Abstract
A mechanism for folding a head restraint for a backrest of a seat, including a head restraint and a cross portion, where the cross portion is fixed relative to the backrest. The cross portion defines a first pivot axis, which the head restraint is pivoted about. The cross portion includes a locking disc. The head restraint comprises a cam that pivots about a second pivot axis. The head restraint is configured to be positioned in a usage-position relative to the cross portion and a storage-position relative to the cross portion. The position of the head restraint is changeable between the usage-position and the storage-position by pivoting about the first pivot axis. The cam is configured to be positioned in a locking-position and a releasing-position relative to the head restraint.
Claims
1. A mechanism for folding a head restraint for a backrest of a seat, the mechanism comprising a head restraint and a cross portion, wherein the cross portion is fixed relative to the backrest, wherein the cross portion defines a first pivot axis, which the head restraint is pivoted about, wherein the cross portion comprises a locking disc, wherein the head restraint comprises a cam, wherein the cam is pivoted about a second pivot axis, wherein the head restraint is configured to be positioned in a usage-position relative to the cross portion and a storage-position relative to the cross portion, wherein a position of the head restraint is changeable between the usage-position and the storage-position by pivoting about the first pivot axis, wherein the cam is configured to be positioned in a locking-position relative to the head restraint and a releasing-position relative to the head restraint, wherein, when the cam acquires the locking-position and the head restraint acquires the usage-position, a first bearing surface, being a bearing surface of the cam, bears against and/or faces a second bearing surface, being a bearing surface of the locking disc, wherein the head restraint is locked in the usage-position when the head restraint acquires the usage-position and the cam acquires the locking-position, wherein the head restraint is unlocked with respect to pivoting about the first pivot axis when the cam is in the releasing-position, wherein at least the cam and the locking disc are at least partly accommodated in at least one housing bracket, wherein the at least one housing bracket accommodates a locking pin, where one end of the locking pin is rigidly connected thereto, and the locking pin at least partially protrudes from the at least one housing bracket, wherein an opposing end of the locking pin is rigidly connected to another housing bracket, wherein at least the cam and the locking disc are at least partly accommodated in two or more of the housing brackets, and wherein, when the head restraint acquires the storage-position, the locking pin bears against the second bearing surface.
2. The mechanism according to claim 1, wherein in a normal-use situation, the first bearing surface has clearance to the second bearing surface.
3. The mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the locking disc comprises a third bearing surface, and wherein, when the cam acquires the locking-position and the head restraint acquires the storage-position, the first bearing surface bears against the third bearing surface preventing the head restraint from pivoting beyond the storage position.
4. The mechanism according to claim 3, wherein the third bearing surface comprises a hook-shaped protrusion preventing the first bearing surface from sliding off the third bearing surface.
5. The mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the housing brackets accommodate a release link, and wherein the release link is configured to bear against the cam when a force is applied to the release link.
6. The mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the backrest comprises at least two support posts, and wherein the cross portion is fixed to the support posts.
7. The mechanism according to claim 6, wherein the head restraint is biased by a spring, and wherein at least one housing bracket is arranged between the spring and the locking disc.
8. The mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the head restraint comprises a wedge release, and wherein the wedge release is configured to bear against an arm of the cam when a force is applied to the wedge release.
9. The mechanism according to claim 8, wherein a button post of a push button is connected to the wedge release.
10. The mechanism according to claim 8, wherein the wedge release is able to acquire a further locking-position and a further releasing-position, wherein the wedge release is movable from the further locking-position to the further releasing-position by a translational movement, and wherein the wedge release is configured to move the cam from the locking-position to the releasing-position by moving from the further locking-position to the further releasing-position.
11. The mechanism according to claim 10, wherein the wedge release comprises a blocking-surface configured to prevent the cam from moving from the locking-position to the releasing-position when the wedge release acquires the further locking-position.
12. The mechanism according to claim 10, wherein the head restraint comprises a front and/or rear cover, wherein the front and/or rear cover comprises guides, and wherein the guides of the front and/or rear cover are configured to retain the wedge release and allow the translational movement of the wedge release.
13. The mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the seat is a vehicle seat.
14. The mechanism according to claim 1, wherein at least the cam and the locking disc are at least partly accommodated in at least two of the housing brackets.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
(1) FIGS. 1A to 1D schematically illustrate a head restraint according to the present invention.
