Integrated adjustable neck support for a vehicle seat

Abstract

A headrest assembly for a vehicle seat having a seat cushion and a backrest includes a headrest movably mounted to the backrest and configured to limit rearward movement of a head relative to a torso of a vehicle seat occupant. The headrest assembly also includes a neck support fixedly and integrally mounted to the headrest and configured to support a neck of a vehicle seat occupant and displace with the headrest relative to the backrest.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an integrated adjustable neck support for vehicle seats. Background Technology

[0002] Vehicles are typically equipped with seats designed to accommodate the operator and passengers inside the vehicle. These seats are usually adjustable fore and aft relative to the vehicle structure, can recline to enhance passenger comfort, and can be moved aside to create usable space for transporting goods.

[0003] Many modern vehicle seats also feature supportive features such as headrests and thigh or side cushions, which can be adjusted or customized to suit various body types and individual occupant needs. These adjustable support features can be provided to enhance occupant comfort and / or limit unwanted movement of the occupant relative to the seat, such as during sharp and / or sudden changes in vehicle direction or speed. Summary of the Invention

[0004] A headrest assembly for a vehicle seat having a cushion and a backrest includes a headrest movably mounted to the backrest and configured to limit rearward movement of the head relative to the torso of a vehicle seat occupant. The headrest assembly also includes a neck support fixedly and integrally mounted to the headrest and configured to support the neck of the vehicle seat occupant and to move relative to the backrest together with the headrest.

[0005] The headrest can be configured to be movable relative to the backrest, facing / away from the backrest and forward / backward.

[0006] The neck support may include a central portion mounted to the headrest. The neck support may also include a first arm rotatably mounted to the central portion. The first arm provides an adjustable angle relative to the central portion between an extended position and a folded position to support the neck of a vehicle seat occupant in a first lateral direction.

[0007] The neck support may additionally include a second arm rotatably mounted to the central portion. The second arm provides an adjustable angle relative to the central portion between an unfolded position and a folded position to support the neck of the vehicle seat occupant in a second lateral direction.

[0008] The first and second arms can rotate independently relative to the central part.

[0009] The headrest may include a headrest frame. The central neck support portion may be mounted to the headrest frame.

[0010] The headrest assembly may additionally include a first hinge pin that extends through the central portion and each of the first arms and is secured to the first arm. The headrest assembly may also include a second hinge pin that extends through the central portion and each of the second arms and is secured to the second arm.

[0011] Each of the first hinge pin and the second hinge pin can be configured to generate friction relative to the central portion, thereby affecting the adjustment of the corresponding first arm and second arm.

[0012] Neck supports may include mechanisms configured to massage the neck of vehicle seat occupants.

[0013] The device may include at least one electronically controlled fluid bladder configured to generate pulsating movements relative to the neck of a vehicle seat occupant.

[0014] The fluid capsule may include a first capsule disposed in a first arm, a second capsule disposed in a second arm, and a third capsule disposed in a central portion.

[0015] The mechanism may include at least one electronically controlled electric motor configured to generate vibrations relative to the neck of a vehicle seat occupant.

[0016] The electric motor may include a first electric motor arranged in the first arm, a second electric motor arranged in the second arm, and a third electric motor arranged in the central portion.

[0017] A vehicle seat assembly having the disclosed headrest assembly is also provided.

[0018] The foregoing features and advantages, as well as other features and advantages of this disclosure, will become apparent from the following detailed description of the embodiments and best modes for carrying out the described present disclosure, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and claims. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 The present disclosure provides a schematic top view of a representative vehicle with a passenger compartment having a seating assembly for vehicle occupants, and shows a seating assembly with a headrest assembly.

[0020] Figure 2 It is based on the disclosure having Figure 1 A schematic close-up perspective view of a representative seat assembly of the headrest assembly shown, illustrating an integrated adjustable neck support for the seat occupant, configured to shift together with the headrest and having a first and second arm rotatably mounted to a central portion, and specifically showing a first and second wing in an extended position.

[0021] Figure 3Based on this disclosure Figure 2 A schematic close-up first stereoscopic partial view of a headrest assembly with integrated adjustable neck support, showing the built-in massage mechanism adjusted by an electronic controller.

[0022] Figure 4 This is a schematic close-up second perspective partial view of the headrest assembly according to this disclosure, wherein Figure 2 The adjustable neck support shown is integrally mounted to the headrest frame, and a built-in heating element is shown for the heating function adjusted by an electronic controller.

