Headrest folding mechanism and automobile headrest

Abstract

According to the headrest folding mechanism and the automobile headrest, a rotating shaft, a ratchet wheel, a folding elastic piece, a locking piece, a locking elastic piece and an unlocking piece are arranged in an installation cavity of a shell, the ratchet wheel is provided with a locking pressing area, a locking abutting area and a folding abutting area, and the locking piece is provided with a locking structure. During locking, the locking structure abuts against the locking pressing area and pushes the locking abutting area to be pressed to the shell, and in other words, the ratchet wheel is clamped between the shell and the locking piece so that locking can be achieved. In the unlocking process, the unlocking piece drives the locking piece to overcome the elastic force of the locking elastic piece, so that the locking structure is disengaged from the locking pressing area to unlock the ratchet wheel, and the ratchet wheel can be driven by the elastic force of the folding elastic piece to rotate and drive the headrest rod to be folded. And finally, the folding abutting area is matched with the shell to limit the folding angle so as to achieve the unlocking folding function, the structure is compact, the size is small, the number of parts is small, the cost is lower, and the folding and locking functions can be independently achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of automotive headrest technology, and particularly relates to a headrest folding mechanism and an automotive headrest. Background Technology

[0002] With the improvement of people's living standards and the continuous progress of science and technology, the automotive industry has developed rapidly, and people's requirements for vehicle performance, comfort, and interior space are increasing. As an important part of automobiles, excellent vehicle seat design can also enhance the competitiveness of automobiles. Vehicle seat headrests provide head support and safety protection for drivers and passengers, and both front and rear seats in automobiles are equipped with headrests. As consumers' requirements for ride comfort and operating experience become more diversified, foldable headrests located at the top of vehicle seats can be flipped up to achieve diversified and flexible use of interior space. Specifically, if no one is sitting in the rear seats, the backrests can be folded down and the headrests folded up to create more space for passengers to rest or to load items. If the headrests are folded up in the front seats, they can provide rear passengers with a wider field of vision. Therefore, this type of foldable headrest has the advantages of high convenience and high space utilization, and has been widely used in various types of automobiles. However, existing vehicle seat headrest folding mechanisms, such as the scheme disclosed in CN111267698A, generally suffer from complex overall structure, numerous parts, and occupy a lot of space. Furthermore, they are very inconvenient to assemble and have poor locking reliability. Existing solutions require the use of a plastic shell for the headrest to form a complete folding and locking function. Utility Model Content

[0003] The technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to provide a headrest folding mechanism and an automotive headrest, so as to solve the problems of complex structure and large space occupation of existing headrest folding schemes.

[0004] To solve the above problems, the technical solution of this utility model is as follows:

[0005] This utility model discloses a headrest folding mechanism, comprising:

[0006] A housing, wherein a mounting cavity is provided within the housing;

[0007] A rotating shaft is rotatably connected to the housing, with both ends of the rotating shaft extending out of the housing and connected to headrest rods;

[0008] A ratchet is mounted on the rotating shaft and located in the mounting cavity. The ratchet has a locking pressing area, a locking abutment area, and a flipping abutment area for cooperating with the housing to limit the flipping angle.

[0009] A folding elastic element is connected at both ends to the ratchet and the housing, respectively.

[0010] A locking element is rotatably connected to the mounting cavity, and the locking element is provided with a locking structure for pressing against or disengaging from the locking pressing area;

[0011] A locking elastic element is connected to the lock housing and the locking element at both ends, respectively, and is used to provide elastic force so that the locking structure presses against the locking pressing area and pushes the locking pressing area to press against the housing;

[0012] An unlocking component, which is tractively connected to the locking component, is used to drive the locking component to rotate and disengage from the locking clamping area and the locking structure.

[0013] The headrest folding mechanism of this utility model also includes an unlocking elastic element, the two ends of which are respectively connected to the housing and the unlocking element, and are used to provide an elastic force that restricts the unlocking element from driving the locking element to rotate.

[0014] The headrest folding mechanism of this utility model has, along the folding direction of the rotating shaft, a folding abutment area, a locking abutment area and a locking pressing area sequentially provided on the periphery of the ratchet;

[0015] The ratchet has a locking groove, and the area of ​​the locking groove near the folding abutment area is the locking pressing area. The locking structure is inserted into the locking groove and pressed against the locking pressing area.

[0016] In the headrest folding mechanism of this utility model, the locking pressing area and the locking abutting area are two opposing surfaces on the ratchet.

