Sleeves for headrests

Abstract

The present invention provides a sleeve device for a headrest, the device comprising a sleeve body for insertion into a vehicle seat, the sleeve body including a tubular wall defining an internal axial channel and a rod engagement portion deformable inwardly relative to the tubular wall, the rod engagement portion including a flexible pad on its outer side, wherein the pad is configured to be pushed in use to force the engagement portion into the axial channel and / or abut against a rod received within the axial channel.

Description

[0001] This invention generally relates to a sleeve for a headrest. More specifically, but not exclusively, this invention relates to a sleeve with tolerance compensation for a vehicle seat.

[0002] Headrests installed on the back of vehicle seats typically have two parallel, spaced-apart headrest rods that are inserted into sleeve arrangements that are secured to the backrest frame. The headrest rods are usually bent into a U-shape, with the U-shaped portion located on the inside of the headrest.

[0003] Known tolerance-compensating sleeves for headrests include a sleeve body inserted into an opening in the frame of a vehicle seat. The sleeve body includes an inner axial channel for receiving a headrest rod and an outer side that mates with the opening in the frame.

[0004] The sleeve body is fixed within the frame of the seat back and is therefore subject to tolerances. The sleeve assembly and the U-shaped rod are also subject to manufacturing tolerances. These tolerances can lead to slack between the rod and the sleeve body and / or misalignment between the rod pair and the sleeve pair. The rods may need to be bent, either away from each other or towards each other, so that the rods are no longer parallel.

[0005] To compensate for these tolerances while minimizing slack between the rod and the sleeve, it is known to apply prestress to the headrest rod within the sleeve via an elastic element and / or provide a low-friction sleeve to reduce the clearance between them. Examples of such arrangements are shown in EP1609665 and EP 2749448. These arrangements are configured to adjust the sliding movement of the rod within an axial internal channel of the sleeve and absorb slack between the rod and the sleeve.

[0006] It would be advantageous to provide an alternative arrangement that is superior to and / or simpler and / or more cost-effective than the known arrangement.

[0007] Therefore, a first aspect of the invention provides a sleeve device for a headrest, the device comprising a sleeve body for insertion into a vehicle seat, the sleeve body including a tubular wall defining an internal axial channel and an engagement portion, such as a rod engagement portion, deformable inward relative to the tubular wall, the engagement portion including a pad, such as a flexible pad, on its outer side, wherein the pad is configured to be pushed in use to force the engagement portion into the axial channel and / or abut against a rod received within the axial channel.

[0008] The tubular wall and / or joint portion may be formed of a first material. The pad may be formed of a second material. The second material may be more flexible or softer than the first material, and / or the first material may be less flexible or harder than the second material. The pad may be formed only on the joint portion.

[0009] It has been observed that using pads on the outer side of the joint provides a very effective means of tolerance compensation. The sleeve body and rod joint can be formed of a material with low frictional mass, allowing the headrest rod to translate within the channel with minimal friction. Therefore, the material of the pad can be selected to optimize flexibility without adversely affecting the translational capability of the headrest rod.

[0010] It has also been observed that this arrangement is remarkably effective in suppressing vibrations within the headrest during use. The material of the pad can be selected during use to optimize its ability to absorb any vibrations within the headrest assembly.

[0011] The pad can be mechanically attached or bonded, for example, adhesively bonded to a tubular wall or joint, or integrally formed with the tubular wall or joint. The pad can be molded onto the tubular wall or joint, or the pad can be molded onto the tubular wall or joint. The pad can be co-molded onto the tubular wall or joint, or the pad can be co-molded onto the tubular wall or joint. Preferably, the pad is molded onto the tubular wall or joint, or the pad is molded onto the tubular wall or joint, or the pad is molded onto the tubular wall or joint by a two-stage injection or double-stage injection or 2K molding process. The tubular wall and / or joint can be formed of a plastic material (e.g., a rigid or semi-rigid plastic material). The first material can include a plastic material, such as a rigid or semi-rigid plastic material. The pad can be formed of an elastomeric material. The mat can be formed from thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), or any other suitable material. The mat can be formed from natural or synthetic rubber materials.

