Cable sleeve for a foldable headrest

Abstract

A vehicle seat includes a seat back and a headrest including a shell member. A release mechanism is mounted to the shell member. The release mechanism selectively locks the headrest relative to the seat back. An actuator system extends between the seat back and the headrest. The actuator system includes a sleeve having a first end fixedly connected relative to the seat back, a second end fixedly connected relative to the headrest shell, and an intermediate portion defining a longitudinal length of the sleeve, and a cable extending through the sleeve. The cable has a first end portion disposed in the seat back and a second end portion coupled to the release mechanism. The longitudinal length of the sleeve includes a first dimension when the seat back is in an upright position and a second, longer dimension when the seat back is in a folded configuration.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of vehicles, and more specifically, to a cable sleeve for a foldable headrest in a vehicle. 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 located at the headrest supports, which, when engaged, allow the headrest to be removed from the seatback. 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. 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. Mechanisms for releasing the rear headrests include release pins, buttons, and levers with pull straps. In some cases, simply folding the rear seats forward will cause the headrests to release and fold forward.

[0004] Automated systems, such as those operated by folding seats, typically include cable actuators. Cable actuators generally consist of a cable that passes through the seat back and extends upwards into the headrest. In some cases, the cable passes through a sleeve. The sleeve protects the cable and maintains an unobstructed actuation path. When the seat back folds forward, tension is created in the cable, causing the release mechanism to disengage. To ensure proper operation, clamping points and constrictions on the cable and sleeve should be avoided. If the cable or sleeve cannot move freely, the actuator mechanism may not release and the headrest may not fold. Therefore, the industry would welcome a system that reduces constrictions entering the folding headrest through the folding seat back. Summary of the Invention

[0005] A vehicle seat is disclosed according to a non-limiting example, comprising a seat back, a first seat back support mounted to the seat back, and a second seat back support mounted to the seat back. The second seat back support is spaced apart from the first seat back support. A headrest, including a shell member, is coupled to the first and second seat back supports. A release mechanism is mounted to the shell member. The release mechanism selectively locks the headrest relative to the seat back. An actuator system extends between the seat back and the headrest via one of the first and second seat back supports. The actuator system includes a sleeve and a cable extending through the sleeve, the sleeve having a first end fixedly connected to the seat back, a second end fixedly connected to the headrest shell, and an intermediate portion defining a longitudinal length of the sleeve. The cable has a first end disposed in the seat back and a second end coupled to the release mechanism. When the seat back is in an upright position, the longitudinal length of the sleeve includes a first dimension, and when the seat back is in a folded configuration, the longitudinal length has a longer second dimension.

[0006] In addition to one or more features described herein, the sleeve includes a first mounting ring fixed to a first end and a second mounting ring fixed to a second end, the second mounting ring being securely fixed to the shell member of the headrest.

[0007] In addition to one or more features described herein, the second end of the sleeve can slide relative to the cable.

[0008] In addition to one or more features described herein, the sleeve includes a slit arranged along the middle portion, the slit extending radially through the sleeve between the first end and the second end.

[0009] In addition to one or more features described herein, the crack also includes a first end portion of the sleeve and a second end portion of the sleeve, the first end portion having a first surface and the second end portion having a second surface.

[0010] In addition to one or more features described herein, when the seat back is in a folded configuration, the second surface is spaced apart from the first surface, thereby forming a discontinuity in the sleeve.

[0011] In addition to one or more features described herein, when the seat back is in an upright configuration, the second surface is adjacent to the first surface.

[0012] According to a non-limiting example, a vehicle is also disclosed, comprising a body having a passenger compartment. Seats are arranged in the passenger compartment. Each seat includes a seat back, a first seat back support mounted to the seat back, and a second seat back support mounted to the seat back. The second seat back support is spaced apart from the first seat back support. A headrest, including a shell member, is coupled to the first and second seat back supports. A release mechanism is mounted to the shell member. The release mechanism selectively locks the headrest relative to the seat back. An actuator system extends between the seat back and the headrest via one of the first and second seat back supports. The actuator system includes a sleeve and a cable extending through the sleeve, the sleeve having a first end fixedly connected to the seat back, a second end fixedly connected to the headrest shell, and an intermediate portion defining a longitudinal length of the sleeve. The cable has a first end disposed in the seat back and a second end coupled to the release mechanism. When the seat back is in an upright position, the longitudinal length of the sleeve includes a first dimension, and when the seat back is in a folded configuration, the longitudinal length has a longer second dimension.

