Headrest

Abstract

This design enables the positioning of the movable components (head support) at multiple points without any wobbling, and also provides a function to restrict forward rotation, all within a simple and easy-to-operate headrest structure. [Solution] The headrest comprises a fixed member 30, a movable member 40, a support shaft 50, a regulating pin 60, a biasing member 70, and a head support portion 10. The support shaft is fixed to either the fixed member or the movable member, and the regulating pin is fixed to the other member. The one member has a pair of regulating pin passages α2 and a plurality of regulating pin locking recesses α3 formed on the left and right sides, and the other member has a pair of elongated support shaft insertion holes α1 formed on the left and right sides. The biasing member biases the movable member in the locking direction, moving the head support portion to one of several set positions and locking it in the regulating pin locking recesses at that position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a headrest that can set the headrest portion at an appropriate position according to the physique and usage conditions of the user and has a function of restricting forward rotation.

Background Art

[0002] As a headrest attached to a seat of an automobile or the like, there is known a front-rear adjustment type (front-rear adjustment type headrest) that can adjust not only the vertical position (height) of the headrest portion but also the front-rear position. In the front-rear adjustment type, as the use position when using the headrest, for example, during driving, the headrest portion is moved backward to a position where it does not interfere with driving (driving position), and during rest (when reclining the backrest to rest), the headrest portion can be moved forward to a position where it is used like a pillow (rest position). Also, a foldable headrest that can fold the headrest portion is known. In the foldable headrest, when the front passenger seat or the rear seat is not occupied, the headrest portion can be folded to a folded position to secure the field of view. Also, when loading luggage or the like, by tilting the seat forward, the headrest portion can be locked at the folded position so as not to interfere.

[0003] As a front-rear position adjustment mechanism, for example, as shown in FIG. 3 of Patent Document 1, by locking a lock plate 60 to any of a plurality of locking portions 31a, a rotating member 40 (movable member) can be position-adjusted in multiple stages with respect to a fixed member 30 (latch type front-rear position adjustment mechanism). The headrest portion is integrally provided with respect to the rotating member 40 (movable member).

[0004] One example of a foldable headrest is shown in Figure 7 of Patent Document 2. The mechanism in that document comprises a first bracket 3 (movable member), a second bracket 4 (fixed member), a hinge shaft 5 (support shaft) that pivotally supports the first bracket 3 relative to the second bracket 4, a lock shaft 12 (regulating pin) attached to the first bracket 3, a lock shaft support shaft 11, a biasing spring (biasing member) that biases the lock shaft 12 toward contacting the second bracket 4, and a lock release lever 30. This headrest 42 (head support part) cannot be adjusted in height, but it can be folded. In addition, in the driving position, the rotation of the first bracket 3 around the hinge shaft 5 is restricted (locked) without any looseness. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5976190 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 7042537 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] However, the headrest in Patent Document 1 had the problem of weak restriction on backward rotation, making it prone to rattling. In addition, it had the problem of having a large number of parts, a complex structure, and being heavy. Furthermore, the headrest in Patent Document 2 had the problem of being usable in only one position, the driving position, and lacking consideration for rotation restriction in positions other than the driving position, making it prone to rattling in the head support when folded. In addition, it had the problem of requiring a separate, complex unlocking lever that is operated with the fingertips to release the lock.

[0007] The present invention was made to solve the above problems, and provides a headrest with a simple and easy-to-operate structure that allows the movable member (head support) to be positioned without rattling at multiple locations and has a function to restrict rotation forward from the position of use. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The above issues are, A fixing member that is fixed to the seat frame or headrest stay, A movable member attached to a fixed member in a manner that allows it to move, A support shaft for supporting a movable member in a movable state relative to a fixed member, A regulating pin for restricting the movement of the movable member, A biasing member that biases a movable member relative to a fixed member and A head support portion integrally provided with the movable member, A headrest equipped with, A pivot shaft is fixed to one of the fixed and movable members, and a regulating pin is fixed to the other member. The aforementioned one member is provided with a pair of regulating pin passages for allowing the regulating pin to pass through when the movable member moves, and a plurality of regulating pin locking recesses formed recessed from a desired position in the regulating pin passage towards the pivot shaft or away from the pivot shaft. The other member has a pair of elongated shaft insertion holes formed on the left and right sides for inserting the shaft. The biasing member biases the movable member in a direction that causes the regulating pin to enter the regulating pin locking recess. The head support is moved to multiple set positions and locked in place by the regulating pin locking recess at that position. When the headrest is in use, it exhibits a forward rotation restriction function that prevents the head support from rotating forward beyond its furthest forward position. The unlocking operation is performed by moving the head support against the biasing force of the biasing member. The regulating pin locking recess or the support shaft insertion hole is formed by inclining both or one of its pair of inner wall surfaces, and becoming narrower towards the back, so that the regulating pin or support shaft is locked in a wedge-shaped clamping manner. A headrest characterized by This is solved by providing [a solution].

