Vehicle seat and method for manufacturing a vehicle seat

Abstract

[Task] To provide a vehicle seat and a method for manufacturing such a vehicle seat, the vehicle seat allowing a support member for supporting a load from an occupant to hold a wire harness such as a cable thereon in order to reduce the load applied to the wire harness. [Solution] A vehicle seat 1 includes a frame structure 8, a support member 17 supported by the frame structure, the support member 17 having a plate-shaped support member main body 18 and a holding structure 50 for holding a wire harness on the main body, a cushion member 9A supported on a front side of the support member 17, and an electric device 24 connected to a wire harness 27. Wherein the holding structure includes a first holding portion 51 connecting the wire harness to the main body so as to be movable in a first direction and not movable in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and a second holding portion 52 connecting the wire harness to the main body so as to be movable in the second direction. And a second holding portion connecting the wire harness to the main body so as to be movable in the second direction and immovable in the first direction, the holding structure being integrally formed with the main body.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a vehicle seat and a method for manufacturing the vehicle seat. Background Art

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses a vehicle seat. The seat cushion of this vehicle seat includes a frame structure and a support member supported by the frame structure and elastically supporting the weight of an occupant. The support member includes a plate-like body extending substantially parallel to the frame structure and a pair of inclined portions extending outwardly from both side edges of the body. The pair of inclined portions is provided with a plurality of tubular portions, each of which is formed with an attachment hole, through which a clip for attaching a member such as a wire harness or a wire member such as a cable to the support member is inserted.

[0003] Patent Document 2 discloses a cable fixing element in a spring pad of a vehicle seat. The fixing element includes a holding area and an arm that elastically applies a load to a cable to press the cable against the holding area and fix the cable to the holding area. Prior art literature Patent Literature

[0004] Patent Document 1: JP2020-124976A Patent Document 2: JP2015-503490A Summary of the invention The task to be accomplished by the present invention

[0005] A support member (which may also be referred to as a pressure receiving member) provided in a vehicle seat moves when it receives a load from a seated occupant. Therefore, there is a need for a vehicle seat that can hold a wire member such as a cable on the support member while minimizing a load that may be applied to the wire member when the support member moves. Means of accomplishing the task

[0006] In view of the above background, a main object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle seat and a method for manufacturing such a vehicle seat including a support member that supports a load from an occupant and an electrical device to which a wire member such as a cable is connected, in such a manner that the wire member can be retained on the support member so as to minimize the load applied to the wire member when the support member moves.

[0007] In order to achieve this task, one aspect of the present invention provides a vehicle seat (1), including a frame structure (8), a support member (17) supported by the frame structure and supporting an occupant, a cushion member (9A) supported on the front side of the support member, and a wiring harness (27) to be connected to an electrical device (24), the support member having a plate-like body (18) and a retaining structure (50) for retaining the wiring harness on the body, wherein the retaining structure includes a first retaining portion (51) and a second retaining portion (52), the first retaining portion connecting the wiring harness to the body so as to be movable in a first direction and immovable in a second direction intersecting the first direction, the second retaining portion connecting the wiring harness to the body so as to be movable in the second direction and immovable in the first direction, the retaining structure being formed integrally with the body.

[0008] According to this aspect, the wire harness is held by the support member at the first holding portion so as to be movable in the first direction, and is held by the support member at the second holding portion so as to be movable in the second direction. This allows the wire harness to move so that a load that may be applied to the wire harness when the support member moves can be reduced. Therefore, it is possible to provide a vehicle seat that can hold the wire harness on the support member while reducing a load that may be applied to the wire harness.

[0009] In the above aspect, preferably, the first retaining portion includes a pair of first base portions (53) protruding from the rear surface of the main body and aligned in the second direction, and the second retaining portion includes a pair of second base portions (55) protruding from the rear surface of the main body and aligned in the first direction, and the wiring harness passes between the pair of first base portions and between the pair of second base portions.

[0010] According to this aspect, the first holding portion can restrict movement of the wire harness in the second direction while allowing movement of the wire harness in the first direction. Furthermore, the second holding portion can restrict movement of the wire harness in the first direction while allowing movement of the wire harness in the second direction.

[0011] In the above aspect, preferably, at least one of the pair of first base portions and at least one of the pair of second base portions are connected to each other.

[0012] According to this aspect, the movement of the wire harness can be restricted more securely than when the first base portion and the second base portion are not connected.

[0013] In the above aspect, preferably, the pair of first base portions and the pair of second base portions are disposed to be spaced apart from each other.

[0014] According to this aspect, the wire harness is more easily deformed between the first and second holding portions than when the first and second base portions are connected to each other, so that stress concentration on the wire harness in its portion located between the first and second holding portions can be avoided.

[0015] In the above aspect, preferably, each first base portion is plate-shaped having a surface perpendicular to the second direction, and each second base portion is plate-shaped having a surface perpendicular to the first direction.

[0016] According to this aspect, the first holding portion can effectively restrict the movement of the wire harness in the first direction. Furthermore, the second holding portion can effectively restrict the movement of the wire harness in the second direction.

[0017] In the above aspect, preferably, the pair of first base portions are provided at positions spaced apart from the pair of second base portions in both the first direction and the second direction.

[0018] According to this aspect, it is possible to minimize stress that may be applied to the portion of the wire harness located between the first holding portion and the second holding portion.

[0019] In the above aspect, preferably, a restriction member (54, 56) is provided at a distal end of each of the pair of first base portions and the second base portion to restrict the wire harness from moving away from the main body.

[0020] According to this aspect, movement of the wire harness in a direction away from the main body can be restricted.

[0021] In the above aspect, preferably, the first base portion is plate-shaped and has a surface perpendicular to the second direction, and at least one of the pair of first base portions is provided with two or more limiting members, so that the two or more limiting members provided on the at least one first base portion and the limiting members provided on the other first base portion are arranged in a staggered manner along the first direction.

[0022] According to this aspect, the wire harness can be easily inserted between the two first base portions, thereby improving the ease of assembling the wire harness to the support member.

[0023] In the above aspect, preferably, each second base portion is plate-shaped and has a surface perpendicular to the first direction, and at least one second base portion of the pair of second base portions is provided with two or more limiting members, so that the two or more limiting members provided on the at least one second base portion and the limiting members provided on the other second base portion are arranged in a staggered manner along the second direction.

[0024] According to this aspect, since it is easier to insert the wire harness between the two second base portions, the workability of assembling the supporting member for the wire harness is improved.

[0025] In the above aspect, preferably, the relative surfaces of the pair of first base portions are provided with protrusions (70) protruding in relative directions, and at least one of the pair of first base portions is provided with a plurality of the protrusions, so that the respective protrusions are staggered along the first direction, and the protrusion amount of each protrusion increases as it moves away from the supporting member.

[0026] According to this aspect, the protrusion increases as it moves away from the support member. Therefore, when the wire harness is pulled by an electrical device such as a vibration generating device and pressed against the support member, the movement of the wire harness in the second direction becomes less restricted, making it possible to reduce the load that may be applied to the wire harness.

[0027] In order to accomplish this task, one aspect of the present invention provides a method for manufacturing a vehicle seat (1), the method comprising the following steps: installing a cushion member (9A) on the front side of a support member (17) supported by a frame structure (8), and installing an electrical device (24) connected to a wiring harness (27) on the cushion member (9A), the support member having a plate-like main body (18) and a retaining structure (50) for retaining the wiring harness on the main body, wherein the retaining structure comprises a first retaining portion (51) and a second retaining portion (52), the first retaining portion connecting the wiring harness to the main body so as to be movable in the first direction and immovable in a second direction intersecting the first direction, the second retaining portion connecting the wiring harness to the main body so as to be movable in the second direction and immovable in the first direction, and the step of installing the electrical device comprises the step of retaining the wiring harness to the first retaining portion and the second retaining portion.

[0028] According to this aspect, the wire harness is held by the support member at the first holding portion so as to be movable in the first direction, and is held by the support member at the second holding portion so as to be movable in the second direction. This allows the wire harness to move so that a load that may be applied to the wire harness when the support member moves can be reduced. Therefore, it is possible to provide a method for manufacturing a vehicle seat that can hold the wire harness on the support member while reducing a load that may be applied to the wire harness.

[0029] In addition, the above-mentioned patent document 1 (JP 2020-124976A) discloses a vehicle seat in which a vibration device is provided in a seat back. A pair of recesses are formed laterally adjacent to each other in a back cushion of a seat back in the seat, which are open on the rear side and closed on the front side. Each recess receives a vibration device from the rear to be held therein.

[0030] The vibration device of Patent Document 1 is fitted into a recess provided in the back cushion and is held in the back cushion by frictional engagement by the wall surface defining the recess. Therefore, for example, if the wall surface defining the recess is deformed due to a load from an occupant, there is a risk that the vibration device may move relative to the back cushion.

[0031] In view of the above background, a primary object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle seat, a seat pad provided in the vehicle seat capable of holding an electric device therein, and a method for manufacturing the vehicle seat.

[0032] To achieve this object, one aspect of the present invention provides a vehicle seat (1), comprising a cushioning member (9A) provided with a recess (22), an electrical device (24) received in the recess, and a coupling member (30) coupled with the electrical device in the recess, wherein the recess is defined by a bottom wall (22B) and a vertical wall (22S) extending from the bottom wall, and the coupling member is fixed to the cushioning member at a position closer to an opening of the recess than the bottom wall, and the coupling member is harder than the cushioning member.

[0033] According to this aspect, the electric device is coupled to the cushion member via the engagement member. Since the engagement member is harder and less likely to deform than the cushion member, a vehicle seat can be provided that can hold the electric device in a more stable manner than when the electric device is supported by the cushion member directly contacting the electric device.

[0034] In the above aspect, preferably, the seat also includes a covering member (42) covering the front side of the electrical device, the recess is open toward the front side of the cushion member, and the covering member is accommodated in the recess so that the surface of the covering member is flush with the surface of the peripheral portion of the recess of the cushion member.

[0035] In this aspect, a step is prevented from being generated between the surface of the peripheral portion of the recessed portion of the cushion member and the surface of the covering member. This prevents the seated occupant from experiencing discomfort from the peripheral portion of the recessed portion of the cushion member.

[0036] In the above aspect, preferably, the engagement member is provided with a locking claw that elastically engages with a side surface of the electric device.

[0037] In this aspect, the electric device can be engaged with the engaging member with a simple configuration.

[0038] In the above aspect, preferably, the electric device has a locking recess (37A) that receives the locking claw.

[0039] According to this aspect, the joining member and the electric device can be firmly joined.

[0040] In the above aspect, preferably, the engagement member includes an engagement member body (31) supporting the locking claw, the engagement member body is shaped like a frame in which the electrical device is received, and at least a portion of the engagement member body is provided with a cutout (40).

[0041] According to this aspect, the joining member is easily deformed, so that assembling of the electric device to the joining member can be facilitated.

[0042] In the above aspect, preferably, the engaging member main body is formed into a rectangular frame structure having four corners (33), and the cutout is provided at one of the four corners.

[0043] According to this aspect, the engaging member is easily deformed.

[0044] In the above aspect, preferably, the locking claw is provided at a position adjacent to one of the respective notches.

[0045] According to this aspect, the engaging member is more easily deformed than when the locking claw is provided at a position away from the notch.

[0046] In the above aspect, preferably, the engaging member is insert-molded in the cushion member.

[0047] According to this aspect, the engaging member can be attached to the cushion member.

[0048] To achieve this purpose, another aspect of the present invention provides a seat cushion (9) for forming a vehicle seat (1) equipped with an electrical device (24), comprising: a cushion member (9A) having a recess (22) into which the electrical device is to be inserted; and a coupling member (30) attached to a wall surface defining the recess to engage the electrical device, wherein the recess is defined by a bottom wall (22B) and a vertical wall (22S) extending vertically from the bottom wall, and the coupling member is fixed to a portion of the cushion member that is closer to an opening of the recess than the bottom wall, and the coupling member is harder than the cushion member.

[0049] According to this aspect, the electric device is connected to the cushion member via the engaging member. Since the engaging member is harder and less likely to deform than the cushion member, it is possible to provide a seat pad that can hold the electric device in a more stable manner than when the cushion member is in direct contact with the electric device.

[0050] To achieve this object, another aspect of the present invention provides a method for manufacturing a vehicle seat (1), comprising the following steps: molding a cushioning member so that a joining member (30) configured to join an electrical device (24) is attached to a wall surface, the wall surface defining a recess (22) formed in the cushioning member (9A); inserting the electrical device into the recess to fix the electrical device to the cushioning member; covering the electrical device with a covering member (42); attaching the cushioning member to a frame structure (8); and covering the surface of the cushioning member and the surface of the covering member with a skin material (10), the joining member having a higher rigidity than the cushioning member.

[0051] According to this aspect, the electric device is attached to the cushion member via the engaging member. Since the engaging member is harder and less prone to deformation than the cushion member, this method of manufacturing a vehicle seat can fix the electric device in a more stable manner than when the electric device is supported by the cushion member directly contacting the electric device.

[0052] JP 2018-070075A discloses a vehicle seat having a vibration member (vibration device) and an airbag. The vibration member is provided on a surface (rear surface) opposite to a surface (front surface) supporting an occupant of a seat pad, and the seat pad is provided in a seat body. The airbag is provided on a surface of the seat cushion supporting an occupant to oppose the vibration member.

[0053] When the airbag and the vibration device are arranged on the surface of the seat cushion, there is a risk that the airbag and the vibration device are arranged in an overcrowded manner. Since the surface area of ​​the seat cushion is limited, it is difficult to accommodate the airbag and the vibration device on the surface of the seat cushion.

[0054] Therefore, there are challenges to overcome when arranging a vibration device and an air bag on a surface of a seat cushion of a vehicle seat.

