HEAD RESTRAINT FOR A VEHICLE SEAT

Abstract

A head restraint for a vehicle seat having a seatback includes a head support and a head restraint mounting assembly for mounting the head restraint to the seatback. The head restraint mounting assembly has a first mounting stem. The head support is pivotably mounted to the head restraint mounting assembly. An actuating cable is configured to control pivoting of the head support about a pivot axis.

Claims

1. A head restraint for a vehicle seat having a seatback, the head restraint comprising: a head support; a head restraint mounting assembly for mounting the head restraint to the seatback, the head restraint mounting assembly comprising a first mounting stem, wherein the head support is pivotably mounted to the head restraint mounting assembly; and an actuating cable configured to control pivoting of the head support about a pivot axis.

2. The head restraint as claimed in claim 1, wherein the actuating cable is fastened to the head support at a first anchor point which is offset vertically from the pivot axis.

3. The head restraint as claimed in claim 1, wherein the head restraint mounting assembly comprises a crossmember which defines the pivot axis.

4. The head restraint as claimed in claim 1 comprising a spring member for biasing the head support towards an unusable position.

5. The head restraint as claimed in claim 1, wherein the actuating cable is disposed at least partially inside the first mounting stem.

6. The head restraint as claimed in claim 1 comprising a pivot locking mechanism operable to inhibit or restrict pivoting movement of the head support about the pivot axis.

7. The head restraint as claimed in claim 6, wherein the pivot locking mechanism is operable to lock the head support in a predetermined orientation relative to the head restraint mounting assembly, wherein a release mechanism is provided for releasing the pivot locking mechanism.

8. A seat assembly comprising a seatback, a lower seat portion and the head restraint as claimed in claim 1, wherein the actuating cable is attached to a second anchor point disposed on the seatback or the lower seat portion.

9. The seat assembly as claimed in claim 8, wherein a height of the head restraint is adjustable relative to the seatback, the actuating cable being operable to pivot the head support based at least in part on the height of the head restraint.

10. The seat assembly as claimed in claim 8, wherein the seatback is pivotable relative to the lower seat portion, the actuating cable being operable to pivot the head support based at least in part on a pivot angle of the seatback relative to the lower seat portion.

11. A seat assembly comprising a seatback, a lower seat portion and the head restraint as claimed in claim 1, wherein the seat assembly comprises a pivot control actuator for actuating the actuating cable to control pivoting of the head support about the pivot axis.

12. A vehicle comprising the seat assembly according to claim 8.

13. A seat assembly comprising a seatback, a lower seat portion and a head restraint, the head restraint comprising: a head support; a head restraint mounting assembly for mounting the head restraint to the seatback, the head restraint mounting assembly comprising a first mounting stem, wherein the head support is pivotably mounted to the head restraint mounting assembly; and an actuating cable configured to control pivoting of the head support about a pivot axis, wherein the pivot axis is disposed proximal to an end of the head support which is disposed adjacent to the seatback, wherein the actuating cable is attached to the head support at a first anchor point which is offset vertically from the pivot axis and is attached to a second anchor point disposed on the seatback or the lower seat portion.

14. The seat assembly as claimed in claim 13, wherein a height of the head restraint is adjustable relative to the seatback, the actuating cable being operable to pivot the head support based at least in part on the height of the head restraint.

15. The seat assembly as claimed in claim 13, wherein a height of the head restraint is adjustable relative to the seatback by relative movement of the first mounting stem with respect to the seatback, wherein the actuating cable is operable to pivot the head support based at least in part on the height of the head restraint, wherein pivoting of the head support with respect to the first mounting stem toward a deployed position is independent of relative movement between the seatback and the lower seat portion.

16. The seat assembly as claimed in claim 15, wherein the head restraint comprises a pivot locking mechanism operable to inhibit or restrict pivoting movement of the head support about the pivot axis, wherein the pivot locking mechanism is operable to lock the head support in a predetermined orientation relative to the head restraint mounting assembly, wherein the predetermined orientation corresponds to the deployed position of the head support.

