Device for attaching a headrest to a vehicle seat and associated vehicle seat

Abstract

Headrest Fixing Device for a Vehicle Seat and Associated Vehicle Seat. The present invention relates to a headrest fixing device for a vehicle seat with the possibility of adjusting the headrest relative to the vehicle seat along an adjustment axis (R-R'). The fixing device comprises a receiving space for a headrest support element, a locking element (24) movable between a locked position and an unlocked position, a control member (26), and a transmission mechanism (28) comprising at least one rotatable transmission element (38) movable in rotation about an axis of rotation (E-E') parallel to the adjustment axis (R-R'). A rotation of each transmission element (38) causes the locking element (24) to move from the locked position to the unlocked position. (See Figure 4 for abbreviations.)

Description

Title of the invention: Device for attaching a headrest to a vehicle seat and associated vehicle seat

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for fixing a headrest on a vehicle seat and an associated vehicle seat.

[0002] A vehicle seat headrest generally includes a support element, in particular intended to support the head of a passenger, and at least one support element, for example a fixing rod, fixed to the seat by a fixing device.

[0003] In order to allow in particular an adjustment of the height of the support element relative to the seat back, the support element, for example a fixing rod, is attached in a mobilizable manner in translation substantially vertically on the seat back.

[0004] Generally, the fastening device also includes a locking device to block the translational mobility of the fastening rod and thus immobilize the support element in a predefined position.

[0005] In a known manner, this locking device is, for example, a locking button, particularly located at the top of the fixing rod. Alternatively, it is also known to arrange the locking device at the bottom of the fixing rod. However, such locking devices are usually formed by a complex mechanism.

[0006] Moreover, such locking devices may, for example, be based on a vertical transmission of a control movement between a control member and a locking element, which leads to risks of friction and therefore reduces their robustness.

[0007] Alternatively, such locking devices can, for example, be formed by a movable lever arm around a pivot of rotation, which allows the movement of the lock to leave the translation of the headrest free.

[0008] One of the aims of the invention is therefore to provide a device for fixing a headrest on a vehicle seat that is robust and easy to assemble.

[0009] To this end, the invention relates to a device for attaching a headrest to a vehicle seat with the possibility of adjusting the headrest relative to the vehicle seat along an adjustment axis. The attachment device comprises a receiving space for receiving a headrest support element, and a locking element movable between a locked position in which the locking element prevents the support element from moving along the adjustment axis, and an unlocked position in which the locking element releases the support element. a support in translation along the adjustment axis, a control member and a transmission mechanism comprising at least one rotating transmission element movable in rotation around an axis of rotation parallel to the adjustment axis, a rotation of each transmission element causing the locking element to move from the locking position to the unlocking position.

[0010] According to specific embodiments, the fastening device comprises one or more of the following features, taken individually or in all technically possible combinations: - The control element is movable in translation along a direction of translation perpendicular to the adjustment axis. - The axis of rotation of each transmission element is distinct from the adjustment axis. - The axis of rotation of each transmission element coincides with the adjustment axis. - The fixing device includes a tubular sleeve delimiting the receiving space, each transmission element being rotationally mounted on the tubular sleeve, preferably outside the tubular sleeve. - The locking element is movable in translation between the locked position and the unlocked position. - The locking element is movable in translation along a translation axis perpendicular to the adjustment axis, preferably radial relative to the adjustment axis. - The locking element extends into the receiving space in the locked position and is clear of the receiving space or extends less into the receiving space in the unlocked position. - Each transmission element comprises a first cooperation element through which it engages with the control unit and a second cooperation element through which it engages with the locking element. - The first cooperation element and the second cooperation element are at a distance from each other along the axis of rotation of the transmission element. - The transmission mechanism comprises two transmission elements. - The two transmission elements pivot in opposite directions of rotation to move the locking element from the locked position to the unlocked position. - The fastening device includes a return device comprising at least one elastic return member arranged to return 1” locking element from the unlocked position to the locked position.

[0011] The invention also relates to a motor vehicle seat comprising a seat back equipped with a fastening device as described above for attaching a headrest to the seat back, the receiving space being preferably provided in the seat back.

