DE112006004014T5 - Headrest system for a vehicle seat - Google Patents

Abstract

A headrest system for a vehicle seat comprising a seat cushion (5), a backrest (4) and a headrest (3), the backrest being provided with at least a first movable threshold means (7, 8, 9) provided by a first threshold force of an occupant is activated and moved rearwardly, wherein a first mechanical connection (14) between the first device (7, 8, 9) and the headrest is adapted to support the headrest by transmitting the movement of the first device forward into a first head To move position
wherein the seat cushion (5) and the seat back (4) comprise second movable threshold means (6) activated by a second threshold force of an occupant to permit rearward movement of a lower portion of the seat back relative to the seat cushion (5) .
wherein a second mechanical connection (17) between the first movable threshold means (7, 8, 9) and the seat cushion (5) is connected such that the headrest (3) as a ...

Description

Technical area

The The present invention relates to a headrest system for Vehicle seats for the prevention of cervical spine trauma in rear impact situations.

Technical background

In A rear impact situation may injure the occupant be added. The buttocks and torso the occupant, which in general close contact with the backrest can be exposed to a rapid acceleration be. The head of the inmate, which normally does not contact to any part of the seat, may at the beginning at all be exposed to no acceleration. Consequently, you can the buttocks and the torso of the occupant follow move forward, whereas the head due to inertia stays in place. This causes a flexion of the neck the occupant until the head in contact with the headrest comes up or up the neck itself a forward force exercises the head of the occupant, which first may have the tendency to turn the head about a horizontal axis and then throw your head forward. Such movements of the Genicks and the head can cause injury, known as cervical spine trauma.

From the WO9710117 it is known that cervical spine traumas can be reduced when the seat back is supported such that the head rest moves forward to support the occupant's head and the seat back can move in a predetermined manner, so that the occupant's trunk accelerates more gradually.

Some Aspects of the previously proposed arrangements could be further improved, such as with an arrangement, which is flexible in different situations and which for provides an occupant with an improved level of safety. The order should continue to be reliable, but not too expensive.

Summary of the invention

It Object of the invention, an improved headrest system to create, which at least partially the above-mentioned aspects reduced.

These and other tasks will be done according to the teachings of satisfies the present invention, wherein the headrest system for a vehicle seat a seat cushion, a backrest and a headrest, wherein the backrest equipped with at least a first movable threshold device which is activated by a first threshold force of an occupant and moved backwards. A first mechanical connection between the first set up and the headrest is for it suitable, by a transmission of the movement of the first Set the headrest forward in a first head move supportive position. The seat cushion and the backrest has a second movable threshold device which is activated by a second threshold force of an occupant is used to move a lower part of the backrest to allow the rear in relation to the seat cushion. A second mechanical connection, at least between the first movable threshold device and the seat cushion, is such connected to the headrest in response to the movement the lower part of the backrest forward in a second Head supporting position is moved. The second threshold force is greater than the first threshold force.

On This way can be done through mechanical interaction between the movable threshold devices by a rear impact conditional movements of an occupant are transmitted to at least two security levels and thus two security positions of the seat. In less serious, the first Threshold force corresponding clashes only part of the system is activated, with the headrest is moved to a first head supporting position. at more severe clashes corresponding to the second threshold force Both the headrest and the backrest activated, achieving a second headrest position becomes. A movement of the first movable threshold device according to the first position acts with the movement the lower part of the backrest together towards the second Head supporting position. For more serious collisions can Tensile forces in the first and second mechanical connection transferred to the headrest to the second Head supportive position to achieve. Consequently, can such a system by mechanical interaction in the system improved flexibility and customized security cope with different rear impact situations.

The first and second mechanical links may define a way to mechanically transmit movements of the first and second movable threshold devices to the headrest. As a result, the force-transmitting connection to the headrest can be reciprocal and the System complexity can be reduced. By the term "path" is meant a force-transmitting path or path for mechanical interaction, the path preferably extends from the headrest to the seat cushion or to an element connected to the seat cushion.

The first movable threshold device may be a movable element, such as a movable plate, a flexible element or a compliant element, which with the first mechanical Connection can be connected.

The movable element is preferably suitable for To transfer movements to the first mechanical connection. The backward movement of the movable element is preferably transmitted in the transverse direction.