17. The seat assembly as claimed in claim 16, wherein the head restraint comprises a height locking mechanism configured to engage with the first mounting stem so as to secure the head support at a predetermined height, wherein the actuating cable is operable to pivot the head support to the predetermined orientation such that it is locked by the pivot locking mechanism in the deployed position when the head support is at the predetermined height.

18. The seat assembly as claimed in claim 17, wherein the head restraint comprises a release mechanism for releasing the pivot locking mechanism, and wherein the head restraint comprises a spring member for biasing the head support in a first pivot direction away from the deployed position and towards an unusable position.

19. The seat assembly as claimed in claim 18, wherein the head restraint comprises a pivot control member configured to limit or inhibit pivoting of the head support from the unusable position toward the deployed position when the head support is in a lowered position relative to the seatback.

20. A vehicle comprising the seat assembly as claimed in claim 13.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0050] One or more embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0051] FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of a vehicle comprising a seat assembly having a head restraint in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0052] FIG. 2 illustrates the head restraint according to the present embodiment in first and second pivot positions;

[0053] FIG. 3A shows the seat assembly in an upright configuration with the head restraint in a usable position;

[0054] FIG. 3B shows the seat assembly in an upright configuration with the head restraint in the unusable position;

[0055] FIG. 3C shows the seat assembly in a stowed configuration with the head restraint pivoted to an unusable position;

[0056] FIG. 4 shows a mounting assembly of the head restraint according to the present embodiment;

[0057] FIG. 5A shows a schematic representation of the seat assembly in the stowed configuration;

[0058] FIG. 5B shows a schematic representation of the seat assembly in an upright configuration;

[0059] FIG. 5C shows a schematic representation of the head support in a first intermediate position between the unusable position and a usable position;

[0060] FIG. 5D shows a schematic representation of the head support in a second intermediate position between the unusable position and the usable position;

[0061] FIG. 5E shows a schematic representation of the head support in the usable position;

[0062] FIG. 6A shows a schematic representation of the head support release from the usable position;

[0063] FIG. 6B shows a schematic representation of the seat assembly folding towards the stowed configuration;

[0064] FIG. 6C shows a schematic representation of the seat assembly in the stowed configuration;

[0065] FIG. 7 shows a schematic representation of the seatback and head restraint configured for assembly;

[0066] FIGS. 8A, 8B and 8C illustrate the engagement of a head restraint operation when the head restraint is in a lowered position; and

[0067] FIG. 9 illustrates the pivoting movement of the head restraint to the usable position as it is raised.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0068] A vehicle seat 1 comprising a head restraint 2 (also known as a headrest) in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is described herein with reference to the accompanying Figures. The vehicle seat 1 is suitable for a vehicle 3, such as an automobile. The vehicle 3 is described herein with reference to a reference frame comprising a longitudinal axis X, a transverse axis Y and a vertical axis Z.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle 3 comprises first, second and third rows R1-3 of seats. The vehicle seat 1 in the present embodiment is disposed in the third row R3 in the vehicle 3. The vehicle seat 1 is an occasional seat which may be stowed when not in use. The vehicle seat 1 comprises a lower seat portion (seat cushion) 4 and a seatback 5. The seatback 5 is pivotably mounted to the lower seat portion 4 and can pivot between a stowed position and an upright position. The head restraint 2 is mounted to the seatback 5. The head restraint 2 comprises a head support 7 for supporting a head of a seat occupant. The head support 7 comprises a support member 8. The support member 8 in the present embodiment is in the form of a rigid member, for example moulded from a plastic material. A cushion or padded member 9 is typically provided on a front face of the support member for improved occupant comfort. Alternatively, or in addition, the head restraint 2 may be disposed in a vehicle seat 1 in the second row R2 of the vehicle 3. The third row R3 of the vehicle seats 1 may be omitted from the vehicle 3.

