headrest

Abstract

Headrest (10) for a seat, in particular for a vehicle seat (15), with a head support element (11) which can be mounted on a vehicle seat (15) by means of a bearing device (13), wherein the bearing device (13) comprises a transmission device (18) with a first retaining element (16) associated with the head support element (11) and a second retaining element (17) fixed to the seat, wherein the first retaining element (16) and the second retaining element (17) are connected to each other by links (19a, 19b, 20a, 20b) such that at least one four-bar linkage (27a, 27b) is formed, by means of which the head support element (11) can be moved relative to the vehicle seat (15) between a forward position moved towards the head of a seat occupant and a rearward position moved back, wherein each four-bar linkage (27a, 27b) comprises a first link (19a, 19b) and a second link (19a, 19b). includes handlebars (20a, 20b), each handlebar (19a, 19b, 20a,20b) forms a joint (G1a, G2a, G3a, G4a, G1b, G2b, G3b, G4b) with the first retaining element (16) and with the second retaining element (17), characterized in that the distance (I1) of the two joints (G1a, G3a, G1b, G3b) formed on the first retaining element (16) is different from the distance (I2) of the joints (G2a, G4a, G2b, G4b) formed on the second retaining element (17) and that the links (19a, 19b, 20a, 20b) extend approximately vertically between the first retaining element (16) and the second retaining element (17).

Description

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

[0002] The headrest comprises a headrest that is mounted on the backrest of a vehicle seat by means of a mounting device. The mounting device comprises a first bracket associated with the backrest and a second bracket associated with the headrest. The headrest is mounted by means of the mounting device so that it can be adjusted vertically and horizontally.

[0003] A prior art headrest is described in DE 10 2015 206 956 A1. The headrest comprises a headrest element mounted on a support bar bracket by two four-bar linkages. The support bar bracket is firmly attached to the backrest of a vehicle seat. Using the four-bar linkage, the headrest element can be adjusted horizontally forward and backward. A headrest element is attached to the upper ends of the vertically extending connecting links of the four-bar linkage, on which the headrest element is guided for vertical adjustment. A front section of the headrest element is arranged in front of the four-bar linkages.

[0004] DE 87 17 434 U1 describes a treatment chair in which the headrest is mounted for horizontal and vertical adjustment in a manner similar to the aforementioned publication. The distance between the upper and lower joints is different in this prior art, so that pivoting the rod arms is accompanied by pivoting of the headrest.

[0005] DE 10 2014 214 897 A1 describes an adjustment device for the headrest of a vehicle seat, which comprises a four-bar linkage designed as a parallelogram.

[0006] DE 694 09 664 T2 describes a vehicle seat with a headrest, wherein the headrest is mounted on the backrest by means of four-bar linkages arranged on both sides of the headrest, adjustable in the X-direction. Each four-bar linkage comprises two links. Another lever is arranged parallel to the upper part of the first lever and is pivotally connected to the headrest at the pivot point and pivotally connected to the backrest of the seat at the pivot point (see also Fig. 1).

[0007] DE 199 61 618 C1 relates to a backrest for a vehicle seat with a headrest mounted in a pivoting mount. The headrest is biased forward toward the seat occupant and held in a normal position by a pivoting bar. In the event of a rear-end collision, the pivoting bar pivots away from the seat occupant's back, releasing the headrest lock. The headrest can then pivot forward.

[0008] DE 10 2013 208 786 A1 relates to a tilt adjustment device for a headrest. The object of the invention was to provide a tilt adjustment device for a headrest of a rear seat in a vehicle that allows the angle of the headrest to be adjusted forward / backward, so that the passenger's head can always be supported in a comfortable position without reclining the seat back.

[0009] The headrest according to DE 10 2013 208 786 A1 comprises a strut guide for the headrest struts, a connecting module and a guide frame. A headrest is attached to an upper end of the

[0010] The headrest strut is held in place. The lower and upper connections form joints with the connecting module and the strut guide. The strut guide is thus part of a four-bar linkage.

[0011] The object of the invention was to create a headrest with a narrow headrest part which is adjustable in height and in the X-direction.