[0012] The tubular wall or joint may include recesses or depressions. A pad may be fitted into, or formed on or in, the recess or depression. The pad may protrude from the tubular wall and / or joint and / or recess and / or depression. The tubular wall may include an outer surface, such as a circumferential outer surface.

[0013] The pad may project outward from its circumferential outer surface or relative to its circumferential outer surface, for example, such that the pad engages with a frame in use, and the sleeve body is received within the frame. The pad engaging with the frame may force the engaging portion into an axial channel and / or abut against a rod received within the axial channel. Alternatively, the sleeve assembly may include an abutment (such as a flange or outer wall) that can be configured to engage with the pad, thereby forcing the engaging portion into an axial channel and / or abutting against a rod received within the axial channel.

[0014] The tubular wall may include one or more interruptions, cut-off portions, or grooves that may extend through the tubular wall and / or define at least a portion of the joint portion. The joint portion may be integral with and / or formed of the same material as the tubular wall. The joint portion may include a deformable (e.g., elastically deformable) arm or tongue. The joint portion may include a deformable arm or tongue having a free end. Alternatively, the joint portion may include a deformable (e.g., elastically deformable) length or strip, each end of which may be secured to and / or integral with the tubular wall. The tubular wall may include a pair of interruptions, cut-off portions, or grooves, for example, defining the joint portion between the pair of interruptions, cut-off portions, or grooves. The joint portion is deformable due to the cut-off portion in the tubular wall.

[0015] The device or sleeve body may include a head or socket. The head or socket may include a flange that projectes from a tubular wall, for example, from one end of a tubular wall. The device may include one or more securing features, such as one or more barbs. The securing features may be adjacent to and / or spaced apart from the head. The securing feature or each securing feature may include an engaging end or engaging surface that may be spaced apart from the head. The device or sleeve body may be configured to secure a portion of a vehicle seat frame between the head and the securing feature or engaging end or surface during use. The securing feature or each securing feature may include an inlet that may be on its side opposite to the engaging end or surface.

[0016] Another aspect of the present invention provides a headrest column assembly including the aforementioned sleeve device. The headrest column assembly may include a frame or frame portion, in which the sleeve device may be received, for example, within the frame or frame portion.

[0017] Another aspect of the invention provides a seat assembly including the aforementioned sleeve device. The seat assembly may include a frame, within which the sleeve device may be received.

[0018] Another aspect of the present invention provides a vehicle including the above-described seat assembly.

[0019] Another aspect of the invention provides a method for manufacturing a sleeve device for a headrest, the method comprising molding a sleeve body including a tubular wall defining an internal axial channel and a rod engagement portion deformable inward relative to the tubular wall; and molding a flexible pad onto the outside of the engagement portion using a second material that is more flexible than a first material.

[0020] This method may include molding the sleeve device using a two-stage injection or double-stage injection or 2k injection molding process.

[0021] Another aspect of the invention provides a method for assembling a seat assembly, the method comprising inserting a tubular wall of a sleeve device into a vehicle seat such that a flexible pad of the device is pushed to force an engagement portion of the tubular wall into an axial channel defined by the tubular wall.

[0022] For the avoidance of doubt, any features described herein are equally applicable to any aspect of the invention.

[0023] Another aspect of the present invention provides a computer program element comprising and / or describing and / or defining a three-dimensional design for use with a simulation device or a three-dimensional additive or subtractive manufacturing means or apparatus (e.g., a three-dimensional printer or a CNC machine), the three-dimensional design including embodiments of the sleeve device described above.

[0024] Another aspect of the present invention provides computer program elements implemented on a computer-readable medium.

[0025] Within the scope of this application, it is expressly intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples, and alternatives set forth in the foregoing paragraphs, claims, and / or the following description and drawings, particularly their individual features, may be taken independently or in any combination. That is, all embodiments and / or features of any embodiment may be combined in any manner and / or combination unless such features are incompatible.

