Device for adjusting the headrest of a vehicle seat

Abstract

Device for adjusting a headrest (2) of a vehicle seat (1) in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, i.e. X-adjustment, with a headrest bracket (21, 22, 23) which connects a headrest body (20) to the structural support of the backrest (11) of the vehicle seat (1), characterized by a bracket receptacle (3) connected to a cross member (14) of the structural support of the backrest (11), which forms a pivot axis (S) adjacent to and below the upper edge (110) of the backrest (11) and extending transversely to the direction of travel or in the Y-direction of the vehicle coordinate system, and is connected below the pivot axis (S) and away from the upper edge (110) of the backrest (11) to a locking device (4) which positively locks the headrest bracket (21, 22, 23) connected to the bracket receptacle (3) in an adjustment position of the X-adjustment, wherein the locking device (4) consists of a latching mechanism of a positive locking part (41) of the bracket receptacle (3) and a counter-positive locking part (42) of a housing (34, 35) or of a component connected to the cross member (14), and the positive locking part (41) of the bracket receptacle (3) is spring-elastically pre-tensioned against the counter-positive locking part (42) of the housing (34, 35) in the locking direction and can be lifted out of the latch for X-adjustment of the headrest (2), and / or the locking device (4) is connected to a release device (6) for unlocking the latching mechanism for X-adjustment of the headrest (2).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device for adjusting a headrest of a vehicle seat according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] From DE 10 2011 081 683 A1, a headrest assembly for a vehicle seat is known, comprising a seatback assembly with mounting arms fixed to a seatback and a headrest assembly. The headrest assembly has a guide element pivotable about a pivot axis relative to the seatback assembly for adjusting the headrest in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, i.e., for the so-called "X-adjustment." This guide element contains two connecting rods of a headrest bracket for receiving a headrest body, connected to each other by a cross member. The headrest assembly can be locked to the seatback assembly by means of a locking device. A latch is pivotably arranged on each connecting rod and, in a locked state, engages with a locking element on the associated mounting arm of the seatback assembly.The locking device comprises an operating element located on the headrest for actuating the locking device and a coupling element arranged longitudinally on the guide part, which is connected to the operating element via a linkage mechanism. The coupling element is spring-loaded relative to the guide part and transmits a preload force to the linkage mechanism for spring-loaded tensioning of the linkage mechanism. By actuating the operating element, the locking engagement of the latch with the locking element is released, so that the headrest-side assembly can pivot about the pivot axis relative to the backrest-side assembly and the position of the headrest can be adjusted along the adjustment direction X.

[0003] Further devices for adjusting a headrest of a vehicle seat are described in documents DE 101 50 899 A1 and GB 2 316 862 A.

[0004] Further vehicle seats with a headrest are described in documents DE 100 22 441 A1 and DE 10 2011 010 232 A1.

[0005] The present invention is based on the objective of creating a device of the type mentioned at the outset, which utilizes the available installation space and the interfaces in the backrest of a vehicle seat in a space-optimized manner for guiding the headrest bracket, enables a large adjustment range with a small size of the adjustment device, ensures high strength through short paths for force transmission into the structural integrity of the backrest, provides convenient operation of the X-adjustment optionally with or without additional control elements, places no demands on the design of the headrest, does not increase the weight of the headrest, and creates the conditions for the headrest to be automatically moved to the forwardmost position of the X-adjustment, particularly in the event of a frontal crash, in order to improve the so-called "whiplash" performance of the headrest.

[0006] This problem is solved according to the invention with a device having the features of claim 1.

[0007] The solution according to the invention provides a device for adjusting a headrest of a vehicle seat, which - optimizes the available installation space and interfaces in the backrest of a vehicle seat for guiding the headrest bracket, - enables a large adjustment range with a small size of the adjustment device, especially in the X-direction of the vehicle coordinate system, - high strength is ensured by short paths for force transmission into the structural framework of the backrest, - convenient operation of the X-adjustment is implemented optionally with or without additional control elements, - places no requirements on the design of the headrest, - does not increase the weight of the headrest when adjusting exclusively to X and - which creates the prerequisite that in the event of a frontal crash, the headrest is automatically moved to the forwardmost position of the X-adjustment, thereby improving the "whiplash" performance of the headrest.

[0008] The term "X-adjustment" refers to an adjustment of the headrest primarily in the X-direction of the vehicle's coordinate system, since the pivoting of the headrest around its axis also includes a slight adjustment component in the Z-direction of the vehicle's coordinate system. The term "headrest bracket" refers, for example, to a T-shaped support configuration with a cross member and a support bar, a U-shaped support configuration with a cross member and two support bars, and similar configurations.

[0009] The spatial separation of the locking mechanism from the pivot axis allows the bracket mount to be integrated into the backrest's structural framework. This enables large adjustment ranges for the headrest's X-axis adjustment using short lever lengths within the backrest's structure. The adjustment mechanism occupies minimal space within the backrest, requiring little material and without impacting the headrest's overall design. As a result, the headrest's shape, size, and weight remain independent of the adjustment mechanism, allowing for complete design freedom.

[0010] Accordingly, the distance between the upper end of the headrest bracket and the pivot axis is greater, in particular at least twice as great, as the distance between the locking mechanism and the pivot axis. This means, among other things, that when the headrest is extended for height adjustment, the difference in lever lengths is even greater; that is, a small adjustment travel at the locking mechanism results in a large adjustment of the headrest in the X-direction.

[0011] Furthermore, the integration of the bracket mount into the rigid structure of the backrest and its formation of a pivot axis and connection with a locking device makes it possible to perform the X-adjustment with or without an actuating element, as well as creating the prerequisite for the execution of a safety function by automatically moving the headrest to the forwardmost position of the X-adjustment in the event of a frontal crash, thus avoiding the danger of a "whiplash" and the resulting risk of injury to vehicle occupants.

[0012] To separate the swivel function from the locking function of the adjustment device, the bracket mount is designed in two parts: an upper bracket mount with at least one longitudinal bore for guiding the headrest bracket, which has at least one bracket rod, and a lower bracket mount which receives the upper bracket mount and is connected to the bracket rods. These parts are relatively movable relative to each other in the direction of the vehicle's vertical axis (Z-axis of the vehicle coordinate system), so that to lock or release the bracket mount, the lower bracket mount connected to the headrest bracket must be raised or lowered relative to the upper bracket mount connected to the swivel axis.

