Headrest

Abstract

To provide a headrest capable of properly transmitting sound to a seated person.SOLUTION: The headrest 1 has a pad 2 for elastically supporting the head of a seated person, a stay 4 for supporting the pad 2, a vibrator 5 supported by the pad 2 so as to vibrate by receiving an electric signal from the outside, and a diaphragm 6 integrally assembled to the vibrator 5 so as to vibrate by receiving the vibration of the vibrator 5 in front of the vibrator 5. The vibrator 5 and the diaphragm 6 are supported by the pad 2 so as not to directly contact the stay 4.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a headrest, and more particularly to a headrest equipped with a vibrator that can be used for sound reproduction. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a headrest for a vehicle seat that has a diaphragm attached to a stay and a vibrator attached to the center of the diaphragm. When the vibrator receives an electric signal, it vibrates, and sounds are output from a position close to the ears of the seated person. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-19064 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the above document, the vibrator is placed between the headrest and the seat back so that it is exposed to the outside of the seat. In addition, because the diaphragm is attached to a stay, the vibration of the vibrator is transmitted to the seat back through the stay. As a result, the sound generated by the vibrator is dispersed to the outside of the seat and the seat back, and there is a risk that it will not be properly transmitted to the ears of the seated occupant. Therefore, we provide a headrest that can properly transmit sound to the seated occupant. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In order to solve the above problems, the headrest of the present invention takes the following measures.

[0006] The first invention of the present invention is a headrest comprising a pad that elastically supports the head of a seated occupant, a stay that supports the pad, a vibrator supported on the pad so as to vibrate in response to an external electrical signal, and a vibration plate that is integrally assembled with the vibrator in front of the vibrator so as to vibrate in response to vibrations from the vibrator, wherein the vibrator and the vibration plate are supported on the pad so as not to come into direct contact with the stay.

[0007] With this configuration, the diaphragm can amplify the sound generated in front of the vibrator and directed toward the seated occupant. In addition, because the vibrator and the diaphragm do not come into direct contact with the stay, the sound can be prevented from being dispersed to the outside of the headrest via the stay. This allows the sound to be transmitted appropriately to the seated occupant.

[0008] A second aspect of the present invention is a headrest according to the first aspect, wherein the vibrator is a columnar member with an axis oriented in the front-rear direction, and the pad surrounds the vibrator from the rear and all around the axis to spatially separate the vibrator from the stay. This configuration makes it more difficult for sound generated by the vibrator to be transmitted to the stay, thereby more appropriately suppressing sound dispersion to the outside.

[0009] A third aspect of the present invention is a headrest according to the first or second aspect, wherein the diaphragm is disposed forward of the center of the pad in the front-to-rear direction. This configuration allows the diaphragm to be positioned closer to the head of the seated occupant, thereby making it easier to transmit sound toward the seated occupant.

[0010] A fourth aspect of the present invention is the headrest according to the first or second aspect, wherein the vibrators are provided on the pad in a pair on the left and right sides. With this configuration, sound can be transmitted to the seated occupant in stereo.

[0011] A fifth aspect of the present invention is a headrest according to the first or second aspect, wherein the diaphragm has a surface larger than that of the vibrator in a front view. With this configuration, the vibration surface portion can appropriately amplify the sound generated by the vibrator. For example, the sound can be easily transmitted appropriately even when the seated person lifts their head off the headrest.

[0012] A sixth aspect of the present invention is the headrest according to the first or second aspect, wherein the pad is foam-molded integrally with the vibrator. According to the above configuration, the vibrator can be easily provided on the pad.

[0013] A seventh aspect of the present invention is a headrest according to the first or second aspect, wherein the pad has a cover portion that covers the diaphragm from the front. With this configuration, the cover portion can softly support the head of the seated occupant in front of the diaphragm, thereby improving the comfort of using the headrest.

[0014] An eighth aspect of the present invention is a headrest according to the first or second aspect, wherein the diaphragm is attached to the headrest so as to contact from the front side with an exposed portion of the vibrator that is exposed forward from the pad. With this configuration, the diaphragm can appropriately amplify sound generated forward from the exposed portion of the vibrator. This allows the sound to be appropriately transmitted to a seated occupant in front. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front view of a headrest according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the headrest with the cover removed. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the pad exploded into a front pad and a rear pad. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of FIG. 3 as seen from behind. [Figure 5] FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of FIG. 5 as seen from behind. [Figure 7]7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII in FIG. 1 and a side view showing the positional relationship of a seated occupant. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII in FIG. 7. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 8. In the following description, when directions such as front, back, up, down, left, and right are indicated, they refer to the directions shown in each figure. Furthermore, when the term "seat width direction" is used, it refers to the left and right direction of a headrest 1, which will be described later.