[0017] The headrest folding mechanism of this utility model includes a locking component comprising a locking shaft and a locking plate rotatably connected to the locking shaft. The locking shaft is mounted on the housing, and the locking structure is a locking protrusion provided on the locking plate.

[0018] The headrest folding mechanism of this utility model has a mounting cavity bottom surface of the housing used to cooperate with the folding abutment area to limit the folding angle of the ratchet, and a through groove is provided on the mounting cavity bottom surface of the housing, the groove wall of the through groove is used to cooperate with the locking abutment area to press against it.

[0019] The headrest folding mechanism of this utility model includes a first half-shell and a second half-shell, which are riveted together by rivets.

[0020] The headrest folding mechanism of this utility model includes an unlocking piece and an unlocking shaft; the unlocking shaft is fixed to the housing, the unlocking piece is rotatably connected to the unlocking shaft, and the transmission end of the unlocking piece is pulsatorically connected to the locking piece.

[0021] In the headrest folding mechanism of this utility model, the folding elastic element, the locking elastic element, and the unlocking elastic element are all torsion springs.

[0022] The present invention provides a car headrest, including any one of the headrest folding mechanisms described above.

[0023] Because of the adoption of the above technical solution, this utility model has the following advantages and positive effects compared with the prior art:

[0024] 1. One embodiment of this utility model includes a rotating shaft, a ratchet, a folding elastic element, a locking element, a locking elastic element, and an unlocking element, all housed within the mounting cavity of the housing. The ratchet has a locking pressing area, a locking abutment area, and a folding abutment area. The locking element has a locking structure. When locked, the locking structure presses against the locking pressing area and pushes the locking abutment area against the housing, thus clamping the ratchet between the housing and the locking element to achieve locking. When unlocked, the unlocking element drives the locking element to overcome the elastic force of the locking elastic element, causing the locking structure to disengage from the locking pressing area and release the ratchet. The ratchet then rotates under the elastic force of the folding elastic element, causing the headrest rod to fold. Finally, the folding abutment area cooperates with the housing to limit the folding angle, thereby achieving the unlocking and folding function. The headrest folding mechanism of this embodiment is compact, small in size, has fewer parts, and lower cost. It can independently achieve folding and locking functions, and is compatible with more headrest types, thus solving the problems of complex structure and large space occupation in existing headrest folding solutions.

[0025] 2. Compared to existing solutions that use buffer pads to eliminate the rotational clearance of the shaft, but still have some wobbling when the headrest lever is turned; this embodiment of the invention sets the ratchet locking method to clamp between the housing and the locking structure. The locking pressing area of ​​the ratchet engages with the locking structure, and the locking abutment area of ​​the ratchet engages with the housing, achieving the functions of locking and limiting the rotation angle. This can completely eliminate the rotational clearance, bear a large load, and has low processing precision requirements. It also eliminates the need for buffer pads, reduces the number of parts, and lowers the cost.

[0026] 3. In one embodiment of this utility model, the first half-shell and the second half-shell are connected by riveting with rivets. The riveting process is simple, shortens the assembly time, and reduces the assembly cost. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is an exploded view of the headrest folding mechanism of this utility model;

[0028] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the overall headrest folding mechanism of this utility model;

[0029] Figure 3 This is a side view of the locked state of the headrest folding mechanism of this utility model.

[0030] Figure 4 This is a top view sectional view of the headrest folding mechanism of this utility model in the locked state.

[0031] Figure 5 This is a side view of the unlocked state of the headrest folding mechanism of this utility model.

[0032] Figure 6 This is a top-view cross-sectional view of the unlocked state of the headrest folding mechanism of this utility model.

[0033] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1. Rotating shaft; 2. Reversing torsion spring; 3. First rivet; 4. Ratchet; 5. First headrest rod; 6. First half-shell; 7. Unlocking plate; 8. Unlocking torsion spring; 9. Unlocking shaft; 10. Locking plate; 11. Locking torsion spring; 12. Second rivet; 13. Locking shaft; 14. Second half-shell; 15. Second headrest rod. Detailed Implementation

[0034] The following detailed description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments, provides a further detailed explanation of the headrest folding mechanism and automotive headrest proposed in this utility model. The advantages and features of this utility model will become clearer from the following description and claims.

[0035] Example 1

[0036] See Figures 1 to 6 In one embodiment, a headrest folding mechanism includes a housing, a pivot 1, a ratchet 4, a folding elastic element, a locking element, a locking elastic element, and an unlocking element.