[0013] Preferably, the bracket receptacle is arranged in a one- or multi-part housing connected to the cross member of the backrest's structural support.

[0014] For space-saving arrangement and direct introduction of adjusting forces into the strength structure of the backrest, the housing is connected to two spaced-apart, essentially parallel traverse legs of a U-shaped crossbeam, which run adjacent to and away from the upper edge of the backrest.

[0015] According to a first embodiment of the invention, the locking device is designed to be positively locking and consists of a latching mechanism of a positive locking part of the bracket receptacle and a counter-positive locking part of the housing or of a component connected with the cross member, wherein the positive locking part of the bracket receptacle is spring-elastically pre-tensioned against the counter-positive locking part of the housing in the locking direction and can be released from the latching mechanism for X-adjustment of the headrest.

[0016] In a first embodiment, the locking mechanism of the locking device consists of a V-shaped tooth profile formed on the positive locking elements and counter-positive locking elements, so that equal adjusting forces are required for X-adjustment of the headrest in or against the direction of travel of the vehicle.

[0017] Alternatively, in a second embodiment, the locking mechanism consists of a sawtooth profile formed on the positive locking and counter-positive locking elements, the steep tooth flanks of which are arranged on the side of the sawtooth profile opposite the direction of travel, so that different adjusting forces are applied in and against the direction of travel. In the event of a frontal crash, the tooth flanks of the sawtooth profile, which slope downwards at a shallower angle towards the direction of travel, automatically move the headrest to the foremost position and thus into a safe position, thereby reducing the risk of injury to vehicle occupants due to the whiplash effect.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, the housing is formed in two parts, comprising an upper housing part which receives the upper bracket receptacle in an elongated hole oriented in the X direction, and a lower housing part which has on its inner side facing the bracket receptacle the counter-locking elements which are aligned with the positive locking elements formed on the lower bracket receptacle, wherein spring elements are arranged between the upper and lower bracket receptacles which clamp the upper and lower bracket receptacles against each other.

[0019] With this embodiment, for X-adjustment of the headrest, the headrest is raised and, in the raised position, pivoted in or against the direction of travel for manual adjustment of the headrest into an optimal comfort position, without the need for an additional actuating element on the headrest or on the backrest.

[0020] Alternatively or additionally to the first embodiment according to the invention, according to a second embodiment according to the invention, the locking device is connected with a release device for unlocking the latching mechanism for X-adjustment of the headrest, so that an X-adjustment of the headrest can only take place with or after the actuation of an actuating element.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the locking mechanism consists of a locking slide with positive locking elements and counter-positive locking elements arranged at the ends of the headrest bracket, corresponding to the positive locking elements of the locking slide, wherein the locking slide is displaceable in the transverse direction of the vehicle (Y-direction of the vehicle coordinate system) against the action of a return spring such that in a starting position of the locking slide the headrest bracket is locked in the X-direction and in an actuating position is released for X-adjustment.The locking slide is guided in the Y direction, mounted in the housing, and connected to one end of a release device via a cam arrangement that converts a pivoting movement of the release device in the X direction into a sliding movement of the locking slide in the Y direction, while the other end of the release device is led out of the top edge of the backrest and connected to an operating handle.

[0022] To minimize weight and ensure a simple and cost-effective design of the adjusting device, the unlocking device consists of a release lever connected to the housing via a rotary bearing, which is supported on the housing by the return spring in such a way that the positive locking elements of the locking slide engage in the counter-positive locking elements of the stirrup bars.

[0023] In principle, the adjustment or locking of the device for X-adjustment of the headrest can be provided completely separately from the adjustment or locking of a device for adjusting the height of the headrest, i.e., adjustment of the headrest in the direction of the vehicle's vertical axis or Z-adjustment. However, in order to reduce the number of operating elements, save material, and increase ease of use, a further feature of the invention provides that a release unit of the device for X-adjustment of the headrest is coupled with a device for adjusting the headrest in the direction of the vehicle's vertical axis (Z-adjustment) and preferably connected via a Bowden cable to an operating button arranged on the headrest, which is designed as a combined actuating element for locking and unlocking the devices for X-adjustment and Z-adjustment of the headrest.

[0024] To achieve the dual function, the control knob is connected to a push rod, the translational adjustment of which causes the rotation of a guide rod with partial toothing on its circumference in such a way that the partial toothing for the height adjustment of the headrest disengages from a locking bolt of the device for the Z-adjustment of the headrest and an eccentric lever connected to the guide rod is pivoted to unlock the X-adjustment of the headrest.

[0025] To ensure that the locking devices of the Z and X adjustment mechanisms of the headrest are automatically returned to their initial locked position after each position adjustment, the push rod is pre-tensioned in the direction of the locking position of the Z and X adjustment of the headrest.

[0026] Combining the Z and X adjustment releases into a single control knob on the headrest enables remote release of the X-adjustment mechanism. This is achieved by connecting the eccentric lever for unlocking the X-adjustment mechanism to the X-adjustment release mechanism of the headrest via a Bowden cable. This remote release can, of course, be provided independently of the Z and X adjustments by using a separate actuating element on the headrest.

[0027] The adjustment device according to the invention thus allows, in addition to pure X-adjustment of the headrest, various combinations for X- and Z-adjustment of the headrest. For example, manual operation of the X-adjustment by lifting the headrest and pivoting it about the pivot axis can be combined with locking the bracket rods in the bracket receptacle by arranging notches in the bracket rods in the longitudinal direction in a manner known per se, into which a locking projection of the bracket receptacle engages in the optimized height setting, whereby a coordination between this type of height adjustment and the release of the locking device is required.

[0028] If a control knob is fitted, it can be positioned separately from the headrest height adjustment, for example, at the top edge of the backrest or as a remote release on the headrest, as described above. In addition to separate actuators for X and Z adjustment, a single actuator for combined X and Z adjustment of the headrest can be provided, as described above. This actuator, through different actuation methods, releases separate X and Z adjustment mechanisms for the headrest by releasing the X and Z adjustment mechanisms.

