Headrest with multi-actuator capability

Abstract

A vehicle headrest with multi-actuator capability includes a headrest support and a multi-cam release mechanism mounted to the headrest support. The multi-cam release mechanism includes a first cam and a second cam. A headrest shell member is pivotally mounted to the headrest support via the multi-cam release mechanism. An actuator is mounted to the headrest shell member. The actuator includes a first actuator portion and a second actuator portion, the first actuator portion being operable to disengage from the multi-cam release mechanism based on a first input, and the second actuator portion being operable to disengage from the multi-cam release mechanism based on a second input different from the first input, thereby allowing the vehicle headrest with multi-actuator capability to switch between an unfolded configuration and a folded configuration.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This subject matter relates to the field of vehicles, and more specifically, to a headrest for vehicles with multi-actuator capability. Background Technology

[0002] Most motor vehicles, including both front and rear seats, include headrests on the rear seatbacks. Headrests provide physiological support to passengers in response to forces that may be applied to the rear of the vehicle. In some configurations, the headrests can be removed. Actuators may be positioned at the headrest supports to allow the headrest to be removed from the seatback when engaged. Removing the headrests provides enhanced visibility through the rear windows of the vehicle.

[0003] In some configurations, the rear seatbacks are reconfigurable. That is, the rear seatbacks can fold forward to provide different storage capacities, etc. In this case, the rear headrests can be removed to allow the seatbacks to fold completely forward. In other configurations, the rear headrests can be folded to accommodate a fully folded rear seatback. The mechanism for releasing the headrests includes a pull strap on a release pin. Once released, the headrests can rotate forward. Summary of the Invention

[0004] A vehicle headrest with multi-actuator capability is disclosed, comprising a first seat back support, a second seat back support spaced apart from the first seat back support, a headrest support extending between the first and second seat back supports, and a multi-cam release mechanism mounted to the headrest support. The multi-cam release mechanism includes a first cam and a second cam. A headrest shell member is pivotally mounted to the headrest support via the multi-cam release mechanism. An actuator is mounted to the headrest shell member. The actuator includes a first actuator portion and a second actuator portion, the first actuator portion being operable to disengage from the multi-cam release mechanism based on a first input, and the second actuator portion being operable to disengage from the multi-cam release mechanism based on a second input different from the first input, thereby allowing the vehicle headrest with multi-actuator capability to switch between an unfolded configuration and a folded configuration.

[0005] In addition to one or more features described herein, the actuator includes a bell-shaped crank comprising a first end defining a first actuator portion, a second end defining a second actuator portion, and an intermediate portion including a mounting member defining a rotation axis of the bell-shaped crank.

[0006] In addition to one or more features described herein, the connecting rod extends between the second actuator section and the multi-cam release mechanism.

[0007] In addition to one or more features described herein, the first cam member is connected to the connecting rod and selectively disengages from the second cam member to release the vehicle headrest with multi-actuator capability.

[0008] In addition to one or more features described herein, the connector element is fixedly connected to the headrest support and the headrest shell component.

[0009] In addition to one or more features described herein, a biasing element is fixedly connected to the headrest support, the biasing element comprising a first cam surface engaged by a first cam member and a second cam surface engaged by a second cam member to selectively hold the vehicle headrest with multi-actuator capability in an deployed configuration.

[0010] In addition to one or more features described herein, the first cam member includes a first cam portion, and the second cam member includes a second cam portion, the first cam portion engaging a first cam surface, and the second cam portion engaging a second cam surface to hold the headrest in an unfolded configuration.

[0011] In addition to one or more features described herein, the first cam portion and the first cam surface include a cam angle of substantially 0°, and the second cam portion and the second cam surface include a cam angle of non-zero degrees.

[0012] In addition to one or more features described herein, a support pin extends from the connector element, and a first cam member and a second cam member are rotatably supported on the support pin.

[0013] In addition to one or more features described herein, the connecting rod includes a first end and a second end, the first end including a ball and a protrusion extending radially outward from the first end and spaced apart from the ball, and the second end including an opening and a retainer extending through the opening and spaced apart from the opening.

