GB2340744A

GB2340744A - Means for adjusting a headrest

Info

Publication number: GB2340744A
Application number: GB9916071A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Christian Beck; Matthias Gans
Original assignee: ITW Ateco GmbH
Current assignee: ITW Ateco GmbH
Priority date: 1998-07-09
Filing date: 1999-07-08
Publication date: 2000-03-01
Anticipated expiration: 2019-07-08
Also published as: DE19830753C2; DE19830753A1; GB9916071D0; GB2340744B

Abstract

A car headrest is slidably mounted on a seat via at least one rod in a retaining sleeve 12, the level of the headrest being adjustable by a locking element 62. Folding of the seat causes the headrest to automatically retract so that it abuts the top of the seat. The retraction is triggered by a tensioning of a cable (not shown) which acts on a first sliding element 40, pulling it downwards against springs 42. Movement of 40 in turn causes a downward movement of a second sliding element 52 which moves the headrest. This movement is damped to ensure smooth retraction of the headrest. Unfolding the seat relaxes the cable and allows springs 42 to pull sliding element 40 upwards and thus move the headrest upwards via element 52. The headrest is normally biased downwards by spring 54 for affecting manual readjustment of the headrest. Spring 42 however overrides spring 54 for the purposes of the automated retraction described above.

Description

2340744 A MEANS FOR ADJUSTING A NECK REST The invention relates to a means

for adjusting a neck rest.

Neck rests for seat back rests of automobiles usually comprise two rods which are guided in guide sleeves in the back rest. At least one guide sleeve comprises a locking element which co-operates with a notch or likewise in the neck rest rod in order to adjust this tc; the desired height above the back rest. It is a legal requirement that, in use, the neck rest is at a minimum height above the back rest. From DE 296 05 983 there is known a spring element f or locking the neck rest rod in the guide sleeve, the spring element comprising a bent-back extended spring with a pin-like section which co-operates with corresponding notches or recesses in the neck rest rod, whilst the other arm of the spring bears against the walling of an extension of the guide sleeve, in order to bias the pin-like section. The spring is arranged in a slider element on whose 20 actuation the pin-like section may be removed from engagement with the neck rest rod. With two-doored vehicles the neck rests of ten only have a very slight distance to the roof or the sun roof in the compartment. With these vehicles there exists mostly 25 the necessity to fold the back rests of the front seats or the complete seats forward. With this there is the danger that the neck rests abut against the roof or sun roof if there is insufficient free space. It is therefore the object of the invention to provide 30 a means for adjusting a neck rest, in particular an automatic adjustment of the neck rest, whereby with a suitable movement of an actuation device forwards, in particular a back rest or a complete front seat, the neck rest is automatically retracted, and on folding back of the 35 back rest or the complete front seat is moved back into a minimal position.

2 According to the present invention, adjusting means is provided for the adjustment of a neck rest, the neck rest having at least one rod adapted to be slidably received by a receiving sleeve which is mounted on a back rest with the level of the rod being adjustable by a locking element, the adjusting means comprising:

a tension element attached to actuating 'means and to a first sliding element, the sliding element being adapted to be vertically guided by support means fixedly attached to the back rest; a bias spring adapted to bias the first sliding element to a first upper end position; a second sliding element which is vertically guided by the support means, the rod of the neck rest being attached to the second sliding element, and the first and second sliding elements being structured such that they abut each other upon a corresponding movement towards each other and such that the second sliding element is taken along with the first sliding element upon a movement of the first sliding element upwardly; releasing means mounted on the first sliding element and adapted to release the locking element if the tension element moves the first sliding element downwardly a predetermined path length; and an actuation spring engaging the second sliding element and biasing it downwardly, with the biasing force of the bias spring overruling the force of the actuation spring.

Preferably, the actuating means is the back rest or the vehicle seat. If the back rest or the vehicle seat is folded forwards the tension element which is connected to the first sliding element is tensioned and the first sliding element is pulled down against the biasing force of the bias spring.

If a tension force is exerted on the tension element, like on account of a forward tilting of the back rest or front seat, the first sliding element is moved downwards 3 and via the releasing means releases the neck rest rod, which as a result is free to be able to move downwards. So that this may be effected in an automatic manner, the actuation spring moves into action and moves the second sliding element downwards and takes the neck rest rod with it so that the neck rest as a whole may be traversed downwards to a low as possible position. Thus with a tilting forward of the front seat an abutting of the neck rest on the vehicle roof or sun roof is avoided.