The second movable threshold device is preferably an anti-cervical spine trauma reclining mechanism. there can be the backward movement of such a known Mechanism used and transferred to the headrest to get a reliable system. In such In one situation, the movable member may be relative to the seat cushion to be moved down.

One first retaining element may be in connection with the first be arranged mechanical connection. The activation threshold, which, at least at the beginning, the first head supporting position can be easily achieved. In addition, can the headrest during normal use be held effectively in their desired position. The first retaining element can either a fracture element, a spring element, a friction element or an electromagnetic element. The fragile element can be a pin or a bolt. The retaining element may also be a rubber element or a polymeric element, such as a plastic element.

One additional and second retaining element can be arranged in the system. The retaining element can arranged in connection with the second mechanical connection become. The second retaining element can by the first and / or the second threshold force can be activated. Here, the movable Element during normal use at least below the first threshold force effectively held in its desired position become. Consequently, the second retaining element is either a break element, a spring element, a friction element or an electromagnetic Element.

Preferably a first connection represents the first mechanical connection. A second connection can represent the second mechanical connection. An essentially direct power transmission can be effective be reached to the force-transmitting path or the To make force transmitting extension.

The Headrest can support a head an occupant to be rotatable about an axis. The axis can be arranged on the backrest. Alternatively or in addition Can the headrest to support a head of an occupant to be slidable along a route.

Brief description of the drawings

The The present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings Drawings which preferred embodiments of the invention show, explained in more detail:

1a is a schematic side view of a headrest system for a vehicle seat according to an embodiment of the invention in a normal use position.

1b shows the system 1a in a first head supporting position.

2a shows the system 1a in normal use position.

2 B shows the system 1a in a second head supporting position.

2c shows the system 1a with the upper part of the backrest in tilted back position.

3a is a schematic perspective view of a headrest system for a vehicle seat according to another embodiment of the invention in a normal use position.

3b shows the system 3a in a second head supporting position.

3c shows the system 3a with the upper part of the backrest in tilted back position.

Detailed description the invention

1a schematically shows a headrest system 1 for a vehicle seat 2 according to an embodiment of the invention. A headrest 3 is movable on the backrest four arranged. The lower part of the backrest four is via an anti-cervical spine trauma reclining mechanism 6 with a seat cushion or a seat cushion 5 connected. Anti-cervical spine trauma seat recliner mechanisms are known in the art and therefore will not be discussed further. By way of example, the Autoliv patent no. GB2316442 Be referred.

The backrest four has a movable element 7 which is capable of bending backwards in response to occupant forces. The movable element according to this embodiment can be a large-area element 7 which preferably extends over at least one fifth of the area of the backrest, more preferably over at least a quarter and most preferably over at least one third of the area facing the occupant's torso. The movable element may be formed like a web, but is preferably a flexible mat 7 , Alternatively, the movable member may be a movable plate which is connected to a transmission means for transmitting the force to the headrest.

The mat 7 is at an upper attachment portion 8th arranged and may also have a lower mounting portion 9 exhibit. The mat is retained at least by an upper retention member, such as a frangible member, which is attached to or in communication with the upper attachment portion 8th can be arranged. The lower loading fastening section 9 may also have a retaining element. To transfer forces from the mat 7 When the restraining member is subjected to forces above a first threshold force, the upper attachment portion is 8th with a first wire 10 connected. The mat or the web-like element 7 However, they may be capable of bending backward to a limited extent below a first threshold force, preferably without moving the headrest.

The headrest 3 is preferably about an axis 11 rotatably arranged. Additionally or alternatively, the headrest may be slidably disposed along a path. The headrest has a headrest shaft section 12 and a lever section 13 on, which form a letter L and on the axis 11 are connected. As in 1a shown is the first wire 10 with the lever section 13 connected. Thus, the mat is 7 via a first mechanical connection, preferably as a first connection 14 , connected to the headrest.

The lower attachment section 9 for the mat is with a second wire 15 connected. The second wire 15 is for mechanical interaction through the seat back reclining unit 6 passed. The second wire 15 can on the seat cushion 5 or on a carrier plate 18 for the seat cushion or on a similar attachment part to a fixing portion 16 be attached. Thus, the mat is via a second mechanical connection, preferably as a second connection 17 , connected to the seat cushion. Alternatively, the second mechanical connection may extend from the seat cushion to the headrest via a movable member or threshold device. As in 1a It can be seen, the second wire 15 through a guide 19 , which in the Sitzleh nenverstellmechanismus 6 is integrated. The second wire 15 can with additional guidance means, such as rollers 20 be guided.

