DE29613073U1 - Device for locking a headrest on motor vehicle parts - Google Patents

Description

PATENT ATTORNEYS Reference number: · j · ; · "Il I

DiPL-iNG. CONRAD KÖCHLING - '-"- ^l - -'-'-'- - '- -"-

DiPL-iNG. CONRAD-JOACHIM KÖCHLING . _ _ _{u J n UTT}

Note: R. Schmidt GmbH.

P.O.BOX2069, D-58020 Hagen Dr .-Paul-Müller-Str .

Fleyer Strasse 135, D-58097 Hagen

Call (02331) 811 64 + 85033

Fax(02331)84840 D-57368 Lennestadt

». Telegrams: Patent cooking Hagen

Accounts: Commerzbank AG, Hagen 3515095 (bank code 45040042)

Sparkasse Hagen 100012043 (bank code 45050001) _______________

Postgiro: Dortmund 5989-460 (BLZ44010046)

58 51
VNR:

Current No. ¹ I ² JlL ⁹ A

of 24 July 1996

CJK/Re.

Device for locking a headrest to motor vehicle parts

The invention relates to a device for locking a headrest to motor vehicle parts, in particular a backrest of a motor vehicle seat, consisting of a headrest with two parallel guide rods that can be inserted into receiving channels of the motor vehicle part, and locking means that are held in the receiving channels or at the mouth of the receiving channels and can be adjusted by means of an actuating means from a locking position, in which the rods are locked in a limitedly movable or preferably immovable manner, to a release position, in which the rods are freely movable and can be removed from the receiving channels.

It is common to equip headrests with guide rods. These guide rods can then be inserted into for example, the backrest of a seat.

R.Schmidt 12221/96

-2-

The headrest can be inserted into the receiving channels and locked in the desired position using spring-loaded locking devices. In order to ensure that the headrest is securely held on the corresponding seat or the like, each of the two guide rods is locked with a locking element. If such a headrest is to be released, it is necessary to manually release both locking devices and then pull the headrest out of the guide channels or receiving channels. This is practically impossible for one person to do.

Based on this prior art, the invention is based on the object of creating a device of the generic type by means of which it is possible for a single person to easily unlock a corresponding headrest and detach it from the seat.

To solve this problem, it is proposed that only one actuating means is arranged, by means of which

• *

R.Schmidt 12221/96

-3-

both locking devices can be adjusted together from the locking position to the release position.

By arranging only one single actuating means for both locking means of both guide rods, it is possible for a single person to unlock and remove the headrest by moving the actuating means into the release position and then pulling the headrest with the guide rods out of the receiving channels.

The assembly is carried out in the same way. The locking means can, for example, be formed by a spring-loaded means which is initially spread open when the headrest is inserted with the guide rods and which, when the target position is reached, engages in the locking position, whereby the guide rods have locking notches or locking grooves at the corresponding points.

R.Schmidt 12221/96

-4-

Preferably, it is provided that the rods have locking notches directed transversely to their longitudinal extension, locking springs are held on the guide channels as locking means, which spring into the locking notches in the desired assembly position, and that the actuating means is a tie rod coupled to the locking springs or a push rod with a handle.

The arrangement of such locking notches and locking springs is known in the state of the art. However, it is essential that both locking springs can be released with just one actuating means, which acts on the tension rod or the push rod, so that the user can unlock it with one hand and pull the headrest out of the receiving channels with the guide rods with the other hand.

A further development which may be preferred under certain circumstances is that the locking notches are formed on the surfaces of the rods facing each other, the locking springs

R.Schmidt 12221/96

are essentially V-shaped or U-shaped and with a region of the first leg adapted to the round rod contour, each grip the rod on the side facing away from the other rod and with the second leg engage in the mutually parallel locking notches of the rods, that a tension rod, in particular the core of a Bowden cable, engages the free ends of the second legs, the other end of which is fixed to a handle, preferably arranged centrally between the rods, which is displaceable approximately parallel to the direction of extension of the second legs (in the locking position) or which is rotatable about an axis and by means of which and the tension rod the second legs can be adjusted from the locking position to the release position.