If on the other hand the seat is folded back, by way of this the tension element, preferably a Bowden cable, is unloaded and the first sliding element is pulled upwards by the bias spring. At the same time it carries with it the second sliding element and by way of this pushes the neck rest rod upwards. Simultaneously the de-actuation of the locking element is done away with by the releasing means so that the locking element may now lock into the first notch in the neck rest rod. This corresponds to the legally required minimum extended height of the neck rest. If the neck rest is to be extended out further, it is necessary to manually actuate this, which is known per se. Although it is possible to provide a provision which "notices" the original height of the neck rest so that on extending out the neck rest this assumes the original position once more, the cost for this is however considerable. Specifically it must be provided that on extending out the neck rest rod or with the traversing upwards to the first sliding element, the locking element is not yet unloaded again or may traverse into the locking position, but only when the original locking position of the neck rest rod is again reached.

A manual neck rest adjustment may likewise be achieved in that an actuating button or likewise is actuated on the neck rest sleeve. Via a suitable transmission element on the neck rest sleeve the releasing means is actuated in order to bring the locking element out of engagement with the neck rest rod. The already mentioned actuation spring 4 by way of this pulls the neck rest downwards. Should the neck rest be pushed out for this, a lifting of the neck rest by hand after unlocking is necessary.

In order to provide a limiting of the movement of the first and/or second sliding elements on the support means there are usefully arranged corresponding abutments.

According to a further formation of the invention the latching element is formed by a spring, for example corresponding to German utility model DE 296 05 983, and the releasing means is defined by a slider, with the first sliding element having a cam surface adapted to engage and actuate the slider when the first sliding element is moved downwardly. The slider has a can surface, and the first sliding element is provided with a rod extending upwardly and having the cam surface of the first sliding element at the upper end thereof which co-operates with the cam surface of the slider.

The bias spring may according to one formation of the invention be formed by at least one helical or coil spring, whilst the actuation spring may preferably be a so-called scroll spring.

So that the movement of the neck rest on automatic retraction may proceed as unif ormly as possible, in another formation of the invention it is envisaged that on the second sliding element there is arranged a rotary damper which is provided with a pinion which co-operates with a toothing on the support means. The support means and the neck rest sleeve are preferably formed of plastics, preferably in one piece. 30 It is known, as has already been mentioned, with the help of an actuation on the receiving sleeve to release a locking element, preferably a spring so that the neck rest rod may be moved in the receiving sleeve. A manual releasing of the neck rest rod may also be provided with the means according to the invention. An access to the neck rest sleeve may only be effected in the upper region of the sleeve. The releasing of the locking element, actuated by the tension element, is on the other hand to be provided in the lower region of the receiving sleeve. Thus one formation of the invention envisages an actuation button to actuate a lever which is pivotably arranged on the receiving sleeve and is in acting connection with the slider which carries out a releasing of the locking spring or the locking element.

Adjusting means, according to the present invention, will now be described in more detail, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:- Fig. I shows a perspective view of adjusting means according to the invention; Fig. 2 shows a front view of the adjusting means; Fig. 3 shows a lateral view of the adjusting means in the direction of arrow 3; and Fig. 4 shows a lateral view of the adjusting means in the direction of arrow 4.

A plate-like mounting part 10 is manufactured together with a receiving sleeve 12 as one piece from a suitable plastics material. The plate-like part 10 comprises next to one another a first section 14, a middle section 16 and a left section 18 (as seen in Figures 1 and 2). The sections 14 to 18 are connected to one another via an upper flange section 20 which projects forwards perpendicularly and the receiving sleeve 12 is connected to the left part of the upper flange section 20.

On the front side of the first section 14 there is attached a receiving element 22 for the sleeve or hose of a Bowden cable. The receiving element 22 is approximately U-shaped and in the region of its web on both sides on the outside is provided with toothing which co-operates with toothing 24 in an opening 26 in the section 14. The receiving element 22 may therefore be adjusted in various heights in the opening 26, which is advantageous with regard to the elimination of the slack on assembly. Suitable means which are not described in more detail here 6 ensure that the receiving element 22 after assembly remains in the assumed position. The sleeve of the Bowden cable is clamped in between the legs of the receiving element 22.

Left and right of the opening 26 there are formed 5 abutments 28, 30.