[0070] The head restraint 2 can be raised and lowered relative to the seatback 5. In use, the head restraint 2 is secured in a raised position. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the head support 7 is also pivotable about a pivot axis Y1 extending in a transverse direction. The head restraint 2 is configured to pivot the head support 7 between a usable position and an unusable position. The head support 7 is disposed in a car forward angular position of at least 60 (measured from the vertical axis Z) in the unusable position. The head support 7 may be disposed in a car forward angular position of between 60 and 90 (measured from the vertical axis Z) in the unusable position. In the present embodiment, the head support 7 is disposed in a car forward angular position of approximately 65 (measured from the vertical axis Z). The head support 7 in the unusable position is represented in FIG. 2; and the head support 7 in the usable position is represented in phantom in FIG. 2. In the present embodiment, the head support 7 is self-orienting. In particular, the head support 7 is configured to pivot in dependence on changes in the vertical position of the head restraint 2 relative to the seatback 5. The vertical displacement of the head restraint 2 causes a pivoting movement of the head support 7 relative to the seatback 5. The head support 7 is shown in the usable position in FIG. 3A; and in the unusable position in FIG. 3B. The vehicle seat 1 is shown in a stowed configuration in FIG. 3C with the head support 7 in the unusable position. The head support 7 is shown in the usable position in FIG. 3A; and in the unusable position in FIG. 3B. The vehicle seat 1 is shown in a stowed configuration in FIG. 3C with the head support 7 in the unusable position.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 4, the head restraint 2 comprises a head restraint mounting assembly 11 for mounting the head restraint 2 to the seatback 5. The head restraint mounting assembly 11 is configured pivotably to support the head support 7. In the usable position, the head support 7 is disposed in a generally upright position for supporting the head of the seat occupant. The vehicle seat 1 is suitable for use by an occupant when the head support 7 is in the usable position. Conversely, the vehicle seat 1 is rendered unsuitable for use by an occupant when the head support 7 is in the unusable position. In the unusable position, the head support 7 is pivoted forwards and is no longer suitable for supporting the head of the seat occupant.

[0072] The head restraint mounting assembly 11 comprises a first mounting stem 13, a second mounting stem 15 and a crossmember 17. The head support 7 is pivotably mounted to the crossmember 17. The crossmember 17 extends in a transverse direction. A longitudinal central axis of the crossmember 17 is coincident which the pivot axis Y1 of the head support 7. In the present embodiment, the first mounting stem 13, the second mounting stem 15 and the crossmember 17 are formed integrally. The first mounting stem 13, the second mounting stem 15 and the crossmember 17 are tubular and are formed integrally from a continuous tubular member. The first mounting stem 13 comprises a first lower section 13A; and a first upper section 13B. The second mounting stem 15 comprises a second lower section (not shown); and a second upper section 15B. The first and second lower sections 13A are configured to mount the first and second stems 13, 15 to the seat back 5. The first and second lower sections 13A extend substantially parallel to each other and are arranged to locate in respective first and second mounting tubes (not shown) disposed in the seatback 5. A height locking mechanism 18 is provided for engaging at least one of the first and second stems 13, 15 to retain the head support 7 at a predetermined height. The height locking mechanism 18 comprises at least one locking member (not shown) configured to engage one or more feature formed on the first mounting stem 13 and/or the second mounting stem 15. The height locking mechanism 18 is engaged when the head support 7 is at the predetermined height. A release mechanism 19 is provided for releasing the height locking mechanism 18.

