Foldable headrest system for a vehicle seat

Abstract

A collapsible headrest for a vehicle seat includes a headrest assembly including a headrest and a frame with sections. The housing has a pair of side panels, each with a recess, and a section of the frame extends through the recess. The rotating plate is engageable with a section of the frame. A locking lever is engageable with the rotating plate to hold the rotating plate and the headrest in place. A link / cable is connected with the locking lever to move the locking lever to allow the rotating plate and headrest assembly to rotate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to collapsible vehicle seats, and more particularly to collapsible headrests for collapsible vehicle seats. Background Art

[0002] On a vehicle seat, a head restraint device may extend upward from the seat back. The seat back may be selectively movable between a generally upright use position and a retracted stowed or storage position. In some applications, this may be referred to as a fold-flat seat, which may be advantageous for various reasons. For example, it may be desirable to provide cargo-carrying space or increase access to the vehicle interior by moving the seat and stowing it in a minimized package space.

[0003] The ability to fold a vehicle seat within the constraints of the vehicle is limited by the size of the seat and its features. For example, when folding the seat back, the headrest requires a large amount of space if left in place. Typically, it is desirable for the seat rows behind the driver's seat and the front passenger seat to be collapsible. The presence of the driver's seat and the front passenger seat (or any front seat row) limits the available space for folding the rear seats. In some applications, the headrests of the rear seats are removable to facilitate folding.

[0004] A vehicle seat having a collapsible head restraint device is capable of folding without removing the head restraint device. However, these collapsible head restraint devices still require a large amount of clearance to operate. It would be advantageous to provide a vehicle seat having a seat back with a collapsible head restraint device that requires a minimum clearance space to a forward object, such as another seat.

[0005] Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a vehicle seat having components that meet the fold-flat requirements and / or require a minimum clearance for use in various applications. Additionally, other desirable features and characteristics of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the foregoing introduction. Summary of the Invention

[0006] A headrest system for a folding seat is provided. In various embodiments, a collapsible headrest for a vehicle seat includes a headrest assembly that includes a headrest and a frame with sections. A housing has a pair of side plates, each side plate having a groove, and the sections of the frame extend through the grooves. A rotating plate is engageable with the sections of the frame. A locking bar is engageable with the rotating plate to hold the rotating plate and the headrest in place. A linkage is connected to the locking bar to move the locking bar to allow the rotating plate and the headrest assembly to rotate.

[0007] In additional embodiments, a spring biases the headrest assembly toward the folded position.

[0008] In an additional embodiment, the rotating plate includes a lock, and the locking lever includes a latch that engages the lock.

[0009] In an additional embodiment, the housing includes a connecting plate that connects to the first side plate and the second side plate.

[0010] In an additional embodiment, a torsion spring engages the locking lever to urge the locking lever toward the rotating plate.

[0011] In an additional embodiment, the housing includes a bottom plate that connects to the first side plate and the second side plate.

[0012] In an additional embodiment, the frame is U-shaped and the section is straight.

[0013] In an additional embodiment, the vehicle seat has a backrest, and the housing is connected to the backrest.

[0014] In an additional embodiment, the guide has a receiver that receives the section and biases the headrest assembly to the folded position.

[0015] In a plurality of additional embodiments, a foldable headrest system for a vehicle seat includes a headrest assembly having a headrest and a frame having a section. The housing has one side plate with a groove and another side plate with another groove. The section of the frame extends through the two grooves. When the headrest assembly is in the upright position, the rotating plate is engageable with the section of the frame. The locking lever is engageable with the rotating plate to hold the rotating plate and the headrest in the upright position. A link is connected to the locking lever to move the locking lever to allow the rotating plate and the headrest assembly to rotate.

[0016] In an additional embodiment, a torsion spring biases the headrest assembly to the folded position.

[0017] In an additional embodiment, the rotating plate includes a lock shaped as a tooth, and the locking lever includes a latch that is engageable with the lock.

[0018] In an additional embodiment, the housing includes a front connecting plate that connects to the first side plate and the second side plate.

[0019] In an additional embodiment, a pin holds the locking lever to the housing. A spring on the pin engages the locking lever.

[0020] In an additional embodiment, a torsion spring engages the locking lever to urge the locking lever toward the rotating plate.

