EP1910126A2

EP1910126A2 - System for adjusting and locking in translation a rod, in particular for a motor vehicle headrest

Info

Publication number: EP1910126A2
Application number: EP06779023A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Hervé Barriere; Yann Leriche
Original assignee: Renault SAS
Current assignee: Renault SAS
Priority date: 2005-07-20
Filing date: 2006-07-07
Publication date: 2008-04-16
Also published as: WO2007010155A3; FR2888794A1; FR2888794B1; WO2007010155A2

Abstract

The invention concerns a system for adjusting and locking in translation a vertical rod (12) of a headrest in a sheath (18), said rod (12) being provided with an upper locking catch (14) and a lower locking catch (16), both axially offset and transversely opposite to as to define two extreme positions of the sheath relative to the rod, said sheath comprising a first element for locking (20) the rod (12) adapted to be received in the upper catch (14), a second element for locking (22) the rod (12) adapted to be received in the lower catch (16), a first member for controlling (26) the first locking element (20) and a second member for controlling (28) the second locking element (22). The invention is characterized in that the unlocking operations of the first (20) and of the second (22) locking elements are obtained by actuating respectively the first (26) and second (28) control members in transversely opposite directions.

Description

SYSTEM FOR ADJUSTING AND BLOCKING IN TRANSLATION OF A ROD, IN PARTICULAR FOR A VEHICLE HEADREST

AUTOMOBILE

The invention relates to a system for adjusting and locking in translation a headrest rod in a sheath, said rod being provided with an upper locking lug and a lower locking lug, both axially offset. and transversely opposed to define two extreme positions. This system is more particularly intended for height adjustment of seat headrests, in particular of a motor vehicle.

Such head restraints have the main function of ensuring the safety of passengers, while ensuring comfort.

With respect to their safety function, these head restraints must meet strict regulatory standards. In particular, these standards require that, on the one hand, an anti-extraction device of the headrest is provided, and that, on the other hand, the movement of the headrest downwardly is limited to one certain side, and this to keep it in a safe position even in case of shock or unintentional maneuver, for example when a passenger presses on the headrest. The passage below the low coast must be done by a voluntary gesture of the user.

The head restraints for motor vehicles generally comprise a headrest cushion mounted on the seat back by means of two rods mounted respectively sliding in a sheath which is provided either in the backrest or in the headrest.

To meet the safety standards mentioned above, there are already known headrests including a rod is provided with an anti-extraction device, and the other rod is provided with a device for blocking the translation to the bottom.

Such a solution has the disadvantage of requiring two specific sheaths, which increases the cost of compliance. with the above safety requirements. Moreover, the headrest is difficult to disassemble for the user because it must operate two buttons and lift the headrest at the same time.

To solve this problem, the publication of patent application FR 2 838 794 discloses a single sheath for managing the blocking of the headrest from its anti-extraction position to its minimum safety position. For this, a system for moving and blocking the stem of the headrest is made with a single button. This is allowed thanks to the presence of two superimposed parts, one of which is movable relative to the sheath and the other relative to the first part. They each comprise a locking means for engaging in the axially offset locking recesses.

Certainly, this unique sheath allows the user to easily manipulate the headrest by pressing the button of the sheath with one hand and pulling the headrest of the other. However, the single button is not ergonomic for the user since it has different races depending on whether one wishes to extract or store the headrest. This can surprise the user. Moreover, according to the publication, in order to fully extract the headrest, an additional tool is necessary, which is particularly restrictive for the user.

The object of the invention is therefore to propose a system for adjusting and locking a vertical rod in an improved sheath. For this purpose, the invention provides a system for adjusting and locking in translation a vertical rod 1 2 headrest in a sheath, said rod being provided with an upper locking lug and a notch lower blocking, both offset axially and opposed transversely to define two extreme positions of the sheath with respect to the rod, said sheath comprising:

a first locking element of the rod that can be received in the upper notch, this first element being biased resiliently by a biasing means to lock the rod in a first low extreme position,

a second locking element of the rod adapted to be received in the lower notch, this second element being resiliently biased by a return means in order to block the rod in a second extreme high position,

a first control member of the first locking element which is transversely moveable and comprises an actuating surface, a second control member of the second locking element which is transversely movable and comprises an actuating surface, characterized in that the unlocking of the first and second locking members is caused by respectively actuating the first and second control members in transversely opposite directions. Advantageously, each control member may comprise a stop which when it is in the unlocked position, and can cooperate with an abutment surface vis-à-vis the other control member to prevent it from being actuated.