[0073] The first and second upper sections 13B, 15B each have a curved profiled (generally C-shaped in the present embodiment) to accommodate pivoting movement of the head support 7. The head support 7 comprises first and second mounting brackets 20, 21 fixedly mounted to the support member 8. The first and second mounting brackets 20, 21 are configured pivotably to mount the head support 7 to the crossmember 17. The first and second mounting brackets 20, 21 enable the head support 7 to pivot about the pivot axis Y1. The first and second mounting brackets 20, 21 may each comprise a bearing assembly to facilitate rotational movement about the pivot axis Y1. It will be understood that other mounting arrangements may be used pivotably to mount the head support 7. For example, at least one pivot pin may be provided pivotably to mount the head support 7. The at least one pivot pin may be disposed on the crossmember 17. Alternatively, or in addition, the at least one pivot pin may be mounted to the first and second stems 13, 15, for example to the first and second upper sections 13B, 15B. A torsion spring 23 is provided for biasing the head support 7 towards the unusable position. The torsion spring 23 comprises a first end and a second end. The first end is connected to the crossmember 17 and the second end is connected to the head support 7.

[0074] As shown in FIG. 4, a pivot locking mechanism 25 is provided for retaining the head support 7 in the usable position. The pivot locking mechanism 25 is actuated when the head support 7 is pivoted to the usable position, thereby automatically locking the head support 7 in the usable position. The pivot locking mechanism 25 comprises a locking plate 27 operable selectively to engage a fixing member 29 mounted to the crossmember 17. The fixing member 29 comprises first and second upright members 31, 33. The first and second upright members 31, 33 comprises first and second apertures (not shown) for receiving first and second projections 35, 37 formed in the locking plate 27. The locking plate 27 is pivotably mounted to a pivot member and is moveable between a locked position and an unlocked position. A spring member 41 is provided for biasing the locking plate 27 towards the locked position. A release mechanism 43 is provided for releasing the locking plate 27. The release mechanism 43 comprises a release button 45, a trigger pin 47 and a trigger 49. The release button 45 is operable to displace the trigger pin 47 in an axial direction. The trigger pin 47 comprises an oblique surface 47A which operatively engages a cooperating surface 49A formed on the trigger 49. The displacement of the trigger pin 47 displaces the trigger 49 in an orthogonal direction (extending substantially vertical in the orientation shown in FIG. 4). A return spring 51 is provided to return the trigger 49 to an unactuated position. The trigger 49 is connected to the locking plate 27 and is operable to displace the locking plate 27 from the locked position to the unlocked position. Depressing the release button 45 causes the trigger pin 47 to actuate the trigger 49 and displace the locking plate 27 to the unlocked position. The pivot locking mechanism 25 is thereby unlocked by operating the release button 45 to enable the head support 7 to pivot away from the usable position, for example towards the unusable position.

[0075] A first actuating cable 55 is provided for actuating the head support 7. In particular, the first actuating cable 55 is provided to pivot the head support 7 about the pivot axis Y1. The first actuating cable 55 is configured to apply a pulling force to the head support 7. In the present embodiment, the first actuating cable 55 is configured to apply a pulling force to pivot the head support 7 from the unusable position to the usable position. The first actuating cable 55 is a flexible cable used to transmit mechanical force, for example comprising a spiral wound metal cable. The first actuating cable 55 may optionally be disposed in a sleeve (not shown). The first actuating cable 55 is fastened to the head support 7 at a location vertically offset from the pivot axis Y1. The first actuating cable 55 is disposed at least partially inside the first mounting stem 13. The curved profile of the first upper section 13B forms a guide for the first actuating cable 55. The first actuating cable 55 exits the first mounting stem 13 through an aperture 57 formed in the first upper section 13B. As shown in FIG. 2, a first end 55A of the first actuating cable 55 is fastened to the head support 7 at a first anchor point 57 which is vertically offset from the pivot axis Y1. In the present embodiment, a first mechanical fastener (not shown) is provided for fastening the first actuating cable 55 to the support member 8. The first anchor point 57 is disposed above the pivot axis Y1 (i.e., towards a top of the head support 7 in the arrangement illustrated in FIG. 4).

[0076] The actuation of the head support 7 is described herein with reference to the first actuating cable 55. Alternatively, or in addition, a second actuating cable (not shown) may be provided to apply a pulling force to pivot the head support 7 from the usable position to the unusable position. The second actuating cable could be provided in the first mounting stem 13 or the second mounting stem 15. The first actuating cable 55 may be provided along with the second actuating cable to provide a closed loop system for controlling pivoting of the head support 7 in each direction.