[0026] For the avoidance of doubt, the terms “may,” “and / or,” “for example,” “e.g.,” and any similar terms used herein shall be interpreted as non-limiting, and thus not all of the stated features are necessarily required to appear. In fact, any combination of optional features is expressly contemplated without departing from the scope of the invention, whether or not such combinations are expressly stated in the claims. The applicant reserves the right to amend any originally filed claim or accordingly file any new claim, including modifying any originally filed claim to incorporate any feature dependent on any other claim and / or into any other claim, even if not originally stated in this manner in the claims.

[0027] Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0028] Figure 1 It is a cross-sectional view taken along the longitudinal axis of a headrest column assembly containing a sleeve device, based on an example;

[0029] Figure 2 It is a cut along a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. Figure 1 Cross-sectional view of the headrest column assembly;

[0030] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 and Figure 2 A three-dimensional view of the sleeve device;

[0031] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of a headrest column assembly including a sleeve device, based on another example;

[0032] Figure 5 It is along Figure 4 The cross-sectional view of the sleeve assembly taken along its longitudinal axis is shown; and

[0033] Figure 6 Is with Figure 5 A cross-sectional view similar to that of the frame, wherein the sleeve device is received within the opening of the frame.

[0034] Now for reference Figures 1 to 3 The image shows a headrest pillar assembly 1, which includes a sleeve device 2 received in an opening 10 within a frame tube 11 of a vehicle seat (not shown) and a rod 12 connected to a headrest (not shown) received within the sleeve device 2. The sleeve device 2 includes a sleeve body 20 having a tubular wall 21 with an elastically deformable strip 3 and a flexible pad 4 on the outer side of the strip 3.

[0035] The tubular wall 21 of the sleeve body 20 defines an internal axial channel 22 in which the rod 12 is received. The tubular wall 21 includes an outer axial rib 23 and a pair of inner axial ribs 24, both located on the side of the tubular wall 21 opposite to the strip portion 3. The outer axial rib 23 engages with the facing portion of the inner surface of the frame tube 11. The inner axial ribs 24 are substantially aligned with the outer axial ribs 23 and engage the outer surface of the rod 12.

[0036] The tubular wall 21 also includes a pair of axial grooves 25 extending through its thickness, defining a deformable strip 3 between the pair of axial grooves. More specifically, the grooves 25 separate the strip 3 of material from the rest of the tubular wall 21, while each end of the strip 3 remains integrally formed with the tubular wall. Thus, the strip 3 can extend inward or even outward to deform relative to the rest of the tubular wall 21.

[0037] The sleeve body 20 also includes a head 26 formed by a radial flange that projects outwardly from the tubular wall 21. In this example, the head 26 is substantially triangular in shape to match the shape of the opening 10 in the frame tube 11, which in Figure 2 The details are shown more clearly. Thus, head 26 covers the opening 10 when the sleeve device 2 is inserted. In this example, the sleeve body 20 is formed of a first rigid or semi-rigid plastic material.

[0038] In this example, pad 4 is formed of a second flexible material, which is, for example, an elastomer material, such as a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). Figure 2 The pad 4 shown in the cross-section is formed as a ridge molded onto the outer side of the strip 3. The tubular wall 21 and the strip 3 include a lip 27 surrounding the weld area between the material of the strip 3 and the material of the pad 4. The lip 27 defines a recess in the material of the strip 3. The sleeve body 20 and the pad 4 are formed using a two-stage injection or double-stage injection molding process (commonly referred to by those skilled in the art as a 2K molding process). Those skilled in the art will readily understand the advantages associated with this process, including those related to manufacturability and the reliability of the bond between the materials.

[0039] The pad 4 protrudes outward from the strip 3, extending beyond the circumferential outer surface of the tubular wall 21. Thus, when the sleeve device 2 is inserted into the opening 10, the inner surface of the frame tube 11 engages with the pad 4, thereby pushing and deforming the strip 3 into the axial channel 22. When the rod 12 is inserted into the axial channel 22, the strip 3 is thus pushed against the rod 12 to absorb any slack, thereby providing a tight fit between the rod 12 and the sleeve device 2.

