Power supply structure for headrest

Abstract

A power supply structure (11) for a headrest (10) for supplying power to a headrest (10) mounted on a seat body (13) comprises: a power supply coil (16) disposed on the seat body (13); a power receiving coil (30) disposed on the headrest (10) for receiving power from the power supply coil (16); and an elastic member (21) disposed on at least one of the seat body (13) and the headrest (10) for applying force to the power supply coil (16) and the power receiving coil (30) in a direction that brings them closer together.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a power supply structure for a headrest. Background Technology

[0002] Headrests are fitted onto the upper surface of the seat back to protect passengers' heads in the event of a vehicle collision. Some headrests are height-adjustable as needed.

[0003] For example, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 7-241221 discloses a headrest whose height can be adjusted using a simple structure. The headrest is fixed by engaging a retaining spring provided on the seat back side with a locking groove provided on a support bar extending from the headrest. Furthermore, when the engagement of the retaining spring and the locking groove is released, the headrest becomes movable. Multiple locking grooves are provided at predetermined intervals, allowing the operator to adjust the headrest height by appropriately selecting a locking groove to engage with the retaining spring.

[0004] In addition, according to this structure, the operator can easily install or remove the headrest by setting the snap ring to the unlocked state and inserting the support bar into the retainer or pulling the support bar out of the retainer.

[0005] Existing technical documents

[0006] Patent documents

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 7-241221 Summary of the Invention

[0008] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0009] In recent years, there has been a demand for multi-functional headrests. For example, headrests with built-in audio equipment such as speakers and electrical equipment such as monitors have been developed. However, when using such headrests, problems arise with the connection of electrical wiring, as described below.

[0010] Power and electrical signals need to be supplied from the vehicle side to the electrical equipment built into the headrest. Therefore, connectors are sometimes installed to electrically connect the circuitry on the electrical equipment side and the circuitry on the seat back side. In this case, additional connector engagement is required when assembling the headrest to the seat back. Especially when the headrest can be easily installed and removed, the operator must disconnect / reconnect the connector each time this is done, in addition to the usual installation and removal operations. Therefore, it is desirable to simplify the electrical connection operation to the headrest.

[0011] This disclosure is made based on the above circumstances, with the aim of providing a power supply structure for a headrest that simplifies electrical connection operations.

[0012] Solution for solving the problem

[0013] This disclosure discloses a power supply structure for a headrest, used to supply power to a headrest mounted on a seat body, comprising: a power supply coil disposed on the seat body; a power receiving coil disposed on the headrest, receiving power from the power supply coil; and an elastic member disposed on at least one of the seat body and the headrest, applying force to the power supply coil and the power receiving coil in a direction that brings them closer together.

[0014] Invention Effects

[0015] According to this disclosure, the electrical connection work can be simplified in the power supply structure for headrests. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a partially enlarged schematic cross-sectional view showing the power supply structure for the headrest of the seat device assembled in Embodiment 1.

[0017] Figure 2 It shows the assembly with Figure 1 The diagram shown is a partially enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of the power supply structure for the headrest of the seat assembly, compared to the state where the headrest is positioned above.

[0018] Figure 3 This is a partially enlarged schematic cross-sectional view showing the power supply structure for the headrest of the seat device assembled in Embodiment 2.

[0019] Figure 4 It shows the assembly with Figure 3 The diagram shown is a partially enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of the power supply structure for the headrest of the seat assembly, compared to the state where the headrest is positioned above.

[0020] Figure 5 This is a partially enlarged schematic cross-sectional view showing the power supply structure for the headrest of the seat device assembled in Embodiment 3.

[0021] Figure 6 This is a partially enlarged schematic cross-sectional view showing the power supply structure for the headrest.

[0022] Figure 7 It shows the assembly with Figure 5 The diagram shown is a partially enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of the power supply structure for the headrest of the seat assembly, compared to the state where the headrest is positioned above.

[0023] Figure 8 This is a partially enlarged schematic cross-sectional view showing the power supply structure for the headrest of the seat device assembled in Embodiment 4.

[0024] Figure 9 It shows the assembly with Figure 8 The diagram shown is a partially enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of the power supply structure for the headrest of the seat assembly, compared to the state where the headrest is positioned above. Detailed Implementation

[0025] [Description of embodiments of this disclosure]

[0026] First, embodiments of this disclosure will be described.

[0027] (1) The present disclosure is a power supply structure for a headrest, for supplying power to a headrest assembled on a seat body, comprising: a power supply coil disposed on the seat body; a power receiving coil disposed on the headrest, for receiving power from the power supply coil; and an elastic member disposed on at least one of the seat body and the headrest, for applying force to the power supply coil and the power receiving coil in a direction that brings them closer together.

[0028] Because power can be supplied from the power supply coil to the receiving coil without using a connector structure, the seat body and headrest can be electrically connected with a simple structure. Furthermore, the electrical connection operation between the seat body and headrest is simplified.