[0012] The problem was solved by a headrest having the features of claim 1.

[0013] The headrest comprises a headrest part that can be mounted on a seat by means of a bearing device. The bearing device comprises a gear device with a first holding element assigned to the headrest part and a second holding element fixed to the seat part. The second holding element is, for example, firmly attached to the structure of the backrest. The headrest part is, for example, directly or indirectly connected to the first holding element. The headrest part has, for example, support rods that are adjustable, in particular height-adjustable, or fixedly mounted in the first holding element.

[0014] The first holding element and the second holding element are connected to one another by links, forming at least one four-bar linkage. The first holding element is thus movable relative to the second holding element between a rear position and a front position, being positively guided. Because the headrest part is connected to the first holding element, it can be moved relative to the vehicle seat between a forward position moved toward the head of a seat occupant and a rear position moved away from the head.

[0015] Each four-bar linkage comprises a first link and a second link, each link forming a joint with the first support element and the second support element. The links extend substantially vertically between the first support element and the second support element. A linkage, in the sense of the invention, is a rigid strut that is part of the coupling mechanism that forms the four-bar linkage.

[0016] According to the invention, the four-bar linkage is designed as a trapezoidal four-bar linkage. In this case, the distance between the two joints formed on the first support element is different from the distance between the joints formed on the second support element.

[0017] A special embodiment of the trapezoidal four-bar linkage is characterized in that the distance between two joints formed on the first support element is greater than the distance between two joints formed on the second support element. These features ensure that the first support element performs a pivoting movement and thus a movement in the longitudinal direction when the transmission device moves between the front and rear positions.

[0018] The gear mechanism pivots about a variable instantaneous axis of rotation. The instantaneous axis of rotation is formed by the intersection of centerlines through the upper and lower joints of each link. In other words, the instantaneous axis of rotation can be constructed by connecting the bearing points of each link with a line and extending it downwards to an intersection point, and by connecting the intersection points of both four-bar linkages. This arrangement enables a particularly narrow design, as the first holding element or any height adjustment device wobbles within the four-bar linkage mechanism. If the bearing mechanism includes support rods, a lower end of the support rods does not protrude forwards or backwards beyond the four-bar linkage, for example.

[0019] One embodiment is characterized in that the first holding element and the second holding element are part of a first four-bar linkage and a second four-bar linkage. To increase stability, the first holding element and the second holding element can be connected to each other, for example, on both sides with two links each. The links are arranged parallel on both sides, for example. The bearing device then comprises two four-bar linkages, which stably guide the first holding element and thus also the headrest part.

[0020] The transmission device comprises, for example, an electric drive, with which the transmission device can be moved between the rear position and the front position. When using the electric drive, the transmission device can be locked in different positions with a locking device described below. Alternatively, the electric drive can be self-locking, so that an additional locking device is not necessary. The transmission device then remains in the position set by the electric drive due to the self-locking effect.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the transmission device comprises a locking device by means of which the first holding element can be locked in different positions during movement between the front position and the rear position. The locking device comprises, for example, first locking means associated with the first holding element and second locking means associated with the second holding element. The first locking means and the second locking means can be releasably engaged.

[0022] When the locking means are engaged in a locking position, the first retaining element, and thus the headrest part, cannot be moved between the front and rear positions. When they are disengaged in a release position, the first retaining element is movable between the rear and front positions. To move the locking device between the locking position and the release position, the first locking means and / or the second locking means are designed to be movable.

[0023] The second locking means, for example, extend far enough in the direction of the first locking means to provide favorable leverage and travel conditions for moving the locking means between the locking position and the release position. The second locking means are designed, for example, such that they do not protrude from the gear mechanism in any of its positions.

[0024] The support device comprises, for example, a height adjustment device, by means of which the headrest part can be moved relative to the vehicle seat between an upper position and a lower position. The headrest can optionally have a height adjustment device, ie, according to one embodiment, the headrest can be designed without a height adjustment device and, according to another embodiment, with a height adjustment device.