The corresponding tie rod extends across the rods of the headrest, so it represents the shortest connection between these two rods. The corresponding handle is preferably in the middle.

·

R.Schmidt 12221/96

-6-

fixed, by means of which the tension rod can be shortened in order to move the locking springs into the unlocked position. The handle can be, for example, a sliding button or a rotary knob or push button.

It is particularly preferred that the device consists of a panel part which has guide sleeves with locking means, in particular locking springs, which can be inserted into the receiving channels, whereby the locking means designed as locking springs engage around the guide sleeves on the outside with the first leg and engage with the second leg in a radial slot in the guide sleeve and, in the locking position, protrude into the insertion channel for rods, so that the actuating means, in particular the tension rods or pressure rods, are held in the panel and the handle is held on the panel.

All functional elements are formed and mounted on the panel part so that this

R.Schmidt 12221/96

can be easily fixed to the front of the corresponding backrest of a seat. The seat cover can also be pulled over the panel so that it is invisible except for the handle and if necessary a position marking.

Under certain circumstances, it may also be provided that the handle can be adjusted from the locking position to the release position against the force of a spring.

This spring support is not absolutely necessary, since the spring force of the locking springs will usually be sufficient to return the handle to its original position, provided that this handle is no longer grasped manually but is released.

A preferred alternative solution is seen in that a spring-loaded locking rod is arranged as a locking and actuating means, which engages with areas near the end in the locking notches of rods inserted into the guide channels and can be bent by means of a handle which is held centrally between the guide channels into a position in which the areas near the end are disengaged from the locking notches.

R.Schmidt 12221/96

Individual locking springs are not required here, as the locking rod itself, as a one-piece component, enables locking and allows coupling with the handle.

It is also preferably provided that the device has a cover part which has guide sleeves which can be inserted into the receiving channels of the rods and which holds the locking rod together with the handle.

A possibly preferred embodiment is characterized in that the guide sleeves have radial notches on one side, which are aligned with one another, and the locking rod is a straight spring rod which, in the locking position, engages in the radial notches and, by moving the handle transversely to the longitudinal extension of the spring rod, can be elastically bent into a shape in which the spring rod is bent into the release position, releasing the receiving channels of the guide sleeves.

R.Schmidt 12221/96

-9-

In such an arrangement, an extremely simply shaped spring rod can be used.

In addition, it is preferably provided that stops are formed fixed to the frame, in particular on the panel part, against which the spring bar rests in the locking position with areas located between the bars.

Alternatively, it can also be provided that the spring bar has ends that are angled parallel to one another as locking areas, the guide sleeves have radial slots on the side surfaces facing one another for engagement of the locking areas and the free ends of the spring bar are held fixed to the frame beyond the guide sleeves.

The spring bar can be bent in a U-shape, for example. The ends of the spring bar are held in areas fixed to the frame, while the handle for bending the spring bar is located in the middle of the spring bar. The frame-fixed mounting points for the

R.Schmidt 12221/96

-10-

The ends of the spring rod are arranged beyond the guide sleeves, so that when the spring rod is operated using the handle, it can bend and pivot slightly around the mounting points fixed to the frame, so that the angled ends come out of engagement with the notches or the like of the headrest rods. When the handle is operated, the cross-section of the guide sleeves is practically freed from areas of the spring rod, while when the handle is not operated, the angled ends of the spring rod engage radially in the slots of the guide sleeves and narrow their cross-section, so that when the headrest rods are pushed in, these areas can engage in the notches of the headrest.

A further development is specified in claim 11.

A further preferred embodiment is seen in that the locking means are designed as leg springs, one leg end of which is held fixed to the frame and the other leg end of which is

R.Schmidt 12221/96

-11-

A tension rod or a push rod is coupled, which has a handle and forms the actuating means, so that by adjusting the handle, in particular transversely to the tension rod or push rod or parallel to the tension rod or push rod, the winding of the leg spring is radially narrowed under the spring force, so that an inserted rod is gripped in a force-fitting manner (locking position).