[0029] By applying force to the power supply coil and the receiving coil in a direction that brings them closer together through an elastic member, even when the headrest moves vertically relative to the seat body, one of the power supply coil and the receiving coil can follow the other, thus maintaining contact between them. This suppresses any decrease in the efficiency of power supply from the power supply coil to the receiving coil.

[0030] (2) Preferably, the seat body has a cylindrical headrest holder extending toward the headrest, the headrest has a headrest support bar, the headrest support bar is cylindrical extending toward the seat body and is embedded in or outside the headrest holder, the power supply coil is disposed in the headrest holder, and the power receiving coil is disposed in the headrest support bar.

[0031] The headrest is assembled to the seat body by fitting together with the headrest support strip and the headrest retainer. By assembling a receiving coil in the headrest support strip and a power supply coil in the headrest retainer, the increase in the number of parts can be suppressed, and the power supply structure for the headrest can be assembled into the seat assembly.

[0032] (3) Preferably, the headrest retainer has a support portion that supports the elastic member from below, and the power supply coil is disposed above the elastic member. The power receiving coil is fixed to the headrest support bar near the lower end.

[0033] Based on the above structure, the elastic member can be held in the headrest support bar by a simple structure.

[0034] (4) Preferably, a headrest cap is fitted at the upper end of the headrest holder, the headrest cap having an insertion hole through which the headrest support bar is inserted, and the elastic member is disposed between the headrest cap and the power supply coil.

[0035] Because the upper part of the headrest holder is sealed by the cover, foreign objects can be prevented from entering the interior of the headrest holder.

[0036] (5) Preferably, the elastic member is disposed between the lower end of the headrest and the power supply coil.

[0037] Based on the above structure, the elastic component can be assembled into the power supply structure without increasing the number of parts.

[0038] (6) Preferably, the seat body has: a headrest retainer, which is formed into a cylindrical shape extending toward the headrest; and a power supply retainer different from the headrest retainer, which is formed into a cylindrical shape extending toward the headrest. The headrest has: a headrest support bar, which is formed into a cylindrical shape extending toward the seat body and is embedded in or out of the headrest retainer; and a power supply support bar different from the headrest support bar, which is embedded in or out of the power supply retainer. The power supply coil is disposed in the power supply retainer, and the power receiving coil is disposed in the power supply support bar.

[0039] It can be used without changing the existing headrest support and headrest retainer structure, thus suppressing the increase in manufacturing costs.

[0040] (7) Preferably, a cover is provided around the headrest support bar, the cover surrounds the headrest support bar and is retractable in the vertical direction.

[0041] The power supply structure for the headrest can be protected by a cover.

[0042] (8) Preferably, a conductive shielding member is disposed on the inner surface of the cover.

[0043] It can suppress electromagnetic waves leaking from the power supply structure used in the headrest to the outside.

[0044] [Details of the embodiments of this disclosure]

[0045] The embodiments of this disclosure will now be described. This disclosure is not limited to these examples, but is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims, as shown by the claims.

[0046] <Implementation Method 1>

[0047] Reference Figures 1 to 2Embodiment 1 of this disclosure will be described. The power supply structure 11 for the headrest 10 in this embodiment is, for example, mounted on a seat assembly 12A mounted on a vehicle such as an automobile (not shown). The seat assembly 12A has a seat body 13 and a headrest 10. Furthermore, in the following description, the front-back and left-right directions refer to the directions viewed from the passenger seated in the seat assembly 12A.

[0048] like Figure 1 As shown, the seat assembly 12A includes a seat body 13 and a headrest 10 mounted on the upper end of the seat body 13.

[0049] [Seat Body 13]

[0050] The seat body 13 has a metal seat frame 14 and a cushion 15 fitted onto the seat frame 14. The cushion 15 is made of, for example, polyurethane foam and bears the weight of the passenger when the passenger sits on the seat body 13.

[0051] On the upper part of the seat frame 14, a power supply headrest holder 17 (an example of the headrest holder in this embodiment) and a headrest holder 18 are arranged at intervals in the left-right direction, and a power supply coil 16 is disposed in the power supply headrest holder 17. The power supply headrest holder 17 and the headrest holder 18 are made of metal and are formed into a cylindrical shape extending in the vertical direction. The cross-sectional shape of the power supply headrest holder 17 and the headrest holder 18 can be circular, oblong, or polygonal, such as triangular or quadrilateral. The position of the upper end of the power supply headrest holder 17 and the headrest holder 18 is not particularly limited. They can be positioned below the upper surface of the cushion 15 disposed at the upper end of the seat body 13, at the same height as the upper surface of the cushion 15, or above the upper surface of the cushion 15. In this embodiment, the upper ends of the power supply headrest holder 17 and the headrest holder 18 are positioned at the same height as the upper surface of the cushion 15.

