Patent ID: 12226026

Corresponding parts are marked with the same reference symbols in all figures.

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

1seat pan1.1seat pan cushion2backrest2.1backrest cushion3headrest3.1headrest cushion3.1.1pad3.1.2cover material3.2mounting rods3.3adjustment device3.4front surface3.4.1to3.4.nsurface area3.5back surface4pressure-sensitivity pad4.1to4.npressure-sensitivity sensor5control unit6deforming element6.1movable element6.1.1base portion6.1.2through-hole6.1.3leg portion6.1.4leg front surface6.2fluid inflatable element6.2.1fluid channel6.2.2fluid inlet7.1to7.narray8rod9supply deviceL communication linkPA pivot axisS seatS1state, in particular non-actuated stateS2state, in particular actuated stateSZ1, SZ2seating zonex longitudinal axisy transverse axisz vertical axis