WO2013081404A1 - Apparatus for moving headrest - Google Patents

Apparatus for moving headrest Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2013081404A1
WO2013081404A1 PCT/KR2012/010280 KR2012010280W WO2013081404A1 WO 2013081404 A1 WO2013081404 A1 WO 2013081404A1 KR 2012010280 W KR2012010280 W KR 2012010280W WO 2013081404 A1 WO2013081404 A1 WO 2013081404A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
pinion gear
horizontal member
power transmission
transmission unit
guide
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/KR2012/010280
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Hae Il Jeong
Original Assignee
Woobo Tech Co., Ltd.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Woobo Tech Co., Ltd. filed Critical Woobo Tech Co., Ltd.
Publication of WO2013081404A1 publication Critical patent/WO2013081404A1/en

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60N2/00—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
    • B60N2/80—Head-rests
    • B60N2/806—Head-rests movable or adjustable
    • B60N2/865—Head-rests movable or adjustable providing a fore-and-aft movement with respect to the occupant's head
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
    • A47C7/00—Parts, details, or accessories of chairs or stools
    • A47C7/36—Support for the head or the back
    • A47C7/38—Support for the head or the back for the head
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60N2/00—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
    • B60N2/80—Head-rests
    • B60N2/806—Head-rests movable or adjustable
    • B60N2/809—Head-rests movable or adjustable vertically slidable
    • B60N2/812—Head-rests movable or adjustable vertically slidable characterised by their locking devices
    • B60N2/815—Release mechanisms, e.g. buttons