Advantageously, when the rod is locked in a locking notch, the control member is protruding relative to the sheath to induce the user to exert pressure on said member to unlock the rod. According to a first embodiment of the invention, the two control members may be two separate parts.

Preferably, each control member may comprise an oblong light of transverse orientation, which is traversed by the body of the rod, the transverse length of which is greater than the diameter of the rod and an edge of which may constitute the element lockable to be received in the associated screen.

According to one characteristic of the invention, the elastic return means may comprise at least one spring which is mounted compressed transversely between two portions vis-a-vis respectively the first and second control member.

According to another characteristic, the sheath of the headrest may comprise a first and a second stop each of which is respectively associated with the first and the second control member to limit its stroke transversely in the unlocking direction.

According to a second embodiment of the invention, the two control members can be secured in one piece. Advantageously, said piece may comprise a transversely oriented light, which is traversed by the body of the rod and whose transverse length is greater than the diameter of the rod.

According to a characteristic of this embodiment, each locking element may be a horizontal branch, orthogonal to the transverse direction, which is guided inside an oblong slot of the control member to move transversely to the inside of this guiding light.

Preferably, the locking arms can belong to a resilient wire spring and can be connected by a central loop which urges them transversely toward the rod.

According to a feature of this embodiment, the locking leg abuts against the rod which is not opposite a locking catch can move in the guide slot able to receive it by pressing on the actuating surface for unlocking.

The invention is now described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is an exploded view of the system according to a first embodiment,

FIG. 2 is a view in longitudinal section of the first embodiment of the system in which the rod is locked in the upper locking notch, FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of the first embodiment of the system in which the rod is being unlocked relative to the upper locking notch, FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view of the first embodiment of the invention. system in which the rod is locked in the lower locking catch,

FIG. 5 is a view in longitudinal section of the first embodiment of the system in which the rod is not locked in translation,

FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the system according to a second embodiment,

FIG. 7 is a longitudinal sectional view of the second embodiment of the system in which the rod is locked in the upper locking notch,

FIG. 8 is a longitudinal sectional view of the second embodiment of the system in which the rod is being unlocked relative to the upper locking notch; FIG. 9 is a longitudinal sectional view of the second embodiment; of the system in which the rod is locked in the lower locking catch,

FIG. 10 is a view in longitudinal section of the second embodiment of the system in which the rod is not locked in translation, and

- Figures 1 1 and 12 are sectional views of a rod respectively according to a first and a second embodiment, said rod being used with the system according to the invention. The system according to the invention is intended to allow the adjustment and locking in translation of a rod 12 provided with at least two locking notches 14 and 16. This system is shown in particular in Figures 1 and 6 respectively according to a first and second embodiment, and the rod 12 used with such a system is shown in Figures 1 1 and 12, according to two possible embodiments. This rod 12 is provided with an upper locking pin 14 and a lower locking pin 16 offset axially and transversely opposite. Each of these notches 14 and 16 defines an extreme position in which the rod 12 is locked in translation.

The system according to the invention comprises a sheath 18 intended to receive in translation the rod 12 vertically. For this purpose, the sheath 18 is pierced at its center, and over its entire length, with an orifice 34 whose size and shape are arranged to allow insertion and translation of the rod 12.

The sheath 18 comprises an upper portion 36 of circular shape, and hereinafter referred to as the sheath cap, of which two opposite sides comprise lateral openings 30, 32. These openings 30, 32 allow a user to have a first 26 and a second controller 28 for respectively unlocking a first locking member engaged in the upper locking catch 14 and a second locking member engaging in the lower locking catch 16.

The lower portion 38 is arranged to allow the integration of said sheath 18 in a headrest for a motor vehicle seat, or in the upper part of a seat back.