[0014] In addition to one or more features described herein, the bell crank includes a balancer arranged radially outside the axis of rotation between the first and second ends.

[0015] A vehicle is also disclosed having a body including a passenger compartment, seats arranged in the passenger compartment including selectively foldable seat backs, and a headrest with multi-actuator capability supported by the selectively foldable seat backs. The headrest with multi-actuator capability includes a first seat back support extending into the selectively foldable seat back, a second seat back support spaced apart from the first seat back support and extending into the selectively foldable seat back, a headrest support extending between the first seat back support and the second seat back support, a multi-cam release mechanism mounted to the headrest support, the multi-cam release mechanism including a first cam and a second cam, a headrest shell member pivotally mounted to the headrest support via the multi-cam release mechanism, and an actuator mounted to the headrest shell member. The actuator includes a first actuator portion and a second actuator portion. The first actuator portion is operable to disengage the multi-cam release mechanism based on a first input, and the second actuator portion is operable to disengage the multi-cam release mechanism based on a second input different from the first input, thereby allowing the headrest with multi-actuator capability to switch between an unfolded configuration and a folded configuration.

[0016] In addition to one or more features described herein, the actuator includes a bell-shaped crank comprising a first end defining a first actuator portion, a second end defining a second actuator portion, and an intermediate portion including a mounting member defining a rotation axis of the bell-shaped crank.

[0017] In addition to one or more features described herein, the connecting rod extends between the second actuator section and the multi-cam release mechanism.

[0018] In addition to one or more features described herein, the first cam member is connected to the connecting rod and selectively disengages from the second cam member to release the headrest with multi-actuator capability.

[0019] In addition to one or more features described herein, the connector element is fixedly connected to the headrest support and the headrest shell component.

[0020] In addition to one or more features described herein, a biasing element is fixedly connected to the headrest support, the biasing element comprising a first cam surface engaged by a first cam member and a second cam surface engaged by a second cam member to selectively hold the headrest, which has multi-actuator capability, in an unfolded configuration.

[0021] In addition to one or more features described herein, the first cam member includes a first cam portion, and the second cam member includes a second cam portion, the first cam portion engaging a first cam surface, and the second cam portion engaging a second cam surface to hold the headrest with multi-actuator capability in an unfolded configuration.

[0022] In addition to one or more features described herein, the first cam portion and the first cam surface include a cam angle of substantially 0°, and the second cam portion and the second cam surface include a cam angle of non-zero degrees.

[0023] In addition to one or more features described herein, the bell crank includes a balancer arranged radially outside the axis of rotation between the first and second ends.

[0024] The above-described features and advantages, as well as other features and advantages of this disclosure, will become apparent when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the following detailed description. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Other features, advantages, and details appear by way of example only in the following specific embodiments, which are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0026] Figure 1 A vehicle including a headrest with multi-actuator capability is depicted according to a non-limiting example;

[0027] Figure 2 A headrest with multi-actuator capability, mounted to a foldable seat back, is depicted according to a non-limiting example.

[0028] Figure 3 It is based on the non-restrictive example. Figure 2 A partial exploded view of a headrest with multi-actuator capability, depicting the actuators and multi-cam release mechanism mounted to the headrest shell portion;

[0029] Figure 4 Depicting based on non-restrictive examples Figure 3 Multi-cam release mechanism;

[0030] Figure 5 Depicting based on non-restrictive examples Figure 3 Side view of the multi-cam release mechanism;

[0031] Figure 6 Depicting the relationship based on non-restrictive examples Figure 5 A side view of the first cam member in which the biasing element and the second cam member of the multi-cam release mechanism interact;

[0032] Figure 7 This is a side view of a second cam member interacting with a biasing element, based on a non-limiting example;

[0033] Figure 8 A non-limiting example is depicted whereby the connection to the first cam member is made via a connecting rod. Figure 3 Actuator;

[0034] Figure 9The connection based on the non-restrictive example is described. Figure 8 The connecting rod of the actuator;

