereby obtaining a position suitable for an infant or child. As shown in fig. 12, the distance between the two tubes 6a, 6b narrows at the top. In addition to the two tubes or rods 6a, 6b, in the embodiment of the embodiment the rod structure 6 exhibits two "U" -shaped reinforcing rods connecting the two rods and the rotating base together. The first reinforcement bar 6d connects the two bars at the front, while the second reinforcement bar 6c connects the two bars at the rear. As shown in fig. 12 and 15, the rotating base 6e includes a contour structure having a significantly circular shape.

As shown in fig. 5, there are two buttons 30 so that the user can tilt the housing in different positions relative to the internal structure 6+ the fixed support legs 12. The housing 10, 7, 8a, 8b, 5, 4 of the first seat 1 can be slightly tilted with respect to the inner structure 6 by means of two different impact points: upper point "B" on plate 22; and another lower point "a" provided at the front end 31 of the inner structure 6 (see fig. 5 and 11).

With reference to fig. 10 to 15, with respect to the supporting leg 12, it is hinged by one of its ends to the rear of the two tubes 6a, 6b by means of a plate 22 and a shaft 26, which allows to rotate about the rotation axis Z-Z’The rotation is performed. The hinge plate 22 is arranged between the two tubes 6a and 6b by means of a connection of a transverse shaft 26, which is arranged between the two tubes 6a and 6b26 can extend through slots in both sides of the hinge plate 22 (see fig. 11 and 14). Thus, the transverse shaft 26 may be in the lowermost position (as shown in fig. 10) when the first seat 1 is in the non-reclined position, or the transverse shaft 26 may be in the uppermost position (not shown) when the first seat 1 is in the maximally reclined position relative to the rigid structure 6. As can be seen in the drawings, for example in fig. 11, the slotted groove 27 is slightly curved.

As can be seen in the drawings, a cover element 27 is provided on the upper portion of the support leg 12 to cover the upper portion of the support leg 12. The cover element can be articulated by means of its upper base in the same way as the support legs 12, that is to say the cover element 27 is folded with the same support legs when they are in the unfolded position (see fig. 4, 7a and 7b) and the cover element 27 is also in the folded position when they are in the folded position (see fig. 3).

As shown in fig. 1 to 5, the bar construction 6 has a receptacle opposite the leg (see fig. 10) which is fixed to the receptacle seat by means of an anchoring element. The bar construction 6 is mounted to extend through the rear face of the rear part of the housing of the first seat 1 and is fixed by its opposite ends by means of anchor elements 28 fixed to the plate 22.

As shown in fig. 12 and 15, the rotating base 6e is mounted on the Isofix fixed base 2 by means of a rotating connection so that it remains fixed, but it can rotate relative to the Isofix fixed base and can be anchored at FF and RF positions.

With regard to a possible embodiment of the second seat 11, shown separately in fig. 8 and 9, it has smaller external dimensions than the first seat 1, so as to be able to be fitted in the first seat. The second seat comprises a portable crib-shaped body made of light material, fitted with a handle 17 and connecting pins 18a, 18b arranged on each side. It also has a five-point safety harness 20 inside it. As shown in fig. 9, the body has a higher front and a lower rear.

With regard to a possible embodiment of the Isofix fixing base 2 shown separately in fig. 16 to 18, the Isofix fixing base 2 is constituted by a body having a flat bottom surface and a curved top surface, the body having a lower front portion 2b and an upper rear portion 2 a. At the bottom of this higher rear portion 2a are two Isofix anchors 3 for attachment to the rear row seats of the car. There is a hole 24 in the central part of the Isofix mounting base 2. On the back, the Isofix base 2 has a receptacle 23 which is sized to receive the lower portion of the support leg 12 when the support leg 12 is in the folded position so that the support leg 12 does not protrude outwardly from the rigid structure of the first seat (see figure 14). As can be clearly seen from fig. 17, the upper curved surface of the Isofix fixing base 2 has a first, less inclined front region and a second, more inclined rear region, and a narrower raised region 2c is formed at the rear of the Isofix fixing base 2, which functions to support the rearmost part of the rigid structure 6 in the untilted position (see fig. 3).

Preferably, as shown in figures 16 and 17, the upper surface 26 of the Isofix fixed base 2 comprises a support surface 25 for the rotating base of the internal structure, which support surface 25 is arranged slightly inclined at an angle α of about 15 ° with respect to the flat bottom surface 24 (equivalent to horizontal) of the Isofix fixed base 2, so that the rotating base 6e of the internal structure 6 can rotate about the vertical axis Y-Y ' of the bearing surface, which vertical axis YY ' is inclined at an angle α of about 15 ° with respect to the vertical line V-V ' (see figure 16).

As seen in fig. 17, the rear base 2a (Isofix side) of the Isofix base 2 is slightly inclined with respect to the vertical direction. In the rear base 2a, a receiving portion 23 is provided for the lower end of the folding support leg 12' (see fig. 3 and 5). As shown in fig. 3, the support leg at the back of the first seat in the folded position and in the non-extended position (i.e. the male lower leg segment is arranged completely within the female upper leg) has a stop element 29 stopping the base element 16 of the lower leg segment 12, and this stop element 29 acts as a structural stop at the Isofix base 2.

As can be seen from said fig. 3 and 5, said accommodation 23 for the lower end of the leg preferably has an opening of equivalent shape to the lower part of the supporting leg 12', in this case in the form of a step, for receiving and accommodating the lower end of the leg part 16 and the lower part 29 in a tight manner.

The figures do not show the cover (or covering element) which subsequently closes the receptacle 23 of the Isofix base when the support legs are folded and arranged in the receptacle. The cover (or covering element), preferably articulated by means of its lower base, is configured to completely cover the housing 23.

Although reference has been made to a particular embodiment of the seat arrangement of the present invention, it will be evident to a person skilled in the art that the described arrangement is susceptible to numerous modifications and variants, and that all the above details may be substituted by other technical equivalents, without departing from the scope of protection defined by the appended claims.