[0025] The height adjustment device comprises, for example, at least one support rod connected to the headrest and at least one guide associated with the first holding element for supporting and guiding the support rod. Alternatively, instead of support rods, other guides can be used, such as guiding the headrest on a sheet metal fixed to the backrest, a ball bearing guide, or a slide rail guide. The guide is formed, for example, by a linear guide or a curved guide in which the headrest is guided.

[0026] For example, the support rod is firmly connected to the headrest part. For example, two support rods are connected to the headrest part. A guide is provided for each support rod, which is assigned to the first holding element. The guide is formed, for example, in the first holding element. For example, at least one recess is formed in the first holding element, in which the support rod is guided. Alternatively, the guide is fastened, for example, to the first holding element.

[0027] The height adjustment device can, for example, include an electric drive, so that the movement of the support rods with the headrest is controlled by the drive. Even when using the electric drive, the support rods can be locked in different height positions using a locking device described below. Alternatively, the electric drive can be self-locking, making additional locking unnecessary. The support rod then remains in the position set by the electric drive.

[0028] One embodiment is characterized in that a locking device is provided, by means of which the headrest part can be locked at different height positions relative to the vehicle seat, in particular relative to the first holding part. The locking device comprises, for example, first locking means assigned to the first holding element and second locking means assigned to the support rod. In a locking position, the locking means are engaged and movement of the support rod is not possible in at least one direction. In the locking position, for example, movement of the support rod in both directions may not be possible. In an adjustment position, movement of the support rod is possible in both directions.

[0029] Further advantages are evident from an exemplary embodiment schematically illustrated in the figures. Fig. 1 a perspective view of the headrest including a bearing device, wherein a gear device is arranged in a middle position and a height adjustment device is arranged in a lower position, Fig. 2 based on Fig. 1 the headrest, wherein the transmission device is arranged in a front position, Fig. 3 the headrest in accordance with Fig. 1, wherein the height adjustment device is arranged in an upper position, Fig. 4 the headrest in accordance with Fig. 2, wherein the height adjustment device is arranged in an upper position, Fig. 5 a front view of the headrest according to view arrow V in Fig. 3, with the gear device in the middle position and the height adjustment device in the upper position, Fig. 6 a sectional view according to section line VI - VI in Fig. 5, Fig. 7 a sectional view according to section line VII - VII in Fig. 5, Fig. 8 based on Fig. 6, the headrest in the front position of the transmission device, Fig. 9 based on Fig. 7, the headrest in the front position of the transmission device, Fig. 10 is a side view of the headrest, wherein the gear mechanism is shown in a rear position, the middle position and the front position, wherein the height adjustment device is shown in an upper and a lower position in each of the mentioned positions of the gear mechanism, Fig. 11 is a side view of the bearing device, wherein the gear device of the headrest is arranged in the middle position and wherein the support rods are arranged in the lower position, Fig. 12 the storage device based on Fig. 11, wherein the transmission device is arranged in the front position, Fig. 13 is a perspective view of the headrest with bearing device, with the gear device in the forward position, the retaining elements not being shown and with hidden lines being shown.

[0030] The headrest as a whole is designated by reference numeral 10 in the figures. The same reference numerals in the different figures indicate corresponding parts, even if lowercase letters are added or omitted.

[0031] The headrest 10 comprises a headrest part 11, which is only Fig. 1 is schematically represented by a dashed line and is indicated in the remaining figures by a connecting region 28, which is part of the headrest part 11. The connecting region 28 of the headrest part 11 is firmly connected to support rods 12a and 12b. The support rods 12a and 12b are part of a bearing device 13, with which the headrest part 11 is mounted so as to be movable relative to a vehicle seat 15 in the directions x1 and x2 as well as in the directions z1 and z2, as shown, for example, in the Fig. 1 to 4. The directions x1 and x2 are parallel to an x-axis and the directions z1 and z2 are parallel to a z-axis of a spatially fixed coordinate system consisting of the x-axis, y-axis and z-axis.

[0032] The bearing device 13 comprises a height adjustment device 14 and a gear device 18. The gear device 18 comprises a first holding element 16 and a second holding element 17. The second holding element 17 is fixedly connected to the backrest of the vehicle seat 15. The first holding element 16 and the second holding element 17 are part of two four-bar linkages 27a and 27b, which are formed on opposite side regions of the first holding element 16 and the second holding element 17.

