Headrest for a seat and seat

The disclosure refers to a headrest for a seat. The headrest has at least a headrest cushion which is mountable to the seat. The headrest cushion may have an adjustment device configured to at least partially deform a front surface of the headrest cushion along at least one extending direction of the headrest cushion. Further, the disclosure relates to a seat with such a headrest.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates generally to a headrest for a seat, in particular a vehicle seat. Further, the present disclosure relates generally to a seat, in particular vehicle seat, with such a headrest.

Adjustable headrests are known from the prior art. Mostly, headrests for vehicle seats are adjustable in height or inclination. For example, such a headrest usually comprises a padded support and an adjustment device. Further, the headrest comprises two headrest rods or a support bracket which are or is, for instance, height adjustable mounted to a backrest of the seat.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a headrest for a seat, in particular vehicle seat, which is comfortably adjustable to fit to any position of an occupant. Further, an object of the present disclosure is to improve a self-acting adjustment of the headrest depending on an occupant's position for supporting an occupant's comfort.

According to the disclosure, the object of the headrest is solved by the features claimed and the object of the seat is solved by the features of the claims.

According to the disclosure, a headrest for a seat comprises at least a headrest cushion which is mountable to the seat, wherein the headrest cushion comprises an adjustment device which is configured to at least partially deform a front surface of the headrest cushion along at least one extending direction of the headrest cushion.

The present invention relates to an improved headrest cushion to properly support an occupant's head in various positions of the occupant. It is understood that a position of the head means a location of the head and neck of an occupant. In particular, by usage of an adjustable front surface a compact design of the headrest can be achieved. Moreover, a deformation of the front surface along the extending direction of the headrest cushion increases comfort feeling for the occupant. It is to be understood that deformation of the front surface relates to a movement of the front surface, in particular of front surface areas or portions, in a direction towards the occupant and in the at least one extending direction of the headrest cushion. For instance, one extending direction relates to a transverse extending direction of the headrest cushion and another extending direction relates to a vertical extending direction of the headrest cushion.

In particular, the deformation of the front surface results in a raised front surface area or portion towards the occupant. The raised front surface area or portion can be used as a support for the occupant to lean against. In particular, the front surface is adjusted to bias against the occupant's head, for instance for comfort increase, reinforcement and safety. Furthermore, the adjustment device is configured to deform the front surface following an occupant's position, in particular a head position. For instance, the deformation of the front surface follows an occupant's head movement and/or position. Particularly, a continuous deformation of each front surface area or portion across an extending direction of the headrest cushion equals a wave-like movement. The headrest is a system that creates deformation in a head restraint surface to properly support the head in various positions of the occupant. The deformation fits within the shape criteria of federal safety regulations.

In a further embodiment, the headrest cushion comprises a lower area for an occupant's neck. A front surface of the lower area is configured to be deformed by the adjusting device. Thereby, a neck support surface is created for the occupant.

According to a further embodiment, the adjustment device is configured to at least partially deform the front surface depending on a position of an occupant's head.

According to another embodiment, the adjustment device is configured to at least partially deform the front surface depending on a movement of the occupant's head along the extending direction of the headrest cushion. In particular, a comparatively more comfortable and safer headrest positioning throughout position changes of the occupant can be achieved.

In another embodiment, the adjustment device is configured to deform the front surface of the headrest cushion in real-time with regard to a position and/or a movement of an occupant's head. In particular, the deformation fits within the shape criteria of federal safety regulations.

In an embodiment, the front surface is divided into front surface areas, wherein the adjustment device is configured to operate deformation of one or more front surface areas at the same time or in sequence. Particularly, a smooth and wave-like motion may be carried out by the adjustment device when following an occupant's head.

In a further embodiment, the adjustment device is configured to automatically operate deformation of the front surface or front surface areas upon determination of a change of an occupant's position.