The middle section 16 has a strip-like projection 32 extending approximately over the height of the section 14 and which as can be recognised in Fig. 1 projects forwards beyond the flange section 20.

The left section 18 comprises a slot 34 extending almost over its entire length, whose one wall side is provided with toothing 36, and at its lower end the section 18 has an abutment 38.

On the f irst section 14 there is arranged a f irst is sliding element 40 in a slidingly height-adjustable manner. At the upper end it is connected to two tension springs 42 which at the upper end are hooked into suitable provisions of the flange section 20. The tension springs 42 bias the first sliding element 40 upwards. The first sliding element 40 comprises means 44 for fastening the cable of the non- shown Bowden cable. A pull on the Bowden cable as a result leads to a tension loading on the first sliding element 40 downwards so that this element is moved downwards against the force of the springs 42.

A vertical rod 46 is formed as one piece with the first sliding element 40 and extends upwards through an opening in the flange section 20, as is recognised in Figures 1 to 3. In the region of the rod which extends through the opening in the flange section 20 there is formed a cam surface 48. In the flange section 20 on the lower side a slider 50 is slidingly movable and this at the right end has a cam surface. If the rod 46 is moved downwards with the first sliding element 40 the cam surfaces co-operate and the slider 50 is adjusted to the lef t.

Above the first sliding element 40 there is arranged a second sliding element 52 which is formed in a bridge- 7 like manner and which is height-adjustably guided by the individual sections 14 to 18. On the second sliding element 52 there engages a scroll spring 54. This biases the second sliding element 52 downwards. The force of the spring 54 is 5 however significantly smaller than the force of the springs 42. The second sliding element 52 comprises at the ends mountings 56, 56 for the non-shown neck rest rods of a neck rest which is not shown. A rod is guided through the sleeve 12 and a second through a further sleeve which is not shown and which is mounted in the non-shown back rest of a motor vehicle.

The sliding element 52 holds a rotary damper 58 which comprises a pinion which is not shown and which co-operates with the toothing 36 - with the up and down movement of the sliding element 52 there is effected as a result a damping of the movement by way of the rotary damper 58. The receiving sleeve 12 comprises at the lower end an extension 60 in which there sits a locking element in the form of a spring 62 which corresponds to the spring 20 according to German utility model 296 05 983, i.e. a cliplike spring whose first arm co-operates with the notches in the neck rest rod, whilst the other arm is supported on the wall of the extension. The first arm is connected to the slider 50 so that on adjustment of the slider 50 to the left the neck rest rod is released.

In an upper extension 64 of the receiving sleeve 12 there is displaceably mounted an actuation element 66 which acts on a lever 68 (Fig. 3). The lever 68 is approximately pivotably mounted in its middle and co-operates with the slider 50. If as a result the actuation element 66 is pressed in, i. e. in Fig. 2 is moved to the right, the lever is pivoted and the slider 50 moves to the left in order to bring the spring 62 out of engagement with the neck rest rod.

The shown means functions as follows:

The complete means shown in Figures 1 to 4 is installed into the back rest of a motor vehicle seat, for 8 example a front seat, wherein only the flange 64 shows out of the upper side of the rest. A second non-shown receiving sleeve is installed separately into the rest so that both sleeves accommodate the rods of a neck rest which is not shown. The rod which is introduced into the receiving sleeve 12 in the middle region has a row of recesses or notches which co-operate with the locking spring 62 in order to fix the neck rest at a predetermined height. The uppermost recess or notch determines the legally required minimal position for the neck rest. In use the neck rest may not be adjusted lower.

Through the back rest which is not shown there is also guided a Bowden cable which at the other end is connected to the seat or the back rest such that on pivoting forward the back rest or the whole seat the Bowden cable is tensioned or shortened so that a pull is exerted on the first sliding element 40 into which the cable or tension element of the Bowden cable is suspended. The sliding element 40 by way of this adjusts the rod 46 which with its cam surface 48 adjusts the slider 50 to the left and by way of this brings the locking spring 62 out of engagement with the neck rest support. By way of this the second sliding element 52 may pull the neck rest rods downwards up to an abutment, for example against the abutment 38. The rotary damper 58 permits at the same time a uniform speed on retracting the neck rest. When the sliding element 52 does not reach the abutment 38 in any case it abuts on the first sliding element 40 which for its part in its movement downwards is limited by the abutments 28 and 30. In this manner it is ensured that the neck rest on pivoting forward the seat or the back rest has its lowest position and thus does not represent a hindrance. If the back rest or seat is folded back then by way of this the Bowden cable is loosened. The tension springs 42 pull the sliding element 40 upwards which in this manner moves with it the second sliding element upwards. The movement upwards is limited by the snapping in of the locking spring into the uppermost 9 notch of the neck rest rod, since the slider 50 on moving up of the first sliding element 40 and thus the rod 46, is no longer held out of engagement with the neck rest rod. In this manner the neck rest is adjusted back into the 5 lowermost legally conforming position.