[0013] In addition to one or more features described herein, the sleeve includes a first mounting ring fixed to a first end and a second mounting ring fixed to a second end, the second mounting ring being securely fixed to the shell member of the headrest.

[0014] In addition to one or more features described herein, the second end of the sleeve can slide relative to the cable.

[0015] In addition to one or more features described herein, the sleeve includes a slit arranged along the middle portion, the slit extending radially through the sleeve between the first end and the second end.

[0016] In addition to one or more features described herein, the crack also includes a first end portion of the sleeve and a second end portion of the sleeve, the first end portion having a first surface and the second end portion having a second surface.

[0017] In addition to one or more features described herein, when the seat back is in a folded configuration, the second surface is spaced apart from the first surface, thereby forming a discontinuity in the sleeve.

[0018] In addition to one or more features described herein, when the seat back is in an upright configuration, the second surface is adjacent to the first surface.

[0019] A method for folding a headrest in a vehicle is further disclosed according to a non-limiting example, comprising folding the seat back forward, generating tension in a cable protected in a sleeve that passes through the seat back and into the headrest, the sleeve having a first end anchored in the seat back and a second end anchored in the headrest, activating a release mechanism to allow the headrest to pivot with tension in the cable, rotating the headrest relative to the seat back, and extending the sleeve as the headrest rotates to avoid restraint.

[0020] In addition to one or more features described herein, extending the sleeve includes displacing the second end of the sleeve relative to the first end of the sleeve.

[0021] In addition to one or more features described herein, displacing the second end of the sleeve relative to the first end of the sleeve includes sliding the second end of the sleeve on the cable.

[0022] In addition to one or more features described herein, the extension sleeve includes allowing the second end of the sleeve to slide on the cable without moving the first end of the sleeve.

[0023] In addition to one or more features described herein, the sleeve includes a slit defined between a first end and a second end, the slit including a first surface and a second surface, wherein extending the sleeve includes displacing the first surface relative to the second surface.

[0024] In addition to one or more features described herein, the extension sleeve includes a discontinuity between a first surface and a second surface in the sleeve.

[0025] 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

[0026] 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:

[0027] Figure 1 A vehicle including a headrest with multi-actuator capability is depicted according to a non-limiting example;

[0028] Figure 2 A headrest with multi-actuator capability, mounted to a foldable seat back, is depicted according to a non-limiting example.

[0029] Figure 3 It is based on the non-restrictive example. Figure 2 A partial exploded view of a headrest with multi-actuator capability, depicting a multi-cam release mechanism and actuator mounted to the headrest housing portion;

[0030] Figure 4 Depicting based on non-restrictive examples Figure 3 Multi-cam release mechanism;

[0031] Figure 5 Depicting based on non-restrictive examples Figure 3 Side view of the multi-cam release mechanism;

[0032] 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;

[0033] Figure 7 This is a side view of a second cam member interacting with a biasing element, based on a non-limiting example;

[0034] 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;

[0035] Figure 9 The connection based on the non-restrictive example is described. Figure 8 The connecting rod of the actuator;

[0036] 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;

[0037] Figure 11 It is based on the non-restrictive example. Figure 10 A partial cross-sectional side view of the connector pin;

[0038] Figure 12 A non-limiting example is depicted including a first actuator component and a second actuator component. Figure 3 The headrest cover;

[0039] Figure 13 A non-limiting example is depicted, showing only the first actuator component. Figure 3 The headrest cover;

[0040] Figure 14 A non-limiting example is depicted with only the second actuator component. Figure 3 Headrest;