Definitions

  • the present invention relates, in general, to apparatuses for moving headrests and, more particularly, to an apparatus for moving a headrest which includes a push member, a horizontal member which is horizontally moved by the push member, a return spring which returns the horizontal member to its original position, a power transmission unit which transmits the movement of the horizontal member, a first pinion gear which rotates using drive force transmitted from the power transmission unit, a second pinion gear which receives drive force from the power transmission unit and rotates in a direction opposite to the direction in which the first pinion gear rotates, a spring which is connected at a first end thereof to the first pinion gear and connected at a second end thereof to the second pinion gear, a movable member which is fitted into the spring, and a stay rod which has at least two locking notches spaced apart from each other along a vertical direction so that the horizontal member is locked to a selected one of the locking notches.
  • an apparatus for moving a headrest forward or rearward includes a cylindrical movable body 20, a first tubular support member 50, an operating member 40, a second tubular support member 60 and a tubular coupling member 10.
  • a coil spring 30 is fitted over a circumferential outer surface of the movable body 20.
  • a first end of the movable body 20 along with the coil spring 30 is slidably disposed in the first support member 50.
  • the first support member 50 has an insert slot 51 into which an end of a first side of the coil spring 30 is inserted in such a way that the first support member 50 covers and supports the first side of the coil spring 30.
  • the operating member 40 covers a second side of the coil spring 30.
  • a spacing slot 42 is formed in the operating member 40 so that an end of the second side of the coil spring 30 is inserted into and guided by the spacing slot 42.
  • a handle 41 is provided on a circumferential outer surface of the operating member 40.
  • the second support member 60 supports the second side of the coil spring 30 in the operating member 40.
  • the coupling member 10 has in a circumferential outer surface thereof a space 11 in which the handle 41 of the operating member 40 is disposed and rotated.
  • the coupling member 10 covers the first and second support members 50 and 60 and the operating member 40 and supports them.
  • the operating member 40 is formed by bending a planar plate to have a tubular shape. A first end of the operating member 40 is spaced apart from the planar plate to form the spacing slot 42. A second end of the operating member 40 extends in a vertical direction to form the handle 41.
  • a first end of the second support member 60 is double-stepped in that an inner end comes into contact with the second end of the operating member 40.
  • the handle 41 of the operating member 40 protrudes outward from the coupling member 10 through the space 11 of the coupling member 10.
  • the first side of the coil spring 30 is enclosed by the first support member 50, and the second side thereof is inserted into and supported by the operating member 40.
  • the coil spring 30 holds the movable body 20 in a manner in which surface contact and point contact are combined, whereby the movable body cannot move.
  • the diameter of the coil spring 30 which holds the movable body 20 is increased while the adjacent coiled portions of the coil spring 30 move away from each other. Hence, the movable body 20 is released from the coil spring 30. As a result, the movable body is allowed to slide forward or rearward in the first and second support members 50 and 60 without being obstructed by the coil spring 30.
  • the headrest can be moved only in the forward-rearward direction by shifting the handle. This is not very convenient for the user.
  • an object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for moving a headrest which has a compact structure and is configured such that upward or downward and forward or rearward movement of the headrest can be easily adjusted by only a single push member.
  • the present invention provides an apparatus for moving a headrest, including a push member, a horizontal member to be horizontally moved by the push member, a return spring returning the horizontal member to an original position thereof, a power transmission unit transmitting the movement of the horizontal member, a first pinion gear rotating using drive force transmitted from the power transmission unit, a second pinion gear receiving drive force from the power transmission unit and rotating in a direction opposite to a direction in which the first pinion gear rotates, a spring connected at a first end thereof to the first pinion gear and connected at a second end thereof to the second pinion gear, a movable member fitted into the spring, and a stay rod having at least two locking notches spaced apart from each other along a vertical direction so that the horizontal member is locked to a selected one of the locking notches.
  • the power transmission unit may include a first power transmission unit transmitting the drive force to the first pinion gear, and a second power transmission unit transmitting the drive force to the second pinion gear, wherein the first power transmission unit may include a first rack gear connected to the horizontal member, the first rack engaging with the first pinion gear.
  • the second power transmission unit may include a spur gear rotatably provided on the horizontal member, the spur gear engaging at a first side thereof with the first rack gear, and a second rack gear engaging with a second side of the spur gear, the second rack gear being provided so as to be slidable with respect to the horizontal member.
  • the apparatus may further include a guide unit which has a first guide guiding the movable member, and a second guide guiding the stay rod, wherein through holes may be respectively formed in the first pinion gear and the second pinion gear, and the movable member may be disposed in the through holes.
  • the second guide may include an elastic support portion which has a cut portion and elastically supports a circumferential outer surface of the stay rod.
  • a snap ring may be fitted over the second guide to enclose and support the elastic support portion.
  • the horizontal member may include a locking part locked to a selected one of the locking notches of the stay rod, wherein a steel sheet may be formed in the locking part by insert-molding.
  • the present invention provides an apparatus for moving a headrest, including a push member, a horizontal member to be horizontally moved by the push member, a return spring returning the horizontal member to an original position thereof, a power transmission unit transmitting the movement of the horizontal member, a first pinion gear rotating using drive force transmitted from the power transmission unit, a second pinion gear receiving drive force from the power transmission unit and rotating in a direction opposite to a direction in which the first pinion gear rotates, a spring connected at a first end thereof to the first pinion gear and connected at a second end thereof to the second pinion gear, and a movable member fitted into the spring.
  • An apparatus for moving a headrest according to the present invention has the following effects.
  • the headrest moving apparatus includes a push member, a horizontal member which is horizontally moved by the push member, a return spring which returns the horizontal member to its original position, a power transmission unit which transmits the movement of the horizontal member, a first pinion gear which rotates using drive force transmitted from the power transmission unit, a second pinion gear which receives drive force from the power transmission unit and rotates in a direction opposite to the direction in which the first pinion gear rotates, a spring which is connected at a first end thereof to the first pinion gear and connected at a second end thereof to the second pinion gear, a movable member which is fitted into the spring, and a stay rod which has at least two locking notches spaced apart from each other along a vertical direction so that the horizontal member is locked to a selected one of the locking notches. Therefore, the structure of the apparatus is compact. Upward or downward and forward or rearward movement of the headrest can be easily adjusted by only the single push member.
  • the present invention uses the push member without using a separate wire, thus preventing operational deviation, simplifying the entire structure, and reducing the production cost.
  • the power transmission unit includes a first power transmission unit which transmits the drive force to the first pinion gear, and a second power transmission unit which transmits the drive force to the second pinion gear.
  • the first power transmission unit includes a first rack gear which is connected to the horizontal member and engages with the first pinion gear.
  • the second power transmission unit includes a spur gear which is rotatably provided on the horizontal member and engages at a first side thereof with the first rack gear, and a second rack gear which engages with a second side of the spur gear and is provided so as to be slidable with respect to the horizontal member.
  • the headrest moving apparatus further includes a guide unit.
  • the guide unit includes a first guide which guides the movable member, and a second guide which guides the stay rod. Thereby, the headrest can be more easily moved upward or downward and forward or rearward.
  • Through holes are respectively formed in the first pinion gear and the second pinion gear, and the movable member is disposed in the through holes, so that the entire height of the apparatus can be prevented from being excessively increased.
  • the second guide includes an elastic support portion which has a cut portion and elastically supports the circumferential outer surface of the stay rod.
  • a snap ring is fitted over the second guide to enclose and support the elastic support portion. Therefore, the second guide can more reliably support the stay rod without making a clearance between it and the stay rod.
  • the second guide can be reinforced by the snap ring. Furthermore, the snap ring does not directly come into contact with the stay rod, thus preventing noise attributable to friction.
  • the horizontal member includes a locking part which is locked to a selected one of the locking notches of the stay rod.
  • a steel sheet is formed in the locking part by insert-molding to reinforce the locking part. The steel sheet is not in direct contact with the stay rod so that noise due to friction can be prevented.
  • FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a conventional forward-rearward moving device
  • FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an apparatus for moving a headrest, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the headrest moving apparatus of FIG. 2;
  • FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of a horizontal member of FIG. 3;
  • FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective illustrating first and second pinion gears of FIG. 3;
  • FIG. 6 is an assembled perspective view illustrating the first and second pinion gears of FIG. 5;
  • FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a guide unit of FIG. 3;
  • FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG. 7;
  • FIG. 9 is an assembled perspective view of the headrest moving apparatus of FIG. 3 from which a cover has been removed;
  • FIG. 10 is a plan view of the headrest moving apparatus of FIG. 9;
  • FIG. 11 is a sectional view taken along line B-B of FIG. 10;
  • FIG. 12 is a schematic view illustrating a fixed state of the headrest
  • FIG. 13 is a schematic view illustrating a state of the headrest being moved
  • FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing the headrest that has been moved rearward.
  • FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing the headrest that has been moved upward.
  • an apparatus for moving a headrest includes a push member 220, a horizontal member 200, a return spring 300, a power transmission unit 500, a first pinion gear 600, a second pinion gear 700, a spring 810, a movable member 820 and a stay rod 400.
  • the horizontal member 200 is horizontally moved by the push member 220.
  • the return spring 300 returns the horizontal member 200 to its original position.
  • the power transmission unit 500 transmits movement of the horizontal member 200.
  • the first pinion gear 600 is rotated by the force transmitted from the power transmission unit 500.
  • the second pinion gear 700 receives the force from the power transmission unit 500 and rotates in a direction opposite to the direction in which the first pinion gear 600 rotates.
  • the spring 810 has a first end 811 connected to the first pinion gear 600, and a second end 812 connected to the second pinion gear 700.
  • the movable member 820 is fitted into the spring 810.
  • the stay rod 400 has at least two locking notches 411 spaced apart from each other along the vertical direction. The horizontal member 200 is locked to a selected one of the locking notches 411.
  • the headrest moving apparatus of the present invention further includes a cover 100 which encloses the apparatus.
  • the cover 100 includes a front cover 110 which is disposed in the front of the apparatus, and a rear cover 120 which is disposed in the rear of the apparatus and coupled to the front cover 110.
  • coupling hooks 111 are provided on upper, lower and opposite side edges of the front cover 110.
  • Hook holes 121 are formed in the rear cover 120 so that the coupling hooks 111 are hooked into the corresponding hook holes 121.
  • the coupling hooks 111 and hook holes 121 make it possible to temporarily assemble the front cover 110 with the rear cover 120, thus facilitating the assembly process.
  • Coupling holes 102 are formed in the front cover 110 and rear cover 120, and bolts or the like can be fastened into the coupling holes 102 so that they can be coupled to each other, and other elements can be installed in the cover 100.
  • stay rod lead holes 101 are formed in a lower portion of the cover 100.
  • a push member guide 122 is provided on a lower end of a side surface of the rear cover 120.
  • the push member guide 122 has a cylindrical shape.
  • a horizontal movement guide slot 123 is formed in an upper portion of the push member guide 122.
  • the push member 220 is installed in the push member guide 122 of the rear cover 120 so as to be movable horizontally in the left-right direction of the headrest.
  • the push member 220 comprises a button.
  • a guide protrusion 221 which is inserted into the horizontal movement guide slot 123 is provided on a circumferential outer surface of the push member 220.
  • hooks 222 protrude from opposite sides of the circumferential outer surface of an inner end of the push member 220 so that the push member 220 can be installed in the rear cover 120 through only a single insertion process.
  • a push force transmission member 224 is rotatably installed in the end of the push member 220 in such a way that a shaft 223 thereof is oriented perpendicular to the direction in which the push member 220 is pushed.
  • the shape of the push force transmission member 224 is that of a roller.
  • the push force transmission member 224 even if a user pushes an off-center portion of the push member 220, the push force of the user can be effectively transmitted. In addition, frictional noise between the push member 220 and the horizontal member 200 which will be explained below can be reduced.
  • the horizontal member 200 is horizontally moved by the push force of the push member 220.
  • the horizontal member 200 has a planar shape.
  • a contact part 205 is bent on an end of the horizontal member 200. The contact part 205 comes into contact with the push force transmission member 224 of the push member 220.
  • Guide protrusions are provided on a lower end of the contact part 205.
  • Contact protrusions 201 are provided on and under the horizontal member 200.
  • Each contact protrusion 201 has a semicircular (or arc) cross-sectional shape so that it comes into line contact with a corresponding element, thus minimizing contact friction and frictional noise.
  • Stay rod passing holes 202 are formed in respective opposite ends of the horizontal member 200.
  • a locking part 203 is provided at a predetermined position in each stay rod passing hole 202.
  • the locking part 203 is thinner than other portions of the horizontal member 200.
  • steel sheets 207 are formed in the horizontal member 200 by insert injection molding in such a way that the steel sheets 207 are disposed in the respective locking parts 203. The steel sheets 207 are not exposed to the outside.
  • Each steel sheet 207 is formed of a band-shaped plate. At least one through hole is formed in the steel sheet 207.
  • a crisscross protrusion 208 is provided on an upper surface of a medial portion of the horizontal member 200.
  • a spring support plate 209 protrudes downward from the medial portion of the horizontal member 200.
  • the spring support plate 209 is formed by cutting a portion of the horizontal member 200 and bending the cut portion from the horizontal member 200 downward.
  • a removal prevention protrusion is provided on the spring support plate 209.
  • the removal prevention protrusion is disposed in the center of the return spring 300 to prevent the return spring 300 from being undesirably removed from its correct position.
  • the crisscross protrusion 208 and the spring support plate 209 are disposed such that they are misaligned from each other.
  • Holes 206 are formed in the horizontal member 200 at opposite sides of the medial portion thereof.
  • the return spring 300 functions to return the horizontal member 200 to its original position.
  • the return spring 300 is supported by the spring support plate 209 in such a way that a first end of the return spring 300 is fitted over the spring support plate 209.
  • the headrest moving apparatus further includes a horizontal member guide 210 which guides the horizontal member 200 so that the horizontal member 200 can more reliably move in the left-right direction of the headrest.
  • the horizontal member guide 210 has a planar shape.
  • a guide protrusion 216 is provided on front, rear and first side edges of the horizontal member guide 210.
  • guide slots 218 are formed in a second side edge of the horizontal member guide 210 so that the guide protrusions of the horizontal member 200 are inserted into the respective guide slots 218.
  • Fastening protrusions 212 are provided on opposite ends of the front and rear edges of the horizontal member guide 210 so that the horizontal member guide 210 can be fastened to other elements by bolts or the like that are tightened into the fastening protrusions 212.
  • Coupling hooks 213 protrude upward from opposite ends of the front edge of the horizontal member guide 210.
  • Coupling holes 217 are formed in opposite ends of the rear edge of the horizontal member guide 210 so that coupling hooks of a corresponding element are locked to the respective coupling holes 217.
  • Through holes 215 are formed in the horizontal member guide 210 at opposite sides of the medial portion thereof.
  • the through holes 215 communicate with the corresponding stay rod passing holes 202.
  • Contact protrusions which are brought into contact with the corresponding stay rods 400 are vertically provided on the inner surface of each through hole 215 of the horizontal member guide 210.
  • three contact protrusions are provided in each through hole 215. Holes are vertically formed through the horizontal member guide 210 at positions adjacent to the respective contact protrusions.
  • holes which communicate with the respective holes 206 of the horizontal member 200 are formed in the horizontal member guide 210.
  • a spring support plate 214 which supports a second end of the return spring 300 is provided on the medial portion of the horizontal member guide 210.
  • a seating hole in which the spring support plate 214 is disposed is formed in the horizontal member guide 210 so that the return spring 300 is seated into the seating hole.
  • the power transmission unit 500 functions to transmit the movement of the horizontal member 200 to other elements.
  • the power transmission unit 500 includes a first power transmission unit which transmits drive force to the first pinion gear 600 which will be explained below, and a second power transmission unit which transmits drive force to the second pinion gear 700.
  • the first power transmission unit includes a first rack gear 510 which is connected to the horizontal member 200 and engages with the first pinion gear 600.
  • An insert hole (not shown) is formed in the first rack gear 510 so that the crisscross protrusion 208 of the horizontal member 200 is inserted into the insert hole, whereby the first rack gear 510 is fastened to the horizontal member 200.
  • the first rack gear 510 also moves simultaneously in the left-right direction.
  • the second power transmission unit includes a spur gear 520 and a second rack gear 530.
  • the spur gear 520 is rotatably provided on the horizontal member 200 and engages at a first side thereof with the first rack gear 510.
  • the second rack gear 530 engages with the spur gear at a second side of the spur gear 520 and is provided so as to be slidable with respect to the horizontal member 200.
  • Each of the first and second rack gears 510 and 530 has gear teeth on an upper surface thereof and on its surface which faces the spur gear 520.
  • the spur gear 520 is oriented such that a shaft thereof is perpendicular to the horizontal member 200 so that the spur gear 520 can rotate in place on the horizontal member 200.
  • a sliding groove is formed in a lower surface of the second rack gear 530 in the left-right direction of the headrest.
  • the power transmission unit 500 has the above-mentioned construction, there is an advantage in that the structure of the headrest moving apparatus can be simplified.
  • the first pinion gear 600 is rotated by the drive force transmitted from the power transmission unit 500.
  • the second pinion gear 700 receives the drive force from the power transmission unit 500 and rotates in the direction opposite to the rotation of the first pinion gear 600.
  • the spur gear 520 which engages with the first rack gear 510 rotates
  • the second rack gear 530 which engages with the spur gear 520 also rotates.
  • the second pinion gear 700 which engages with the second rack gear 530 rotates in the direction opposite to the rotation of the first pinion gear 600.