[0052] A bottom wall 19 (an example of a support portion) is formed at the lower end of the power supply headrest holder 17. A through hole 20 extending vertically is formed in the bottom wall 19. An elastic member 21 is mounted on the upper surface of the bottom wall 19.

[0053] The elastic member 21 is formed to be elastically deformable in the vertical direction. The elastic member 21 can be a spring of any shape, such as a helical spring, a leaf spring, or a conical helical leaf spring. The elastic member 21 can be made of metal, or it can be made of synthetic resin such as natural rubber or synthetic rubber.

[0054] In this embodiment, the elastic member 21 is a metal helical spring. The inner diameter of the elastic member 21 is larger than the diameter of the through hole 20. In addition, the outer diameter of the elastic member 21 is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the power supply headrest holder 17. Thus, the elastic member 21 is held in a state where it is placed on the upper surface of the bottom wall 19.

[0055] A power supply coil 16 is disposed at the upper end of the elastic member 21. The upper end of the elastic member 21 and the lower end of the power supply coil 16 may be fixed or not fixed. The outer diameter of the power supply coil 16 is formed to be slightly larger than the outer diameter of the elastic member 21. The outer diameter of the power supply coil 16 is formed to be the same as or slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the power supply headrest holder 17. Thus, the power supply coil 16 is configured to move vertically within the power supply headrest holder 17 by sliding against the inner wall of the power supply headrest holder 17.

[0056] A seat-side wire 22 is connected to the power supply coil 16. The seat-side wire 22 extends downward from the power supply coil 16 through the interior of the elastic member 21. The seat-side wire 22 passes through a through hole 20 formed in the bottom wall 19 of the power supply headrest holder 17 and is routed into the interior of the seat body 13, where it is connected to a power source (not shown).

[0057] [Headrest 10]

[0058] The headrest 10 is equipped with electrical devices such as a speaker 23. The electrical devices installed on the headrest 10 are not limited to the speaker 23; any electrical device such as a monitor, heater, or fan can be selected.

[0059] A metal headrest frame 24 is disposed inside the headrest 10. The headrest frame 24 extends in the left-right direction. An ECU 25 (Electronic Control Unit) is mounted in the headrest frame 24. The ECU 25 is connected to the speaker 23 by a speaker wire 26.

[0060] ECU25 has an antenna 27. Based on the signal received via antenna 27, ECU25 outputs a sound signal to speaker 23. Based on this signal, speaker 23 outputs sound.

[0061] Near the left and right ends of the headrest frame 24, power supply headrest support bars 28 (an example of the headrest support bars of the present invention) and headrest support bars 29 are arranged at intervals in the left and right direction. The power supply headrest support bars 28 and 29 are made of metal and are formed into a cylindrical shape extending in the vertical direction.

[0062] The outer diameter of the headrest support strip 29 is smaller than the inner diameter of the headrest retainer 18. As a result, the headrest support strip 29 is embedded in the headrest retainer 18.

[0063] Furthermore, the outer diameter of the power supply headrest support 28 is made smaller than the inner diameter of the power supply headrest holder 17. As a result, the power supply headrest support 28 is embedded in the power supply headrest holder 17.

[0064] A power receiving coil 30 is fixed to the lower end of the power supply headrest support 28. Details are not shown, but the power supply headrest support 28 and the power receiving coil 30 are fixed by means of screw fastening, adhesive bonding, known locking structures, etc.

[0065] A headrest-side wire 31 is connected to the receiving coil 30. The headrest-side wire 31 extends upward from the receiving coil 30. The headrest-side wire 31 passes through the inside of the power supply headrest support bar 28 and exits from the upper end of the power supply headrest support bar 28. The headrest-side wire 31 is connected to the ECU 25. Thus, power supplied from the power source is supplied to the speaker 23 via the seat-side wire 22, the power supply coil 16, the receiving coil 30, the headrest-side wire 31, and the ECU 25.

[0066] The vertical height of the power supply headrest support 28 and the power supply headrest holder 17 is fixed in a predetermined position by a known support member (not shown). Similarly, the vertical height of the headrest support 29 and the headrest holder 18 is fixed in a predetermined position by a known support member (not shown).

[0067] [Power Supply Structure 11]

[0068] The power supply structure 11 of this embodiment includes a power supply coil 16, a power receiving coil 30, and an elastic member 21.

[0069] The power supply coil 16 and the receiving coil 30 are not shown in detail. They are constructed by winding an electric wire into a spiral shape on an iron core made of a magnetic material such as ferrite or synthetic resin. For example, copper wire covered with an insulating layer such as enamel can be used.