[0041] Figure 15 The first steps of manufacturing a headrest with multi-actuator capability according to a non-limiting example are described;

[0042] Figure 16 The second step of manufacturing a headrest with multi-actuator capability according to a non-limiting example is described;

[0043] Figure 17 The third step of manufacturing a headrest with multi-actuator capability according to a non-limiting example is described;

[0044] Figure 18 The fourth step of manufacturing a headrest with multi-actuator capability according to a non-limiting example is described;

[0045] Figure 19 The fifth step of manufacturing a headrest with multi-actuator capability according to a non-limiting example is described;

[0046] Figure 20 The sixth step of manufacturing a headrest with multi-actuator capability according to a non-limiting example is described;

[0047] Figure 21 The seventh step of manufacturing a headrest with multi-actuator capability according to a non-limiting example is described;

[0048] Figure 22 The eighth step of manufacturing a headrest with multi-actuator capability according to a non-limiting example is described;

[0049] Figure 23 The ninth step of manufacturing a headrest with multi-actuator capability according to a non-limiting example is described;

[0050] Figure 24 The tenth step of manufacturing a headrest with multi-actuator capability according to a non-limiting example is described;

[0051] Figure 25 A side view of a headrest with multi-actuator capability, based on a non-limiting example, is depicted;

[0052] 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;

[0053] Figure 27 The illustration depicts a configuration for a second folding angle, based on a non-limiting example. Figure 25 A headrest with multiple actuator capabilities;

[0054] Figure 28 The illustration depicts a configuration for a third folding angle, based on a non-limiting example. Figure 25 A headrest with multiple actuator capabilities;

[0055] Figure 29 A side view of a headrest in an upright position, including an actuator system, is depicted according to another non-limiting example;

[0056] Figure 30 A folded configuration is depicted based on a non-limiting example. Figure 30 Headrest;

[0057] Figure 31 The cable and sleeve of a second actuator system according to a non-limiting example are shown; and

[0058] Figure 32 The extended configuration is described based on a non-limiting example. Figure 31 The sleeve. Detailed Implementation

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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 seat back 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 foldable seat back 24, as will be described in detail herein.

[0061] Now refer to Figure 3 And continue to refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The 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.

[0062] 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 uses a single mechanical fastener 65 to connect the multi-cam release mechanism 54 to the headrest housing 60. As will become more apparent herein, using a single mechanical fastener to engage the multi-cam release mechanism 54 to the headrest housing 60 reduces manufacturing steps and speeds up manufacturing time.

[0063] We will continue to refer to this. Figure 3 And 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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. The actuator mechanism 58 includes an actuator 104 which may take the form of a double-arm crank 106. The 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. The actuator 104 also includes a dynamic balancing member 122. The dynamic balancing member 122 is sized and positioned to prevent actuation of the actuator mechanism 58 when the headrest 30, which has multi-actuator capability, is subjected to high acceleration forces.

[0068] 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 portion with connecting rod 132. Connecting rod 132 includes a first end 135 and a protrusion 138 spaced apart from ball 137, the first end 135 including, for example... Figure 9 and Figure 10 The ball 137 shown can be movably nested within the socket 127 forming the hinge joint. Figure 9 The engagement of ball 137 and protrusion 138 allows connecting rod 132 to act compressively on first end 108 via protrusion 138 and tensionally on first end 108 via ball 137. Connecting rod 132 also includes a second end 140 connected to 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 the opening 152 formed in the first cam member 84. Figure 6The 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 70. Figure 5 ), and is connected to the first cam member 84 via a snap connector 150.

[0069] 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 actuator systems. Figure 12 In this embodiment, the headrest 30, which has multi-actuator capability, includes a first actuator system 154 shown as a button 156. An actuator element 158 ​​extends between the button 156 and a second actuator portion 114 of the actuator mechanism 58. 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... Figure 6 The first cam surface 80 is disengaged. Protruding portion 102 ( Figure 7 Engaging 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, allowing 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.