[0029] Another embodiment for X-adjustment of a headrest is characterized in that the headrest bracket rods are mounted in a cam of a guide part oriented to be displaceable in the Y-direction, which has a rack in whose teeth a pinion connected to a drive engages, wherein the cam of the guide part converts a displacement of the guide part in the Y-direction into a displacement of the ends of the headrest bracket in the X-direction by having the ends of the headrest bracket designed as ball end pieces that engage in elongated holes of the guide part oriented diagonally to the X and Y directions, wherein the guide part and the rack of the guide part are arc-shaped.

[0030] This further embodiment of the invention can be used in conjunction with a manual or an electric motor drive, wherein, in the case of manual actuation of the pinion, either a direct coupling of the pinion with an actuating element or its connection with the actuating element via a coupling gear is provided.

[0031] The underlying concept of the invention, which forms the basis for further embodiments not explicitly shown, will be explained in more detail using several exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawing. The drawing shows: Fig. 1 a perspective view of a vehicle seat with a headrest and a device for adjusting the headrest in the X direction (X adjustment) without an additional actuating element; Fig. 2 a side view of the upper part of the backrest according to Fig. 1 with a built-in device for X-adjustment of a headrest shown in a front and rear position; Fig. 3 a perspective view of a U-shaped crossbeam of the structural support of a backrest; Fig. 4 a perspective exploded view of components of the device for X-adjustment of the headrest in the X-direction; Fig. 5 a perspective view of the device for X-adjustment connected to the crossbar with the headrest inserted therein; Fig. 6 a rear view of the headrest and its X-adjustment device according to the Fig. 1 to 5; Fig. 7 a longitudinal section through the headrest and its X-adjustment device along section line VII - VII according to Fig. 6; Fig. 8 a section through the device for X-adjustment of the headrest along the section line VIII - VIII according to Fig. 7; Fig. 9 a longitudinal section through the headrest and its X-adjustment device along section line IX - IX according to Fig. 6 with a locking mechanism of the lower bracket mount with the lower housing in different positions of the swiveling headrest; Fig. 10 an enlarged representation of the latching mechanism with a V-shaped tooth profile; Fig. 11 an enlarged representation of the locking mechanism with a sawtooth profile; Fig. 12 a perspective view of a second embodiment of a device for X-adjustment of a headrest with a locking slider of the locking device and a release lever; Fig. 13 a perspective rear view of the device for X-adjustment of a headrest according to Fig. 12; Fig. 14 an enlarged detail view of the part XIV of the cam-guided latching mechanism shown in the dash-dotted circle according to Fig. 13; Fig. 15 a perspective exploded view of the components of the device for X-adjustment of a headrest according to the Fig. 12 to 14 in relation to the upper part of a backrest and the headrest; Fig. 16 a side view of a third embodiment of a device for X-adjustment of a headrest with a remote release of the locking device and its coupling with a height adjustment of the headrest (Z-adjustment); Fig. 17 a perspective view of the device for combined Z and X adjustment of a headrest according to Fig. 16; Fig. 18 A perspective exploded view of the components for X-adjustment of the headrest with coupled locking and unlocking of X- and Z-adjustment of the headrest according to the Fig. 16 and Fig. 17; Fig. 19 a longitudinal section through the device for X and Z adjustment of a headrest along the section line IXX - IXX according to Fig. 17; Fig. 20 a longitudinal section through the device for X and Z adjustment of a headrest along the section line XX - XX according to Fig. 17; Fig. 21 a longitudinal section through the longitudinal section through the device for X and Z adjustment of a headrest along the section line XXI - XXI according to Fig. 19; Fig. 22 a cross-section through the coupling point of the device for X and Z adjustment of a headrest along the section line XXII - XXII according to Fig. 20; Fig. 23 a cross-section through the locking device of the device for X and Z adjustment of a headrest along section line XXIII - XXIII according to Fig. 21; Fig. 24 a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a device for X-adjustment of a headrest with a curved slider with rack and pinion drive and Fig. 25 a top view of the device for X and Z adjustment of a headrest according to Fig. 24.

[0032] Fig. Figure 1 shows a perspective rear view of a vehicle seat 1 with a seat section 10 and a backrest 11 hinged to the seat section 10. Recesses 12, 13 for receiving a headrest 2 are arranged in the upper edge 110 of the backrest. The headrest 2 consists of a padded headrest body 20 and a headrest bracket 21, 22, 23, with, in this embodiment, two parallel bracket rods 21, 22, which are connected to each other in the area of ​​the headrest body 20 by a crossbar 23. The bracket rods 21, 22 extend through the recesses 12, 13 of the backrest 11 and are connected to a bracket receptacle 3, as shown in the side view of the upper backrest section and the headrest. Fig. 2 about a pivot axis S in and against the direction of travel (X-direction of the vehicle coordinate system) for the so-called X-adjustment of the headrest 2 between a rear position, which in Fig. 2 is shown in solid lines of the headrest body 20, and a front position, which is in Fig. 2 is shown in dashed lines of the head support body 20, is adjustable.

[0033] To fix the respective set position of the headrest 2, a locking device 4 is provided which couples the bracket receptacle 3 with the structural support of the backrest 11, in particular with a cross member 14 of the structural support of the backrest 11.

[0034] As shown in particular in the side view according to Fig. As can be seen from Figure 2, the pivot axis S for the rotational bearing of the headrest 2 is located in an upper section of the cross member 14 of the structural support of the backrest 11, while the locking device 4, which is preferably designed as a snap lock, is arranged in the lower section of the cross member 14.

[0035] Fig. Figure 3 shows a typical design of a crossbeam 14 of the backrest's structural support 11, which is configured as a U-shaped support with an upper crossbeam leg 141, a lower crossbeam leg 142, and a connecting leg 140. Openings 143 to 146 in the upper crossbeam leg 141 and openings 147 and 148 in the lower crossbeam leg 142 serve for the passage, alignment, and fastening of components, which are described below. Fig. 4 to 11, the first embodiment of the device for adjusting the headrest 2 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle or for X-adjustment is explained in more detail.

[0036] Fig. Figure 4 shows an exploded view of the individual components of the first embodiment of the device for X-adjustment of a headrest 2 according to the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2.

[0037] The device for X-adjusting a headrest 2 comprises an upper receiving part, which is connected to the upper cross member 141 of the cross member 14, and a lower receiving part, which is connected to the lower cross member 142 of the cross member 14. The upper receiving part consists of an upper bracket receptacle 31 and an upper housing part 34 into which the upper bracket receptacle 31 is inserted. The lower receiving part includes a lower bracket receptacle 32 and a lower housing part 35 for receiving the lower bracket receptacle 32.