[0055] In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the present invention provides a vehicle seat (101), comprising a frame structure (111), a cushion (112) supported by the frame structure, at least one vibration device (107) arranged on the front side of the cushion, and at least one airbag (108) arranged on the front side of the cushion, when viewed from the thickness direction of the cushion, the at least one airbag and the at least one vibration device overlap each other.

[0056] According to this aspect, when viewed from the thickness direction of the pad, the vibration device and the airbag can be arranged to be densely stacked together. Therefore, the airbag and the vibration device can be advantageously arranged on the surface of the pad.

[0057] In the above aspect, the cushion has at least one first recess (141) recessed from the front surface of the cushion toward the rear side to receive the at least one vibration device therein, and the at least one airbag is arranged closer to the front side of the cushion than the at least one vibration device.

[0058] According to this aspect, the vibration device is less likely to come into contact with the occupant, and discomfort to the occupant is minimized.

[0059] In the above aspect, preferably, the at least one airbag is fixed to the cushion via a fixing member (143).

[0060] According to this aspect, the airbag can be fixed to the cushion.

[0061] In the above aspect, preferably, the at least one airbag includes a pair of airbags arranged to be spaced apart from each other, a spacer (144) is arranged between the two airbags, and when viewed in the thickness direction of the pad, the at least one vibration device overlaps with the spacer and the two vibration devices.

[0062] According to this aspect, since the spacer fills the space between the two airbags, the vibration of the vibration device is effectively transmitted to the occupant.

[0063] In the above aspect, preferably, each of the airbags is configured to expand by supplying a fluid thereto and to contract by discharging the fluid therefrom, and the spacer has a surface flush with surfaces of the two airbags in a contracted state.

[0064] According to this aspect, the step generated between the spacer and the airbag is minimized. Therefore, the discomfort of the occupant can be further reduced.

[0065] In the above aspect, preferably, the vehicle seat also includes a blower (109), which is provided with a blower, and the blower includes a blower body (131) and a pipe (132) connected to the blower body, wherein the cushion also includes a ventilation hole (134) and a ventilation groove (135), the ventilation hole passes through the cushion in the thickness direction of the cushion and is connected to the pipe, the ventilation groove is connected to the ventilation hole, is recessed from the surface of the cushion toward the back side of the cushion and extends along the surface of the cushion, and the at least one first recess is connected to the ventilation groove.

[0066] According to this aspect, the vibration device and the ventilation groove can be arranged to be densely stacked when viewed from the thickness direction of the pad. Therefore, in addition to the airbag and the vibration device, the ventilation groove can also be arranged on the surface of the pad in an advantageous manner.

[0067] In the above aspect, preferably, the width of the ventilation groove is smaller than the width of the first recessed portion.

[0068] According to this aspect, when the vibration device is accommodated in the first recess, the vibration device blocks a portion of the opening of the ventilation groove. Therefore, the air passing through the ventilation groove is prevented from leaking out of the first recess.

[0069] In the above aspect, preferably, a cover gasket (146) is placed on the front side of the gasket to cover the ventilation groove, and is provided with a plurality of through holes (148) overlapping the ventilation groove when viewed from the thickness direction of the gasket.

[0070] According to this aspect, the cover gasket cooperates with the gasket to form a flow passage for air sent out from the blower body.

[0071] In the above aspect, preferably, the head pad is provided with a plurality of second recesses (151) recessed from a rear surface of the head pad toward a front surface thereof, and the two air bags are received in the plurality of second recesses (151).

[0072] According to this aspect, each air cell is prevented from moving in a direction parallel to the surface of the cushion.

[0073] To achieve this object, another aspect of the present invention provides a method for manufacturing a vehicle seat (101), the vehicle seat comprising a frame structure (111), a cushion (112) supported by the frame structure, at least one vibration device (107) arranged on the front side of the cushion, a pair of air bags (108) arranged on the front side of the cushion at a certain distance from each other, a spacer (144) arranged between the two air bags, and a fixing member (143) for fixing the two air bags to the cushion, the cushion having at least one first recess (141) recessed from the front surface of the cushion toward the rear side, the method comprising: a first step of receiving the at least one vibration device in the at least one first recess; a second step of placing the fixing member on the front side of the cushion; a third step of fixing the two air bags to the fixing member so as to overlap with the at least one vibration device when viewed from the thickness direction of the cushion; and a fourth step of placing the spacer between the two air bags.

[0074] According to this aspect, the vehicle seat is manufactured so that the vibration device and the airbag are arranged on the surface of the pad.

[0075] JP2019-167115A discloses an automatic driving control device that notifies the occupant when the driving mode is switched from the automatic driving mode to the manual driving mode. As an example of such a notification, the seat on which the occupant is seated is vibrated.

[0076] However, JP2019-167115A does not specifically disclose the vibration mode of the seat. Therefore, there is a risk that the occupant may not be able to recognize the switching of the driving mode simply by vibrating the seat.

[0077] Therefore, there is a task to make the occupant aware of the switch in the driving mode through the vibration of the seat in the vehicle.

[0078] To achieve this object, another aspect of the present invention provides a vehicle (201), which has a vehicle control device (226) for switching a driving mode between an automatic driving mode and a manual driving mode, a first seat (22A) used as a driver's seat and equipped with a plurality of vibration devices (220), and a seat control device (225) for controlling the plurality of vibration devices, wherein when the vehicle control device performs automatic driving end control to switch the driving mode from the automatic driving mode to the manual driving mode, the seat control device performs notification control to cause the plurality of vibration devices to vibrate in sequence from the vibration device located at the rear to the vibration device located at the front.

[0079] According to this aspect, each vibration device vibrates in sequence from the vibration device located at the rear to the vibration device located at the front, so that the occupant is warned to look forward in a reliable manner. As a result, in the vehicle, the vibration mode of the first seat can make the occupant accurately aware of the switch in the driving mode.

[0080] In the above aspect, preferably, the first seat is arranged on the floor (204) of the vehicle via a rotating device (211), the rotating device supports the first seat so that it can be rotated relative to the floor around a rotation axis extending vertically, and the seat control device is configured to determine the front and rear positions of the multiple vibration devices by considering the rotation angle of the first seat around the rotation axis.

[0081] According to this aspect, even if the rotating device rotates the seat, the front and rear position of each vibration device can be determined in a reliable manner.

[0082] In the above aspect, preferably, the first seat is provided with a seat cushion (205) and a seat back (206) extending upward from a rear portion of the seat cushion, and the plurality of vibration devices are provided on the seat cushion and the seat back.

[0083] According to this aspect, the distance between the frontmost vibration device and the rearmost vibration device can be increased, so that the moving distance of the vibration position can be increased.

[0084] In the above aspect, preferably, the seat control device is configured to drive the rotating device so that the first seat faces forward when the first seat faces rearward and the vehicle control device performs the automatic driving end control.

[0085] According to this aspect, when switching from the automatic driving mode to the manual driving mode, the first seat is made to face forward so that the occupant can prepare for manual driving.

[0086] In the above aspect, preferably, an input device (253) for receiving a manual driving operation is provided, and the seat control device is configured to stop vibration of the plurality of vibration devices when a predetermined input operation is applied to the input device during execution of the notification control.

[0087] According to this aspect, it is possible to estimate that the occupant is ready for the manual driving mode based on the occupant's input to the input device. In addition, when the occupant is ready for the manual driving mode, unnecessary energy consumption can be avoided by stopping the vibration of the vibration device.

[0088] In the above aspect, preferably, the vehicle control device is configured to postpone the start of the manual driving mode when the plurality of vibration devices are vibrating due to the notification control, and start the manual driving mode after the plurality of vibration devices have stopped vibrating.

[0089] According to this aspect, the driving mode is switched from the automatic driving mode to the manual driving mode only after the occupant has completed the preparation for the manual driving mode, so that the safety of the vehicle is improved.

[0090] In the above aspect, preferably, the vehicle is provided with a second seat (202B) equipped with another vibration device, and the seat control device is configured to start the other vibration device of the second seat when the vibration of the multiple vibration devices of the first device has continued for a predetermined time in the notification control.

[0091] According to this aspect, when the occupant seated in the first seat does not respond to the switching of the driving mode, the notification can be given to the occupant seated in the second seat.

[0092] In the above aspect, preferably, the vehicle also includes a sound control device (227) for controlling a speaker (255) based on sound information, and the seat control device is configured to perform additional control so as to control the multiple vibration devices based on the sound information, and to reduce the amplitude of vibration of the multiple vibration devices caused by the additional control when the notification control is performed compared to when the notification control is not performed.

[0093] In this aspect, when the driving mode is switched, the amplitude caused by the additional control is suppressed so that the occupant can more easily recognize the vibration caused by the notification control.

[0094] In the above aspect, preferably, the vehicle is provided with an obstacle sensor (251) which detects obstacles around the vehicle, the seat control device is configured to perform obstacle control to control the plurality of vibration devices according to the position of the obstacle, and the seat control device is configured to prohibit the obstacle control when the notification control is being performed.

[0095] According to this aspect, when the driving mode is switched, the obstacle control is prohibited, making it easier for the occupant to recognize the vibration caused by the notification control.

[0096] In the above aspect, preferably, the plurality of vibration devices include an eccentric rotating mass vibration motor and a linear resonant actuator.

[0097] In the above aspect, the occupant can distinguish the notification according to whether the vibration is caused by the eccentric rotating mass vibration motor or the linear resonance actuator.

[0098] In the above aspect, preferably, the seat control device is configured to perform preliminary control for vibrating the plurality of vibration devices with an amplitude smaller than an amplitude of the plurality of vibration devices in the notification control before performing the notification control.

[0099] According to this aspect, the occupant can recognize that the driving mode has been switched based on the vibration of the preliminary control.

[0100] In the above aspect, preferably, the seat back is supported to be tiltable relative to the seat cushion, and in the notification control, when the inclination angle of the seat back relative to a vertical plane is equal to or greater than a predetermined first determination value, the seat control device increases the amplitude of the output of the multiple vibration devices compared to when the inclination angle of the seat back relative to a vertical plane is less than the first determination value.

[0101] According to this aspect, a larger vibration can be applied to the occupant who may have fallen asleep so that the occupant can be aware of the change in the driving mode.

[0102] In the above aspect, preferably, the seat cushion is provided with a load sensor which measures the load received from the occupant, and the seat control device is configured to increase the amplitude of the multiple vibration devices in the notification control when the load measured by the load sensor is equal to or greater than a predetermined second determination value, compared to when the load measured by the load sensor is less than the second determination value.

[0103] According to this aspect, a larger vibration can be applied to an occupant of a larger body size. Effects of the Invention

[0104] In order to achieve this task, one aspect of the present invention provides a vehicle seat (1), including a frame structure (8), a support member (17) supported by the frame structure and supporting an occupant, a cushion member (9A) supported on the front side of the support member, and a wiring harness (27) to be connected to an electrical device (24), the support member having a plate-like body (18) and a retaining structure (50) for retaining the wiring harness on the body, wherein the retaining structure includes a first retaining portion (51) and a second retaining portion (52), the first retaining portion connecting the wiring harness to the body so as to be movable in a first direction and immovable in a second direction intersecting the first direction, the second retaining portion connecting the wiring harness to the body so as to be movable in the second direction and immovable in the first direction, the retaining structure being formed integrally with the body.

[0105] According to this aspect, the wire harness is held by the support member at the first holding portion so as to be movable in the first direction, and is held by the support member at the second holding portion so as to be movable in the second direction. This allows the wire harness to move so that a load that may be applied to the wire harness when the support member moves can be reduced. Therefore, it is possible to provide a vehicle seat that can hold the wire harness on the support member while reducing a load that may be applied to the wire harness.

[0106] In the above aspect, preferably, the first retaining portion includes a pair of first base portions (53) protruding from the rear surface of the main body and aligned in the second direction, and the second retaining portion includes a pair of second base portions (55) protruding from the rear surface of the main body and aligned in the first direction, and the wiring harness passes between the pair of first base portions and between the pair of second base portions.

[0107] According to this aspect, the first holding portion can restrict movement of the wire harness in the second direction while allowing movement of the wire harness in the first direction. Furthermore, the second holding portion can restrict movement of the wire harness in the first direction while allowing movement of the wire harness in the second direction.

[0108] In the above aspect, preferably, at least one of the pair of first base portions and at least one of the pair of second base portions are connected to each other.

[0109] According to this aspect, the movement of the wire harness can be restricted more securely than when the first base portion and the second base portion are not connected.

[0110] In the above aspect, preferably, the pair of first base portions and the pair of second base portions are disposed to be spaced apart from each other.

[0111] According to this aspect, the wire harness is deformed more easily between the first and second holding portions than when the first and second base portions are connected to each other, so that stress concentration on the wire harness in its portion located between the first and second holding portions can be avoided.

[0112] In the above aspect, preferably, each first base portion is plate-shaped having a surface perpendicular to the second direction, and each second base portion is plate-shaped having a surface perpendicular to the first direction.

[0113] According to this aspect, the first holding portion can effectively restrict the movement of the wire harness in the first direction. Furthermore, the second holding portion can effectively restrict the movement of the wire harness in the second direction.

[0114] In the above aspect, preferably, the pair of first base portions are provided at positions spaced apart from the pair of second base portions in both the first direction and the second direction.

[0115] According to this aspect, it is possible to minimize stress that may be applied to the portion of the wire harness located between the first holding portion and the second holding portion.

[0116] In the above aspect, preferably, a restriction member (54, 56) is provided at a distal end of each of the pair of first base portions and the second base portion to restrict the wire harness from moving away from the main body.

[0117] According to this aspect, movement of the wire harness in a direction away from the main body can be restricted.

[0118] In the above aspect, preferably, the first base portion is plate-shaped and has a surface perpendicular to the second direction, and at least one of the pair of first base portions is provided with two or more limiting members, so that the two or more limiting members provided on the at least one first base portion and the limiting members provided on the other first base portion are arranged in a staggered manner along the first direction.