[0070] In this embodiment, the outer diameter of the power supply coil 16 is larger than that of the receiving coil 30. However, the outer diameters of the power supply coil 16 and the receiving coil 30 are not particularly limited, and the outer diameter of the power supply coil 16 may also be smaller than that of the receiving coil 30.

[0071] A receiving coil 30 is mounted on the upper surface of the power supply coil 16. The receiving coil 30 is not fixed to the power supply coil 16. Therefore, the receiving coil 30 and the power supply coil 16 can be separated. The receiving coil 30 is positioned coaxially with the power supply coil 16. The method of supplying power from the power supply coil 16 to the receiving coil 30 can be either electromagnetic induction or magnetic resonance.

[0072] By means of the elastic member 21 disposed below the power supply coil 16, the power supply coil 16 is exerted with force in a direction approaching (upward) towards the receiving coil 30. Thus, even if the receiving coil 30 moves upward and moves away from the power supply coil 16, the power supply coil 16 is brought into contact with the receiving coil 30 by the upward force exerted on the power supply coil 16 by the elastic member 21.

[0073] Since the power supply headrest holder 17 and the power supply headrest support 28 are made of metal, they can provide electromagnetic shielding against electromagnetic waves generated from the power supply coil 16 and the receiving coil 30.

[0074] <Effects of this implementation method>

[0075] Next, the effects of this embodiment will be explained. Figure 1 The diagram shows the headrest 10 fixed at its lowest position relative to the seat body 13. In this state, the lower end of the headrest 10 contacts the upper end of the seat body 13.

[0076] The receiving coil 30, mounted at the lower end of the power supply headrest support 28, presses the power supply coil 16 downward from above. This causes the power supply coil 16 to press the elastic member 21 downward. The elastic member 21, through its rebound force, exerts an upward force on the power supply coil 16. As a result, the power supply coil 16 and the receiving coil 30 come into contact.

[0077] Figure 2 The diagram shows the headrest 10 fixed at the top relative to the seat body 13. In this state, the headrest 10 and the seat body 13 are separated in the vertical direction.

[0078] As the headrest 10 moves upward, the receiving coil 30, mounted at the lower end of the power supply headrest support 28, also moves upward. Consequently, the power supply coil 16 is pushed upward by the elastic member 21, and thus moves upward following the receiving coil 30. As a result, even when the headrest 10 moves upward, the power supply coil 16 and the receiving coil 30 remain in contact. This suppresses any reduction in the power supply efficiency from the power supply coil 16 to the receiving coil 30.

[0079] The power supply structure 11 for the headrest 10 in this embodiment is used to supply power to the headrest 10 assembled on the seat body 13. The power supply structure 11 for the headrest 10 includes: a power supply coil 16 disposed on the seat body 13; a power receiving coil 30 disposed on the headrest 10 to receive power from the power supply coil 16; and an elastic member 21 disposed on the seat body 13 to apply force to the power supply coil 16 in a direction that brings it closer to the power receiving coil 30.

[0080] Because power can be supplied from the power supply coil 16 to the power receiving coil 30 without using a connector structure, the seat body 13 and the headrest 10 can be electrically connected with a simple structure. In addition, the electrical connection operation between the seat body 13 and the headrest 10 can be simplified.

[0081] By applying force to the power supply coil 16 through the elastic member 21 in a direction that brings it closer to the receiving coil 30, the power supply coil 16 can follow the receiving coil 30 even when the headrest 10 moves vertically relative to the seat body 13, thus maintaining contact between the power supply coil 16 and the receiving coil 30. This suppresses the reduction in efficiency of power supply from the power supply coil 16 to the receiving coil 30.

[0082] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the seat body 13 has a power supply headrest holder 17, which is formed into a cylindrical shape extending toward the headrest 10. The headrest 10 has a power supply headrest support 28, which is formed into a cylindrical shape extending toward the seat body 13 and is embedded in the power supply headrest holder 17. The power supply coil 16 is disposed in the power supply headrest holder 17, and the power receiving coil 30 is disposed in the power supply headrest support 28.

[0083] The headrest 10 is fitted into the seat body 13 via the headrest support 29 and the headrest retainer 18. By assembling the power receiving coil 30 in the power supply headrest support 28 and the power supply coil 16 in the power supply headrest retainer 17, the increase in the number of parts can be suppressed, and the power supply structure 11 can be assembled in the seat assembly 12.

[0084] In addition, according to this embodiment, the power supply headrest holder 17 has a bottom wall 19 that supports the elastic member 21 from below, a power supply coil 16 is disposed above the elastic member 21, and a power receiving coil 30 is fixed to the position near the lower end of the power supply headrest support bar 28.

[0085] According to this embodiment, the elastic member 21 can be held in the power supply headrest support bar 28 by means of a simple structure.