[0009] Here, "setting position" is a concept that includes not only the "usage position" but also the "folded position" which will be described later. Of these, the "usage position" is the position in which the headrest is used as a headrest, and is a concept that includes the "driving position" and "resting position" which will be described later. The "driving position" is the position in which the headrest is set when driving, and the "resting position" is the position in which the headrest is set when resting (when the seat is reclined). The "forward usage position" does not mean that "the usage position is the furthest forward of the setting positions," but rather that "among several set usage positions, it is the usage position that is furthest forward." The folding position is the position in which the headrest is located when the headrest is folded. The folding position should be set so that the headrest is bent forward (rotated forward) by 80 to 140° from the rearmost usage position. This ensures that visibility is maintained when the passenger seat or rear seats are not occupied, by setting the headrest to the folded position.

[0010] The headrest of the present invention allows the head support to be locked in the optimal position during use. For example, when driving, the head support can be moved to the rearmost position and locked in a position that does not interfere with driving (driving position). When the seat is reclined backward for relaxation, the head support can be moved forward and locked in a position that does not interfere with driving, and can be used like a pillow. Furthermore, when the passenger seat or rear seats are not occupied, the head support can be folded down (folded position) to ensure visibility. In addition, when the seats are stored to load luggage, etc. (with the seats reclined forward), the head support can be locked in the folded position so that it does not get in the way. Thus, the headrest of the present invention allows the head support to be positioned in multiple positions.

[0011] Specifically, when the movable member (head support) is moved and the regulating pin aligns with the desired position in the regulating pin locking recess, the biasing force of the biasing member moves the movable member, causing the regulating pin to engage with the regulating pin locking recess and lock. In actual use, there is a possibility that the head support may be pushed downward due to accidental contact, such as unintentionally pressing the head support with one's hand. Therefore, if the biasing force of the biasing member applied to the movable member (head support) is directed downward, the unlocking direction will be upward, thus preventing accidental unlocking. Furthermore, as will be described later, the unlocking operation when changing the lock position can be performed by holding the head support with both hands rather than using a lever with the fingertips, allowing the biasing force to be increased and enabling a sufficiently strong lock. The force that locks the movable member can be set by the angle of the inner wall surface of the regulating pin locking recess, the distance from the support shaft to the regulating pin, or the biasing force of the biasing member. Furthermore, the pair of inner wall surfaces of the regulating pin locking recess or the support shaft insertion hole are inclined on both or one side, and are formed to narrow towards the back. Therefore, the locking between that part and the regulating pin or support shaft is wedge-shaped, allowing the movable member (head support) to be positioned (locked) without any wobbling.

[0012] The headrest of the present invention does not require a locking mechanism (such as a lever) to release the lock; all operations can be completed simply by operating the head support. Specifically, the lock of the movable member can be released by holding the head support with both hands and moving it in the opposite direction to the biasing direction of the biasing member. As described above, if the biasing direction of the biasing member is set downward, the locking direction becomes upward, thus preventing accidental release due to a downward load being applied to the head support by accidental contact. Furthermore, since there is no need to provide a complex operating mechanism for unlocking, the structure can be simplified.

[0013] Furthermore, the headrest of the present invention has a forward rotation restriction function that prevents the head support portion from rotating further forward than its foremost usage position (foremost usage position) during a collision or the like. Specifically, a key-shaped forward rotation restriction portion is provided in the restriction pin locking recess at the foremost usage position, restricting the head support portion from moving in the unlocking direction (opposite to the biasing direction by the biasing member). The forward rotation restriction portion may be provided in the vicinity of the restriction pin locking recess. The unlocking operation from the foremost usage position to the folded position is performed by moving the head support portion in the unlocking direction and forward or backward.

[0014] Restricting forward rotation is also possible by locking the fixed member and the movable member with a locking pin. For example, when the restricting pin is held in the restricting pin locking recess, the holes provided in the movable member and the fixed member can be aligned, and the locking pin can be inserted through them to restrict the movement of the head rest in the unlocking direction. In this case, the unlocking operation is performed by displacing the locking pin with a separately provided simple button so that the locking pin comes out of the hole provided in the fixed member, and then moving the head rest in the unlocking direction. By providing the button for operating the locking pin near the center of the side of the headrest, it becomes possible to operate the head rest in the unlocking direction with both hands while pressing the button. In this way, it is possible to prevent the head rest from rotating further forward beyond the furthest forward position during a collision, etc., and safety can be ensured.

[0015] In addition, in the headrest of the present invention, since the regulating pin passage and the regulating pin locking recess are each provided in pairs on the left and right sides, the movable member can be supported in a balanced manner at two or more points relative to the fixed member. This makes it possible to prevent twisting of the movable member and the fixed member. Furthermore, the load on the movable member can be distributed. Consequently, the material (steel plate, etc.) forming the movable member and the fixed member can be made thinner, making it possible to lighten the headrest.

