WO2020032441A1

WO2020032441A1 - Headrest moving device

Info

Publication number: WO2020032441A1
Application number: PCT/KR2019/009209
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hae Il Jeong
Original assignee: Woobo Tech Co., Ltd.
Priority date: 2018-08-07
Filing date: 2019-07-25
Publication date: 2020-02-13
Also published as: KR102075552B1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a headrest moving device, and more particularly to a headrest moving device including a case, a lock plate slidably accommodated in the case and inserted into an engaging groove of a stay rod, and a lever moving in a direction in which the lock plate is inserted into the engaging groove or released from the engaging groove. Here, a lateral tension rib applying an elastic force in a direction different from the direction in which the lever moves while being held by the case is located in the lock plate. A horizontal tension rib is located between the lock plate and the case. The horizontal tension rib applies an elastic force to the lock plate in a direction different from a sliding direction of the lock plate. The lock plate is integrally formed with the horizontal tension rib, the body inserted into the engaging groove, the lever, and the lateral tension rib. Accordingly, a gap between the lock plate and the case is removed simultaneously while a restoration function is implemented and manufacturing costs of the lock plate are reduced.

Description

HEADREST MOVING DEVICE

The present invention relates to a headrest moving device, and more particularly, to a headrest moving device including a lock plate which fixes and unfixes upper and lower positions of a stay rod, which moves a height of the headrest.

Generally, a headrest is installed on a seat of a vehicle and a headrest moving device adjusting upper and lower positions or an installing angle of the headrest is installed therein.

Meanwhile, as a technique which relates to a headrest moving device, Korean Patent Application No. 10-2017-0090826 (hereinafter, referred to as Patent Document 1), which has been filed by the applicant and registered, in which a case and a lock plate slidable with respect to the case, inserted into an engaging groove of a stay rod, and including a through hole are included. Here, an elastic rib is disposed between the lock plate and the case. The elastic rib applies an elastic force to the lock plate in a direction different from a sliding direction of the lock plate. A curved portion is formed between both ends of the elastic rib. The curved portion comes into contact with the lock plate or the case, and both ends of the elastic rib are arranged to be spaced apart from a surface with which the curved portion comes into contact.

The lock plate includes a body portion formed of a plastic material, an insert member installed to surround the engaging groove to engage the stay rod and formed of a metal material having strength higher than that of the body portion, and a returning spring which applies an elastic force to the lock plate in a rightward direction.

The stay rod includes two first rods and a second rod connecting top ends of the first rods. Accordingly, the lock plate includes two engaging grooves and two insert members. In total, two returning springs are installed on left and right sides of the lock plate. Accordingly, in Patent Document 1, the lock plate includes five components in total. Accordingly, a process of assembling the components is necessary such that production time of the lock plate increases and manufacturing costs also increase.

Also, since the insert members and the body are produced through insert-injection, manufacturing costs of the lock plate are increased.

[Related Art Document]

[Patent Document]

(Patent Document 1) Korean Patent Application No. 10-2017-0090826 (July 18, 2017)

The present invention is directed to providing a headrest moving device in which a lock plate fixing or unfixing a position of a stay rod has an integral panel shape so as to reduce a cost thereof.

The present invention is also directed to providing a headrest moving device in which a lock plate having a high elastic effect is installed.

One aspect of the present invention provides a headrest moving device including a case, a lock plate slidably accommodated in the case and inserted into an engaging groove of a stay rod, and a lever moving in a direction in which the lock plate is inserted into the engaging groove or released from the engaging groove. Here, a lateral tension rib applying an elastic force in a direction different from the direction in which the lever moves while being held by the case is located in the lock plate, and the lock plate has a panel shape in which a body inserted in the engaging groove, the lever, and the lateral tension rib are integrally formed.

A horizontal tension rib may be located between the lock plate and the case. The horizontal tension rib may apply an elastic force to the lock plate in a direction different from a sliding direction of the lock plate. The lock plate may have a panel shape in which the horizontal tension rib, the body inserted into the engaging groove, the lever, and the lateral tension rib are integrally formed.

One side of the horizontal tension rib may come into contact with the case, and the other side thereof may be connected to the lock plate. Also, a plurality of curved pieces spaced apart from each other between the one side and the other side may be formed at the horizontal tension rib.

The horizontal tension rib may include a first curved piece connected to the one side, a second curved piece formed between the first curved piece and the lock plate, and a linear piece formed between the first curved piece and the second curved piece.