[0086] <Implementation Method 2>

[0087] Next, refer to Figures 3 to 4 The power supply structure 41 for the headrest 40 assembled in the seat device 12B of Embodiment 2 of this disclosure will be described. Figure 3 As shown, a headrest cap 42 is fitted to the upper end of the power supply headrest holder 17, and a headrest cap 42 is fitted to the upper end of the headrest holder 18. The headrest cap 42 fitted to the power supply headrest holder 17 and the headrest cap 42 fitted to the headrest holder 18 are of the same shape and size.

[0088] The headrest cap 42 has: a shaft portion 43, which is embedded in the power supply headrest holder 17 and the headrest holder 18 and extends in the vertical direction; and a cover portion 44, which is formed at the upper end of the shaft portion 43. The headrest cap 42 is made of synthetic resin. The headrest cap 42 has a through hole 45 extending in the vertical direction. A power supply headrest support strip 48 and a headrest support strip 29 are respectively inserted into the through hole 45 of the headrest cap 42.

[0089] The shaft portion 43 is cylindrical. The external shape of the shaft portion 43 is substantially the same as the internal shape of the power supply headrest holder 17, and also substantially the same as the internal shape of the headrest holder 18. In the vertical direction, the length of the shaft portion 43 is shorter than the vertical length of the power supply headrest holder 17 and the headrest holder 18.

[0090] The cover portion 44 has a larger diameter than the shaft portion 43. The shape of the cover portion 44 can be formed into any shape such as a circle or a quadrilateral when viewed from above.

[0091] A power supply coil 16 is mounted on the upper surface of the bottom wall 19 of the power supply headrest holder 17. A receiving coil 46 is mounted on the upper surface of the power supply coil 16. In this embodiment, the outer diameter of the power supply coil 16 is formed to be approximately the same as the outer diameter of the receiving coil 46. The outer diameters of the power supply coil 16 and the receiving coil 46 are formed to be the same as or slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the power supply headrest holder 17.

[0092] An elastic member 47 is disposed on the upper surface of the receiving coil 46. The elastic member 47 is a helical spring. The elastic member 47 is disposed in the gap between the power supply headrest holder 17 and the power supply headrest support bar 48. The lower end of the elastic member 47 contacts the upper surface of the receiving coil 46 from above. The upper end of the elastic member 47 contacts the lower end of the shaft portion 43 of the headrest cap 42 from below. As a result, the receiving coil 46 is subjected to force in a direction closer to (downward) the power supply coil 16.

[0093] In this embodiment, the lower end of the power supply headrest support bar 48 and the power receiving coil 46 are not fixed.

[0094] The structures other than those described above are largely the same as in Embodiment 1, so the same reference numerals are used to label the same components, and repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0095] <Effects of this implementation method>

[0096] Next, the effects of this embodiment will be explained. Figure 3 The diagram shows the headrest 40 fixed at its lowest position relative to the seat body 49. In this state, the lower end of the headrest 40 contacts the upper end of the headrest cap 42.

[0097] In this embodiment, the lower end of the power supply headrest support bar 48 contacts the upper surface of the receiving coil 46, pressing the receiving coil 46 downward. Additionally, the elastic member 47, located between the lower end of the headrest cap 42 and the receiving coil 46, applies downward force to the receiving coil 46 through its rebound force. Thus, the power supply coil 16 and the receiving coil 46 come into contact.

[0098] Figure 4 The diagram shows the headrest 40 fixed at the top relative to the seat body 49. In this state, the headrest 40, seat body 49, and headrest cap 42 are separated in the vertical direction.

[0099] As the headrest 40 moves upward, the power supply headrest support bar 48 also moves upward. In this embodiment, the lower end of the power supply headrest support bar 48 and the power receiving coil 46 are not fixed, so the lower end of the power supply headrest support bar 48 and the power receiving coil 46 are separated.

[0100] On the other hand, the receiving coil 46 is pressed downward by the rebound force of the elastic member 47. Thus, even when the headrest 40 moves upward, the power supply coil 16 and the receiving coil 46 are in contact.

[0101] According to this embodiment, the upper ends of the power supply headrest holder 17 and the headrest holder 18 are sealed by the cover portion 44. This prevents foreign objects from entering the interior of the power supply headrest holder 17 and the headrest holder 18.

[0102] <Implementation Method 3>

[0103] Reference Figures 5 to 7 The power supply structure 61 for the headrest 60 assembled in the seat device 12C of Embodiment 3 of this disclosure will be described. For example... Figure 5 As shown, a power supply coil 16 is mounted on the upper surface of the bottom wall 19 of the power supply headrest holder 17. A receiving coil 62 is mounted on the upper surface of the power supply coil 16. In this embodiment, the outer diameter of the power supply coil 16 is formed to be approximately the same as the outer diameter of the receiving coil 62. The outer diameters of the power supply coil 16 and the receiving coil 62 are formed to be the same as or slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the power supply headrest holder 17.