With such an arrangement, it is not necessary for the rods of the headrest to have notches or the like, but the locking is achieved solely by force locking. Catch notches or grooves can also be provided. If the leg springs, which have several turns, tension themselves when the handle is not operated, this is held by the rod of the headrest, which passes through the respective leg spring, in a force-locking manner, if necessary, in the catch grooves. By operating the handle, the leg springs can be radially expanded, so that the rods of the headrest can be easily removed.

R.Schmidt 12221/96

-12-

Here too, it is preferably provided that the device comprises a cover part which has guide sleeves which can be inserted into the receiving channels, the leg springs arranged coaxially thereto, as well as the pressure rod or the tension rod and the handle.

Since the rods of the headrest in the locking position have a certain amount of play in the axial direction and/or in the transverse direction relative to the receiving channel or the guide sleeve, it is possible that rattling noises may occur when used as intended.

In order to avoid this, the measures according to claims 14 to 16 are proposed. As a result, the respective rod is held axially pre-tensioned by the spring means, whereby the guide sleeve also prevents any transverse movement of the rod without making any noise.

Examples of implementation are shown in the drawing and described in more detail below.

R.Schmidt 12221/96

It shows:

Fig. 1 to 3 a first embodiment in side view and in plan view in locking position and release position;

Fig. 4 to 6 show a second embodiment in the representation according to Fig. 1 to 3;

Fig. 7 shows a variant of the embodiment according to Figures to 6 in the representation according to Figure 5;

Fig. 8 to 10 another variant in the representation

according to Figures 1 to 3;

Fig. 11 and 12 a variant analogous to Fig. 5 and 6; Fig. 13 and 14 a further development in side view

and in plan view;

Fig. 15 shows a detail of Figure 13 on a larger scale.

R.Schmidt 12221/96

-14-

The drawings show a device for locking a headrest to the backrest of a motor vehicle seat. The headrest required for this is not shown in the drawing, but is known per se in the prior art. It has two parallel guide rods that can be inserted into receiving channels 1 of the corresponding motor vehicle part. In addition, locking means 2 are arranged, which are held in the receiving channels 1 or at the mouth of the receiving channels 1. The locking means 2 can be adjusted by means of an actuating means from a locking position in which the corresponding rods of the headrest are immovably locked (see Figure 2, Figure 5, Figure 7, Figure 9, Figure 14 and 11) to a release position in which the rods can be freely moved and removed from the receiving channels 1 (see Figure 3, Figure 6, Figure 10 and Figure 12).

According to the invention, only a single actuating means 3 is provided, by means of which both locking means 2

R.Schmidt 12221/96

-15-

can be adjusted together from the locking position to the release position.

The embodiments according to Figure 1 to Figure 7 and Figure 11 to Figure 15 can be used for headrest rods that have locking notches that are directed transversely to their longitudinal extension. In this case, locking springs are held on the guide channels 1 as locking means 2, which can spring into the locking notches in the desired assembly position. The actuating means 3 is a handle that is coupled to the corresponding locking springs via a tension rod or a push rod.

In the embodiment according to Figures 1 to 3, the locking notches of the rods of the headrests are formed on the surfaces facing each other. The locking means 2 are formed by locking springs 4, which are essentially V-shaped or U-shaped and, with a region of the first leg adapted to the round rod contour, each lock the rod on the

R.Schmidt 12221/96

-16-

the other rod facing away and can engage with the second leg in the parallel locking notches of the rods. A tension rod 5, for example in the form of a Bowden cable, is provided at the free ends of the second leg. The core of the Bowden cable is fixed to the respective inner leg and its other end is attached to the handle 3. The casing of the Bowden cable is held securely to the frame in a suitable manner. The handle 3 can be designed as a rotating handle, so that when the handle is rotated the tension rods 5 are shortened and thus the locking legs of the locking spring 4 are pivoted from the position according to Figure 2 to the position according to Figure 3. It is also possible to design the handle 3 as a sliding part, in which case it can then be moved in the direction of arrow 9 parallel to the direction of extension of the second legs in the locking position according to Figure 2. This also allows the second legs to be pivoted from the locking position according to Figure 2 into the release position according to Figure 3. The