The first curved piece and the second curved piece may have an arc shape, and the first curved piece may be located farther inside than the second curved piece.

One side of the horizontal tension rib which comes into contact with the case may be located farther leftward or rightward than the curved pieces and may be located between one side of the body and one side of the case.

A vertical tension rib, which applies an elastic force in a direction not parallel to the sliding direction of the lock plate, may be formed at the lock plate.

At least one of a left side and a right side of the lateral tension rib may come into contact with the case, and any one of one side and the other side thereof may be connected to the lock plate, and a plurality of curved pieces spaced apart from each other between the one side and the other side may be formed in the lateral tension rib.

The lateral tension rib may include a third curved piece, a fourth curved piece formed between the third curved piece and the lock plate, and a linear piece formed between the third curved piece and the fourth curved piece.

The third curved piece and the fourth curved piece may have an arc shape, and the third curved piece may be located farther inside than the fourth curved piece.

A part of the lateral tension rib, which comes into contact with the case, may be located farther leftward or rightward than the curved pieces and may be located between the curved pieces and the case.

The above-described headrest moving device of the present invention has effects as follows.

A lock plate of the present invention is completely formed through one pressing process so as to be easily formed.

Also, in the present invention, since the lock plate has an integral form, the number of components is significantly reduced in comparison to a conventional technology such that the number of processes of assembling the headrest moving device is also reduced, and accordingly, manufacturing costs of the present invention are reduced.

Also, the lock plate of the present invention has a high elastic force and has a long life in comparison to a conventional technique.

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a headrest moving device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an exploded-perspective view of the headrest moving device according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a lock plate according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a front view of the lock plate according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B in FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C in FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view and a partial enlarged view of the headrest moving device excluding a first case.

Hereinafter, one exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

For reference, among components of the present invention which will be described below, some components equal to conventional techniques will be referred to for the above-described technique and an additional detailed description thereof will be omitted.

When one part is stated as being "on" another part, the one part may be directly present on the other part or may be accompanied by another part therebetween. On the other hand, when one part is stated as being disposed "directly on" another part, there is no part disposed therebetween.

Technical terms used herein are merely for stating a particular embodiment and are not intended to limit the present invention. Singular forms used herein, unless clearly defined otherwise, include plural forms. The meaning of "comprising" specifies a particular property, area, integer, step, operation, element, and/or component and does not exclude the presence or addition of another particular property, area, integer, step, operation, element, component, and/or group thereof.

The terms which refer to relative spaces such as "below," "above," and the like may be used to more easily describe a relationship between one part and another part shown in the drawing. These terms are intended to include another meaning or operation of a device used with a meaning intended in the drawing. For example, when a device in the drawing is turned upside down, some parts described as being disposed "below" other parts will be described as being disposed "above" other parts. Accordingly, an exemplary term "below" includes both upward and downward directions. The device may rotate by 90 degrees or by another angle, and the terms, which refer to relative spaces, will be interpreted according thereto.

When it is stated that one component is "connected" or "joined" to another component, it should be understood that the one component may be directly connected or joined to the other component but another component may be present therebetween.

A width direction of a vehicle is referred to as a lateral direction, a longitudinal direction of the vehicle is referred to as a front and back direction, and an up and down direction of the vehicle is referred to as an up and down direction. L, R, F, B, U, D shown in FIG. 1 sequentially refer to left, right, front, back, up, and down directions.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 7, a headrest moving device according to an embodiment includes a case, a lock plate 500 slidably accommodated in the case and inserted into an engaging groove 711 of a stay rod 700, and a lever 520 moving in a direction in which the lock plate 500 is inserted into the engaging groove 711 or separated from the engaging groove 711. A lateral tension rib 517 which applies an elastic force in a direction different from the moving direction of the lever 520 while being held in the case is located in the lock plate 500.

Horizontal tension ribs 511 are located between the lock plate 500 and the case. The horizontal tension ribs 511 apply an elastic force in a direction different from a sliding direction of the lock plate 500.

The lock plate 500 has a panel shape in which a body 510, which is inserted into the engaging groove 711, the lever 520, the lateral tension rib 517, and the horizontal tension ribs 511 are integrally formed.

Vertical tension ribs 512 applying an elastic force in a direction not parallel to the sliding direction of the lock plate 500 are formed at the body 510 of the lock plate 500.

Consequently, in the present invention, a gap between the lock plate 500 and the case may be eliminated simultaneously while a restoring function of the lock plate 500 may be implemented by the

tension ribs

511 and 517.