[0104] An elastic member 63 is disposed on the upper surface of the receiving coil 62. The elastic member 63 is a helical spring. The elastic member 63 is disposed in the gap between the power supply headrest holder 17 and the power supply headrest support bar 64.

[0105] The lower end of the elastic member 63 contacts the upper surface of the receiving coil 62 from above. Additionally, the upper end of the elastic member 63 contacts the lower end of the headrest 60 from below. That is, the elastic member 63 is positioned vertically between the power supply coil 16 and the headrest 60. Consequently, the receiving coil 62 is subjected to force in a direction approaching (downwards) the power supply coil 16.

[0106] In this embodiment, the lower end of the power supply headrest support 64 and the power receiving coil 62 are not fixed.

[0107] A cover 65 (an example of a cover) is disposed between the seat body 13 and the headrest 60, and around the power supply headrest support 64. The cover 65 is formed into a corrugated cylindrical shape. Thus, the cover 65 is formed to be able to extend and retract in the vertical direction.

[0108] like Figure 6 As shown, the cover 65 has an insulating outer skin 66 and a conductive shielding member 67 formed on the inner surface of the outer skin 66. The outer skin 66 can be an insulating synthetic resin or a woven fabric, and any material can be selected.

[0109] The shielding member 67 can be a braided wire made of fine metal threads, or it can be a metal foil attached to the inner surface of the outer skin 66. The metal forming the shielding member 67 can be any metal such as copper, copper alloy, aluminum, or aluminum alloy. The shielding member 67 can suppress electromagnetic waves leaking from the power supply headrest support strip 64 located between the headrest 60 and the seat body 13.

[0110] Additionally, a cover 68 is provided between the seat body 13 and the headrest 60, and around the headrest support strip 29.

[0111] The cover 68 surrounding the headrest support strip 29 can also be of the same shape and size as the cover 65 surrounding the power supply headrest support strip 64. Alternatively, the cover 68 surrounding the headrest support strip 29 can also be configured without the shielding member 67.

[0112] The structures other than those described above are largely the same as in Embodiment 1, so the same reference numerals are used to label the same components, and repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0113] <Effects of the Implementation Method>

[0114] Next, the effects of this embodiment will be explained. Figure 5 The diagram shows a structure in which the headrest 60 is fixed to the lowermost position relative to the seat body 69.

[0115] In this embodiment, the lower end of the power supply headrest support 64 contacts the upper surface of the receiving coil 62, pressing the receiving coil 62 downward. Additionally, the elastic member 63, positioned between the lower end of the headrest 60 and the receiving coil 62, applies downward force to the receiving coil 62 through its rebound force. Thus, the power supply coil 16 and the receiving coil 62 come into contact.

[0116] Figure 7 The diagram shows the structure in which the headrest 60 is fixed at the top relative to the seat body 69.

[0117] As the headrest 60 moves upward, the power supply headrest support bar 64 also moves upward. In this embodiment, the lower end of the power supply headrest support bar 64 and the power receiving coil 62 are not fixed, so the lower end of the power supply headrest support bar 64 and the power receiving coil 62 are separated.

[0118] On the other hand, the receiving coil 62 is pressed downward by the rebound force of the elastic member 63. Thus, even when the headrest 60 moves upward, the power supply coil 16 and the receiving coil 62 are in contact.

[0119] According to this embodiment, the power supply structure 61 used for the headrest 60 can be protected by the cover 65.

[0120] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, electromagnetic waves leaking from the power supply structure 61 used in the headrest 60 can be shielded by the shielding member 67 mounted on the cover 65.

[0121] <Implementation Method 4>

[0122] Reference Figures 8 to 9 The power supply structure 81 for the headrest 80 of the seat device 12D of Embodiment 4 of this disclosure will be described.

[0123] [Seating body 82]

[0124] Two headrest holders 84 are formed at intervals in the left-right direction on the upper part of the seat frame 83. The headrest holders 84 are made of metal and are formed into a cylindrical shape extending in the vertical direction. The cross-sectional shape of the headrest holders 84 can be circular, oblong, or polygonal, such as triangular or quadrilateral. The position of the upper end of the headrest holders 84 is not particularly limited. It can be positioned below the upper surface of the cushion 15 located at the upper end of the seat body 82, flush with the upper surface of the cushion 15, or above the upper surface of the cushion 15.

[0125] A headrest cap 42 is fitted to the upper end of the headrest holder 84. The headrest cap 42 has: a shaft portion 43, which is embedded in the headrest holder 84 and extends in the vertical direction; and a cover portion 44, which is formed at the upper end of the shaft portion 43. The headrest cap 42 is made of synthetic resin. The headrest cap 42 has an insertion hole 45 that extends through the shaft portion 43 and the cover portion 44 in the vertical direction. Headrest support strips 85 are inserted into the insertion holes 45 respectively.

