headrest

Abstract

Headrest (10, 110) for a seat with a head support element (11, 111) which is pivotably mounted on at least one support rod (12, 112) between at least one use position and a non-use position about a pivot axis (a1, a2), wherein the head support element (11, 111) is pivotably lockable relative to the support rod (12, 112), characterized in that the head support element (11, 111) forms at least one contact surface (21, 121) which, in the non-use position, interacts directly or indirectly with the support rod (12, 112) and prevents the head support element (11, 111) from pivoting in a pivot direction (u1, u2), and in that a rear surface (20) or a head support surface (113) is formed to rest on a top surface (34, 134) of the backrest (35, 113) in the non-use position. 135) of the seat, wherein an end area (33, 132) of the head support part (11, 111) is formed with respect to a leaning surface (37, 137) of the backrest (35,135) to excel.,

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a headrest for a seat, in particular for a vehicle seat.

[0002] The purpose of a headrest that can be pivoted between a use and a non-use position is to provide the driver with a clear view to the rear when the rear seat is unoccupied. To prevent the headrest from being folded into the non-use position when the rear seat is occupied, it creates an obstructive edge in the non-use position, for example, which is intended to make the seat impossible to use (the torso of the headrest is shifted forward into the passenger's seating area). There are relevant regulations for this.

[0003] DE 198 17 155 A1 discloses a headrest that can be adjusted between a use position and a non-use position. A headrest part of the headrest is pivotally mounted on the cross member of a support bar and can be locked in the use position by means of a locking device. In the use position, a headrest surface of the headrest part is arranged approximately vertically, and in the non-use position, the headrest surface rests approximately horizontally on the backrest. When moving between the use position and the non-use position, the headrest part is pivoted between the vertical and horizontal positions.

[0004] The locking mechanism can be released by activating a locking element. The headrest can then be pivoted into the non-use position. The locking device comprises latches movably mounted between two support rods of the support rod bracket. In a locked position, the latches rest against the outer surfaces of a cranked section of the support rods. In the released position, the latches are retracted between the support rods.

[0005] DE 10 2014 216 322 A1 (D1) describes a headrest with a headrest part and a support rod bracket. The headrest comprises a device for folding the cushion part about two pivot axes from a use position to a non-use position. The headrest part is attached to a crossbar of the support rod bracket by means of a double clamp. According to one embodiment of the invention, the headrest part is held in the use position by arranging support rods in recesses associated with the cushion part. According to a further embodiment of the invention, the recesses have pressurizable locking mechanisms for the support rods.

[0006] DE 603 ​​12 663 T2 relates to a headrest comprising a stiffener with two arms and an intermediate strip, a core, an elastic comfort element, and a cover. The core is enclosed by the elastic comfort element. The core is designed to pivot around the stiffener and has a recess provided with locking elements that can be locked to the arms of the stiffener. The locking elements are formed by a shaped profile in at least one wall and rest against the arm.

[0007] DE 102 15 058 C1 describes a headrest with a tilt and height adjustment device. In various embodiments, the tilt adjustment provides different pivot points for the pivoting support, e.g., in an upper or lower area of ​​the headrest.

[0008] The object of the invention was to create a headrest that is adjustable between a use position and a non-use position and has a simple construction. Furthermore, the object of the invention was to create a headrest that has low manufacturing costs.

[0009] The problem was solved by a headrest having the features of claim 1.

[0010] The headrest comprises a headrest with a headrest surface that forms an abutment for supporting the head of the seat occupant. The headrest is pivotable between at least one use position and one non-use position. The headrest is mounted directly or indirectly on at least one support rod, which is fixed or height-adjustable on the backrest of a vehicle seat. For example, the headrest is mounted on two support rods or on a support rod bracket.

[0011] The headrest comprises at least one locking seat. The locking seat is releasably engaged with the support rod in the use position and / or in the non-use position. "Engaged" in the context of the invention means that the headrest is in a position in which a portion of the support rod is arranged and locked in the locking seat. Instead of the support rod, the headrest can also be brought into engagement with a part connected to the support rod, for example.