(2) FIGS. 2 to 8C show embodiments of a head restraint according to the first embodiment.
(3) FIGS. 9 to 15 show embodiments of a head restraint according to the third embodiment.
(4) FIGS. 16A to 16Y show embodiments of a head restraint according to the second embodiment.
(5) FIGS. 17A and 17B show a fourth embodiment of a head restraint according to the present invention.
(6) FIGS. 18A and 18B show a fifth embodiment of a head restraint according to the present invention.
(7) FIGS. 19A and 19B show a sixth embodiment of a head restraint according to the present invention.
(8) FIGS. 20A to 20C show a seventh embodiment of a head restraint according to the present invention.
(9) FIGS. 21A and 21B show an eighth embodiment of a head restraint according to the present invention.
(10) FIG. 22 shows a perspective view of a head restraint according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention, wherein a part of the cover is omitted for illustrative purposes.
(11) FIG. 23 shows a perspective view similar to FIG. 22 with further components of the head restraint omitted for illustrative purposes.
(12) FIG. 24 shows a detail of a top view of the head restraint mechanism according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention.
(13) FIG. 25 shows a detail of a front view of the head restraint mechanism according to the ninth embodiment.
(14) FIG. 26A shows a detail of a front view of the head restraint mechanism similar to FIG. 25 but illustrating a larger field of view, defining a plane A-A.
(15) FIG. 26B shows a cross of the plane A-A of FIG. 26A.
(16) FIGS. 27A and 27B show the latch according to the ninth embodiment in the locking-position and in the releasing-position, respectively.
(17) FIGS. 28 and 29 show details of perspective views of the head restraint mechanism according to the ninth embodiment, the head restraint acquiring the storage-position.
(18) FIG. 30 shows a perspective view similar to FIG. 22, illustrating a tenths embodiment of the latch.
(19) FIG. 31 shows a detail of a front view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 30.
(20) FIG. 32 shows a perspective view similar to FIG. 23, illustrating the embodiment shown in FIG. 30.
(21) FIG. 33A to 33C show perspective views of the embodiment of the latch shown in FIG. 30 and members thereof.
(22) FIG. 34 shows a detail of FIG. 33A.
(23) FIG. 35 shows a detail of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 30, wherein the latch is omitted for illustrative purposes.
(24) FIG. 36 shows a detail of a top view of the tenth embodiment, defining a further plane A-A and a plane B-B.
(25) FIG. 37 shows a cross-section of the further plane A-A of FIG. 36.
(26) FIG. 38 shows a detail of a front view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 30.
(27) FIG. 39 shows a cross-section of the plane B-B of FIG. 36.
(28) FIGS. 40A and 40B show the latch of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 30 in the locking-position and in the releasing-position, respectively.
(29) FIG. 41 shows a detail of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 30, the latch acquiring the releasing-position.
(30) FIG. 42 shows a detail of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 30, the head restraint acquiring the storage-position, wherein members of the head restraint are omitted for illustrative purposes.
(31) FIG. 43 shows a perspective view of a head restraint according to the present invention, wherein a part of the cover is omitted for illustrative purposes.
(32) FIG. 44 shows a detail of the head restraint depicted in FIG. 43, wherein further components are omitted for illustrative purposes.
(33) FIG. 45 shows the head restraint depicted in FIG. 43, wherein further components are omitted for illustrative purposes.
(34) FIG. 46A shows a side view of the head restraint, defining a plane B-B.
(35) FIG. 46B shows a cross section of the plane B-B defined in FIG. 5A.
(36) FIG. 47A shows a front view of the head restraint, defining a plane A-A.
(37) FIG. 47B shows a detail of the head restraint depicted in FIG. 47A, wherein the cover is omitted for illustrative purposes.
(38) FIG. 47C shows a cross section of the plane A-A defined in FIG. 47A.
(39) FIGS. 48A to 48C show the lock plate acquiring different positions relative to the cross tube.
(40) FIG. 49A shows a vehicle seat in a perspective view.
(41) FIG. 49B shows a vehicle seat in a side view.
(42) FIGS. 49C and 49D shows a vehicle seat according to the present invention in a perspective view.
(43) FIGS. 50A and 508 show a vehicle seat according to the present invention in a front view, wherein a part of the cover is removed for illustrative purposes.
(44) FIG. 51 shows a detail of a cross section of a plane of the vehicle seat according to the present invention, wherein the plane extends perpendicular to the axis.