[0038] The upper bracket receptacle 31 has two parallel receptacle legs 311, 312 which are connected to each other via a connecting rod 310 which defines the pivot axis S according to Fig. 2 forms. The receiving legs 311, 312 contain longitudinal bores 313, 314 through which the bracket rods 21, 22 of the headrest 2 are inserted. The upper housing part 34 associated with the upper bracket mounting 31 contains two bracket mounting bearings 341, 342, on the end faces of which the connecting rod 310 forming the pivot axis S is inserted.

[0039] The lower bracket receptacle 32 of the lower mounting part has a crossbar 320 with two guide tubes 321, 322 extending parallel to each other from the top of the crossbar 320. When the bracket receptacle 3 is assembled, the guide tubes 321, 322 are inserted into the longitudinal bores 313, 314 of the upper bracket receptacle 31 in a sliding manner and with relative freedom of movement relative to the mounting legs 311, 312. Compression springs 36 are placed onto the guide legs 321, 322 of the lower bracket receptacle 32. These springs bear against the ends of the mounting legs 311, 312 of the upper bracket receptacle 31, thus creating a spring preload between the upper bracket receptacle 31 and the lower bracket receptacle 32. The headrest 2 is connected to the lower bracket 32 ​​by means of locking springs 37, which are inserted through bores in the bracket rods 21, 22 and longitudinal slots in the guide legs 321, 322 of the lower bracket mount 32.

[0040] Positive locking elements 41 are formed on the underside of the crossbar 320, which correspond to counter-positive locking elements 42 formed on the upper side of the lower housing part 35 facing the lower bracket receptacle 32. The positive locking elements 41 and counter-positive locking elements 42 form a latching locking mechanism under the influence of the spring preload of the locking device 4 according to Fig. 1 to determine the respective set position of the headrest 2 in the longitudinal or X direction of the vehicle coordinate system.

[0041] The positive locking elements 41 and counter-positive locking elements 42 for locking the bracket receptacle 3, which can be pivoted about the pivot axis S for X-adjustment of the headrest, are each parallel to the longitudinal extension of the crossbar 320 or lower housing part 35, i.e. perpendicular to the X-direction and thus in the Y-direction of the vehicle coordinate system, in order to form a grid in the X-direction of the vehicle coordinate system.

[0042] The assembly of the functional components of the device for X-adjustment of the headrest 2 and their connection to the structural integrity of the backrest is shown below using the perspective view of the Fig. 5 described.

[0043] The receiving legs 311, 312 of the upper bracket receptacle 31 are inserted into the openings provided for this purpose in the receptacles 341, 342 of the upper housing part 34, and this is inserted from the outside into the upper cross member leg 141 of the cross member 14, wherein the receiving legs 311, 312 of the upper bracket receptacle 31 are inserted through the openings 143, 144 of the upper cross member leg 141 of the cross member 14, and centering bolts 343, 344 protruding from the underside of the upper housing part 34 according to Fig. 8 are inserted into the openings 147, 148 of the upper traverse leg 141 of the cross traverse 14.

[0044] The compression springs 36 are placed onto the guide legs 321, 322 of the lower bracket receptacle 32, and these are inserted into the receiving legs 311, 312 of the upper bracket receptacle 31 in a sliding manner. Subsequently, the bracket rods 21, 22 of the headrest bracket, which are inserted through the longitudinal bores 313, 314 of the receiving legs 311, 312 of the upper bracket receptacle 31 and whose ends are received in the bores of the guide legs 321, 322 of the lower bracket receptacle 32, are connected to the guide legs 321, 322 by means of the locking springs 37 to lock the bracket.The lower housing part 35 is inserted from the inside of the cross member 14 into the lower cross member leg 142 of the cross member 14, whereby locking hooks 351 protruding from the underside of the lower housing part 35 are inserted into the openings 147, 148 of the lower cross member leg 142 of the cross member 14 and the lower housing part 35 is positively connected to the lower cross member leg 142 of the cross member 14 by lateral sliding.

[0045] Thus, after assembly, the headrest 2 is connected to the bracket 3 via the bracket rods 21, 22 of the headrest bracket, which are guided through the upper bracket receptacle 31 and connected to the lower bracket receptacle 32, whereby the upper bracket receptacle 31 and the lower bracket receptacle 32 are clamped against each other by the compression springs 36, so that in the locking position the positive locking elements 41 formed on the underside of the crossbar 320 of the lower bracket receptacle 32 engage in the counter-positive locking elements 42 of the lower housing part 35 and thus fix the respective set position of the headrest 2 in the longitudinal or X direction of the vehicle.

[0046] After assembly, the stirrup bars 21, 22 extend through the recesses 12, 13 formed in the upper edge 110 of the backrest 11, wherein the recesses 12, 13 are additionally covered by a cover element where the opening of the recesses 12, 13 is not occupied by the associated stirrup bar 21, 22.

[0047] Fig. Figure 6 shows a rear view of the device for X-adjusting the headrest 2 connected to the cross member 14 of the backrest section, with the headrest rods 21, 22 inserted into the bracket receptacle 3, and illustrates the connection of the upper receiving part, composed of the upper bracket receptacle 31 and the upper housing part 34, with the upper cross member leg 141 of the cross member 14 and the lower bracket receptacle 32, which is adjustable against each other under spring preload by means of the compression springs 36 and is connected to the headrest rods 21, 22, as well as the lower housing 35 of the lower receiving part, which is connected to the lower cross member leg 142 of the cross member 14.

[0048] The in Fig. 7 longitudinal section shown along line VII-VII according to Fig. Figure 6 shows the connection of one of the two stirrup bars 21, 22 with the lower stirrup receptacle 32, which is clamped against the upper stirrup receptacle 31 by means of the compression springs 36, as well as the mutually aligned positive locking elements 41 on the underside of the crossbar of the lower stirrup receptacle 32 and the counter-positive locking elements 42 on the upper side of the lower housing part 35 facing the lower stirrup receptacle 32.