[0017] First Embodiment First, a headrest 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the headrest 1 is configured as a headrest portion of an automobile seat. The headrest 1 has a pad 2 that elastically supports a seated occupant. The headrest 1 has a pair of left and right vibrators 5 provided inside the pad 2. Each vibrator 5 vibrates upon receiving an electric signal from a control device (not shown). This causes each vibrator 5 to output sound. Therefore, the headrest 1 can play music using each vibrator 5.

[0018] As shown in Figures 5 and 7, the headrest 1 has a pair of left and right diaphragms 6 provided in front of each vibrator 5. Each diaphragm 6 vibrates in response to the vibration of each vibrator 5. Therefore, each diaphragm 6 amplifies the sound generated forward from each vibrator 5. This allows the sound to be transmitted appropriately to the seated occupant. For example, even if the seated occupant lifts their head off the headrest 1, the sound can be transmitted appropriately to the seated occupant.

[0019] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the headrest 1 has a stay 4 that supports a pad 2. Each vibrator 5 and each diaphragm 6 is supported by the pad 2 so as not to come into direct contact with the stay 4. This makes it difficult for the vibrations of each vibrator 5 and each diaphragm 6 to be transmitted to the stay 4. This makes it possible to prevent the generated sound from being dispersed to the outside via the stay 4. This allows the sound to be transmitted more appropriately to the seated occupant.

[0020] <Headrest 1> Each component of the headrest 1 will be described in detail below. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 7, the headrest 1 includes a cover 3 that covers the outer periphery of the pad 2 and the stay 4 provided inside the pad 2. The stay 4 includes a pair of left and right legs 4a extending vertically and a connecting portion 4b that extends laterally to connect the upper ends of the legs 4a. The stay 4 is in an inverted U-shape when viewed from the front. Each leg 4a includes an upper leg 4c extending downward from the connecting portion 4b, a middle leg 4d extending diagonally downward and rearward from the lower end of the upper leg 4c, and a lower leg 4e extending downward from the lower end of the middle leg 4d. Note that the stay 4 does not have to be in an inverted U-shape when viewed from the front. For example, the stay 4 may have only a pair of left and right legs that form two I-shapes when viewed from the front.

[0021] Each lower leg 4e extends downward from the underside of the pad 2. Each lower leg 4e is attached to a seat back (not shown) from above, thereby assembling the headrest 1 integrally with the seat back. A plurality of locking grooves 4f are formed on the inner surface of the left lower leg 4e, aligned vertically. Each locking groove 4f is detachably engaged with a claw (not shown) provided at the upper end of the seat back. Each locking groove 4f is designed so that it is possible to selectively change which locking groove 4f is engaged with the claw. This allows the height of the headrest 1 to be adjusted in stages relative to the seat back.

[0022] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, an insertion hole 4g ​​is provided in each middle leg portion 4d of the stay 4. Wires (not shown) that send electrical signals to each transducer 5 are passed through each insertion hole 4g. That is, the wires extending from each transducer 5 extend into the stay 4 through each insertion hole 4g. The interior of the stay 4 is hollow, and its lower end opens toward the interior of the seat back. Therefore, each wire extends through the interior of the stay 4 into the interior of the seat back. The wires are then connected to a control device or power source (not shown) provided inside or below the seat back, for example. This allows the wires to be routed in an attractive manner without being exposed to the outside of the seat.

[0023] <Rear pad 20> As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the pad 2 has a front pad 10 and a rear pad 20 that can be separated into front and rear portions. The rear pad 20 has a rear pad main body 21 that forms a cushioning material. The rear pad main body 21 is made of molded urethane. The rear pad main body 21 has a rear main 22 that forms a central portion in the seat width direction, and a pair of left and right rear side portions 23 that form both side portions in the seat width direction. The front surface of the rear main 22 extends in a curved shape in the up-down direction along the curved shape of the stay 4.