·

R.Schmidt 12221/96

-17-

For ease of handling and assembly, the device consists of a cover part 6, which has guide sleeves 7 with locking means 2 that can be inserted into the receiving channels. The locking springs

4 formed locking means 2 engage around the guide sleeves 7 with the first leg on the outside on the opposite sides, while with the second leg they engage in a radial slot of the guide sleeve 7 and in the locking position protrude into the insertion channel 1 for the rods. In the cover 6, the actuating means are, for example, the tension rods

5 and the handle 3 is also attached to the panel

6. In addition, it can be provided that the handle 3 can be moved from the locking position according to Figure 2 into the release position according to Figure 3 under the pretension of a spring 8, so that when the handle 3 is no longer gripped, the handle is returned under the force of the spring 8. Preferably, a conspicuous marking can be provided in the area of the handle 3, which is visible when

R.Schmidt 12221/96

-18-

the handle 3 is not in the locking position according to Figure 2. This ensures that when the rods of the headrest are pushed in, the marking becomes visible until the corresponding locking springs engage in the notches of the rods, because then the handle 3 reaches the target position according to Figure 2 and the corresponding marking is covered. The marking therefore serves to visually identify the locking position.

In the embodiment according to Figures 4 to 7 and Figures 11 to 15, a locking rod 10 is arranged as a locking and actuating means, which engages with areas near the end in the locking notches of rods inserted into the guide channels 1. The locking rod 10 can be bent by means of a handle 3, which is held centrally between the guide channels, into a position (compare comparison Figure 5 and Figure 6 or Figure 11 and Figure 12) in which the areas near the end are not engaged by the locking notches. Here too, the device is integrated into a panel part 6, which has the corresponding

R.Schmidt 12221/96

-19-

Guide sleeves 7 with the receiving channels 1 for the rods and holds the locking rod together with the handle 3. In the embodiment according to Figures 4 to 6, the guide sleeves 7 have radial incisions on one side that are aligned with one another. The locking rod 10 is designed as a straight spring rod that engages in the radial sections in the locking position according to Figure 5 and can be elastically bent by moving the handle 3 transversely to the longitudinal extension of the spring rod into a shape in which the spring rod 10 releases the receiving channels 1 of the guide sleeves 7 (see in particular Figure 6).

In addition, stops 11 can be formed on the cover part 6, against which the spring bar 10 rests in the locking position according to Figure 5 with areas located between the bars. The cover part 6 can be covered by the seat cover material 21 (with the exception of the handle 3), as shown in Figures 13 and 14.

In the embodiment according to Figure 7, the spring bar 10 has parallel angled ends as

R.Schmidt 12221/96

-20-

Locking areas. The guide sleeves 7 are provided with radial slots on the side surfaces facing each other for engagement in the locking area. The free ends 12 of the spring bar 10 are held fixed to the frame beyond the guide sleeves 7. Here too, unlocking can be carried out by moving the handle 3 in the direction of the arrow 9, whereby the angled areas can then pivot around the areas 12 fixed to the frame and can be moved into a release position by spring action.

The embodiment according to Figures 13 and 14 is similar to the version according to Figures 4 and 5.

In the embodiment according to Figures 11 and 12, parallel to the spring bar 10 with the angled ends, a further spring bar 10' with angled ends is arranged, which rests on the base of the spring bar 10 and projects with its base ends beyond the base of the spring bar 10, so that the projecting base ends also overlap the guide sleeves 7 and are supported with the bend area in the transition to the angled ends on an abutment 18, whereby the

R.Schmidt 12221/96

-21-

Guide sleeves 7 have slots on both sides on the side surfaces facing each other and facing away from each other for engagement of the locking areas formed by the angled ends of the spring rods 10, 10', whereby when the spring rods 10, 10' are relieved of the load from the handle 3, the locking areas engage in the slots and when the handle 3 is actuated, the slots are released by bending the spring rods 10, 10' or the locking notches of the rods inserted into the guide sleeves 7 are released.