  • the first pinion gear 600 and the second pinion gear 700 respectively have through holes 602 and 702 in which the movable member 820 which will be explained in detail below is disposed.
  • each of the first and second pinion gears 600 and 700 has a sector shape, and the gear teeth are formed on only the lower surface of the pinion gear 600, 700 rather than on the entire peripheral surface thereof.
  • the height of the headrest moving apparatus can be prevented from being increased.
  • Gear teeth are formed on an inner surface of the first pinion gear 600.
  • the headrest moving apparatus further includes a connection member 611 which has on a circumferential outer surface thereof gear teeth which engage with the gear teeth formed on the inner surface of the first pinion gear 600.
  • connection member 611 has a through hole in which the movable member 820 is disposed.
  • a stepped portion is formed on a front end of the connection member 611.
  • the stepped portion is formed at a position spaced apart from the gear teeth of the connection member 611.
  • a seating portion onto which the stepped portion is seated is formed in the through hole 702 of the second pinion gear 700.
  • the first end 811 of the spring 810 is connected to the first pinion gear 600, and the second end 812 thereof is connected to the second pinion gear 700.
  • Insert depressions are respectively formed in an inner surface of the connection member 611 of the first pinion gear 600 and an inner surface of the second pinion gear 700 so that the first and second ends 811 and 812 of the spring 810 are inserted into the corresponding insert depressions.
  • the movable member 820 has a rod shape and is disposed inside the spring 810.
  • the movable member 820 is installed on the front cover 110 by a front bracket 130 and installed on the rear cover 120 by a rear bracket 140.
  • the front bracket 130 has a coupling hole which is used to couple the front bracket 130 to the movable member 820, and a coupling hole which is used to couple the front bracket 130 to the front cover 110.
  • the rear bracket 140 has a coupling hole which is used to couple the rear bracket 140 to the movable member 820.
  • the rear bracket 140 has a disk shape and is coupled to the rear cover 120 in such a way that the periphery of the rear bracket 140 is fitted into the rear cover 120.
  • the stay rod 400 has at least two locking notches 411 which are formed at positions spaced apart from each other along the vertical direction, such that the horizontal member 200 can be selectively locked to the locking notches 411.
  • the stay rod 400 includes a horizontal rod 420 and vertical rods 410 which are connected to respective opposite ends of the horizontal rod 420.
  • Each of the vertical rods 410 which are disposed at opposite sides has the locking notches 411 at a predetermined portion thereof.
  • the headrest moving apparatus further includes a guide unit 900.
  • the guide unit 900 includes a first guide 940 which guides the movable member 820, and second guides 910 which guides the vertical rods 410 of the stay rod 400.
  • the second guides 910 are disposed on opposite sides of the first guide 940.
  • the first guide 940 is disposed between the second guides 910.
  • the first guide 940 includes a housing 911 which encloses the power transmission unit 500 and the first and second pinion gears 600 and 700, and front-rear guide parts which are disposed on opposite sides of the housing 911 and guide forward-rearward movement of the movable member 820.
  • the housing 911 includes a wall which surrounds the front, rear and opposite sides of the power transmission unit 500 and first and second pinion gears 600 and 700.
  • a left-right guide protrusion 919 is provided in a lower portion of the wall and is oriented in the left-right direction.
  • a movable member through hole 912 is formed through the wall so that the movable member 820 is disposed in the movable member through hole 912.
  • the left-right guide protrusion 919 is inserted into the sliding groove formed in the second rack gear 530.
  • the left-right guide protrusion 919 guides the leftward-rightward movement of the second rack gear 530.
  • Each front-rear guide part includes a bearing 920 which enables the movable member 820 to smoothly move forward or rearward, and a bracket 913 on which the bearing 920 is installed.
  • a guide rod 930 is disposed in the bearing 920. Front and rear ends of the guide rod 930 are respectively connected to the front and rear covers 110 and 120. Thereby, the movable member 820 can reliably move forward or rearward.
  • Each second guide 910 has a cylindrical shape and is vertically oriented.
  • each second guide 910 may be formed to be inclined forward. As such, in the case where the stay rod 400 is inclined forward, when the headrest is moved upwards, it is also automatically moved forward.
  • the headrest can more easily and smoothly move forward or rearward and upward or downward.
  • Three vertical contact protrusions 915 are provided on an inner surface of each second guide 910 to make the vertical movement of the stay rod 400 smoother. In other words, thanks to the contact protrusions 915, the stay rod 400 can more smoothly move upward or downward, and noise and friction can be minimized.
  • each second guide 910 has an elastic support portion 917 which has a cut portion and elastically supports the circumferential outer surface of the stay rod 400.
  • the elastic support portion 917 is formed such that the contact protrusion 915 is disposed on an end of the elastic support portion 917.
  • the elastic support portion 917 comprises two elastic support portions 917 which are disposed on opposite sides of each vertical rod 410.
  • a snap ring 918 is fitted over each second guide 910.
  • the snap ring 918 encloses and supports the outer surface of the elastic support portion 917.
  • locking protrusions are provided on the circumferential outer surface of the elastic support portion 917, and locking hooks which are hooked to the respective locking protrusions are provided on the snap ring 918.
  • the stay rod 400 can be more elastically supported by the elastic support portion 917 and snap ring 918 so that a clearance can be prevented from being formed between the stay rod 400 and the second guide 910.
  • the elastic support portion 917 can be reinforced by the snap ring 918.
  • locking protrusions to which the corresponding coupling hooks 213 of the horizontal member guide 210 are hooked are provided on opposite sides of a front end of the guide unit 900.
  • Coupling hooks 916 which are hooked to the corresponding coupling holes 217 of the horizontal member guide 210 are provided on opposite sides of a rear end of the guide unit 900.
  • a bolt coupling hole is formed in the guide unit 900 so that it can be coupled to the fastening protrusion 212 of the horizontal member guide 210 by a bolt or the like.
  • the locking protrusions and the coupling hooks 916 are used to couple the guide unit 900 to the horizontal member guide 210 after the guide unit 900 has been disposed on the horizontal member guide 210 and the horizontal member 200. That is, the horizontal member guide 210, the horizontal member 200 and the guide unit 900 are stacked in positional sequence from the bottom to the top and are coupled together.
  • the vertical rods 410 of the stay rod 400 are disposed in the second guides 910, the stay rod passing holes 202 and the through holes 215.
  • the locking parts 203 of the horizontal member 200 are inserted into the selected corresponding locking notches 411 of the stay rod 400. Thereby, the headrest is fixed in place without moving upward or downward along the stay rod 400.
  • the steel sheets 207 are formed in the respective locking parts 203 by insert molding, whereby even if a load or impact is applied to the headrest, it can be stably supported without being damaged. Further, the steel sheets 207 are not exposed to the outside so that they do not make contact with the stay rod 400, thus preventing noise from being generated.
  • the horizontal member 200 is also fixed in place by the elastic force of the return spring 300 without moving leftward or rightward.
  • the first and second pinion gears 600 and 700 are also prevented from rotating, so that the spring 810 remains in contact with the movable member 820. Therefore, the movable member 820 is fixed in place by frictional force between it and the spring 810.
  • the operation of the headrest moving apparatus is as follows.
  • the horizontal member 200 is moved to the left, and the first rack gear 510 is also moved to the left, simultaneously.
  • the spur gear 520 which engages with the first rack gear 510 is rotated, and the second rack gear 530 which engages with the spur gear 520 is moved to the right.
  • first pinion gear 600 which engages with the first rack gear 510 is rotated in the clockwise direction.
  • second pinion gear 700 which engages with the second rack gear 530 is rotated in the counterclockwise direction.
  • the distance between the first end 811 and second end 812 of the spring 810 is increased so that the diameter of the spring 810 is increased. Then, friction between the spring 810 and the movable member 820 is removed, thus allowing the headrest to be moved forward or rearward.
  • the position of the headrest can be easily adjusted forward or rearward and upward or downward.
  • the headrest is returned to its fixed state, as described above.
  • the headrest moving apparatus has a reduced size and is configured such that upward or downward and forward or rearward movement of the headrest can be easily adjusted by means of only the push member 220.
  • the present invention uses the push member in place of a wire, thus preventing operational deviation, simplifying the entire structure, and reducing the production cost.
  • An apparatus for moving a headrest includes a push member 220, a horizontal member 200, a return spring 300, a power transmission unit 500, a first pinion gear 600, a second pinion gear 700, a spring 810 and a movable member 820.
  • the horizontal member 200 is horizontally moved by the push member 220.
  • the return spring 300 returns the horizontal member 200 to its original position.
  • the power transmission unit 500 transmits movement of the horizontal member 200.
  • the first pinion gear 600 is rotated by the force transmitted from the power transmission unit 500.
  • the second pinion gear 700 receives the force from the power transmission unit 500 and rotates in a direction opposite to the direction in which the first pinion gear 600 rotates.
  • the spring 810 has a first end 811 connected to the first pinion gear 600, and a second end 812 connected to the second pinion gear 700.
  • the movable member 820 is fitted into the spring 810.
  • the horizontal member 200 when the user pushes the push member 220, the horizontal member 200 is moved. As the horizontal member 200 moves, drive force is transmitted to the first pinion gear 600 and the second pinion gear 700 by the power transmission unit 500. The first pinion gear 600 and the second pinion gear 700 are rotated in opposite directions to each other. The opposite ends of the spring 810 which has restricted the movable member 820 from moving are moved away from each other, thus allowing the movable member 820 to move. As such, the user has only to push the push member 220 to adjust the position of the headrest forward or rearward.