[0119] According to this aspect, the wire harness can be easily inserted between the two first base portions, thereby improving the ease of assembling the wire harness to the support member.

[0120] In the above aspect, preferably, each second base portion is plate-shaped and has a surface perpendicular to the first direction, and at least one second base portion of the pair of second base portions is provided with two or more limiting members, so that the two or more limiting members provided on the at least one second base portion and the limiting members provided on the other second base portion are arranged in a staggered manner along the second direction.

[0121] According to this aspect, since it is easier to insert the wire harness between the two second base portions, the workability of assembling the supporting member for the wire harness is improved.

[0122] In the above aspect, preferably, the relative surfaces of the pair of first base portions are provided with protrusions (70) protruding in relative directions, and at least one of the pair of first base portions is provided with a plurality of the protrusions, so that the respective protrusions are staggered along the first direction, and the protrusion amount of each protrusion increases as it moves away from the supporting member.

[0123] According to this aspect, the protrusion increases as it moves away from the support member. Therefore, when the wire harness is pulled by an electrical device such as a vibration generating device and pressed against the support member, the movement of the wire harness in the second direction becomes less restricted, making it possible to reduce the load that may be applied to the wire harness.

[0124] In order to accomplish this task, one aspect of the present invention provides a method for manufacturing a vehicle seat (1), the method comprising the following steps: installing a cushion member (9A) on the front side of a support member (17) supported by a frame structure (8), and installing an electrical device (24) connected to a wiring harness (27) on the cushion member (9A), the support member having a plate-like main body (18) and a retaining structure (50) for retaining the wiring harness on the main body, wherein the retaining structure comprises a first retaining portion (51) and a second retaining portion (52), the first retaining portion connecting the wiring harness to the main body so as to be movable in the first direction and immovable in a second direction intersecting the first direction, the second retaining portion connecting the wiring harness to the main body so as to be movable in the second direction and immovable in the first direction, and the step of installing the electrical device comprises the step of retaining the wiring harness to the first retaining portion and the second retaining portion.

[0125] According to this aspect, the wire harness is held by the support member at the first holding portion so as to be movable in the first direction, and is held by the support member at the second holding portion so as to be movable in the second direction. This allows the wire harness to move so that a load that may be applied to the wire harness when the support member moves can be reduced. Therefore, it is possible to provide a method for manufacturing a vehicle seat that can hold the wire harness on the support member while reducing a load that may be applied to the wire harness.

[0126] To achieve this object, one aspect of the present invention provides a vehicle seat (1), comprising a cushioning member (9A) provided with a recess (22), an electrical device (24) received in the recess, and a coupling member (30) coupled with the electrical device in the recess, wherein the recess is defined by a bottom wall (22B) and a vertical wall (22S) extending from the bottom wall, and the coupling member is fixed to the cushioning member at a position closer to an opening of the recess than the bottom wall, and the coupling member is harder than the cushioning member.

[0127] According to this aspect, the electric device is coupled to the cushion member via the engagement member. Since the engagement member is harder and less likely to deform than the cushion member, a vehicle seat can be provided that can hold the electric device in a more stable manner than when the electric device is supported by the cushion member directly contacting the electric device.

[0128] In the above aspect, preferably, the seat also includes a covering member (42) covering the front side of the electrical device, the recess is open toward the front side of the cushion member, and the covering member is accommodated in the recess so that the surface of the covering member is flush with the surface of the peripheral portion of the recess of the cushion member.

[0129] In this aspect, a step is prevented from being generated between the surface of the peripheral portion of the recessed portion of the cushion member and the surface of the covering member. This prevents the seated occupant from experiencing discomfort from the peripheral portion of the recessed portion of the cushion member.

[0130] In the above aspect, preferably, the engagement member is provided with a locking claw that elastically engages with a side surface of the electric device.

[0131] In this aspect, the electric device can be engaged with the engaging member with a simple configuration.

[0132] In the above aspect, preferably, the electric device is provided with a locking recess (37A) that receives the locking claw.

[0133] According to this aspect, the engaging member can be firmly engaged with the electric device.

[0134] In the above aspect, preferably, the engagement member includes an engagement member body (31) supporting the locking claw, the engagement member body is shaped like a frame in which the electrical device is received, and at least a portion of the engagement member body is provided with a cutout (40).

[0135] According to this aspect, the joining member is easily deformed, so that assembling of the electric device to the joining member can be facilitated.

[0136] In the above aspect, preferably, the engaging member main body is formed into a rectangular frame structure having four corners (33), and the cutout is provided at one of the four corners.

[0137] According to this aspect, the engaging member is easily deformed.

[0138] In the above aspect, preferably, the locking claw is provided at a position adjacent to one of the respective notches.

[0139] According to this aspect, the engaging member is more easily deformed than when the locking claw is provided at a position away from the notch.

[0140] In the above aspect, preferably, the engaging member is insert-molded in the cushion member.

[0141] According to this aspect, the engaging member can be attached to the cushion member.

[0142] To achieve this purpose, another aspect of the present invention provides a seat cushion (9) for forming a vehicle seat (1) equipped with an electrical device (24), comprising: a cushion member (9A) having a recess (22) into which the electrical device is inserted; and a coupling member (30) attached to a wall surface defining the recess to engage the electrical device, wherein the recess is defined by a bottom wall (22B) and a vertical wall (22S) extending vertically from the bottom wall, and the coupling member is fixed to a portion of the cushion member that is closer to an opening of the recess than the bottom wall, and the coupling member is harder than the cushion member.

[0143] According to this aspect, the electric device is connected to the cushion member via the engaging member. Since the engaging member is harder and less likely to deform than the cushion member, it is possible to provide a seat pad that can hold the electric device in a more stable manner than when the cushion member is in direct contact with the electric device.

[0144] To achieve this object, another aspect of the present invention provides a method for manufacturing a vehicle seat (1), comprising the following steps: molding a cushioning member so that a joining member (30) configured to join an electrical device (24) is attached to a wall surface, the wall surface defining a recess (22) formed in the cushioning member (9A); inserting the electrical device into the recess to fix the electrical device to the cushioning member; covering the electrical device with a covering member (42); attaching the cushioning member to a frame structure (8); and covering the surface of the cushioning member and the surface of the covering member with a skin material (10), the joining member having a higher rigidity than the cushioning member.

[0145] According to this aspect, the electric device is attached to the cushion member via the engaging member. Since the engaging member is harder and less prone to deformation than the cushion member, this method of manufacturing a vehicle seat can fix the electric device in a more stable manner than when the electric device is supported by the cushion member directly contacting the electric device.

[0146] In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the present invention provides a vehicle seat (101), which includes a frame structure (111), a cushion (112) supported by the frame structure, at least one vibration device (107) arranged on the front side of the cushion, and at least one air bag (108) arranged on the front side of the cushion, when viewed from the thickness direction of the cushion, the at least one air bag and the at least one vibration device overlap each other.

[0147] According to this aspect, when viewed from the thickness direction of the pad, the vibration device and the airbag can be arranged to be densely stacked together. Therefore, the airbag and the vibration device can be advantageously arranged on the surface of the pad.

[0148] In the above aspect, the cushion has at least one first recess (141) recessed from the front surface of the cushion toward the rear side to receive the at least one vibration device therein, and the at least one airbag is arranged closer to the front side of the cushion than the at least one vibration device.

[0149] According to this aspect, the vibration device is less likely to come into contact with the occupant, and discomfort to the occupant is minimized.

[0150] In the above aspect, preferably, the at least one airbag is fixed to the cushion via a fixing member (143).

[0151] According to this aspect, the airbag can be fixed to the cushion.

[0152] In the above aspect, preferably, the at least one airbag includes a pair of airbags arranged to be spaced apart from each other, a spacer (144) is arranged between the two airbags, and when viewed in the thickness direction of the pad, the at least one vibration device overlaps with the spacer and the two vibration devices.

[0153] According to this aspect, since the spacer fills the space between the two airbags, the vibration of the vibration device is effectively transmitted to the occupant.

[0154] In the above aspect, preferably, each of the airbags is configured to expand by supplying a fluid thereto and to contract by discharging the fluid therefrom, and the spacer has a surface flush with surfaces of the two airbags in a contracted state.

[0155] According to this aspect, the step generated between the spacer and the airbag is minimized. Therefore, the discomfort of the occupant can be further reduced.

[0156] In the above aspect, preferably, the vehicle seat also includes a blower (109), which is provided with a blower, and the blower includes a blower body (131) and a pipe (132) connected to the blower body, wherein the cushion also includes a ventilation hole (134) and a ventilation groove (135), the ventilation hole passes through the cushion in the thickness direction of the cushion and is connected to the pipe, the ventilation groove is connected to the ventilation hole, is recessed from the surface of the cushion toward the back side of the cushion and extends along the surface of the cushion, and the at least one first recess is connected to the ventilation groove.

[0157] According to this aspect, the vibration device and the ventilation groove can be arranged to be densely stacked when viewed from the thickness direction of the pad. Therefore, in addition to the airbag and the vibration device, the ventilation groove can also be arranged on the surface of the pad in an advantageous manner.

[0158] In the above aspect, preferably, the width of the ventilation groove is smaller than the width of the first recessed portion.

[0159] According to this aspect, when the vibration device is accommodated in the first recess, the vibration device blocks a portion of the opening of the ventilation groove. Therefore, the air passing through the ventilation groove is prevented from leaking out of the first recess.

[0160] In the above aspect, preferably, a cover gasket (146) is placed on the front side of the gasket to cover the ventilation groove, and is provided with a plurality of through holes (148) overlapping the ventilation groove when viewed from the thickness direction of the gasket.

[0161] According to this aspect, the cover gasket cooperates with the gasket to form a flow passage for air sent out from the blower body.

[0162] In the above aspect, preferably, the head pad is provided with a plurality of second recesses (151) recessed from a rear surface of the head pad toward a front surface thereof, and the two air bags are received in the plurality of second recesses (151).

[0163] According to this aspect, each air cell is prevented from moving in a direction parallel to the surface of the cushion.

[0164] To achieve this object, another aspect of the present invention provides a method for manufacturing a vehicle seat (101), the vehicle seat comprising a frame structure (111), a cushion (112) supported by the frame structure, at least one vibration device (107) arranged on the front side of the cushion, a pair of air bags (108) arranged on the front side of the cushion at a certain distance from each other, a spacer (144) arranged between the two air bags, and a fixing member (143) for fixing the two air bags to the cushion, the cushion having at least one first recess (141) recessed from the front surface of the cushion toward the back side, the method comprising: a first step of receiving the at least one vibration device in the at least one first recess; a second step of placing the fixing member on the front side of the cushion; a third step of fixing the two air bags to the fixing member so as to overlap with the at least one vibration device when viewed from the thickness direction of the cushion; and a fourth step of placing the spacer between the two air bags.

[0165] To achieve this object, another aspect of the present invention provides a vehicle (201), which has a vehicle control device (226) for switching a driving mode between an automatic driving mode and a manual driving mode, a first seat (22A) used as a driver's seat and equipped with a plurality of vibration devices (220), and a seat control device (225) for controlling the plurality of vibration devices, wherein when the vehicle control device performs automatic driving end control to switch the driving mode from the automatic driving mode to the manual driving mode, the seat control device performs notification control to cause the plurality of vibration devices to vibrate in sequence from the vibration device located at the rear to the vibration device located at the front.

[0166] According to this aspect, each vibration device vibrates in sequence from the vibration device located at the rear to the vibration device located at the front, so that the occupant is warned to look forward in a reliable manner. As a result, in the vehicle, the vibration mode of the first seat can make the occupant accurately aware of the switch in the driving mode.

[0167] In the above aspect, preferably, the first seat is arranged on the floor (204) of the vehicle via a rotating device (211), the rotating device supports the first seat so that it can be rotated relative to the floor around a rotation axis extending vertically, and the seat control device is configured to determine the front and rear positions of the multiple vibration devices by considering the rotation angle of the first seat around the rotation axis.

[0168] According to this aspect, even if the rotating device rotates the seat, the front and rear position of each vibration device can be determined in a reliable manner.

[0169] In the above aspect, preferably, the first seat is provided with a seat cushion (205) and a seat back (206) extending upward from a rear portion of the seat cushion, and the plurality of vibration devices are provided on the seat cushion and the seat back.

[0170] According to this aspect, the distance between the frontmost vibration device and the rearmost vibration device can be increased, so that the moving distance of the vibration position can be increased.

[0171] In the above aspect, preferably, the seat control device is configured to drive the rotating device so that the first seat faces forward when the first seat faces rearward and the vehicle control device performs the automatic driving end control.

[0172] According to this aspect, when switching from the automatic driving mode to the manual driving mode, the first seat is made to face forward so that the occupant can prepare for manual driving.

[0173] In the above aspect, preferably, an input device (253) for receiving a manual driving operation is provided, and the seat control device is configured to stop vibration of the plurality of vibration devices when a predetermined input operation is applied to the input device during execution of the notification control.

[0174] According to this aspect, it is possible to estimate that the occupant is ready for the manual driving mode based on the occupant's input to the input device. In addition, when the occupant is ready for the manual driving mode, unnecessary energy consumption can be avoided by stopping the vibration of the vibration device.

[0175] In the above aspect, preferably, the vehicle control device is configured to postpone the start of the manual driving mode when the plurality of vibration devices are vibrating due to the notification control, and start the manual driving mode after the plurality of vibration devices have stopped vibrating.

[0176] According to this aspect, the driving mode is switched from the automatic driving mode to the manual driving mode only after the occupant has completed the preparation for the manual driving mode, so that the safety of the vehicle is improved.

[0177] In the above aspect, preferably, the vehicle is provided with a second seat (202B) equipped with another vibration device, and the seat control device is configured to start the other vibration device of the second seat when the vibration of the multiple vibration devices of the first device has continued for a predetermined time in the notification control.