The mechanism 6 has a power receiving element (not shown), wherein the backrest can be moved relative to the seat cushion in response to a second threshold force applied by an occupant to a lower portion of the seat back, as in FIG 2 B can be seen. Thus, the mechanism provides 6 a second movable threshold device.

Referring to the 1a and 1b a first head supporting position of the headrest is described. When the occupant is pushed rearward in a rear impact situation or in a similar demanding situation exceeding a first threshold force, the mat moves, flexes, or at least abuts a mounting portion connected to a retaining member 8th . 9 after, as in 1a can be seen. The first wire 10 starts at the lever section 13 to pull, so that this is a rotary motion on the axis 11 performs to the headrest shaft section 12 to move and thereby the head supporting section of the headrest 3 to move forward. The headrest is tilted forward to a first head assist position.

Referring to the 2a and 2 B a second head supporting position of the headrest is described. When the occupant is pushed rearward in a rear impact situation or in a similar demanding situation exceeding a second threshold force, the lower portion of the seat back moves rearward. It should be noted that an impact equal to the second threshold force is more severe than an impact equal to the first threshold force. The movement of the headrest to the first head supporting position may therefore already be initiated at such a stage. The lower part of the backrest four becomes above the second threshold force by the anti-cervical spine trauma reclining mechanism 6 relative to the seat cushion 5 moved backwards. The upper part of the backrest four is controlled by the anti-cervical spine trauma seat nenverstellmechanismus 6 moved forward relative to the seat cushion, wherein the backrest is substantially in an upright position.

The backward movement of the lower part of the backrest relative to the seat cushion on the shaft 19 pulls the mat 7 downwards and thereby can additionally move the headrest in a second head supporting position, as in 2 B shown.

Preferably, the backrest is in a tilted-back position, with the upper part of the backrest four by the anti-cervical spine trauma reclining mechanism 6 relative to the seat cushion 5 is moved to the back, as in 2c can be seen. The headrest is preferably in a head assisting position at the reclined position of the seat back. The angle between the head restraint and the seat back may be substantially equal to or less than the angle in the second head assisting position.

The 3a to 3c show another embodiment of a headrest system with corresponding reference numerals. Similar features may have corresponding benefits and functions. As a result, the mat is with the first connection 14 connected with the number 7 designated. Headrest movements are below the first threshold force through the upper attachment section 8th limited. According to the previous embodiment, the headrest may be moved above a first threshold force to the first head supporting position, which is not shown. The upper attachment section 8th is located to restrict the movement of the headrest preferably in conjunction with a retaining element. The system according to this embodiment can be constructed without a lower retaining element, since the Sitzlehnenverstellmechanismus 6 can act as a threshold device to hold the lower part of the mat in its desired position.

The second connection 17 in 3a connects the seat cushion 5 and the backrest four mechanically. According to this embodiment, the headrest is by a mutual, by the first, a force-transmitting route 14 . 17 forming connection 14 fixed connection connected. Alternatively, the second attachment may extend from the seat cushion or seat recliner mechanism to the headrest. Preferably, in such a case, a mechanical interaction between the first connection and the second connection can take place, for example on the movable element 7 or on a retaining element. Therefore, the headrest has at least a first and a second head supporting position.

The in 3a anti-cervical spine trauma seat recliner mechanism shown 6 has an opening 30 on which a pivot pin 33 receives to achieve different positions for the backrest in one of the second threshold force corresponding rear impact situation, as in the 3b and 3c can be seen. The opening 30 can be triangular. Alternatively, the anti-cervical spine trauma reclining mechanism may be provided with an L-shaped recess, a so-called reverse L-shaped recess known in the prior art, to achieve different positions of the seat back in a rear impact situation.

The seat back adjustment mechanism 6 can be a planetary gear 31 during normal operation by an occupant to adjust the angle of the backrest four is used.

The mat 7 is in contact with an outer edge of a shaft 32 the seat recliner mechanism. Alternatively, the mat or another part of the second connection 17 for mechanical interaction, a movable part of the Sitzlehnenverstellmechanismus 6 touch or touch it.