FIG. 1 illustrates, according to a first embodiment, the system comprising a first 26 and a second 28 superimposed control members, each having an actuating surface. Each control member 26 and 28 comprises an oblong slot 24 of transverse orientation, which is traversed by the body of the rod 12, whose transverse length is greater than the diameter of the rod and a flat part of which constitutes the element of locking able to be received in the associated screen. Thus, the first locking element 20, integral with the first control member 26, is intended to engage in the upper locking notch 14 of the rod 12. Similarly, the second locking element 22, integral with the second member 28, is intended to engage in the lower locking notch 16 of the rod 12.

The system according to the invention also comprises at least one resilient return means 40 of the two control members 26 and 28. This return means 40, as shown in FIG. 1, is arranged to cause the displacement of one or the other of the control members 26, 28 when the locking elements 20, 22 of said control member are opposite the upper locking notches 14 or lower 16 in which they are intended to engage. According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the return means 40 used is an elastically deformable part such as a spring which is mounted transversely between two portions facing the first 26 and the second 28 respectively. control. More precisely, it is in abutment on the one hand against the locking means 20, 22 and on the other hand against a holding stud 58 provided on the control member 26, 28.

In this first embodiment, the locking elements 20, 22 consist of a metal rod or a flat.

To allow the displacement and locking in translation of a rod which is intuitive for the user, the second embodiment, with reference to FIGS. 6 to 10, provides a system in which the two control members 26 and 28, of which integral to form a single piece 54 which is movable transversely and which has two actuating surfaces. The piece 54 has a circular lumen 52 which is traversed by the body of the rod 12 and whose diameter is greater than the diameter of the rod 12 for allow the clearance of the locking elements 20, 22 as will be explained later in the description.

In contrast to the previous embodiment, FIG. 6 illustrates that the locking elements 20, 22 are not integral with the control members 26, 28. Indeed, the locking elements 20, 22 belong to the elastic return means 40. More specifically, the locking elements 20, 22 are horizontal branches, orthogonal to the transverse direction, which belong to a resilient wire spring 50 and which are connected by a central loop applying them transversely. These locking elements 20, 22 are guided inside an oblong slot 62 on the control member 26, 28 and on the sheath cap 36 so that they move transversely within this light. guide and that the end of the light 62 near the rod 1 2 cooperates with the branch 20, 22 to cause unlocking.

Referring to Figure 7, the branch 20 is intended to engage in the upper locking notch 14 to lock the headrest in the extreme low position and according to Figure 9, the branch 22 is intended to come s engage in the lower locking notch 1 6 to lock the headrest in the extreme high position.

According to this embodiment, the wire spring 50 is placed outside the sheath 1 8 on the sheath cap 36 and allows the sliding of the piece 54 comprising the two control members 26, 28. It may be possible to provide a housing 42 so as to mask the spring 50.

In these two embodiments, the return means 40 and the locking elements 20, 22 are metallic, so as to ensure a firm locking of the rod 12 in translation. The mode of operation of such a system according to the two described embodiments, in which the rod 12 is inserted, is now described in relation with the figures, the sheath 18 being associated with a headrest for a seat of a motor vehicle. Alternatively, said sheath is provided in the seat back. The two locking notches 14 and 16 located on the rod 12 define two end positions of said rod 1 2.

The first end position 14 allows translation locking of the rod 1 2 in the low position, so that the displacement of the headrest downward is limited by a certain coast.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 7, the locking element 20 is opposite the upper locking groove 14. According to the first embodiment (FIG. 2), the return means 40 abuts against the locking element. 20 and the control member 28 is compressed but with less effort than the second return means 40 abuts against the locking member 22 and the control member 26. The merit of the invention is based on the fact that when the stem

1 2 is locked in one of the locking notches, the control member is protruding relative to the sheath cap 36. Thus, the user intuitively knows which operating surface he must exert pressure to unlock the Rod 1 2. Thus, the disengagement of the locking element 20