[0012] For example, at least two locking seats are formed on the headrest part, wherein a first locking seat is releasably movable into engagement with a first region of the support rod and each further locking seat is releasably movable into engagement with a respective region of the support rod. The locking seat can be moved into or out of engagement with the support rod by pivoting the headrest part. To pivot out of or into engagement, a minimum torque must be applied to the headrest part (11, 111) in order to overcome the locking. The locking creates a resistance that can be overcome by applying the minimum torque. The minimum torque can vary depending on whether the locking seat is moved out of engagement with or into engagement with the support rod. The resistance can, for example, be formed by a region of the headrest part whose pivoting path collides with the support rod.Through elastic deformation, the area can be deformed in such a way that it can move past the support rod.

[0013] The locking seat comprises, for example, a flexible projection formed on the headrest. The support rod is arranged in the pivoting path of the projection when it is engaged with the locking seat. This is the case in the use position and / or in the non-use position. In the use position and possibly also in the non-use position, the projection then forms a locking mechanism that prevents the headrest from inadvertently moving out of the use position.

[0014] The flexible section is designed to be resilient and retracts when a minimum adjustment force is applied. Applying a minimum force to the headrest allows the projection to be elastically deformed to such an extent that it is moved out of the pivoting path of the headrest. After the locking seat is moved into or out of engagement with the support rod, the projection returns to its original shape.

[0015] This allows the headrest to be easily locked in the use and / or non-use positions. Manufacturing the locking device is simple because the locking seat can be molded together with the headrest in a single process.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the locking seat is formed in a cushion of the headrest. The locking seat can, for example, be molded together with a foam part of the cushion. According to an alternative embodiment, the locking seat is formed in a base body of the headrest. The base body can, for example, be a cushion support or a cushion-free headrest. Such a cushion-free headrest can, for example, be an expandable polypropylene part that can be used as a headrest without cushion.

[0017] The flexible section is arranged on the headrest at a distance from the pivot axis, for example. This prevents forces with a large lever arm from acting on the locking device and inadvertently moving the headrest from the use position. In particular, the flexible section is arranged at an end section of the headrest opposite the pivot axis.

[0018] For example, the pivot axis is arranged in an upper end region or in a lower end region of the headrest. In one embodiment, for locking in the use position, the pivot axis is arranged in a lower end region and the locking seat is arranged in an upper end region of the headrest. In an alternative embodiment, for locking in the use position, the pivot axis is arranged in an upper end region and the locking seat is arranged in a lower end region of the headrest.

[0019] According to a further embodiment, the flexible region partially surrounds the support rod when the locking seat is engaged with the support rod. In particular, the flexible region engages behind the support rod such that, when the headrest is moved into the non-use position, the support rod is located in the movement path of the flexible region. The headrest can then only move out of the use position when the flexible region is deformed. This requires a minimum adjustment force.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the headrest part forms at least one stop surface that prevents the headrest part from pivoting in at least one pivoting direction when not in use. For this purpose, the stop surface interacts, for example, with a counter-surface of the support rod or a part connected to the support rod.

[0021] For example, at least two locking seats are formed on the headrest part, wherein in the use position and / or in the non-use position of the headrest part, each locking seat engages with the support rod or a free end of a support rod bracket. In other words, for example, in the use position, one support rod region is arranged in a first locking seat and another support rod region is arranged in a second locking seat of the headrest part. If a locking mechanism is provided in the use position and in the non-use position, for example, two pairs of locking seats are formed on the headrest part.

[0022] According to an alternative embodiment, a crosspiece of the support bar bracket engages with the locking seat of the headrest part in the use position and / or in the non-use position of the headrest part. The crosspiece is the approximately horizontally extending area connecting the ends of the support bar bracket.

[0023] The headrest part is formed, for example, in one piece from a padless plastic part, in particular an expandable polypropylene. The headrest part is mounted on a support rod bracket, for example, by positioning the support rod bracket relative to a mold. The expandable polypropylene (EPP) is then poured into the mold in the form of small particles so that an area of ​​the support rod bracket is enclosed by the particles. The EPP particles are then vapor-deposited, which causes the particles to bond together. The headrest can then be removed from the mold. The support rod bracket, in particular a crossbar of the support rod bracket, then extends through the headrest.

[0024] Alternatively, the head support section can also be manufactured in two or more parts, with the parts being mounted on the support rod and then joined. Joining can be achieved by gluing, welding, screwing, etc.