[0040] Therefore, the strip 3 provides the rod engagement portion 3 of the sleeve device 2, which is configured to adjust the sliding movement of the rod 12 within the axial internal channel 22 of the sleeve body 20 and absorb slack between them. It has also been found that, in use, the pad 4 is surprisingly effective in suppressing vibrations in the headrest column assembly 1.

[0041] like Figure 3 The sleeve device 2 shown in this example also includes a retaining feature 28, which in this example is in the form of a barbed protrusion. The retaining feature 28 is adjacent to and spaced apart from the head 26, and includes a mating end surface 28a facing the head 26, thus securing a portion of the frame tube 11 between the head 26 and the mating end surface 28a. The retaining feature 28 also includes an inlet 28b on the opposite side of the head 26 to facilitate insertion of the sleeve device 2 into the frame tube 11.

[0042] Now for reference Figures 4 to 6 The diagram shows a headrest column assembly 101 according to another example. The headrest column assembly 101 according to this example is similar to the headrest column assembly 1 described above, wherein similar features are marked with similar reference numerals plus 100.

[0043] According to this example, headrest column assembly 101 and Figures 1 to 3The difference lies in that, unlike the deformable strip 3 of the sleeve device 2 described above, the rod engagement portion 103 of the sleeve device 102 is in the form of a deformable tongue 103. The deformable tongue 103 is similar to the deformable strip 3 and performs a similar function, but it includes a free end 130.

[0044] This allows the tongue 103 to pivot P about its other end 131, forming a movable hinge connection with the tubular wall 121. Thus, the tongue 103 can deform to a greater extent than the deformable strip 3. This allows the sleeve device 102 to accommodate a larger gap between the axial internal channel 122 of the sleeve body 120 and the rod 112.

[0045] Those skilled in the art will understand that several variations of the foregoing embodiments are contemplated without departing from the scope of the invention. They will also understand that any combination of the foregoing features and / or the features shown in the drawings provides significant advantages over the prior art and is therefore within the scope of the invention described herein.

Claims

1. A sleeve device for a headrest, the device comprising a sleeve body for insertion into a vehicle seat, the sleeve body including a tubular wall defining an internal axial channel and a rod engagement portion deformable inwardly relative to the tubular wall, the rod engagement portion including an inner side and an outer side, the outer side having a flexible pad, wherein the flexible pad is configured to be pushed in use to force the rod engagement portion into the axial channel and / or configured to be pushed in use to force the rod engagement portion against a rod received within the axial channel; in, The rod engagement portion is elongated in the longitudinal axis direction of the axial channel, thereby providing an elongated protrusion into the axial channel and / or an elongated engagement portion abutting against the rod received within the axial channel; The rod engagement portion has a rod engagement length, wherein the flexible pad extends axially along the entire rod engagement length at the outer side, thereby pushing the rod engagement portion against the rod along the entire rod engagement length.

2. The sleeve device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The rod joint portion is formed of a first material, and the flexible pad is formed of a second material that is more flexible than the first material and is molded onto the rod joint portion such that the flexible pad and the rod joint portion are fused together.

3. The sleeve device as described in claim 2, wherein, The tubular wall includes a circumferential outer surface, and the flexible pad protrudes outward relative to the circumferential outer surface, such that the flexible pad engages the sleeve body in use with the frame tube in which it is received, thereby forcing the rod engagement portion into the axial channel and / or forcing the rod engagement portion against a rod received within the axial channel.

4. The sleeve device as described in claim 3, wherein, The rod engagement portion is integral with the tubular wall and is defined at least partially by at least one interruption or groove, with the flexible pad formed only on the rod engagement portion.

5. The sleeve device as described in claim 4, wherein, The rod engagement portion includes an elastically deformable arm or tongue with a free end.

6. The sleeve device as claimed in claim 4, wherein, The rod engagement portion includes an elastically deformable strip defined between a pair of elongated slots passing through the tubular wall, each end of the strip being integral with the tubular wall.

7. The sleeve device as claimed in claim 6, wherein, The tubular wall and the strip portion include a lip that surrounds the weld area between the flexible pad and the strip portion, and the lip defines a recess in the material of the strip portion.