[0033] The four-bar linkage 27a comprises vertically extending links 19a and 20a, and the four-bar linkage 27b comprises links 19b and 20b. Links 19a and 19b, as well as links 20a and 20b, are connected to each other by cross braces 21 for stability. The cross braces 21 are firmly attached to links 19a and 19b and to links 20a and 20b, respectively.

[0034] The link 19a forms a joint G1a with the first holding element 16 and a joint G2a with the second holding element 17. The link 20a forms a joint G3a with the first holding element 16 and a joint G4a with the second holding element 17. Similarly, the link 19b forms a joint G1b with the first holding element 16 and a joint G2b with the second holding element 17. The link 20b forms a joint G3b with the first holding element 16 and a joint G4b with the second holding element 17.

[0035] The joints G1a, G3a, G1b, and G3b are arranged, for example, at an upper end region 34 of the holding element 16. In this way, by means of the gear device 18, the first holding element 16 is movable relative to the second holding element 17 between a rear position and a front position - regardless of the height position of the headrest part 11 or the position of the support rods 12a and 12b (see, for example, Fig. 10).

[0036] E.g. in Fig. 11 shows that the distance I1 between the joints G1b and G3b is greater than the distance I2 between the joints G2b and G4b. The four-bar linkages 27a and 27b are designed as trapezoidal four-bar linkages. In this way, the first holding element 16 is moved and tilted in the direction x1 or x2 during the movement of the transmission device 18 from the rear position to the front position (cf. Fig. 6 and Fig. 7). In the Fig. 1, Fig. 3, Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7 and Fig. 11, the gear device 18 is arranged in the middle position and in the Fig. 2, Fig. 4, Fig. 8, Fig. 9, Fig. 12 and Fig. 13, the transmission device 18 is arranged in a front position. In Fig. 10 shows a rear position, the middle position and the front position of the transmission device 18.

[0037] A longitudinal center line m1 of the support rods 12a and 12b coincides with a longitudinal center line of the recesses 32. An instantaneous rotation axis a of the gear device 18 (see Fig. 10) is formed by the intersection of center lines m2 and m3 through the upper joint and the lower joint of each link 19a and 20a, and 19b and 20b. During movement between the front and rear positions, the support rods 12a and 12b are pivoted in directions u1 and u2, respectively, displacing the head support member 11 in directions x1 and x2, respectively. The gear device 18 can be biased to the front position or the rear position, for example, by a return device such as a spring.

[0038] The gear device 18 has a locking device 22. The locking device 22 comprises abutment elements 31 with toothings 23a and 23b that are firmly connected to the second holding element 17 (see, for example, the Fig. 5, Fig. 7 and Fig. 9), which cooperate with a latch 24 held on the first holding element 16. The latch 24 is mounted in the first holding element 16 so as to be movable in directions v1 and v2 between a release position and a locking position.

[0039] A not-shown operating element for the latch 24 could, for example, be arranged on the headrest part 11. If this—as in the present embodiment—is movable with a height adjustment in the directions z1 and z2, an unlocking movement of the operating element could be transmitted from the operating element to the latch 24 by means of a coupling element. According to an alternative, however, the operating element could also be arranged on the transmission device.

[0040] The directions v1 and v2 are permanently assigned to the first holding element 16. They therefore move with the first holding element 16 in the different positions of the gear mechanism 18. In the locking position, the locking bar 24 engages the teeth 23a and 23b. Movement of the gear mechanism 18 between the front and rear positions is not possible in the locking position.

[0041] In the release position (not shown), the latch 24 is disengaged from the toothings 23a and 23b. The first retaining element 16 can be moved between the front position and the rear position. The latch 24 is biased, for example, by a return element (not shown) in direction v2 into the locking position. From the locking position, the user can move the latch 24 into the release position by displacing it in direction v1. The adjustment of the locking device between the locking position and the release position and / or the adjustment of the gear device between the rear position and the front position can be effected automatically by means of at least one electric drive.

