WO2008111721A1

WO2008111721A1 - Apparatus for moving an automotive headrest

Info

Publication number: WO2008111721A1
Application number: PCT/KR2007/006407
Authority: WO
Inventors: Soon Bong Choi
Original assignee: Soon Bong Choi
Priority date: 2007-03-14
Filing date: 2007-12-10
Publication date: 2008-09-18
Also published as: KR20080084553A

Abstract

Disclosed is an apparatus for moving an automotive headrest. The apparatus comprises: a headrest; a guide frame fixedly installed on a headrest stay extending from a backrest of a seat and having a guide space; a slide connected to the headrest, moving together with the headrest, sliding through the guide space of the guide frame, and having a plurality of teeth on an upper portion thereof; a pawl locked on one of the teeth of the slide so as to restrict the movement of the slide; a movement support unit interposed between the guide frame and the slide, supporting the movement of the slide, and installed so as to allow a plurality of rolling elements to roll freely; and a return spring, returning the slide to an original position.

Description

APPARATUS FOR MOVING AN AUTOMOTIVE HEADREST

Technical Field

[1] The present invention relates, in general, to an automotive headrest, and more particularly, to an automotive headrest, capable of minimizing impact pressure applied to a driver or passenger when a traffic accident such as a head-on collision or a rear-end collision occurs, thereby preventing fatalities. Background Art

[2] Generally, vehicle accidents have a high probability of having severe consequences, and thus endanger the lives of drivers and passengers.

[3] In detail, when a vehicle hits the vehicle in front, a driver and/or passenger receive an impact due to impact force, i.e. impact pressure, while their bodies are momentarily pulled back, even if they are wearing their seat belts.

[4] The body pulled back, particularly the upper part of the body, first encounters the backrest of a seat, thereby receiving an impact. This impact pulls the neck back, and thus forces the head to collide with the headrest of the seat. Thus, the head receives an impact, which may well be fatal.

[5] To solve this problem, the present applicant filed Korean Patent Application No.

10-2006-100600 (hereinafter, referred to as "prior application"). The prior application discloses a seat safety apparatus for vehicles, in which, when the body of an occupant is pulled back due to reactive force at the time of a collision between vehicles, and when the back of the upper part of the body first collides with the backrest of a seat, the headrest of the seat is linearly moved and stopped in a forward direction in response to the collision with the backrest of the seat, thereby not only supporting the head to thus prevent the neck from being pulled back, but also minimizing the impact to the head, thus remarkably reducing the impact, which could lead to damage to the brain, thus reducing the number of casualties.

[6] However, the prior application by the present applicant has a drawback in that the structure for realizing movement of the headrest is very complicated. Hence, the seat safety apparatus increases in size and thereby in the cost of production, and the replacement and repair thereof are difficult. Disclosure of Invention

Technical Problem

[7] Accordingly, the present invention has been made in an effort to solve the problems occurring in the related art, and an object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for moving an automotive headrest, which automatically moves the headrest in a forward direction so as to be able to support the neck or head of an occupant who is pulled back by reactive force at the time of a collision between vehicles (particularly, a rear-end collision of the vehicle), thereby not only preventing the neck from being pulled back, but also minimizing the impact to the head, thus remarkably reducing the impact, which could lead to damage to the brain, as well as reducing the number of casualties.

[8] Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for moving an automotive headrest, which has reduced costs of production and is easy to replace or repair because it has a very simple structure. Technical Solution

[9] In order to achieve the above object, according to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for moving an automotive headrest, which comprises: the headrest; a guide frame fixedly installed on a headrest stay extending from the backrest of a seat and having a guide space; a slide connected to the headrest, moving together with the headrest, sliding through the guide space of the guide frame, and having a plurality of teeth on an upper portion thereof; a pawl locked on one of the teeth of the slide so as to restrict the movement of the slide; a movement support unit interposed between the guide frame and the slide, supporting the movement of the slide, and installed so as to allow a plurality of rolling elements to roll freely; and a return spring, returning the slide to its original position.

[10] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for moving an automotive headrest, which comprises: the headrest; a guide frame fixedly installed on a headrest stay, extending from a backrest of a seat, and having a guide space; a slide connected to the headrest, moving together with the headrest, sliding through the guide space in the guide frame, and having a plurality of teeth on the upper portion thereof; a pawl, locked on one of the teeth of the slide so as to restrict the movement of the slide; a driving unit installed on the guide frame and driving the slide by means of external impact; and a return spring, returning the slide to its original position, wherein the driving unit includes: a torsion spring, moving the slide by means of elastic force, first and second clamping members, clamping or releasing the torsion spring; and a restricting member, restricting the operating distance of the torsion spring.