[0012] The invention and its advantages will be better understood upon reading the following description, given solely by way of non-limiting example, and made with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0013] [Fig-1] [Fig.1] is a schematic view of elements of a vehicle seat including a fastening device according to the invention;

[0014] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a schematic side view of a fastening device according to first embodiment of the invention;

[0015] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a cross-sectional view along axis III-III of the fastening device the [Fig.2] with the locking element in the locked position;

[0016] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a cross-sectional view along axis III-III of the fastening device [Fig. 2] with the locking element in the unlocked position; and

[0017] [Fig. 5] [Fig. 6] Figures 5 and 6 are cross-sectional views of a fastening device according to the second embodiment of the invention in the locked position ([Fig.5]) and in the unlocked position ([Fig.6]).

[0018] [Fig.7] [Fig.8] Figures 7 and 8 are cross-sectional views of a fastening device according to the third embodiment of the invention in the locked position ([Fig.7]) and in the unlocked position ([Fig.8]).

[0019] Fig. 1 illustrates elements of a vehicle seat 10, in particular a motor vehicle.

[0020] The seat 10 includes a seat back 12 configured to define in a known manner a support surface for a passenger seated on the seat 10.

[0021] The seat 10 is equipped with a fastening device 14 for attaching a headrest 16 to the seat back 12.

[0022] A headrest 16 more particularly includes a support element (not illustrated), in particular intended to support the head of a passenger, and at least one support element 18.

[0023] As illustrated in [Fig.1], the support element 18 of the headrest 16 is, for example, a rod extending along a rod axis T-T'.

[0024] The support element 18 comprises, for example, at least one slot 20, and preferably a plurality of slots 20 spaced from each other along the axis of the rod T-T'.

[0025] The fastening device 14 is configured to fix the headrest 16 on the seat back 12 with the possibility of adjusting the headrest 16 relative to the vehicle seat 10 along an adjustment axis R-R'.

[0026] When the headrest 16 is fixed on the backrest 12, the adjustment axis R-R' is preferably substantially parallel to the rod axis T-T' of the support element 18.

[0027] In particular, the adjustment axis R-R' is substantially vertical when the seat 10 is mounted in the motor vehicle in a normal operating configuration.

[0028] In other words, the fixing device 14 allows height adjustment of the headrest 16, and in particular of the position of its support element (not illustrated).

[0029] The fastening device 14 includes a receiving space 22, a locking element 24, a control member 26 and a transmission mechanism 28.

[0030] The receiving space 22 is adapted to receive the support element 18 of the headrest 16.

[0031] More particularly, the receiving space 22 is configured so as to allow translational mobility of the support element 18 along the adjustment axis R-R', so as to adjust the headrest 16 relative to the seat 10. The support element 18 is received in the receiving space 22 by sliding along the adjustment axis R-R'.

[0032] The receiving space 22 is preferably provided in the seat back 12.

[0033] According to a particular embodiment, the fastening device 14 comprises a tubular sleeve 30 delimiting the receiving space 22.

[0034] In particular, the tubular sleeve 30 extends along the adjustment axis R-R' and is provided in the seat back 12.

[0035] The locking element 24 is movable between a locking position illustrated in Figures 2 and 3 and an unlocking position illustrated in [Fig.4].

[0036] Preferably, the locking element 24 is movable in translation along a translation axis V-V' between the locking position and the unlocking position.

[0037] Advantageously, the translation axis V-V' is perpendicular to the adjustment axis R-R', preferably radial relative to the adjustment axis R-R'.

[0038] In the locking position, the locking element 24 blocks the support element 18 in translation along the adjustment axis R-R'.

[0039] In particular, in the locking position, the support element 18 is not movable in translation along the adjustment axis R-R' in the receiving space 22.

[0040] More specifically, the locking element 24 extends into the receiving space 22 in the locked position, so as to prevent the translation of the support element 18 in the receiving space 22.

[0041] In a particular embodiment of the invention illustrated in [Fig.2], in the locked position, the locking element 24 is for example housed in one of the slots 20 provided in the support element 18.

[0042] In the unlocked position, the locking element 24 releases the support element 18 in translation along the adjustment axis R-R'.