[0025] Further advantages of the invention will become apparent from the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the figures. They show: Fig. 1 a perspective front view of a first embodiment of the headrest in a use position, Fig. 2 a perspective rear view of the headrest according to Fig. 1, Fig. 3 a rear view of the headrest in the use position, Fig. 4 a sectional view according to section line IV - IV in Fig. 3, Fig. 5 based on Fig. 4 a sectional view of the headrest in the non-use position, Fig. 6 a view according to view arrow VI in Fig. 5, Fig. 7 a perspective front view of the headrest of a second embodiment of the headrest in a use position, Fig. 8 a perspective rear view of the headrest according to Fig. 7, Fig. 9 a rear view of the headrest according to Fig. 7 in the use position, Fig. 10 a sectional view according to section line X - X in Fig. 9, Fig. 11 based on Fig. 10 a sectional view of the headrest in the non-use position, Fig. 12 a view according to view arrow XII in Fig. 11.

[0026] The headrest according to the first embodiment as a whole is designated by reference numeral 10 in the figures. The same reference numerals in the different figures denote corresponding parts, even if lowercase letters are added or omitted.

[0027] The headrest 10 comprises according to Fig. 1 shows a headrest part 11 in a use position, which is mounted on a support bar bracket 12. Free end regions 14a and 14b of the support bar bracket 12 are held in receptacles of a backrest (not shown) in a conventional manner, height-adjustable in the directions z1 and z2, and can be locked in different height positions by means of a locking device in which a bolt firmly held on the receptacle engages a notch in the end regions 14a and 14b. It should be noted at this point, however, that the height adjustability to different use positions is not important.

[0028] For the height adjustability of the headrest of the present first embodiment, arrangements 15 of several locking notches are formed at the end regions 14a and 14b.

[0029] The headrest part 11 is provided with a headrest surface 13, which serves as a support for the head of a seat occupant. Forces acting in direction x2 can be absorbed by the headrest part 11. The opposite direction x1 corresponds to the direction of travel.

[0030] In the present embodiment, the headrest part 11 is formed as a single piece. The headrest part 11 is molded from expandable polypropylene (EPP). According to an alternative manufacturing process, however, the headrest part can also be formed in two or more parts, and the parts are joined, e.g., glued, welded, or screwed, after assembly on the support bar bracket.

[0031] According to an alternative embodiment, the headrest part 11 could also have a head box which is held on the support bar bracket 12 and provided with a cushion and a cover.

[0032] In Fig. 2, in which the first embodiment of the headrest 10 is shown in the use position, it can be seen that the support rod bracket 12 has the end regions 14a and 14b, regions 18a and 18b and a crossbar 17. The crossbar 17 forms a pivot axis a1, about which the headrest part 11 can be pivoted between the use position (see the Fig. 1 to 4) and the non-use position (see the Fig. 5 and Fig. 6) is pivotable.

[0033] The headrest can be secured in the non-use position by lowering it onto the seat backrest or, alternatively, by simply pivoting the headrest section 11. In addition to being locked in the use position, the headrest section 11 can also be locked in the non-use position. In the non-use position, the headrest section 11 is pivoted approximately 90° relative to the use position.

[0034] In Fig. 2 further shows that the regions 18a and 18b are angled relative to the end regions 14a and 14b toward the seat occupant. The transverse web 17 connects the regions 18a and 18b. The regions 18a and 18b engage in recesses 19a and 19b formed in the headrest part 11 on a rear side 20 of the headrest part 11, and the transverse web 17 extends approximately horizontally through the headrest part 11.

[0035] By means of a locking device 24, the head support part 11 can be locked in the use position (see e.g. the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3). The head support part 11 comprises on the rear side 20 a locking seat 25a for the end region 14a and a locking seat 25b for the end region 14b. Each locking seat 25a and 25b is partially complementary to the outer surface 23 of the end region 14a or 14b. Each locking seat 25a and 25b forms a contact surface 26 (see Fig. 4) for contact with the end regions 14a and 14b, respectively. In the use position, the contact surface 26 of both locking seats 25a and 25b is in contact with a front side 22 of the outer surface 23 and prevents further pivoting in the direction u1.