[0024] <Front Pad 10> The front pad 10 has a front pad main body 11 that forms a cushioning material. The front pad main body 11 is made of molded urethane. The front pad main body 11 has a top panel main 12 that supports the seated occupant's head from behind, and a pair of top panel side panels 13 that support the seated occupant's head from both the left and right. The front surface of each top panel side 13 has a surface shape that protrudes diagonally forward from the inside to the outside in the seat width direction. The front pad main body 11 also has an insertion groove 14 in the center of its rear surface for inserting the stay 4. The insertion groove 14 extends along the shape of the stay 4.

[0025] As shown in Figure 8, the stay 4 is inserted into the insertion groove 14 and supported so as to be covered from the front side. Then, the rear pad body 21 is assembled to the front pad body 11, so that the stay 4 is supported from the rear by the rear main 22. In this way, the front pad 10 and the rear pad 20 sandwich and support the stay 4 from the front and rear directions. This allows the pad 2 and the stay 4 to be assembled together without rattling with each other.

[0026] <Covering part 30> As shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, the pad 2 has a pair of left and right cover portions 30 provided in front of each of the top panel sides 13. Each cover portion 30 is a planar member extending along the front surface of each of the top panel sides 13. Each cover portion 30 is formed of slab urethane. Each cover portion 30 is provided to cover each of the diaphragms 6 from the front. Each cover portion 30 gently supports the head of a seated occupant leaning against the headrest 1. Therefore, each cover portion 30 improves the comfort of using the headrest 1. Furthermore, each cover portion 30 is configured with larger air bubbles and a lower density than the front pad main body 11 and the rear pad main body 21. Therefore, each cover portion 30 allows sound to pass through relatively easily, making it less likely to obstruct the sound generated by each vibrator 5.

[0027] <Vibrator 5> As shown in Figures 3 and 5, each vibrator 5 is a substantially cylindrical member provided inside each top side panel 13. A voice coil and a magnet (not shown) are provided inside each vibrator 5. Each vibrator 5 vibrates due to electromagnetic force generated when a current flows through the voice coil. As a result, each vibrator 5 outputs sound to the surrounding area. Each vibrator 5 is set in advance in the mold for the front pad main body 11 when the front pad main body 11 is foam-molded. Therefore, each vibrator 5 is integrally joined to the front pad main body 11. This allows each vibrator 5 to be easily assembled to the front pad main body 11. Each vibrator 5 is supported by the front pad main body 11.

[0028] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, each vibrator 5 is disposed approximately in the center of the front pad main body 11 in the up-down direction. Each vibrator 5 is disposed so that its axis extends approximately in the front-to-back direction. The front surface of each vibrator 5 is exposed to the front side from the front pad main body 11 (front exposed portion 5a). Furthermore, the rear surface of each vibrator 5 is exposed to the rear side from the front pad main body 11 (rear exposed portion 5b). Here, the front exposed portion 5a corresponds to the "exposed portion" of the present invention.

[0029] 7 and 8, the outer peripheral surface 5c around the axis of each vibrator 5 is covered from all sides by the respective top panel sides 13 of the front pad main body 11. Each rear exposed portion 5b is covered from the rear by each rear side 23 of the rear pad main body 21. As a result, sound output from each vibrator 5 toward the outside in the radial direction is absorbed by the front pad main body 11. Also, sound output from each vibrator 5 toward the rear is absorbed by the rear pad main body 21.

[0030] <Diaphragm 6> As shown in Figures 5 and 6, each diaphragm 6 is a planar member extending along the front surface of each top side panel 13. Each diaphragm 6 is made of a resin molded product. Each diaphragm 6 has a vibration surface portion 6a facing forward and backward, and three protrusions (upper protrusion 6b, middle protrusion 6c, and lower protrusion 6d) protruding rearward from the vibration surface portion 6a. The protrusions 6b, 6c, and 6d are aligned vertically. Each diaphragm 6 also has a contact portion 6e between the middle protrusion 6c and the lower protrusion 6d that contacts each vibrator 5. Therefore, the distance between the middle protrusion 6c and the lower protrusion 6d is relatively large.