Since the lock plate 500 of the present invention is completely formed through one process press, it is easy to form the lock plate 500. Also, since the lock plate 500 has an integral form, the number of components is significantly reduced in comparison to a conventional technique such that the number of processes of assembling the headrest moving device is also reduced and accordingly manufacturing costs of the present invention are reduced. In more detail, the stay rod 700 is inserted into the case in which the lock plate 500 is inserted such that the headrest moving device is completely assembled.

The case is fixed to a backrest or a headrest of a seat.

In the embodiment, the case is fixed to the headrest.

The case is formed to surround the lock plate 500 and an upper side of the stay rod 700.

The case is formed of a plastic material and is formed through injection or the like.

The engaging groove 711 of the stay rod 700 is formed with an inclined surface gradually inclined rightward from an upper side toward a lower side, a first plane connected to the lower side of the inclined surface and formed in a vertical direction, and a second plane connected to a lower side of the first plane and formed in a lateral direction.

The second plane holds a bottom surface of the lock plate 500.

In the embodiment, the engaging groove 711 is formed on a left side of a first rod 710.

As shown in FIG. 1, the case includes a first case 110 disposed in front and a second case 120 installed behind the first case 110.

The first case 110 includes a front surface, top and bottom surfaces, and left and right side surfaces.

The second case 120 includes a back surface, top and bottom surfaces, and left and right side surfaces.

The first case 110 includes a first protruding portion 111 formed in a center of the front surface to protrude forward therefrom and a second protruding portion 112 formed on a lower-right part of the front surface to protrude forward therefrom.

The first protruding portion 111 and the second protruding portion 112 are arranged laterally to be spaced apart.

The first protruding portion 111 is disposed to be spaced apart from upper and lower ends and both sides of the first case 110.

The first protruding portion 111 is formed to further protrude forward toward a lower side.

A front surface of the first protruding portion 111 is formed to be curved to have a circular arc shape.

The first protruding portion 111 supports the head of a passenger.

The second protruding portion 112 is disposed on a lower-right corner side of the headrest.

A front surface of the second protruding portion 112 is formed to be curved to have a circular arc shape.

A stay rod first insertion groove, a lock plate first insertion groove, and a lever first movement space 116 are formed on a rear surface of the first case 110.

As shown in FIG. 6, an upper part of the first rod 710 and a second rod 720 of the stay rod 700 are inserted into the stay rod first insertion groove.

The first rod 710 is a rod disposed vertically, and the second rod 720 is a rod disposed laterally.

The first rod 710 and the second rod 720 are integrally formed.

The stay rod first insertion groove is formed to have an open lower part and an open back.

The stay rod first insertion groove is formed along an edge of the first case 110.

The lock plate first insertion groove is formed laterally to communicate with the stay rod first insertion groove.

The lock plate first insertion groove is formed on a lower-rear part of the first case 110.

The lock plate first insertion groove is formed between a first upper contact portion 114 and a first lower contact portion 115.

The first upper contact portion 114 and the first lower contact portion 115 are formed to protrude backward from the rear surface of the first case 110.

The first upper contact portion 114 and the first lower contact portion 115 are arranged below the first protruding portion 111.

The first upper contact portion 114 and the first lower contact portion 115 are arranged between the two first rods 710.

A fastening hole, into which a fastening member such as a bolt is inserted, is formed in each of an intermediate part of the first upper contact portion 114 and both sides of the first lower contact portion 115.

A lateral length of the first upper contact portion 114 is formed to be longer than a lateral length of the first lower contact portion 115.

A holding protruding portion which holds the second rod 720 is formed to protrude backward from the rear surface of the first case 110.

The holding protruding portion is formed on each of both sides of an upper part of the first upper contact portion 114.

The holding protruding portion is disposed between the first rods 710 on both sides. Due to the holding protruding portions, other components may be prevented from being damaged by excessive pulling of a user.

The lever first movement space 116 is a space formed by being surrounded by the second protruding portion 112. The lever first movement space 116 is formed such that a rear side thereof is open.

The lever first movement space 116, the stay rod first insertion groove, and the lock plate first insertion groove are separated by partition walls. To this end, it is possible to minimize an inflow of foreign substances, which flow in through the lever first movement space 116, into the case.

The partition wall includes a hole which allows the lock plate first insertion groove to communicate with the lever first movement space 116 and the stay rod first insertion groove. Accordingly, the lock plate 500 may be disposed in the lock plate first insertion groove, the lever first movement space 116, and the stay rod first insertion groove at the same time.