Abstract

Disclosed herein is an apparatus for moving a headrest. The apparatus includes a push member, a horizontal member which is horizontally moved by the push member, a return spring which returns the horizontal member to its original position, a power transmission unit which transmits the movement of the horizontal member, a first pinion gear which rotates using drive force transmitted from the power transmission unit, a second pinion gear which receives drive force from the power transmission unit and rotates in a direction opposite to the rotation of the first pinion gear, a spring which is connected to the first pinion gear and the second pinion gear, a movable member which is fitted into the spring, and a stay rod which has at least two locking notches spaced apart from each other so that the horizontal member is locked to a selected one of the locking notches. Therefore, the structure of the apparatus is compact.

Description

APPARATUS FOR MOVING HEADREST
The present invention relates, in general, to apparatuses for moving headrests and, more particularly, to an apparatus for moving a headrest which includes a push member, a horizontal member which is horizontally moved by the push member, a return spring which returns the horizontal member to its original position, a power transmission unit which transmits the movement of the horizontal member, a first pinion gear which rotates using drive force transmitted from the power transmission unit, a second pinion gear which receives drive force from the power transmission unit and rotates in a direction opposite to the direction in which the first pinion gear rotates, a spring which is connected at a first end thereof to the first pinion gear and connected at a second end thereof to the second pinion gear, a movable member which is fitted into the spring, and a stay rod which has at least two locking notches spaced apart from each other along a vertical direction so that the horizontal member is locked to a selected one of the locking notches.
Generally, an apparatus for moving a headrest forward or rearward according to a conventional art includes a cylindrical movable body 20, a first tubular support member 50, an operating member 40, a second tubular support member 60 and a tubular coupling member 10. A coil spring 30 is fitted over a circumferential outer surface of the movable body 20. A first end of the movable body 20 along with the coil spring 30 is slidably disposed in the first support member 50. The first support member 50 has an insert slot 51 into which an end of a first side of the coil spring 30 is inserted in such a way that the first support member 50 covers and supports the first side of the coil spring 30. The operating member 40 covers a second side of the coil spring 30. A spacing slot 42 is formed in the operating member 40 so that an end of the second side of the coil spring 30 is inserted into and guided by the spacing slot 42. A handle 41 is provided on a circumferential outer surface of the operating member 40. The second support member 60 supports the second side of the coil spring 30 in the operating member 40. The coupling member 10 has in a circumferential outer surface thereof a space 11 in which the handle 41 of the operating member 40 is disposed and rotated. The coupling member 10 covers the first and second support members 50 and 60 and the operating member 40 and supports them.
The operating member 40 is formed by bending a planar plate to have a tubular shape. A first end of the operating member 40 is spaced apart from the planar plate to form the spacing slot 42. A second end of the operating member 40 extends in a vertical direction to form the handle 41.
A first end of the second support member 60 is double-stepped in that an inner end comes into contact with the second end of the operating member 40.
In the conventional apparatus, the handle 41 of the operating member 40 protrudes outward from the coupling member 10 through the space 11 of the coupling member 10. The first side of the coil spring 30 is enclosed by the first support member 50, and the second side thereof is inserted into and supported by the operating member 40.
Under normal conditions, the coil spring 30 holds the movable body 20 in a manner in which surface contact and point contact are combined, whereby the movable body cannot move.
If a user turns the handle 41 of the operating member 40, the diameter of the coil spring 30 which holds the movable body 20 is increased while the adjacent coiled portions of the coil spring 30 move away from each other. Hence, the movable body 20 is released from the coil spring 30. As a result, the movable body is allowed to slide forward or rearward in the first and second support members 50 and 60 without being obstructed by the coil spring 30.
However, in the conventional headrest moving apparatus, the headrest can be moved only in the forward-rearward direction by shifting the handle. This is not very convenient for the user.
Furthermore, there has been a technique in which a wire is connected to the handle so that the user can use the wire to operate the handle rather than directly operating the handle by hand. However, as stated above, in the case where the wire is used, operational deviation is caused, the structure of the apparatus is made more complicated, and the production cost of the apparatus is also increased.
Accordingly, the present invention has been made keeping in mind the above problems occurring in the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for moving a headrest which has a compact structure and is configured such that upward or downward and forward or rearward movement of the headrest can be easily adjusted by only a single push member.
In order to accomplish the above object, in an aspect, the present invention provides an apparatus for moving a headrest, including a push member, a horizontal member to be horizontally moved by the push member, a return spring returning the horizontal member to an original position thereof, a power transmission unit transmitting the movement of the horizontal member, a first pinion gear rotating using drive force transmitted from the power transmission unit, a second pinion gear receiving drive force from the power transmission unit and rotating in a direction opposite to a direction in which the first pinion gear rotates, a spring connected at a first end thereof to the first pinion gear and connected at a second end thereof to the second pinion gear, a movable member fitted into the spring, and a stay rod having at least two locking notches spaced apart from each other along a vertical direction so that the horizontal member is locked to a selected one of the locking notches.
The power transmission unit may include a first power transmission unit transmitting the drive force to the first pinion gear, and a second power transmission unit transmitting the drive force to the second pinion gear, wherein the first power transmission unit may include a first rack gear connected to the horizontal member, the first rack engaging with the first pinion gear. The second power transmission unit may include a spur gear rotatably provided on the horizontal member, the spur gear engaging at a first side thereof with the first rack gear, and a second rack gear engaging with a second side of the spur gear, the second rack gear being provided so as to be slidable with respect to the horizontal member. The apparatus may further include a guide unit which has a first guide guiding the movable member, and a second guide guiding the stay rod, wherein through holes may be respectively formed in the first pinion gear and the second pinion gear, and the movable member may be disposed in the through holes.
The second guide may include an elastic support portion which has a cut portion and elastically supports a circumferential outer surface of the stay rod. A snap ring may be fitted over the second guide to enclose and support the elastic support portion. The horizontal member may include a locking part locked to a selected one of the locking notches of the stay rod, wherein a steel sheet may be formed in the locking part by insert-molding.
In another aspect, the present invention provides an apparatus for moving a headrest, including a push member, a horizontal member to be horizontally moved by the push member, a return spring returning the horizontal member to an original position thereof, a power transmission unit transmitting the movement of the horizontal member, a first pinion gear rotating using drive force transmitted from the power transmission unit, a second pinion gear receiving drive force from the power transmission unit and rotating in a direction opposite to a direction in which the first pinion gear rotates, a spring connected at a first end thereof to the first pinion gear and connected at a second end thereof to the second pinion gear, and a movable member fitted into the spring.
An apparatus for moving a headrest according to the present invention has the following effects.
The headrest moving apparatus includes a push member, a horizontal member which is horizontally moved by the push member, a return spring which returns the horizontal member to its original position, a power transmission unit which transmits the movement of the horizontal member, a first pinion gear which rotates using drive force transmitted from the power transmission unit, a second pinion gear which receives drive force from the power transmission unit and rotates in a direction opposite to the direction in which the first pinion gear rotates, a spring which is connected at a first end thereof to the first pinion gear and connected at a second end thereof to the second pinion gear, a movable member which is fitted into the spring, and a stay rod which has at least two locking notches spaced apart from each other along a vertical direction so that the horizontal member is locked to a selected one of the locking notches. Therefore, the structure of the apparatus is compact. Upward or downward and forward or rearward movement of the headrest can be easily adjusted by only the single push member.
Furthermore, the present invention uses the push member without using a separate wire, thus preventing operational deviation, simplifying the entire structure, and reducing the production cost.
The power transmission unit includes a first power transmission unit which transmits the drive force to the first pinion gear, and a second power transmission unit which transmits the drive force to the second pinion gear. The first power transmission unit includes a first rack gear which is connected to the horizontal member and engages with the first pinion gear. The second power transmission unit includes a spur gear which is rotatably provided on the horizontal member and engages at a first side thereof with the first rack gear, and a second rack gear which engages with a second side of the spur gear and is provided so as to be slidable with respect to the horizontal member. As such, the structure of the power transmission unit can be simplified.
The headrest moving apparatus further includes a guide unit. The guide unit includes a first guide which guides the movable member, and a second guide which guides the stay rod. Thereby, the headrest can be more easily moved upward or downward and forward or rearward. Through holes are respectively formed in the first pinion gear and the second pinion gear, and the movable member is disposed in the through holes, so that the entire height of the apparatus can be prevented from being excessively increased.
The second guide includes an elastic support portion which has a cut portion and elastically supports the circumferential outer surface of the stay rod. A snap ring is fitted over the second guide to enclose and support the elastic support portion. Therefore, the second guide can more reliably support the stay rod without making a clearance between it and the stay rod. In addition, the second guide can be reinforced by the snap ring. Furthermore, the snap ring does not directly come into contact with the stay rod, thus preventing noise attributable to friction.
The horizontal member includes a locking part which is locked to a selected one of the locking notches of the stay rod. A steel sheet is formed in the locking part by insert-molding to reinforce the locking part. The steel sheet is not in direct contact with the stay rod so that noise due to friction can be prevented.
FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a conventional forward-rearward moving device;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an apparatus for moving a headrest, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the headrest moving apparatus of FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of a horizontal member of FIG. 3;
FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective illustrating first and second pinion gears of FIG. 3;
FIG. 6 is an assembled perspective view illustrating the first and second pinion gears of FIG. 5;
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a guide unit of FIG. 3;
FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG. 7;
FIG. 9 is an assembled perspective view of the headrest moving apparatus of FIG. 3 from which a cover has been removed;
FIG. 10 is a plan view of the headrest moving apparatus of FIG. 9;
FIG. 11 is a sectional view taken along line B-B of FIG. 10;
FIG. 12 is a schematic view illustrating a fixed state of the headrest;
FIG. 13 is a schematic view illustrating a state of the headrest being moved;
FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing the headrest that has been moved rearward; and
FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing the headrest that has been moved upward.
Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.
Reference should now be made to the drawings, in which the same reference numerals are used throughout the different drawings to designate the same or similar components.
As shown in FIGS. 2 through 15, an apparatus for moving a headrest according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a push member 220, a horizontal member 200, a return spring 300, a power transmission unit 500, a first pinion gear 600, a second pinion gear 700, a spring 810, a movable member 820 and a stay rod 400. The horizontal member 200 is horizontally moved by the push member 220. The return spring 300 returns the horizontal member 200 to its original position. The power transmission unit 500 transmits movement of the horizontal member 200. The first pinion gear 600 is rotated by the force transmitted from the power transmission unit 500. The second pinion gear 700 receives the force from the power transmission unit 500 and rotates in a direction opposite to the direction in which the first pinion gear 600 rotates. The spring 810 has a first end 811 connected to the first pinion gear 600, and a second end 812 connected to the second pinion gear 700. The movable member 820 is fitted into the spring 810. The stay rod 400 has at least two locking notches 411 spaced apart from each other along the vertical direction. The horizontal member 200 is locked to a selected one of the locking notches 411.
As shown in FIG. 2, the headrest moving apparatus of the present invention further includes a cover 100 which encloses the apparatus.
The cover 100 includes a front cover 110 which is disposed in the front of the apparatus, and a rear cover 120 which is disposed in the rear of the apparatus and coupled to the front cover 110.
As shown in FIG. 3, coupling hooks 111 are provided on upper, lower and opposite side edges of the front cover 110. Hook holes 121 are formed in the rear cover 120 so that the coupling hooks 111 are hooked into the corresponding hook holes 121. The coupling hooks 111 and hook holes 121 make it possible to temporarily assemble the front cover 110 with the rear cover 120, thus facilitating the assembly process.
Coupling holes 102 are formed in the front cover 110 and rear cover 120, and bolts or the like can be fastened into the coupling holes 102 so that they can be coupled to each other, and other elements can be installed in the cover 100.
In addition, stay rod lead holes 101 are formed in a lower portion of the cover 100.
A push member guide 122 is provided on a lower end of a side surface of the rear cover 120.
The push member guide 122 has a cylindrical shape. A horizontal movement guide slot 123 is formed in an upper portion of the push member guide 122.
The push member 220 is installed in the push member guide 122 of the rear cover 120 so as to be movable horizontally in the left-right direction of the headrest.
The push member 220 comprises a button. A guide protrusion 221 which is inserted into the horizontal movement guide slot 123 is provided on a circumferential outer surface of the push member 220.
Furthermore, hooks 222 protrude from opposite sides of the circumferential outer surface of an inner end of the push member 220 so that the push member 220 can be installed in the rear cover 120 through only a single insertion process.
Moreover, as shown in FIG. 10, a push force transmission member 224 is rotatably installed in the end of the push member 220 in such a way that a shaft 223 thereof is oriented perpendicular to the direction in which the push member 220 is pushed.
The shape of the push force transmission member 224 is that of a roller.
Thanks to the above-mentioned structure of the push force transmission member 224, even if a user pushes an off-center portion of the push member 220, the push force of the user can be effectively transmitted. In addition, frictional noise between the push member 220 and the horizontal member 200 which will be explained below can be reduced.
The horizontal member 200 is horizontally moved by the push force of the push member 220.
As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the horizontal member 200 has a planar shape. A contact part 205 is bent on an end of the horizontal member 200. The contact part 205 comes into contact with the push force transmission member 224 of the push member 220.
Guide protrusions are provided on a lower end of the contact part 205.
Contact protrusions 201 are provided on and under the horizontal member 200.
Each contact protrusion 201 has a semicircular (or arc) cross-sectional shape so that it comes into line contact with a corresponding element, thus minimizing contact friction and frictional noise.
Stay rod passing holes 202 are formed in respective opposite ends of the horizontal member 200. A locking part 203 is provided at a predetermined position in each stay rod passing hole 202.
The locking part 203 is thinner than other portions of the horizontal member 200.
Further, steel sheets 207 are formed in the horizontal member 200 by insert injection molding in such a way that the steel sheets 207 are disposed in the respective locking parts 203. The steel sheets 207 are not exposed to the outside.
Each steel sheet 207 is formed of a band-shaped plate. At least one through hole is formed in the steel sheet 207.
A crisscross protrusion 208 is provided on an upper surface of a medial portion of the horizontal member 200.
A spring support plate 209 protrudes downward from the medial portion of the horizontal member 200.
The spring support plate 209 is formed by cutting a portion of the horizontal member 200 and bending the cut portion from the horizontal member 200 downward.
A removal prevention protrusion is provided on the spring support plate 209. The removal prevention protrusion is disposed in the center of the return spring 300 to prevent the return spring 300 from being undesirably removed from its correct position.
The crisscross protrusion 208 and the spring support plate 209 are disposed such that they are misaligned from each other.
Holes 206 are formed in the horizontal member 200 at opposite sides of the medial portion thereof.
The return spring 300 functions to return the horizontal member 200 to its original position.
The return spring 300 is supported by the spring support plate 209 in such a way that a first end of the return spring 300 is fitted over the spring support plate 209.
As shown in FIG. 3, the headrest moving apparatus further includes a horizontal member guide 210 which guides the horizontal member 200 so that the horizontal member 200 can more reliably move in the left-right direction of the headrest.
The horizontal member guide 210 has a planar shape. A guide protrusion 216 is provided on front, rear and first side edges of the horizontal member guide 210.
Further, guide slots 218 are formed in a second side edge of the horizontal member guide 210 so that the guide protrusions of the horizontal member 200 are inserted into the respective guide slots 218.
Fastening protrusions 212 are provided on opposite ends of the front and rear edges of the horizontal member guide 210 so that the horizontal member guide 210 can be fastened to other elements by bolts or the like that are tightened into the fastening protrusions 212.
Coupling hooks 213 protrude upward from opposite ends of the front edge of the horizontal member guide 210. Coupling holes 217 are formed in opposite ends of the rear edge of the horizontal member guide 210 so that coupling hooks of a corresponding element are locked to the respective coupling holes 217.
Through holes 215 are formed in the horizontal member guide 210 at opposite sides of the medial portion thereof. The through holes 215 communicate with the corresponding stay rod passing holes 202.
Contact protrusions which are brought into contact with the corresponding stay rods 400 are vertically provided on the inner surface of each through hole 215 of the horizontal member guide 210. Preferably, three contact protrusions are provided in each through hole 215. Holes are vertically formed through the horizontal member guide 210 at positions adjacent to the respective contact protrusions.
Furthermore, holes which communicate with the respective holes 206 of the horizontal member 200 are formed in the horizontal member guide 210.
A spring support plate 214 which supports a second end of the return spring 300 is provided on the medial portion of the horizontal member guide 210.
A seating hole in which the spring support plate 214 is disposed is formed in the horizontal member guide 210 so that the return spring 300 is seated into the seating hole.
As shown in FIGS. 3, 5 and 6, the power transmission unit 500 functions to transmit the movement of the horizontal member 200 to other elements.
The power transmission unit 500 includes a first power transmission unit which transmits drive force to the first pinion gear 600 which will be explained below, and a second power transmission unit which transmits drive force to the second pinion gear 700.
The first power transmission unit includes a first rack gear 510 which is connected to the horizontal member 200 and engages with the first pinion gear 600.
An insert hole (not shown) is formed in the first rack gear 510 so that the crisscross protrusion 208 of the horizontal member 200 is inserted into the insert hole, whereby the first rack gear 510 is fastened to the horizontal member 200.
Therefore, if the horizontal member 200 moves in the left-right direction, the first rack gear 510 also moves simultaneously in the left-right direction.
The second power transmission unit includes a spur gear 520 and a second rack gear 530. The spur gear 520 is rotatably provided on the horizontal member 200 and engages at a first side thereof with the first rack gear 510. The second rack gear 530 engages with the spur gear at a second side of the spur gear 520 and is provided so as to be slidable with respect to the horizontal member 200.
Each of the first and second rack gears 510 and 530 has gear teeth on an upper surface thereof and on its surface which faces the spur gear 520.
The spur gear 520 is oriented such that a shaft thereof is perpendicular to the horizontal member 200 so that the spur gear 520 can rotate in place on the horizontal member 200.
A sliding groove is formed in a lower surface of the second rack gear 530 in the left-right direction of the headrest.
Because the power transmission unit 500 has the above-mentioned construction, there is an advantage in that the structure of the headrest moving apparatus can be simplified.
The first pinion gear 600 is rotated by the drive force transmitted from the power transmission unit 500.
In detail, upon the horizontal member 200 moving the first rack gear 510 moves so that the first pinion gear 600 which engages with the first rack gear 510 is also rotated.
The second pinion gear 700 receives the drive force from the power transmission unit 500 and rotates in the direction opposite to the rotation of the first pinion gear 600.
In detail, as the spur gear 520 which engages with the first rack gear 510 rotates, the second rack gear 530 which engages with the spur gear 520 also rotates. Then, the second pinion gear 700 which engages with the second rack gear 530 rotates in the direction opposite to the rotation of the first pinion gear 600.
As shown in FIG. 5, the first pinion gear 600 and the second pinion gear 700 respectively have through holes 602 and 702 in which the movable member 820 which will be explained in detail below is disposed.
Furthermore, each of the first and second pinion gears 600 and 700 has a sector shape, and the gear teeth are formed on only the lower surface of the pinion gear 600, 700 rather than on the entire peripheral surface thereof.