According to a further embodiment, the adjustment device comprises a plurality of deforming elements which are configured to push against a back of the front surface of the headrest cushion. For example, the deforming elements are static in a normal, non-actuated state. When the adjustment device is actuated, e.g. by actuators, the deforming elements may be supplied with an electric current. The deforming elements translate forward, i.e. against the back of the front surface to push the front surface in a direction towards the occupant. For instance, depending on a current strength supplied to each of the deforming elements, an adjustment velocity of each deforming element and/or a projecting range towards the occupant is settable. For example, a control unit sets the current strength of each deforming element. The deforming elements may be spring-loaded comprising spring elements. The deforming elements are coupled to actuators. For example, the deforming elements are pins or bolts which are configured to bias against the front surface or front surface areas. The deforming elements may be movable elements such as plates, discs, cam elements. In a further embodiment, the deforming elements are deformable elements such as fluid inflatable elements. For example, deformable elements are air inflatable pads or pouches. In a normal, non-actuated state of the adjustment device its fluid inflatable elements are substantially empty and not filled with a fluid, such as air. In an actuated state of the adjustment device its fluid inflatable elements are filled with a fluid. Therefore, the adjustment device is coupled to one or more fluid devices, such as fluid suppliers and ventilation devices.

According to an embodiment, the adjustment device comprises at least one array of deforming elements arranged on a back of the front surface of the headrest cushion.

According to another embodiment, the adjustment device comprises a plurality of fluid inflatable elements which are configured to push against a back of the front surface or front surface areas of the headrest cushion.

In a further embodiment, the adjustment device comprises a plurality of movable elements which are arranged adjacent to each other along an extending direction of the headrest cushion and which are configured to push against a back of the front surface or front surface areas of the headrest cushion. The movable elements are connected in-line to each other. The movable elements are configured to move individually or dependent from each other. For example, the movable elements are cam elements which are connected to each other via a rod.

It is understood that a combination of different deformers, such as movable, substantially rigid deforming elements and size-changing deformable elements, can be provided and arranged on the back, i.e. rear side of the front surface of the headrest.

In another further embodiment, the headrest cushion comprises a number of pressure-sensitivity sensors for determining a position and/or a movement of an occupant's head. For example, a number of pressure-sensitivity sensors are configured as a pressure-sensitivity pad, wherein the headrest cushion comprises a number of such pressure-sensitivity pads arranged adjacent to each other, in particular along at least one extending direction of the headrest cushion. In an exemplary embodiment, the pressure-sensitivity sensors and/or pads are arranged on a back surface and/or the front surface and/or in an intermediate mounting space between the back and the front surfaces of the headrest cushion. The pressure-sensitivity sensors and/or pads are configured to determine a current position or rather location of the occupant's head resting on the front surface of the headrest cushion and optionally a further movement direction of the occupant's head. The front surface is adjusted, in particular deformed, to match the position, i.e. location of the occupant's head. Therefore, the adjustment or rather the deformation of the front surface happens in real-time as the occupant's head moves along the front surface of the headrest cushion. In particular, as the occupant shifts weight or rather pressure on the front surface of the headrest cushion, the pressure-sensitivity sensors and/or pads determine the position and movement of the occupant's head, whereas the front surface maintains an alignment location to the occupant's head.

According to another possible embodiment, the adjustment device and the pressure-sensitivity sensors of the headrest cushion are coupled to each other in a signaling manner. For instance, the adjustment device and the pressure-sensitivity sensors are coupled to each other via a control unit. In particular, the adjustment device and the pressure-sensitivity sensors are coupled to each other via a communication link, wherein the adjustment device is configured to be actuated depending on determined signals of the pressure-sensitivity sensors. The communication link, such as a wire or cable, is coupled to a control unit. The control unit receives signals detected by the pressure-sensitivity sensors, whereas the control unit is configured to evaluate the signals and to actuate the adjustment device, in particular its deforming elements. Therefore, the control unit comprises a software which evaluate received input signals and transmits output signals as a result of the received input signals.