[0021] In an additional embodiment, the housing includes a bottom plate that connects to the first side plate and the second side plate. The housing includes a support for supporting the frame.

[0022] In an additional embodiment, the frame is U-shaped and the section is straight. The frame includes a pair of legs extending from the section to the headrest.

[0023] In an additional embodiment, the vehicle seat has a backrest, and the housing is included in the backrest.

[0024] In a number of other embodiments, a foldable headrest system for a vehicle seat includes a headrest assembly that includes a headrest and a frame with sections. The housing has a pair of side plates, each side plate having a groove. The sections of the frame extend through the two grooves. The housing includes a connecting plate connected to the two side plates. A rotating plate is included, and the sections of the frame can extend through the rotating plate. A locking bar is engageable with the rotating plate to hold the rotating plate and the headrest in an upright position. A linkage is connected to the locking bar to move the locking bar to allow the rotating plate and the headrest assembly to rotate to a folded position. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Exemplary embodiments will be described below in conjunction with the following drawings, where like numbers represent like elements and where:

[0026] Figure 1 is a schematic view of a portion of a vehicle with a seat having a foldable headrest system, according to various embodiments;

[0027] Figure 2 is according to various embodiments for Figure 1 a vehicle seat headrest system;

[0028] Figure 3 is according to various embodiments Figure 2 of the headrest system, with the headrest in an upright position;

[0029] Figure 4 is according to various embodiments Figure 2 of the headrest system, with the headrest in a folded position;

[0030] Figure 5 is according to various embodiments for Figure 1 a vehicle seat headrest system;

[0031] Figure 6 is according to various embodiments Figure 5 of the headrest system, with the headrest in an upright position; and

[0032] Figure 7 is according to various embodiments Figure 1 of the seat headrest system, with the headrest in a folded position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the application and uses. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding introduction, brief summary or the following detailed description.

[0034] refer to Figure 1 , shows an example of a vehicle 20 having a vehicle body 22, with a seat 24 mounted on the vehicle body. Typically, the seat 24 has a seat bottom 27, a seat back 28, and a head restraint system 26. The head restraint system 26 is connected to the seat back 28. For example, a frame 32 is connected to a headrest 30 of the head restraint system 26 and a structural member 34 in the seat back 28, such as through a mechanism 36, and provides support for the head restraint system 26.

[0035] like Figure 1 , the body 22 of the vehicle 20 is supported on wheel assemblies (not shown), such as by a suspension assembly (not shown). The body 22 can be of various types defining a physical shape for a desired purpose. The body 22 substantially surrounds the components of the vehicle 20, defines an exterior surface, and defines an interior 38. The wheel assemblies can each be rotationally coupled about a respective corner of the body 22. In various embodiments, the vehicle 20 can be a front-wheel drive vehicle, a rear-wheel drive vehicle, or an all-wheel drive vehicle having any number of wheels, although other drive arrangements are also contemplated.

[0036] Propulsion of the vehicle 20 (such as on a road) is provided by a propulsion system (not shown). The propulsion system may be any of a variety of types, such as electric, internal combustion, hybrid, or other. The torque generated by the propulsion system is transmitted to the wheel assemblies to propel the vehicle 20, which may be under manual and / or autonomous control.

[0037] exist Figure 1 In the embodiment shown in, the interior 38 of the vehicle 20 includes a front row of seats 40 and a rear row of seats 42. In other embodiments, additional rows of seats may be included. The front row of seats 40 includes a seat with a seat back 44, which is generally intended to remain upright as shown during the operation of the vehicle 20. The rear row of seats 42 includes a seat 24, which is operable to fold (by steps), as indicated by the dotted version. When the seat 24 is folded, if the head restraint system 26 remains in its upright position, its trajectory will limit the movement of the seat back 28 by interfering with the seat back 44. Therefore, as shown in the dotted line, the head restraint system 26 is foldable. In order to maximize the application of the foldable seat 24, and in order to minimize the need to move the seat back 44 forward, the head restraint system 26 is folded in a manner that requires minimum front space.