In 3b becomes the hinge pin 33 of the mechanism 6 and thereby the wave 32 due to a second, applied by an occupant in a rear impact situation threshold force moves backwards. The lower part of the mat 7 is angled and transmits a traction backwards into the mat and into the first wire 10 , The head supportive section of the headrest 3 is moved forward to a second head supporting position.

3c shows the upper part of the backrest in a through the anti-cervical spine trauma seat back reclining mechanism 6 back tilted position. The hinge pin 33 is moved up. The headrest may be less tilted forward than in the second head assisting position. The opening 30 However, it can be changed to achieve adjusted movements of the backrest and / or the headrest.

It should be noted that various modifications of the above-described embodiments of the invention can be realized within the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims. It can, for example, various moving elements 7 used to transmit a backward movement of an occupant. The movable element should transmit the force across the occupant's movement. Such an element can be added For example, be a movable, support for different head positions mechanically connected to the headrest plate. The system may also be equipped with a plurality of retaining elements to achieve a variety of seating positions for both the headrest and the backrest.

Summary:

An anti-cervical spine trauma headrest system for a vehicle seat, with only minor head collisions being activated in less severe collisions, while in severe collisions both the headrest and the backrest are activated. The backrest has a first movable threshold device ( 7 . 8th . 9 ) activated by a first threshold force of an occupant and moved rearward. The backward movement is from a first connection ( 14 ) between the first institution ( 7 . 8th . 9 ) and the head restraint to move the head restraint to a first head assisting position.

An anti-cervical spine trauma seat back reclining mechanism ( 6 ), which allows a backward movement of a lower part of the backrest, can be activated by a second threshold force. The movement of the backrest is controlled by a second connection ( 17 ) between the first institution ( 7 . 8th . 9 ) and the seat cushion ( 5 ), the headrest ( 3 ) is additionally moved to a second head supporting position.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list The documents listed by the applicant have been automated generated and is solely for better information recorded by the reader. The list is not part of the German Patent or utility model application. The DPMA takes over no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• WO 9710117 [0003]
• GB 2316442 [0025]

Claims (12)

A headrest system for a vehicle seat with a seat cushion ( 5 ), a backrest ( four ) and a headrest ( 3 ), wherein the backrest with at least a first movable threshold device ( 7 . 8th . 9 ) activated by a first threshold force of an occupant and moved backwards, wherein a first mechanical connection ( 14 ) between the first institution ( 7 . 8th . 9 ) and the headrest is adapted to move the headrest forward by transferring the movement of the first device to a first head supporting position, wherein the seat cushion ( 5 ) and the backrest ( four ) a second movable threshold device ( 6 ) activated by a second threshold force of an occupant to prevent movement of a lower part of the backrest relative to the seat cushion (10). 5 ), allowing a second mechanical connection ( 17 ) between the first movable threshold device ( 7 . 8th . 9 ) and the seat cushion ( 5 ) is connected in such a way that the headrest ( 3 ) in response to the movement of the lower part of the backrest ( four ) is additionally moved forward to a second head supporting position, wherein the second threshold force is greater than the first threshold force. The system of claim 1, wherein the first and second mechanical connections ( 14 . 17 ) a track for mechanical transmission of movements of the first and second movable threshold device on the headrest ( 3 ) establish. The system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the first movable threshold means ( 7 . 8th . 9 ) a movable element ( 7 ), such as a movable plate, a flexible element or a resilient element, which with the first mechanical connection ( 14 ) connected is. The system of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second movable threshold means comprises an anti-cervical spine trauma reclining mechanism 6 is. The system according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a first retaining element ( 8th ) in connection with the first mechanical connection ( 14 ) is arranged. The system according to claim 5, wherein the first retaining element ( 8th ) is either a break element, a spring element, a friction element or an electromagnetic element. The system according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein a second retaining element ( 9 ; 6 ) in conjunction with the second mechanical connection ( 17 ) is arranged. The system according to claim 7, wherein the second retaining element ( 9 ; 6 ) is either a break element, a spring element, a friction element or an electromagnetic element. The system according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein a first connection ( 14 ) represents the first mechanical connection. The system according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein a second connection ( 17 ) represents the second mechanical connection. The system according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the headrest ( 3 ) for supporting a head of an occupant about an axis ( 11 ) is rotatable. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the headrest ( 3 ) is slidable to support a head of an occupant along a route.