[11] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for moving an automotive headrest, which comprises: the headrest; a guide frame, fixedly installed on a headrest stay extending from a backrest of a seat and having a guide space; a slide connected to the headrest, moving together with the headrest, sliding through the guide space of the guide frame, and having a plurality of teeth on the upper portion thereof; a pawl locked on one of the teeth of the slide so as to restrict the movement of the slide; a driving unit installed on the guide frame and driving the slide by means of external impact; and a return spring, returning the slide to its original position, wherein the driving unit includes a cylinder installed under the guide frame, a piston movably installed in the cylinder, an air chamber installed in the seat's backrest, and an air supply pipe communicating with the air chamber through the cylinder.

[12] The features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent after a reading of the following detailed description.

[13] Above all, the terms or words used in the description and claims should be interpreted not according to their ordinary and dictionary meanings, but according to meanings and concepts matching the technical idea of the invention on the basis of the principle that the inventor(s) can properly define the words in order to describe his/her own invention in the best way.

Advantageous Effects

[14] According to the present invention, the apparatus for moving an automotive headrest automatically moves the headrest in a forward direction so that it is able to support a neck or head of any occupant who is pulled back by repulsive force at the time of collision between vehicles (particularly, a rear-end collision of the vehicle), so that it can not only prevent the neck from being pulled back, but also minimize impact to the head, thus being able to remarkably reduce the impact, which could lead to damage to the brain, as well as reducing the number of casualties.

[15] Further, costs of producing the apparatus for moving an automotive headrest can be reduced because a very simple structure is realized, which makes economical distribution possible and facilitates replacement and repair. Brief Description of the Drawings

[16] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view illustrating an apparatus for moving an automotive headrest according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[17] FIG. 2 is a side sectional view illustrating an apparatus for moving an automotive headrest according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[18] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view illustrating an apparatus for moving an automotive headrest according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[19] FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along the arrow A of FIG. 3;

[20] FIG. 5 is a side sectional view taken along the line B-B of FIG. 4, wherein a pawl is locked on the first tooth of a slide;

[21] FIG. 6 is a sectional view illustrating the state in which a pawl of the present invention is locked on the second tooth of a slide; [22] FIG. 7 is a sectional view illustrating the state in which a pawl of the present invention is locked on the third tooth of a slide; [23] FIG. 8 is a sectional view illustrating the state in which a pawl of the present invention is locked on the fourth tooth of a slide; [24] FIG. 9 is a sectional view illustrating the state in which a slide moves in the state of each of FIGS. 5 through 8, and then a pawl is locked on a fifth tooth of the slide; [25] FIG. 10 illustrates, in a step-by-step manner, the state in which a pawl of the present invention is operated between the entry step and the release step of a movement support; [26] FIG. 11 is a side sectional view illustrating an apparatus for moving an automotive headrest according to a third embodiment of the present invention; [27] FIG. 12 illustrates, in a step-by-step manner, the state in which an apparatus for moving an automotive headrest according to a third embodiment of the present invention is operated; [28] FIG. 13 illustrates the operation of an apparatus for moving an automotive headrest according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention; [29] FIG. 14 is an enlarged detailed view illustrating the part C of FIG. 13;

[30] FIG. 15 illustrates the operation of an apparatus for moving an automotive headrest according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention; and [31] FIG. 16 is an enlarged detailed view illustrating the part D of FIG. 15.

[32] <Description of Symbols of the Main Parts in the Drawings>

[33] 100: headrest

[34] 110: headrest stay

[35] 120: guide frame

[36] 130: slide

[37] 140: pawl

[38] 150: return spring

[39] 180: driving unit

Mode for the Invention [40] The above objects, and other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent after a reading of the following detailed description. [41] Reference will now be made in greater detail to an apparatus for moving an automotive headrest according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. [42] First, throughout the drawings, it is to be noted that the same reference numerals or letters will be used to designate like or equivalent elements having the same function.

A detailed description of known function and constructions that would unnecessarily obscure the subject matter of the present invention will be avoided hereinafter.

[43] FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate an apparatus for moving an automotive headrest according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[44] As illustrated, the apparatus for moving an automotive headrest according to a first embodiment of the present invention generally comprises a headrest 100, a guide frame 120, installed on a headrest stay 110 extending from the backrest of a seat, a slide 130, connected to the headrest 100 and sliding on the guide frame 120, a pawl 140, restricting the movement of the slide 130, a movement support unit 170, interposed between the guide frame 120 and the slide 130 and supporting the movement of the slide 130, and a return spring 150, returning the slide 130 to its original position.

[45] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the headrest 100 is filled therein with a shock absorbent

101 such as a cushion. An inner cover 102 is installed inside the shock absorbent 101. The guide frame 120, the slide 130, the pawl 140, etc. are located inside the inner cover 102. A mounting bracket 190 is mounted on the inner cover 102. The slide 130 is fixedly connected to the inner cover 102 through the mounting bracket 190. The inner cover 102 is provided with an opening 103, through which the headrest stay 110 passes, in the lower end thereof. Alternatively, the slide 130 may be integrally formed either with the mounting bracket 190 by injection molding, or part of the inner cover

102 without the mounting bracket 190.