[0016] When a headrest stay is used, the fixing member is fixed to the headrest stay, and the movable member (head support) is attached to the fixing member in a rotatable manner. Furthermore, if a stay holder is provided, and the headrest stay is guided by the stay holder and can be adjusted in the vertical direction, the headrest can be adjusted not only in the front-to-back position of the head support but also in height. This makes it possible to reduce the vertical movement of the head support.

[0017] In the headrest of the present invention, the wedge-shaped lock can also be realized by inclining both or one of the pair of inner wall surfaces of the regulating pin locking recess or the elongated support shaft insertion hole, so that it becomes narrower towards the back, but is not limited to this. For example, the regulating pin or support shaft may contact only one of the pair of inner wall surfaces of the regulating pin locking recess or the support shaft insertion hole, and the movement of the movable member to the opposite side (movement toward the inner wall surface that does not contact the regulating pin or support shaft) may be restricted by the movable member being wedge-shaped between the regulating pin or support shaft and a predetermined location on the fixed member. Specifically, a stopper and a stopper receiver are provided on the fixed member and the movable member so that the movable member does not move further backward or forward when the head rest reaches the rearmost usage position (e.g., driving position) or the furthest forward usage position (e.g., folding position), and when the stopper contacts the stopper receiver, the movable member can be sandwiched between the stopper and the regulating pin. Even in this case, the inner wall surface of the retaining pin locking recess that abuts the retaining pin, the stopper, and the contact surface of the stopper receiving portion are set to become narrower towards the back. Therefore, the movable member is firmly fixed by biting into the stopper and the retaining pin like a wedge.

[0018] In the headrest of the present invention, it is also preferable that one of the pair of inner wall surfaces in the regulation pin locking recess is inclined at an angle (for example, 20 to 40°) that slips at a set load. Thereby, when a load exceeding a predetermined value is applied to the movable member (head receiving portion), the movable member (head receiving portion) can be slipped with respect to the fixed member and moved forward, and an impact buffering effect on the head during an accident can be obtained.

Effects of the Invention

[0019] As described above, according to the present invention, the movable member (head receiving portion) can be positioned without rattling at a plurality of locations, and a headrest having a forward rotation regulation function can be realized with a simple and easy-to-operate structure.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020] [Figure 1] It is a figure which shows the positional relationship between each state of the headrest of 1st Embodiment, and a mechanism part. [Figure 2] It is a figure which shows the cross section which cut | disconnected the headrest of 1st Embodiment by the vertical plane, and the state which perspectively viewed the mechanism part. [Figure 3] It is sectional drawing which cut | disconnected the headrest mechanism part from 2nd Embodiment to 4th Embodiment by the vertical plane. [Figure 4] It is a figure which shows the cross section which cut | disconnected the headrest of 5th Embodiment by the vertical plane, and a part of it. [Figure 5] It is a figure which shows the cross section which cut | disconnected the headrest of 6th Embodiment by the vertical plane, and a use condition.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0021] Embodiments of the headrest of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings. In the following, a total of six embodiments, from the first to the sixth embodiment, will be given as examples. However, these embodiments are merely preferred embodiments, and the technical scope of the headrest of the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. The headrest of the present invention can be modified as appropriate without impairing the spirit of the invention.

[0022] 1. Headrest of the first embodiment First, the headrest of the first embodiment will be described. Figures 1 and 2 show the headrest of the first embodiment. Figure 1 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the headrest in each state and the mechanism, and Figure 2 is a diagram showing a cross-section of the headrest in the driving position cut in a vertical plane and a perspective view of the mechanism.

[0023] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the headrest of the first embodiment comprises a head support portion 10, a skeletal member 20, a fixing member 30, a movable member 40, a support shaft 50, a regulating pin 60, and a biasing member 70.

[0024] As shown in Figures 1(a) and (c), the head rest portion 10 is the part that supports the user's head. The head rest portion 10 is fixed in a position where it does not move relative to the movable member 40, which will be described later. Therefore, when the movable member 40 rotates, the head rest portion 10 also rotates together with the movable member 40. In the headrest of the first embodiment, the height of the head rest portion 10 is fixed. The shape of the head rest portion 10 is not particularly limited, but in the headrest of the first embodiment, it is pillow-shaped.

[0025] The skeletal member 20 is a member for supporting the head rest 10 and is provided in a state where it is integrally fixed to the movable member 40. For this reason, the skeletal member 20 rotates together with the movable member 40, similar to the head rest 10. The form of the skeletal member 20 is not particularly limited, but in the headrest of the first embodiment, as shown in Figure 2(b), the skeletal member 20 is composed of a pair of left and right vertical support columns and a horizontal support column that connects the upper ends of the vertical support columns.