[0038] refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 as well as Figure 1, showing an embodiment of the head restraint system 26. The head restraint system 26 generally includes a headrest assembly 50 and a folding assembly 52, as Figure 1 mechanism 36 of. The headrest assembly 50 includes a headrest 30 and a frame 32. The frame 32 is configured to connect the headrest 30 to the folding assembly 52. In this embodiment, the frame 32 is formed of rods and has a straight central section 112 and a pair of legs 114, 116 extending from the central section 112 into the headrest 30. The frame 32 has a U-shape. The central section 112 is configured for connection to the folding assembly 52. The legs 114, 116 have bends 118, 120 which are bent at an obtuse angle to place the headrest 30 in a more forward position relative to the folding assembly 52 and to facilitate folding.

[0039] The folding assembly 52 connects the headrest assembly 50 to the structural member 34 ( Figure 1 shown in) and allows the headrest assembly 50 to fold between an upright position and a folded position. The folding assembly 52 includes a housing 130 with side plates 128, 131, a connecting plate 129 and a bottom plate 136. The bottom plate 136 is fitted to the structural member 34 ( Figure 1 ). The housing 130 is a box-like structure with four enclosed sides defining an internal space 125. The side plate 128 includes a coupling groove 127, and the side plate 131 includes another coupling groove 132. The coupling grooves 127, 132 receive the central section 112 ( Figure 3 ). The coupling groove 132 is formed as a U-shaped blind-end groove in the side plate 131. The coupling groove 127 is formed as a U-shaped blind-end groove in the side plate 128, having a stop 133 formed on its front side 126 and extending into the internal space 125. The stop 133 is formed of the material of the side plate 128 and is L-shaped. As described in more detail below, the stop 133 provides a limit for the folding movement of the headrest assembly 50. A support member 137 is configured to be disposed in the internal space 125 and support the central section 112 and support the headrest assembly 50 through the central section 112.

[0040] The central section 112 will extend through the coupling grooves 127, 132. The central section 112 will also extend through the mounting holes 151 of the rotary plate 150, through the sleeve 154 and through the torsion spring 170. The sleeve 154 is configured to be located in the blind end of the coupling groove 132. The torsion spring 170 is configured to engage the housing 130 and the rotary plate 160 (such as by tabs), and bias the headrest assembly 50 toward the folded position. The central section 112 will also extend through the mounting holes 161 of the rotary plate 160, the sleeve 164 and the torsion spring 166. As a result, the central section 112 engages the rotary plates 150 and 160, in this case, within the mounting holes 151 and 161, such that the headrest assembly 50 rotates with the rotary plates 150 and 160. The sleeve 164 is configured to be located in the blind end of the coupling groove 127, as Figure 3 shown. The torsion spring 166 is configured to engage the housing 130 in the groove 135 and engage the tab 165 of the rotary plate 160, and bias the headrest assembly 50 toward the folded position.

[0041] The rotary plate 150 is formed as an annular washer-like element. The rotary plate 160 is formed as an annular washer-like element, having a flat side 167 and a locking groove 162 located on the side of the mounting hole 161 opposite the flat side 167. The locking groove 162 receives the stopper 133, as Figure 3 shown, to allow the headrest assembly 50 to move between the upright position and the folded position. The lock 163 extends radially outward from the rotary plate 160 in the form of a pointed tip in the middle of the flat side 167. The lock 163 is configured to engage the locking assembly 172, as Figure 3 shown, and may be formed as one tooth or multiple teeth.

[0042] The folding assembly 52 includes a locking assembly 172. The locking assembly 172 includes a mounting member in the form of a locking lever 190. Generally, the locking lever 190 engages the rotary plate 160 to alternately lock and release the rotary plate 160 with respect to rotation. The torsion spring 196 engages the locking lever 190 and the housing 130 to bias the locking lever 190 to the locked position. The pin 191 extends through the torsion spring 196 and through the coupling hole 192 of the locking lever 190, and engages the housing 130 to hold the locking lever 190 in place while allowing it to rotate. The locking lever 190 includes a mounting protrusion in the form of a catch 195, which is a pointed type for engaging the tip of the lock 163, as Figure 3 shown. In this embodiment, a link 193 in the form of a cable engages the locking lever 190, such as in the opening 194, and is connected to the seat 24 at its other end to release the locking lever 190 when the seat 24 is folded or triggered to fold. In other embodiments, the link 193 may be one or more rods, bars, arms, strands, ties or combinations thereof.