[0077] A second end 55B of the first actuating cable 55 is fastened to the seatback 5 at a second anchor point (not shown). For example, the second end 55B of the first actuating cable 55 may be fastened to a seat frame member. The second end 55B extends out of the lower end of the first actuating cable 55 and is fastened to the seatback 5. The second anchor point in the present embodiment is fixed. A second mechanical fastener is provided for fastening the first actuating cable 55 to the seatback 5. The length of the first actuating cable 55 is at least substantially fixed. The displacement of the head support 7 upwardly causes the first actuating cable 55 to apply a pulling force to the head support 7. The resulting pulling force causes the head support 7 to pivot about the pivot axis Y1. In particular, the pulling force causes the head support 7 to pivot from the unusable position to the usable position as the head support 7 is displaced upwardly. The pivot locking mechanism 25 is operable to lock the head support 7 in the usable position. The head support 7 is thereby retained in the usable position. The height locking mechanism 18 is operable to secure the vertical height of the head restraint 2.

[0078] The reconfiguration of the vehicle seat 1 and the head restraint 2 from a stowed configuration to a usable configuration will now be described with reference to FIGS. 5A-5E. The vehicle seat 1 is shown in FIG. 5A with the seatback 5 in a stowed position against the lower seat portion 4. The head support 7 is pivoted forwards relative to the seat back 5 in the unusable position. To re-conFIG. the vehicle seat 1, the seat back 5 is pivoted to an upright position. The torsion spring 23 biases the head support 7 towards the unusable position. As shown in FIG. 5B, the head support 7 remains in the unusable position as the seat back 5 is pivoted upwardly. The user then lifts the head restraint 2 at the base relative to the seat back 5. The lifting of the head restraint 2 increases the tension in the first actuating cable 55 which applies a pulling force to the head support 7. The pulling force applied by the first actuating cable 55 is sufficient to overcome the biasing force generated by the torsion spring 23 and the head support 7 begins to pivot from the unusable position towards the usable position, as shown in FIG. 5C. If the user releases the head restraint 2, the head restraint 2 drops relative to the seatback 5. Moreover, the torsion spring 23 biases the head support 7 towards the unusable position. The head support 7 will be biased towards the unusable position if not locked in position. As shown in FIG. 5D, the user continues to lift the head support 7 which causes further pivoting of the head support 7 towards the usable position. When the head support 7 is displaced upwardly to the predetermined height, the height locking mechanism 18 engages the first mounting stem 13 and/or the second mounting stem 15 to secure the vertical position of the head support 7. The first actuating cable 55 is configured such that the head support 7 is pivoted to the usable position when the head support 7 is disposed at the predetermined height. The pivot locking mechanism 25 operates to retain the head support in the usable position, as shown in FIG. 5E. The first actuating cable 55 is not required to be load bearing under rear load test case as the locking plate 27 is load bearing.

[0079] The reconfiguration of the vehicle seat 1 and the head restraint 2 from the usable configuration to a stowed configuration will now be described with reference to FIGS. 6A-6C. In order to release the head restraint 3 from the usable position, the user depresses the release button 45 to release the pivot locking mechanism 25. The locking plate 27 disengages and the head support 7 pivots forwards slightly under the action of the torsion spring 23. The user may then operate a seatback release mechanism to enable the seatback 5 to pivot relative to the lower seat portion 4. The user also disengages the height locking mechanism 19, as shown in FIG. 6A. The height locking mechanism 19 releases the first and second stems 13, 15 and the head support 7 pivots forwards and travels downwardly, as illustrated by the broken line representation of the seat back 5 shown in FIG. 6B. The user pivots the seatback 5 forwards towards the lower seat portion 4, as illustrated by the continuous line representation of the seat back 5 shown in FIG. 6B. The head support 7 is biased towards the unusable position by the torsion spring 23. The vehicle seat 2 is thereby returned to the stowed configuration, as shown in FIG. 6C. By pivoting the head support 7 to the unusable position, stowage of the vehicle seat 2 is facilitated. In the stowed configuration, the seatback 5 may form a flat floor, for example of a load bay.