[0026] The fixing member 30 is fixed in a state where it does not move relative to the seat back 80. In the headrest of the first embodiment, as shown in Figure 2(a), the fixing member 30 is fixed to the upper part of the seat back 80. A regulating pin 60, which will be described later, is integrally fixed to this fixing member 30. In addition, the fixing member 30 is provided with a support shaft insertion hole α1 in the shape of an elongated hole. The support shaft insertion hole α1 is a part through which the support shaft 50 is inserted. In the headrest of the first embodiment, the support shaft insertion hole α1 is formed in a straight shape.

[0027] Incidentally, in the headrest of the first embodiment, the fixing member 30 is formed in a horizontal cross-section U-shape, as shown in Figures 2(b) and (c), having a pair of left and right side plates and a back plate (connecting plate) that connects the rear edges of these side plates. The support shaft insertion holes α1 are provided in pairs on the left and right of each side plate of the fixing member 30. Similarly, the regulating pins 60 are provided in a state that spans between the left and right pair of side plates of the fixing member 30.

[0028] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, a pivot shaft 50 is integrally fixed to the movable member 40, and the movable member 40 is mounted to the fixed member 30 in a manner that allows it to rotate about the pivot shaft 50. The movable member 40 is also provided with a regulating pin passage α2 and regulating pin locking recesses α3, α4, and α5. The regulating pin passage α2 is the portion through which the regulating pin 60 passes when the movable member 40 is rotated back and forth relative to the fixed member 30. In the headrest of the first embodiment, the end of the movable member 40 and its outer side function as the regulating pin passage α2.

[0029] Furthermore, the regulating pin locking recesses α3, α4, and α5 are parts for locking the regulating pin 60, which moves along the regulating pin passage α2, in a predetermined position. In the headrest of the first embodiment, the regulating pin locking recess α3 is provided on one end of the regulating pin passage α2, the regulating pin locking recess α4 is provided on the other end, and the regulating pin locking recess α5 is provided in the middle of the regulating pin locking recess α3 and the regulating pin locking recess α4, all of which are recessed toward the support shaft side.

[0030] When the restrictor pin 60 is locked into the restrictor pin locking recess α3, the head rest portion 10 is positioned further back (driving position), as shown in Figures 1(a) and (a'). This prevents the head rest portion 10 from interfering with driving when the backrest is upright. When the restrictor pin 60 is locked into the restrictor pin locking recess α5, the movable member 40 (head rest portion 10) is positioned slightly forward of the driving position (resting position), as shown in Figures 1(c) and (c'). This allows the head rest portion 10 to be used as a pillow when reclining the backrest. The rotation angle of the head rest portion 10 from the driving position to the resting position is set to approximately 20 to 30°.

[0031] Furthermore, when the regulating pin 60 is locked into the regulating pin locking recess α4, the head support portion 10 is folded to the folded position, as shown in Figures 1(d) and (d'). This ensures visibility when the passenger seat and rear seats are unoccupied. Also, when the backrest is folded forward for storage, the head support portion 10 does not interfere with the backrest or seat surface. This allows for a larger interior space, making it possible to load large items or create a sleeping area. In the headrest of the first embodiment, the rotation angle of the head support portion 10 from the driving position to the storage position is set in the range of 80 to 140°.

[0032] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the regulating pin locking recess α3 for the operating position has both of its pair of inner wall surfaces inclined and is formed to narrow towards the back (upper side in Figure 1(a')). As a result, when the head support 10 is in the operating position, the regulating pin 60 engages with the regulating pin locking recess α3 like a wedge, and the head support 10 is locked in place without any rattle. Similarly, the regulating pin locking recess α5 for the resting position and the regulating pin locking recess α4 for the folding position also have both of their pair of inner wall surfaces inclined and are formed to narrow towards the back. As a result, even when the head support 10 is in the resting position or the folding position, the regulating pin 60 engages with the regulating pin locking recess α5 or α4 like a wedge, and the head support 10 is locked in place without any rattle.

[0033] Incidentally, in the headrest of the first embodiment, the movable member 40 is formed in a horizontal cross-section U-shape, as shown in Figure 2(c), and consists of a pair of left and right side plates and a back plate (connecting plate) that connects the rear edges of these side plates. The aforementioned regulating pin passage α2 and regulating pin locking recesses α3, α4, and α5 are provided in pairs on the left and right sides of each side plate of the movable member 40. The support shaft 50 is provided in a state that it spans between the left and right side plates of the movable member 40. Furthermore, the regulating pin 60 can be supported at two locations on the left and right by any of the regulating pin locking recesses α3, α4, and α5. This makes it possible to distribute the load on the movable member 40 and the regulating pin 60, and makes it possible to make the movable member 40 thinner and lighter the headrest.