[0178] According to this aspect, when the occupant seated in the first seat does not respond to the switching of the driving mode, the notification can be given to the occupant seated in the second seat.

[0179] In the above aspect, preferably, the vehicle also includes a sound control device (227) for controlling a speaker (255) based on sound information, and the seat control device is configured to perform additional control so as to control the multiple vibration devices based on the sound information, and to reduce the amplitude of vibration of the multiple vibration devices caused by the additional control when the notification control is performed compared to when the notification control is not performed.

[0180] In this aspect, when the driving mode is switched, the amplitude caused by the additional control is suppressed so that the occupant can more easily recognize the vibration caused by the notification control.

[0181] In the above aspect, preferably, the vehicle is provided with an obstacle sensor (251) which detects obstacles around the vehicle, the seat control device is configured to perform obstacle control to control the plurality of vibration devices according to the position of the obstacle, and the seat control device is configured to prohibit the obstacle control when the notification control is being performed.

[0182] According to this aspect, when the driving mode is switched, the obstacle control is prohibited, making it easier for the occupant to recognize the vibration caused by the notification control.

[0183] In the above aspect, preferably, the plurality of vibration devices include an eccentric rotating mass vibration motor and a linear resonant actuator.

[0184] In the above aspect, the occupant can distinguish the notification according to whether the vibration is caused by the eccentric rotating mass vibration motor or the linear resonance actuator.

[0185] In the above aspect, preferably, the seat control device is configured to perform preliminary control for vibrating the plurality of vibration devices with an amplitude smaller than an amplitude of the plurality of vibration devices in the notification control before performing the notification control.

[0186] According to this aspect, the occupant can recognize that the driving mode has been switched based on the vibration of the preliminary control.

[0187] In the above aspect, preferably, the seat back is supported to be tiltable relative to the seat cushion, and in the notification control, when the inclination angle of the seat back relative to a vertical plane is equal to or greater than a predetermined first determination value, the seat control device increases the amplitude of the output of the multiple vibration devices compared to when the inclination angle of the seat back relative to a vertical plane is less than the first determination value.

[0188] According to this aspect, a larger vibration can be applied to the occupant who may have fallen asleep so that the occupant can be aware of the change in the driving mode.

[0189] In the above aspect, preferably, the seat cushion is provided with a load sensor which measures the load received from the occupant, and the seat control device is configured to increase the amplitude of the multiple vibration devices in the notification control when the load measured by the load sensor is equal to or greater than a predetermined second determination value, compared to when the load measured by the load sensor is less than the second determination value.

[0190] According to this aspect, a larger vibration can be applied to an occupant of a larger body size. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0191] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a seat according to a first embodiment of the present invention Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the seat cushion frame structure of the first embodiment Figure 3 (A) is a top view of the seat cushion, and (B) is the edge of the seat cushion. Figure 3 (A) is a cross-sectional view taken along line IIIB-IIIB, (C) is a side view of the joining member, and (D) is a top view showing a modified example of the joining member. Figure 4 Bottom view of the seat cushion frame structure, electrical device and wiring harness Figure 5 (A) is a bottom view of the first holding portion of the first embodiment, and (B) is a bottom view of the first holding portion of the first embodiment. Figure 5 (A) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VB-VB, and (C) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VB-VB. Figure 5 (A) is a cross-sectional view taken along line VC-VC, and (D) is a bottom view of the second holding portion. Figure 6 A modification of the holding structure of the first embodiment Figure 7 (A) is a bottom view of the first holding portion in the second embodiment of the present invention, (B) is a bottom view of the second holding portion, and (C) is a bottom view of the second holding portion along the Figure 7 (A) Cross-sectional view taken along line VIIC-VIIC Figure 8 (A) is a bottom view of the first holding portion in the third embodiment of the present invention, (B) is a bottom view of the second holding portion, and (C) is a bottom view of the second holding portion along the Figure 8 (A) Cross-sectional view taken along line VIIIC-VIIC Fig. 9 (A) is a bottom view of the first holding portion in the fourth embodiment of the present invention, (B) is a bottom view of the second holding portion, and (C) is a bottom view of the second holding portion along the Fig. 9 (A) Cross-sectional view taken along line VIIIC-VIIC Fig.10(A) is a bottom view of the first retaining portion in the fifth embodiment of the present invention, and (B) is a bottom view of the first retaining portion along the Fig.10 (A) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XB-XB, (C) is a bottom view of the second holding portion, and (D) is a perspective view of the first holding portion Fig.11 is a sectional view of a seat cushion according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. Fig.12 is a bottom view of the seat cushion frame structure, electrical devices and wiring harness to show the modified retention structure Fig.13 is a perspective view of a seat according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention Fig.14 This is a front view of the seat back frame structure. Fig.15 is a cross-sectional view showing a main part of a seat back Fig.16 is a cross-sectional view showing a main part of a seat back Fig.17 is a front view of the seat back cushion Fig.18 is a front view showing the main part of the seat back Fig.19 is a cross-sectional view showing a main part of a modified seat back Fig. 20 FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a vehicle according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention. Fig.21 is a perspective view of a seat of the eighth embodiment Fig. 22 This is a diagram illustrating the vehicle's control system. Fig.23 is a flowchart of the notification control performed by the seat control device DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0192] A vehicle seat applied to a driver seat and a passenger seat of an automobile according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0193] <First Embodiment> like Figure 1 As shown, the vehicle seat 1 includes a seat cushion 2, a seat back 3 and a headrest 4. The seat cushion 2 may be supported by a pair of slide rails 6 fixed on both sides to a floor 5 of a vehicle cabin so that the seat cushion 2 can slide forward and backward.

[0194] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the seat cushion 2 includes a seat cushion frame structure 8 forming a skeleton structure of the seat cushion 2 , a seat pad 9 supported by the seat cushion frame structure 8 , and a skin material 10 covering at least a portion of the seat pad 9 .

[0195] like Figure 2 As shown, the seat cushion frame structure 8 includes a pair of side members 12 extending forward and backward on both sides, a front member 13 extending transversely between the front portions of the left and right side members 12, and a rear member 14 extending transversely between the rear portions of the left and right side members 12. In this embodiment, the seat cushion frame structure 8 also includes a front edge member 15 connected between the upper front edges of the left and right side members 12. The front edge member 15 is made of a stamped sheet metal member, and its upper surface has a shape that generally defines the front portion of the seat surface.

[0196] The support member 17 extending in the front-to-rear direction spans between the front member 13 and the rear member 14. The support member 17 includes a plate-like support member body 18 (main body portion) extending in a substantially horizontal direction along the seat cushion frame structure 8 (specifically, the left and right side members 12), a front attachment portion 19 extending forward from the front edge of the support member body 18 and engaging with the front member 13, and a rear attachment portion 20 extending backward from the rear edge of the support member body 18 and engaging with the rear member 14. The support member 17 can be formed, for example, of a plastic material having a metal wire insert-molded therein. A cushion member 9A is placed on the upper surface of the support member 17, and a skin material 10 is placed on the upper surface of the cushion member 9A. When an occupant sits on the seat, the support member 17 bends under the load of the occupant and elastically supports the occupant.

[0197] The cushion member 9A of the seat cushion 9 provides a cushioning effect to the seat cushion 2. The cushion member 9A is made of a flexible material such as a foamed resin material (e.g., polyurethane foam). For example, the cushion member 9A can be formed by foaming and hardening the foamed resin material in a cavity (space) defined by an upper mold and a lower mold. The skin material 10 is a cloth member and covers at least a portion of the cushion member 9A.

[0198] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown in (A), a cushion member recess 22 that is recessed downward is formed on each of the left and right side portions of the cushion member 9A. Figure 3As shown in (B), each cushion member recess 22 is recessed from the front surface of the cushion member 9A toward the back surface. Each cushion member recess 22 is defined by a bottom wall 22B defining a boundary on the back side (opposite side of the opening) of the cushion member recess 22 and a vertical wall 22S (also referred to as a peripheral wall), the bottom wall defining a boundary on the back side (opposite side of the opening) of the cushion member recess 22, and the vertical wall extending vertically from the bottom wall 22B toward the opening of the cushion member recess 22. A vibration generating device 24 is placed in each cushion member recess 22.

[0199] Each vibration generating device 24 represents one of the various electrical devices installed on the vehicle, and is composed of an electric / electronic device for generating vibrations. The vibration generating device 24 is used, for example, to give notifications to seated passengers by generating vibrations. In this embodiment, each vibration generating device 24 includes a device body 25 and a movable portion 26 supported by the device body 25 in a movable manner, and can be composed of a device such as a voice coil motor in which the movable portion 26 reciprocates relative to the device body 25 in a specified direction. However, the construction of each vibration generating device 24 is not limited to this embodiment, and can be constructed by an eccentric motor or the like. A wiring harness 27 for supplying power and signals is connected to each vibration generating device 24.

[0200] In this embodiment, each vibration generating device 24 has a rectangular shape and is configured so that a strong vibration is generated on one of its respective faces. The wiring harness 27 is composed of a bendable wire member and includes one or more wires 27A for supplying power to each vibration generating device 24 and transmitting a signal. In this embodiment, the wiring harness 27 includes a pair of wires 27A and a sheath 27B made of a resin insulator. However, the present invention is not limited to this form, and the wiring harness 27 can take any other form as long as it is a member extending in a linear shape.

[0201] In the present invention, since each vibration generating device 24 has a rectangular shape, the corresponding cushion member recess 22 has a rectangular shape corresponding to the shape of the corresponding vibration generating device 24. In this embodiment, each vibration generating device 24 is placed in the corresponding cushion member recess 22 so that the surface generating strong vibration faces upward (i.e., so that the movable portion 26 reciprocates in the front-to-back direction). As a result, each vibration generating device 24 generates vibration mainly in the front-to-back direction of the seat cushion 2 (i.e., approximately in the vertical direction).

[0202] like Figure 3As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, in addition to the cushion member 9A, the seat cushion 9 further includes a pair of engaging members 30 for connecting the vibration generating device 24 to the cushion member 9A. Each engaging member 30 supports the corresponding vibration generating device 24 on the cushion member 9A by engaging with the vibration generating device 24, and thus the vibration generating device 24 is connected to the cushion member 9A via the engaging members 30. Figure 3 As shown in (A), the cushion member recesses 22 are symmetrically arranged on the left and right sides of the seat cushion 2, and the engaging members 30 are respectively placed in the left and right cushion member recesses 22 in a corresponding symmetrical manner. Each engaging member 30 includes an engaging member body 31 and at least one locking claw 32 arranged on the engaging member body 31.

[0203] like Figure 3 As shown in (A), each joining member body 31 is in the form of a frame structure having a shape matching the vibration generating device 24. In this embodiment, the joining member body 31 is in the form of a square frame structure having four corners 33. More specifically, the joining member body 31 is in the form of a rectangular frame structure, and includes a pair of longitudinal portions 34 having surfaces opposite to each other and a pair of transverse portions 35 having surfaces opposite to each other. Each of the longitudinal portions 34 is in the form of a plate extending in the longitudinal direction of the joining member body 31. Each of the transverse portions 35 is in the form of a plate extending in the transverse direction of the joining member body 31. The longitudinal portions 34 and the transverse portions 35 are connected to each other via the corners 33.

[0204] The locking claws 32 are provided on the mutually opposing surfaces of the pair of longitudinal portions 34 and on the mutually opposing surfaces of the pair of lateral portions 35. The locking claws 32 provided on the pair of longitudinal portions 34 protrude toward each other, and the locking claws 32 provided on the pair of lateral portions 35 protrude toward each other. Preferably, each locking claw 32 is configured to be elastically deformable relative to the engagement member body 31.

[0205] Each engaging member 30 has a higher rigidity than the cushion member 9A. Each engaging member 30 may be made of a resin material such as polyethylene. Each engaging member 30 may be made harder than the cushion member 9A by reducing its foaming rate. Since each engaging member 30 has a higher rigidity than the cushion member 9A, each engaging member 30 is less likely to be deformed than the cushion member 9A under a load applied thereto when an occupant sits on the vehicle seat 1.

[0206] Each engaging member 30 is fixed to a portion of the cushion member 9A located in the cushion member recess 22 that is closer to the opening side of the cushion member recess 22 than the bottom wall 22B. Each engaging member 30 can be arranged inside or outside the vertical wall 22S. However, from the perspective of ease of assembly of the vibration generating device 24, it is preferred that at least a portion of the engaging member 30 is exposed in the cushion member recess 22. For example, the engaging member 30 can be fixed to the vertical wall 22S at the outer surface of the engaging member body 31. The engaging member 30 can be insert molded into the cushion member 9A, and the engaging member 30 can be fixed to the wall surface of the cushion member recess 22 that defines the cushion member 9A. More specifically, when the foamed resin material is foamed and cured in the cavity to form the cushion member 9A, the engaging member 30 can be arranged so that when the foamed resin material is foamed and cured to form the cushion member 9A, at least a portion of the engaging member 30 (in this embodiment, the outer surface of the engaging member body 31) is exposed in the cavity. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment, and the engaging member 30 may be bonded to the wall surface defining the cushion member recess 22 on the outer surface of the engaging member main body 31 , for example, by an adhesive or the like.

[0207] like Figure 3 As shown in (B), when the vibration generating device 24 is inserted into the interior of the engaging member body 31, each locking claw 32 elastically engages with the side of the electrical device, so that the vibration generating device 24 is locked to the engaging member 30. As a result, the vibration generating device 24 is supported by the cushion member 9A via the engaging member 30.

[0208] In this embodiment, the vibration generating device 24 is provided with a pair of locking portions 37 on both lateral sides thereof, which are configured to engage with the locking claws 32. Each locking portion 37 is formed as a locking recess 37A that is recessed inwardly on the side surface of the vibration generating device 24. The tip of each locking claw 32 enters the corresponding locking portion 37 of the vibration generating device 24, so that the vibration generating device 24 is firmly attached to the engaging member 30 compared to when the locking portion 37 is not provided.