[0023] Figure 5 This is a schematic close-up second perspective partial view of the headrest assembly according to this disclosure, wherein Figure 2 The adjustable neck support shown is integrally mounted to the headrest column. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The embodiments described herein are intended to be illustrative. Other embodiments may take various and alternative forms. Furthermore, the drawings are generally schematic and not necessarily drawn to scale. Some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show detail of particular components. Therefore, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein should not be construed as limiting, but rather serve only as a representative basis for teaching those skilled in the art to employ this disclosure in various ways.

[0025] Certain terms may be used in the following description for reference only and are therefore not intended to be limiting. For example, terms such as “above” and “below” refer to directions referenced in the accompanying drawings. Terms such as “front,” “rear,” “forward,” “backward,” “left,” “right,” “rear,” “side,” “upward,” “downward,” “top,” and “bottom” describe the orientation and / or position of portions of a part or element within a consistent but arbitrary frame of reference, as will become clear from the text describing the part or element under discussion and the associated drawings.

[0026] Furthermore, terms such as “first,” “second,” and “third” may be used to describe individual components. Such terms may include the words specifically mentioned above, their derivatives, and words with similar meanings, and are used descriptively in the accompanying drawings, and do not imply a limitation on the scope of this disclosure as defined by the appended claims. Additionally, the teachings may be described herein with respect to functional and / or logical block components and / or various processing steps. It should be understood that such block components may include multiple hardware, software, and / or firmware components configured to perform the specified functions.

[0027] Referring to the accompanying drawings, where the same reference numerals refer to the same parts in several views, Figure 1Vehicle 10 is schematically depicted. Vehicle 10 is generally characterized by a body 12 surrounded by an external environment 14. The body 12 defines a vehicle interior or compartment 16 configured to accommodate vehicle operators and passengers, for example, in a generally seated position. The body 12 includes a left side portion 12-1, a right side portion 12-2, a front portion 12-3, and a rear portion 12-4. The body 12 may also include multiple side doors, such as a left front door 18-1, a right front door 18-2, a left rear door 18-3, and a right rear door 18-4, and a tailgate 18-5 (at the rear portion 12-4) for access to the compartment 16.

[0028] Vehicle 10 also includes a power unit 20 configured to generate output torque for powering the vehicle. Power unit 20 may include an internal combustion engine, an electric motor (one or more), and / or a fuel cell, configured to propel the vehicle, for example, via driven wheels 22. Vehicle 10 also includes an electronic controller 24 (in... Figure 1 and Figure 2 (As shown in the diagram). The electronic controller 24 may be a central processing unit (CPU) or a body control module (BCM), configured to receive data signals from various vehicle sensors and adjust the operation of the vehicle system. The electronic controller 24 may operatively communicate with such vehicle systems and sensors via a data network (e.g., a controller area network (CAN bus)) arranged in the vehicle 10.

[0029] The electronic controller 24 includes tangible and non-transitory memory. The memory can be a recordable medium that participates in providing computer-readable data or process instructions. Such media can take many forms, including but not limited to non-volatile and volatile media. Non-volatile media used by the electronic controller 24 can include, for example, optical discs or magnetic disks, and other persistent storage devices. The volatile media of each of the controller's memories can include, for example, dynamic random access memory (DRAM), which can constitute the main memory. Such instructions can be transmitted by one or more transmission media, including coaxial cables, copper wires, and optical fibers, including wires containing system buses connected to the vehicle system.

[0030] The memory of the electronic controller 24 may also include floppy disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes, other magnetic media, CD-ROMs, DVDs, other optical media, etc. The electronic controller 24 may be equipped with a high-speed master clock, necessary analog-to-digital (A / D) and / or digital-to-analog (D / A) circuitry, input / output circuitry and devices (I / O), and appropriate signal conditioning and / or buffering circuitry. Algorithms required by or accessible to the electronic controller 24 (typically indicated by reference numeral 26) may be stored in memory and executed automatically to provide the required functions.

[0031] like Figure 1As further shown, vehicle 10 may also include one or more vehicle seats or seat assemblies 28, such as left front seat 28-1, right front seat 28-2, left rear seat 28-3, and right rear seat 28-4 arranged within the passenger compartment 16. As shown, vehicle 10 may additionally include seat assemblies 28 disposed in additional rows for accommodating more passengers (e.g., seats 28-5 and 28-6). Such seat assemblies 28 may be tilted and / or positionally adjustable relative to the vehicle body 12 for use by corresponding vehicle occupants (e.g., driver or passenger). As shown, each seat assembly 28 includes a seat cushion 30, a backrest 32, and a headrest assembly 34. Figure 2 As shown, the backrest 32 has a backrest frame 32A that provides structure for it.