[0049] Based on the in Fig. 9 longitudinal section shown along section line IX - IX according to Fig. Section 6 below explains in more detail the function of the first embodiment of the device according to the invention for X-adjustment of the headrest.

[0050] Starting from a in Fig. In the rear position of the headrest 2, shown in solid lines, lifting the headrest 2 in the direction of arrow A disengages the positive locking elements 41 of the lower bracket receptacle 32 from the opposing positive locking elements 42 of the lower housing part 35, thus releasing the locking mechanism of the headrest 2. By maintaining tension and pivoting the headrest 2 in the direction of arrow B about the pivot axis S, which is formed by the connecting rod 310 of the upper bracket receptacle 31 and the pivot bearing of the connecting rod 310 in the upper housing part 34, the headrest 2 is pivoted forward in the direction of travel.In the desired position, the headrest 2 is released, so that it is lowered in the direction of arrow C as a result of the spring force of the compression springs 36 and the locking device 4 secures the newly set position of the headrest 2 by the snap-locking of the positive locking elements 41 of the lower bracket receptacle 32 with the counter-positive locking elements 42 of the lower housing part 35.

[0051] In the Fig. 10 and Fig. Figure 11 shows an enlarged representation of the locking device 4, illustrating two different embodiments of the latching mechanism between the positive locking elements 41 of the lower bracket receptacle 32 and the counter-positive locking elements 42 of the lower housing part 35. Fig. Figure 10 shows a latching mechanism with a V-shaped tooth profile of the positive locking elements 41a and counter-positive locking elements 42a, while Fig. Figure 11 shows a latching mechanism with a sawtooth profile of the positive locking elements 41d and the counter-positive locking elements 42b.

[0052] While the latching mechanism according to Fig. 10 enables an X-adjustment in and against the direction of travel with equal adjusting forces, preferably the detent locking mechanism with the sawtooth profile with the flatly rising tooth flanks facing the direction of travel according to Fig. 11 an X-adjustment in the direction of travel, i.e. an adjustment of the headrest in the direction of travel from a rear position to a front position of the headrest 2 even without raising the headrest 2 in the direction of arrow A according to Fig. 9 in the event of a frontal crash of the vehicle under the influence of the inertial force of the headrest 2, in which the headrest 2 pivots independently into the foremost position and is secured by the locking mechanism, which significantly reduces the risk of injury to the person sitting on the vehicle seat as a result of the whiplash effect.

[0053] Based on the Fig. In sections 12 to 15 below, a second embodiment of the device according to the invention for X-adjustment of a headrest is described, wherein Fig. 12 a perspective partial section of the adjustment device, Fig. 13 a schematic functional representation of the adjustment device, Fig. 14 an enlarged detail view of the locking device of the second embodiment and Fig. Figure 15 shows a perspective exploded view of the functional components of the second embodiment of the device according to the invention for X-adjustment of a headrest.

[0054] The second embodiment of the device according to the invention for X-adjustment of a headrest differs from the first embodiment described above in that, instead of a two-part bracket mount with a locking device that can be unlocked by lifting the headrest, a one-part bracket mount that can be unlocked and locked by means of a release lever of a locking device is provided.

[0055] The in Fig. Figure 12 shows a perspective partial section through the area of ​​the upper edge 110 of the backrest and the perspective exploded view of the functional components of the device according to the invention for X-adjustment. Fig. Figure 15 shows the one-piece bracket 31 corresponding to the upper bracket 31, with receiving legs 311, 312 for receiving the bracket rods 21, 22. According to the first embodiment of the device according to the invention for X-adjustment of a headrest 2, the bracket 31 forms a pivot axis S at the upper edge 110 of the backrest, about which the bracket 31 can be pivoted for X-adjustment, wherein the recesses 12, 13 of the upper edge 110 have corresponding recesses in the X-direction for the adjustment range of the headrest assembly. In this embodiment, the one-piece bracket 31 does not have a continuous pivot axis like the upper bracket 31 of the first embodiment, but rather pivot bearings 315 designed as pins. The receiving legs 311, 312 of the bracket mounting 31 are inserted into bracket mounting bearings 341, 342 of an upper housing part 34, which supports the pivot bearings 315 designed as pins to form the pivot axis S.

[0056] The locking device consists of positive locking elements 51, 52 aligned in the X-direction of the vehicle coordinate system in recesses of a locking slide 5 and corresponding counter-positive locking elements 53, 54 arranged at the ends of the stirrup bars 21, 22. The locking slide 5 is slidably mounted in a lower housing part 35 connected to the cross member 14 of the backrest's structural support perpendicular to the X-adjustment of the headrest 2, i.e., in the Y-direction of the vehicle coordinate system, and has recesses 55 for longitudinal guidance into which guide hooks 350 of the lower housing part 35 engage, at the ends of which angled side surfaces 351, 352 are formed to limit the adjustment travel of the locking slide 5.

[0057] In this second embodiment of the device according to the invention for X-adjusting a headrest, the locking mechanism of the device for X-adjusting a headrest is not achieved, as in the first embodiment, by a vertical displacement of the positive locking elements relative to the counter-positive locking elements, but by a horizontal displacement of the locking slide 5, i.e. in the Y-direction of the vehicle coordinate system, so that the positive locking elements 51, 52 of the locking slide 5 engage in the counter-positive locking elements 53, 54 at the ends of the stirrup rods 21, 22 or release them for X-adjustment.

[0058] The horizontal displacement of the locking slide 5 within the longitudinal guide of the lower housing part 35 is effected by means of a release device 6, which includes a release lever 60 pivotable about a pivot axis 64 and a cam arrangement. In the embodiment shown here, this cam arrangement consists of a guide slot 62 at the end of the release lever 60 and an arcuate guide surface 63 of the locking slide 5. The end of the release lever 60 opposite the guide slot 62 has an actuating handle 61. When actuated, the guide slot 62 slides along the guide surface 63 of the locking slide 5. The guide surface is shaped such that, in one end position of the guide slot 62, the positive locking elements 51, 52 and the counter-positive locking elements 53, 54 engage with each other, and in the other end position, after a horizontal displacement of the locking slide 5 for X-adjustment of the headrest, they are disengaged.

[0059] By means of a return spring 65, which in the embodiment shown here is designed as a torsion spring, which is mounted on the axis of rotation 64 and supported on one side by the release lever 60 and on the other side by the strength structure of the backrest part, the locking slide 5 is pre-tensioned into the position in which the positive locking elements 51, 52 engage in the counter-positive locking elements 53, 54 to latch the adjusting device.

