Anti-backdriving active head restraint

• US 20040155496A1
• Filed: 02/06/2003
• Published: 08/12/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 02/06/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Lear Corporation
• Original Assignee: Lear Corporation
• Inventors: Kozlowski, Eric, Eslam, Kambiz H.Z., Farquhar, Mark A., Warnken, Christoph, Klier, Oliver, Low, Kar K., Yetukuri, Nagarjun V.
• Granted Patent: US 7,097,242 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 297/216.12
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/4228 due to impact coming from the rear
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/806 movable or adjustable
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/888 with arrangements for protecting against abnormal g-forces, e.g. by displacement of the head-rest

Abstract

A vehicle seat for use with a vehicle includes a seatback frame having a first locking element, and a head restraint arrangement movably associated with the seatback frame. The head restraint arrangement includes a second locking element that is engageable with the first locking element. Upon a sufficient impact to the vehicle, the head restraint arrangement is configured to move with respect to the seatback frame from an initial position toward a support position. Furthermore, the locking elements are configured to allow movement of the head restraint arrangement toward the support position, while inhibiting movement toward the initial position.

Claims

1. A vehicle seat for use with a vehicle, the vehicle seat comprising:

a seatback frame including a first locking element; and

a head restraint arrangement movably associated with the seatback frame and including a second locking element that is engageable with the first locking element, wherein upon a sufficient impact to the vehicle, the head restraint arrangement is configured to move with respect to the seatback frame from an initial position toward a support position, and wherein the locking elements are configured to allow movement of the head restraint arrangement toward the support position, while inhibiting movement toward the initial position.

2. The vehicle seat of claim 1 wherein the locking elements are configured to lock the head restraint arrangement, with respect to the seatback frame, in one of multiple positions disposed away from the initial position.

3. The vehicle seat of claim 1 wherein the seatback frame includes a spring engaged with the first locking element for urging the first locking element into engagement with the second locking element of the head restraint arrangement.

4. The vehicle seat of claim 3 wherein the seatback frame further includes a guide that slidingly receives the first locking element for guiding movement of the first locking element toward the second locking element of the head restraint arrangement.

5. The vehicle seat of claim 4 wherein the seatback frame further includes first and second side portions, a cross member extending between the side portions, and a support plate attached to the cross member for supporting the first locking element, and wherein the first locking element is laterally slidable with respect to the support plate.

6. The vehicle seat of claim 1 wherein the seatback frame includes first and second side portions, and a cross member extending between the side portions, and wherein the first locking element is fixed to the cross member.

7. The vehicle seat of claim 1 wherein the head restraint arrangement includes a spring engaged with the second locking element for urging the second locking element into engagement with the first locking element of the seatback frame.

8. The vehicle seat of claim 1 further comprising a release device associated with one of the locking elements for disengaging the one locking element from the other locking element to allow the head restraint arrangement to move toward the initial position.

9. The vehicle seat of claim 1 wherein the first locking element comprises a first portion of a ratchet mechanism, and the second locking element comprises a second portion of the ratchet mechanism.

10. The vehicle seat of claim 1 wherein the head restraint arrangement includes a head restraint and a support structure connected to the head restraint, and wherein the head restraint arrangement is configured to move as a result of inertia of the head restraint.

11. The vehicle seat of claim 1 wherein the head restraint arrangement includes a head restraint and a support structure connected to the head restraint, the support structure including an impact target, and wherein a sufficient rearward force upon the impact target in response to the sufficient impact to the vehicle causes the head restraint arrangement to move from the initial position toward the support position.

12. The vehicle seat of claim 11 wherein the impact target has a bowed configuration when the head restraint arrangement is in the initial position, and wherein the impact target is configured to move toward a flat position upon application of the rearward force.

13. The vehicle seat of claim 11 wherein the impact target includes a hinge device that lengthens vertically upon application of the rearward force.

14. The vehicle seat of claim 13 wherein the hinge device includes first and second hinge portions connected together with a pin, and the impact target further includes an impact body connected to the hinge portions with the pin, the impact body being configured to receive the rearward force.

15. The vehicle seat of claim 13 wherein the seatback frame includes a cross member, and the hinge device includes first and second hinge portions connected together by a connecting member, and wherein the hinge device is configured to bear against the cross member upon application of the rearward force such that the connecting member moves toward the cross member as the hinge device lengthens vertically.

16. The vehicle seat of claim 13 wherein the hinge device includes first and second hinge portions that define an angle of less than 180 degrees when the head restraint arrangement is in the initial position, and wherein upon application of the rearward force, the hinge portions are configured to move such that the angle increases.

17. A vehicle seat for use with a vehicle, the vehicle seat comprising:

a seatback frame having a guide member and a first locking element; and

a head restraint arrangement movably associated with the seatback frame, the head restraint arrangement including a head restraint and a support structure connected to the head restraint, the support structure being engageable with the guide member and including an impact target and a second locking element that is engageable with the first locking element, wherein upon application of a sufficient rearward force to the impact target, the support structure is configured to move along the guide member to cause the head restraint to move away from an initial position to provide support to the head of a seat occupant, and wherein the second locking element is configured to cooperate with the first locking element to allow movement of the head restraint away from the initial position, and is further configured to cooperate with the first locking element to selectively lock the head restraint in one of multiple support positions, such that movement of the head restraint toward the initial position is inhibited.

18. The vehicle seat of claim 17 wherein the first locking element comprises a first portion of a ratchet mechanism, and the second locking element comprises a second portion of the ratchet mechanism.

19. The vehicle seat of claim 17 further comprising a release device associated with one of the locking elements for disengaging the one locking element from the other locking element to allow the head restraint to move toward the initial position.

20. A vehicle seat for use with a vehicle, the vehicle seat comprising:

a seatback frame;

a head restraint arrangement movably associated with the seatback frame, wherein upon a sufficient impact to the vehicle, the head restraint arrangement is configured to move with respect to the seatback frame away from an initial position to provide support to a head of a seat occupant; and

a lock mechanism having a first portion attached to the seatback frame and a second portion attached to the head restraint arrangement, the lock mechanism being configured to allow movement of the head restraint arrangement away from the initial position, the lock mechanism further being configured to selectively lock the head restraint arrangement in one of multiple support positions, such that movement of the head restraint arrangement toward the initial position is inhibited, wherein at least one of the support positions extends upward and forward of the initial position.