[46] The headrest stay 110 is made up of vertical parts 112 and a horizontal part 111.

One end of each vertical part 112 is installed on the backrest of the seat, and the guide frame 120 is fixed to the horizontal part 111. [47] The guide frame 120 is installed inside the inner cover 102, and guides the movement of the slide 130. [48] In the first embodiment, the guide frame 120 includes a bottom 121, fixed to the horizontal part 111 of the headrest stay 110. A pair of vertical walls 122 extends upward from opposite ends of the bottom 121. A guide space 125 is horizontally or inclinedly formed between the pair of vertical walls 122. [49] A pair of narrow walls 124 extends from the vertical walls 122 in an inward and upward direction. The pawl 140 is installed between the narrow walls 124 so as to be able to pivot around a hinge pin 143. [50] The slide 130 is coupled to the mounting bracket 190 at one end thereof, and the mounting bracket 190 is coupled to the inner cover 102. Thereby, the slide 130 is fixedly connected to the headrest 100, so that the slide 130 and the headrest 100 move in one body. [51] This slide 130 has a polygonal structure in which a plurality of sliding faces 132 extends horizontally or inclinedly. The plurality of sliding faces 132 slides through the guide space 125 of the guide frame 120. In the case in which the sliding faces 132 of the slide 130 are horizontally disposed parallel to each other in the guide space 125 of the guide frame 120, the slide 130 can move in a horizontal direction, and thus the headrest 100 can move in a horizontal direction. In the case in which the sliding faces 132 of the slide 130 are inclinedly disposed parallel to each other in the guide space 125 of the guide frame 120, the slide 130 can move in an inclined direction, and thus the headrest 100 can move in an inclined direction.

[52] Further, the slide 130 is provided with a plurality of teeth 131a, 131b, 131c, 13 Id and 13 Ie on an upper portion thereof. The pitches between the teeth 131a, 131b, 131c, 13 Id and 13 Ie can be uniform or non-uniform. A plurality of sliding races 132a is formed between the plurality of sliding faces 132 in a longitudinal direction. The slide 130 can be provided with at least one stopper 134, which can restrict the movement of the slide 130, at a lower end thereof.

[53] The pawl 140 is pivotably hinged to the narrow walls 124 of the guide frame 120, and is provided with a lock 141 at one end thereof so as to be locked to and unlocked from any one selected from the teeth 131a, 131b, 131c, 13 Id and 13 Ie of the slide 130, and with an unlocking nose 142, which protrudes in a lateral direction (i.e. toward the face at which an entry step 174 and a release step 174 of the movement support unit 170 are formed in FIG. 1). As illustrated in FIG. 10, the lock 141 and the unlocking nose 142 are spaced apart from each other, so that the unlocking nose 142 can be caught on the entry step 174 and the release step 174 of the movement support unit 170.

[54] The pawl 140 is provided with a tension spring 145, which applies tension. The tension spring 145 is supported on one of the narrow walls 124 at one end thereof and on the pawl 140 at the other end thereof, so that it provides tension not only to the pawl 140, so that it is elastically pivoted, but also the lock 141, so that it is locked on one of the teeth 131a, 131b, 131c, 13 Id and 13 Ie of the slide 130.

[55] The movement support unit 170 is interposed between the slide 130 and the guide space 125 of the guide frame 120, and is provided with a plurality of retainers 171. Each retainer 171 is open to the slide 130 and the guide space 125, and is mounted with rolling elements 172 such as balls, rollers or the like. The rolling elements 172 are rolled in the guide space 125 and in the sliding races 132a of the slide 130, so as to support the movement of the slide 130.

[56] The movement support unit 170 includes the entry step 173 and the release step 174 on the upper portion thereof. When the unlocking nose 142, protruding in the lateral direction of the pawl 140, is brought into contact with the release step 174 by the forward movement of the movement support unit 170, the pawl 140 pivots in an upward direction, as illustrated in FIG. 10(f). Thereby, the lock 141 is released from one of the teeth 131a, 131b, 131c, 13 Id and 13 Ie of the slide 130, so that the pawl 140 is unlocked from the slide 130. Further, when the unlocking nose 142 is brought into contact with the entry step 173 by the backward movement of the movement support unit 170, the pawl 140 pivots in a downward direction, as illustrated in FIG. 10(a). Thereby, the lock 141 is locked on one of the teeth 131a, 131b, 131c, 131d and 131e of the slide 130.