[0037] The housing has an installation cavity. A rotating shaft 1 is rotatably connected to the housing, with its two ends extending out of the housing and connected to a first headrest rod 5 and a second headrest rod 15, respectively. A ratchet 4 is mounted on the rotating shaft 1 and located within the installation cavity. The ratchet 4 has a locking pressing area, a locking abutment area, and a flipping abutment area for adjusting the flipping angle to match the housing. The two ends of the flipping elastic element are connected to the ratchet 4 and the housing, respectively, to provide the elastic force that drives the ratchet 4 to rotate and achieve the flipping of the headrest rod.

[0038] The locking element is rotatably connected within the mounting cavity, and has a locking structure for pressing against or disengaging from the locking clamping area. The locking elastic element is connected to the lock housing and the locking element at both ends, respectively, to provide elastic force so that the locking structure presses against the locking clamping area and pushes the locking clamping area to press against the housing.

[0039] The unlocking component is connected to the locking component via a transmission, and is used to drive the locking component to rotate under external force and disengage from the locking clamping area and the locking structure.

[0040] This embodiment features a rotating shaft 1, a ratchet 4, a folding elastic element, a locking element, a locking elastic element, and an unlocking element, all housed within the mounting cavity of the housing. The ratchet 4 has a locking pressing area, a locking abutment area, and a folding abutment area. The locking element has a locking structure. During locking, the locking structure presses against the locking pressing area and pushes the locking abutment area against the housing, thus clamping the ratchet 4 between the housing and the locking element. During unlocking, the unlocking element drives the locking element to overcome the elastic force of the locking elastic element, causing the locking structure to disengage from the locking pressing area and release the lock on the ratchet 4. The ratchet 4 then rotates under the elastic force of the folding elastic element, causing the headrest rod to fold. Finally, the folding abutment area cooperates with the housing to limit the folding angle, thereby achieving the unlocking and folding function. This headrest folding mechanism is compact, small in size, has fewer parts, and lower cost. It can independently achieve folding and locking functions, and is compatible with a wider range of headrest types, thus solving the problems of complex structures and large space requirements in existing headrest folding solutions.

[0041] Furthermore, compared to the existing solution that eliminates the rotational clearance of the rotating shaft 1 by using a buffer pad, but still has a wobbling clearance when the headrest rod is turned, this embodiment of the utility model sets the locking method of the ratchet 4 to be clamped between the housing and the locking structure. The locking pressing area of ​​the ratchet 4 engages with the locking structure, and the locking abutting area of ​​the ratchet 4 engages with the housing, thereby achieving the functions of locking and limiting the rotation angle. This can completely eliminate the rotational clearance, bear a large load, and has low processing precision requirements. It also eliminates the need for a buffer pad, reduces the number of parts, and lowers the cost.

[0042] The specific structure of the headrest folding mechanism in this embodiment will be further explained below:

[0043] In this embodiment, the aforementioned housing may specifically include a first half-shell 6 and a second half-shell 14. The first half-shell 6 and the second half-shell 14 are riveted together, and the space formed by the two is the aforementioned mounting cavity. The rivets may specifically include a first rivet 3 and a second rivet 12. The mounting cavity is defined as having its width in the axial direction of the rotating shaft 1 and its length perpendicular to the axial direction of the rotating shaft 1. Rivet holes can be provided at both ends of the base plates of the first half-shell 6 and the second half-shell 14 along their length, thereby connecting the two half-shells through the first rivet 3 and the second rivet 12 respectively. The width of the mounting cavity can be specifically set according to the width requirements of the folding elastic element.

[0044] In this embodiment, the first half-shell 6 and the second half-shell 14 can be respectively provided with shaft holes corresponding to the rotating shaft 1. The rotating shaft 1 can pass through and be rotatably connected to the shaft hole, thereby realizing the rotatable connection with the shell. The ratchet 4 can be fixed to the shaft section of the rotating shaft 1 located in the mounting cavity by welding or other means (specifically, the rotating shaft 1 can be set close to the first half-shell 6). The flipping elastic element can be a flipping torsion spring. The flipping torsion spring is sleeved on the rotating shaft 1, and the first end of the flipping torsion spring is fixed to the shell (specifically, an opening or slot can be opened on the second half-shell 14 for the torsion arm of the flipping torsion spring to be engaged). The second end of the flipping torsion spring is fixed to the ratchet 4 (specifically, an opening or slot can be opened on the ratchet 4 for the other torsion arm of the flipping torsion spring to be engaged).