[0060] The function of the second embodiment of the device according to the invention for X-adjustment of a headrest 2 is described below with reference to the perspective partial section of the adjustment device according to Fig. 13 as well as the one in Fig. 14 enlarged area XIV according to Fig. 13 explained.

[0061] The stirrup rods 21, 22 of the headrest 2, inserted into the longitudinal bores 313, 314 of the mounting legs 311, 312 of the stirrup receptacle 31, ensure firm guidance in the adjustment device and precise alignment of the toothed, anti-locking elements 53, 54 arranged at the ends of the stirrup rods 21, 22 with the positive locking elements 51, 52 of the locking slide 5. In each set position of the headrest 2, the positive locking elements 51, 52 and anti-locking elements 53, 54 are engaged with each other. For X-adjustment of the headrest 2 in the direction of the double arrow E according to Fig. 14 is the operating handle 61 of the release lever 60 from the in Fig. 14 position shown against the preload of the return spring 65 in the direction of arrow G about the axis of rotation 64 according to Fig. 13 to pivot, whereby the guide slot 62 at the opposite end of the release lever 60 slides along the cam contour of the guide surface 63 of the release lever 5 and displaces it in the direction of arrow F, so that the positive locking elements 51, 52 of the locking slide 5 disengage from the counter-positive locking elements 53, 54 designed as tooth contours at the ends of the locking bars 21, 22. If the operating handle 61 is held in the unlocked position, the bar receptacle 31 and thus the headrest 2 can be pivoted about the pivot axis S running in the area of ​​the upper edge 110 of the backrest into a new position for comfort adjustment for the vehicle occupant.

[0062] After releasing the actuating handle 61, the cam coupling between the guide slot 62 of the release lever 60 and the guide surface 63 of the locking slide 5, under the influence of the return spring 65, returns the locking slide 5 to the locking position, in which the positive locking elements 51, 52 and counter-positive locking elements 53, 54 are re-engaged and thus return the adjusting device to the secured position.

[0063] The longitudinal or X-adjustment of a headrest 2 described above, by means of an operating handle 61 of a release lever 60 arranged at the upper edge 110 of the backrest, can also be replaced by remote release of the locking device by means of an operating handle integrated into the headrest 2. Such a construction is described below in conjunction with a combined height and longitudinal adjustment or Z and X adjustment of the headrest 2 by means of an operating handle integrated into the Fig. The third embodiment is described in Figures 16 to 23, wherein, for the exclusive remote actuation of the device for X-adjustment of the headrest 2 according to the second embodiment described above, the combined actuating element is to be replaced by a remote release element for the sole release of the X-adjustment.

[0064] The third embodiment for a combined height and longitudinal adjustment or Z and X adjustment of the headrest 2 is described below using a diagram in Fig. 16 depicted functional principle, a partially cutaway view of the Z and X adjustment according to Fig. 17, a perspective exploded view of the components of the combined Z and X adjustment according to Fig. 18, in the Fig. 19 and Fig. 20 longitudinal sections shown through the combined Z and X adjustment along the section lines XIX-XIX and XX-XX according to Fig. 17, one in Fig. 21 partial section shown along the section line XXI-XXI according to Fig. 19, one in Fig. 22 longitudinal section through the coupling device along section line XXII-XXII according to Fig. 20 and one in Fig. 23 Cross-section through the locking device along section line XXIII-XXIII according to Fig. 21 explained in more detail.

[0065] Fig. Figure 16 illustrates the operating principle of a combined, manual X and Z adjustment of the headrest 2 into an optimal comfort and safety position using a schematic side view of the headrest 2 and the upper part of the backrest 11 of a vehicle seat. The illustration shows the headrest 2's structural support in the headrest body 20, a device for height or Z adjustment of the headrest 2, and the X adjustment device located in the upper part of the backrest 11. If the Z adjustment device is omitted, the adjustment device described below can also be used for X adjustment of the headrest 2 only, via remote release using a control knob 82 located on the headrest 2.

[0066] The structural reinforcement of the headrest 2 arranged in the headrest body 20 of the headrest 2 consists according to Fig. 17 from the headrest bracket 21, 22, 23 with the two parallel bracket rods 21, 22 and the crossbar 23 connecting the bracket rods 21, 22. The device for Z-adjustment of the headrest 2 arranged in the headrest body 20 includes a guide rod 80 designed in the manner of a rack and pinion with a circumferential partial toothing 800 extending straight along the longitudinal extent of the guide rod 80 and a locking bolt (not shown) engaging in the partial toothing 800 to fix a Z-setting.

[0067] For combined height and longitudinal adjustment of the headrest 2, an operating knob 82 is provided, which is connected to a push rod 81. The push rod 81 is pre-tensioned by a compression spring 83 such that the locking bolt (not shown) engages in the partial toothing 800 of the guide rod 80 and fixes it in the set position. One end of the guide rod 80, which is operatively connected to the push rod 81, is mounted in a housing 84 of the structural support of the headrest 2, while the other end of the guide rod 80 is connected to a coupling device 85 according to Fig. 17 is connected, wherein the guide rod 80 and the coupling device 85 are connected to the cross member 23 of the headrest bracket 21, 22, 23. The coupling device 85 has according to Fig. 22 an eccentric lever 71 rotatably mounted horizontally, i.e. perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the guide rod 80, in the coupling device 85, which is connected to a Bowden cable 72 according to the Fig. 17 and Fig. 18 is connected, at the end of which opposite the eccentric lever 71 a release unit 70 is arranged.

[0068] The unlocking unit 70 is operatively connected to the locking slide 5 via a cam coupling, corresponding to the locking slide 5 of the second embodiment, so that when the Bowden cable 72 is actuated, the locking slide 5 is held against the action of a return spring 73 according to Fig. 18 is moved horizontally, that is in the Y direction of the vehicle coordinate system, and lifts the positive locking elements arranged on the locking slide 5 out of their engagement with the counter-positive locking elements arranged on the lower housing 35.