[0209] When the vibration generating device 24 is inserted into the interior of the engaging member body 31, each locking claw 32 elastically engages with the side surface of the vibration generating device 24, so that the vibration generating device 24 is assembled to the engaging member 30. In order to facilitate the assembly of the vibration generating device 24 to the engaging member 30, it is preferred that the engaging member body 31 is provided with an easy-deformation portion 39 for facilitating the deformation of the engaging member body 31 during assembly.

[0210] In this embodiment, if Figure 3As shown in (A), the easily deformable portion 39 is configured as a cutout 40 provided at one corner 33 of the engaging member body 31. The cutout 40 is a slit-like portion formed at the corner 33, and separates the longitudinal portion 34 and the lateral portion 35 from each other. This makes the engaging member body 31 approximately C-shaped. In this embodiment, two engaging members 30 are placed in the corresponding cushion member recesses 22 and the cushion member 9A is fixed so that the cutouts 40 are located on both lateral outer sides of the seat.

[0211] However, the cutout 40 of the present invention is not limited to the cutout that separates the longitudinal portion 34 and the transverse portion 35 from each other, and may also be a notch or a thin-walled portion instead of the cutout 40, the notch being cut into the joining member body 31 to an extent that the longitudinal portion 34 and the transverse portion 35 are not separated from each other, and the thin-walled portion is provided in the longitudinal portion 34 or the transverse portion 35 to be thinner than the rest of the joining member body 31.

[0212] like Figure 3 (C), each of the locking claws 32 is provided at a substantially central position of the inner peripheral surface of the longitudinal portion 34 or the lateral portion 35. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment, and the locking claw 32 provided on the longitudinal portion 34 or the lateral portion 35 adjacent to the corner portion 33 in which the notch 40 is formed may be provided at a position offset toward the notch 40.

[0213] Although in Figure 3 In (A), the cutout 40 is provided at one of the corners 33, but as Figure 3 As shown in (D), the cutout 40 may be provided at a position adjacent to the locking claw 32 of one of the longitudinal portion 34 and the transverse portion 35. In this way, by providing the locking claw 32 adjacent to the cutout 40, the portion in which the locking claw 32 is formed is made more easily deformable than when the locking claw 32 is provided at a position away from the cutout 40. This facilitates the insertion of the vibration generating device 24 into the engaging member body 31 and the assembly of the vibration generating device 24 to the engaging member 30.

[0214] like Figure 3 As shown in (B), the seat cushion 9 includes a covering member 42 (also referred to as a cushioning material or a plate) provided on the upper surface (front side) of each vibration generating device 24. The covering member 42 reduces discomfort to the occupant that may be caused by the vibration generating device 24 being provided on the cushion member 9A by acting as a cushioning material that reduces the vibration generated by the vibration generating device 24 and prevents it from becoming excessive. The covering member 42 is preferably made of a material that is more flexible than the cushion member 9A. It may also be made of a material that is less flexible than the cushion member 9A.

[0215] The covering member 42 is placed on the top (front side) of the vibration generating device 24 within the cushioning member recess 22. In this embodiment, an enlarged portion 22A is provided at the upper end of the cushioning member recess 22 so that the open end of the cushioning member recess 22 is wider than the rest of the cushioning member recess 22, and the covering member 42 is received in the enlarged portion 22A. The engaging member 30 is fixed to the wall surface of the portion of the cushioning member recess 22 located below the enlarged portion 22A (on the rear side). Therefore, the vibration generating device 24 is fixed to the upper portion of the cushioning member recess 22 via the engaging member 30, and its upper surface (front surface) is covered by the covering member 42.

[0216] The surface of the covering member 42 is flush with the surface of the portion of the cushion member 9A surrounding the cushion member recess 22. This makes it possible to prevent a step from being generated between the surface of the portion surrounding the cushion member recess 22 of the cushion member 9A and the surface of the covering member 42. This reduces the discomfort that a seated person may experience from the portion surrounding the cushion member recess 22 of the cushion member 9A. The skin material 10 covers the surface of the cushion member 9A and the surface of the covering member 42.

[0217] The cushion member 9A is provided with a through hole 44 extending downward (toward the back side) from the bottom surface of each cushion member recess 22 and reaching the lower surface (back surface) of the cushion member 9A. The through hole 44 extends from the bottom surface of the cushion member recess 22 to the back surface of the cushion member 9A and defines a passage for passing the wire harness 27 therethrough. The wire harness 27 passes through the through hole 44 from the vibration generating device 24 and reaches the back surface of the cushion member 9A.

[0218] like Figure 4 As shown, when viewed from above, each vibration generating device 24 overlaps with the peripheral edge portion of the support member 17. The support member 17 is formed with a notch 17A on each of its lateral outer edges, which cuts toward the inside of the seat. The wire harness 27 passes through the through hole 44 and extends downward, passes through the notch 17A and extends toward the inside of the seat, and reaches the back surface (lower surface) of the support member 17.

[0219] A holding structure 50 is provided on the back surface (lower surface) of the support member 17 to allow the support member 17 to hold the wire harness 27. The holding structure 50 is molded integrally with the support member body 18. The holding structure 50 is used to prevent the wire harness 27 from detaching from the support member 17, and to fix the wire harness 27 to the support member 17 while allowing the wire harness 27 to move in its length direction. The wire harness 27 is attached to the back surface of the support member 17 by the holding structure 50 and is held by the support member 17. Preferably, the support member 17 is provided with a holding structure 50 for each wire harness 27.

[0220] like Figure 4As shown, each holding structure 50 includes a first holding portion 51 and a second holding portion 52. Both the first holding portion 51 and the second holding portion 52 are molded integrally with the support member body 18. It should be noted that Figure 4 The positions and structures of the first holding portion 51 and the second holding portion 52 are only generally shown. Figure 5 (A) to (D) show the structures of the first holding portion 51 and the second holding portion 52 in more detail.

[0221] like Figure 5 As shown in FIGS. 5(A) and 5(B), the first holding portion 51 includes a pair of first base portions 53 aligned with each other in the lateral direction. Figure 5 As shown in (B), each of the first base portions 53 protrudes downward from the back surface of the support member 17. In this embodiment, each of the first base portions 53 has a plate shape facing laterally.

[0222] The wire harness 27 passes between the two first base portions 53. As a result, the first holding portion 51 holds the wire harness 27 in such a manner that the wire harness 27 can move in the front-rear direction while being prevented from moving in the lateral direction. In other words, the wire harness 27 is fixed to the supporting member body 18 by the first holding portion 51 so as to be movable in the front-rear direction while being prevented from moving in the lateral direction.

[0223] like Figure 5 As shown in (B), at least one of the free ends (lower ends) of the left and right first base portions 53 is provided with a first limiting member 54 extending toward the other first base portion 53. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 5 As shown in (A), the front-to-rear length of the base end of the first limiting member 54 is equal to the front-to-rear length of the free end of the first base portion 53, and the first limiting member 54 protrudes from the entire free end of one of the first base portions 53 toward the free end of the other first base portion 53. Figure 5 As shown in FIGS. 5(B) and 5(C), the first restricting member 54 restricts movement of the harness 27 away from the support member body 18 (ie, downward, or in the dorsal direction). In this embodiment, the first restricting member 54 is provided at the free end of the first base portion 53 located on the outer side of the seat.

[0224] like Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 2B , it is preferable that the distance between the extended end of the first restricting member 54 and the distal end of the other first base portion 53 is slightly smaller than the diameter of the wire harness 27 .

[0225] like Figure 5 As shown in (D), the second holding portion 52 includes a pair of second base portions 55 arranged along the front-rear direction. Each second base portion 55 protrudes downward from the back surface of the support member 17. In this embodiment, each second base portion 55 has a plate shape facing the front-rear direction.

[0226] The wire harness 27 passes between the two second base portions 55. As a result, the second holding portion 52 holds the wire harness 27 so that the wire harness 27 can move in the lateral direction while being restricted from moving in the front-rear direction. In other words, the wire harness 27 is held to the support member body 18 so that it can move in the front-rear direction while its lateral movement is restricted by the second holding portion 52.

[0227] The free end (lower end) of at least one of the second base portions 55 is provided with a second limiting member 56 extending toward the free end of the other second base portion 55. The second limiting member 56 limits the movement of the wire harness 27 away from the support member body 18 (i.e., downward, or in the dorsal direction). In this embodiment, the second limiting member 56 is provided at the free end of the second base portion 55 located at the rear.

[0228] In this embodiment, the support member 17 is manufactured by combining an upper mold and a lower mold. Therefore, in this embodiment, in order to facilitate demoulding or mold separation, as shown in FIG. Figure 5 As shown in FIGS. 5(B) and 5(D), a demolding hole 58 (parting hole 58) is provided at a portion of the support member 17 vertically aligned with the first restricting member 54 and at a position vertically aligned with the second restricting member 56.

[0229] like Figure 5 As shown in (A), in the top view, the demolding hole 58 is preferably larger than the first limiting member 54 (or the second limiting member 56). Figure 5 As shown in (C), the free end P of the first limiting member 54 and the opposite edge Q of the demolding hole 58 are horizontally offset from each other. By configuring the demolding hole 58 to be larger than the first limiting member 54 (or the second limiting member 56) in a top view, the manufacturing of the support member 17 is facilitated and the deformability of the support member 17 is increased.

[0230] like Figure 4 As shown, the first retaining portion 51 and the second retaining portion 52 are provided at positions spaced apart from each other. The second retaining portion 52 is preferably provided at a position spaced apart from the first retaining portion 51 in the front-rear direction and the lateral direction. In this embodiment, the second retaining portion 52 is disposed on the inner side of the seat (specifically, on the lateral inner side of the seat) and at a position offset rearward from the first retaining portion 51.

[0231] More specifically, each of the first base portions 53 is located further on the outside of the seat than the outer end of each of the second base portions 55, and is located laterally closer to the recess 17A than each of the second base portions 55. Furthermore, each of the first base portions 53 is located forward of the front end of each of the second base portions 55, and is closer to the recess 17A in the front-rear direction than each of the second base portions 55. In this embodiment, the first retaining portion 51 is located laterally inward of the inner end of the recess 17A.

[0232] The wire harness 27 extends from the through hole 44 toward the recess 17A, passes through the seat inner end of the recess 17A, and extends toward the inside of the seat. Thereafter, the wire harness 27 passes between the respective first base portions 53, bends backward, further bends toward the inside of the seat, passes between the respective second base portions 55, and further extends toward the inside of the seat. The wire harness 27 is connected to a control device (not shown in the figure) that controls the operation of the vibration generating device 24. The control device may be attached to the bottom of the seat cushion 2, or may be attached to a vehicle body on which the vehicle seat 1 is mounted.

[0233] Next, a method for manufacturing the vehicle seat 1 configured in this manner will be described below.

[0234] First, the worker who manufactures the vehicle seat 1 places each engagement member 30 in a mold cavity and insert-moldes them into the cushion member 9A. As a result, the cushion member recess 22 for accommodating each vibration generating device 24 is formed on the cushion member 9A, and each engagement member 30 is fixed to the cushion member 9A at the same time.

[0235] Then, the worker places the cushion member 9A to which the engaging member 30 is fixed, on the upper side (front side) of the support member 17 supported by the seat cushion frame structure 8. Next, the worker passes the wire harness 27 through the through hole 44, inserts the vibration generating device 24 into the cushion member recess 22, and engages the vibration generating device 24 with the engaging member 30. As a result, the vibration generating device 24 is placed in the cushion member recess 22 of the cushion member 9A, and is fixed to the cushion member 9A via the engaging member 30. In addition, the worker pulls out the wire harness 27 from the lower side of the through hole 44, and fixes the wire harness 27 to the first retaining portion 51 and the second retaining portion 52. Thereafter, when the vehicle seat 1 is assembled to the vehicle body, the worker performing the assembly work connects the wire harness 27 to the control device.

[0236] Next, the effects of the vehicle seat 1 and the method of manufacturing the vehicle seat 1 configured in this manner will be discussed below.

[0237] The wire harness 27 extends in the front-rear direction (first direction) at the first retaining portion 51, and is retained by the engaging member 30 so as to be movable in the length direction. Furthermore, the wire harness 27 extends transversely (in the second direction) at the second retaining portion 52, and is retained by the engaging member 30 so as to be movable in the length direction. Thus, the wire harness 27 is fixed to the supporting member 17 so as to be movable in the length direction thereof.

[0238] When an occupant sits on the vehicle seat 1, the vibration generating device 24 moves under the load of the seated occupant. Since the wire harness 27 is movable in its length direction, the wire harness 27 can be moved in the length direction so that the wire harness 27 can be pulled out as needed by the movement of the vibration generating device 24. Thus, the vehicle seat 1 and the method for manufacturing the vehicle seat 1 are provided in such a manner that the wire harness 27 can be held on the support member 17 while the load that may be applied to the wire harness 27 can be reduced.

[0239] The first holding portion 51 is provided with a pair of first base portions 53 aligned laterally with each other, and the wire harness 27 is placed between the pair of first base portions 53. Therefore, with a simple configuration, the wire harness 27 can be held by the first holding portion 51 to extend in the front-rear direction and be movable in its length direction.

[0240] The second holding portion 52 is provided with a pair of second base portions 55 arranged one behind the other, and the wire harness 27 is placed between the pair of second base portions 55. Therefore, with a simple configuration, the wire harness 27 can be held by the second holding portion 52 to extend in the lateral direction and be movable in its length direction.