[0043] In particular, in the locking position, the support element 18 is movable in translation along the adjustment axis R-R' in the receiving space 22.

[0044] More specifically, the locking element 24 is clear of the receiving space 22 or extends less into the receiving space 22 in the unlocked position, so as to allow the translation of the support element 18 into the receiving space 22.

[0045] The locking element 24 is for example formed by a cylinder extending along a cylinder axis, in particular perpendicular to the adjustment axis R-R' and to the translation axis V-V'.

[0046] The locking element 24 has, for example, a round, square, rectangular or oblong section.

[0047] Advantageously, the control member 26 is movable in translation along a translation direction D-D' perpendicular to the adjustment axis R-R'.

[0048] Preferably, the translation direction D-D' is substantially parallel to the translation axis V-V' of the locking element 24.

[0049] For example, the control organ 26 can be manually operated by a passenger to unlock / lock the support element 18.

[0050] More particularly, as will be explained in more detail below, the translation of the control member 26 from a first position ([Fig.3]) to a second position ([Fig.4]) causes the locking element 24 to translate from the locking position to the unlocking position.

[0051] The control member 26 includes for example an upper plate 32 defining an opening 34, which preferably defines the insertion opening of the receiving space 22, and in particular of the tubular sleeve 30.

[0052] Advantageously, the upper plate 32 extends in a plane perpendicular to the receiving space 22.

[0053] Preferably, the control member 26 comprises at least one leg 36, and preferably two legs 36, each extending in projection from the upper plate 32 towards the receiving space 22.

[0054] The transmission mechanism 28 comprises at least one transmission element 38.

[0055] As illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, the transmission mechanism 28 preferably comprises two transmission elements 38.

[0056] Each transmission element 38 is rotatable, and in particular mobile in rotation around an axis of rotation E-E' parallel to the adjustment axis R-R'.

[0057] For example, in the embodiment illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, each transmission element 38 is rotationally mounted on the tubular sleeve 30, preferably inside the tubular sleeve 30.

[0058] In the particular embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, the axis of rotation E-E' of each transmission element 38 is distinct from the adjustment axis R-R'.

[0059] Preferably, each transmission element 38 is mounted rotatably via pivot elements.

[0060] More specifically, in this particular embodiment, the rotation axes E-E' of the two transmission elements 38 are equidistant from the adjustment axis R-R', and in particular extending on either side of the support element 18. Preferably, each transmission element 38 comprises a first cooperation element 40 through which it engages with the control member 26 and a second cooperation element 42 through which it engages with the locking element 24.

[0061] For example, in the particular embodiment illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, each transmission element 38 comprises a rod 44 extending along the axis of rotation E-E' and two protruding lugs of the rod 44, each defining respectively the first cooperation element 40 and the second cooperation element 42.

[0062] In this embodiment, the rod 44 of each transmission element 38 is, for example, supported against the support element 18.

[0063] Advantageously, the first cooperation element 40 and the second cooperation element 42 are at a distance from each other along the axis of rotation E-E' of the transmission element 38.

[0064] For example, in the particular embodiment illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, the first cooperation element 40 and the second cooperation element 42 are at different heights along the rod 44.

[0065] More specifically, the first cooperation element 40 is, for example, arranged at the upper end of the rod 44 and the second cooperation element 42 is, for example, arranged at the lower end of the rod 44. The upper end of the rod 44 is close to the control member 26. The lower end of the rod 44 is far from the control member 26.

[0066] Preferably, the translation of the control member 26 is configured to drive the rotation of each transmission element 38.

[0067] For example, during the translation of the control member 26 from its first position illustrated in [Fig. 3] to its second position illustrated in [Fig. 4], the control member 26, in particular each of its legs 36, is configured to come in contact with each transmission element 38 and in particular to push the first cooperation element 40, so as to cause the rotation of each transmission element 38 around its axis of rotation E-E'.

[0068] Each transmission element 38 is, moreover, configured so that its rotation causes the locking element 24 to move from the locking position to the unlocking position.