[0035] Figure 10 Depicting based on non-restrictive examples Figure 8 The connecting rod is depicted as supporting the... Figure 9 The connector pin at the first end of the connecting rod;

[0036] Figure 11 It is based on the non-restrictive example. Figure 10 A partial cross-sectional side view of the connector pin;

[0037] Figure 12 A non-limiting example is depicted including a first actuator component and a second actuator component. Figure 3 The headrest cover;

[0038] Figure 13 A non-limiting example is depicted, showing only the first actuator component. Figure 3 The headrest cover;

[0039] Figure 14 A non-limiting example is depicted with only the second actuator component. Figure 3 Headrest;

[0040] Figure 15 The first steps of manufacturing a headrest with multi-actuator capability according to a non-limiting example are described;

[0041] Figure 16 The second step of manufacturing a headrest with multi-actuator capability according to a non-limiting example is described;

[0042] Figure 17 The third step of manufacturing a headrest with multi-actuator capability according to a non-limiting example is described;

[0043] Figure 18 The fourth step of manufacturing a headrest with multi-actuator capability according to a non-limiting example is described;

[0044] Figure 19 The fifth step of manufacturing a headrest with multi-actuator capability according to a non-limiting example is described;

[0045] Figure 20 The sixth step of manufacturing a headrest with multi-actuator capability according to a non-limiting example is described;

[0046] Figure 21 The seventh step of manufacturing a headrest with multi-actuator capability according to a non-limiting example is described;

[0047] Figure 22The eighth step of manufacturing a headrest with multi-actuator capability according to a non-limiting example is described;

[0048] Figure 23 The ninth step of manufacturing a headrest with multi-actuator capability according to a non-limiting example is described;

[0049] Figure 24 The tenth step of manufacturing a headrest with multi-actuator capability according to a non-limiting example is described;

[0050] Figure 25 A side view of a headrest with multi-actuator capability, based on a non-limiting example, is depicted.

[0051] Figure 26 The diagram depicts a configuration for a first folding angle, based on a non-limiting example. Figure 25 A headrest with multiple actuator capabilities;

[0052] Figure 27 The illustration depicts a configuration for a second folding angle, based on a non-limiting example. Figure 25 A headrest with multi-actuator capability; and

[0053] Figure 28 The illustration depicts a configuration for a third folding angle, based on a non-limiting example. Figure 25 A headrest with multiple actuators. Detailed Implementation

[0054] The following description is exemplary in nature only and is not intended to limit this disclosure, its application, or use. It should be understood that throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals denote the same or corresponding parts and features.

[0055] According to the non-restrictive example of the vehicle in Figure 1 The vehicle 10 is generally indicated by 10. The vehicle 10 includes a body 12 supported on a frame (not shown) and a plurality of wheels, one of which is indicated by 16. The body 12 includes a passenger compartment 20, which includes at least one seat 22. (Reference) Figure 2 The seat 22 includes a foldable backrest 24 that supports a headrest 30 with multi-actuator capability. When one or more actuators are activated, the headrest 30 with multi-actuator capability can be folded forward together with the seat backrest 24, as will be described in detail herein.

[0056] Now refer to Figure 3 And continue to refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2The document describes a headrest 30 with multi-actuator capability. The headrest 30 with multi-actuator capability includes a first seat back support 34 defined by a first hollow tube 36 and a second seat back support 38 defined by a second hollow tube 40. The first seat back support 34 includes a first end 42 and a second end 43. The second seat back support 38 includes a first end 45 and a second end 46. The second end 43 of the first seat back support 34 and the second end 46 of the second seat back support 38 extend into a foldable seat back 24. The headrest support 48 extends between the first end 42 of the first seat back support 34 and the first end 45 of the second seat back support 38. That is, the headrest support 48 includes a first end portion 50 connected to the first end 42 and a second end portion 51 connected to the first end 45.