8. The sleeve device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The rod engagement portion is integral with the tubular wall and is located between a first elongated axial groove and a second elongated axial groove spaced apart circumferentially in the tubular wall, wherein, in the axial region of the rod engagement portion, the tubular wall extends continuously from the first elongated axial groove to the second elongated axial groove, such that the tubular wall is continuous on the side of the tubular wall opposite the diameter of the rod engagement portion.

9. A sleeve device for a headrest, the device comprising a sleeve body for insertion into a vehicle seat, the sleeve body including a tubular wall defining an internal axial channel and a rod engagement portion deformable inwardly relative to the tubular wall, the rod engagement portion including an inner side and an outer side, the outer side having a flexible pad, wherein the flexible pad is configured to be pushed in use to force the rod engagement portion into the axial channel and / or configured to be pushed in use to force the rod engagement portion against a rod received within the axial channel; The rod joint portion is a portion of the tubular wall, such that the tubular wall and the rod joint portion are formed of the same material; in, The flexible pad is formed of a material different from the material forming the joint portion of the rod; The rod engagement portion has a rod engagement length, wherein the rod engagement portion is in continuous contact with the rod along the rod engagement length; The rod engagement portion is integral with the tubular wall and is located between a first elongated axial groove and a second elongated axial groove that are circumferentially spaced apart in the tubular wall. In the axial region of the rod engagement portion, the tubular wall extends continuously from the first elongated axial groove to the second elongated axial groove, such that the tubular wall is continuous on the side of the tubular wall that is radially opposite to the rod engagement portion.

10. The sleeve device as claimed in claim 9, wherein, The same material is a rigid or semi-rigid plastic material.

11. The sleeve device as claimed in claim 9, wherein, The rod engagement portion is elongated in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the axial channel, thereby providing an elongated protrusion into the axial channel and / or providing an elongated engagement portion abutting against a rod received within the axial channel.

12. The sleeve device as claimed in claim 9, wherein, The flexible pad extends axially beyond the rod engagement portion.

13. A sleeve device for a headrest, the device comprising a sleeve body for insertion into a vehicle seat, the sleeve body including a tubular wall defining an internal axial channel and a rod engagement portion deformable inwardly relative to the tubular wall, the rod engagement portion including an inner side and an outer side, the outer side having a flexible pad, wherein the flexible pad is configured to be pushed in use to force the rod engagement portion into the axial channel and / or configured to be pushed in use to force the rod engagement portion against a rod received within the axial channel; The flexible pad is formed of a material different from the material forming the joint portion of the rod; in, The rod engagement portion has a rod engagement length, wherein the rod engagement portion continuously contacts the rod along the rod engagement length, wherein the flexible pad extends on the outer side along the entire rod engagement length, thereby pushing the rod engagement portion against the rod along the entire rod engagement length.

14. The sleeve device as claimed in claim 13, wherein, The rod engagement portion is formed from a portion of the tubular wall, such that the tubular wall and the rod engagement portion are formed of the same material, wherein the rod engagement portion is elongated in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the axial channel, thereby providing an elongated protrusion into the axial channel and / or providing an elongated engagement portion abutting against a rod received within the axial channel.

15. The sleeve device as claimed in claim 13, wherein, The rod engagement portion includes an elastically deformable strip defined between a pair of elongated axial grooves passing through the tubular wall, wherein the rod engagement portion includes a first axial end and a second axial end, each of which is integrally connected to the tubular wall.

16. The sleeve device as claimed in claim 13, wherein, The rod joint is a single rod joint, which is the only part of the tubular wall that can deform inward relative to the tubular wall.

17. The sleeve device as claimed in claim 13, wherein, The rod engagement portion is integral with the tubular wall and is located between a first elongated axial groove and a second elongated axial groove spaced apart circumferentially in the tubular wall, wherein, in the axial region of the rod engagement portion, the tubular wall extends continuously from the first elongated axial groove to the second elongated axial groove, such that the tubular wall is continuous on the side of the tubular wall opposite the diameter of the rod engagement portion.

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