[0069] For manual height and longitudinal adjustment or Z and X adjustment of the headrest 2, the operating knob 82 is pressed against the force of the compression spring 83, so that the push rod 81 is moved horizontally, whereby by means of a deflection gear the sliding movement of the push rod 81 is converted into a counterclockwise rotational movement of the guide rod 80 in accordance with the Fig. The direction indicated by arrow H on 22 is implemented, which on the one hand disengages the partial toothing 800, which is only arranged on part of the circumference of the guide rod 80, from the locking bolt, and on the other hand pivots the eccentric 71 counterclockwise. This actuates the release unit 70 via the Bowden cable 72, which adjusts the locking slide 5 via the coupling device, so that the Fig. 21 and Fig. The positive locking elements 50 of the locking slide 5 shown in the figures 23 come out of engagement with the counter-positive locking elements 353 of the lower housing 35 in which the locking slide 5 connected to the lower bracket receptacle 32 is mounted.

[0070] By pressing the control knob 82, both the Z-adjustment and X-adjustment devices of the headrest 2 are unlocked, and the headrest 2 can be repositioned into a safety and comfort position with respect to both its height and its longitudinal position while the control knob 82 is held down. After releasing the control knob 82, the push rod 81 is moved back to its starting position by the compression spring 83, thereby rotating the guide rod 80 back to its starting position. This causes both the locking bolt to engage again in the partial toothing 800 of the guide rod 80 to lock the Z-adjustment device of the headrest 2, and the eccentric 71 to return to its position. Fig. 22 is turned back to the initial position shown, so that the unlocking unit 70 releases the locking slide 5 via the coupling device, which returns to its locked position by the action of the return spring 73, in which accordingly Fig. 23 the positive locking elements 50 on the locking slide 5 engage again in the counter-positive locking elements 353 on the lower housing 35.

[0071] A fourth embodiment, suitable for both manual and electric motor-driven X-adjustment of the headrest 2, is shown schematically in the Fig. 24 and Fig. 25 is shown and is explained in more detail below.

[0072] Analogous to the second embodiment, the one in Fig. 24 in a partial section and in Fig. Figure 25, a cross-section through the adjustment and locking device of the headrest 2 adjustment mechanism, shows a one-piece bracket 3 for receiving the headrest 2 bracket rods 21, 22 inserted through recesses 12, 13. The bracket is pivotably mounted in the X-direction in the region of the upper edge 110 of the backrest 11. The ends of the bracket rods 21, 22, designed as ball ends 210, 220, are mounted in cam guides 91, 92 of a guide element 90. The guide element has an arcuate contour with a curved rack 93, in the teeth of which a pinion 94 engages. The pinion 94 is optionally connected to a manual or electric motor drive 9 via a gearbox.

[0073] The cam guides 91, 92 of the guide part 90 are essentially designed as straight slots, so that according to the functional illustration according to Fig. 25 When the pinion 94 is rotated in one direction or the other, as indicated by the double arrow K, an arc-shaped displacement of the guide part 90 occurs, as indicated by the double arrow L. Due to the bearing of the ball ends 210, 220 of the stirrup rods 21, 22 in the cam guides 91, 92, for example, when the pinion 94 is rotated counterclockwise, the ends of the stirrup rods 21, 22 are displaced from the bearing in Fig. 25, the position shown in solid lines is moved to the position shown in dashed lines, which is due to the pivot axis S arranged at the height of the upper edge 110 of the backrest 11 according to Fig. 24 into a pivoting movement of the headrest 2 in the direction of arrow M according to Fig. 24 will be implemented.

[0074] Due to the self-locking tooth engagement of the pinion teeth of pinion 94 in the teeth of the rack 93, no additional locking device is required in this fourth embodiment, since when the pinion 94 is not actuated, the position of the headrest 2 in the X-direction is locked accordingly as a result of the self-locking of the tooth engagement. Reference symbol list 1 vehicle seat 2 Headrest 3 ironing board attachment 4 Locking device 5 locking slides 6. Unlocking device 9 Drive 10 Seat section 11 Backrest 12, 13 cutouts 14 Crossbeam 20 headrest bodies 21, 22 stirrup bars 23 crossbars 31 upper bracket 32 lower bracket 34 upper housing part 35 lower housing part 36 compression springs 37 locking springs 41 positive locking elements 42 counter-locking elements 50 - 52 positive locking elements 53, 54 Counter-locking elements 55 exceptions 60 release levers 61 Operating handle 62 guide slots 63 Guide surface 64 Rotation axis 65 Return spring 70 Unlocking unit 71 eccentric levers 72 Bowden cable 80 Guide rod 81 Push rod 82 Control knob 83 Compression spring 84 cases 85 Coupling device 90 Guide section 91, 92 Backstage Tours 93 Rack and pinion 94 sprockets 110 Top edge of the backrest 141 upper traverse leg 142 lower traverse leg 143-148 Openings in the truss legs 210, 220 ball end pieces 310 Connecting rod 311, 312 receiving leg 313, 314 longitudinal bores 320 crossbars 321, 322 guide tubes 341, 342 bracket mounting bearing 343, 344 Centering bolts 350 guide hooks 351, 352 angled side surfaces 800 partial gearing S swivel axis