[0241] Each of the first base portions 53 is plate-shaped and faces the front-to-rear direction. Therefore, it is possible to ensure a sufficient contact area between each of the first base portions 53 and the wire harness 27 facing the front-to-rear direction so that the first retaining portion 51 can effectively restrict the movement of the wire harness 27 in the front-to-rear direction. Similarly, each of the second base portions 55 is plate-shaped and faces the lateral direction. Therefore, it is possible to ensure a sufficient contact area between each of the second base portions 55 and the wire harness 27 facing the lateral direction so that the second retaining portion 52 can effectively restrict the movement of the wire harness 27 in the lateral direction.

[0242] Although in Figure 4 In the embodiment, the first and second holding portions 51, 52 are arranged to be spaced apart from each other, but as Figure 6As shown in the modified embodiment of FIG. 5 , the first and second retaining portions 51, 52 may be provided so as to be connected to each other. However, when the first and second retaining portions 51, 52 are provided at positions spaced apart from each other, the wire harness 27 can be fixed to the support member 17 in a more gradually bent manner than when the first and second retaining portions 51, 52 are connected to each other. In particular, stress is prevented from being concentrated in the portion of the wire harness 27 located between the first and second retaining portions 51, 52.

[0243] The second retaining portion 52 is disposed at a position offset from the first retaining portion 51 in both the front-rear direction and the lateral direction (i.e., a position spaced apart in both directions). Therefore, stress that may be applied to the portion of the wire harness 27 between the first retaining portion 51 and the second retaining portion 52 can be effectively reduced.

[0244] like Figure 5 As shown in (B), the first restricting member 54 is provided at the end of the first base portion located on the outer side of the seat (laterally outer side of the seat) among the respective first base portions 53. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the wire harness 27 from moving downwardly away from the support member 17 at the first retaining portion 51. Similarly, the second restricting member 56 is also provided at the end of the rear second base portion 55. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the wire harness 27 from moving downwardly away from the support member 17 at the second retaining portion 52.

[0245] <Second Embodiment> The vehicle seat 1 according to the second embodiment of the present invention is different from the vehicle seat of the first embodiment only in the retaining structure 50, and the configuration of the second embodiment is similar to that of the first embodiment in other respects. Therefore, the description of the configuration other than the retaining structure 50 will be omitted in the following disclosure.

[0246] Similar to the first embodiment, the holding structure 50 of the second embodiment includes a first holding portion 51 and a second holding portion 52. Figure 7 As shown in (A), the first retaining portion 51 fixes the wire harness 27 to the supporting member body 18 so as to be movable in the front-rear direction while restricting the movement of the wire harness 27 in the lateral direction. Figure 7 (B), the second retaining portion 52 fixes the wire harness 27 to the supporting member body 18 so as to be movable in the lateral direction while restricting the movement of the wire harness 27 in the front-rear direction. The first retaining portion 51 and the second retaining portion 52 are provided at positions on the supporting member body 18 that are substantially similar to those in the first embodiment.

[0247] As in the first embodiment, the first holding portion 51 includes a pair of first base portions 53 located on the left and right, and the second holding portion 52 includes a pair of second base portions 55 located on the front and rear. However, in the second embodiment, a first restriction member 54 is provided on each of the two first base portions 53, and a second restriction member 56 is provided on each of the two second base portions 55.

[0248] Each first limiting member 54 is connected to the corresponding first base portion 53 at its base end portion and extends horizontally toward the other first base portion 53. Figure 7 As shown in (C), the free end of each first limiting member 54 gradually becomes smaller from the base end thereof. As a result, each first limiting member 54 forms a limiting claw having a claw shape. When viewed in the horizontal direction, the first limiting member 54 provided on one of the first base portions 53 and the first limiting member 54 provided on the other first base portion 53 extend toward each other, and when viewed in the horizontal direction, the distance between the two free ends is smaller than the diameter of the wire harness 27.

[0249] Each second limiting member 56 is connected to the corresponding second base portion 55 at its base end and extends horizontally toward the other second base portion 55. Each second limiting member 56 tapers and is claw-shaped. When viewed in the horizontal direction, the second limiting member 56 provided on one of the second base portions 55 and the second limiting member 56 provided on the other second base portion 55 extend toward each other, and when viewed in the horizontal direction, the distance between the two free ends is less than the diameter of the wire harness 27.

[0250] In this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, a plurality of demolding holes 58 are provided in the support member 17 to facilitate demolding. One of each demolding hole 58 is provided to be vertically aligned with the first restriction piece 54 of each first base portion 53, and another demolding hole is provided to be vertically aligned with each second restriction piece 56.

[0251] The plate thickness of each first base portion 53 and each second base portion 55 can be smaller than that of the first embodiment. This allows each first base portion 53 to easily undergo bending deformation in the lateral direction and each second base portion 55 to easily undergo bending deformation in the front-rear direction.

[0252] Next, the effects of the vehicle seat 1 constructed in this manner will be discussed below.

[0253] As in the first embodiment, the wire harness 27 extends in the front-rear direction at the first holding portion 51, and is held by the engaging member 30 so as to be movable in the length direction. In addition, the wire harness 27 extends in the second direction at the second holding portion 52, and is held by the engaging member 30 so as to be movable in the length direction. Therefore, the wire harness 27 is fixed to the supporting member 17 so as to be movable in the length direction.

[0254] When an occupant sits on the vehicle seat 1, the vibration generating device 24 moves under the load of the seated occupant. Since the wire harness 27 is movable in its length direction, the wire harness 27 can move in the length direction in such a manner that the wire harness 27 is pulled out in response to the movement of the vibration generating device 24. Thus, the vehicle seat 1 is provided, which can hold the wire harness 27 on the support member 17 while reducing the load that may be applied to the wire harness 27.

[0255] In the second embodiment, when the wire harness 27 is inserted from below until the wire harness 27 is placed above each first restricting member 54 and each second restricting member 56, the wire harness 27 is held by the support member 17. In this way, the wire harness 27 can be assembled to the support member 17 by inserting the wire harness 27 upward, thereby facilitating the assembly of the wire harness 27.

[0256] <Third Embodiment> The vehicle seat 1 according to the third embodiment of the present invention is different from the first embodiment only in the holding structure 50 and is similar to the holding structure of the first embodiment in other respects. Therefore, description of the configuration other than the holding structure 50 will be omitted in the following disclosure.

[0257] The holding structure 50 of the third embodiment includes a first holding portion 51 and a second holding portion 52, as in the first embodiment. Figure 8 As shown in (A), the first retaining portion 51 fixes the wire harness 27 to the supporting member body 18 so as to be movable in the front-rear direction while restricting the movement of the wire harness 27 in the lateral direction. Figure 8 (B), the second retaining portion 52 fixes the wire harness 27 to the supporting member body 18 so as to be movable in the lateral direction while restricting the movement of the wire harness 27 in the front-rear direction. The first retaining portion 51 and the second retaining portion 52 are provided at substantially the same position as the supporting member body 18 of the first embodiment.

[0258] like Figure 8As shown in (A), the first holding portion 51 includes a pair of first base portions 53 disposed to be laterally adjacent to each other, and the second holding portion 52 includes a pair of second base portions 55 disposed one behind the other, as in the first embodiment. However, in the holding structure 50 of the third embodiment, the free end of one of the first base portions 53 is provided with a first restriction member 54 extending toward the other first base portion 53. The free end of the other first base portion 53 is provided with two or more first restriction members 54.

[0259] The first restricting members 54 provided on one of the respective first base portions 53 and the respective first restricting members 54 provided on the other first base portion 53 are arranged so as not to overlap when viewed in the lateral direction. In this embodiment, the first restricting members 54 provided on one of the respective first base portions 53 and the respective first restricting members 54 provided on the other first base portion 53 are arranged in a staggered or alternating arrangement along the front-rear direction.

[0260] like Figure 8 As shown in (B), second limiting members 56 are provided at the free ends of the front and rear second base portions 55. Each second limiting member 56 extends toward the opposite second base portion 55. As with the first limiting member 54, the second limiting members 56 provided on each second base portion 55 are arranged so as not to overlap each other when viewed in the front-rear direction. In this embodiment, the second limiting members 56 provided on one of the second base portions 55 and the second limiting members 56 provided on the other second base portion 55 are arranged in a staggered arrangement along the lateral direction.

[0261] In this embodiment, if Figure 8 As shown in (C), the free ends of each first restricting member 54 and each second restricting member 56 taper into a claw shape, as in the second embodiment. As a result, each of the first restricting member 54 and each second restricting member 56 serves as a restricting claw that restricts the downward movement of the wire harness 27.

[0262] When viewed in the front-rear direction, the distance between the ends of the first restricting members 54 provided on the left and right first base portions 53 is smaller than the diameter of the wire harness 27. Similarly, when viewed in the lateral direction, the distance between the ends of the second restricting members 56 provided on the front and rear second base portions 55 is smaller than the diameter of the wire harness 27.

[0263] Next, the effects of the vehicle seat 1 constructed in this manner will be discussed below.

[0264] As in the first embodiment, the wire harness 27 extends in the front-rear direction at the first holding portion 51, and is held by the engaging member 30 so as to be movable in the length direction. In addition, the wire harness 27 extends in the second direction at the second holding portion 52, and is held by the engaging member 30 so as to be movable in the length direction. Therefore, the wire harness 27 is fixed to the supporting member 17 so as to be movable in the length direction thereof.

[0265] When an occupant sits on the vehicle seat 1, the vibration generating device 24 moves under the load of the seated occupant. Since the wire harness 27 is movable in its length direction, the wire harness 27 can move in the length direction in such a manner that the wire harness 27 is pulled out in response to the movement of the vibration generating device 24. Therefore, a vehicle seat 1 is provided that can hold the wire harness 27 on the support member 17 while reducing a load that may be applied to the wire harness 27.

[0266] In this embodiment, the first restricting members 54 and the second restricting members 56 are arranged in a staggered relationship. Therefore, a worker can easily insert the wire harness 27 between the two first base portions 53 or between the two second base portions 55, so that the efficiency of assembling the wire harness 27 to the support member 17 can be improved.

[0267] <Fourth Embodiment> The vehicle seat 1 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention is different from the first embodiment only in the holding structure 50, and is similar to the first embodiment in other respects. Therefore, the description of the configuration other than the holding structure 50 will be omitted in the following disclosure.

[0268] The holding structure 50 of the fourth embodiment includes the first holding portion 51 and the second holding portion 52, as in the first embodiment. The first holding portion 51 and the second holding portion 52 are provided at positions on the supporting member body 18 that are substantially the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0269] The first holding portion 51 and the second holding portion 52 each include a main portion 60 that holds the wire harness 27 and a sub-portion 61 that prevents the wire harness 27 from falling off the main portion 60 .

[0270] like Fig. 9 As shown in FIG. 1A , the main portion 60 (hereinafter, the first main portion 60A) of the first holding portion 51 is provided on the outer side of the auxiliary portion 61 (hereinafter, the first auxiliary portion 61A) of the first holding portion 51 with respect to the seat. Fig. 9 As shown in FIG. 2(B), the main portion 60 (hereinafter, second main portion 60B) of the second holding portion 52 is located behind the auxiliary portion 61 (hereinafter, second auxiliary portion 61B) of the second holding portion 52 .

[0271] like Fig. 9As shown in (C), the main part 60 includes a plate-like portion 62 extending downward and facing the horizontal direction and a claw portion 63 provided at the free end of the plate-like portion 62. The claw portion 63 is provided with an extension portion 64 extending horizontally and a locking portion 65 protruding upward from the free end of the extension portion 64. As a result, the claw portion 63 is formed at its free end to define a concave shape facing upward. The plate-like portion 62 and the claw portion 63 together define a receiving recess 66 that is recessed downward and receives the wire harness 27 therein.

[0272] In this embodiment, the distance between the plate portion 62 and the locking portion 65 is selected to coincide with or slightly smaller than the diameter of the harness 27. As a result, the harness 27 is received in the receiving recess 66 so as to be clamped therebetween.

[0273] The plate-like portion 62 of the first main portion 60A is plate-like and faces in the lateral direction. The extension portion 64 of the first main portion 60A extends inwardly relative to the seat (more specifically, toward the lateral inner side of the seat). The locking portion 65 of the first main portion 60A is located further inboard of the seat than the plate-like portion 62 of the first main portion 60A. The locking portion 65 of the first main portion 60A is plate-like and faces in the lateral direction, similar to the plate-like portion 62 of the first main portion 60A. As a result, the wiring harness 27 is retained by the first retaining portion 51 so as to be movable in the front-to-rear direction and immovable in the lateral direction. In this way, the plate-like portion 62 and the locking portion 65 of the first main portion 60A act similarly to the first base portion 53 of the first embodiment in limiting the movement of the wiring harness 27 in a direction perpendicular to its length direction (lateral direction).

[0274] The plate-like portion 62 of the second main portion 60B is plate-like and faces the front-to-back direction. The locking portion 65 of the second main portion 60B is also plate-like and faces the front-to-back direction. As a result, the wire harness 27 is held by the second holding portion 52 so as to be movable in the front-to-back direction and immovable in the lateral direction. In this way, the plate-like portion 62 and the locking portion 65 of the second main portion 60B act similarly to the first base portion 53 of the first embodiment in limiting the movement of the wire harness 27 in a direction perpendicular to the length direction (lateral direction).

[0275] The first auxiliary portion 61A extends forward and backward on the inner side of the locking portion 65 of the first main portion 60A with respect to the seat. In this embodiment, the first auxiliary portion 61A forms a ridge that bulges downward on the inner side of the locking portion 65 of the first main portion 60A with respect to the seat. A step portion 67 is formed at the boundary between the first auxiliary portion 61A and the support member body 18. The protrusion amount of the first auxiliary portion 61A is greater than the vertical distance between the locking portion 65 of the first main portion 60A and the support member body 18, so that the first auxiliary portion 61A blocks the gap between the locking portion 65 of the first main portion 60A and the support member body 18. This prevents the wire harness 27 from falling off from the first main portion 60A.