Reinforcing ribs are formed, in a grid shape, on a rear surface of the first case 110 and the front surface of the second case 120.

As shown in FIG. 8, a stay rod second insertion groove, a lock plate second insertion groove 122, and a lever second movement space are formed on the front surface of the second case 120.

The stay rod second insertion groove communicates with the stay rod first insertion groove. The lock plate second insertion groove 122 communicates with the lock plate first insertion groove. The lever second movement space communicates with the lever first movement space 116.

Since the stay rod second insertion groove is formed to be equal or similar to the stay rod first insertion groove, since the lock plate second insertion groove 122 is formed to be equal or similar to the lock plate first insertion groove, and since the lever second movement space is formed to be equal or similar to the lever first movement space 116, a detailed description of the stay rod second insertion groove, the lock plate second insertion groove 122, and the lever second movement space will be omitted.

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the lock plate second insertion groove 122 is formed by a second upper contact portion 124 and a second lower contact portion 123.

As shown in FIGS. 6 to 8, a front end of the second upper contact portion 124 comes into contact with a rear end of the first upper contact portion 114, and the second lower contact portion 123 faces the first lower contact portion 115 with a gap therebetween.

A horizontal length of the first upper contact portion 114 is formed to be longer than a horizontal length of the second upper contact portion 124.

The lock plate 500 may slide with respect to the case and the stay rod 700 and is inserted into the engaging groove 711 of the stay rod 700.

The lock plate 500 fixes a vertical position of the stay rod 700.

Due to the lock plate 500 being held by the engaging groove 711, the case may move above the stay rod 700 but may not move below the stay rod 700.

The lock plate 500 is installed in the case to be laterally slidable.

As shown in FIG. 7, a front side of the lock plate 50 is inserted into the lock plate first insertion groove, and a rear side of the lock plate 500 is inserted into the lock plate second insertion groove 122.

The lock plate 500 includes the body 510 disposed laterally to be level and the lever 520 perpendicularly connected to a right side of the body 510.

A though hole 501, into which the first rod 710 of the stay rod 700 is inserted to pass therethrough, is formed to vertically pass through each of left and right sides of the body 510.

The through hole 501 is a space surrounded by inner surfaces of the body 510. Among the inner surfaces, the inner surface facing the first plane of the engaging groove 711 is formed in a horizontal direction.

Tension ribs integrated with the body 510 are arranged between the lock plate 500 and the case.

The tension ribs include the horizontal tension ribs 511, the lateral tension rib 517, and vertical tension ribs 512 which have been described above.

In the embodiment, the tension ribs are connected, as cantilevers, to the body 510 of the lock plate 500. In the description, one end of the tension rib is a free end and the other end is a fixed end.

The horizontal tension ribs 511 and the lateral tension rib 517 are arranged in the same plane. Also, the horizontal tension ribs 511 and the lateral tension rib 517 are arranged in the same plane as that of the body 510.

Each of the horizontal tension ribs 511 and the vertical tension ribs 512 apply elastic forces to the lock plate 500 in a horizontal direction or a vertical direction. Accordingly, the horizontal tension ribs 511 and the vertical tension ribs 512 may be arranged in front or rear of, above, or below the lock plate 500.

In the embodiment, the horizontal tension ribs 511 are arranged in front of the lock plate 500 and the vertical tension ribs 512 are arranged on top of the lock plate 500.

- Vertical Tension Ribs 512 -

Two vertical tension ribs 512 are arranged between one horizontal tension rib 511 and the through hole 501 such that a total of four vertical tension ribs 512 are arranged.

The vertical tension ribs 512 are formed as a laterally long bar shape.

The curved portion of the vertical tension rib 512 is disposed on an uppermost end. Accordingly, both ends of the vertical tension rib 512 are arranged to be spaced apart from the inner surface of the case 100 which comes into contact with the curved portion.

- Horizontal Tension Ribs 511 -

A total of two horizontal tension ribs 511 are arranged on both sides of the body 510 to be close to the through hole 501.

The horizontal tension ribs 511 are arranged between the through holes 501 on left and right sides.

In the embodiment, the left horizontal tension rib 511 and the right horizontal tension rib 511 are arranged to be bilaterally symmetrical to each other on the basis of the center of the lock plate 500.

One side of the horizontal tension rib 511 comes into contact with the case, and the other side thereof is connected to the lock plate 500. A plurality of curved pieces which are spaced apart from each other may be formed between the one side and the other side of the horizontal tension rib 511.