[0034] The biasing member 70 biases the movable member 40 in a direction that causes the regulating pin 70 to engage with its regulating pin locking recesses α3, α4, and α5. In the headrest of the first embodiment, the biasing member 70 is a coil spring (tension spring) with one end (upper end) connected to the support shaft 50 and the other end (lower end) connected to the regulating pin 70, biasing the head support portion 10 in a downward direction. This biasing member 70 causes the regulating pin 60 to be firmly locked like a wedge in the back of the regulating pin locking recesses α3, α4, and α5.

[0035] In the headrest of the first embodiment, the position of the head support portion 10 is adjusted as follows. As shown in Figures 1(a) and 1(b), when moving the head support portion 10 forward from the driving position, grasp the head support portion 10 with both hands and move it in the opposite direction to gravity (upward) in the unlocking direction, against the biasing force of the biasing member 70. Then, as shown in Figure 2(b'), the regulating pin 60 disengages from the regulating pin locking recess α3 and reaches the regulating pin passage α2. In this state, move the head support portion 10 forward around the pivot shaft 50 (rotate forward) until the regulating pin 60 overlaps with the regulating pin locking recess α5 or the regulating pin locking recess α4. When you release your hands from the head support portion 10, the biasing force of the biasing member 70 causes the head support portion 10 to move downward, and the regulating pin locking recess α5 or the regulating pin locking recess α4 is locked to the regulating pin 60. This allows the head rest 10 to be locked in the resting position or the folded position. By reversing this process, the head rest 10 can also be moved from the resting position or the folded position to the driving position. As described above, in the headrest of the first embodiment, the biasing force of the biasing member 70 attached to the movable member 40 (head rest 10) is directed downward, and when unlocking, the head rest 10 is moved upward, so even if a downward load is applied by unintentionally pressing the head rest with one's hand, this prevents the lock from being released. Also, as described above, since the unlocking operation when changing the lock position can be performed with both hands, the biasing force can be increased, and a sufficiently strong lock can be achieved.

[0036] Furthermore, the headrest of the first embodiment has a forward rotation restriction function that prevents the head support from rotating forward beyond its foremost usage position during a collision or the like. In the example shown in Figures 1 and 2, the resting position in Figures 1(c) and 1(c') is the foremost usage position, and a key-shaped forward rotation restriction part ε is provided in the restriction pin locking recess α5 at that position to restrict the head support 10 from moving in the unlocking direction (upward). The forward rotation restriction part ε may also be provided in the vicinity of the restriction pin locking recess α5, as shown in Figure 1(e'). In this case, the forward rotation restriction will function at a position slightly beyond the resting position (foremost usage position). The unlocking operation when moving from the resting position to the folded position is performed by moving the head support 10 upward and backward.

[0037] As described above, the headrest of the first embodiment can position (lock) the head support portion 10 in a stable manner at each position. In addition, a forward rotation restricting portion ε is provided at the foremost usage position (resting position) to prevent further forward rotation beyond that point, thereby ensuring safety. Furthermore, the headrest of the first embodiment does not require an operating means (lever, etc.) to release the lock, and all operations can be completed solely by operating the head support portion 10. Since there is no need to provide an operating means to release the lock, the structure can also be simplified.

[0038] 2. Headrest of the second embodiment Next, the headrest of the second embodiment will be described. The headrest of the second embodiment will be described focusing on its differences from the headrest of the first embodiment. For configurations of the headrest of the second embodiment that are not specifically mentioned, a configuration substantially the same as that described for the headrest of the first embodiment can be adopted. Figure 3(a) is a cross-sectional view of the mechanism of the headrest of the second embodiment, cut in a vertical plane.

[0039] In the headrest of the first embodiment, the regulating pin locking recesses α3, α4, and α5 are formed with both of their inner wall surfaces inclined and narrowing towards the back, so that when the head support portion 10 is in each position, the regulating pin 60 engages with the regulating pin locking recesses α3, α4, and α5 (the regulating pin 60 is clamped between the pair of inner wall surfaces in the regulating pin locking recesses α3, α4, and α5). In other words, the locking of the regulating pin 60 with respect to the regulating pin locking recesses α3, α4, and α5 is wedge-shaped. In contrast, in the headrest of the second embodiment, the clamping of the movable member 40 by the fixed member 30 and the regulating pin 60 when the head support portion 10 is in the driving position is wedge-shaped. This will be explained in detail.

[0040] In other words, in the headrest of the second embodiment, as shown in Figure 3(a), the regulating pin locking recess α3 for the driving position is sized to have some clearance for the regulating pin 60 (a size that prevents the regulating pin 60 from biting into the regulating pin locking recess α3 even when the regulating pin 60 is locked into the regulating pin locking recess α3), and the stopper β1 and the stopper receiving portion β2 come into contact with each other when the head rest 10 moves to the driving position. The stopper β1 is integrally provided with the fixed member 30, and the stopper receiving portion β2 is integrally provided with the movable member 40. When the stopper β1 and the stopper receiving portion β2 come into contact, the head rest 10 is prevented from moving any further backward. By adopting this structure, when the head rest 10 is in the driving position, the movable member 40 is sandwiched between the stopper β1 and the regulating pin 60. At this time, the inner wall surface of the regulating pin locking recess α3 that abuts the regulating pin 60 and the contact surface of the stopper receiving portion β2 that abuts the stopper β1 form an angle θ1, and the width narrows towards the back (upper side in this case). Therefore, the movable member 40 is firmly wedge-like and fixed to the stopper β1 and the regulating pin 10. As a result, the head receiving portion 10 (movable member 40) can be firmly positioned (locked) without any wobbling when in the operating position.