[57] Now, the operation of the apparatus for moving an automotive headrest, constructed as described above, according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

[58] As illustrated in FIG. 2, it is assumed that the lock 141 of the pawl 140 is locked on the first tooth 131a of the slide 130. When an external impact caused by, for instance, a collision between vehicles is transmitted to the headrest 100, the movement support unit 170 moves forward due to this impact. Thereby, the unlocking nose 142 of the pawl 140 is locked on the release step 174 of the movement support unit 170, so that the pawl 140 pivots in an upward direction. Thus, the lock 141 of the pawl 140 is unlocked from the tooth 131a of the slide 130. The slide 130 moves forward relative to the guide frame 120, which is fixed to the stay 110, a distance in proportion to the magnitude of the impact, and then the pawl 140 pivots in a downward direction. As a result, the lock 141 of the pawl 140 is selectively locked on one of the second through fifth teeth 131b, 131c, 13 Id and 13 Ie of the slide 130. Owing to the movement of the slide 130, the inner cover 102 to which the slide 130 is fixed and the headrest 100 move in the same direction.

[59] FIG. 3 illustrates an apparatus for moving an automotive headrest according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[60] As illustrated, the apparatus for moving an automotive headrest according to a second embodiment of the present invention comprises a headrest 100, a guide frame 120 installed on a headrest stay 110 extending from the backrest of a seat, a slide 130 connected to the headrest 100 and sliding on the guide frame 120, a pawl 140 restricting the movement of the slide 130, a driving unit 180 installed on the guide frame 120 and driving the slide 130 by means of external impact, and a return spring 150 returning the slide 130 to its original position.

[61] As illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, the headrest 100 is filled therein with a shock absorbent 101 such as a cushion. An inner cover 102 is installed inside the shock absorbent 101. The guide frame 120, the slide 130, the pawl 140, the driving unit 180, etc. are located inside the inner cover 102. A mounting bracket 190 is mounted on the inner cover 102. The slide 130 is fixedly connected to the inner cover 102 by the mounting bracket 190. The inner cover 102 is provided with an opening 103, through which the headrest stay 110 passes, in the lower end thereof. Alternatively, the slide 130 may be integrally formed either with the mounting bracket 190 by injection molding, or part of the inner cover 102 without the mounting bracket 190.

[62] The headrest stay 110 is made up of vertical parts 112 and a horizontal part 111.

One end of each vertical part 112 is installed on the backrest of the seat, and the guide frame 120 is fixed to the horizontal part 111.

[63] The guide frame 120 is installed inside the inner cover 102, and guides the movement of the slide 130.

[64] In the second embodiment, the guide frame 120 includes a bottom 121 fixed to the horizontal part 111 of the headrest stay 110. A pair of vertical walls 122 extends upward from opposite ends of the bottom 121. A guide space 125 is horizontally formed between the pair of vertical walls 122.

[65] A pair of mounting walls 123 extends from the vertical walls 122 in an upward direction. A pair of narrow walls 124 extends from the vertical walls 122 in an inward and upward direction. Each mounting wall 123 is provided with a mounting hole 123a, in which a fastening pin 186 is fastened. The coil parts 181a of a torsion spring 181, which will be described below, are fitted around the fastening pins 186. The pawl 140 is installed between the narrow walls 124 so as to be able to pivot around a hinge pin 143.

[66] The guide space 125 is partitioned by a partition 129, and thus a receiving space

127 is formed in a lower portion of the guide space 125. A restricting member 184 of the driving unit 180, first and second clamping members 182 and 183, the torsion spring 181, etc., which will be described below, are housed in the receiving space 127.

[67] The slide 130 is coupled to the mounting bracket 190 at one end thereof, and the mounting bracket 190 is coupled to the inner cover 102. Thereby, the slide 130 is fixedly connected to the headrest 100, so that the slide 130 and the headrest 100 move in one body.

[68] This slide 130 has a polygonal structure in which a plurality of sliding faces 132 extends horizontally. The plurality of sliding faces 132 slides through the horizontal guide space 125 of the guide frame 120 in forward and backward directions. Further, the slide 130 is provided with a plurality of teeth 131a, 131b, 131c, 13 Id and 13 Ie on an upper portion thereof. The pitches between the teeth 131a, 131b, 131c, 13 Id and 13 Ie can be uniform or non-uniform. A plurality of sliding races 132a is formed between the plurality of sliding faces 132 in a longitudinal direction so as to correspond to the guide races 125a of the guide frame 120. Thus, the guide races 125a and the sliding races 132a guide the rolling of rolling elements 172 of a movement support unit 170.

[69] The slide 130 is provided with an actuating nose 133 and a stopper 134. The actuating nose 133 extends from the bottom of the slide 130, and is provided with a locking recess 133a in one end thereof. This locking recess 133a can be coupled with a guide end 181c of the torsion spring 180.