The curved pieces include first curved pieces 534a and 534b and a second curved piece 536.

The horizontal tension rib 511 includes the first curved pieces 534a and 534b connected to the one side, the second curved piece 536 formed between the first curved pieces 534a and 534b and the lock plate 500, and a linear piece 535 formed between the first curved pieces 534a and 534b and the second curved piece 536.

The first curved pieces 534a and 534b and the second curved piece 536 have an arc shape, and the first curved pieces 534a and 534b are located farther inside than the second curved piece 536. Accordingly, the second curved piece 536 is disposed to be surrounded by the first curved pieces 534a and 534b.

One side 532 of the horizontal tension ribs 511 which comes into contact with the case may be located farther leftward or rightward than the curved piece and may be located between one side of the body 510 and one side of the case. In more detail, the one side 532 of the horizontal tension rib 511 is located between a front surface of the body 510 and an inner surface of the first case 110.

A curved portion 532, which is the one side of the horizontal tension rib 511 coming into contact with the case, is formed between both ends of one and the other sides of the horizontal tension rib 511.

In the case of the right horizontal tension rib 511, the curved portion 532 is located farther rightward than the curved piece. In the case of the left horizontal tension rib 511, the curved portion 532 is located farther leftward than the curved piece.

Also, the curved portion 532 is located farther frontward than the first curved pieces 534a and 534b and the second curved piece 536. In addition, the curved portion 532 is disposed at a foremost part of the horizontal tension rib 511. Accordingly, both ends of the one and other sides of the horizontal tension rib 511 are disposed to be spaced apart from the inner surface of the first case 110 with which the curved portion 532 comes into contact.

When the lock plate 500 and the case are assembled, the curved portion 532 comes into contact with the first case 110 and the horizontal tension rib 511 is pushed by the first case 110 and becomes elastically deformed.

Hereinafter, the horizontal tension rib 511 is described in more detail on the basis of the horizontal tension rib 511 disposed on a right side.

The horizontal tension rib 511 includes a first inclined piece 531 inclined frontward from one end toward the curved portion 532, the curved portion 532 connected to the other end of the first inclined piece 531 and convex frontward, a second inclined piece 533 connected to the other end of the curved portion 532 and inclined backward toward the other end of the second inclined piece 533, the first curved pieces 534a and 534b connected to the other end of the second inclined piece 533, the linear piece 535 extending leftward from other ends of the first curved pieces 534a and 534b, the second curved piece 536 connected to the other end of the first linear piece 535, and a narrow-and-broad piece 537 having a horizontal length which lengthens from the other end of the second curved piece 536 toward a right side.

One end of the first inclined piece 531 is one end of the horizontal tension rib 511, and the other end of the narrow-and-broad piece 537 is the other end of the horizontal tension rib 511.

The curved portion 532 is disposed in front of a central part in a lateral direction of the vertical tension rib 512.

One ends of the first curved pieces 534a and 534b are arranged in a right side of a front side of a front convex portion 513 which will be described below.

The first curved pieces 534a and 534b are formed by connecting curved pieces having two different curvatures. In more detail, the first curved pieces 534a and 534b include a 1-1 curved piece 534a connected to the other end of the second curved piece 533 and a 1-2 curved piece 534b connected to the other end of the 1-1 curved piece 534a.

The 1-1 curved piece 534a has a shape corresponding to an arc, and the arc is referred to as an arc of the 1-1 curved piece 534a. In the case of other curved pieces in addition to the 1-1 curved piece 534a, arcs thereof will be described while complying with the above rule.

On the basis of a center point of each arc, the 1-1 curved piece 534a has a spiral shape bent by about 180 degrees from the other end of the second inclined piece 533 toward a rear of a right side, and the 1-2 curved piece 534b has a spiral shape bent by about 90 degrees from the other end of the 1-1 curved piece 534a toward a front of a left side.

A curvature of the 1-1 curved piece 534a is smaller than a curvature of the 1-2 curved piece 534b or a curvature of the second curved piece 536.

A connecting part between the 1-1 curved piece 534a and the 1-2 curved piece 534b is disposed on a left side of a rear side of a second elastic rib insertion groove 512a which will be described below.

The second curved piece 536 is disposed on a right side of a rear side of the front convex portion 513 which will be described below.

The second curved piece 536 has an arc shape which is a spiral shape bent by about 180 degrees.