[0080] To assemble the vehicle seat 2, the head support 7 is disposed in a vertical (usable) position with the head restraint 1 in the lowest position, as illustrated in FIG. 7. This configuration allows the first actuating cable 55 to be attached to the seatback 5. This seating condition is only available during assembly.

[0081] The release button 45 for releasing the unpivot locking mechanism 25 is illustrated as being located on a side of the head support 7 in the present embodiment. Other mounting locations for the release button 45 are contemplated. Alternatively, or in addition, the pivot locking mechanism 25 could comprise a remote release mechanism. The remote release mechanism could comprise a release cable for unlocking the pivot locking mechanism 25. By way of example, the release cable could be configured to actuate one or more of: the trigger pin 47, the trigger 49 and the locking plate 27. The release cable could be connected to a release mechanism, such as a lever, a button or a rotary knob. The release mechanism may be positioned distal from the head restraint 2. The release mechanism could, for example, be disposed on the seatback 5 or the seat squab 6. The actuating mechanism could be provided on a back of the seatback 5.

[0082] The first actuating cable 55 has been described as being fastened to the seatback 5 at a second anchor point. In a variant, a pivot control actuator may be provided for controlling the pulling force applied by the actuating cable. The pivot control actuator may, for example, comprise a lever or rotary knob operable to adjust the effective length of the first actuating cable 55. The pivot control actuator may be operated to control pivoting of the head support 7 about the pivot axis Y1. The pivot control actuator could be provided on the seat back 5. The pivot control actuator may be coupled to the seatback release mechanism operable to pivot the seatback 5. A single actuator may control both pivoting movement of the seatback and the pivoting of the head support 7.

[0083] As shown in FIGS. 8A to 8D, a pivot control member 59 may be provided for controlling pivoting of the head restraint 2. The pivot control member 59 may, for example, inhibit pivoting of the head restraint 2 relative to the seatback 5. The pivot control member 59 may function as a stop to inhibit or limit pivoting movement of the head restraint 2. The pivot control member 59 may impede pivoting movement of the head restraint 2 from the usable position to the unusable position and/or from the unusable position to the usable position. For example, the pivot control member 59 may be configured to inhibit pivoting movement of the head restraint 2 from the unusable position to the usable position when the head restraint 2 is in a lowered position relative to the seatback 5. Thus, the head restraint 2 may be retained in the unusable position when in the lowered position.

[0084] The head restraint 2 is shown in an unusable position in FIG. 8A. When the head restraint 2 is in a lowered position (relative to the seatback 5), the head restraint 2 engages the pivot control member 59 to limit or inhibit pivoting movement of the head restraint 2 relative to the seatback 5. As shown in FIG. 8B, when the head restraint 2 is pivoted upwardly, the pivot control member 59 is engaged. The pivot control member 59 limits pivoting motion of the head restraint 2, to approximately 40 in the present embodiment. The pivot control member 59 prevents the head restraint 2 from locking in the usable position when pivoted in the lowered position. As shown in FIG. 8C, the head restraint 2 falls back towards the unusable position. As shown in FIG. 9, when the head restraint 2 is raised (relative to the seatback 5), the head restraint 2 is pivotable without engaging the pivot control member 59. The first actuating cable 55 causes the head restraint 2 to pivot to the usable position as it is raised. The head restraint 2 is raised (relative to the seatback 5) and is free to pivot past the pivot control member 59. The head restraint 2 is locked in the usable position, as described herein. The pivot control member may be disposed on the seatback 5. The pivot control member may, for example, be configured to engage the support member 8 or the crossmember 17 of the head restraint 2.

[0085] It will be appreciated that various changes and modifications can be made to the present invention without departing from the scope of the present application.