[0069] In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 3 and 4 in which the transmission mechanism 28 comprises two transmission elements 38, the two transmission elements 38 pivot in opposite directions of rotation to move the locking element 24 from the locking position to the unlocking position.

[0070] For example, as illustrated in [Fig.4], each transmission element 38 is configured so that its rotation causes a rotation of the second cooperation element 42 which pushes the locking element 24, thus causing its translation from the locking position to the unlocking position.

[0071] In other words, the transmission mechanism 28 is configured so as to transform the translational movement of the control member 26 from the first position to the second position into a translational movement of the locking member 24 from the locking position to the unlocking position.

[0072] Each transmission element 38 of the transmission mechanism 28 is, for example, made of plastic.

[0073] Advantageously, the fastening device 14 further includes a return device 46 comprising at least one elastic return member 48 arranged to return the locking element 24 from the unlocked position to the locked position.

[0074] In particular, when the control member 26 has moved from the second position to the first position, the elastic return member 48 causes the locking element 24 to move from the unlocking position ([Fig.4]) to the locking position ([Fig.3]), so as in particular to lock the support element 18 in the desired position.

[0075] As illustrated in [Fig.2], the elastic return member 48 is for example a leaf spring linked to the locking element 24 and supported by the support element 18.

[0076] A fixing of the headrest 16 on the seat back 12 and an adjustment of the headrest 16 relative to the vehicle seat 10 by the fixing device 14 as described above will now be described.

[0077] As illustrated in [Fig.1], the support element 18 of the headrest 16 is inserted into the receiving space 22, and in particular into the tubular sleeve 30 along the adjustment axis R-R'.

[0078] Following this insertion, the locking element 24 is in the locked position. In particular, the locking element 24 comes to rest in the receiving space 22, and for example in one of the slots 20 provided in the support element 18.

[0079] The control member 26 is in its first position, as illustrated in [Fig.3],

[0080] The headrest 16 is thus fixed on the seat back 12 at a first height relative to the vehicle seat 10.

[0081] For an adjustment of the headrest 16 relative to the vehicle seat 10, the control member 26 is moved from its first position to its second position along the translational direction D-D' perpendicular to the adjustment axis R-R', for example under the action of a user pressing a push button linked to the control member 26.

[0082] Said translational movement of the control member 26 from the first position to the second position is transmitted by the transmission mechanism 28 into a translational movement of the locking element 24 from the locking position to the unlocking position.

[0083] In particular, during the translation of the control member 26 from its first position illustrated in [Fig.3] to its second position illustrated in [Fig.4], the control member 26, in particular each of its legs 36, comes into contact with each transmission element 38 and in particular pushes each first cooperation element 40, thus causing the rotation of each transmission element 38.

[0084] The rotation of each transmission element 38 causes a rotation of the second cooperation element 42 which pushes the locking element 24 thus causing its translation from the locking position to the unlocking position as illustrated in [Fig.4].

[0085] The support element 18 of the headrest 16 can then be moved by translation along the adjustment axis R-R' to the desired position.

[0086] Preferably, thanks to the elastic return member 48, the locking element 24 then automatically returns to the locking position, so as to lock the headrest 16 in the new position.

[0087] Such a fastening device 14 allows adjustable fastening of a headrest 16 on a seat 10.

[0088] In particular, compared to the known prior art, the fastening device 14 allows locking and unlocking without the use of a complex mechanism, thanks in particular to the transmission mechanism 28 comprising transmission elements 38 that are easy to assemble.

[0089] Moreover, such a fastening device 14 is robust, in particular thanks to a reduction in the risk of friction, in particular thanks to the spacing between the first cooperation element 40 and the second cooperation element 42 of each transmission element 38.

[0090] The invention is not limited to the embodiments and variants described above.

[0091] In particular, a fastening device 14 according to a second embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figures 5 and 6 is described below.

[0092] The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment only in the position of the transmission element(s) 38.

[0093] In particular, in this second particular embodiment, the axis of rotation E-E' of each transmission element 38 is located outside the tubular sleeve 30.

[0094] More particularly, as can be seen in Figures 5 and 6, the rods 44 of each transmission element 38 are not in contact with the support element 18.

[0095] This second embodiment has the advantage of having a smaller footprint than the first embodiment.