A central point of the arc of the second curved piece 536 may coincide with a central point of the arc of the 1-1 curved piece 534a. Consequently, since the 1-1 curved pieces 534a are spaced apart at the same distance as the second curved piece 536, it is difficult for the first curved pieces 534a to come into contact with the second curved piece 536 such that an elastic effect of the lock plate 500 is high.

A lateral length of the linear piece 535 is slightly shorter than half a radius of the arc of the 1-1 curved piece 534a. In other words, the lateral length of the linear piece 535 is equal or similar to the distance between the 1-1 curved pieces and the second curved piece 536.

The lateral length of the narrow-and-broad piece 537 is longer than the lateral length of the linear piece 535.

Through holes having shapes corresponding to the

curved pieces

534a, 534b, and 536 of the horizontal tension rib 511 are formed to vertically pass through the lock plate 500.

The through hole is a space formed by the horizontal tension rib 511 and the body 510 being spaced apart from each other. Since the lateral tension rib 517 and the vertical tension rib 512 are equal thereto, a description of a through hole with respect to the lateral tension rib 517 and the vertical tension rib 512 will be omitted.

An insertion groove, into which a free end of the horizontal tension rib 511 is insertable, is formed in the body 510 to communicate with the through hole.

The insertion groove is a space formed by depressing the front surface of the body 510 and has an open front. Consequently, when the horizontal tension rib 511 is pushed by the case, since the first inclined piece 531 having the free end is inserted into the insertion groove and does not come into contact with the body 510, a possibility of damaging the lock plate 500 is less and a service life of the lock plate 500 is long.

An elastic effect of the horizontal tension rib 511 is as follows.

First, the horizontal tension rib 511 pressed by the case applies an elastic force to the body 510 of the lock plate 500 in a rear direction such that the elastic force is reduced, by a certain level, by the curved portion 532 and the first curved pieces 534a and 534b and then is transferred to the linear piece 535. Here, since the elastic force approximately perpendicularly intersects with the linear pieces 535 laterally parallel thereto, the linear pieces 535 may more significantly reduce the elastic force than the first curved pieces 534a and 534b. Here, when the elastic force is not entirely reduced by the linear pieces 535, the residual elastic force is transferred to the second curved pieces 536 and further reduced once more. Afterwards, when the elastic force is not entirely reduced by the second curved pieces 536, the residual elastic force is transferred to the body 510 and entirely reduced. Accordingly, in the present invention, due to a high elastic force of the lock plate 500 which functions as a plate spring, the lock plate 500 has a long service life in comparison to a conventional technology.

- Lateral Tension Rib 517 -

The lateral tension rib 517 is disposed in a central part of the body 510 to be located between the two horizontal tension ribs 511.

The lateral tension rib 517 has features in which at least one of a left side and a right side thereof comes into contact with the case, any one of one side and the other side is connected to the lock plate 500, and a plurality of curved pieces spaced apart from each other are formed between the one side and the other side.

In the embodiment, the left side of the lateral tension rib 517 comes into contact with the case and the other side thereof is connected to the body 510 of the lock plate 500.

The lateral tension rib 517 includes third

curved pieces

554a and 554b, a fourth curved piece 556 formed between the third

curved pieces

554a and 554b and the lock plate 500, a linear piece formed between the third

curved pieces

554a and 554b and the fourth curved piece 556, and a hook extending rearward from one ends of the third

curved pieces

554a and 554b.

The curved pieces of the lateral tension rib 517 include the third

curved pieces

554a and 554b and the fourth curved piece 556.

The third

curved pieces

554a and 554b and the fourth curved piece 556 have an arc shape, and the third

curved pieces

554a and 554b are located farther inside than the fourth curved piece 556. Accordingly, the fourth curved piece 556 is disposed to be surrounded by the third

curved pieces

554a and 554b.

The third

curved pieces

554a and 554b have a shape similar or equal to that of the first curved pieces 534a and 534b, and the fourth curved piece 556 has a shape similar or equal to that of the second curved piece 536. Accordingly, the third

curved pieces

554a and 554b include a 3-1 curved piece 554a and a 3-2 curved piece 554b.

A part of the lateral tension rib 517 coming into contact with the case, that is, a left side of the hook 552, is located farther leftward or rightward than the curved pieces and is located between the curved pieces and the case.

In the embodiment, the left side of the hook 552 is located farther leftward than the curved pieces.

The hook 552 is formed to be parallel to a horizontal direction when not pressurized.

The second case 120 includes a protrusion 125 which keeps the hook 552 in position.