Another embodiment refers to a headrest cushion, wherein at least the front surface is made of soft and flexible material.

Further, the present invention refers to a seat, in particular a vehicle seat, comprising at least a backrest and a headrest, wherein the headrest comprises at least a headrest cushion. The headrest cushion comprises an adjustment device which is configured to at least partially deform a front surface of the headrest cushion along at least one extending direction of the headrest cushion. In particular, the headrest cushion fully extends over a width of the backrest. Further, the headrest cushion may be shaped in curved or arced manner. Further, the headrest comprises a mounting bracket, such as mounting rods or a u-shaped bracket, which is partially embedded within the headrest cushion and mounted to the backrest to hold the headrest cushion on the backrest. Moreover, the seat comprises a seat pan to which the backrest is coupled, for instance, adjustable or rather inclinable. In another embodiment, the mounting bracket, particularly the rods or the u-shaped bracket is height adjustable mounted to the backrest in common manner.

According to an embodiment, the backrest and additionally optionally the seat pan comprises each a number of pressure-sensitivity sensors for determining a position and/or a movement of an occupant's body. For example, a number of pressure-sensitivity sensors are configured as a pressure-sensitivity pad, wherein the backrest comprises a number of such pressure-sensitivity pads arranged adjacent to each other in a transverse and vertical direction of the backrest and optionally, the seat pan comprises a number of such pressure-sensitivity pads arranged adjacent to each other in a transverse and longitudinal direction of the seat pan. The front surface of the headrest cushion is adjusted, in particular deformed, to match the position of the occupant's head which can be dependent evaluated by the occupant's body position and/or movement. Therefore, the adjustment or rather the deformation of the front surface happens in real-time as the occupant's body moves along the backrest and/or the seat pan, in particular in a transverse direction. In particular, as the occupant shifts weight or rather pressure on the backrest and the seat pan, the pressure-sensitivity sensors and/or pads track the position and/or movement of the occupant. For example, a control unit is coupled to the pressure-sensitivity sensors and/or pads such that the control unit evaluates and determines the position and/or movement of the occupant's head and neck as a result of the movement and/or position of the occupant's body.

In another embodiment of the seat, the pressure-sensitivity sensors of the backrest and optionally the pressure-sensitivity sensors of the seat pan as well as the adjustment device of the headrest cushion are coupled to each other in a signaling manner, in particular via a communication link, e.g. a cable or wire arrangement. The adjustment device is configured to be actuated depending on determined signals by the pressure-sensitivity sensors. For instance, the adjustment device and the pressure-sensitivity sensors are coupled to each other via a control unit. The control unit receives the determined signals of the pressure-sensitivity sensors and evaluates them to actuate the adjustment device according to evaluated signals.

By use of pressure-sensitivity sensors and/or pads on the seat, the location of the body and head is determined by a software, and the location of the deformation on a head restraint is adjusted to match the location. This happens in real-time as the occupant moves position in the seat.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG.1shows a perspective view of a seat S, in particular a vehicle seat. The seat S comprises a seat pan1and a backrest2. The backrest2is mounted to the seat pan1. The backrest2may be adjustable, in particular inclinable, mounted to the seat pan1.

For a better understanding of subsequent descriptions of the seat S a coordinate system is shown in further figures. The coordinate system comprises a longitudinal axis x, a transverse axis y and a vertical axis z in relation to the seat S as shown.

The seat S comprises a headrest3which is adjustable to support an occupant's head so as to improve occupant's comfort.