[0043] As Figure 3 shown in, the headrest assembly 50 is shown in an upright and locked position. The end 174 of the locking groove 162 is set to abut against a locating stop 133 that defines this position. The torsion spring 166 applies a force to the rotary plate 160 (and the torsion spring 170 applies a force to the rotary plate 150), and thereby applies a force to the central section 112 in the counterclockwise direction as observed. The torsion spring 196 applies a force to the locking lever 190 in the counterclockwise direction as observed to hold the latch 195 against the lock 163 to hold the rotary plate 160 and the headrest assembly 50 in place.

[0044] As Figure 4 shown in, the headrest assembly 50 is shown in a folded position. A cable (link 193) has applied a pulling force to the locking lever 190, causing the locking lever 190 to rotate in the clockwise direction as observed against the force of the torsion spring 196. This pulls the latch 195 away from the lock 163, allowing the torsion spring 166 to rotate the headrest assembly 50 via the rotary plate 160 (and similarly via the rotary plate 150 under the force of the torsion spring 170). The headrest assembly 50 and the rotary plate 160 move until the end 176 of the locking groove 162 engages a stop 133 that defines the folded position. The assembly pivot point of the headrest assembly 50 is held at the center of the central section 112 and the angle of the bend 120 of the leg 116 is maintained, thereby minimizing the distance that the headrest 30 extends forward to provide clearance for folding the seat 24.

[0045] Referring Figure 5 to Figure 6 and Figure 1 , an embodiment of a head restraint system 26 is shown. The head restraint system 26 generally includes a headrest assembly 50 and a folding assembly 54, such as the mechanism 36 of Figure 1 . The headrest assembly 50 includes a headrest 30 and a frame 32. The frame 32 is configured to connect the headrest 30 to the folding assembly 54. In this embodiment, the frame 32 is formed of rods and has a straight central section 112 and a pair of legs 114, 116 that extend from the central section 112 into the headrest 30. The central section 112 is configured for connection to the folding assembly 54. The legs 114, 116 have bends 118, 120 that are bent at an obtuse angle to place the headrest 30 in a more forward position relative to the folding assembly 54.

[0046] The folding assembly 54 connects the headrest assembly 50 to a structural member 34 (shown in Figure 1 ) and allows the headrest assembly 50 to fold between an upright position and a folded position. The folding assembly 54 includes a housing 230 with side plates 228, 231 and a connecting plate 229. The side plates 228, 231 can be fitted to the structural member 34 ( Figure 1)。The housing 230 is a box-like structure with three enclosed sides that define an internal space 225. The side plate 228 includes a guiding groove 227, and the side plate 231 includes a guiding groove 232. The guiding grooves 227, 232 receive the central section 112( Figure 6 ). The guiding grooves 227, 232 are each formed as blind-ended grooves in the side plates 228, 231. The guiding grooves 227, 232 have openings 240, 241 that open near the front side of the housing 230 adjacent to the connecting plate 229, and the guiding grooves 227, 232 bend backward in an arc to their ends 243, 244.

[0047] The central section 112 will extend through the guiding grooves 227, 232. The guide 250 includes a receiver 252 and is rotatably assembled to the side plate 228 by a pin 251 passing through a torsion spring 270. Another guide 254 includes a receiver 255 and is assembled to the side plate 231 by a pin 256 passing through a torsion spring 257. The central section 112 is straight and extends through the receivers 252, 255, as Figure 6 shown. The torsion springs 270, 257 engage the housing 230 and the central section 112 and bias the headrest assembly 50 toward Figure 7 the folded position.

[0048] The rotating plate 290 is assembled to the side plate 228 by a pin 292. The pin 292 passes through a torsion spring 295. The rotating plate 290 includes a hole diameter 293. The rotating plate 290 includes a locking claw in the form of a lock 294. The lock 294 can be formed as one tooth or multiple teeth. The folding assembly 54 includes a locking assembly 291. The locking assembly 291 includes an assembly member 210 in the form of a locking lever 214. Generally, the locking lever 214 engages the rotating plate 290 to alternately lock and release the rotating plate 290 with respect to rotation. A torsion spring 217 engages the locking lever 214 and the housing 230 to bias the locking lever 214 to the locking position. A pin 212 extends through a coupling hole 211 of the torsion spring 217 and the locking lever 214 and engages the housing 230 to hold the locking lever 214 in place while allowing rotation. The locking lever 214 includes an assembly protrusion in the form of a latch 213, which is of the type for engaging one or more pointed ends of the lock 294, as Figure 6 shown. In this embodiment, a link 215 in the form of a cable engages the locking lever 214 and is connected at its other end to the seat 24 to release the locking lever 214 when the seat 24 is folded.

