Headrest for child seat

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a headrest for a child seat which maintains comfort for the head during driving and reduces an impact on the head when an accident occurs in a vehicle. [Solution] A headrest 10 for a child seat according to the present invention is characterized by comprising a fixed cushion 20 that supports the occipital part of a user of the child seat, and a movable cushion 30 that is rotatably hinged to the fixed cushion 20, rotates due to inertia at the time of a collision of the vehicle from a state of being developed in a plane shape, and folds onto the fixed cushion 20 to increase the cushion thickness.

Description

Child seat headrest

[0001] The present invention relates to a headrest for a child car seat that is attached to a car seat.

[0002] The use of child seats is now mandatory when transporting infants and young children in cars. Child seats ensure safety and support posture, and are composed of a seat body, harness, headrest, harness pad, etc. Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram of a conventional child seat headrest. Headrest 1 plays an important role in reducing head impact in the event of a car accident by supporting and holding the child's head in the correct position. Specifically, headrest 1 is configured with built-in impact-absorbing material, an appropriate shape and internal structure, and increased thickness to absorb and disperse the energy generated during a collision, thereby reducing head impact.

[0003] Various headrest-related technologies have been filed in the past. Patent Document 1 discloses a headrest that includes first and second headrest members, with the second headrest member being selectively movable relative to the first headrest member. Patent Document 2 also discloses a headrest that includes a main portion that supports the rear of the head and left and right side portions that are rotatably connected to the main portion. The headrest detects acceleration applied in the left-right direction, and when rightward acceleration is detected, the right portion rotates forward until it is positioned on the right side of the head. When leftward acceleration is detected, the left portion rotates forward until it is positioned on the left side of the head, thereby restricting left-right movement of the head due to centrifugal force. This stabilizes the head posture and reduces motion sickness.

[0004] However, the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 reduces or eliminates the gap by rotating the second headrest member when the seat back is tilted toward the seat base, preventing the headrest from being caught between the first and second headrest members. The second headrest member is constantly biased toward the first headrest member by a biasing member. Meanwhile, the technology disclosed in Patent Document 2 only rotates the left and right side portions forward relative to the main portion by a left-right drive device and a control device.

[0005] Chinese Patent No. 117104092 Specification Patent No. 7436909 Publication

[0006] In view of the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, the problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a headrest for a child car seat that maintains head comfort while driving and reduces impact to the head in the event of a car accident.

[0007] As a first means for solving the above problems, the present invention provides a child car seat headrest comprising: a fixed cushion that supports the rear of the head of a child car seat occupant; and a movable cushion that is rotatably hinged to the fixed cushion and rotates from a flat, unfolded state to the fixed cushion due to inertial force during a vehicle collision, thereby folding over the fixed cushion and increasing the cushion thickness. According to the first means, the fixed cushion and the movable cushion are in an open state during driving, maintaining head comfort, and in the event of a vehicle accident, the fixed cushion and the movable cushion overlap, increasing the overall cushion thickness and reducing the impact on the head. Furthermore, the cushion thickness can be increased by inertia during a vehicle collision without requiring any power source.

[0008] As a second means for solving the above problems, the present invention provides a child car seat headrest according to the first means, characterized in that the movable cushion is hinged to the upper end of the fixed cushion and rotates vertically. According to the second means, the movable cushion can rotate and fold into the fixed cushion with good responsiveness to the inertial force during a vehicle collision.

[0009] As a third means for solving the above problems, the present invention provides a child car seat headrest according to the first means, characterized in that the movable cushion is hinged to both left and right ends of the fixed cushion and rotates horizontally. According to the third means, the rotation range of the movable cushion can be reduced even if the area of ​​the headrest is increased. By reducing the rotation range, the movable cushion can be folded without being affected by obstacles when rotating.

[0010] As a fourth means for solving the above problems, the present invention provides a child car seat headrest according to any one of the first to third means, characterized in that the movable cushion has a higher cushion density than the fixed cushion. According to the fourth means, by making the movable cushion higher in cushion density than the fixed cushion, it is possible to reduce the impact on the head in the event of a vehicle collision. Furthermore, by making the fixed cushion lower in cushion density than the movable cushion, it is possible to improve the comfort by providing an appropriate softness to the head during driving.

[0011] As a fifth means for solving the above problems, the present invention provides a child car seat headrest according to the fourth means, characterized in that the cushion density of the movable cushion can be changed as desired. According to the fifth means, the cushion density can be changed to reduce the impact on the head during a collision, which changes as the baby grows.