In the embodiment according to Figures 8 to 10, the locking means 2 are designed as leg springs 13. One leg end 14 is held fixed to the frame, while the other leg end 15 is connected to a handle 3 via a tie rod 16 or a push rod 16. This forms the actuating means. The handle can be moved, for example, in the direction of arrow 17 in Figure 9 from the position according to Figure 9 to the position according to Figure 10.

R.Schmidt 12221/96

-22-

the windings of the leg springs 13 are expanded radially to a diameter that is larger than the diameter of the rods to be inserted. This is the release position. When the handle is released, it is returned to the position shown in Figure 9 under the action of the spring force, whereby the winding of the leg springs 13 is radially narrowed under its own spring force, so that an inserted rod is then gripped by the leg spring in a force-fitting manner. This corresponds to the locking position.

In order to avoid noises caused by axial movement of the rods 20 in the locking position and also to avoid rattling noises caused by transverse movement of the rods 20 in the guide sleeves 7, it is provided that a spring means 19 is held in the receiving channels 1 or in the guide sleeves 7, on which the end of the rod 20 is supported in the locking position under pre-tension of the spring means 19.

R.Schmidt 12221/96

-23-

It is advantageous if the spring means 19 is designed as a helical compression spring.

It is also preferred if a guide means 21, in particular a sleeve, preferably made of plastic, is arranged on the rod end or between the rod end and the spring means, wherein the guide means 21 is axially displaceable in the receiving channel 1 or in the guide sleeve 7, is preferably fixed to the rod end by friction, and is designed to be slightly larger in diameter than the rod 20.

The guide sleeve 7 is designed like a pot, so that in the locking position according to Figures 13 to 15 the spring means 19 is supported on the bottom of the sleeve and on the guide means 21 and keeps the rod 20 pre-tensioned in the axial direction.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments, but is variable in many ways within the scope of the disclosure.

All new individual and combination features disclosed in the description and/or drawing are considered essential to the invention.

Claims (16)