[0057] According to a non-limiting example, a headrest support 30 with multi-actuator capability includes a multi-cam release mechanism 54 and an actuator mechanism 58 mounted to a headrest support 48. The actuator mechanism 58 selectively engages with the multi-cam release mechanism 54 to allow the headrest 30 with multi-actuator capability to rotate forward. The actuator mechanism 58 is mounted to a headrest housing 60. The housing 63 is connected to the headrest housing 60 using a single mechanical fastener 65. As will become more apparent herein, using a single mechanical fastener to connect the multi-cam release mechanism 54 to the headrest housing 60 reduces manufacturing steps and speeds up manufacturing time.

[0058] We will continue to refer to this. Figure 3 ,refer to Figures 4 to 7 The multi-cam release mechanism 54 includes a connector element 70 that rotates relative to the headrest support 48. The connector element 70 includes a guide groove 72, which, as will be described in detail herein, establishes a travel path for the actuator mechanism 58. A biasing element 78 is rotatably positioned adjacent to the connector element 70 on the headrest support 48. The biasing element 78 facilitates rotation of the headrest 30, which has multi-actuator capability, about an axis defined by the headrest support 48. The biasing element 78 includes a first cam surface 80 and an opposing second cam surface 82.

[0059] The multi-cam release mechanism 54 may be in the form of a dual-cam system, which includes a first cam member 84 having an opening 85 and a second cam member 86 having an opening 87. The first cam member 84 includes a first cam portion 90 that selectively engages with a first cam surface 80, and the second cam member 86 includes a second cam portion 92 that selectively engages with a second cam surface 82. The first cam member 84 and the second cam member 86 are positioned on a support pin 94 that extends from the connector element 70 through the openings 85 and 87.

[0060] The multi-cam release mechanism 54 includes a first spring member 96 and a second spring member 98. The first spring member 96 is coiled around the headrest support 48 and includes a first end (not separately labeled) connected to a channel 100 formed in the biasing element 78 and a second end (also not separately labeled) engaging a support pin 94. The second spring member 98 connects between a protrusion 101 on the second cam member 86 and a connector element 70. The first cam member 84 includes a protruding portion 102 engaging the protrusion 101. That is, when the first cam member 84 rotates to disengage the first cam portion 90 from the first cam surface 80, the protruding portion 102 acts on the protrusion 101 to selectively rotate the second cam member 86 and disengage the second cam portion 92 from the second cam surface 82, thereby allowing rotation of the headrest with multi-actuator capability.

[0061] The first cam surface 80 and the first cam portion 90 comprise an angle of approximately 0°, and the second cam surface 82 and the second cam portion 92 comprise a non-zero angle. In this way, the headrest 30, which has multi-actuator capability, is secured to, for example,... Figure 2 The non-rotational or unfolded configurations are shown, and it is easy to rotate to the non-unfolded configuration without a large force input, as will be described in more detail herein.

[0062] Now refer to Figure 8-11 And continue to refer to Figure 4-7 The actuator mechanism 58 is described according to a non-limiting example. Actuator mechanism 58 includes an actuator 104 which may take the form of a bell crank 106. Actuator 104 includes a first end 108 defining a first actuator portion 110, a second end 112 defining a second actuator portion 114, and an intermediate portion 116 defining a mounting member 118 having an opening 120 that engages with a rotating member (not separately labeled) supported on a headrest housing 60. Actuator 104 also includes a dynamic balancing member 122. The dynamic balancing member 122 is sized and positioned to prevent actuation of actuator mechanism 58 when the headrest 30, having multi-actuator capability, is subjected to high acceleration forces.

[0063] According to a non-limiting example, actuator 104 includes a socket 127 and a slot 129 at a first end 108. The socket 127 and slot 129 are arranged to receive a connection with a connecting rod 132. The connecting rod 132 includes a first end 135, which includes a ball 137 and a protrusion 138, the ball 137 being movably nested within the socket 127 forming a hinged joint. Figure 9The protrusion 138 is spaced apart from the ball 137. The engagement of the ball 137 and the protrusion 138 allows the connecting rod 132 to act compressively on the first end 108 via the protrusion 138 and tensionally on the first end 108 via the ball 137. The connecting rod 132 also includes a second end 140 connected to the first cam member 84. Figure 8 )like Figure 10 and 11 As shown, a retainer 142 is disposed at the second end 140. The retainer 142 extends through an opening 144 formed in the second end 140, thereby forming a basket. The second end 140 is secured to the first cam member 84 via a guide pin 146 having a base 148 and a snap-fit ​​connector 150 extending into an opening 152 formed in the first cam 84. Figure 6 The retainer 142 captures the guide pin 146 in the opening 144. The base 148 can be received by the opening 144. After insertion, the guide pin 146 can be rotated to capture the base 148 between the second end 140 and the retainer 142. The guide pin 146 passes through the guide groove 72 in the connector element 170 and is coupled to the first cam member 84 via the snap-fit ​​connector 150.