[70] The pawl 140 is pivotably hinged to the narrow walls 124 of the guide frame 120, and is provided with a lock 141 at one end thereof so as to be locked on and unlocked from any one selected from the teeth 131a, 131b, 131c, 13 Id and 13 Ie of the slide 130, and with an unlocking nose 142, which protrudes in a lateral direction (i.e. toward the movement support unit 170 in FIG. 1). As illustrated in FIG. 10, the lock 141 and the unlocking nose 142 are spaced apart from each other, so that the unlocking nose 142 can be caught on an entry step 173 and a release step 174 of the movement support unit 170.

[71] The pawl 140 is provided with a tension spring 145 that applies tension. The tension spring 145 is supported on one of the narrow walls 124 at one end thereof and on the pawl 140 at the other end thereof, so that it provides tension not only to the pawl 140, so that it is elastically pivoted, but also to the lock 141, so that it is locked on one of the teeth 131a, 131b, 131c, 13 Id and 13 Ie of the slide 130.

[72] When an impact caused by collision between vehicles is applied from the outside, the driving unit 180 is adapted to drive the slide 130. To this end, the driving unit 180 comprises the torsion spring 181, moving the slide 130 in one direction by its elastic force, the first and second clamping members 182 and 183, clamping or releasing the torsion spring 181, and the restricting member 184, restricting the operating distance of the torsion spring 181.

[73] The torsion spring 181 includes the coil parts 181a, having the shape of a cylindrical coil on opposite ends thereof. The coil parts 181a are installed on the mounting walls 123 of the guide frame 120 through the fastening pins 186. One end extending from each coil part 181a is fixed to each mounting wall 123, for instance, through a fixing protrusion (not shown). The guide end 181c is formed between the coil parts 181a of the torsion spring 180 by backward bending. This guide end 181c is selectively inserted into a locking recess 183c formed in the second clamping member 183, thereby being clamped and released. The operating distance of the guide end 181c is restricted by the restricting member 184.

[74] The restricting member 184 has a channel shape, and is installed in the receiving space 127 of the guide frame 120. The restricting member 184 is provided with a restricting recess 184a having a predetermined curve in one wall thereof. The guide end 181c of the torsion spring 181 is inserted into the restricting recess 184a so as to move backward and forward. Accordingly, as the torsion spring 181 pivots, the guide end 181c moves backward and forward along the restricting recess 184a.

[75] The first clamping member 182 is pivotably hinged to one wall of the restricting member 184 by a hinge pin 182a. The first clamping member 182 includes a plurality of teeth 182b on one side thereof, and a bent part 182c on the other side thereof. The bent part 182c is provided with a weight 182d at the lower end thereof.

[76] The second clamping member 183 is disposed below the first clamping member

182, and is pivotably hinged to one wall of the restricting member 184 through a hinge pin 183a. The second clamping member 183 includes a plurality of teeth 183b, which are engaged with the teeth 182b of the first clamping member 182, on one side thereof, and the locking recess 183c, on which the guide end 181c of the torsion spring 181 is locked, on the other side thereof.

[77] A tension spring 187 is installed between the second clamping member 183 and the bottom 121 of the guide frame 120. The tension spring 187 provides tension for pulling the second clamping member 183 toward the bottom 121, so that the second clamping member 183 maintains its pivoted state.

[78] Thus, when the inertia of the weight 182d of the first clamping member 182 is created by an impact, and thus forces the first clamping member 182 to pivot in a counterclockwise direction, the engagement between the first and second clamping members 182 and 183 is released, and simultaneously the guide end 181c of the torsion spring 181 is unlocked from the locking recess 183c of the second clamping member 183.

[79] The return spring 150 is fixedly connected to the guide frame 120 and the slide 130 at opposite ends thereof, and thus is adapted to return the slide 130 to its original position by means of elastic force. The return spring 150 is hooked on a hooking nose 128 formed on one side of the guide frame 120 at one end thereof, and is hooked on the mounting bracket 190, which is coupled to a front side of the slide 130, at the other end thereof. The mounting bracket 190 is coupled to the inner cover 102 by, for instance, fasteners (not shown).

[80] The movement support unit 170 is interposed between the slide 130 and the guide space 125 of the guide frame 120, and is provided with a plurality of retainers 171. Each retainer 171 is open to the slide 130 and the guide space 125, and has mounted thereon rolling elements 172, such as balls, rollers or the like. The rolling elements 172 roll in the guide races 125a of the guide space 125 and in the sliding races 132a of the slide 130, so as to support the movement of the slide 130.

[81] The movement support unit 170 includes the entry step 173 and the release step 174 on the upper portion of one wall thereof. When the unlocking nose 142 of the pawl 140 is brought into contact with the release step 174, the pawl 140 pivots in an upward direction, as illustrated in FIG. 10(f). Thereby, the lock 141 is released from one of the teeth 131a, 131b, 131c, 13 Id and 13 Ie of the slide 130, so that the pawl 140 is unlocked from the slide 130. Further, when the unlocking nose 142 of the pawl 140 is brought into contact with the entry step 173, the pawl 140 pivots in a downward direction, as illustrated in FIG. 10(a). Thereby, the lock 141 is locked on one of the teeth 131a, 131b, 131c, 13 Id and 13 Ie of the slide 130.