The backrest2and optionally additionally the seat pan1comprises each a number of pressure-sensitivity pads4for determining a position and/or a movement of an occupant's body sitting on the seat S. For example, each pressure-sensitivity pad4comprises a number of pressure-sensitivity sensors4.1to4.n. For example, a plurality of pressure-sensitivity sensors4.1to4.nis arranged in arrays to form one or more pressure-sensitivity pads4. Each pressure-sensitivity pad4at least partially covers a seating zone SZ1, SZ2of the seat S. The seat pan1comprises one seating zone SZ1and the backrest2comprises another seating zone SZ2. For example, the backrest2comprises a number of such pressure-sensitivity pads4arranged adjacent to each other in a transverse and vertical direction of the backrest2. For instance, four pressure-sensitivity pads4are arranged in the seating zone SZ2. Optionally additionally, the seat pan1comprises a number of such pressure-sensitivity pads4arranged adjacent to each other in a transverse and longitudinal direction of the seat pan1. In the shown embodiment, the seat pan1comprises one large pressure-sensitivity pad4covering the seating zone SZ1of the seat S. The backrest2can also comprise one large pressure-sensitivity pad4covering the seating zone SZ2of the seat S. For instance, the pressure-sensitivity pads4are embedded within a backrest cushion2.1and a seat pan cushion1.1. The pressure-sensitivity pads4may be embedded within a backrest cover and a seat pan cover, a trim panel or the like.

Further, the pressure-sensitivity pads4are each coupled to a control unit5in a signaling manner, in particular via communication links L. The control unit5is coupled to the headrest3to actuate an adjustment of the headrest3depending on input signals received and transmitted from the pressure-sensitivity pads4.

FIGS.2and3each shows a perspective view of an embodiment of an adjustable headrest3for the seat S. The headrest3comprises a headrest cushion3.1which is mounted to the backrest2. For example, the headrest3comprises commonly known mounting rods3.2or a u-shaped mounting bracket which is partially embedded within the headrest cushion3.1at one end and which is inserted in the backrest3at the other end.

The headrest cushion3.1comprises an adjustment device3.3which is configured to deform a front surface3.4of the headrest cushion3.1along at least one extending direction of the headrest cushion3.1. In particular, the front surface3.4is deformable across a vertical and transverse length of the headrest cushion3.1. Additionally, the front surface3.4is deformable in a longitudinal direction of the seat S, particularly in a direction towards the occupant. The headrest cushion3.1comprises a fixed, in particular immovable back surface3.5. Thereby, the front surface3.4is deformable in a direction away from the back surface3.5of the headrest cushion3.1. For example, deformation of the front surface3.4refers to a movement or extension of the front surface3.4in a direction towards the occupant. The headrest3comprises a substantially curved or arc-shape. To ensure that the head of the occupant can always be supported along the transverse extension direction of the headrest3in each position the occupant may take, the front surface3.4is configured adaptable and so as deformable.

For instance, the front surface3.4is divided into a number of partial front surface areas3.4.1to3.4.n, wherein each front surface area3.4.1to3.4.nis evenly and smoothly deformable. The front surface3.4may be divided into vertical extending front surface areas3.4.1to3.4.3or transverse extending front surface areas3.4.4to3.4.n. Each front surface area3.4.1to3.4.nis deformable independent from each other. For example, a deformation range of each front surface area3.4.1to3.4.nis variable independent from each other. A change of a deformation direction is carried out in a wave-like manner. The adjustment device3.3is configured to operate deformation of one or more front surface areas3.4.1to3.4.nat the same time or in sequence. In particular, a deformation of the front surface3.4is provided by one or more raised front surface areas3.4.1to3.4.ntowards the occupant. The raised front surface area3.4.1or the raised front surface areas3.4.1to3.4.ncan be used as a support for the occupant to lean against. Furthermore, the adjustment device3.3is configured to deform the front surface3.4following an occupant's position, in particular head and/or body position. For instance, the deformation of the front surface3.4follows an occupant's movement which refers to a change of a current position of the head and body. In particular, the head position is evaluated by the control unit5depending on received input body position signals by the pressure-sensitivity pads4whereas the head position is determined as result of the body position.