(45) FIG. 52A to 52E show a head restraint according to a variation of the third embodiment.
(46) FIG. 53A to 53C show a head restraint according to a variation of the fifth embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
(47) The present invention will be described with respect to particular embodiments and with reference to certain drawings but the invention is not limited thereto but only by the claims. The drawings described are only schematic and are non-limiting. In the drawings, the size of some of the elements may be exaggerated and not drawn on scale for illustrative purposes.
(48) Where an indefinite or definite article is used when referring to a singular noun, e.g. a, an, the, this includes a plural of that noun unless something else is specifically stated.
(49) Furthermore, the terms first, second, third and the like in the description and in the claims are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a sequential or chronological order. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that the embodiments of the invention described herein are capable of operation in other sequences than described or illustrated herein.
(50) In FIGS. 1A to 1D a head restraint 1 is shown, which is supported by support posts 10. The support posts 10 are mounted to a backrest 2 of a vehicle seat. The head restraint 1 is pivoted about a first pivot axis A. FIG. 1C shows an embodiment of a head restraint, wherein the first pivot axis A is located within the backrest 2, thus the support posts 10 are fixed to the head restraint 1. In contrast to that, FIG. 1D shows an embodiment of a head restraint 1, wherein the first pivot axis A is located within the head restraint 1, thus the support posts 10 are fixed to the backrest 2. FIG. 1A furthermore shows a cover 6 of the head restraint 1.
(51) FIG. 2 shows an embodiment according to the present invention, wherein the cross portion 3 is welded to support posts 10, wherein the support posts 10 comprise a bending of roughly 90 degree. A cover of the head restraint 1 is not shown in FIG. 2 for illustrative purposes. The head restraint 1 comprises housing brackets 7 and a release link 82. In contrast to that FIG. 3 shows an embodiment according to the present invention, wherein the cross portion 3 is welded to support posts 10, wherein the support posts 10 comprise a bending of more than 180 degree. FIG. 2 furthermore shows a pivot bearing surface 71 of the housing brackets 7, bearing the cross portion 3, thus pivoting the housing brackets 7 about the first pivot axis A.
(52) FIG. 4 shows a detailed view of an embodiment according to the present invention, wherein a part of the housing bracket is omitted due to illustrative purposes. The housing brackets 7 accommodate a locking disc 4 and a cam 5. Furthermore the housing brackets 7 accommodate a segment of the cross portion 3. The locking disc 4 is fixed to the cross portion 3. The cross portion 3 defines the first pivot axis A. The cam 5 is pivoted about a second pivot axis B. The release link 82 is pivoted about a further pivot axis, not shown in FIG. 4. Furthermore FIG. 4 shows that the locking plate 4, the cam 5 and the release link 82 are biased by springs (not referenced).
(53) FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B show a perspective view and a side view, respectively, of the housing brackets 7 and components accommodated by the housing brackets 7, wherein the head restraint 1 is in the usage-position and the cam 5 is in the locking-position. A first bearing surface 51, which is a bearing surface of the cam 5, faces a second bearing surface 41, which is a bearing surface of the locking disc 4. Thereby the head restraint 1 is locked in the usage-position. It is possible that the first bearing surface 51 and the second bearing surface 41 do not contact each other in a normal-use situation, such that a clearance exists between them. It can be seen, that release link 82 does not bear against cam 5 in FIG. 5A.
(54) FIG. 5C and FIG. 5D show a perspective view and a side view, respectively, of the housing brackets 7 and components accommodated by the housing brackets 7, wherein the head restraint 1 is in the usage-position and the cam 5 is in the releasing-position. It can be seen that the first bearing surface 51 does not face the second bearing surface 41 anymore. It is shown that a portion of the release link 82 bears against a portion of the cam 5, since release link 82 is pivoted compared to FIGS. 5A and 5B.
(55) FIGS. 6 and 7 show the position of the housing brackets 7, wherein the head restraint 1 acquires the usage position or the storage position, respectively. FIG. 7 furthermore shows that the housing brackets 7 consists of two parts 72 and 73, which are connected by at least one connecting pin 74.