[0041] 3. Headrest of the third embodiment Next, the headrest of the third embodiment will be described. The headrest of the third embodiment will be described focusing on its differences from the headrest of the first embodiment. For components of the headrest of the third embodiment that are not specifically mentioned, a configuration substantially the same as that described for the headrest of the first embodiment can be adopted. Figure 3(b) is a cross-sectional view showing the mechanism of the headrest of the third embodiment cut in a vertical plane.

[0042] In the third embodiment of the headrest, as shown in Figure 3(b), one of the pair of inner wall surfaces in the regulating pin locking recess α3 for the driving position is inclined at an angle θ2. This allows the regulating pin locking recess α3 to slip relative to the regulating pin 60 (similar to the movable member 40 slipping relative to the fixed member 30) when a load exceeding a predetermined level is applied to the head support 10. For example, if a vehicle collides while the head support 10 is set to the driving position, the head support 10 can be slipped to a position forward of the driving position (in the case of Figure 3(b), to the resting position locked at the position of the regulating pin locking recess α5), thereby protecting the driver's head more quickly and providing an impact-absorbing effect on the head. Here, the head support 10 cannot rotate further forward from the resting position, which is restricted by the forward rotation restricting part ε provided in the regulating pin locking recess α5, thus ensuring safety. The specific value of the angle θ2 is not particularly limited, but is usually set to around 20 to 40°.

[0043] 4. Headrest of the fourth embodiment Next, the headrest of the fourth embodiment will be described. The headrest of the fourth embodiment will be described mainly in terms of its configuration that differs from the headrest of the first embodiment. For configurations of the headrest of the fourth embodiment that are not specifically mentioned, a configuration substantially the same as that described for the headrest of the first embodiment can be adopted. Figures 3(c) to 3(e) are cross-sectional views showing the mechanism of the headrest of the fourth embodiment cut in a vertical plane. Figure 3(c) shows the head rest 10 (not shown, the same applies hereafter) in the driving position, Figure 3(d) shows the head rest 10 in the resting position, and Figure 3(e) shows the head rest 10 in the folded position. Note that in Figures 3(d) and 3(e), only the fixing member 30, movable member 40, support shaft 50, and regulating pin 60 are shown.

[0044] In the headrest of the first embodiment, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the fixing member 30 is fixed to the support member 30 and has a support shaft insertion hole α1, while the movable member 40 is fixed to the support shaft 50 and has a support pin passage α2 and support pin locking recesses α3, α4, α5. In contrast, in the headrest of the fourth embodiment, as shown in Figures 3(c) to (e), the fixing member 30 is fixed to the support shaft 50 and has a support pin passage α2 and support pin locking recesses α3, α4, α5, while the movable member 40 is fixed to the support pin 60 and has a support shaft insertion hole α1. In other words, in the headrest of the fourth embodiment, compared to the headrest of the first embodiment, the member that fixes the support shaft 50 and the member that fixes the support pin 60 are reversed, and the member that has the support shaft insertion hole α1 and the member that has the support pin passage α2 and support pin locking recesses α3, α4, α5 are also reversed. Furthermore, in the headrest of the first embodiment, the regulating pin locking recesses α3, α4, and α5 are provided in a shape that is recessed toward the support shaft 50 from a desired position in the regulating pin passage α2, whereas in the headrest of the fourth embodiment, they are provided in a shape that is recessed toward the opposite side of the support shaft 50 from a desired position in the regulating pin passage α2. Even in this way, as shown in Figures 3(c) to (e), the position of the head support portion 10 can be adjusted between the driving position, the resting position, and the folded position.

[0045] Furthermore, in the headrest of the first embodiment, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, both of the pair of inner wall surfaces in the regulating pin locking recesses α3, α4, and α5 are inclined, so that the regulating pin locking recesses α3, α4, and α5 become narrower towards the back, while the width of the elongated support shaft insertion hole α1 is kept constant. In contrast, in the headrest of the fourth embodiment, as shown in Figures 3(c) to 3(e), the width of the regulating pin locking recesses α3, α4, and α5 is kept constant, while both of the pair of inner wall surfaces in the support shaft insertion hole α1 are inclined, so that the support shaft insertion hole α1 becomes narrower towards the back (upper end side in Figure 3(c)). In the headrest of the fourth embodiment, when the regulating pin 60 is locked into the regulating pin locking recesses α3, α4, and α5, the support shaft 50 is locked by wedge clamping at a location near the upper end of the elongated support shaft insertion hole α1, so that the head support portion 10 can be firmly positioned (locked) without any looseness in any of the driving position, resting position, and folded position.