[0096] In addition, a fastening device 14 according to a third embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figures 7 and 8 is described below.

[0097] The third embodiment differs from the first embodiment only in the transmission element(s) 38.

[0098] In particular, in this third particular embodiment, the rotation axis E-E' of each transmission element 38 coincides with the adjustment axis R-R'.

[0099] For example, as illustrated in Figures 7 and 8, in this embodiment, each transmission element 38 comprises a first part 50 in the form of an arc of a circle coaxial with the support element 18.

[0100] Preferably, the first cooperation element 40 and the second cooperation element 42 each extend in projection from the first part 50.

[0101] In this embodiment, the transformation of the translational movement of the control member 26 from the first position to the second position by the transmission mechanism 28 into a translational movement of the locking element 24 from the locking position ([Fig.7]) to the unlocking position ([Fig.8]) is carried out in a manner analogous to the first embodiment.

[0102] In an unillustrated variant, the control member is movable in translation along a translation direction D-D' not perpendicular to the adjustment axis R-R'.

[0103] In particular, the translation direction D-D' forms, for example, an angle between 50° and 80° with the adjustment axis R-R'.

[0104] According to another variant not shown, the two transmission elements 38 pivot in the same direction of rotation to move the locking element 24 from the locking position to the unlocking position.

Claims

Demands

1. A fastening device (14) for a headrest (16) on a vehicle seat (10) with the possibility of adjusting the headrest (16) relative to the vehicle seat (10) along an adjustment axis (R-R'), the fastening device (14) comprising a receiving space (22) for receiving a support element (18) of the headrest (16), a locking element (24) movable between a locked position in which the locking element (24) prevents the support element (18) from moving along the adjustment axis (R-R') and an unlocked position in which the locking element (24) releases the support element (18) from moving along the adjustment axis (R-R'), a control member (26) and a transmission mechanism (28) comprising at least one rotating transmission element (38) movable about an axis of rotation (E-E') parallel to the adjustment axis (R-R'),a rotation of each transmission element (38) causing the locking element (24) to move from the locked position to the unlocked position.

2. A fastening device (14) according to claim 1, wherein the control member (26) is movable in translation along a direction of translation (D-D') perpendicular to the adjustment axis (R-R').

3. K). Fixing device (14) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the axis of rotation (E-E') of each transmission element (38) is distinct from the adjustment axis (R-R').

4. Fixing device (14) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the axis of rotation (E-E') of each transmission element (38) coincides with the adjustment axis (R-R').

5. A fastening device (14) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a tubular sleeve (30) delimiting the receiving space (22), each transmission element (38) being rotationally mounted on the tubular sleeve (30), preferably outside the tubular sleeve (30).

6. A fastening device (14) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking element (24) is movable in translation between the locking position and the unlocking position.

7. Fixing device (14) according to claim 6, wherein the locking element (24) is movable in translation along a translation axis (V-V') perpendicular to the adjustment axis (R-R'), preferably radial relative to the adjustment axis (R-R').

8. A fastening device (14) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking element (24) extends into the receiving space (22) in the locked position and is clear of the receiving space (22) or extends less into the receiving space (22) in the unlocked position.

9. Fixing device (14) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each transmission element (38) comprises a first cooperation element (40) through which it engages with the control member (26) and a second cooperation element (42) through which it engages with the locking element (24).

10. Fixing device (14) according to claim 9, wherein the first cooperation element (40) and the second cooperation element (42) are spaced apart from each other along the axis of rotation (E-E') of the transmission element (38).

11. A fastening device (14) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the transmission mechanism (28) comprises two transmission elements (38).

12. A fastening device (14) according to claim 11, wherein the two transmission elements (38) pivot in opposite directions of rotation to move the locking element (24) from the locking position to the unlocking position.

13. A fastening device (14) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a return device (46) including at least one elastic return member (48) arranged to return the locking element (24) from the unlocked position to the locked position.

14. Motor vehicle seat (10) comprising a seat back (12) having a fastening device (14) according to any one of the preceding claims for fastening a headrest (16) to the seat back (12), the receiving space (22) preferably being provided in the seat back (12).

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