[0031] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, each diaphragm 6 is assembled so that its contact portion 6e directly contacts the front exposed portion 5a of each vibrator 5. Each diaphragm 6 is integrally assembled to each vibrator 5 using a locking member such as a claw (not shown). Note that each diaphragm 6 may also be assembled to each vibrator 5 using an adhesive. Each diaphragm 6 is integrally assembled to each vibrator 5 in advance, and then integrally bonded to the front pad main body 11 by foam molding of the front pad main body 11. This allows each diaphragm 6 to be easily assembled to the front pad main body 11. Each protrusion 6b, 6c, and 6d is embedded in the front pad main body 11. Each diaphragm 6 is appropriately supported by the front pad main body 11 by each protrusion 6b, 6c, and 6d. Note that the front pad main body 11 is adjusted to an appropriate hardness so as to elastically support a seated person without interfering with the vibration of each vibrator 5 and each diaphragm 6.

[0032] Each diaphragm 6 is directly assembled to each vibrator 5, thereby appropriately receiving the vibrations of each vibrator 5. Each vibrating surface portion 6a is thinner in the front-to-rear direction than each vibrator 5. Therefore, each vibrating surface portion 6a receives the vibrations of each vibrator 5 and vibrates appropriately. Furthermore, each vibrating surface portion 6a is formed to form a surface that is larger than the front exposed portion 5a of each vibrator 5 relative to the seated occupant. Therefore, each vibrating surface portion 6a can emit sound toward the seated occupant over a wider range than each vibrator 5. This allows each diaphragm 6 to appropriately amplify the sound generated from each vibrator 5.

[0033] 7 and 8, each vibrator 5 and each diaphragm 6 is provided so as to be located forward of the center in the front-to-rear direction of the entire pad 2. Therefore, each vibrator 5 and each diaphragm 6 is disposed in a position relatively close to the seated occupant, which makes it easier for the sound generated by each vibrator 5 to be transmitted to the seated occupant.

[0034] Each vibrator 5 is provided so as to be tilted diagonally downward and forward in a side view. Also, each vibrator 5 is provided so as to be tilted inward in the seat width direction in a plan view. This allows the axis of each vibrator 5 to extend toward the tragus point of an occupant with an average build (such as AM50). This makes it easier to transmit sound more appropriately toward the tragus point of the occupant.

[0035] To summarize the above, the headrest 1 according to the first embodiment has the following configuration: In the following, the reference numerals in parentheses correspond to the respective components shown in the above embodiment.

[0036] That is, the headrest (1) has a pad (2) that elastically supports the head of a seated person, a stay (4) that supports the pad (2), a vibrator (5) that is supported by the pad (2) so as to vibrate in response to an external electric signal, and a vibration plate (6) that is attached integrally to the vibrator (5) in front of the vibrator (5) so as to vibrate in response to vibrations from the vibrator (5). The vibrator (5) and the vibration plate (6) are supported by the pad (2) so as not to come into direct contact with the stay (4).

[0037] According to the above configuration, the diaphragm (6) can amplify the sound generated in front of the vibrator (5) and directed toward the seated occupant. In addition, since the vibrator (5) and the diaphragm (6) do not come into direct contact with the stay (4), the sound can be prevented from being dispersed to the outside of the headrest (1) via the stay (4). As a result, the sound can be transmitted appropriately to the seated occupant.

[0038] The vibrator (5) is a columnar member with its axis facing the front-rear direction. The pad (2) surrounds the vibrator (5) from the rear and all around the axis to spatially separate the vibrator (5) from the stay (4). This configuration makes it more difficult for sound generated by the vibrator (5) to be transmitted to the stay (4). This makes it possible to more appropriately suppress the dispersion of sound to the outside.

[0039] In addition, the diaphragm (6) is provided forward of the center of the pad (2) in the front-rear direction. With this configuration, the diaphragm (6) can be positioned closer to the head of the seated occupant, which makes it easier to transmit sound toward the seated occupant.

[0040] Furthermore, a pair of vibrators 5 are provided on the left and right sides of the pad 2. According to the above configuration, sound can be transmitted to the seated occupant in stereo.

[0041] Furthermore, the diaphragm (6) has a surface larger than that of the vibrator (5) when viewed from the front. With this configuration, the vibrating surface portion (6a) can appropriately amplify the sound generated by the vibrator (5). For example, even when the seated person lifts their head off the headrest (1), the sound can be easily transmitted appropriately.

[0042] Furthermore, the pad (2) is foam-molded integrally with the vibrator (5). According to the above-described configuration, the vibrator (5) can be easily attached to the pad (2).

[0043] The pad (2) also has a cover portion (30) that covers the diaphragm (6) from the front side. With this configuration, the cover portion (30) can softly support the head of the seated occupant in front of the diaphragm (6), thereby improving the comfort of using the headrest (1).