[0012] As a sixth means for solving the above problems, the present invention provides a child car seat headrest according to any one of the first to third means, characterized in that it further comprises a detachment means for temporarily fastening the movable cushion to the fixed cushion in an unfolded state and for detaching the movable cushion by inertial force during a vehicle collision. According to the sixth means, folding of the movable cushion is prevented except during a collision, eliminating the stress and inconvenience of unintentional folding and improving the ease of use and comfort of the headrest.

[0013] As a seventh means for solving the above problems, the present invention provides a child car seat headrest according to any one of the first to third means, further comprising a retaining means for rotating the movable cushion by inertial force during a vehicle collision and maintaining the state where the movable cushion is folded over the fixed cushion. According to the seventh means, unintended deployment of the movable cushion after a vehicle collision can be prevented, thereby improving the safety of the headrest.

[0014] According to the present invention, it is possible to maintain head comfort while driving and reduce impact to the head in the event of a car accident.

[0015] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a child car seat headrest of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of the child car seat headrest of the present invention (1) before a collision, (2) during a collision, and (3) after a collision. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of a modified child car seat headrest. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of an attachment / detachment means. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of a holding means. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of the results of a collision test of the child car seat headrest of the present invention. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of a conventional child car seat headrest.

[0016] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of a headrest for a child car seat according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0017] [Child car seat headrest 10] Figure 1 is an explanatory diagram of a child car seat headrest of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the child car seat headrest 10 of the present invention includes a fixed cushion 20 that supports the back of the head of a user of a child car seat 2, and a movable cushion 30 that is rotatably hinged to the fixed cushion 20 and that rotates due to inertial force in the event of a vehicle collision from a flat, unfolded state to overlap the fixed cushion 20, thereby increasing the thickness of the cushion.

[0018] The fixed cushion 20 is a cushion fixed to a position where it comes into contact with the back of the head of the user of the child car seat 2. The fixed cushion 20 is composed of a shock absorbing material of a predetermined size that fits the user's head, and a cushion cover that covers it. The fixed cushion 20 is in constant contact with the user's head to support it while driving. For this reason, the shock absorbing material used is one that is comfortable to the touch and has a cushion density that does not cause stress.

[0019] The movable cushion 30 is a cushion of approximately the same size as the fixed cushion 20. The movable cushion 30 is hinged to the fixed cushion 20 and can freely rotate around the axis of the hinge 40. The movable cushion shown in FIG. 1 is hinged to the upper end of the fixed cushion 20 and rotates vertically (up and down). Like the fixed cushion 20, the movable cushion 30 is composed of an impact absorbing material and a cushion cover that covers it. In the event of a vehicle collision, the movable cushion 30 folds over the fixed cushion 20 and comes into contact with the user's head. For this reason, an impact absorbing material with a predetermined cushion density that can reduce the impact during a collision is used for the movable cushion 30. Therefore, an impact absorbing material with a higher cushion density than the fixed cushion 20 is used for the movable cushion 30.

[0020] A hinge connection (hinge 40) is formed between the upper end of the fixed cushion 20 and the lower end of the movable cushion 30. The hinge connection is created by sewing the cushion covers of the fixed cushion 20 and the movable cushion 30 together. The hinge connection can be created, for example, by sewing the cushion covers together or by creating a crease between the cushion covers. The child seat headrest 10 configured as described above can be used in two forms: one in which the movable cushion 30 and the fixed cushion 20 are arranged one above the other and deployed flat (during driving), and one in which the movable cushion 30 rotates around the axis of the hinge 40 and folds over the fixed cushion 20, increasing the thickness of the cushions (during a collision).

[0021] [Operation] Figure 2 is an explanatory diagram of the child car seat headrest of the present invention (1) before a collision, (2) during a collision, and (3) after a collision. The child car seat 2 can be used in a forward-facing or rear-facing position. The forward-facing position is where the infant sits facing forward in the direction of travel of the vehicle, while the rear-facing position is where the infant sits facing backward in the opposite direction to the direction of travel of the vehicle. Impacts from a vehicle include a frontal collision and a rear-end collision (a collision from a following vehicle).

[0022] (A) shows a rear-end collision of a following vehicle with the child car seat 2 facing backward. (1) Before the collision, the movable cushion 30 of the child car seat headrest 10 is in a flat, unfolded state above the fixed cushion 20, and the user's head is in contact with and supported by the fixed cushion 20. (2) When the following vehicle rear-ends the child car seat 2, an inertial force acts on the child car seat 2 toward the rear of the vehicle. The inertial force also causes the user's head to fall toward the rear of the vehicle, creating a large gap between the movable cushion 30 and the fixed cushion 20. At this time, the inertial force also causes the movable cushion 30 to fall toward the rear of the vehicle and rotate around the axis of the hinge 40 toward the fixed cushion 20. (3) After the collision, the movable cushion 30 folds over the surface of the fixed cushion 20 to which it is hinged. The user, who is secured by the harness of the child car seat 2, is then pushed back toward the front of the vehicle by the reaction force of the inertial force and hits hard against the movable cushion 30, which is folded over the fixed cushion 20. The movable cushion 30 folded over the fixed cushion 20 has an increased cushion thickness, and therefore can significantly reduce the impact on the head compared to the fixed cushion 20.