[0036] In Fig. 4 it can also be seen that the pivot axis a1 is arranged in an upper end region 32 and the projections 27a and 27b are arranged in a lower end region 33 of the head support part 11.

[0037] Flexible projections 27a and 27b each form a locking surface 28, which is also part of the respective locking seat 25a or 25b. The locking surface 28 engages behind the respective end region 14a or 14b on a rear side 29 and thus prevents movement of the headrest part 11 in the direction u2. Fig. 4, only the end region 14b and the locking seat 25b are shown, but the locking seat 25a has the same function as described below. By applying a minimum force, the flexible projection 27 is elastically deformed such that the end region 14b is no longer located in the path of movement of the projection 27b when the headrest part 11 is pivoted in the direction u2. The projection 27a is deformed in the same way. The headrest part 11 can then pivot in the direction u2 into the non-use position according to Fig. 5. As soon as no more force acts on the projections 27a and 27b, they deform back to their original shape due to their elastic restoring force.

[0038] In the recesses 19a and 19b, a contact surface 21 is formed. In the non-use position, the contact surface 21 rests against an outer surface 23 of the support bar bracket 12 on an upper side 31 of each area 18a and 18b (see Fig. 5). The contact surfaces 21 prevent rotation of the head contact part 11 in direction u2.

[0039] In order to hold the headrest part 11 in the non-use position, the end regions 14a and 14b are then moved in the direction z2 until the rear side 20 of the headrest part 11 rests on an upper side 34 of a - by a dashed line in Fig. 5 - rests on the backrest 35 of the seat. The headrest part 11 can then no longer be pivoted in the direction u1.

[0040] According to an alternative embodiment, the head support part 11 can also - as mentioned above - be locked in the non-use position or be prevented from pivoting in the direction u1 by a frictional resistance in the pivot bearing.

[0041] In the non-use position, a lower end region 33 of the headrest part 11 projects in the direction of the seat occupant with respect to a leaning surface 37 of the backrest 35, so that sitting in the seat is uncomfortable or impossible and the occupant has to adjust the headrest 10 to the use position if he wants to sit on the seat.

[0042] To adjust the headrest 10 into the use position, the end regions 14a and 14b are adjusted in the direction z1, and the headrest part is pivoted in the direction u1. The flexible projections 27a and 27b further comprise an actuating surface 30 which is inclined such that, when the actuating surface 30 comes into contact with the outer surface 23 upon pivoting the headrest part in the direction u1, the projections 27a and 27b are moved in the direction y1 upon application of a minimum force, so that the end regions 14a and 14b are no longer located in the path of movement of the projections 27a and 27b of the headrest part 11. The headrest part 11 can then be pivoted into the use position, in which the end region 18a is arranged in the locking seat 25a and the end region 18b is arranged in the locking seat 25b.In the use position, the projections 27a and 27b deform in the direction y2 back to their original shape, in which the locking surface 28 engages behind the rear side 29 of the respective end region 18a or 18b.

[0043] A second embodiment is shown in the Fig. 7 to 12.

[0044] A headrest 110 according to the second embodiment essentially corresponds to the headrest 10 according to the first embodiment with the difference that a pivot axis a2 is arranged in a lower end region 133 of a head support part 111 and the locking mechanism or a locking seat 125 is arranged in an upper end region 132 and horizontally centrally, as described further below.

[0045] The design and manufacture of the headrest 110 may correspond to the headrest 10 described in the first embodiment.

[0046] The headrest 110 according to the second embodiment (see Fig. 7) comprises a headrest part 111 mounted on a support rod bracket 112. The headrest part 111 forms a headrest surface 113, which serves as a support for the head of a seat occupant. The headrest 110 can absorb forces acting in direction x2. The opposite direction x1 corresponds to the direction of travel.

[0047] End regions 114a and 114b of the support bar bracket 112 are held on the backrest in the same manner as in the first embodiment, height-adjustable in the directions z1 and z2, and can be locked in different height positions by means of a locking device. As in the first embodiment, height adjustment to different usage positions is provided here, but is not absolutely necessary for the invention.

[0048] In the present second embodiment, the end regions 114a and 114b comprise arrangements 115 of several locking notches for height adjustment.