(56) FIGS. 8A to 8C show side views of the housing brackets and the locking disc. FIG. 8A shows the situation, wherein the head restraint acquires the usage-position, FIG. 8B shows the situation, wherein the head restraint acquires a storage-position rotated about 90 degree compared to the usage-position, and FIG. 80C shows the situation, wherein the head restraint acquires a storage-position rotated about 180 degree compared to the usage-position. The locking disc 4 comprises a third bearing surface 42, which faces the first bearing surface 51, when the head restraint 1 acquires the storage-position depicted in FIG. 8B. In FIG. 8B a hooked shaped protrusion 43 of the locking disc 4 is shown, which prevents the first bearing surface 51 from sliding off the third bearing surface 42.
(57) FIGS. 9 to 15 show embodiments of a head restraint according to the third embodiment.
(58) The third embodiment is similar to the first embodiment, with the difference that according to the third embodiment the housing brackets 7 comprise a locking pin 75, wherein the locking pin 75 bears against the second bearing surface 41, when the head restraint acquires the storage-position, as shown in FIG. 15.
(59) FIGS. 16A to 16T show embodiments of a head restraint according to the second embodiment.
(60) The second embodiment is similar to the first embodiment and the third embodiment with the difference that, when the head restraint 1 is in the storage-position, a locking pin 75 bears against the third bearing surface 42, thereby preventing the head restraint 1 from moving beyond the storage-position, as can be seen from FIG. 16J.
(61) It is possible that the locking disc 4 comprises a fourth bearing surface 44, as depicted in FIG. 161. When the head restraint 1 acquires the usage-position, the locking pin 75 bears against the fourth bearing surface 44, preventing the head restraint from pivoting beyond the usage-position.
(62) It is preferred, both according to the second embodiment and the third embodiment to use one of the connecting pins 74 as locking pin 75.
(63) FIGS. 16S and 16T show a further embodiment of a release link 82, wherein the second pivot axis B (not shown in FIGS. 16S and 16T) is rotated about 90 degree compared to the embodiment of the release link 82 shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 16S shows the situation, when the cam 5 acquires the locking-position. FIG. 16T shows the situation, when cam 5 acquires the releasing-position.
(64) FIG. 16U shows a first arced surface 54 of an arm 53 of the cam 5.
(65) FIG. 16V shows the housing brackets 7 and a wedge release 80. The wedge release 80 contacts the arm 53. A button post 85 is connected to the wedge release 80.
(66) FIG. 16W shows that the arm 53 of the cam 5 comprises the first arced surface 54 and the wedge release 80 comprises a second arced surface 87. Furthermore a blocking-surface 86 of the wedge release 80 is shown. In FIGS. 16V and 16W the wedge release acquires a further locking-position. The cam 5 acquires the locking-position and is prevented from moving to the releasing-position by the blocking-surface 86.
(67) In contrast to that FIG. 16X shows the wedge release acquiring a further releasing-position. During the movement of the wedge release from the further locking-position to the further releasing-position, the cam 5 is forced to move from the locking-position to the releasing-position by a force transmitted by the second arced surface 87.
(68) FIG. 16Y depicts guides 63 of the cover 6 of the head restraint 1, which are configured to retain the wedge release 80.
(69) FIGS. 52A to 52E show a head restraint 1 according to a variation of the third embodiment. Deviating from the third embodiment, a sleeve 500, in particular a rubber sleeve, is arranged on the locking pin 75. The sleeve 500 reduces looseness of the locking disc 4 when the head restraint is in the usage-position and the cam 5 is in the locking-position, see FIG. 52C. Furthermore, potential movement of the locking disc 4 is attenuated when the head restraint 1 is in the storage-position.
(70) The head restraint 1 is biased by a spring 100 in the direction of the storage-position. The spring 100 is accommodated in the housing brackets 7. Alternatively, the spring 100 may be arranged outside the housing brackets 7.
(71) FIGS. 17A and 17B show a head restraint 1 according to the fourth embodiment. The fourth embodiment is similar to the second embodiment with the difference that the head restraint 1 is biased by a spring 100, wherein the spring 100 is directly connected to the front cover (not shown) of the head restraint. The spring 100 has a first leg 101 which contacts the front cover of the head restraint. Further, the spring 100 has a second leg 102 that hooks into the locking disc 4. The spring 100 is wound around the cross portion 3 and is accommodated in the housing brackets 7.