Claims

[1] Device for adjusting a headrest (2) of a vehicle seat (1) in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, i.e. X-adjustment, with a headrest bracket (21, 22, 23) which connects a headrest body (20) to the structural support of the backrest (11) of the vehicle seat (1), characterized by a bracket receptacle (3) connected to a cross member (14) of the structural support of the backrest (11), which forms a pivot axis (S) adjacent to and below the upper edge (110) of the backrest (11) and extending transversely to the direction of travel or in the Y-direction of the vehicle coordinate system, and is connected below the pivot axis (S) and away from the upper edge (110) of the backrest (11) to a locking device (4) which positively locks the headrest bracket (21, 22, 23) connected to the bracket receptacle (3) in an adjustment position of the X-adjustment, wherein the locking device (4) consists of a latching mechanism of a positive locking part (41) of the bracket receptacle (3) and a counter-positive locking part (42) of a housing (34, 35) or of a component connected to the cross member (14), and the positive locking part (41) of the bracket receptacle (3) is spring-elastically pre-tensioned against the counter-positive locking part (42) of the housing (34, 35) in the locking direction and can be lifted out of the latch for X-adjustment of the headrest (2), and / or the locking device (4) is connected to a release device (6) for unlocking the latching mechanism for X-adjustment of the headrest (2). [2] Device according to claim 1, characterized by , that the distance of the upper end of the headrest bracket (21, 22, 23) from the pivot axis (S) is greater, in particular at least twice as large, as the distance of the locking device (4) from the pivot axis (S). [3] Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by, that the bracket receptacle (3) is formed in two parts with an upper bracket receptacle (31) having at least one longitudinal bore (313, 314) for guiding the headrest bracket (21, 22, 23) and a lower bracket receptacle (32) receiving the upper bracket receptacle (31) and connected to the headrest bracket (21, 22, 23), which are slidably movable relative to each other in the direction of the vehicle's vertical axis, i.e. the Z-axis of the vehicle coordinate system. [4] Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the bracket receptacle (3) is arranged in the one- or multi-part housing (34, 35) connected to the cross member (14) of the backrest's structural support (11). [5] Device according to claim 4, characterized by, that the housing (34, 35) is connected to two spaced-apart, substantially parallel traverse legs (141, 142) of a U-shaped crossbeam (14) which run adjacent to and away from the upper edge (110) of the backrest (11). [6] Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the latching mechanism consists of a V-shaped tooth profile formed on positive locking elements (41a) and counter-positive locking elements (42a). [7] Device according to at least one of the preceding claims 1 to 5, characterized by , that the locking mechanism consists of a sawtooth profile formed on positive locking elements (41b) and counter-positive locking elements (42b), the steep tooth flanks of which are arranged on the side of the sawtooth profile opposite the direction of travel. [8] Device according to at least one of the preceding claims 3 to 7, characterized by, that, unless the locking device (4) is connected to a release device (6) for releasing the latching mechanism for X-adjustment of the headrest (2), the housing (34, 35) is formed in two parts with an upper housing part (34) receiving the upper bracket receptacle (31) in an elongated hole oriented in the X direction and a lower housing part (35) which has on its inner side facing the bracket receptacle (3) the counter-locking elements (42) which are aligned with the positive locking elements (41) formed on the lower bracket receptacle (32). [9] Device according to claim 8, characterized by , that spring elements (36) are arranged between the upper and lower bracket receptacles (31, 32) which clamp the upper and lower bracket receptacles (31, 32) against each other. [10] Device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by, that, if the locking device (4) is connected with a release device (6) for unlocking the latching mechanism for X-adjustment of the headrest (2), the latching mechanism consists of a locking slide (5) with positive locking elements (51, 52) and counter-positive locking elements (53, 54) arranged at the ends of the headrest bracket (21, 22, 23) corresponding to the positive locking elements (51, 52) of the locking slide (5), and that the locking slide (5) is displaceable in the transverse direction of the vehicle, i.e., the Y-direction of the vehicle coordinate system, against the action of a return spring (65) such that in a starting position of the locking slide (5) the headrest bracket (21, 22, 23) is locked in the X-direction and in an actuating position is released for X-adjustment. [11] Device according to claim 10, characterized by , that the locking slide (5) is guided in the Y direction and is mounted in the housing (34, 35). [12] Device according to claim 10 or 11, characterized by , that the locking slide (5) is connected to one end of the unlocking device (6) via a cam arrangement (62, 63) which converts a pivoting movement of the unlocking device (6) in the X direction into a sliding movement of the locking slide (5) in the Y direction. [13] Device according to claim 12, characterized by , that the other end of the unlocking device (6) is led out of the upper edge (110) of the backrest (11) and is connected to an operating handle (61). [14] Device according to claim 13, characterized by , that the unlocking device (6) includes a release lever (60) connected to the housing (34, 35) via a pivot axis (64), which is supported on the housing (34, 35) via the return spring (65) in such a way that the positive locking elements (51, 52) of the locking slide (5) engage in the counter-positive locking elements (53, 54) of the stirrup bars (21, 22). [15] Device according to any one of the preceding claims 10 to 14, characterized by , that a release unit (70) of the device for X-adjustment of the headrest (2) is coupled with a device (80 - 82) for adjusting the headrest (2) in the direction of the vehicle's vertical axis, i.e. Z-adjustment. [16] Device according to claim 15, characterized by , that the unlocking unit (70) of the device for X-adjustment of the headrest (2) is connected via a Bowden cable (72) to an operating button (82) arranged on the headrest (2). [17] Device according to claim 16, characterized by , that the control knob (82) is designed as a combined actuating element for locking and unlocking the devices for X-adjustment and Z-adjustment of the headrest (2). [18] Device according to claim 17, characterized by, that the control knob (82) is connected to a push rod (81), the translational adjustment of which causes the rotation of a guide rod (80) which has a partial toothing (800) extending in the longitudinal direction of the guide rod (80) on its circumferential side, and that when the guide rod (80) is rotated, the partial toothing (800) disengages from a locking latch of the Z-adjustment for the height adjustment of the headrest (2) and an eccentric lever (71) connected to the guide rod (80) is pivoted to unlock the X-adjustment of the headrest (2). [19] Device according to claim 18, characterized by , that the push rod (81) is pre-tensioned into the locking position of the Z and X adjustment of the headrest (2). [20] Device according to claim 17 or 18, characterized by, that the eccentric lever (71) for unlocking the X-adjustment of the headrest (2) is connected via a Bowden cable (72) to the unlocking unit (70) of the device for X-adjustment of the headrest (2). [21] Device according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 7, characterized by , that, unless the locking device (4) is connected to a release device (6) for releasing the detent lock for X-adjustment of the headrest (2), the headrest bracket (21, 22, 23) is mounted in a cam (91, 92) of a guide part (90) oriented to be displaceable in the Y-direction, which has a rack (93) in the teeth of which a pinion (94) connected to a manual or electric motor drive (9) engages, wherein the cam (91, 92) of the guide part (90) converts a displacement of the guide part (90) in the Y-direction into a displacement of the ends of the headrest bracket (21, 22, 23) in the X-direction. [22] Device according to claim 21, characterized by , that the ends of the headrest bracket (21, 22, 23) are designed as ball end pieces (210, 220) which engage in elongated holes in the cam (91, 92) oriented diagonally to the X and Y directions of the guide section (90) intervene. [23] Device according to claim 21 or 22, characterized by , that the guide part (90) and the rack (93) of the guide part (90) are arc-shaped.

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