[0046] 5. Headrest of the fifth embodiment Next, the headrest of the fifth embodiment will be described. The headrest of the fifth embodiment will be described focusing on its differences from the headrest of the first embodiment. For configurations of the headrest of the fifth embodiment that are not specifically mentioned, substantially the same configuration as those described for the headrest of the first embodiment can be adopted. Figure 4 shows a cross-section of the headrest of the fifth embodiment, cut in a vertical plane, and a part thereof.

[0047] In the first embodiment of the headrest, as shown in Figure 2, the head support portion 10 is fixed to the skeletal member 20, and the height cannot be adjusted. In contrast, in the fifth embodiment of the headrest, as shown in Figure 4(a), the headrest stay 90 is inserted through the stay holder 100, and a fixing member 30 is fixed to the upper part thereof, and the movable member 40 (head support portion 10) is attached to this fixing member 30 in a rotatable manner. Since the headrest stay 90 is guided by the stay holder 100 and can be adjusted in the vertical direction, in the fifth embodiment of the headrest, not only the front-to-back position of the head support portion 10 but also its height can be adjusted. Accordingly, the vertical dimension of the head support portion 10 has been reduced.

[0048] Furthermore, in the fifth embodiment of the headrest, a structure is adopted in which a lock pin 110 is operated by a button 120 as a forward rotation restriction function. Specifically, as shown in Figure 4(b), one end of the lock pin 110, which is bent into a roughly U shape, is inserted through a lock pin support hole δ1 provided in the movable member 40, and its tip is fixed to the button 120. The other end of the lock pin 110 is inserted through either a cylindrical lock pin support hole δ2 also provided in the movable member 40 or one of the rotation restriction holes γ1, γ2, or γ3 provided in the fixed member 30 (in the case of Figure 4(b), it is inserted through rotation restriction hole γ1). A load is applied to the button 120 by a compression spring 130 on the right side of the page in Figure 4(b), and a load is always applied to the lock pin 110 in the direction of entering the lock pin support hole δ2. As shown in Figure 4(c), the rotation restricting hole γ1 is positioned to overlap (be concentric with) the lock pin support hole δ2 when the head support portion 10 is in the operating position. Since the lock pin 110 is inserted through both the lock pin support hole δ2 and the rotation restricting hole γ1, the movable member 40 (head support portion 10) cannot be moved in the unlocking direction (upward side of the paper in Figure 4(a)). Similarly, when the head support portion 10 is in the resting position or the folded position, the lock pin support hole δ2 overlaps with the rotation restricting holes γ2 and γ3, respectively, preventing the movable member 40 (head support portion 10) from being moved in the unlocking direction at that position.

[0049] As shown in Figure 4(b), when the button 120 is pressed by a distance B, the lock pin 110 is displaced by a distance B to the left side of the paper in Figure 4(b). This causes the tip of the lock pin 110 to disengage from the rotation restricting hole γ1, allowing the movable member 40 to move in the unlocking direction. Therefore, the unlocking operation in the headrest of the fifth embodiment involves pressing the button 120 while operating the head rest 10 (movable member 40) in the unlocking direction (upper side of the paper in Figure 4(a)) with both hands. This is made possible by providing the button 120 that operates the lock pin 110 near the center of the side of the head rest 10. Even in this way, the position of the head rest 10 can be adjusted between the driving position, the resting position, and the folded position. Furthermore, in the event of a collision, etc., it is possible to prevent the head rest 10 in the usage position from rotating further forward beyond the furthest forward usage position, thereby ensuring safety.

[0050] By the way, if a structure is adopted in which the fixing member 30 is fixed to the headrest stay 90, as in the headrest of the fifth embodiment, the locking mechanism parts such as the fixing member 30 and the movable member 40 need to be built into the head support part 10. Also, in the headrest of the first embodiment (Figure 2), the cushioning material 12 could be directly filled into the surface 13, but if this were done in the headrest of the fifth embodiment, the cushioning material 12 may adversely affect the operation of the locking mechanism part. For this reason, in the headrest of the fifth embodiment, as shown in Figure 4, the head support part 10 is formed by a resin cover 11 that encloses the locking mechanism part, cushioning material 12, and a surface 13 that covers the outer surface of the cushioning material. The movable member 40 is fixed to the resin cover 11.

[0051] 6. Headrest of the sixth embodiment Finally, the headrest of the sixth embodiment will be described. The headrest of the sixth embodiment will be described focusing on its differences from the headrest of the first embodiment. For configurations of the headrest of the sixth embodiment that are not specifically mentioned, substantially the same configuration as those described for the headrest of the first embodiment can be adopted. Figure 5 shows a cross-section of the headrest of the sixth embodiment cut in a vertical plane and its state of use.