(72) FIGS. 18A and 18B show a head restraint 1 according to the fifth embodiment. According to this embodiment the head restraint 1 is biased by a spring 100, wherein the spring 100 is directly connected to the front cover (not shown) of the head restraint. The spring 100 is wound around the cross portion 3 and is arranged outside the space confined by the housing brackets 7. Thus, a housing bracket 7 is arranged between the spring 100 and the locking disc 4. The spring 100 is directly connected to one of the support posts 10 and directly connected to a front cover (not shown) of the head restraint 1. A first leg 101 of the spring 100 connects to the front cover and a second leg 102 hooks to the support post 10.
(73) A head restraint 1 according to a variation of the fifth embodiment is depicted in FIGS. 53A to 53C. The head restraint 1 is biased by a spring 100, wherein the spring 100 is directly connected to the front cover 6 of the head restraint. The spring 100 is wound around the cross portion 3 and is arranged outside the space confined by the housing brackets 7. Thus, a housing bracket 7 is arranged between the spring 100 and the locking disc 4. The spring 100 is directly connected to one of the support posts 10 and directly connected to a feature of the front cover 6 of the head restraint 1. A first leg 101 of the spring 100 connects to the feature of the front cover 6 and a second leg 102 hooks to the support post 10.
(74) Furthermore, a button post 603 of a push button 602 is connected to the wedge release 80. The wedge release is additionally connected to a cable 600. The cable 600 is guided in a cable conduit 601. The cable conduit 601 attaches to the front cover 6 and is routed through one of the support posts 10. Thus, the wedge release 80 can be moved from the further locking-position to the further unlocking-position either by pushing the push button 602 or by pulling the cable 600.
(75) FIGS. 21A and 21B show a head restraint 1 according to the eighth embodiment. Similar to the fifth embodiment the head restraint 1 according to the eighth embodiment is biased by a spring 100, wherein the spring 100 is directly connected to the front cover (not shown) of the head restraint 1. The spring 100 is wound around the cross portion 3 and is arranged outside the space confined by the housing brackets 7. One of the housing brackets 7 is arranged between the spring 100 and the locking disc 4. The spring 100 is directly connected to the locking disc 4 which is arranged between the housing brackets 7. An opening 103 is provided in the housing bracket 7 placed between the spring 100 and the locking disc 4. A first leg 101 of the spring 100 connects to the front cover and a second leg 102 extends through the opening 103 in the housing bracket 7 and hooks to the locking disk 4.
(76) FIGS. 19A and 19B show a head restraint 1 according to the sixth embodiment. The head restraint 1 comprises a wedge release 80. The wedge release 80 comprises a first wedge 104 that is configured to move the cam 5 from the locking-position to the releasing-position by moving the wedge release 80 from the further locking-position to the further releasing-position. The sixth embodiment is similar to the second embodiment with the difference that the wedge release 80 has a second wedge 105 that is configured to move the cam 5 from the releasing-position to the locking-position by moving the wedge release 80 from the further releasing-position to the further locking-position. A wedge spring 106 forces the wedge release 80 into the further locking-position thereby pushing the cam 5 into the locked-position.
(77) FIGS. 20A to 20C show a head restraint 1 according to the seventh embodiment. According to this embodiment the head restraint comprises a single housing bracket 7 that at least partially accommodates the locking disc 4 and the cam 5. The single housing bracket 7 holds the cam 5 and provides openings to connect the first leg 101 of spring 100 which biases the head restraint 1. The second leg 102 of the spring 100 hooks into the locking disc 4.
(78) Though it is preferred that the embodiments presented above are alternative embodiments, under certain circumstances it might be useful to combine those embodiments.
(79) In the following further embodiments of the present invention are described.
(80) In FIGS. 22 and 23 the inner components of the head restraint 1 according to the ninth embodiment are shown. The head restraint 1 comprises a cover 6, wherein a part of the cover is not shown in FIG. 22. Furthermore FIG. 22 shows a cross portion 3. The cross portion defines the first pivot axis A. The cross portion comprises a locking pin 204, and the head restraint comprises a latch 205, which is able to bear against the locking pin 204. The latch 205 is pivoted about a second pivot axis (not referenced in FIG. 22) by a bolt and biased by a lock spring 11 in the direction of the locking-position. According to this ninth embodiment the latch 205 has the form of a bracket. Furthermore FIG. 23 shows a push button 270, that can be pressed. When pressed, the push button 270 and a push button link 271 fixed to the push button 270 move rightward and the push button link 271 bears against the latch 205, so that the latch 205 moves from the locking-position to the releasing-position.