(FIG. 3) is made by pressing on the actuating surface of the control member 26 to allow its transverse displacement and thus to cause the compression of the return means 40. The user can, while maintaining his pressure on the surface of the actuating move the rod 1 2 of the headrest vertically. Advantageously, the sheath 18 comprises first and second stops 60 each of which is associated with the first 26 and the second 28 control member respectively to limit its travel transversely in the unlocking direction. According to the second embodiment, in the first extreme position (FIG. 7), the locking arms 20, 22 are compressed against the rod 1 2 in this state of rest and abutting on the edges 49 of the oblong slot 62 close to the stem. Advantageously, the piece 54 may be protruding for the release of the rod in the locking notch 14 to induce the user to exert pressure on the actuating surface of the control member 26. Thus, the disengagement of the locking element 20

(Figure 8) is made by pressing on the actuating surface of the control member 26 to allow its transverse displacement and thus cause the sliding of the workpiece 54. The branch 22, abutting against the rod 12 will move in the light 62 in the direction opposite to the sliding but the branch 20 already at its maximum stroke in this sliding direction will simply remain immobile in its slot 62 and move according to the pressure exerted on the actuating surface . The ideal pressure being that allowing the easiest disengagement of the locking element 20 from its first extreme position to move the headrest vertically.

Thus, a user can easily and intuitively unlock the system from its first extreme position, and stow the headrest of the vehicle seat if necessary, in particular to have visibility on the rear of the vehicle.

The second extreme position allows the locking of the translation of the rod 12 in the high position, so as to prevent the extraction of the headrest.

In this position, the locking elements 22 of the rod 12 are opposite the lower locking notch 16.

According to the first embodiment (FIG. 4), the return means 40, abutting against the locking element 22 and the control member 26, is compressed but with less force than the second return means 40 in abutment against the locking element 20 and the control member 28. It can also be provided in this embodiment that the control member 28 is protruding relative to the sheath cap 36 to facilitate the detection of the squeezing member for unlock the rod 12. The disengagement of the locking element 22 is made by pressing on the actuating surface of the control member 28 to allow its transverse displacement and thus cause the compression of the return means 40. The user can, while maintaining its pressure on the actuating surface move the rod 12 of the headrest vertically.

According to the second embodiment, in the second extreme position (Figure 9), the locking arms 20, 22 are pressed against the rod 12 in this state of rest and abutting on the edges 49 of the oblong slot 62 close to the rod. The piece 54 in the second extreme position may not be protruding as shown in Figure 9 and this for aesthetic reasons.

Thus, the disengagement of the locking element 22 can be achieved by pressing on the actuating surface of the control member 28 to allow its transverse displacement and thus cause the sliding of the piece 54 in the opposite direction to the unlocking of the locking member 20. The branch 20, abutting against the rod 12 will move in the slot 62 in the opposite direction to the sliding but the branch 22 is already at its maximum stroke in this direction of sliding simply goes stay still in its light 62 and move according to the pressure exerted on the actuating surface. The ideal pressure being that allowing the easiest disengagement of the locking element 22 from its second extreme position to move the headrest vertically.

Thus, by simply pressing the actuating surface of this member, a user can unlock the system from its second extreme position, and extract the headrest from the vehicle seat if necessary. Advantageously, remarks are required when no locking element 20, 22 is opposite a locking catch 14, 16. According to the first embodiment and with reference to Figure 5 it is noted, on the one hand that the springs 40 are both solicited identically and secondly that the two separate control members 26, 28 refocus automatically after release pressure exerted on the control member for unlocking.

According to the second embodiment and with reference to Figure 10, the wire spring 50 is highly stressed in compression because the locking arms 20, 22 are as far apart as possible. Similarly to the first embodiment, the part 54 comprising the two control members 26, 28 will refocus after releasing pressure exerted on the control member for unlocking.

Between these two extreme positions, a user can, by moving the rod 12 up or down, adjust the position of the headrest to a desired height.

Such an adjustment is described below, thanks to the system according to the invention in which the rod 12 of FIG. 12 is inserted, this rod comprising notches 64 arranged between the upper notch 14 and the lower locking notch 16, side of the upper notch 14, so as to allow vertical adjustment by engagement of the locking member 20, 22 in said notches.