[0049] According to the Fig. 8 and Fig. 9, the support bar bracket 112 has end regions 114a and 114b, regions 118a and 118b, and a crosspiece 117. The regions 118a and 118b are angled relative to the end regions 114a and 114b toward the seat occupant and are connected to one another by means of the crosspiece 117.

[0050] In Fig. 10 shows that an arm 138 is attached to the area 118a of the support bar bracket 112. Similarly, an arm with an end region, which is not shown in the figures, is attached to the end region 118b. The two arms 138 are connected to one another at end regions 139 by an axle (also not shown), which forms a joint G with the headrest part 111. The axle forms a pivot axis a2, about which the headrest part 111 can be pivoted between the use position and the non-use position. The use position is shown in the Fig. 7 to 10 and the non-use position in the Fig. 11 and Fig. 12 shown.

[0051] According to Fig. 10, recesses 119a and 119b are formed on the headrest part 111. Each recess 119a and 119b forms a contact surface 121, which, in the non-use position, rests against a stop surface 130 of the arm 138. Additionally, support surfaces 131 of the headrest part 111 rest against an outer surface 123 of the support bar bracket 112, specifically on a front side 122 of each region 114a and 114b. The support surfaces 131 are formed on an underside 140 of the headrest part 111.

[0052] The headrest 110 according to the second embodiment also comprises a locking device 124 with which the headrest part 111 can be locked in the use position (see e.g. the Fig. 9 and Fig. 10). On a rear side 120 of the head support part 111, a locking seat 125 for a portion of the crossbar 117 is formed in an approximately U-shaped recess 136. The locking seat 125 is partially complementary to the outer surface 123 of the crossbar 117 and forms a contact surface 126 (see Fig. 10), which prevents further pivoting in the direction u2 in the use position.

[0053] The locking device 124 comprises according to Fig. 10 a flexible projection 127, which forms a locking surface 128. The locking surface 128 engages behind the crosspiece 117 on a rear side 129 and thus prevents a movement of the headrest part 111 in the direction u1. The flexible projection 127 can be elastically deformed in the direction w1 by applying a threshold force in the direction u1, so that when the headrest part 111 is pivoted in the direction u1, the crosspiece 117 is no longer in the path of movement of the projection 127. The headrest part 111 can then move into the non-use position according to Fig. 11. In the non-use position, the head support part 111 is pivoted by approximately 90° with respect to the use position, so that the head support surface 113 is arranged approximately horizontally.

[0054] In the non-use position, the contact surfaces 121 each rest against a stop surface 130 of each arm 138 and the support surfaces 131 of the head support part 111 rest against the front side 122 of the outer surface 123 of each area 114a and 114b and prevent the head support part 111 from pivoting in the direction u1. For example, by moving the end areas 114a and 114b in the direction z2 until the head support surface 113 of the head support part 111 rests on an upper side 134 of the area indicated by a dashed line in Fig. By resting on the seat backrest 135 indicated in Figure 11, the headrest part 111 can be prevented from unintentionally pivoting in the direction u2 or moving up and down while driving. However, contact with the backrest 135 is not necessary for the invention.

[0055] According to an alternative embodiment, for example, the headrest part 111 could also be locked in the non-use position to the support bar bracket 112 or a part connected to the support bar bracket 112 or merely rest on the front side 122 of each area 114a and 114b.

[0056] In the non-use position, the upper end region 132 of the headrest part 111 can be adjusted relative to a support surface 137 of the backrest 135 according to Fig. 11 protrude towards the seat occupant, so that staying in the seat is uncomfortable and the occupant adjusts the headrest 110 to the use position.

