Headrest control apparatus for vehicle and method of controlling headrest control apparatus for vehicle

A headrest control apparatus for a vehicle, comprising:

• a headrest rear portion supported by a seatback;
• a headrest front portion movable relative to the headrest rear portion between a first position, at which the headrest front portion is in contact with the headrest rear portion, and a second position, at which the headrest front portion is distant from the headrest rear portion;
• driving means for moving the headrest front portion relative to the headrest rear portion between the first position and the second position;
• a head detecting sensor provided at the headrest front portion and outputting a predetermined detection signal when a head of an occupant is proximate to the headrest front portion or when the head of the occupant is in contact with the headrest front portion;
• a head detecting circuit detecting one of a proximity of the head towards, and a contact of the head with, the headrest front portion based upon the detection signal of the head detecting sensor;
• controlling means controlling the driving means to move the headrest front portion towards the second position when a proximity of an object from a rear of the vehicle is detected and to stop a movement of the headrest front portion towards the second position when the head detecting circuit detects the one of a proximity of the head towards, and a contact of the head with, the headrest front portion, the controlling means operating the head detecting circuit only when the headrest front portion moves towards the second position.