[0070] The multi-actuator-capable headrest 30 is also shown to include a second actuator system 163, which includes a cable 165 extending through the first seat back support 34 to a pulley 167. A second input (e.g., tension applied to the cable 165) causes the pulley 167 to rotate and engage the first actuator portion 110 or actuator mechanism 58, 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 sleeve 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.

[0071] 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 double crank 106 and a second return spring 174 associated with the pulley 167 are installed. The first return spring 172 biases the double crank 106 to a neutral position. Similarly, the second return spring 174 biases the pulley 167 to a neutral position.

[0072] 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 only provided with a second actuator system 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.

[0073] exist Figure 15 In the middle, connector element 70 ( Figure 5 The headrest support 48 is prepared and fixedly connected to it using the biasing element 78, as shown. 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.

[0074] exist Figure 21 In the middle, the headrest shell 60 is prepared, and in Figure 22 In the middle, by using a single mechanical fastener 65 ( Figure 3 The headrest assembly 178 is mounted by engaging through the housing 63. At this point, the actuator mechanism can be mounted to the headrest housing 60. Figure 23 The combination of the first actuator component 154 and the second actuator system 163 is depicted. Figure 24In this configuration, a second headrest shell 185 is connected to a headrest shell 60. A cover can be applied, and a headrest 30 with multi-actuator capability can be installed in the vehicle 10. It should be understood that the headrest shell 60 and the second headrest shell 185 can have various widths and heights to be configured for different vehicle models and trim packages. It should be understood that this non-limiting example describes a headrest with multi-actuator capability that is easy to manufacture and adaptable 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 designed from various configurations such as... Figure 25 The non-unfolded configuration shown is converted to a folding configuration with a selected folding angle. That is, by changing the connecting rod, the multi-actuator headrest 30 can be configured to a 67° folding 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.

[0075] Now refer to Figures 29-32 The description further describes a second actuator system 163 according to another non-limiting example. The second actuator system 163 is designed to operate when the headrest 30, having multi-actuator capability, is in an upright configuration ( Figure 29 ) and folding configuration ( Figure 30 The conversion between these components is unrestricted. In a non-limiting example, sleeve 169 includes a first end 208, a second end 210, and an intermediate portion 212 extending between the first end 208 and the second end 210. The intermediate portion 212 defines the longitudinal length of sleeve 169. In a non-limiting example, cable 165 includes a first end 220 and a second end 222, the first end 220 extending through and projecting outward from the first end 208 of sleeve 169, and the second end 222 extending through and projecting outward from the second end 210 of sleeve 169. Sleeve 169 also includes a first mounting ring 230 secured to the first end 208 and a second mounting ring 234 attached to the second end 210. The first mounting ring secures sleeve 169 within a foldable seat back 24, while the second mounting ring 234 secures sleeve 169 within a headrest 30 with multi-actuator capability.

[0076] In a non-limiting example, sleeve 169 includes a slit 260 positioned along the intermediate portion 212. Slit 260 allows the second end 210 of sleeve 169 to move relative to the first end 208, resulting in a change in longitudinal length (e.g., a change in length between the first end 208 and the second end 210). That is, when the headrest 30 with multi-actuator capability is moved from an upright configuration ( Figure 29 Switch to folded configuration ( Figure 30When the second end 210 slides on the cable 165, it results in an increase in longitudinal length. The increase in longitudinal length prevents the sleeve 169 from being restrained, thereby allowing the headrest 30 with multi-actuator capability to freely switch between upright and folded configurations.

[0077] In a non-limiting example, the crack 260 is defined by a first end portion 264 and a second end portion 266 facing each other. More specifically, the sleeve 169 includes a first portion (not separately labeled) extending from the first end 208 to the first end portion 264 and a second portion (also not separately labeled) extending from the second end 210 to the second end portion 266. Figure 31 and 32 In the non-limiting example shown, the first end portion 264 includes a first end surface 270, and the second end portion 266 includes a second end surface 272. In the non-limiting example, when the headrest 30 with multi-actuator capability is in an upright configuration, the first end surface 270 is adjacent to the second end surface 272, as... Figure 29 and 31 As shown.