The protrusion 125 is formed to protrude rearward from the front surface of the second case 120 to be connected to a lower surface of the second upper contact portion 124 and an upper surface of the second lower contact portion 123.

The protrusion 126 slightly slants leftward from a center of the second case 120. Also, the hook 552 is disposed to slightly slant leftward from the central part of the body 510.

A right surface of the protrusion 125 comes into contact with a left surface of the hook 552. Consequently, when the case and the lock plate 500 are assembled, the hook 552 is held by the protrusion 125 and changes to a state of being deformed to be inclined rightward in a direction from a front side toward a rear side.

Since one end, that is, a free end of the hook 552, protrudes farther rearward than the body 510, a rear surface of the body 510 does not come into contact with the second case 120. In more detail, the one end of the hook 552 is disposed approximately between a rib 514, which will be described below, and the rear surface of the body 510.

The curved pieces of the lateral tension rib 517 are arranged between the curved pieces of the left horizontal tension rib 511 and the curved pieces of the right horizontal tension rib 511.

Through holes having shapes corresponding to the hook 552 and the third and fourth

curved pieces

554a, 554b, and 556 are formed to vertically pass through between the lateral tension rib 517 and the body 510.

Here, among the through holes of the lateral tension rib 517, the through hole between a right side of the hook 552 and a side surface of the body 510 facing the right side has a horizontal cross section with a lateral width gradually increasing in the direction from the front side toward the rear side. This is to prevent the hook 552, which is deformed by being held by the protrusion 125, from coming into contact with the body 510.

Meanwhile, the convex portion 513 convex downward is formed between the lateral tension rib 517 and the right horizontal tension rib 511.

The convex portion 513 is formed on each of front and rear sides of the body 510 such that a total of two convex portions 513 are formed.

The convex portion 513 on the rear side is disposed farther rearward than the curved pieces of the lateral tension rib 517.

The convex portion 513 on the front side is disposed between the first

curved pieces

554a and 554b of the lateral tension rib 517 and the first curved pieces 534a and 534b of the horizontal tension rib 511.

The convex portion 513 comes into contact with the first lower contact portion 155 and helps to maintain a position of the lock plate 500 in the case.

As shown in FIG. 3, horizontal and vertical tension

rib insertion grooves

511a and 512a, into which free ends are insertable according to a degree of deformation of the horizontal and

vertical tension ribs

511 and 512, are formed in the body 510.

The horizontal tension rib insertion groove 511a is formed such that a front and upper and lower parts are open.

The vertical tension rib insertion groove 512a is formed to pass therethrough vertically.

When the lock plate 500 is assembled with the case, each of the free ends of the horizontal and

vertical tension ribs

511 and 512 is inserted into a corresponding one of the horizontal and vertical tension

rib insertion grooves

511a and 512a. Accordingly, when the lock plate 500 is moved, the free ends of the horizontal and

vertical tension ribs

511 and 512 are prevented from being held by the case.

Also, the rib 514 disposed between the lock plate 500 and the case is formed at a rear side of the body 510 of the lock plate 500.

The rib 514 is formed to protrude rearward from the rear surface of the body 510.

A horizontal cross section of the rib 514 has an arc shape with a lateral length gradually decreasing in a direction toward a rear side.

The rib 514 is formed on each of both left and right sides of the rear of the body 510 such that a total of two ribs 514 are formed.

The rib 514 disposed on the rear-left side is disposed in the rear of the left through hole 501, and the rib 514 disposed on the rear-right side is disposed in the rear of the right through hole 501.

Meanwhile, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the case may further include a button to push the lever 520.

The button includes a button portion 160, a bezel portion 140 in which the button portion 160 is slidably installed, and a button-returning spring 150 which returns the button portion 160 to an original position.

The button portion 160 is fastened to the bezel portion 140 through a hook and is installed to be slidable with respect to the bezel portion 140.

The button portion 160 is formed such that a part of the button portion 160 that is touched by a hand of a user is formed to be concave.

The bezel portion 140 is installed on a right side of the case through a hook or the like.

An insertion groove, into which the button portion 160 is inserted, is formed in the bezel portion 140.

Contact protrusions are laterally formed on an inner wall of the bezel portion 140.

The button-returning spring 150 fits on a spring-fitting bar formed inside the bezel portion 140. In addition, a ring-shaped bumper 170 is disposed between the button portion 160 and the button-returning spring 150 and/or between the bezel portion 140 and the button-returning spring 150. Noise may be reduced by the bumper 170.

Hereinafter, an action of the embodiment having the above-described configuration will be described.