[0126] The shaft portion 43 is cylindrical. The external shape of the shaft portion 43 is roughly the same as the internal shape of the headrest holder 84. In the vertical direction, the length of the shaft portion 43 is shorter than the vertical length of the headrest holder 84.

[0127] The cover portion 44 has a larger diameter than the shaft portion 43. The shape of the cover portion 44 can be formed into any shape such as a circle or a quadrilateral when viewed from above.

[0128] like Figure 8 As shown, a power supply retainer 86 is disposed on the upper part of the seat frame 83 and between the two headrest retainers 84. The power supply retainer 86 is made of metal and is formed into a cylindrical shape extending vertically. The cross-sectional shape of the power supply retainer 86 can be circular, oblong, or polygonal, such as triangular or quadrilateral. The position of the upper end of the power supply retainer 86 is not particularly limited; it can be positioned below the upper surface of the cushion 15 disposed on the upper part of the seat body 82, at the same height as the upper surface of the cushion 15, or above the upper surface of the cushion 15. In this embodiment, the position of the upper end of the power supply retainer 86 is set at the same height as the upper surface of the cushion 15.

[0129] A bottom wall 87 is formed at the lower end of the power supply holder 86. A through hole 88 extending vertically is formed in the bottom wall 87. An elastic member 89 is mounted on the upper surface of the bottom wall 87.

[0130] Regarding the elastic member 89, it has the same structure as in Embodiment 1, so repeated descriptions are omitted. The elastic member 89 in this embodiment is a metal helical spring. The inner diameter of the elastic member 89 is larger than the diameter of the through hole 88. Furthermore, the outer diameter of the elastic member 89 is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the power supply holder 86. Thus, the elastic member 89 is held in a position where it rests on the upper surface of the bottom wall 87.

[0131] A power supply coil 90 is disposed at the upper end of the elastic member 89. The upper end of the elastic member 89 and the lower end of the power supply coil 90 may or may not be fixed. The outer diameter of the power supply coil 90 is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the elastic member 89. The outer diameter of the power supply coil 90 is the same as or slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the power supply holder 86. Therefore, the power supply coil 90 can move vertically within the power supply holder 86 by sliding against its inner wall.

[0132] A seat-side wire 22 is connected to the power supply coil 90. The seat-side wire 22 passes through the power supply coil 90 inside the elastic member 89 and extends downward. The seat-side wire 22 passes through a through hole 88 formed in the bottom wall 87 of the power supply holder 86 and is routed into the interior of the seat body 82, where it is connected to a power source (not shown).

[0133] [Headrest 80]

[0134] Near the left and right ends of the headrest frame 91, two headrest support strips 85 are arranged at intervals in the left-right direction. The headrest support strips 85 are made of metal and are formed into a cylindrical shape extending in the vertical direction.

[0135] The outer diameter of the headrest support bar 85 is smaller than the inner diameter of the headrest retainer 84. As a result, the headrest support bar 85 is embedded in the headrest retainer 84.

[0136] A power supply support bar 92 is provided between the two headrest support bars 85. In this embodiment, the power supply support bar 92 is formed extending downward from the ECU 25. The power supply support bar 92 may also be configured to extend downward from the headrest frame 91.

[0137] The outer diameter of the power supply support bar 92 is smaller than the inner diameter of the power supply retainer 86. As a result, the power supply support bar 92 is embedded in the power supply retainer 86.

[0138] A current receiving coil 93 is fixed to the lower end of the power supply support bar 92. Details are not shown. The power supply support bar 92 and the current receiving coil 93 are fixed by means of screw fastening, adhesive bonding, known locking structures, etc.

[0139] A headrest-side wire 94 is connected to the receiving coil 93. The headrest-side wire 94 extends upward from the receiving coil 93. The headrest-side wire 94 passes through the inside of the power supply support bar 92 and connects to the ECU 25.

[0140] The structures other than those described above are largely the same as in Embodiment 1, so the same reference numerals are used to label the same components, and repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0141] <Effects of this implementation method>

[0142] Next, the effects of this embodiment will be explained. Figure 8 The diagram shows the headrest 80 fixed at its lowest position relative to the seat body 82. In this state, the lower end of the headrest 80 contacts the upper end of the headrest cap 42.

[0143] The receiving coil 93, mounted at the lower end of the power supply support bar 92, presses the power supply coil 90 downward from above. This causes the power supply coil 90 to press the elastic member 89 downward. The elastic member 89, through its rebound force, exerts an upward force on the power supply coil 90. As a result, the power supply coil 90 and the receiving coil 93 come into contact.

[0144] Figure 9 The diagram shows the headrest 80 fixed at the top relative to the seat body 82. In this state, the headrest 80, seat body 82, and headrest cap 42 are separated in the vertical direction.