[0052] As shown in Figure 5(a), the headrest of the sixth embodiment, like the headrest of the fifth embodiment, has a headrest stay 90 inserted through a stay holder 100, and a fixing member 30 fixed to its upper part. However, the positions of the regulating pin locking recesses α3, α4, α5 and the regulating pin 60 are changed to create a downward-swinging structure for the head support portion 10. Even in this configuration, the head support portion 10 can be adjusted between the driving position, the resting position, and the folded position by moving the head support portion 10 upward to unlock it, and then rotating the head support portion 10 forward until the regulating pin 60 aligns with the desired regulating pin locking recess and locking it again. Furthermore, in the headrest with a downward-swinging structure, as shown in Figure 5(b), the resting position is a position that supports the back of the user's head, greatly improving comfort. Furthermore, in the sixth embodiment, as with the headrest of the fifth embodiment, the locking mechanism, including the fixing member 30 and the movable member 40, needs to be built into the head support portion 10. Therefore, the head support portion 10 is formed by a resin cover 11 that encloses the locking mechanism, a cushioning material 12, and a surface covering 13 that covers the outer surface of the cushioning material. The movable member 40 is fixed to the resin cover 11. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0053] 10 Head support section 11. Resin cover 12 Cushioning material 13 Epidermis 20 skeletal members 30 Fixing member 40 Movable member 50 spindle 60 Regulator pins 70 Biasing member 80 Seatback 90 Headrest Stay 100 Stay Holder 110 Locking Pins 120 buttons 130 Compression spring 140 Button Case α1 support shaft insertion hole α2 regulated pin passage Restrictive pin locking recess for α3 operating position Retaining pin lock recess for α4 folding position Restrictive pin locking recess for α5 resting position β1 Stopper β2 stopper receiving part γ1 rotational regulating hole γ2 rotation regulating hole γ3 rotational regulating hole δ1 lock pin support hole δ2 Lock pin support hole ε Forward rotation restricting unit

Claims

1. A fixing member that is fixed to the seat frame or headrest stay, A movable member attached to a fixed member in a manner that allows it to move, A support shaft for supporting a movable member in a movable state relative to a fixed member, A regulating pin for restricting the movement of the movable member, A biasing member that biases a movable member relative to a fixed member and A head support portion integrally provided with the movable member, A headrest equipped with, A pivot shaft is fixed to one of the fixed and movable members, and a regulating pin is fixed to the other member. The aforementioned one member is provided with a pair of regulating pin passages for allowing the regulating pin to pass through when the movable member moves, and a plurality of regulating pin locking recesses formed recessed from a desired position in the regulating pin passage towards the pivot shaft or away from the pivot shaft. The other member has a pair of elongated shaft insertion holes formed on the left and right sides for inserting the shaft. The biasing member biases the movable member in a direction that causes the regulating pin to enter the regulating pin locking recess. The head support is moved to multiple set positions and locked in place by the regulating pin locking recess at that position. When the headrest is in use, it exhibits a forward rotation restriction function that prevents the head support from rotating forward beyond its furthest forward position. The unlocking operation is performed by moving the head support against the biasing force of the biasing member. The regulating pin locking recess or the support shaft insertion hole is formed by inclining both or one of its pair of inner wall surfaces, and becoming narrower towards the back, so that the regulating pin or support shaft is locked in a wedge-shaped clamping manner. A headrest characterized by the following features.

2. The headrest according to claim 1, wherein the head support portion can be folded by bending forward 80 to 140 degrees from the rearmost position of use.

3. A pivot shaft is fixed to a movable member, and a regulating pin is fixed to a fixed member, The movable member has a regulating pin passage for allowing the regulating pin to pass through when the movable member moves, Multiple regulating pin locking recesses are formed recessed in the regulating pin passage, either on the pivot side or the side opposite to the pivot, from a desired position. Each is formed in a pair, left and right. The aforementioned fixing member has a pair of elongated shaft insertion holes formed on the left and right sides for inserting the shaft. The headrest is equipped with a headrest stay that can be raised and lowered relative to the stay holder at the top of the seat. By attaching a fixing member to the upper part of the headrest stay, the height of the head support can be adjusted. The headrest according to claim 1.

4. The headrest according to claim 1, wherein one of a pair of inner wall surfaces in the recess for locking the pin that restricts the position of use is inclined at an angle that causes it to slip forward under a set load.

5. The regulating pin or support shaft is made to contact only one of the pair of inner wall surfaces of the regulating pin locking recess or support shaft insertion hole. The headrest according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the movement of the movable member on the opposite side is restricted by the movable member being wedge-shaped between a regulating pin or pivot shaft and a predetermined location on the fixed member.

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