R. Schmidt 12221/96 -24- Protection claims: 1. Device for locking a headrest to motor vehicle parts, in particular a backrest of a motor vehicle seat, consisting of a headrest with two parallel guide rods which can be inserted into receiving channels of the motor vehicle part, and locking means which are held in the receiving channels or at the mouth of the receiving channels and can be adjusted by means of an actuating means from a locking position in which the rods are locked in a limitedly displaceable or immovable manner to a release position in which the rods are freely displaceable and can be removed from the receiving channels, characterized in that only one actuating means is arranged, by means of which both locking means (2) can be adjusted together from the locking position to the release position. R.Schmidt 12221/96 -25- 2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the rods have locking notches directed transversely to their longitudinal extension, locking springs (4) are held on the guide channels (1) as locking means (2), which spring into the locking notches in the assembly position, and that the actuating means is a tension rod coupled to the locking springs (4) or a pressure rod (5) with a handle (3). 3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the locking notches are formed on the mutually facing surfaces of the rods, the locking springs (4) are formed essentially V-shaped or U-shaped and with a region of the first leg adapted to the round rod contour each encompass the stalk on the side facing away from the other rod and with the second leg engage in the mutually parallel locking notches of the rods, that at the free ends of the R.Schmidt 12221/96 -26- a tension rod (5), in particular the core of a Bowden cable, engages the second leg, the other end of which is fixed to a handle (3) arranged preferably centrally between the rods, which is displaceable approximately parallel to the direction of extension of the second legs (in the locking position) or which is rotatable about an axis and by means of which and the tension rod (5) the second legs can be adjusted from the locking position into the release position. 4. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the device consists of a panel part (6) which has guide sleeves (7) with locking means (2), in particular detent springs (4), which can be inserted into the receiving channels, wherein the locking means (2) designed as detent springs (4) engage around the guide sleeves (7) on the outside with the first leg and with the second leg in R.Schmidt 12221/96 -27- engage in a radial slot of the guide sleeve (7) and, in the locking position, protrude into the insertion channel for rods, so that the actuating means, in particular the tension rods (5) or push rods, are held in the cover (6) and the handle (3) is held on the cover (6). 5. Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the handle (3) is adjustable from the locking position into the release position against the force of a spring (8). 6. Device according to one of claims 1, 2, 4 and 5, characterized in that a resilient locking rod (10) is arranged as the locking and actuating means, which engages with areas near the end in the locking notches of rods inserted into the guide channels (1) and can be bent by means of a handle (3) which is held centrally between the guide channels (1) into a position in which the areas near the end are disengaged from the locking notches. R.Schmidt 12221/96 -28- 7. Device according to claim 6, characterized in that the device has a cover part (6) which has guide sleeves (7) which can be inserted into the receiving channels (1) of the rods and which holds the locking rod (10) together with the handle (3). 8. Device according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the guide sleeves (7) have radial incisions on one side which are aligned with one another, and the locking rod (10) is a straight spring rod which engages in the radial incisions in the locking position and can be elastically bent by displacement of the handle (3) transversely to the longitudinal extension of the spring rod into a shape in which the spring rod (10) is bent into the release position, releasing the receiving channels (1) of the guide sleeves (7). 9. Device according to one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that stops (11) are formed fixed to the frame, in particular on the panel part (6), against which the spring bar (10) rests in the locking position with areas located between the bars. • * R.Schmidt 12221/96 -29- 10. Device according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the spring rod (10) has mutually parallel angled ends as locking areas, the guide sleeves (7) have radial slots on the mutually facing side surfaces for engagement of the locking areas and the free ends (12) of the spring rod (10) beyond the guide sleeves (7) are held fixed to the frame. 11. Device according to claim 10, characterized in that parallel to the spring rod (10) with the angled ends, a further spring rod (10') with angled ends is arranged, which rests on the base of the spring rod (10) and projects with its base ends beyond the base of the spring rod (10), that the projecting base ends also overlap the guide sleeves (7) and are supported with the bend area in the transition to the angled ends on an abutment (18), wherein the guide sleeves (7) have slots on both sides on the side surfaces facing each other and facing away from each other for R.Schmidt 12221/96 -30- Engagement of the locking areas formed by the angled ends of the spring rods (10, 10'), whereby when the spring rods (10, 10') are relieved of the load from the handle (3), the locking areas engage in the slots and when the handle (3) is actuated, the slots are released by bending the spring rods (10, 10') or the locking notches of the rods inserted into the guide sleeves (7) are released. 12. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the locking means (2) are designed as leg springs (13) are formed, one leg end (14) is held fixed to the frame and the other leg end (15) of which is coupled via a tie rod or a push rod (16) which has a handle (3) and forms the actuating means, so that by adjusting the handle (3), in particular transversely to the tie rod or push rod or parallel to the tie rod or push rod, the winding of the leg spring (13) can be expanded radially R.Schmidt 12221/96 -31- is set to a diameter that is larger than the rod diameter (release position) or when the handle (3) is released, the coil of the leg spring (13) narrows radially under the spring force so that an inserted rod is gripped in a force-fitting manner (locking position). 13. Device according to claim 12, characterized in that the device comprises a cover part (6) which has guide sleeves (7) which can be inserted into the receiving channels (1), the leg springs (13) arranged coaxially thereto as well as the pressure rod or the tension rod (16) and the handle (3). 14, Device according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that a spring means (19) is held in the receiving channels (1) or in the guide sleeves (7), on which the end of the rod (20) is supported in the locking position under pretension of the spring means (19). R.Schmidt 12221/96 -32- 15. Device according to claim 14, characterized in that the spring means (19) is designed as a helical compression spring. 16. Device according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that a guide means (21), in particular a sleeve, preferably made of plastic, is arranged on the rod end or between the rod end and the spring means, wherein the guide means (21) is axially displaceable in the receiving channel (1) or in the guide sleeve (7), is preferably fixed to the rod end by friction, and is slightly larger in diameter than the rod (20).