[0042] Regardless of the position of the gear device 18, the support rods 12a and 12b are movable with the height adjustment device 14 relative to the first holding element 16 in the directions v1 or v2 between the eg in the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 shown lower position and the one shown in the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4. In the middle position of the gear device 18, the directions of movement v1 and v2 coincide with the directions z1 and z2. Because the upper holding element 16 assumes different inclination positions when the gear device 18 moves between the rear position and the front position, the directions of movement v1 and v2 as well as the directions of movement z1 and z2 differ from one another in positions deviating from the middle position.

[0043] During their movement, the support rods 12a and 12b are guided by guides 29 which are formed in recesses 32 of the first holding element 16 (see the Fig. 11 and Fig. 12). By means of a locking device 25, the support rods 12a and 12b can be locked in the set height position.

[0044] The locking device 25 comprises an arrangement 26a and 26b of notches 33 formed on each of the support rods 12a and 12b, as well as a locking element 30 that is firmly received in the first holding element 16 and that can be releasably engaged with one of the notches of the arrangements 26a and 26b. In a locking position of the locking device 25, the locking element 30 engages with one of the notches, and the headrest part 11 is locked in the adjusted height position with respect to at least one of the directions of movement v1 and v2. In an adjustment position, each locking element is disengaged from the notches. The headrest part 11 is then movable in the directions v1 and v2—independently of the position of the gear device 18.

[0045] The adjustment of the locking device 25 between the locking position and the adjustment position as well as the displacement of the support rods 12a and 12b between the lower position and the upper position can be carried out by means of at least one electric drive.

Claims

[1] Headrest (10) for a seat, in particular for a vehicle seat (15), with a headrest part (11) which can be mounted on a vehicle seat (15) by means of a bearing device (13), wherein the bearing device (13) comprises a gear device (18) with a first holding element (16) assigned to the headrest part (11) and a second holding element (17) fixed to the seat part, wherein the first holding element (16) and the second holding element (17) are connected to one another by links (19a, 19b, 20a, 20b) in such a way that at least one four-bar linkage (27a, 27b) is formed, by means of which the headrest part (11) can be moved relative to the vehicle seat (15) between a front position moved forward towards the head of a seat occupant and a rear position moved back, wherein each four-bar linkage (27a, 27b) has a first linkage (19a, 19b) and a second link (20a, 20b), each link (19a, 19b, 20a,20b) forms a joint (G1a, G2a, G3a, G4a, G1b, G2b, G3b, G4b) with the first holding element (16) and with the second holding element (17), , characterized by that the distance (I1) between the two joints (G1a, G3a, G1b, G3b) formed on the first holding element (16) is different from the distance (I2) between the joints (G2a, G4a, G2b, G4b) formed on the second holding element (17) and that the links (19a, 19b, 20a, 20b) extend approximately vertically between the first holding element (16) and the second holding element (17). [2] Headrest (10) according to claim 1, characterized by that the distance (I1) between two upper joints (G1a, G3a, G1b, G3b) formed on the first holding element (16) is greater than the distance (I2) between two lower joints (G2a, G4a, G2b, G4b) formed on the second holding element (17). [3] Headrest (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the first holding element (16) and the second holding element (17) are part of the first four-bar linkage (27a) and the second four-bar linkage (27b). [4] Headrest (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a locking device (22) is provided, by means of which the first holding element (16) can be locked in different positions during movement between the front position and the rear position. [5] Headrest (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the headrest part (11) is movable relative to the vehicle seat (15) between an upper position and a lower position by means of a height adjustment device (14). [6] Headrest (10) according to claim 5, characterized bythat the height adjustment device (14) comprises at least one support rod (12a, 12b) connected to the head support part (11) and at least one guide (29) assigned to the first holding element (26) for supporting and guiding the support rod (12a, 12b). [7] Headrest (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a locking device (25) is provided, by means of which the headrest part (11) can be locked in different height positions relative to the vehicle seat (15). [8] Headrest (10) according to claim 7, characterized by that the locking device (25) has locking means associated with the first holding element (16) and locking means associated with the head support part (11), wherein the locking means can be releasably engaged.

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