A neck rest adjustment may also be effected manually. For moving up the neck rest the actuation element 66 may be pressed in so that as already previously described, the spring 54 may move the second sliding element 52 downwards and thus the neck rest rod. The adjustment of the neck rest upwards is effected by manual retraction with the locking spring 62 released.

Claims

1. Adjusting means for the adjustment of a neck rest, the neck rest having at least one rod adapted to be slidably received by a receiving sleeve which is mounted on a back rest with the level of the rod being adjustable by a locking element, the adjusting means comprising:

a tension element attached to actuating means and to a first sliding element, the sliding element being adapted to be vertically guided by support means fixedly attached to the back rest; a bias spring adapted to bias the first sliding element to a first upper end position; a second sliding element which is vertically guided by the support means, the rod of the neck rest being attached to the second sliding element, and the first and second sliding elements being structured such that they abut each other upon a corresponding movement towards each other and such that the second sliding element is taken along with the first sliding element upon a movement of the first sliding element upwardly; releasing means mounted on the first sliding element and adapted to release the locking element if the tension element moves the first sliding element downwardly a predetermined path length; and an actuation spring engaging the second sliding element and biasing it downwardly, with the biasing force of the bias spring overruling the force of the actuation spring.

2. Adjusting means according to claim 1, wherein the support means is provided with an abutment for the first and/or the second sliding element, respectively.

3. Adjusting means according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the locking element is defined by a spring, and the releasing means is defined by a slider, with the first sliding element having a cam surface adapted to engage and actuate the slider when the first sliding element is moved downwardly.

4. Adjusting means according to claim 3, wherein the slider has a cam surface, and the first sliding element is provided with a rod extending upwardly and having the cam surface of the first sliding element at the upper end thereof which co-operates with the cam surface of the slider.

5. Adjusting means according to any preceding claim, wherein the bias spring is a coil spring.

6. Adjusting means according to any preceding claim, wherein the actuation spring is a scroll spring.

7. Adjusting means according to any preceding claim, wherein a rotary damper is associated with the second sliding element, the damper having a pinion which cooperates with a toothing of the support means.

S. Adjusting means according to any preceding claim, wherein the support means and the receiving sleeve are integrally formed of plastics material.

9. Adjusting means according to any preceding claim, wherein the second sliding element has two receiving means for two rods of the neck rest.

10. Adjusting means according to any preceding claim, wherein the locking element at the receiving sleeve cooperates with a pivoting lever which is pivotally supported by the receiving sleeve and co-operates with the slider.

11. Adjusting means substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

12 A MEANS FOR ADJUSTING A NECK REST ABSTRACT Adjusting means for the adjustment of a neck rest, the neck rest having at least one rod adapted to be slidably received by a receiving sleeve (12) which is mounted on a back rest with the level of the rod being adjustable by a locking element (62), the adjusting means comprising:

a tension element attached to actuating means (44) and to a first sliding element (40), the sliding element being adapted to be vertically guided by support means (14, 16, 18) fixedly attached to the back rtst; a bias spring (42) adapted 1,o bias the first sliding element (40) to a first upper,,6nd position; a second sliding element (52) which is vertically guided by the support means' the rod of the neck rest being attached to the second slIding element, and the first and second sliding elements,-'(40,52) being structured such that they abut each other upon a corresponding movement towards each other and such that the second sliding element (52) is taken along with tiie first sliding element (40) upon a movement of the first sliding element (40) upwardly; releasing means (46, 48) mounted on the first sliding element (40)ghd adapted to release the locking element (62) if the tension element moves the first sliding element (40) downwardly a predetermined path length; and an actuation spring (54) engaging the second sliding element. (52) and biasing it downwardly, with the biasing force of the bias spring (42) overruling the force of the actution spring (54).

[Fig. 1] C-