(81) In FIG. 24 it can be seen that the locking pin extrudes from the cross portion at two opposing sides of the cross portion. Alternatively it is possible to provide two separate locking pins protruding at two opposing sides of the cross portion.
(82) FIG. 25 illustrates the geometric properties of the ninth embodiment of the latch 205 depicted in FIG. 22. The latch 205 comprises a notch 252 which has two bearing surfaces 251 bearing against the locking pin 204. It can be seen from FIG. 25 that the bearing surfaces 251 of the notch 252 are inclined one related to the other.
(83) FIG. 26A illustrates the bearing holes of the latch 205 which are able to bear a bolt, thereby defining the second pivot axis B. It can be seen from FIG. 26A that the bearing holes are elongated, thus providing clearance to the bold. Thereby the pivot axis B is movable.
(84) FIG. 26B shows a cross section according to plane A-A of FIG. 26A, such that it can be seen, that in this embodiment a single locking pin 204 protrudes on two opposing sides of the cross portion 3.
(85) FIG. 27A shows the latch 5 in the locking-position and FIG. 27B shows the latch 205 in the releasing-position. It can be seen that the latch 205 bears against the locking pin 204 in the locking-position and releases the locking pin 204 in the releasing-position, thus allowing the latch 205, and thereby the whole head restraint 1, to pivot about the first pivot axis A. As can be seen in FIG. 27B, the latch 205 comprises a push point 207 and a pull point 8. The latch is moved from the locking-position to the releasing-position by applying a compression force to the push point 207 and/or a pulling force to the pull point 8.
(86) FIG. 28 shows the latch 205 when the head restraint acquires the storage-position. The locking pin 204 bears against a further bearing surface 253 of the latch 205, such that the latch 205 cannot return to the locking-position, despite the fact that latch 205 is biased by lock spring 11 in the direction of the locking-position.
(87) In FIG. 29 one of two contact stops 9 are visible, contacted by the locking pin 204 when the head restraint acquires the storage-position.
(88) FIGS. 30 to 42 show a tenth embodiment of the latch 205. In this tenth embodiment the latch 205 is an overmolded part. As can be seen in FIG. 31, in this embodiment the latch 205 is not pivoted by a bold, but placed between parts of a pivot contact feature 61. In FIG. 31 the latch 205 is biased against the left part of the pivot contact feature 61. By bearing of the latch 205 against the pivot contact features 61 the second pivot axis B (not explicitly shown in FIG. 31) is defined. The distance of the parts of the pivot contact feature 61 is wide enough to provide clearance for the latch 205, such that the latch 205, and thereby the second pivot axis B, can be moved.
(89) FIG. 32 depicts the arrangement of the latch 205 relative to the cross portion 3 and an actuation means (not referenced).
(90) FIGS. 33A to 33C show the latch 205 of the tenth embodiment. The latch 205 is an overmolded part comprising a steel plate 13 and an overmolding material 210. The steel plate 13 reinforces the latch in the form of an overmolded part.
(91) Like the ninth embodiment of the latch 205 the tenth embodiment of the latch 205 comprises further bearing surfaces 253, as shown in FIG. 34, such that the locking pin 204 bears against the further bearing surfaces 253 of the latch 205, when the head restraint is in the storage-position, thus preventing the latch 205 from returning to the locking-position, despite the fact that the latch 205 is biased in the direction of the locking-position by the lock spring 11.
(92) In the tenth embodiment, the locking pin 204 is tapered, as can be seen in FIG. 35. Thereby, the area of the contact surface to the latch 205 is increased since the latch 205 has bearing surfaces 251 which are inclined one related to the other, as shown in FIG. 39.
(93) FIG. 36 shows a detail of a top view of the second embodiment, defining a further plane A-A and a plane B-B.
(94) FIG. 37 shows a cross-section of the further plane A-A of FIG. 36.
(95) FIG. 38 shows a detail of a front view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 30.
(96) FIGS. 40A and 40B show the latch 205 according to the tenth embodiment in the locking-position (FIG. 40A) and in the releasing-position (FIG. 40B). As depicted in FIG. 40B the latch 205 according to the second embodiment comprises a push point 207 and a pull point 8, similar to the latch 205 according to the ninth embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 27B.
(97) FIG. 41 shows a detail of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 30, the latch acquiring the releasing-position.
(98) FIG. 42 shows a detail of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 30, the head restraint acquiring the storage-position, wherein members of the head restraint are omitted for illustrative purposes.