Because the first pinion gear 600 and the second pinion gear 700 have the above-mentioned shape, the height of the headrest moving apparatus can be prevented from being increased.
Gear teeth are formed on an inner surface of the first pinion gear 600. The headrest moving apparatus further includes a connection member 611 which has on a circumferential outer surface thereof gear teeth which engage with the gear teeth formed on the inner surface of the first pinion gear 600.
The connection member 611 has a through hole in which the movable member 820 is disposed. A stepped portion is formed on a front end of the connection member 611.
The stepped portion is formed at a position spaced apart from the gear teeth of the connection member 611.
A seating portion onto which the stepped portion is seated is formed in the through hole 702 of the second pinion gear 700.
The first end 811 of the spring 810 is connected to the first pinion gear 600, and the second end 812 thereof is connected to the second pinion gear 700.
Insert depressions are respectively formed in an inner surface of the connection member 611 of the first pinion gear 600 and an inner surface of the second pinion gear 700 so that the first and second ends 811 and 812 of the spring 810 are inserted into the corresponding insert depressions.
The movable member 820 has a rod shape and is disposed inside the spring 810.
The movable member 820 is installed on the front cover 110 by a front bracket 130 and installed on the rear cover 120 by a rear bracket 140.
The front bracket 130 has a coupling hole which is used to couple the front bracket 130 to the movable member 820, and a coupling hole which is used to couple the front bracket 130 to the front cover 110.
The rear bracket 140 has a coupling hole which is used to couple the rear bracket 140 to the movable member 820. The rear bracket 140 has a disk shape and is coupled to the rear cover 120 in such a way that the periphery of the rear bracket 140 is fitted into the rear cover 120.
Therefore, when the movable member 820 moves forward or rearward, the front cover 110 and the rear cover 120 also move at the same time.
As shown in FIG. 3, the stay rod 400 has at least two locking notches 411 which are formed at positions spaced apart from each other along the vertical direction, such that the horizontal member 200 can be selectively locked to the locking notches 411.
The stay rod 400 includes a horizontal rod 420 and vertical rods 410 which are connected to respective opposite ends of the horizontal rod 420.
Each of the vertical rods 410 which are disposed at opposite sides has the locking notches 411 at a predetermined portion thereof.
The headrest moving apparatus further includes a guide unit 900. The guide unit 900 includes a first guide 940 which guides the movable member 820, and second guides 910 which guides the vertical rods 410 of the stay rod 400.
As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, in the guide unit 900, the second guides 910 are disposed on opposite sides of the first guide 940. In other words, the first guide 940 is disposed between the second guides 910.
The first guide 940 includes a housing 911 which encloses the power transmission unit 500 and the first and second pinion gears 600 and 700, and front-rear guide parts which are disposed on opposite sides of the housing 911 and guide forward-rearward movement of the movable member 820.
The housing 911 includes a wall which surrounds the front, rear and opposite sides of the power transmission unit 500 and first and second pinion gears 600 and 700. A left-right guide protrusion 919 is provided in a lower portion of the wall and is oriented in the left-right direction.
A movable member through hole 912 is formed through the wall so that the movable member 820 is disposed in the movable member through hole 912.
The left-right guide protrusion 919 is inserted into the sliding groove formed in the second rack gear 530. Thus, the left-right guide protrusion 919 guides the leftward-rightward movement of the second rack gear 530.
Each front-rear guide part includes a bearing 920 which enables the movable member 820 to smoothly move forward or rearward, and a bracket 913 on which the bearing 920 is installed.
A guide rod 930 is disposed in the bearing 920. Front and rear ends of the guide rod 930 are respectively connected to the front and rear covers 110 and 120. Thereby, the movable member 820 can reliably move forward or rearward.
Each second guide 910 has a cylindrical shape and is vertically oriented.
Depending on the shape of the vertical rods 410 of the stay rod 400, for example, as shown in this embodiment, each second guide 910 may be formed to be inclined forward. As such, in the case where the stay rod 400 is inclined forward, when the headrest is moved upwards, it is also automatically moved forward.
Thanks to the guide unit 900 having the above-mentioned construction, the headrest can more easily and smoothly move forward or rearward and upward or downward.
Three vertical contact protrusions 915 are provided on an inner surface of each second guide 910 to make the vertical movement of the stay rod 400 smoother. In other words, thanks to the contact protrusions 915, the stay rod 400 can more smoothly move upward or downward, and noise and friction can be minimized.
Moreover, each second guide 910 has an elastic support portion 917 which has a cut portion and elastically supports the circumferential outer surface of the stay rod 400.
Preferably, the elastic support portion 917 is formed such that the contact protrusion 915 is disposed on an end of the elastic support portion 917.
The elastic support portion 917 comprises two elastic support portions 917 which are disposed on opposite sides of each vertical rod 410.
Furthermore, a snap ring 918 is fitted over each second guide 910. The snap ring 918 encloses and supports the outer surface of the elastic support portion 917.
To reliably install the snap ring 918, locking protrusions are provided on the circumferential outer surface of the elastic support portion 917, and locking hooks which are hooked to the respective locking protrusions are provided on the snap ring 918.
The stay rod 400 can be more elastically supported by the elastic support portion 917 and snap ring 918 so that a clearance can be prevented from being formed between the stay rod 400 and the second guide 910. The elastic support portion 917 can be reinforced by the snap ring 918.
Further, locking protrusions to which the corresponding coupling hooks 213 of the horizontal member guide 210 are hooked are provided on opposite sides of a front end of the guide unit 900. Coupling hooks 916 which are hooked to the corresponding coupling holes 217 of the horizontal member guide 210 are provided on opposite sides of a rear end of the guide unit 900. A bolt coupling hole is formed in the guide unit 900 so that it can be coupled to the fastening protrusion 212 of the horizontal member guide 210 by a bolt or the like.
As such, the locking protrusions and the coupling hooks 916 are used to couple the guide unit 900 to the horizontal member guide 210 after the guide unit 900 has been disposed on the horizontal member guide 210 and the horizontal member 200. That is, the horizontal member guide 210, the horizontal member 200 and the guide unit 900 are stacked in positional sequence from the bottom to the top and are coupled together.
The operation of the headrest moving apparatus of the present invention having the above-mentioned construction will be explained.
When the headrest is in the fixed state, the operation of the apparatus is as follows.
As shown in FIG. 12, the vertical rods 410 of the stay rod 400 are disposed in the second guides 910, the stay rod passing holes 202 and the through holes 215. The locking parts 203 of the horizontal member 200 are inserted into the selected corresponding locking notches 411 of the stay rod 400. Thereby, the headrest is fixed in place without moving upward or downward along the stay rod 400.
In the present invention, the steel sheets 207 are formed in the respective locking parts 203 by insert molding, whereby even if a load or impact is applied to the headrest, it can be stably supported without being damaged. Further, the steel sheets 207 are not exposed to the outside so that they do not make contact with the stay rod 400, thus preventing noise from being generated.
In addition, the horizontal member 200 is also fixed in place by the elastic force of the return spring 300 without moving leftward or rightward. The first and second pinion gears 600 and 700 are also prevented from rotating, so that the spring 810 remains in contact with the movable member 820. Therefore, the movable member 820 is fixed in place by frictional force between it and the spring 810.
On the other hand, when adjusting the position of the headrest, the operation of the headrest moving apparatus is as follows.
As shown in FIG. 13, if the user pushes the push member 220 with force larger than the elastic force of the return spring 300, the force is transmitted to the horizontal member 200 through the push force transmission member 224.
Thereby, the horizontal member 200 is moved to the left, and the first rack gear 510 is also moved to the left, simultaneously. Then, the spur gear 520 which engages with the first rack gear 510 is rotated, and the second rack gear 530 which engages with the spur gear 520 is moved to the right.
Furthermore, the first pinion gear 600 which engages with the first rack gear 510 is rotated in the clockwise direction. The second pinion gear 700 which engages with the second rack gear 530 is rotated in the counterclockwise direction.
Thereby, the distance between the first end 811 and second end 812 of the spring 810 is increased so that the diameter of the spring 810 is increased. Then, friction between the spring 810 and the movable member 820 is removed, thus allowing the headrest to be moved forward or rearward.
Simultaneously, when the horizontal member 200 moves to the left, the locking parts 203 which have been disposed in the locking notches 411 of the stay rod 400 are removed from the locking notches 411, thus allowing the headrest to be moved upward or downward.
As such, while the user pushes the push member 220, the position of the headrest can be easily adjusted forward or rearward and upward or downward.
When the user releases the push member 220, the headrest is returned to its fixed state, as described above.
As described above, the headrest moving apparatus according to the present invention has a reduced size and is configured such that upward or downward and forward or rearward movement of the headrest can be easily adjusted by means of only the push member 220.
Furthermore, the present invention uses the push member in place of a wire, thus preventing operational deviation, simplifying the entire structure, and reducing the production cost.
An apparatus for moving a headrest according to another embodiment of the present invention includes a push member 220, a horizontal member 200, a return spring 300, a power transmission unit 500, a first pinion gear 600, a second pinion gear 700, a spring 810 and a movable member 820. The horizontal member 200 is horizontally moved by the push member 220. The return spring 300 returns the horizontal member 200 to its original position. The power transmission unit 500 transmits movement of the horizontal member 200. The first pinion gear 600 is rotated by the force transmitted from the power transmission unit 500. The second pinion gear 700 receives the force from the power transmission unit 500 and rotates in a direction opposite to the direction in which the first pinion gear 600 rotates. The spring 810 has a first end 811 connected to the first pinion gear 600, and a second end 812 connected to the second pinion gear 700. The movable member 820 is fitted into the spring 810.
The explanation of the construction of this embodiment, which is the same as that of the above-stated embodiment, will be omitted.
In the headrest moving apparatus according to this embodiment, when the user pushes the push member 220, the horizontal member 200 is moved. As the horizontal member 200 moves, drive force is transmitted to the first pinion gear 600 and the second pinion gear 700 by the power transmission unit 500. The first pinion gear 600 and the second pinion gear 700 are rotated in opposite directions to each other. The opposite ends of the spring 810 which has restricted the movable member 820 from moving are moved away from each other, thus allowing the movable member 820 to move. As such, the user has only to push the push member 220 to adjust the position of the headrest forward or rearward.
Although the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been disclosed 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.