In particular, the adjustment device3.3is configured to deform the front surface3.4depending on a determined position of an occupant's head and/or depending on a movement of the occupant's body on the seat S. Particularly, the adjustment device3.3is configured to deform the front surface3.4in a self-actuating manner. The adjustment device3.3is configured to automatically adjust the front surface3.4when receiving a control signal from the control unit5. The front surface3.4of the headrest cushion3.1is adjusted, in particular deformed, to match the position of the occupant's head which is dependent evaluated by the occupant's body position and/or movement. Therefore, the adjustment or rather the deformation of the front surface3.4happens in real-time as the occupant's body moves along the backrest2and/or the seat pan1, in particular in a transverse direction. In particular, as the occupant shifts weight or rather pressure on the backrest2and/or the seat pan1, the pressure-sensitivity pads4determine the position of the occupant's head as a result of the movement and/or position of the occupant's body.

As seen inFIG.4, the adjustment device3.3comprises a plurality of deforming elements6. The deforming elements6are configured to push against a rear of the front surface3.4of the headrest cushion3.1. For example, the deforming elements6are static in a normal, non-actuated state S1. When the adjustment device3.3starts activating the deforming elements6, the deforming elements6are supplied with an electric current, whereas the deforming elements6are set to a use, actuated state S2. The deforming elements6translate forward, i.e. against the rear of the front surface3.4to push the front surface3.4in a direction towards the occupant. For instance, depending on a current strength supplied to each of the deforming elements6, an adjustment velocity of each deforming element6and/or a projecting range towards the occupant is settable. The deforming elements6are, for example, configured as extendable and retractable pins. For example, front surface areas3.4.4and3.4.6are less projecting as far towards an occupant as the front surface area3.4.5. The deforming elements6of the front surface areas3.4.4and3.4.6are actuated but provide a different projecting range than the projecting range of the deforming elements6of the front surface area3.4.5. The front surface areas3.4.7to3.4.ncomprise non-actuated deforming elements6which rest in their initial retracted position. Optionally, the deforming elements6are configured as bladders which are inflatable with a medium, such as a gas or fluid, to change in size. The front surface3.4is made of a flexible and elastic material, e.g. synthetic, textile material. The adjustment device3.3is embedded within the headrest cushion3.1. In particular, the deforming elements6are arranged within the headrest cushion3.1. The deforming elements6are arranged between the front surface3.4and the back surface3.5. The headrest cushion3.1is, e.g. made of foam material.

The adjustment device3.3is configured to be actuated depending on signals detected by the pressure-sensitivity pads4. For instance, the adjustment device3.3and the pressure-sensitivity pads4are coupled to each other via the control unit5. The control unit5receives signals detected by the pressure-sensitivity pads4, whereas the control unit5is configured evaluating the signals and to actuate the adjustment device3.3, in particular its deforming elements6, depending on the signals detected by the pressure-sensitivity pads4. Therefore, the control unit5comprises a software which transmits output, control signals as a result of the detected input signals.

FIG.5shows schematically in a perspective view an embodiment of a headrest3comprising a headrest cushion3.1and an adjustment device3.3for deformation of a headrest front surface3.4of the headrest cushion3.1. The headrest cushion3.1comprises a pad3.1.1or bolster, e.g. made of foam. The pad3.1.1is in contact with the adjustment device3.3. For example, the pad3.1.1is covered by a cover material3.1.2, wherein the pad3.1.1and the cover material3.1.2are forming the front surface3.4of the headrest cushion3.1. The adjustment device3.3comprises at least one array7.1of deforming elements6arranged on a back of the front surface3.4of the headrest cushion3.1. In particular, a plurality of deforming elements6is arranged adjacent to each other in array7.1. The adjustment device3.3comprises a plurality of movable elements6.1which are arranged adjacent to each other along an extending direction, such as the transverse extending direction, of the headrest cushion3.1. The movable elements6.1are configured to push against a back of the front surface3.4or front surface areas3.4.1to3.4.nwhen moving, in particular rotating about a pivot axis PA. The movable elements6.1are connected in-line to each other. The movable elements6.1are configured to move individually or dependent from each other. For example, the movable elements6.1are cam elements which are connected to each other via a rod8. In particular, the array7.1comprises rotating movable elements6.1, such as cam elements. The movable elements6.1, in particular rotating elements, rotate individually depending on a feedback from the pressure-sensitivity sensors4.1to4.narranged in the seat S and which dictate a position of the occupant in relation to the headrest3. As individual movable elements6.1rotate, they push the front surface3.4at least partially forward to a desired position, in particular a desired occupant support position. The movable elements6.1are individually operated by the control unit5depending on a determined and evaluated position of the occupants head.