[0064] according to Figures 12 to 14 The non-limiting examples depicted herein, and further references are provided. Figures 4 to 9 The headrest 30, with its multi-actuator capability, can accommodate one, another, or two different actuators. Figure 12 In this design, the headrest 30, which has multi-actuator capability, includes a first actuator member 154 shown as a button 156. An actuator element 158 ​​extends between the button 156 and the second actuator portion 114. With this arrangement, a first input to the button 156 causes the actuator 104 to rotate about the mounting member 118, causing the connecting rod 132 to rise and rotate the first cam member 84. As the first cam member 84 rotates, the first cam portion 90 disengages from the first cam surface 80. The protrusion 102 engages the protrusion 101, thereby applying a rotational force to the second cam member 86. The second cam portion 92 disengages from the second cam surface 82, thereby releasing the biasing element 78, causing the first spring member 96 to provide a biasing force, thereby causing the headrest 30 with multi-actuator capability to rotate about the headrest support 48.

[0065] The multi-actuator-capable headrest 30 is also shown to include a second actuator component 163, which includes a cable 165 extending through the first seat back support 34 to a pulley 167. A second input (such as tension applied to the cable 165) causes the pulley 167 to rotate and engage the first actuator portion 110, causing the actuator 104 to rotate about the mount 118, thereby activating the multi-cam release mechanism 54, allowing the multi-actuator-capable headrest 30 to rotate forward. The cable 165 may extend through a conduit 169 through a portion of the headrest housing 60. The cable 165 may include a manual pull (not shown) or be connected in a manner that causes the forward-rotating folding seat back 24 to automatically release the multi-actuator-capable headrest 30.

[0066] In a non-limiting example, the headrest housing 60 may include an inspection window 170 adapted for visual inspection during manufacturing. That is, the inspection window 170 allows an inspector to check whether a first return spring 172 associated with the bell crank 106 and a second return spring 174 associated with the pulley 167 are installed. The first return spring 172 biases the bell crank 106 to a neutral position. Similarly, the second return spring 174 biases the pulley 167 to a neutral position.

[0067] exist Figure 13 In the middle, the headrest 30, which has multiple actuator capabilities, is only provided with the first actuator component 154. Figure 14 In this example, the headrest 30, which has multi-actuator capability, is provided with only a second actuator component 163. Non-limiting examples provide various configurations that can be customized for specific vehicle models and trim packages. Furthermore, non-limiting examples provide cost-effective mass production where only minor modifications are needed for conversions between different models, such as... Figure 15-24 As shown.

[0068] exist Figure 15 In this configuration, connector element 70 is prepared and securely connected to headrest support 48 using biasing element 78, such as... Figure 16 As shown. In Figure 17 In the middle, the first spring component 96 was installed, and in Figure 18 The first cam component 84, the second cam component 86, the support pin 94, and the second spring component 98 are installed in the middle. Figure 19 In the middle, the housing 63 is installed, and the headrest assembly 178 is formed by connecting the headrest support 48 to the first seat back support 34 and the second seat back support 38, as shown. Figure 20 As shown.