[0045] In this embodiment, the locking component may specifically include a locking shaft 13 and a locking plate 10. The locking shaft 13 is fixed in relative position by inserting into the openings on the first half-shell 6 and the second half-shell 14. The locking plate 10 is rotatably connected to the locking shaft 13, and the locking structure is a locking protrusion provided on the locking plate 10. The locking elastic component may be a locking torsion spring 11, which is sleeved on the locking shaft 13. The first end of the locking torsion spring 11 is fixed to the housing (specifically, an opening or slot can be opened on the second half-shell 14 for the torsion arm of the locking torsion spring 11 to be engaged, or a hook can be stamped on the second half-shell 14, which only needs to satisfy the need to fix the torsion arm of the locking torsion spring 11). The second end of the locking torsion spring 11 is fixed to the locking plate 10 (specifically, an opening or slot can be opened on the locking plate 10 for the other torsion arm of the locking torsion spring 11 to be engaged).

[0046] In this embodiment, along the folding direction of the rotating shaft 1, the circumference of the ratchet 4 can be sequentially provided with a folding abutment area, a locking abutment area, and a locking pressing area. A locking groove is provided on the ratchet 4 for inserting a locking mechanism. The area of ​​this locking groove near the folding abutment area is the aforementioned locking pressing area. The locking structure engages with the locking groove and presses against the locking pressing area. The locking pressing area and the locking abutment area are two opposite surfaces on the ratchet 4, meaning there is a solid structure between them that allows for clamping. Since the locking method is adjusted to clamping to form a lock, the specific shape requirements (machining accuracy) of the locking groove can be significantly reduced. That is, the portion of the locking groove other than the locking pressing area only needs to ensure that it does not affect the pressing with the locking structure.

[0047] In this embodiment, the bottom surface of the mounting cavity of the housing is used to limit the folding angle of the ratchet 4 in conjunction with the folding abutment area. Specifically, the folding abutment area of ​​the ratchet 4 can be the surface formed by the circumferentially protruding portion of the ratchet 4. When the ratchet 4 rotates, this protruding portion will interfere with the bottom plate of the housing, that is, the folding abutment area fits against the bottom plate of the housing, thereby limiting the folding angle. Furthermore, a through groove is provided on the bottom surface of the mounting cavity of the housing. The groove wall is used to cooperate with the locking abutment area for pressing. That is, a clearance through groove can be provided on the bottom surface of the housing to avoid the solid structure between the locking pressing area and the locking abutment area. The groove wall of the through groove satisfies the condition that the ratchet 4 will interfere with the locking abutment area when rotating toward the locking position, thereby achieving engagement at that point.

[0048] In this embodiment, the headrest folding mechanism may further include an unlocking elastic element, with the two ends of the unlocking elastic element connected to the housing and the unlocking element respectively, for providing an elastic force to limit the unlocking element from driving the locking element to rotate, so that the unlocking element will not drive the locking element to rotate when it is not subjected to external force, so that the locking element remains in the locked position.

[0049] In this embodiment, the unlocking component may include an unlocking plate 7 and an unlocking shaft 9. The unlocking shaft 9 is fixed to the housing (specifically, it may be a rivet fixed to the housing), the unlocking plate 7 is rotatably connected to the unlocking shaft 9, and the transmission end of the unlocking plate 7 is tractively connected to the locking component. The unlocking plate 7 may specifically include a first bent plate, which may be configured to abut against a transmission protrusion on the locking plate 10. Rotation of the unlocking plate 7 can cause the first bent plate to drive the locking plate 10 to rotate through the transmission protrusion, thereby releasing the lock on the ratchet 4. The unlocking elastic component may specifically be an unlocking torsion spring 8, which is sleeved on the unlocking shaft 9, and both ends of the unlocking torsion spring 8 may be respectively connected to the second bent plate of the unlocking plate 7 and the housing.

[0050] The locking / unlocking process of the headrest folding mechanism in this embodiment will be described below:

[0051] Unlocking: The unlocking mechanism involves pushing a lever or pulling a cable to rotate the unlocking plate 7. The unlocking plate 7 then pushes the locking plate 10, causing the locking plate 10 to rotate. Without the locking plate 10 limiting its movement, the ratchet 4 is reset by the rebound of the torsion spring. The ratchet 4 is welded to the rotating shaft 1, which is in turn welded to the headrest rod. The ratchet 4 drives the rotating shaft 1, which in turn drives the headrest rod. When fully rotated, the ratchet 4 is stopped by the bottom plate of the first half-shell 6, achieving relative rotation between the lock core and the headrest rod.