[0057] When the headrest part 111 is pivoted from the non-use position in the direction u2, the projection 127 comes into contact with the outer surface 123 of the crosspiece 117 and, upon application of a threshold force, is elastically deformed in the direction w1 such that the end regions 114a and 114b are no longer in the path of movement of the projections 127 of the headrest part 111. The headrest part 111 can then be pivoted in the direction u2 into the use position, in which the crosspiece 117 is arranged in the locking seat 125. As soon as the crosspiece 117 is in the locking seat 125, the projection 127 moves back in the direction w2 to its original shape, and the locking surface 128 engages behind the rear side 129 of the crosspiece 117. List of reference symbols 10 Headrest 11 Head unit 12 support bar brackets 13 Head contact surface 14 end areas a, b (12) 15 arrangements of notches 17 Crossbar 18 Area a, b (12) 19 Recess (11) a, b 20 Back (11) 21 contact surface 22 Front (14a, 14b) 23 Exterior area 24 locking device 25 Locking seat a, b 26 contact surface 27 flexible projection a, b 28 bar area 29 Back (14a / 14b) 30 operating area 31 Top (14) 32 upper end area (11) 33 lower end area (11) 34 Top 35 backrest 37 Leaning surface a1 swivel axis z1 / 2 direction u1 / 2 swivel direction x1 / 2 direction y1 / 2 direction 110 Headrest 111 Head unit 112 support bar brackets 113 Head contact surface 114 End areas a, b (112) 115 arrangements of notches 117 Crosspiece 118 Area a, b (112) 119 Recess a, b (111) 120 Back (111) 121 contact surface 122 Front (114a, 114b) 123 exterior area 124 locking device 125 locking seat 126 contact surface 127 flexible lead 128 bar area 129 Back (117) 130 stop surface (138) 131 support surface (111) 132 upper end area (111) 133 lower end area (111) 134 Top (135) 135 backrest 136 recess 137 Leaning surface 138 Arm 139 End area (138) 140 bottom a2 swivel axis G joint w 1 / 2 Direction z 1 / 2 Direction u 1 / 2 Panning direction x 1 / 2 Direction

Claims

[1] Headrest (10, 110) for a seat with a headrest part (11, 111) which is pivotally mounted on at least one support rod (12, 112) about a pivot axis (a1, a2) between at least one use position and a non-use position, wherein the headrest part (11, 111) is pivotally lockable relative to the support rod (12, 112), characterized by in that the headrest part (11, 111) forms at least one contact surface (21, 121) which, in the non-use position, interacts directly or indirectly with the support rod (12, 112) and prevents pivoting of the headrest part (11, 111) in a pivoting direction (u1, u2), in that a rear side (20) or a headrest surface (113) is designed to be able to rest on an upper side (34, 134) of the backrest (35, 135) of the seat in the non-use position, wherein an end region (33, 132) of the headrest part (11, 111) is designed to protrude with respect to a leaning surface (37, 137) of the backrest (35, 135). [2] Headrest according to claim 1, characterized by that the headrest part (11, 111) comprises at least one locking seat (25a, 25b, 125) which is releasably engaged with the support rod (12, 112) in the use position and / or in the non-use position, and that in order to pivot out of the engagement or into the engagement, a minimum torque acting on the headrest part (11, 111) must be applied. [3] Headrest according to claim 2, characterized by that the support rod (12, 112) is arranged in the pivoting path of a flexible projection (27, 127) of the head support part (11, 111) when the support rod is in the locking seat and that by applying the minimum force the projection (27, 127) is elastically deformed in such a way that it moves out of the pivoting path. [4] Headrest according to one of claims 2 or 3, characterized bythat the locking seat (25a, 25b, 125) is formed in a cushion or in a base body of the headrest part (11, 111). [5] Headrest according to one of the preceding claims, as far as it refers back to claim 3, characterized by that the flexible projection (27, 127) is arranged at a distance from a pivot axis (a1, a2) of the head support part (11, 111). [6] Headrest according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the pivot axis (a1, a2) is arranged in an upper end region (32, 132) or in a lower end region (33, 133) of the head support part (11, 111). [7] Headrest according to one of the preceding claims, as far as it refers back to claim 3, characterized by that the flexible projection (27, 127) partially encompasses the support rod (12, 112) in the use position. [8] Headrest according to one of the preceding claims, as far as it refers back to claim 2, characterized bythat at least two locking seats (25a, 25b) are formed on the headrest part (11, 111) and that in the use position and / or in the non-use position each locking seat is in engagement with the support rod (12, 112). [9] Headrest according to one of the preceding claims, as far as it refers back to claim 2, characterized by that a crossbar of one (17, 117) of a support rod bracket (12, 112) can be releasably arranged in the locking seat (125) of the headrest part (11, 111). [10] Headrest according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the head support part (11) is formed in one piece from a plastic part. [11] Headrest according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the head support part (11) is formed in one piece from an expandable polypropylene.

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