Claims (7)

  1. An apparatus for moving a headrest, comprising:
    a push member;
    a horizontal member to be horizontally moved by the push member;
    a return spring returning the horizontal member to an original position thereof;
    a power transmission unit transmitting the movement of the horizontal member;
    a first pinion gear rotating using drive force transmitted from the power transmission unit;
    a second pinion gear receiving drive force from the power transmission unit and rotating in a direction opposite to a direction in which the first pinion gear rotates;
    a spring connected at a first end thereof to the first pinion gear and connected at a second end thereof to the second pinion gear;
    a movable member fitted into the spring; and
    a stay rod having at least two locking notches spaced apart from each other along a vertical direction so that the horizontal member is locked to a selected one of the locking notches.
  2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the power transmission unit comprises: a first power transmission unit transmitting the drive force to the first pinion gear; and a second power transmission unit transmitting the drive force to the second pinion gear,
    wherein the first power transmission unit comprises a first rack gear connected to the horizontal member, the first rack engaging with the first pinion gear.
  3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the second power transmission unit comprises: a spur gear rotatably provided on the horizontal member, the spur gear engaging at a first side thereof with the first rack gear; and a second rack gear engaging with a second side of the spur gear, the second rack gear being provided so as to be slidable with respect to the horizontal member.
  4. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 through 3, further comprising
    a guide unit comprising: a first guide guiding the movable member; and a second guide guiding the stay rod,
    wherein through holes are respectively formed in the first pinion gear and the second pinion gear, and the movable member is disposed in the through holes.
  5. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the second guide comprises an elastic support portion having a cut portion and elastically supporting a circumferential outer surface of the stay rod, and
    a snap ring is fitted over the second guide to enclose and support the elastic support portion.
  6. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 through 3, wherein the horizontal member comprises a locking part locked to a selected one of the locking notches of the stay rod, wherein a steel sheet is formed in the locking part by insert-molding.
  7. An apparatus for moving a headrest, comprising:
    a push member;
    a horizontal member to be horizontally moved by the push member;
    a return spring returning the horizontal member to an original position thereof;
    a power transmission unit transmitting the movement of the horizontal member;
    a first pinion gear rotating using drive force transmitted from the power transmission unit;
    a second pinion gear receiving drive force from the power transmission unit and rotating in a direction opposite to a direction in which the first pinion gear rotates;
    a spring connected at a first end thereof to the first pinion gear and connected at a second end thereof to the second pinion gear; and
    a movable member fitted into the spring.
PCT/KR2012/010280 2011-12-01 2012-11-30 Apparatus for moving headrest WO2013081404A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
KR1020110127573A KR101275089B1 (en) 2011-12-01 2011-12-01 Apparatus for forward and backward movement of car headrests
KR10-2011-0127573 2011-12-01

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2013081404A1 true WO2013081404A1 (en) 2013-06-06

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WO (1) WO2013081404A1 (en)

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FR3036666A1 (en) * 2015-05-29 2016-12-02 Faurecia Sieges D'automobile VEHICLE SEAT HEADREST AND SEAT COMPRISING SUCH A HEADREST
WO2017095891A1 (en) * 2015-11-30 2017-06-08 B/E Aerospace, Inc. Forward translating headrest
WO2018076230A1 (en) * 2016-10-27 2018-05-03 Daimay North America Automotive, Inc. Headrest assembly
CN109017486A (en) * 2018-07-11 2018-12-18 重庆延锋安道拓汽车部件系统有限公司 Convenient for adjusting the automotive seat of height of headrest
EP3059117B1 (en) * 2015-02-20 2019-04-03 Grammer Ag Headrest
US11142108B2 (en) 2018-04-20 2021-10-12 Daimay North America Automotive, Inc. Bushing arrangement for headrest assembly
US11192482B2 (en) 2018-08-06 2021-12-07 Daimay North America Automotive, Inc. Headrest assembly including locking arrangement reducing BSR

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KR101383094B1 (en) * 2013-02-20 2014-04-08 주식회사 우보테크 Headrest moving device

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KR20050061672A (en) * 2003-12-18 2005-06-23 현대모비스 주식회사 Height control device of head rest
US6983995B1 (en) * 2004-09-24 2006-01-10 Lear Corporation Linear adjustable head restraint
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EP3059117B1 (en) * 2015-02-20 2019-04-03 Grammer Ag Headrest
FR3036666A1 (en) * 2015-05-29 2016-12-02 Faurecia Sieges D'automobile VEHICLE SEAT HEADREST AND SEAT COMPRISING SUCH A HEADREST
WO2017095891A1 (en) * 2015-11-30 2017-06-08 B/E Aerospace, Inc. Forward translating headrest
US9981748B2 (en) 2015-11-30 2018-05-29 B/E Aerospace, Inc. Forward translating headrest
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WO2018076230A1 (en) * 2016-10-27 2018-05-03 Daimay North America Automotive, Inc. Headrest assembly
US10821869B2 (en) 2016-10-27 2020-11-03 Daimay North America Automotive, Inc. Headrest assembly
US11142108B2 (en) 2018-04-20 2021-10-12 Daimay North America Automotive, Inc. Bushing arrangement for headrest assembly
CN109017486A (en) * 2018-07-11 2018-12-18 重庆延锋安道拓汽车部件系统有限公司 Convenient for adjusting the automotive seat of height of headrest
CN109017486B (en) * 2018-07-11 2023-08-22 安道拓(重庆)汽车部件有限公司 Automobile seat convenient for adjusting headrest height
US11192482B2 (en) 2018-08-06 2021-12-07 Daimay North America Automotive, Inc. Headrest assembly including locking arrangement reducing BSR

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KR20130061329A (en) 2013-06-11

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