[0044] The diaphragm (6) is attached so as to contact the exposed portion (5a) of the vibrator (5) from the front side, the exposed portion (5a) being exposed forward from the pad (2). With this configuration, the diaphragm (6) can appropriately amplify the sound generated forward from the exposed portion (5a) of the vibrator (5). This allows the sound to be appropriately transmitted to the seated occupant in the front.

[0045] <Other embodiments> Although the present invention has been described above using one embodiment, the present invention can be embodied in various forms other than the above embodiment.

[0046] 1. The headrest can be widely applied to seats for automobiles as well as seats for various vehicles other than automobiles, such as trains, airplanes, ships, etc., as well as gaming chairs.

[0047] 2. The vibrator or diaphragm may be attached to the molded pad afterwards. Only one vibrator may be provided on the pad, or three or more may be provided. The vibrator may be provided on only one side of the pad, or in the center of the pad in the seat width direction. The vibrator may be provided behind the center of the pad in the front-to-back direction. The vibrator may be covered by the pad so as to leave a gap between it and the pad. A configuration may be adopted in which a stay is positioned in the gap between the vibrator and the pad so as not to come into direct contact with the vibrator. The vibrator may be configured so that it is not partially enclosed by the pad, for example, exposed toward the rear. The vibrator may be prismatic rather than cylindrical. The vibrator may be rectangular or any other shape.

[0048] 3. One diaphragm may be integrally assembled to multiple vibrators. Also, multiple diaphragms may be integrally assembled to one vibrator. The diaphragm may be shaped to extend elongatedly in the seat width direction, or may have any other shape that can amplify the sound of the vibrators. The diaphragm may be configured such that its size and shape are determined so as to amplify a specific frequency generated by the vibrator.

[0049] 4. The pad does not have to have a covering portion. The pad does not need to be divided into front and rear portions, and may be formed so that a single pad body is supported by the stay. The pad can function as a general speaker enclosure by surrounding the vibrator from the rear and all around the axis and by providing a certain degree of hardness. In other words, it suppresses the cancellation of sounds generated in front of the vibrator and sounds generated behind the vibrator, which are in antiphase with each other. Note that if the sound generated in front and sounds generated behind are not in antiphase with each other, an enclosure configuration is not necessary. [Explanation of symbols]

[0050] 1 headrest 2 pads 3 Cover 4 Stay 4a Legs 4b Connecting part 4c Upper leg 4d mid leg 4e Lower leg 4f Locking groove 4g insertion port 5 oscillators 5a Front exposed part (exposed part) 5b Rear exposed part 5c Outer surface 6 diaphragm 6a Vibration surface section 6b Upper protrusion 6c Middle protrusion 6d Lower protrusion 6e Contact part 10 Front pad 11 Front pad body 12 Main top plate 13 Top side 14 Insertion groove 20 Rear pad 21 Rear pad body 22 Main 23 Rear side 30 Cover

Claims

1. A headrest, a pad that elastically supports the head of a seated person; a stay supporting the pad; a vibrator supported by the pad so as to vibrate in response to an external electric signal; a vibration plate integrally assembled with the vibrator in front of the vibrator so as to vibrate in response to vibrations of the vibrator, The headrest is supported by the pad so that the vibrator and the diaphragm do not come into direct contact with the stay.

2. 2. The headrest according to claim 1, The vibrator is a columnar member whose axis is oriented in the front-rear direction, The pad surrounds the vibrator from the rear and all around the axis so as to spatially separate the vibrator from the stay.

3. The headrest according to claim 1 or 2, The headrest is such that the vibration plate is provided forward of the center of the pad in the front-rear direction.

4. The headrest according to claim 1 or 2, The headrest has a pair of vibrators provided on the left and right sides of the pad.

5. The headrest according to claim 1 or 2, The headrest has a diaphragm that forms a surface larger than that of the vibrator when viewed from the front.

6. The headrest according to claim 1 or 2, The headrest is such that the pad is foam-molded integrally with the vibrator.

7. The headrest according to claim 1 or 2, The headrest has a cover portion in which the pad covers the diaphragm from the front side.

8. The headrest according to claim 1 or 2, The headrest is assembled so that the diaphragm abuts from the front side on an exposed portion of the vibrator that is exposed forward from the pad.

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