(99) FIG. 43 shows the inner components of a head restraint 1 according to the present invention. A lock plate 305 of the head restraint 1 is positioned relative to a cross tube 303 in a way, that the cross tube 303 extents through a recess 352 of the lock plate 305. The head restraint 1 furthermore comprises a cover 6, which accommodates at least the lock plate 305 and at least essentially the cross tube 303. The cover comprises pivot axis bearing surfaces 361 bearing against portions of the cross tube 303, thus defining the pivot axis A. The lock plate 305 is biased by a spring 311 in the direction of the locking-position. Alternatively the lock plate 305 might be biased by the spring 311 in the direction of the releasing-position.
(100) FIG. 44 shows that the cross tube 303 is divided into three segments, i.e. the flattened segment 331, the second segment 332 and the third segment 333. The second segment 332 and the third segment 333 have rotational symmetry, so that the pivot axis bearing surfaces 361 can pivot the head restraint 1 about the pivot axis A defined by the second segment 332 and the third segment 333.
(101) FIG. 45 shows the inner components of the head restraint 1, wherein with respect to FIG. 43 further components are omitted for illustrative purposes. It can be seen that the cross tube 303 is divided into the flattened segment 331, the second segment 332 and the third segment 333, wherein the flattened segment 331 is located in the recess 352 of the lock plate 305 and contacts the lock plate 305. A push button 308 is provided that can be pressed. When pressed, the push button 308 moves a bush button link 381 rightwards which applies a release link 382 which pivots clockwise and moves the locking plate 305 upwards, i.e. in FIG. 45without limiting the scope of the inventionfrom the locking-position to the releasing-position.
(102) FIG. 46A shows a side view of the head restraint 1. Freeplay of the head restraint 1 is reduced by rubber bumpers 300, also shown in FIG. 47A.
(103) In FIG. 46B a cross section according to the plane B-B defined in FIG. 46B is depicted. It can be seen, that the extension of the cross tube in one direction is reduced in the flattened section 331 compared to the extension of the cross tube in the second section 332 and the third section 333.
(104) FIG. 47A shows a front view of the head restraint, defining a plane A-A.
(105) FIG. 47B shows a detail of the head restraint depicted if FIG. 47A, wherein the cover is omitted for illustrative purposes.
(106) FIG. 47C shows that, when the head restraint acquires the usage-position and the lock plate acquires the locking-position, three second bearing surfaces 334, being bearing surfaces of the flattened segment 331 of the cross tube 303, are in contact with three first bearing surfaces 354, being bearing surfaces of the lock plate 305.
(107) FIG. 48A shows the lock plate 305 in the locking-position and the flattened segment 331, wherein the head restraint 1 acquires the usage-position. FIG. 488 shows the lock plate 305 in the releasing-position, while the head restraint 1 remains in the usage-position. The lock plate 305 gets from the locking-position to the releasing-position by a translational movement in the sliding direction 307. FIG. 48C shows the lock plate 305 in the releasing-position when the head restraint 1 acquires the storage-position. The lock plate 305 is prevented from returning to the locking-position by a fifth bearing surface 356 of the lock plate which bears against the flattened segment 331. Furthermore two third bearing surfaces 355, being bearing surfaces of the lock plate 305, contact two third bearing surfaces 335, being bearing surfaces of the flattened segment 331.
(108) FIGS. 49A and 49B schematically illustrate a head restraint 1. The head restraint 1 is supported by support posts 10. The head restraint 1 shown in FIGS. 49A and 49B is pivoted about an axis. Thus the head restraint 1 can acquire a storage-position, as shown in the left part of FIG. 49B, and a usage-position, as shown in the right part of FIG. 49B. The head restraint shown in FIGS. 49A and 49B comprises a push button release 409. A head restraint 1 according to the present invention might comprise a push button release, but it is not necessary that a head restraint according to the present invention comprises a push button release and it is preferred according to the present invention that a head restraint 1 does not comprise a push button release.