[82] Now, the operation of the second embodiment of the present invention, constructed as described above, will be described in detail.

[83] FIG. 5 illustrates the state in which the lock 141 of the pawl 140 is locked on the first tooth 131a of the slide 130. FIGS. 6 through 8 illustrate the state in which the slide 130 is manually moved by a user, and thus the lock 141 of the pawl 140 is selectively locked on the second through fourth teeth 131b, 131c and 13 Id of the slide 130. In the state of FIGS. 5 through 8, when no external impact is applied to a vehicle, the guide end 181c of the torsion spring 180 remains in the state in which it is locked on the locking recess 183c of the second clamping member 183.

[84] In this state, shown in FIGS. 5 through 8, when an external impact is applied to a vehicle, the first clamping member 182 of the driving unit 180 pivots in one direction (in the counterclockwise direction in FIG. 9) due to the inertia force of the weight 182d created by the impact, as illustrated in FIG. 9. Thus, the second clamping member 183, the teeth 183b of which are engaged with those 182b of the first clamping member 182, is pivoted in the opposite direction by the inertia motion of the first clamping member 182, so that the first and second clamping members 182 and 183 move away from each other, and thus the guide end 181c of the torsion spring 181 is unlocked from the locking recess 183c of the second clamping member 183. As the guide end 181c of the torsion spring 181 is unlocked, the torsion spring 181 transmits the elastic force of the coil parts 181a thereof to the slide 130 through the guide end 181c thereof, thereby moving the actuating nose 133 of the slide 130. Thus, the slide 130 moves in a horizontal direction through the horizontal guide space 125 of the guide frame 120. In this manner, as the slide 130 moves forward, the lock 141 of the pawl 140 is locked on, for instance, the fifth tooth 13 Ie of the slide 130. With the movement of the slide 130, the inner cover 102 and the headrest 100 move in the same direction.

[85] Meanwhile, FIG. 10(a) illustrates the operation of the pawl 140 and the movement support unit 170, and corresponds to FIG. 5. FIG. 10(b) illustrates the operation of the pawl 140 and the movement support unit 170, and corresponds to FIG. 6. FIG. 10(c) illustrates the operation of the pawl 140 and the movement support unit 170, and corresponds to FIG. 7. FIG. 10(d) illustrates the operation of the pawl 140 and the movement support unit 170, and corresponds to FIG. 8. FIG. 10(e) illustrates the operation of the pawl 140 and the movement support unit 170, and corresponds to FIG. 9. FIG. 10(f) illustrates the state in which, when the movement support unit 170 of FIG. 9 moves further forward, the release step 174 of the movement support unit 170 presses the unlocking nose 142 of the pawl 140, and thereby the pawl 140 pivots in an upward direction. In this manner, when the pawl 140 pivots in an upward direction, the lock 141 of the pawl 140 is unlocked from the tooth 13 Ie of the slide 130. In this state, in which the pawl 140 is unlocked from the slide 130, the user pushes the headrest 100 in the backward direction again. At this time, the unlocking nose 142 of the pawl 140 is locked on the entry step 173 of the movement support unit 170, and thus returns to an original position, as illustrated in FIG. 10(a).

[86] FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate an apparatus for moving an automotive headrest according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[87] As illustrated, the apparatus for moving an automotive headrest according to a third embodiment of the present invention comprises a headrest 100, a guide frame 220, installed on a headrest stay 110 extending from the backrest of a seat, a slide 230, connected to the headrest 100 and sliding on the guide frame 220, a pawl 240, restricting the movement of the slide 230, a driving unit 280, installed on the guide frame 220 and driving the slide 230 by means of external impact, and a return spring 250 and a movement support unit 270, which return the slide 230 to an original position.

[88] The basic configuration and operation of the guide frame 220, the slide 230, the pawl 240, the driving unit 280, the return spring 250, the movement support unit 270, and the other components of the third embodiment are the same as or similar to those of the second embodiment, and so a detailed description thereof will be avoided.

[89] Meanwhile, the guide frame 220 of the third embodiment includes a partition 229 inclined at a predetermined angle. A guide space 225 and a receiving space 227 are formed at an incline by this inclined partition 229. The slide 230 and the movement support unit 270, which slide through the inclined guide space 225, are formed at an incline corresponding to the slope of the guide space 225. The other components, including the pawl 240, the driving unit 280 and the return spring 250, are also formed at an incline corresponding to the slope of the guide space 225.