[0078] In another non-limiting example, when the headrest 30 with multi-actuator capability is in a folded configuration ( Figure 30 and Figure 32 The second surface 272 is spaced apart from the first surface 270, thereby forming a discontinuity 280 in the sleeve 169. That is, the discontinuity 280 is formed as the longitudinal length of the sleeve 169 increases with the folding of the headrest 30 with multi-actuator capability. The specific length of the discontinuity 280 can vary. In this case, it should be understood that the longitudinal length of the sleeve 169 can be increased by other arrangements to avoid restraint. For example, the first end portion 264 can be received by the second end portion 266, such that when the headrest 30 with multi-actuator capability is converted to a folding configuration, the second end 210 extends or retracts relative to the first end 208.

[0079] In a non-limiting example, the foldable seat back 24 can be released and folded forward. When the foldable seat back 24 rotates forward, tension is generated in the cable 165, thereby activating the multi-cam release mechanism 54. At this time, the multi-actuator-capable headrest 30 rotates or pivots forward, causing the second end 210 of the sleeve 169 to slide on the cable 165. The longitudinal length of the sleeve 169 increases, creating a discontinuity 280 at the gap 260. When the foldable seat back 24 rotates upward, the tension in the cable 165 is released, allowing the sleeve to shorten as the multi-actuator-capable headrest 30 returns to the upright position as discussed herein. Thus, this non-limiting example presents a system that allows the protective sleeve to extend as tension is built in the cable to accommodate the folding movement of the headrest. Furthermore, although described for use with a multi-actuator-capable headrest, it should be understood that the sleeve can be used in a wide range of applications where reduced restraint will benefit.

[0080] 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 seat, comprising: Seat backrest; A first seat back support member is installed on the seat back. A second seat back support is installed on the seat back and is spaced apart from the first seat back support. The headrest includes a shell component connected to the first seat back support and the second seat back support; A release mechanism, which is mounted to the housing member, selectively locks the headrest relative to the seat back; as well as An actuator system extending between a seat back and a headrest via one of a first seat back support and a second seat back support, the actuator system including a sleeve and a cable extending through the sleeve, the sleeve having a first end fixedly connected to the seat back, a second end fixedly connected to the headrest housing, and an intermediate portion defining a longitudinal length of the sleeve, the cable having a first end disposed in the seat back and a second end coupled to the release mechanism, wherein the longitudinal length of the sleeve includes a first dimension when the seat back is in an upright position, and has a longer second dimension when the seat back is in a folded configuration; The sleeve includes a slit arranged along the middle portion, the slit extending radially through the sleeve between the first end and the second end.

2. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, wherein, The sleeve includes a first mounting ring fixed to the first end and a second mounting ring fixed to the second end, the second mounting ring being securely fixed to the shell component of the headrest.

3. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, wherein, The second end of the sleeve is slidable relative to the cable.

4. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, wherein, The crack includes a first end portion of the sleeve and a second end portion of the sleeve, the first end portion having a first surface and the second end portion having a second surface.

5. The vehicle seat according to claim 4, wherein, When the seat back is in a folded configuration, the second surface is spaced apart from the first surface, thereby forming a discontinuity in the sleeve.

6. The vehicle seat according to claim 5, wherein, When the seat back is in an upright position, the second surface is adjacent to the first surface.

7. A method for folding a headrest in a vehicle, comprising: Fold the seat back forward; Tension is generated in the cable protected in the sleeve, which passes through the seat back and enters the headrest, the sleeve having a first end anchored in the seat back and a second end anchored in the headrest; A release mechanism is activated, which allows the headrest to pivot in response to tension in the cable; Rotate the headrest relative to the seat back; as well as The sleeve is extended when the headrest rotates to avoid constriction; Extending the sleeve includes shifting the second end of the sleeve relative to the first end of the sleeve by sliding the second end of the sleeve on the cable.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein, The sleeve includes a slit defined between the first end and the second end, the slit including a first surface and a second surface, wherein extending the sleeve includes displacing the first surface relative to the second surface.

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