[0023] (B) shows a frontal collision of the vehicle with the child car seat 2 facing forward. (1) Before the collision, the movable cushion 30 of the child car seat headrest 10 is in a flat, unfolded state above the fixed cushion 20, and the user's head is in contact with and supported by the fixed cushion 20. (2) When the vehicle collides head-on, an inertial force acts on the child car seat 2 toward the front of the vehicle. The inertial force also causes the user's head to fall toward the front of the vehicle, creating a large gap between the movable cushion 30 and the fixed cushion 20. At this time, the inertial force causes the movable cushion 30 to fall toward the front of the vehicle and rotate around the axis of the hinge 40 toward the fixed cushion 20. (3) After the collision, the movable cushion 30 folds over the surface of the fixed cushion 20 to which it is hinged. The user, who is secured by the harness of the child car seat 2, is then pushed back toward the rear of the vehicle by the reaction of the inertial force and hits hard against the movable cushion 30, which is folded over the fixed cushion 20. The movable cushion 30 folded over the fixed cushion 20 has an increased cushion thickness, and therefore can significantly reduce the impact on the head compared to the fixed cushion 20.

[0024] (C) shows a frontal collision of the vehicle with the child car seat 2 facing rearward. (1) Before the collision, the movable cushion 30 of the child car seat headrest 10 is deployed flat above the fixed cushion 20, and the user's head is in contact with and supported by the fixed cushion 20. (2) When the vehicle collides, an inertial force acts on the child car seat 2 toward the front of the vehicle. The inertial force keeps the user's head in contact with the child car seat headrest 10. The user, who is secured by the harness of the child car seat 2, is returned to the rear of the vehicle by the reaction of the inertial force, and the user's head also falls toward the rear of the vehicle due to the reaction, creating a large gap between the movable cushion 30 and the fixed cushion 20. At this time, the movable cushion 30 falls toward the rear of the vehicle due to the reaction and rotates around the axis of the hinge 40 toward the fixed cushion 20. (3) After the collision, the movable cushion 30 folds over the surface of the fixed cushion 20 to which it is hinged. Then, the user who is secured by the harness of the child seat 2 is returned to the front of the car after the recoil and hits the movable cushion 30 that is folded over the fixed cushion 20. The movable cushion 30 that is folded over the fixed cushion 20 has an increased cushion thickness, so that the impact on the head can be reduced.

[0025] (D) The child car seat 2 is facing forward and is rear-ended by a following vehicle. (1) Before the collision, the movable cushion 30 of the child car seat headrest 10 is flat and unfolded above the fixed cushion 20, and the user's head is in contact with and supported by the fixed cushion 20. (2) When the following vehicle rear-ends the child car seat 2, an inertial force acts on the child car seat 2 toward the rear of the vehicle. The inertial force causes the user's head to remain in contact with the child car seat headrest 10. The user, who is secured by the harness of the child car seat 2, is returned to the front of the vehicle by the reaction of the inertial force, and the user's head also falls toward the front of the vehicle due to the reaction, creating a large gap between the movable cushion 30 and the fixed cushion 20. At this time, the movable cushion 30 falls toward the front of the vehicle due to the reaction and rotates around the axis of the hinge 40 toward the fixed cushion 20. (3) After the collision, the movable cushion 30 folds over the surface of the fixed cushion 20 to which it is hinged. Then, the user who is secured by the harness of the child seat 2 is returned to the rear of the car after the recoil and hits the movable cushion 30 that is folded over the fixed cushion 20. The movable cushion 30 that is folded over the fixed cushion 20 has an increased cushion thickness, so that the impact on the head can be reduced.

[0026] [Modification] Left and Right Deployment Figure 3 is an explanatory diagram of a modified child car seat headrest. As shown in the figure, in the modified child car seat headrest 10A, a movable cushion 30A is hinged to both left and right ends of a fixed cushion 20A and rotates horizontally. The fixed cushion 20A has substantially the same configuration as the fixed cushion 20 shown in Figure 1, but differs in that the hinge connections are located on the left and right sides. The movable cushion 30A has substantially the same configuration as the fixed cushion 20 shown in Figure 1, but differs in that it is the same size as the fixed cushion 20A divided vertically in half. The hinge connection of the hinge 40A is substantially the same as that of the hinge 40 shown in Figure 1, but differs in that it is located on both left and right ends of the fixed cushion 20A. The child car seat headrest 10A configured as described above can be used in two forms: one in which the two movable cushions 30A are arranged on either side of the fixed cushion 20A and deployed flat (during driving), and the other in which the left and right movable cushions 30A rotate about the axis of the hinge 40A and fold onto the fixed cushion 20A, increasing the thickness of the cushions (in the event of a collision). The movements of the child car seat 2 before, during, and after a collision in both forms (forward-facing and rearward-facing) are the same as those of the configuration shown in Figure 2.