[0049] As Figure 6As shown, the headrest assembly 50 is shown in an upright and locked state. The central section 112 is stuck in the aperture 293 of the rotating plate 290, which places the headrest 30 in its upright position. The torsion spring 217 applies a force to push the locking lever 214 in the counterclockwise direction as observed. This ensures that the locking lever 214 engages the rotating plate 290, where the latch 213 engages the lock 294 to hold the rotating plate 290 and the headrest assembly 50 in place.

[0050] As Figure 7 shown, the headrest assembly 50 is shown in a folded position. The cable (link 215) has applied a pulling force to the locking lever 214, causing the locking lever 214 to rotate in the clockwise direction as observed against the force of the torsion spring 217. This pulls the latch 213 out of the lock 294, allowing the torsion spring 170 to step along the latch 213 such that the locking lever 214 and the rotating plate 290 rotate clockwise as shown. This allows the headrest assembly 50 to rotate as the rotating plate 290 moves and releases the central section 112. The central section 112 moves out of the aperture 293. The headrest assembly 50 moves until the central section 112 reaches the end 243 of the guide groove 227, and the end 243 serves as a stop defining the folded position. When the seat 24 is unfolded, the headrest assembly 50 can be manually returned to the upright position. The central section 112 remains in the receivers 252, 255 of the guides 250, 254, and the torsion springs 270, 257 bias the central section 112 to the end 243.

[0051] When folding the seat 24, it is not necessary to remove the headrest 30 because the folding trajectory of the headrest assembly 50 clears the front seat backrest 44. When the seat 24 is folded, the headrest 30 rotates to its folded position. By improving the headrest folding pivot point, the overall back folding trajectory is reduced, providing an advantage in vehicle packaging. The fold-flat function can be applied because interference with the front seat is avoided. The fold-flat function provides an advantage for loading cargo.

[0052] Accordingly, the folding seat is provided with a folding headrest that requires less space to operate. Although at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in the foregoing detailed description, it should be understood that there are a large number of variations. It should also be understood that the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the present disclosure in any way. On the contrary, the foregoing detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient roadmap for implementing the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that various changes can be made to the functions and arrangements of the elements without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as set forth in the appended claims and their legal equivalents.

Claims

1. A foldable headrest system for a vehicle seat, comprising: A headrest assembly, comprising a headrest and a frame with sections; A housing having a first side plate with a first groove and a second side plate with a second groove, the sections of the frame extending through the first groove and through the second groove; A rotating plate engageable with the sections of the frame; A locking rod engageable with the rotating plate to hold the rotating plate and the headrest in place; And A link connected to the locking rod to move the locking rod to allow the rotating plate and the headrest assembly to rotate.

2. The foldable headrest system according to claim 1, comprising a spring that urges the headrest assembly towards the folded position.

3. The foldable headrest system according to claim 1, wherein, The rotating plate includes a lock, and the locking rod includes a latch configured to engage the lock.

4. The foldable headrest system according to claim 1, wherein, The housing includes a connecting plate connected to the first side plate and the second side plate.

5. The foldable headrest system according to claim 1, comprising a pin that holds the locking rod to the housing.

6. The foldable headrest system according to claim 1, comprising a torsion spring that engages the locking rod to urge the locking rod towards the rotating plate.

7. The foldable headrest system according to claim 1, wherein, The housing includes a bottom plate connected to the first side plate and the second side plate.

8. The foldable headrest system according to claim 1, wherein, The frame is U-shaped, and the sections are straight.

9. The foldable headrest system according to claim 1, wherein, The vehicle seat has a backrest, and the housing is connected to the backrest.

10. The foldable headrest system according to claim 1, comprising a guide having a receiver that receives the sections and biases the headrest assembly to the folded position.

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