(109) FIGS. 49C and 49D show a head restraint 1 according to the present invention. The head restraint 1 is supported by support posts 10 which are fixed to a backrest 2 of a seat. The head restraint 1 is movable from a locking-position to a releasing-position by a translational movement in the releasing direction 407. To comfortable move the head restraint 1 from the locking-position to the releasing-position, the head restraint 1 comprises a strap 408. When the head restraint acquires the usage-position and the releasing-position, as shown with dashed lines in FIG. 49C, the head restraint is able to pivot to the storage-position, as shown in FIG. 490. The term usage-position is used to indicate, that the head restraint is e.g. in an upright position. The terms usage-position and storage-position describe only rotational orientations of the head restraint. In contrast to that the terms locking-position and releasing-position describe only a translational displacement of the head restraint. Thus the exact position of the head restraint is described by indicating both whether the head restraint acquires the usage-position or the storage-position and whether the head restraint acquires the locking-position or the releasing-position. However it is possible that the head restraint cannot acquire certain combinations. According to the present invention it is preferred that the head restraint cannot acquire the locking-position and the storage-position at the same time.
(110) FIG. 50A shows the head restraint acquiring the usage-position and the locking-position. The head restraint comprises a cover 6 which comprise slots 460, wherein the support posts 10 extend through the slots 460. There is a cross portion 3 extending between support posts 10, wherein the cross portion 3 is fixed to the support posts 10 or the support posts 10 and the cross portion 3 are formed of a single tube element. The cover 6 furthermore comprises pivot axis bearing surfaces 462 bearing the cross portion 3, thereby defining the axis A, which the head restraint 1 is pivoted about. The head restraint 1 comprises a second locking element 405 that is fixed to the cover 6. The pivot axis bearing surfaces 462 are configured to not only pivot the head restraint about the axis A, but to also bear the head restraint 1 in a way that the head restraint can slide parallel to the axis A.
(111) FIG. 50B shows the head restraint 1 acquiring the usage-position and the releasing-position. The head restraint 1 is translationally displaced by sliding parallel to the axis A compared to FIG. 50A. This is possible since the slots 460 have an extension that allows the displacement of the head restraint 1 parallel to axis A from the locking-position to the releasing-position. Since the second locking element 405 is fixed to the cover 6, the second locking element 405 is displaced relative to the cross portion 3 together with the other components of the head restraint 1. Thereby the second locking element 405 disengages from a first locking element 404, that is fixed to the cross portion 3 and shown in FIG. 51. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 50A, 50B and 51, the first locking element 404 is a locking pin and the second locking element 405 is a locking plate comprising a recess 451. The recess 451 accommodates the first locking element 404, when the head restraint 1 acquires the locking-position. Thus, when the head restraint 1 acquires the locking-position, the head restraint 1 cannot be pivoted about the axis A. When the second locking element 405 disengages from the first locking element 404, the head restraint 1 can be pivoted about the axis A from the usage-position to the storage-position.
(112) In FIG. 51 it can be seen that the second locking element 405, which in this embodiment is a locking plate, is an overmolded part comprising a plate 453, preferably a steel plate 453 and an overmolding material 452. The overmolding material can be a polymer. As can be seen in FIG. 51 the first locking element 404 bears against the overmolding material.
LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS
(113) 1 head restraint 2 backrest 3 cross portion 4 locking disc 5 cam 6 cover 7 housing brackets 8 pull point 9 contact stops 10 support post 11 lock spring 12 cap 13 steel plate 41 second bearing surface 42 third bearing surface 43 hook shaped protrusion 44 fourth bearing surface 51 first bearing surface 53 arm 54 first arced surface 61 pivot contact feature 63 guides 71 pivot bearing surface 72, 73 parts 74 connecting pin 75 locking pin 80 wedge release 82 release link 85 button post 86 blocking-surface 87 second arced surface 100 spring 101 leg 102 leg 103 opening 104 first wedge 105 second wedge 106 wedge spring 204 locking pin 205 latch 207 push point 251 bearing surface 252 notch 253 further bearing surface 270 push button 271 push button link 303 cross tube 305 lock plate 307 sliding direction 309 rubber bumpers 311 spring 331 flattened segment 332 second segment 333 third segment 334 second bearing surface 335 fourth bearing surfaces 352 recess 354 first bearing surface 355 third bearing surfaces 356 fifth bearing surface 361 pivot axis bearing surfaces 362 support walls 308 push button 381 push button link 382 release link 404 first locking element 405 second locking element 407 releasing direction 408 strap 409 push button release 451 recess 452 overmolding material 453 steel plate 460 slots 462 pivot axis bearing surfaces 500 sleeve 600 cable 601 cable conduit 602 push button 603 button post A first pivot axis B second pivot axis C release link pivot axis