According to the two embodiments, when the user manually moves the rod 12 by pushing it downwards, from its second extreme position, the second locking element

22 follows the slope 66 of the lower notch 16 so as to disengage therefrom.

Similarly, when the user manually moves the rod 12 by pulling it upwards from its first extreme position, the first locking element 20 follows the slope 67 of the upper notch 14 so as to disengage from it, and allowing engagement of the second locking member 22 in one of the detents 64. The passage from one notch 64 to another is made by pressing on the actuating surface of the second control member 28.

The locking means 22 associated with it is then disengaged from the previous notch 64, thus leaving the rod 12 free vertically in both directions.

The system according to the invention can also be used with a rod 12 as represented in FIG. 11, having a smooth surface between the two locking catches 14 and 16. In this case, an adjusting device (not shown) can be used so as to allow, between the two extreme positions, the vertical adjustment of the rod 12.

The invention further comprises retaining means for preventing the escape of the control members 26, 28 when the rod 12 is removed. Of course, numerous variants of the invention can be provided without departing from the scope of the invention. of it. For example, recall means having appropriate forms.

Claims

1. System for adjusting and locking in translation a vertical rod (12) of headrest in a sheath (1 8), said rod

(12) being provided with an upper locking lock (14) and a lower locking catch (1 6), both offset axially and transversely opposite to define two end positions of the sheath with respect to the rod, said sheath comprising:

a first locking element (20) of the rod (12) adapted to be received in the upper notch (14), this first element being elastically biased by a return means (40) in order to lock the rod in a first position extreme low,

- a second locking element (22) of the rod (1 2) adapted to be received in the lower notch (16), the second element being elastically biased by a biasing means (40) to block the rod in a second extreme high position,

a first control member (26) of the first locking element (20) which is transversely movable and comprises an actuating surface;

a second control member (28) of the second locking element (22) which is transversely movable and comprises an operating surface, characterized in that the unlocking of the first (20) and the second locking element (22) are caused by respectively actuating the first (26) and second (28) control members in transversely opposite directions.

2. System according to claim 1 characterized in that each control member (26, 28) comprises a stop which when in the unlocked position cooperates with an abutment surface opposite the other control member (26, 28) to prevent the latter from being actuated.

3. System according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that when the rod (1 2) is locked in a locking notch (14, 16), the control member (26, 28) is protruding by relative to the sheath (1 8) to induce the user to exert pressure on said member (26, 28) to unlock the rod.

4. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the two control members (26) and (28) are two separate parts.

5. System according to claim 4, characterized in that each control member (26, 28) comprises an oblong slot (24) of transverse orientation, which is traversed by the body of the rod (1 2), whose length transverse is greater than the diameter of the rod and an edge of which constitutes the locking element (20, 22) suitable for being received in the associated notch (14, 1 6).

6. System according to one of claims 4 or 5, characterized in that the elastic return means (40) comprise at least one spring which is mounted transversely compressed between two portions vis-a-vis respectively the first (26). ) and the second (28) controller.

7. System according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the sheath (1 8) comprises a first and a second stops (60) each of which is respectively associated with the first (26) and the second (28). control member to limit its travel transversely in the direction of unlocking.

8. System according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the two control members (26) and (28) are integral in one piece (54).

9. System according to claim 8, characterized in that the part (54) comprises a transversely oriented lumen (52), which is traversed by the body of the rod (12) and whose transverse length is greater than the diameter of the stem.

10. System according to one of claims 8 or 9, characterized in that each locking element (20, 22) is a horizontal branch, orthogonal to the transverse direction, which is guided inside an oblong slot ( 62) of the control member to move transversely within this guide light.

1 1. System according to one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the locking arms (20, 22) belong to a resilient wire spring (50) and in that they are connected by a central loop which the transverse urges towards the rod (12).

12. System according to one of claims 8 to 1 1, characterized in that the branch (20, 22) abuts against the rod (12) which is not vis-à-vis a locking notch (14, 16), moves in the guide slot (62) able to receive it by pressing on the actuating surface for unlocking.