[0032] Continue to refer to Figure 2 The headrest assembly 34 includes a headrest 36, which includes a headrest frame 36A that supports a pillow portion 36B made of a yield material (such as foam) for contact with the occupant's head. The headrest 36 is movably mounted to the backrest 32 and configured to restrict rearward movement of the head relative to the torso of the vehicle seat occupant. The headrest 36 can be configured to move toward / away from the backrest 32, for example, via a button 36C. Figure 3 (as shown) actuation, thereby allowing the headrest assembly 34 to be adjusted in height (up / down) independently of the backrest Y (as shown). Figure 4 (As shown). For example, headrest assembly 34 may employ one or more shafts or columns 34-1, 34-2 (as shown). Figure 3 As shown), it is configured to allow the headrest assembly to be manually moved relative to the backrest frame 32A or driven by a motor. Additionally, the headrest 36 may include a forward / backward adjustment X relative to the backrest 32 (e.g., ...). Figure 4 As shown), such as via button 36C or a similar device, to move the pillow part 36B closer to the occupant's head or to move the pillow part away from the occupant's head.

[0033] like Figure 2 As shown, the headrest assembly 34 also includes a neck support 40, which is fixedly and integrally mounted to the headrest 36, for example, to the headrest frame 36A (e.g., Figure 3 and Figure 4 (as shown) and / or columns 34-1, 34-2 (as shown) Figure 5As shown), such as via suitable brackets (one or more) 41. The neck support 40 is configured to support the neck of a vehicle seat occupant and, together with the headrest 36, shifts relative to the backrest 32, for example, upward / downward and forward / backward. The neck support 40 may include a central portion 42 mounted to the headrest frame 36A. The neck support 40 may also include a first arm 44 rotatably mounted to the central portion 42 and thereby configured in an unfolded or flat position 44-1 and a folded or angled position 44-2 (each in... Figure 2 The neck support 40 adjusts its angle θ1 relative to the central portion between (shown in the diagram) to support the neck of the vehicle seat occupant in the first lateral direction 46. The neck support 40 may also include a second arm 48 rotatably mounted to the central portion 42, thereby being configured relative to the central portion 42 in an unfolded position 48-1 and a folded position 48-2 (each in...). Figure 2 The angle θ2 between the first arm 44 and the second arm 48 is adjusted to support the neck of the vehicle seat occupant in the second lateral direction 50. Each of the first arm 44 and the second arm 48 can rotate independently relative to the central portion 42. Each arm 44, 48 may be covered with a yielding or soft material and includes a corresponding arm frame that serves as a rigid structure for the corresponding arm.

[0034] like Figure 3 As shown, the headrest assembly 34 may additionally include a first hinge pin 52, which extends through and is secured to each of the central portion 42 and the first arm 44, while being rotatable relative to the central portion. The headrest assembly 34 may also include a second hinge pin 54 (e.g., Figure 3 (As shown), a second hinge pin 54 extends through each of the central portion 42 and the second arm 48 and is fixed to the second arm and rotatable relative to the central portion. Each of the first hinge pin 52 and the second hinge pin 54 may be splined into its respective first arm 44 and second arm 48 to achieve a fixed engagement therewith. Each of the first hinge pin 52 and the second hinge pin 54 may be further configured to produce a sliding, slight interference, or other frictional engagement with the central portion 42, thereby affecting the controlled adjustment of the respective first arm and second arm. Alternatively, each of the interfaces between the first arm 44 and the second arm 48 may include a ratchet mechanism 55 actuated by a button or knob (not shown) to affect the positional adjustment of the respective arm relative to the central portion 42.

[0035] like Figure 3As shown, the neck support 40 may further include a mechanism 56 configured to generate a massage on the neck of a vehicle seat occupant. The massage mechanism 56 may include one or more electronically controlled inflatable fluid bladders 56A configured to generate pulsating motion relative to the neck of the vehicle seat occupant. Specifically, individual fluid bladders 56A may be disposed within each of the respective central portion 42, the first arm 44, and the second arm 48. Alternatively, the massage mechanism 56 may include one or more electronically controlled motors 56B configured to vibrate relative to the neck of the vehicle seat occupant. Figure 5 (As shown in the diagram). Specifically, individual electric motors 56B can be arranged within each of the respective central portions 42, the first arm 44, and the second arm 48. The electronic controller 24 can be programmed with a specific algorithm 26 to control the massage mechanism 56 having massage parameters 58, such as the duration, speed, intensity, and / or massage type or mode (e.g., kneading, pressing, rolling, etc.) of the pulsating motion or vibration. Buttons configured to trigger operation of the massage mechanism 56 and provide customizable operator actuation can be arranged in the cabin 16, for example, on the seat assembly 28, integrated into a control panel in the center console, or as part of the infotainment touchscreen 60.