FIGS.6A to6Cshow schematically in side views a deformation of a headrest front surface3.4by an adjustment device3.3according toFIG.5. The adjustment device3.3comprises movable elements6.1. The movable elements6.1comprise each a base portion6.1.1arranged on the rod8. The base portion6.1.1comprises a through-hole6.1.2through which the rod8is guided. Further, the movable elements6.1comprise each a leg portion6.1.3, e.g. in form of a push element or flap, projecting from the base portion6.1.1. The leg portion6.1.3rotates about the pivot axis PA when the base portion6.1.1rotates about the pivot axis PA. The leg portion6.1.3comprises a substantially curved leg front surface6.1.4to at least partially contact the back of the headrest front surface3.4when rotating about the pivot axis PA. The curved leg front surface6.1.4is configured to smoothly bias against the back of the headrest front surface3.4when deforming it.

FIG.7shows schematically in a perspective view another embodiment of a headrest3comprising a headrest cushion3.1and an adjustment device3.3for deformation of a headrest front surface3.4. The adjustment device3.3comprises a number of arrays7.1to7.neach having a number of deforming elements6. Particularly, the adjustment device3.3comprises fluid inflatable elements6.2which are configured to push against a back of the front surface3.4or front surface areas3.4.1to3.4.nof the headrest cushion3.1. For example, the fluid inflatable elements6.2are air inflatable pads, pouches, bladders, cells or the like. In a normal, non-actuated state S1of the fluid inflatable elements6.2these elements are substantially empty and not filled with a fluid, such as air. In an actuated state S2of the fluid inflatable elements6.2these elements are filled with a fluid. Therefore, the adjustment device3.3is coupled to one or more fluid supply devices9, such as fluid suppliers and ventilation devices. As information from the pressure-sensitivity sensors4.1to4.nis sent to the arrays7.1to7.ne.g. through a communication link L, the individual fluid inflatable elements6.2inflate to deform the headrest front surface3.4. The fluid inflatable elements6.2may be connected to each other in arrays7.1to7.ne.g. along fluid channels6.2.1. For example, each fluid inflatable element6.2is controllable via the control unit5. Each front surface area3.4.1to3.4.ncomprises a number of fluid inflatable elements6.2. By controlling different fluid inflatable elements6.2different front surface areas3.4.1to3.4.nare deformable. The fluid inflatable elements6.2are individually operated by the control unit5depending on a determined and evaluated position of the occupants head.

FIG.8shows schematically in a rear view an embodiment of an adjustment device3.3comprising arrays7.1to7.nof fluid inflatable elements6.2. The fluid inflatable elements6.2each comprise a number of fluid inlets6.2.2, e.g. in form of valves and air inlets, connected to fluid channels6.2.1, such as air tubes and at least one supply device9, e.g. an inflation fan.

FIGS.9A and9Bshow schematically in side views a deformation of a headrest front surface3.4by an adjustment device3.3according toFIG.8.FIG.9Ashows individual fluid inflatable elements6.2in a deflated and non-actuated state S1.FIG.9Bshows the individual fluid inflatable elements6.2in an inflated, actuated state S1. The individual fluid inflatable elements6.2inflate when information is sent to it, pushing the headrest front surface3.4forward.

LIST OF REFERENCES