[0069] exist Figure 21 In the process, a headrest shell 60 was prepared, and... Figure 22 In the middle, a single mechanical fastener 65 is engaged through the housing. Figure 3 Then install the headrest assembly. At this point, the actuator mechanism can be installed. Figure 23 The combination of the first actuator component 154 and the second actuator component 163 is depicted. Figure 24 In this configuration, the second headrest housing 185 is connected to the headrest housing 60. At this point, a cover can be applied, and the headrest with multi-actuator capability can be installed in the vehicle 10. It should be understood that the headrest housing 60 and the second headrest housing 187 can have various widths and heights to be configured for different vehicle models and trim packages.

[0070] In this regard, it should be understood that the non-limiting example describes a headrest with multi-actuator capability, which is easy to manufacture and applicable to various configurations including one, another, or two actuator modes. Furthermore, the headrest with multi-actuator capability can be easily configured for different folding angles. That is, the headrest with multi-actuator capability can be configured from, for example... Figure 25 The non-unfolded configuration shown is converted to a folded configuration with a selected folding angle. That is, by changing the connecting rod, the multi-actuator headrest can be configured to fold at a 67° angle, such as... Figure 26 As shown; 72° folding angle, as Figure 27 As shown; or a 90° folding angle, such as Figure 28 As shown.

[0071] While the foregoing disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes can be made and elements can be substituted with equivalents without departing from its scope. Furthermore, many modifications can be made to adapt particular situations or materials to the teachings of this disclosure without departing from the basic scope of this disclosure. Therefore, it is intended that this disclosure be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, but will include all embodiments falling within its scope.

Claims

1. A vehicle headrest with multi-actuator capability, comprising: First seat back support; The second seat back support is spaced apart from the first seat back support; A headrest support extending between the first seat back support and the second seat back support; A multi-cam release mechanism is mounted to the headrest support, and the multi-cam release mechanism includes a first cam and a second cam; A headrest shell component, which is pivotally mounted to the headrest support via the multi-cam release mechanism; An actuator, mounted to the headrest housing member, the actuator including a first actuator portion and a second actuator portion, the first actuator portion operable to disengage the multi-cam release mechanism based on a first input, the second actuator portion operable to disengage the multi-cam release mechanism based on a second input different from the first input, thereby allowing the vehicle headrest with multi-actuator capability to switch between an unfolded configuration and a folded configuration; as well as A biasing element rotatably connected to the headrest support, the biasing element comprising a first cam surface engaged by the first cam and a second cam surface engaged by the second cam; The first cam includes a first cam portion, and the second cam includes a second cam portion, the first cam portion engaging the first cam surface, and the second cam portion engaging the second cam surface, to hold the headrest in the unfolded configuration; Specifically, when the first cam rotates to disengage the first cam portion from the first cam surface, the second cam is selectively rotated to disengage the second cam portion from the second cam surface.

2. The vehicle headrest with multi-actuator capability according to claim 1, wherein, The actuator includes a bell-shaped crank, the bell-shaped crank including a first end defining a first actuator portion, a second end defining a second actuator portion, and an intermediate portion, the intermediate portion including a mounting member defining a rotation axis of the bell-shaped crank.

3. The vehicle headrest with multi-actuator capability according to claim 2, further comprising a connecting rod extending between the first actuator portion and the multi-cam release mechanism.

4. The vehicle headrest with multi-actuator capability according to claim 3, wherein, The first cam is connected to the connecting rod and selectively rotates the second cam to release the vehicle headrest with multi-actuator capability.

5. The vehicle headrest with multi-actuator capability according to claim 4, further comprising: A connector element that is rotatably connected to the headrest support and the headrest shell member.

6. The vehicle headrest with multi-actuator capability according to claim 1, wherein, The first cam portion and the first cam surface include a cam angle of approximately 0°, and the second cam portion and the second cam surface include a cam angle of non-zero degrees.

7. The vehicle headrest with multi-actuator capability according to claim 5, wherein, The connecting rod includes a first end and a second end, the first end including a ball and a protrusion extending radially outward from the first end, the protrusion being spaced apart from the ball, and the second end including an opening and a retainer extending through and spaced apart from the opening.

8. The vehicle headrest with multi-actuator capability according to claim 2, wherein, The bell-shaped crank includes a balancer arranged radially outside the axis of rotation between the first end and the second end.

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