[90] Thus, in the third embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 12, when external force is applied to a vehicle, the slide 230, which slides through the inclined guide space 225, moves in an inclined direction corresponding to the applied external force. Thereby, the slide 230 is subjected to horizontal movement by a horizontal movement interval H and to vertical movement by a vertical movement interval V. A lock 241 of the pawl 240 is sequentially locked on the teeth 231a, 231b, 231c, 23 Id and 23 Ie of the slide 230, which moves in this inclined direction.

[91] Thus, the third embodiment is characterized in that, as the slide 230 moves in an inclined direction, the headrest 100 and the inner cover 102 move in an inclined direction, and thus the head of a user can be more safely supported. The configuration and operation of the other components are equal or similar to those of the first embodiment, and so a detailed description thereof will be avoided.

[92] FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate an apparatus for moving an automotive headrest according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. The apparatus for moving an automotive headrest according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention comprises a headrest 100, a guide frame 120, which is fixedly installed on a headrest stay 110, which extends from the backrest 500 of a seat, a slide 130, which is connected to the headrest 100 and slides on the guide frame 120, a pawl 140, which restricts the movement of the slide 130, and a driving unit 400, which moves the slide 130.

[93] The driving unit 400 includes a cylinder 450, which is installed under the guide frame 120, a piston 460, which is movably installed in the cylinder 450, an air chamber 410, which is installed in the seat's backrest 500, and an air supply pipe 440, which communicates with the air chamber 410 through the cylinder 450.

[94] The air chamber 410 has a bellows so that it is easily contracted and expanded, and is filled therein with air. The air chamber 410 is provided with a fastener 420 on one side thereof. The fastener 420 is fastened to a mounting block 430, which is installed in the seat's backrest 500. The mounting block 430 is provided with an air supply hole 431 and an air inflow hole 432. The air supply pipe 440 is connected to the air supply hole 431, and a check valve 433 is installed in the air inflow hole 432. This check valve 433 permits only the introduction of air into the air chamber 410 from the outside.

[95] The air supply pipe 440 passes through the interior of the vertical parts 112 of the headrest stay 110, and is connected to one side of the cylinder 450 at one end thereof. The air supply pipe 440, part of which is guided to the headrest stay 110, may be provided with a connector 441 for facilitating assembly work.

[96] The piston 460 includes a piston rod 465. An actuating nose 135 protrudes from a lower portion of the slide 130. When the piston 460 moves forward by means of the air supplied through the air supply pipe 410, the piston rod 465 also moves forward to press the actuating nose 135 of the slide 130. Thereby, the slide 130 moves forward.

[97] Now, the operation of the fourth embodiment will be described in detail.

[98] When a collision between vehicles occurs, a driver or passenger is bounced in a first operation direction, i.e. in a forward direction. Then, the vehicle stops traveling, and thus the body of the driver or passenger, which bounced in the forward direction, is returned in a second operation direction, i.e. in a backward direction, that is, is pulled back, so that the back of the body collides with the seat's backrest 500.

[99] At this time, when an impact is applied to the seat's backrest 500 in the second operation direction, the air chamber 410 is contracted by the impact. Thereby, the air in the air chamber 410 is supplied to the cylinder 450 through the air supply pipe 440. The supplied air pushes the piston 460 in a forward direction, so that the piston rod 465 presses the actuating nose 135 of the slide 130 in a forward direction and thereby moves the slide 130. As a result, the lock 141 of the pawl 140 is selectively locked on the teeth 131a, 131b, 131c, 13 Id and 13 Ie of the slide 130, which is moved in this way.

[100] The configuration and operation of the other components are the same as or similar to those of the second embodiment, and so a detailed description will be avoided.

[101] FIGS. 15 and 16 illustrate an apparatus for moving an automotive headrest according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[102] As illustrated, the apparatus for moving an automotive headrest according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention comprises a headrest 100, a guide frame 220, which is fixedly installed on a headrest stay 110 extending from the backrest 500 of a seat, a slide 230, which is connected to the headrest 100 and slides on the guide frame 220, a pawl 240, which restricts the movement of the slide 130, and a driving unit 400, which moves the slide 230.

[103] Like the fourth embodiment, the fifth embodiment is characterized in that the guide space 225 of the guide frame 220 is formed at an incline, and in that the slide 230 and the movement support unit 270 move in an inclined direction through the inclined guide space 225.

[104] The configuration and operation of the other components, including the guide frame

220, the slide 230 and the pawl 240, are the same as those of the second embodiment, and the configuration and operation of the driving unit 400 are the same as those of the fourth embodiment, and so a detailed description thereof will be avoided.

[105] Although exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been described for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications, additions and substitutions are possible, without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as disclosed in the accompanying claims. Therefore, the modifications, additions and substitutions will fall within the following claims of the invention.