[0036] The neck support 40 may additionally include a programmable electronic controller 24. Figure 2 The heating function 62 (as shown in the diagram) may be affected by at least one heating element or pad 64 (such as...). Figure 4 (As shown). For example, heating element 64 can operate based on the principle of resistance, where heat is applied to the neck of the vehicle seat occupant. Algorithm 26 may include operational steps for actuating and de-energizing heating element 64 and for controlling the time and temperature of heating function 62. Each heating element 64 may have an automatic (e.g., time-based) de-energizing feature. Individual heating elements 64 may be arranged within each of the respective central portion 42, first arm 44, and second arm 48. Similar to massage mechanism 56, an operator-actuated button for triggering the heating function may be arranged in the cabin 16, for example, on seat assembly 28, integrated into a control panel in the central stack, or as part of infotainment touchscreen 60.

[0037] In summary, headrest assembly 34 provides a vehicle seat assembly with a headrest featuring an integrated or built-in neck support configured to shift along with the headrest to ergonomically and effectively support the occupant's neck and head. The neck support can provide selectable support for the vehicle seat occupant's neck in the lateral direction and allows for customized support using individually articulated arms. The neck support can also incorporate massage and heating functions to enhance user comfort by integrating with controls in the respective seat assembly or the main vehicle's infotainment system.

[0038] Detailed description and accompanying drawings or figures are provided to support and describe this disclosure, but the scope of this disclosure is defined only by the claims. While some best modes and other embodiments for carrying out the claimed disclosure have been described in detail, various alternative designs and embodiments exist for practicing the disclosure as defined in the appended claims. Furthermore, the features of the embodiments shown in the drawings, or the various embodiments mentioned in this specification, are not necessarily to be construed as embodiments independent of each other. Rather, it is possible that each feature described in one of the examples of embodiments may be combined with one or more other desired features from other embodiments to produce other embodiments not described in words or with reference to the drawings. Thus, such other embodiments fall within the framework of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A headrest assembly for a vehicle seat having a seat cushion and a backrest, the headrest assembly comprising: A headrest, which is movably mounted to the backrest and configured to restrict rearward movement of the head relative to the torso of the vehicle seat occupant; and A neck support member is fixedly and integrally mounted to the headrest and configured to support the neck of the vehicle seat occupant and move relative to the backrest together with the headrest.

2. The headrest assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The headrest is configured to be movable relative to the backrest, facing away from and moving forward and backward.

3. The headrest assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The neck support includes: The central portion is mounted to the headrest; A first arm, rotatably mounted to the central portion and thereby configured to adjust the angle of the first arm relative to the central portion between an extended position and a folded position, and to support the neck of the vehicle seat occupant in a first lateral direction; and The second arm is rotatably mounted to the central portion and is thereby configured to adjust the angle of the second arm relative to the central portion between an unfolded position and a folded position, and to support the neck of the vehicle seat occupant in a second lateral direction.

4. The headrest assembly according to claim 3, wherein, The first arm and the second arm rotate independently relative to the central portion.

5. The headrest assembly according to claim 3, wherein: The headrest includes a headrest frame; and The central part is installed into the headrest frame.

6. The headrest assembly according to claim 3, further comprising: A first hinge pin extends through the central portion and each of the first arms and is secured to the first arm; and A second hinge pin extends through the central portion and each of the second arms and is secured to the second arm.

7. The headrest assembly according to claim 6, wherein, Each of the first hinge pin and the second hinge pin is configured to generate friction relative to the central portion, thereby affecting the adjustment of the corresponding first arm and second arm.

8. The headrest assembly according to claim 3, wherein, The neck support includes a mechanism configured to massage the neck of the vehicle seat occupant.

9. The headrest assembly according to claim 8, wherein, The mechanism includes at least one electronically controlled fluid bladder configured to generate pulsating movements relative to the neck of the vehicle seat occupant.

10. The headrest assembly according to claim 8, wherein, The mechanism includes at least one electronically controlled electric motor configured to generate vibrations relative to the neck of the vehicle seat occupant.

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