[0027] [Attachment / Detachment Means] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of the attachment / detachment means. As shown in the figure, the attachment / detachment means 50 temporarily fastens the movable cushion 30 to the fixed cushion 20 when the cushion is deployed and detaches due to inertial force during a vehicle collision. The attachment / detachment means 50 can be configured using fasteners such as hook-and-loop fasteners, hooks, magnets, and rubber. The attachment / detachment means 50 shown in FIG. 4 is a hook-and-loop fastener provided on the surface of the seat of the child car seat 2 and on one main surface of the movable cushion 30 (the surface that contacts the surface of the seat when deployed and the user's head when folded), and is composed of a loop side (the raised side) and a hook side (the fastening side). The attachment / detachment strength of the hook-and-loop fastener need only be strong enough to temporarily fasten the movable cushion 30 to the fixed cushion 20 when the cushion is deployed and detach due to inertial force during a vehicle collision, and can be adjusted by the material, area, etc. Such attachment / detachment means 50 prevents the movable cushion 30 from folding except during a collision, eliminating the stress and inconvenience of unintended folding and improving the ease of use and comfort of the headrest.

[0028] [Retention Means] FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of the retention means. As shown, the retention means 60 is a means for maintaining the movable cushion 30 folded over the fixed cushion 20 when it rotates due to inertial force during a vehicle collision. Specific configurations of the retention means 60 include fasteners such as hook-and-loop fasteners, hooks, magnets, and rubber. The retention means 60 shown in FIG. 5 is a hook-and-loop fastener provided on the surface of the fixed cushion 20 (the surface that contacts the user's head) and one main surface of the movable cushion 30 (the surface that contacts the surface of the fixed cushion 20 when folded over), and is composed of a loop side (raised side) and a hook side (fastening side). The fastening strength of the hook-and-loop fastener need only be strong enough to maintain the movable cushion 30 folded over the fixed cushion 20 when it rotates due to inertial force during a vehicle collision, and can be adjusted by the material, area, etc. Such retention means 60 can prevent the movable cushion 30 from unintentionally unfolding after a vehicle collision, thereby improving the safety of the headrest.

[0029] FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of the crash test results for the child car seat headrest of the present invention. The vertical axis of the figure represents the impact strength of the child car seat occupant's head, and the horizontal axis represents time (seconds). The solid line represents the child car seat headrest 10 of the present invention, and the dashed line represents a conventional headrest. According to the present invention, even if the user is returned to the seat by the reaction force of inertia and their head strikes the movable cushion 30 folded over the fixed cushion 20, as shown by the arrow in FIG. 6 , the thickness of the movable cushion 30 folded over the fixed cushion 20 is increased, thereby significantly reducing the impact on the head compared to a conventional headrest with only a fixed cushion. The above describes a preferred embodiment of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment and various modifications are possible within the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the combinations shown in the embodiment, and various combinations are possible.

[0030] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Headrest 2 Child seat 10, 10A Child seat headrest 20, 20A Fixed cushion 30, 30A Movable cushion 40, 40A Hinge 50 Attaching / detaching means 60 Holding means

Claims

1. A headrest for a child car seat, comprising: a fixed cushion that supports the back of the head of a child car seat occupant; and a movable cushion that is rotatably connected to the fixed cushion by a hinge and that rotates due to inertial force in the event of a vehicle collision from a flat, unfolded state, and folds over the fixed cushion, increasing the thickness of the cushion.

2. A child car seat headrest according to claim 1, wherein the movable cushion is hinged to the upper end of the fixed cushion and rotates vertically.

3. A child seat headrest according to claim 1, wherein the movable cushion is hinged to both left and right ends of the fixed cushion and rotates horizontally.

4. A child car seat headrest according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the movable cushion has a higher cushion density than the fixed cushion.

5. A child car seat headrest according to claim 4, characterized in that the cushion density of the movable cushion can be freely changed in design.

6. A child car seat headrest according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it is provided with a detachment means for temporarily fastening the movable cushion to the fixed cushion in an unfolded state and for detaching the movable cushion by the force of inertia in the event of a vehicle collision.

7. A child car seat headrest according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it is provided with a retaining means that causes the movable cushion to rotate due to inertial force in the event of a vehicle collision, maintaining the state in which it is folded over the fixed cushion.

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