Claims

[1] An apparatus for moving an automotive headrest, comprising: the headrest; a guide frame, fixedly installed on a headrest stay extending from a backrest of a seat, and having a guide space; a slide connected to the headrest, moving together with the headrest, sliding through the guide space of the guide frame, and having a plurality of teeth in an upper portion thereof; a pawl locked on one of the teeth of the slide so as to restrict movement of the slide; a movement support unit, interposed between the guide frame and the slide, supporting the movement of the slide, and installed so as to allow a plurality of rolling elements to roll freely; and a return spring, returning the slide to an original position thereof.

[2] The apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein: the pawl includes an unlocking nose, protruding in one direction, on one side thereof; the movement support unit includes an entry step and a release step at an upper portion thereof; the unlocking nose of the pawl, which protrudes in one direction, is selectively contacted with the entry step and the release step of the movement support unit corresponding to the movement of the slide.

[3] An apparatus for moving an automotive headrest, comprising: the headrest; a guide frame, fixedly installed on a headrest stay, which extends from a backrest of a seat, and having a guide space; a slide connected to the headrest, moving together with the headrest, sliding through the guide space of the guide frame, and having a plurality of teeth on an upper portion thereof; a pawl locked on one of the teeth of the slide so as to restrict movement of the slide; a driving unit installed on the guide frame and driving the slide by means of external impact; and a return spring returning the slide to an original position thereof, wherein the driving unit includes: a torsion spring moving the slide by means of elastic force, first and second clamping members, clamping or releasing the torsion spring; and a restricting member, restricting an operating distance of the torsion spring.

[4] The apparatus as set forth in claim 3, wherein: the torsion spring includes coil parts having a shape of a cylindrical coil on opposite ends thereof, the coil parts being installed on the guide frame, a guide end formed between the coil parts by bending, the guide end being clamped and released by the first and second clamping members, having an operating distance restricted by the restricting member, and elastically pressing an actuating nose formed at a lower end of the slide; and the restricting member includes a restricting recess, into which the guide end of the torsion spring is inserted and guided, in one wall thereof.

[5] The apparatus as set forth in claim 4, wherein: the first and second clamping members are pivotably hinged to the restricting member, and include teeth, which are engaged with each other; the first clamping member includes a bent part, which is provided with a weight at a lower end thereof; and the second clamping member includes a locking recess, on which the guide end of the torsion spring is locked.

[6] The apparatus as set forth in claim 3, further comprising a movement support unit, which is installed between the slide and the guide space of the guide frame and include a plurality of rolling elements.

[7] The apparatus as set forth in claim 6, wherein: the pawl includes an unlocking nose on one side thereof; the movement support unit includes an entry step and a release step on an upper portion thereof; and the unlocking nose of the pawl, which protrudes in one direction, selectively contacts the entry step and the release step of the movement support unit corresponding to the movement of the slide.

[8] The apparatus as set forth in claim 3, wherein the guide space of the guide frame and the slide are formed in a horizontal direction.

[9] The apparatus as set forth in claim 3, wherein the guide space of the guide frame and the slide are formed in an inclined direction.

[10] An apparatus for moving an automotive headrest, comprising: the headrest; a guide frame fixedly installed on a headrest stay, which extends from a backrest of a seat, and having a guide space; a slide connected to the headrest, moving together with the headrest, sliding through the guide space of the guide frame, and having a plurality of teeth on an upper portion thereof; a pawl locked on one of the teeth of the slide so as to restrict the movement of the slide; a driving unit installed on the guide frame and driving the slide by means of external impact; and a return spring returning the slide to an original position thereof, wherein the driving unit includes a cylinder installed under the guide frame, a piston movably installed in the cylinder, an air chamber installed in the seat's backrest, and an air supply pipe communicating with the air chamber through the cylinder.

[11] The apparatus as set forth in claim 10, wherein: the air chamber includes a bellows that is easily contracted and expanded, is filled therein with air, and is provided with a fastener on one side thereof; the fastener is fastened to a mounting block installed in the seat's backrest; the mounting block includes an air supply hole and an air inflow hole; the air supply pipe is connected to the air supply hole; and the air inflow hole is provided therein with a check valve.

[12] The apparatus as set forth in claim 11, further comprising a movement support unit, which is installed between the slide and the guide space of the guide frame and includes a plurality of rolling elements.

[13] The apparatus as set forth in claim 12, wherein: the pawl includes an unlocking nose on one side thereof; the movement support unit includes an entry step and a release step at an upper portion thereof; and the unlocking nose of the pawl, which protrudes in one direction, selectively contacts the entry step and the release step of the movement support unit corresponding to the movement of the slide.

[14] The apparatus as set forth in claim 10, wherein the guide space of the guide frame and the slide are formed in a horizontal direction.

[15] The apparatus as set forth in claim 10, wherein the guide space of the guide frame and the slide are formed in an inclined direction.