[0052] Locking: Remove the force on the unlocking plate 7, and the unlocking plate 7 returns to its original position. Rotate the headrest rod relative to the lock core. When the locking groove of the ratchet 4 rotates to the locking protrusion of the locking plate 10, the locking protrusion enters the locking groove and presses against the locking pressing area to limit the rotation tongue. The locking plate 10 engages with the ratchet 4, and the small outer shell limits the ratchet 4. The limiting in both directions achieves the locking effect.

[0053] Example 2

[0054] This embodiment provides an automotive headrest, including the headrest folding mechanism described in Embodiment 1 above. A rotating shaft 1, a ratchet 4, a folding elastic element, a locking element, a locking elastic element, and an unlocking element are respectively arranged within the mounting cavity of the housing. The ratchet 4 has a locking pressing area, a locking abutment area, and a folding abutment area. The locking element has a locking structure. When locked, the locking structure presses against the locking pressing area and pushes the locking abutment area to press against the housing, i.e., the ratchet 4 is clamped between the housing and the locking element to achieve locking. When unlocked, the unlocking element drives the locking element to overcome the elastic force of the locking elastic element, causing the locking structure to disengage from the locking pressing area and release the lock on the ratchet 4. The ratchet 4 can then rotate under the drive of the elastic force of the folding elastic element, causing the headrest rod to fold. Finally, the folding abutment area cooperates with the housing to limit the folding angle, thereby achieving the unlocking and folding function. The headrest folding mechanism of this embodiment is compact, small in size, has fewer parts, and lower cost. It can independently realize the folding and locking functions and can be adapted to more types of headrests, thus solving the problems of complex structure and large space occupation of existing headrest folding solutions.

[0055] The embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Even if various changes are made to the present invention, if these changes fall within the scope of the claims of the present invention and their equivalents, they shall still fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A headrest folding mechanism, characterized by, The headrest folding mechanism comprises: a housing, which is internally provided with a mounting cavity; a rotating shaft, which is rotatably connected to the housing and has headrest rod ends extending out of the housing; a ratchet wheel, which is mounted on the rotating shaft and located in the mounting cavity, and has a locking compression area, a locking abutting area and a folding abutting area for limiting the folding angle of the housing; a folding elastic member, which has two ends connected to the ratchet wheel and the housing respectively; a locking member, which is rotatably connected to the mounting cavity and provided with a locking structure for abutting against or separating from the locking compression area; a locking elastic member, which has two ends connected to the housing and the locking member respectively, and provides an elastic force for abutting the locking structure against the locking compression area and pushing the locking abutting area to compress against the housing; an unlocking member, which is drivingly connected to the locking member for rotating the locking member and separating the locking compression area from the locking structure.

2. The headrest folding mechanism of claim 1, wherein The headrest folding mechanism further comprises an unlocking elastic member, which has two ends connected to the housing and the unlocking member respectively, and provides an elastic force for limiting the rotation of the unlocking member and the locking member.

3. The headrest folding mechanism of claim 1, wherein In the folding direction of the rotating shaft, the ratchet wheel is sequentially provided with the folding abutting area, the locking abutting area and the locking compression area along the periphery thereof; the ratchet wheel is provided with a locking groove, the locking compression area is located near the folding abutting area, and the locking structure is inserted into the locking groove and abuts against the locking compression area.

4. The headrest folding mechanism of claim 3, wherein The locking compression area and the locking abutting area are two opposite surfaces of the ratchet wheel.

5. The headrest folding mechanism of claim 1, wherein The locking member comprises a locking shaft and a locking piece rotatably connected to the locking shaft, the locking shaft is mounted on the housing, and the locking structure is a locking protrusion provided on the locking piece.

6. The headrest folding mechanism of claim 1, wherein The bottom surface of the mounting cavity of the housing is used for limiting the folding angle of the ratchet wheel by cooperating with the folding abutting area, and the bottom surface of the mounting cavity of the housing is provided with a through groove, and the groove wall of the through groove is used for abutting against the locking abutting area.

7. The headrest folding mechanism of claim 1, wherein The housing comprises a first half housing and a second half housing, and the first half housing and the second half housing are riveted by rivets.

8. The headrest folding mechanism of claim 1, wherein The unlocking member comprises an unlocking piece and an unlocking shaft, the unlocking shaft is fixed to the housing, the unlocking piece is rotatably connected to the unlocking shaft, and the driving end of the unlocking piece is drivingly connected to the locking member.

9. The headrest folding mechanism of claim 2, wherein The folding elastic member, the locking elastic member and the unlocking elastic member are all torsional springs.

10. An automotive headrest, characterized by, The headrest folding mechanism comprises any one of claims 1 to 9. The headrest folding mechanism comprises any one of claims 1 to 9.

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