[0276] The second auxiliary portion 61B extends laterally behind the locking portion 65 of the second main portion 60B. In this embodiment, the second auxiliary portion 61B forms a protrusion that bulges downward behind the locking portion 65 of the second main portion 60B. A step portion 67 is formed at the boundary between the second auxiliary portion 61B and the support member body 18. The protrusion amount of the second auxiliary portion 61B is greater than the vertical distance between the locking portion 65 of the second main portion 60B and the support member body 18, so that the second auxiliary portion 61B blocks the gap between the locking portion 65 of the second main portion 60B and the support member body 18. This prevents the wire harness 27 from falling off from the second main portion 60B.

[0277] Next, the effects of the vehicle seat 1 constructed in this manner will be discussed below.

[0278] As in the first embodiment, the wire harness 27 extends in the front-rear direction at the first retaining portion 51, and is retained by the engaging member 30 so as to be movable in the length direction. The wire harness 27 extends in the second direction at the second retaining portion 52, and is retained by the engaging member 30 so as to be movable in the length direction. Therefore, the wire harness 27 is fixed to the supporting member 17 so as to be movable in the length direction.

[0279] When an occupant sits on the vehicle seat 1, the vibration generating device 24 moves under the load of the seated occupant. Since the wire harness 27 is movable in its length direction, the wire harness 27 can move in the length direction in such a manner that the wire harness 27 is pulled out in response to the movement of the vibration generating device 24. Therefore, a vehicle seat 1 is provided that can hold the wire harness 27 on the support member 17 while reducing a load that may be applied to the wire harness 27.

[0280] <Fifth Embodiment> The vehicle seat 1 according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention is different from the first embodiment only in the holding structure 50, and is similar to the first embodiment in other respects. Therefore, the description of the configuration other than the holding structure 50 is omitted in the following disclosure.

[0281] The holding structure 50 of the fifth embodiment includes a first holding portion 51 (see Fig.10 (A) and (B)) and the second holding portion 52 (see Fig.10 (C)), as in the first embodiment. The first retaining portion 51 and the second retaining portion 52 are provided at positions on the supporting member body 18 that are substantially similar to those in the first embodiment.

[0282] More specifically, if Fig.10 As shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, the first retaining portion 51 includes a pair of first base portions 53 having main surfaces facing the lateral direction, and protrusions 70 (hereinafter, first protrusions 70A) provided on mutually opposing surfaces of each first base portion 53. Each first base portion 53 is plate-shaped, and its main surfaces are opposed to each other. Each first protrusion 70A protrudes toward each other from the opposing surfaces of the first base portion 53.

[0283] In this embodiment, one of the first base portions 53 is provided with a pair of first protrusions 70A, and the other first base portion 53 is provided with a single first protrusion 70A. The first protrusions 70A provided on one of the first base portions 53 and the first protrusions 70A provided on the other first base portion 53 are staggered or alternated along the front-to-back direction. Fig.10 As shown in FIGS. 10(B) and 10(D), the protrusion amount of each first protrusion 70A increases as moving away from the supporting member body 18 .

[0284] like Fig.10 As shown in (C), the second retaining portion 52 is provided with a pair of second base portions 55 having a main surface facing the lateral direction, and a second protrusion 70B is provided on the opposite surface of each second base portion 55. Each second base portion 55 is plate-shaped and has opposite main surfaces. Each second protrusion 70B protrudes toward each other from the opposite surface of the second base portion 55. The second protrusion 70B has the same shape as the first protrusion 70A, and the second protrusions 70B provided in the two second base portions 55 of the second retaining portion 52 are arranged in a staggered arrangement. Similar to each first protrusion 70A, the protrusion amount of each second protrusion 70B is also configured to increase as it moves away from the support member body 18.

[0285] Next, the effects of the vehicle seat 1 constructed in this manner will be discussed below.

[0286] As in the first embodiment, the wire harness 27 extends in the front-rear direction at the first retaining portion 51, and is retained by the engaging member 30 so as to be movable in the length direction. The wire harness 27 extends in the second direction at the second retaining portion 52, and is retained by the engaging member 30 so as to be movable in the length direction. Therefore, the wire harness 27 is fixed to the supporting member 17 so as to be movable in the length direction.

[0287] When an occupant sits on the vehicle seat 1, the vibration generating device 24 moves under the load of the seated occupant. Since the wire harness 27 is movable in its length direction, the wire harness 27 can move in the length direction in such a manner that the wire harness 27 is pulled out in response to the movement of the vibration generating device 24. Therefore, a vehicle seat 1 is provided that can hold the wire harness 27 on the support member 17 while reducing a load that may be applied to the wire harness 27.

[0288] like Fig.10 As shown in (B) and 10 (C), the protrusion amount of each protrusion 70 (first protrusion 70A and second protrusion 70B) increases as it moves away from the support member 17 (main body). Therefore, when the vibration generating device 24 is pulled and the wire harness 27 is pressed against the support member 17, the first retaining portion 51 is less likely to restrict the lateral movement of the wire harness 27, and the second retaining portion 52 is less likely to restrict the front-to-back movement of the wire harness 27. Therefore, even when the vibration generating device 24 is pulled and the wire harness 27 is pressed against the support member 17, the load that may be applied to the wire harness 27 can be reduced compared to the case when the protrusion amount of each protrusion 70 is constant.

[0289] <Sixth Embodiment> The vehicle seat 1 according to the sixth embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the engagement mode between the engagement member 30 and the vibration generating device 24, and is similar to the first embodiment in other aspects. Therefore, the description of the structure other than the engagement member 30 and the vibration generating device 24 will be omitted in the following disclosure.

[0290] like Fig.11 As shown, each engagement member 30 according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention is accommodated in the cushion member recess 22 of the cushion member 9A and fixed to the wall surface defining the cushion member recess 22, similarly to the first embodiment. As in the first embodiment, the engagement member 30 includes an engagement member body 31 in the form of a rectangular frame structure provided with a cutout 40, and a plurality of locking claws 32 provided on the engagement member body 31.

[0291] like Fig.11As shown, each locking claw 32 is provided on the front edge of the engaging member body 31. Each locking claw 32 abuts against the edge of the front side of the vibration generating device 24, pressing the vibration generating device 24 against the bottom surface of the cushion member recess 22. As in the first embodiment, the vibration generating device 24 is fixed to the wall surface defining the cushion member recess 22 in such a manner that the vibration generating device 24 is fixed in a portion of the cushion member 9A between each locking claw 32 and the bottom surface of the cushion member recess 22.

[0292] The covering member 42 is accommodated in the enlarged portion 22A and is arranged on the front side of the vibration generating device 24. As a result, the covering member 42 is arranged to cover the vibration generating device 24 from the front side, as in the first embodiment. In the present embodiment, the back surface of the covering member 42 abuts against the front edge of the engaging member 30 in a manner that creates a gap between the front surface of the vibration generating device 24 and the back surface of the covering member 42. The front surface of the covering member 42 is flush with the portion of the cushion member 9A surrounding the cushion member recess 22.

[0293] Next, the effect of the vehicle seat 1 constructed in this manner will be discussed below. The vibration generating device 24 is engaged with the engaging member 30, and the engaging member 30 is fixed to the cushion member 9A. Since the engaging member 30 is made of a harder material than the cushion member 9A, it is less likely to deform than the cushion member 9A when a load from a seated occupant is applied. Therefore, the vibration generating device 24 is less likely to move relative to the cushion member 9A than when the vibration generating device 24 is assembled into the cushion member recess 22 provided in the cushion member 9A and frictionally locked therein.

[0294] The first to sixth embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and can be modified and implemented in various different ways.

[0295] In the first to sixth embodiments, the first retaining portion 51 is located on the outer side of the seat and in front of the second retaining portion 52 , but the arrangement of the first retaining portion 51 and the second retaining portion 52 is not limited to this mode.

[0296] Fig.12 FIG. 5 shows a modified arrangement of the first holding portion 51 and the second holding portion 52. Fig.12 As shown, the second retaining portion 52 may be located on the outer side of the seat and behind the first retaining portion 51. In this case, the required length of the wire harness 27 increases, but since the first base portion 53 and the second base portion 55 are spaced apart from each other, stress that may be applied to the portion of the wire harness 27 located between the first retaining portion 51 and the second retaining portion 52 can be reduced.

[0297] In addition, if Figure 6As shown, the first base portion 53 and the second base portion 55 can be combined with each other, and the first holding portion 51 and the second holding portion 52 can be connected to each other. As a result, the groove 80 extends substantially continuously between the first base portion 53 and the second base portion 55.

[0298] Even when the first base portion 53 and the second base portion 55 are combined with each other in this way and configured to be continuous, the wire harness 27 can be fixed to the support member body 18 while restricting movement in the direction perpendicular to the length direction. In addition, when at least one of the respective first base portions 53 and at least one of the respective second base portions 55 are connected to each other, the movement of the wire harness 27 can be more firmly restricted than when the respective first base portions 53 and the respective second base portions 55 are not connected to each other at all. In addition, since the rigidity of the first retaining portion 51 and the second retaining portion 52 is increased by connecting them, the first retaining portion 51 and the second retaining portion 52 are less likely to be deformed than when they are separated.

[0299] In the first to sixth embodiments, the vibration generating device 24 is described as being disposed in the seat cushion 2, but the present invention is not limited to this example, and the vibration generating device 24 may also be disposed in the seat back 3. In the above embodiments, the electrical device disposed in the vehicle seat 1 is constituted by the vibration generating device 24, but the electrical device may also be another electrical / electronic device (such as a blower and a seat heater). In addition, in the above embodiments, the vibration generating device 24, which is an electrical device, is completely contained in the cushion member recess 22, but the present invention is not limited to this aspect, and the electrical device may also be at least partially received in the cushion member recess 22 and engaged at a portion thereof by the engaging member 30. In addition, the shape of the engaging member 30 is not limited to the form of the frame structure, and may be any shape that matches the shape of the electrical device. For example, the engaging member 30 may be hook-shaped to be consistent with the shape of the electrical device. In addition, the joining member 30 can be located in any position as long as the joining member 30 is fixed to a portion of the cushion member 9A on the side of the opening away from the bottom wall 22B (the upper side of the bottom wall 22B when set on the seat cushion 2, and the front of the bottom wall 22B when set on the seat back 3).

[0300] In the first to sixth embodiments, the first retaining portion 51 is configured to restrict the movement of the wire harness 27 in the lateral direction (first direction), and the second retaining portion 52 is configured to restrict the movement of the wire harness 27 in the front-rear direction (second direction). However, the direction in which the movement of the wire harness 27 is restricted by the first retaining portion 51 and the direction in which the movement of the wire harness 27 is restricted by the second retaining portion 52 may be any direction as long as they are orthogonal to each other. In addition, although in the above embodiments, the support member body 18 extends along the seat cushion frame structure 8, the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, the support member body 18 may be configured to bend downward at approximately the center in the front-rear direction and extend at a small angle to the extension direction of the seat cushion frame structure 8.

[0301] <Seventh Embodiment> A vehicle seat according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention, which is applied to a seat 101 mounted on a vehicle such as an automobile, will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following disclosure, the lateral direction and the vertical direction will be defined based on the assumption that the traveling direction coincides with the front-rear direction.

[0302] like Fig.13 As shown, the seat 101 is installed on a floor 102 defining the bottom of the vehicle cabin so as to face forward. In this embodiment, the seat 101 constitutes a front row seat.

[0303] The seat 101 includes a seat cushion 104 fixed to a floor 102, a seat back 105 connected to the rear of the seat cushion 104, and a headrest 106 provided on the upper end of the seat back 105. The seat cushion 104 supports the buttocks and thighs of the occupant from below. The seat back 105 supports the lumbar region and back of the occupant from behind.

[0304] The seat 101 also includes a plurality of vibration devices 107 for applying vibration to the occupant, a plurality of air bags 108, and a blower 109. Each air bag 108 expands when fluid is supplied thereto and contracts when fluid is discharged therefrom. The blower 109 blows air toward the occupant. In another embodiment, the seat 101 may have an air intake device that draws air toward the occupant instead of the blower 109.

[0305] Likewise Fig.14 As shown, the seat back 105 is provided with a seat back frame structure 111 forming a skeleton frame structure, and a seat back cushion 112 supported by the seat back frame structure 111. The seat back 105 also has a skin material 113 placed on the seat back cushion 112 and the seat back frame structure 111. Each vibration device 107 and each air bag 108 are arranged between the seat back cushion 112 and the skin material 113.

[0306] like Fig.14As shown, the seat back frame structure 111 may have a known configuration per se, including a pair of seat back side members 114 extending vertically on both sides, an upper member 116 connected between upper ends of the left and right seat back side members 114, a lower member 118 extending transversely between lower ends of the left and right seat back side members 114, and an intermediate member 120 extending transversely between the left and right seat back side members 114. The intermediate member 120 may be disposed between the upper member 116 and the lower member 118. The seat back frame structure 111 may be formed of, for example, metal.

[0307] The seat back 105 further includes a pressure receiving member 121 supported by the seat back frame structure 111. The pressure receiving member 121 may have a configuration known per se, for example, including a plurality of metal wires 122 spanning the seat back frame structure 111 and a plate-like member 123 supported by each of the metal wires 122 and facing the front-rear direction. In this embodiment, the upper end of each of the metal wires 122 is connected to the intermediate member 120, and the lower end of each of the metal wires 122 is connected to the lower member 118. The plate-like member 123 is connected to the front side of each of the metal wires 122. The plate-like member 123 may be made of, for example, a resin material.

[0308] like Fig.15 and 16 As shown, the seat back pad 112 is placed on the front side of the pressure receiving member 121, that is, on the front side facing the occupant (the seated person side). The back side of the seat back pad 112, that is, the side facing the rear side away from the occupant, can abut the front side of the plate-like member 123. As a result, the load applied to the seat back pad 112 from the front via the skin material 113 is transmitted to the seat back frame structure 111 via the pressure receiving member 121. The seat back pad 112 can be formed of a foamed resin such as polyurethane foam. It should be noted that Fig.15 is along Fig.18 The cross-sectional view taken along the line XV-XV of Fig.16 is along Fig.18 A cross-sectional view taken along line XVI-XVI of FIG.