[0145] As the headrest 80 moves upward, the receiving coil 93, mounted at the lower end of the power supply support 92, also moves upward. The power supply coil 90 is then forced upward by the elastic member 89, and thus moves upward following the receiving coil 93. As a result, even when the headrest 80 moves upward, the power supply coil 90 and the receiving coil 93 remain in contact.

[0146] According to this embodiment, existing headrest retainer 84 and headrest support strip 85 can be utilized, thus suppressing the increase in manufacturing costs.

[0147] <Other Implementation Methods>

[0148] (1) The power supply headrest support bar in embodiments 1 to 3 may also be a structure that is externally embedded in the power supply headrest holder. Alternatively, the headrest support bar may also be a structure that is internally embedded in the headrest holder.

[0149] (2) In embodiments 1 to 3, the two headrest support bars provided on the headrest can both be configured as power supply headrest support bars, and the two headrest retainers provided on the seat body can both be configured as power supply headrest retainers. Thus, even if one of the power supply structures to the headrest fails, power can be supplied to the headrest using the other power supply structure.

[0150] (3) The cover 65 surrounded by the power supply headrest support 64 of Embodiment 3 is configured to have a shielding member 67, but it is not limited to this and may also be configured to not have a shielding member 67.

[0151] (4) The power supply support bar 92 of embodiment 4 can also be externally embedded in the power supply retainer 86.

[0152] (5) The power supply support bar 92 of embodiment 4 can also be surrounded by a cover 65 having a shielding member 67 inside.

[0153] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0154] 10, 40, 60, 80: Headrest

[0155] 11, 41, 61, 81: Power supply structure

[0156] 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D: Seating assembly

[0157] 13, 49, 69, 82: Main body of the seat

[0158] 14, 83: Seat frame

[0159] 15: Buffer

[0160] 16, 90: Power supply coil

[0161] 17: Headrest retainer for power supply

[0162] 18, 84: Headrest retainer

[0163] 19, 87: Bottom wall

[0164] 20, 88: Through holes

[0165] 21, 47, 63, 89: Elastic components

[0166] 22: Seat side wiring

[0167] 23: Speaker

[0168] 24, 91: Headrest frame

[0169] 25: ECU

[0170] 26: Speaker wiring

[0171] 27: Antenna

[0172] 28, 48, 64: Headrest support strips for power supply

[0173] 29, 85: Headrest support strip

[0174] 30, 46, 62, 93: Receiving coils

[0175] 31, 94: Headrest side cable

[0176] 42: Headrest Cap

[0177] 43: Shaft

[0178] 44: cover

[0179] 45: Through hole

[0180] 65: Cover

[0181] 66: Outer skin

[0182] 67: Shielding components

[0183] 68: Cover

[0184] 86: Power supply retainer

[0185] 92: Power supply support bar

Claims

1. A power supply structure for a headrest, used to supply power to a headrest mounted on a seat body, the power supply structure for the headrest comprising: The seat body has a cylindrical headrest retainer extending toward the headrest. The headrest has a headrest support strip, which is formed into a cylindrical shape extending toward the seat body and is embedded in or outside the headrest retainer. A power supply coil is disposed in the headrest holder; A receiving coil, disposed on the headrest support bar, receives power from the power supply coil; and an elastic member, constructed of a helical spring, is disposed between the headrest retainer and the headrest support bar, applying force to the receiving coil in a direction closer to the power supply coil, wherein... The power supply coil and the power receiving coil are constructed by winding wires around an iron core. The receiving coil is mounted on the upper surface of the supplying coil. The lower end of the elastic member contacts the upper surface of the energized coil from above, and the upper end of the elastic member contacts the lower end of the headrest from below.

2. The power supply structure for a headrest according to claim 1, wherein, A headrest cap is fitted to the upper end of the headrest holder, and the headrest cap has an insertion hole through which the headrest support bar is inserted. The elastic member is disposed between the headrest cap and the power supply coil.

3. The power supply structure for a headrest according to claim 1, wherein, The elastic member is disposed between the lower end of the headrest and the power supply coil.

4. The power supply structure for a headrest according to claim 1, wherein, The seat body includes: a headrest retainer, forming a cylindrical shape extending toward the headrest; and a power supply retainer, different from the headrest retainer. The power supply holder is formed in a cylindrical shape extending toward the headrest. The headrest includes: a headrest support strip, forming a cylindrical shape extending toward the seat body and embedded within or outside the headrest holder; and a power supply support strip, different from the headrest support strip. The power supply support bar is embedded within or outside the power supply retainer. The power supply coil is disposed on the power supply retainer, and the power receiving coil is disposed on the power supply support bar.

5. The power supply structure for a headrest according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The headrest support bar has a cover around it, which surrounds the headrest support bar and is retractable in the vertical direction.

6. The power supply structure for a headrest according to claim 5, wherein, A conductive shielding member is disposed on the inner surface of the cover.

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