When the button portion 160 is pushed to adjust a height of the headrest, the button portion 160 pushes the lever 520 such that the lock plate 500 slides leftward. Consequently, the body 510 located in the engaging grooves 711 of the stay rod 700 is released from the engaging grooves 711. Accordingly, the headrest is freely movable in a vertical direction.

When the headrest is moved to a desired position as described above and then a force of pushing the button portion 160 is removed, the lock plate 500 slides rightward due to the lateral tension rib 517 applying an elastic force rightward such that the body 510 is inserted into the engaging grooves 711. Consequently, the position of the headrest is fixed.

Although the exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been described above, a variety of modifications or changes of the present invention may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the concept and scope of the present invention disclosed in the following claims.

[Description of Reference Numerals]

** Description of Main parts in Drawings **

110: first case, 111: first protruding portion

112: second protruding portion

114: first upper contact portion

115: first lower contact portion

116: lever first movement space

120: second case

122: lock plate second insertion groove

123: second lower contact portion

124: second upper contact portion

125: protrusion, 140: bezel portion

150: button-returning spring, 160: button portion

170: bumper, 500: lock plate

501: through hole, 510: body

511: horizontal tension rib

511a: horizontal tension rib insertion groove

512: vertical tension rib

512a: vertical tension rib insertion groove

513: convex portion

514: rib, 517: lateral tension rib

520: lever, 531: first inclined piece

532: curved portion, 533: second inclined piece

534a: 1-1 curved piece, 534b: 1-2 curved piece

535: linear piece, 536: second curved piece

537: narrow-and broad piece, 552: hook

554a: 3-1 curved piece, 554b: 3-2 curved piece

555: linear piece, 556: fourth curved piece

557: narrow-and broad piece, 700: stay rod

710: first rod, 711: engaging groove

720: second rod

Claims

A headrest moving device comprising:

a case;

a lock plate slidably accommodated in the case and inserted into an engaging groove of a stay rod; and

a lever configured to move in a direction in which the lock plate is inserted into the engaging groove or released from the engaging groove,

wherein a lateral tension rib applying an elastic force in a direction different from the direction in which the lever moves while being held by the case is located in the lock plate, and

wherein the lock plate has a panel shape in which a body inserted in the engaging groove, the lever, and the lateral tension rib are integrally formed.
The headrest moving device of claim 1, wherein a horizontal tension rib is located between the lock plate and the case,

wherein the horizontal tension rib applies an elastic force to the lock plate in a direction different from a sliding direction of the lock plate, and

wherein the lock plate has a panel shape in which the horizontal tension rib, the body inserted into the engaging groove, the lever, and the lateral tension rib are integrally formed.
The headrest moving device of claim 2, wherein one side of the horizontal tension rib comes into contact with the case, and the other side thereof is connected to the lock plate, and

wherein a plurality of curved pieces spaced apart from each other between the one side and the other side are formed at the horizontal tension rib.
The headrest moving device of claim 3, wherein the horizontal tension rib comprises a first curved piece connected to the one side, a second curved piece formed between the first curved piece and the lock plate, and a linear piece formed between the first curved piece and the second curved piece.
The headrest moving device of claim 4, wherein the first curved piece and the second curved piece have an arc shape, and

wherein the first curved piece is located farther inside than the second curved piece.
The headrest moving device according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein one side of the horizontal tension rib which comes into contact with the case is located farther leftward or rightward than the curved pieces and is located between one side of the body and one side of the case.
The headrest moving device according to any one of claims 2 and 3, wherein a vertical tension rib, which applies an elastic force in a direction not parallel to the sliding direction of the lock plate, is formed at the lock plate.
The headrest moving device according to any one of claims 2 and 3, wherein at least one of a left side and a right side of the lateral tension rib comes into contact with the case, and any one of one side and the other side thereof is connected to the lock plate, and

wherein a plurality of curved pieces spaced apart from each other between the one side and the other side are formed in the lateral tension rib.
The headrest moving device of claim 8, wherein the lateral tension rib comprises a third curved piece, a fourth curved piece formed between the third curved piece and the lock plate, and a linear piece formed between the third curved piece and the fourth curved piece.
The headrest moving device of claim 9, wherein the third curved piece and the fourth curved piece have an arc shape, and

wherein the third curved piece is located farther inside than the fourth curved piece.
The headrest moving device of claim 8, wherein a part of the lateral tension rib, which comes into contact with the case, is located farther leftward or rightward than the curved pieces and is located between the curved pieces and the case.