[0309] like Fig.17 As shown, the seat back pad 112 may be provided with a plurality of grooves 126 for pulling down the skin material 113. Each groove 126 is recessed rearward from the front surface of the seat back pad 112 and extends along the surface of the seat back pad 112. In this embodiment, there are a pair of vertical row grooves 128 extending in the vertical direction on both sides, and horizontal row grooves 129 extending in the lateral direction and intersecting the respective vertical row grooves 128.

[0310] Each groove 126 may be provided with a plurality of clips (not shown) for holding the skin material 113 to the seat back 105 in the bottom thereof. Each clip may have a known configuration per se, for example, including a base sheet embedded in the seat back pad 112 and a pair of locking pieces protruding from the base sheet to the inside of the groove 126 at the bottom of the groove. The skin material 113 is held to the seat back 105 by locking a plurality of locking portions provided on the skin material 113 to the corresponding locking pieces.

[0311] like Fig.14 As shown, the blower 109 includes a blower body 131 supported by the seat back frame structure 111 and a duct 132 connected to the blower body 131. The blower body 131 is disposed between the upper member 116 and the middle member 120. The blower body 131 may be connected to at least one of the upper member 116 and the middle member 120 via a bracket 133. The blower body 131 may be, for example, a centrifugal fan, or may be a multi-blade fan.

[0312] A heat source or a cooling source may be provided on the air inlet side or the air outlet side of the blower body 131. The heat source may be, for example, a radiator or a PTC heater (positive temperature coefficient heater). The cooling source may be, for example, a Peltier device. In this way, the blower 109 can send out warm air or cool air from a portion located on the seated passenger side.

[0313] The duct 132 may be formed to have a rectangular cross section. One end of the duct 132 is connected to the blower body 131, and the other end of the duct 132 passes from rear to front between the upper member 116 and the intermediate member 120. The opening of the other end of the duct 132 faces forward.

[0314] like Fig.17 As shown, the seat back pad 112 is also provided with a ventilation hole 134 passing through in the front-rear direction and a ventilation groove 135 communicating with the ventilation hole 134. In this embodiment, when viewed from the top-bottom direction, the ventilation hole 134 is formed in a rectangular shape. The ventilation hole 134 is provided below the horizontal row slot 129 and to the left of the right vertical row slot 128. The duct 132 communicates with the ventilation hole 134. More specifically, the other end of the duct 132 can be inserted into the ventilation hole 134.

[0315] like Figures 15 to 17As shown, the ventilation groove 135 is recessed backward from the surface of the seat back pad 112 and extends along the surface of the seat back pad 112. The ventilation groove 135 is connected to the ventilation hole 134. More specifically, the ventilation hole 134 is formed in a portion of the bottom of the ventilation groove 135. The ventilation groove 135 includes a plurality of transverse groove segments 136 extending in the transverse direction and a plurality of vertical groove segments 137 extending in the vertical direction and connected to each transverse groove segment 136. In this embodiment, five transverse groove segments 136 are arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction. Each of the vertical groove segments 137 is configured to connect each adjacent transverse groove segment 136 to each other. Each vertical groove segment 137 is arranged in the transverse center of each transverse groove segment 136. The ventilation hole 134 is formed at the right end of the uppermost transverse groove segment 136.

[0316] like Fig.18 As shown, each vibration device 107 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape. Each vibration device 107 can have a known structure per se, including, for example, a coil, a magnet, and a yoke. The magnetic field generated by the coil changes periodically as the direction of the current flowing through the coil changes. This causes the yoke connected to the magnet to vibrate in response to the change in the magnetic field. Each vibration device 107 is preferably arranged so that the direction of its vibration is perpendicular to the front surface of the seat back pad 112, but can also be arranged so that the direction of its vibration is parallel to the front surface of the seat back pad 112.

[0317] Each vibration device 107 is arranged on the front side of the seat back pad 112. Figures 15 to 17 As shown, the seat back pad 112 is provided with a plurality of first recesses 141 for receiving the corresponding vibration devices 107 therein. Each first recess 141 is composed of a bottomed recess recessed rearward from the front surface of the seat back pad 112. When viewed from the front, each first recess 141 is formed in a rectangular shape. Each first recess 141 is configured so that the vibration device 107 is prevented from contacting the occupant, so that the discomfort that the occupant may experience can be minimized.

[0318] like Fig.15As shown, each first recess 141 is communicated with the ventilation groove 135. In this case, the width of the ventilation groove 135 is narrower than the width of each first recess 141. Each first recess 141 is arranged in front of the ventilation groove 135. More specifically, the bottom surface of each first recess 141 is located in front of the bottom surface of the ventilation groove 135. In this case, a part of the opening of the ventilation groove 135 is arranged on the bottom surface of the first recess 141. In this embodiment, except that the uppermost transverse groove section 136 and the lowermost transverse groove section 136 are not communicated with any first recess, each first recess 141 is communicated with the corresponding transverse groove section 136. More specifically, each first recess 141 is arranged on the left or right end of the corresponding transverse groove section 136. When each vibration device 107 is received in the corresponding first recess 141, each vibration device 107 blocks the part of the opening of the ventilation groove 135 arranged on the bottom surface of the first recess 141. Therefore, the air passing through the ventilation groove 135 is prevented from leaking from the first concave portion 141 .

[0319] like Fig.15 , 16 As shown in FIGS. 1 and 18 , each air bag 108 is arranged on the front side of the seat back pad 112. More specifically, each air bag 108 is arranged on the front side of the vibration device 107. In this embodiment, each air bag 108 is arranged on a portion of the front surface of the seat back pad 112 located between two lateral groove sections 136 vertically adjacent to each other. Therefore, each air bag 108 is arranged on the seat back pad 112 so as to be spaced apart from each other.

[0320] When each vibration device 107 is received in the corresponding first recess 141, the vibration device 107 is placed between two air bags 108 that are vertically adjacent to each other when viewed from the front-to-back direction. At this time, when viewed from the front-to-back direction, the vibration device 107 overlaps with these air bags 108. More specifically, when viewed from the front, the upper end of each vibration device 107 overlaps with the lower end of the upper air bag 108. In addition, the lower end of each vibration device 107 overlaps with the lower air bag 108.

[0321] Each of the airbags 108 is fixed to the seat back pad 112 by a fixing member. In this embodiment, the fixing member includes a double-sided tape 143. Each double-sided tape 143 is placed on the front surface of the seat back pad 112. More specifically, one of the surfaces of the double-sided tape 143 is adhered to a portion of the front surface of the seat back pad 112 located between the lateral groove sections 136 vertically adjacent to each other. The rear surface of the corresponding airbag 108 is adhered to the other surface of the double-sided tape 143. In this way, each airbag 108 is fixed to the seat back pad 112. A portion of each double-sided tape 143 may extend beyond the airbag 108 in the vertical direction. In this case, the upper end of the corresponding vibration device 107 may be adhered to the lower end of the double-sided tape 143 located immediately above, and the lower end of this vibration device 107 may be adhered to the upper end of the double-sided tape 143 located immediately below. In this manner, each vibration device 107 can be fixed to the seat back pad 112 in a stable manner.

[0322] A spacer 144 is placed between the vertically adjacent airbags 108. In other words, when viewed in the front-rear direction, each vibration device 107 overlaps the vertically adjacent airbags 108 and the spacer 144. Each of the spacers 144 is formed into a plate shape facing the front-rear direction. Each spacer 144 is preferably placed in the vertical center of the corresponding vibration device 107. As a result, the spacer 144 fills the space between the adjacent airbags 108 in the vertical direction, so that the vibration of the vibration device 107 is more easily transmitted to the occupant. The front surface of each spacer 144 is preferably placed on the same plane as the front surface of the deflated airbag 108. Thus, a step is prevented from being generated between the spacer 144 and the airbag 108. Therefore, the discomfort of the seated occupant can be further reduced. Each spacer 144 can be formed of the same foam resin as the seat back pad 112, or can be formed of a foam resin softer than the seat back pad 112. Each spacer 144 can be fixed to the corresponding vibration device 107 with a double-sided tape 143. In another embodiment, each spacer 144 may extend in the lateral direction along the corresponding lateral groove section 136. In this case, the left and right ends of each spacer 144 may overlap with the left and right vibration devices 107 when viewed from the front-rear direction.

[0323] The cover pad 146 is placed on the front side of the seat back pad 112. The cover pad 146 is located between the seat back pad 112 and the skin material 113. The cover pad 146 covers the ventilation groove 135. The cover pad 146 is formed in a plate shape facing the front and rear directions. The cover pad 146 can be formed of the same foam resin as the seat back pad 112, or can be formed of a harder foam resin than the seat back pad 112. The cover pad 146 can fill the gaps between the individual air bags 108, the individual spacers 144 and the seat back pad 112. This further reduces the discomfort of the seated occupant.

[0324] The cover gasket 146 is provided with a plurality of through holes 148 penetrating in the front-rear direction (see Fig.18 ). When viewed from the front-to-back direction, each through hole 148 overlaps with the ventilation groove 135. More specifically, each through hole 148 overlaps with the left and right ends of the corresponding lateral groove section 136. More specifically, each through hole 148 is arranged so as not to overlap with each first recess 141 when viewed from the front-to-back direction. Each through hole 148 allows the blower body 131 to blow air toward the front side (the occupant side) of the seat back pad 112 via the duct 132, the ventilation holes 134, the ventilation grooves 135 and the each through holes 148. Therefore, the cover pad 146 cooperates with the seat back pad 112 to form a flow path for the air sent out from the blower body 131.

[0325] The cover gasket 146 may have at least one protrusion 149 protruding rearward from the rear surface of the cover gasket 146. The protrusion 149 extends along the surface of the cover gasket 146. More specifically, the protrusion 149 is arranged to overlap with a portion of the ventilation groove 135 when viewed from the front-to-back direction. The protrusion 149 is arranged to avoid each through hole 148. The protrusion 149 is arranged at a position that does not overlap with each first recess 141 when viewed from the front-to-back direction.

[0326] The protrusion 149 provided on the cover pad 146 can be configured to enter the ventilation groove 135 when the cover pad 146 is placed on the seat back pad 112. In this case, the upper and lower side surfaces of the protrusion 149 protruding into the lateral groove section 136 can abut against the upper and lower side surfaces of the lateral groove section 136. In addition, the left and right side surfaces of the protrusion 149 protruding into the vertical groove section 137 can abut against the left and right side surfaces of the vertical groove section 137. This allows the protrusion 149 to block the opening at the front end of the ventilation groove 135. Therefore, the air passing through the ventilation groove 135 is sent to the passenger side from the respective through holes 148 provided in the cover pad 146. The protruding surface of the protrusion 149 facing rearward can be on the same plane as the bottom surface of the first recess 141.

[0327] In other embodiments, the seat back 105 may have a plate-like member arranged between the seat back pad 112 and the cover pad 146. The ventilation groove 135 may be formed in the plate-like member. In this case, the ventilation groove 135 may be formed to penetrate the plate-like member in the thickness direction and extend along the surface of the plate-like member. In this case, the plate-like member may be provided with a plurality of first recesses 141 for receiving each vibration device 107. By replacing the plate-like member, the shape of the ventilation groove 135 and the arrangement of each vibration device 107 can be changed. Therefore, the shape of the ventilation groove 135 and the arrangement of each vibration device 107 can be made more flexible.

[0328] A method of manufacturing the seat 101 configured as above will be described in detail, particularly, a method of manufacturing the seat back 105 . Various processes described below can be performed by an operator who manufactures the seat 101 .

[0329] First, the seat back pad 112 is prepared. The seat back pad 112 may be formed by injection foam molding or extrusion foam molding of a foam resin such as polyurethane foam. At this time, the seat back pad 112 may be formed with a plurality of column slots 126, a plurality of first recesses 141, ventilation holes 134, and ventilation grooves 135. Each column slot 126 may be provided with a plurality of column clips.

[0330] Next, a plurality of vibration devices 107 are received in the corresponding first recesses 141 (first step). Then, a plurality of double-sided tapes 143 are placed on the front surface of the seat back pad 112 (second step). More specifically, one surface of each double-sided tape 143 is adhered to a portion of the front surface of the seat back pad 112 located between the vertically adjacent lateral groove sections 136. At this time, the upper end of each vibration device 107 may be adhered to the lower side of the upper double-sided tape 143, and the lower end of the vibration device 107 may be adhered to the upper side of the lower double-sided tape 143.

[0331] Next, each air bag 108 is fixed to the corresponding double-sided tape 143 (third step). More specifically, the rear surface of each air bag 108 is adhered to the other surface of the double-sided tape 143. Each air bag 108 is placed on the front surface of the seat back pad 112 so as to be located between the vertically adjacent lateral groove sections 136. At this time, each vibration device 107 overlaps with two vertically adjacent air bags 108 when viewed from the front-rear direction.

[0332] Next, a plurality of spacers 144 are each placed between corresponding vertically adjacent air bags 108 (fourth step). More specifically, each spacer 144 is placed in front of the corresponding vibration device 107. Next, the cover pad 146 is placed on the front side of the seat back pad 112. At this time, it is preferred that the protrusion 149 provided on the cover pad 146 is inserted into the ventilation groove 135.

[0333] Next, the blower body 131 of the blower 109 is attached to the seat back frame structure 111. The blower body 131 may be attached to at least one of the upper member 116 and the middle member 120 via a bracket 133, for example. A duct 132 connected to the blower body 131 passes between the upper member 116 and the middle member 120 from the rear to the front. The opening of the other end of the duct 132 is arranged to face forward.

[0334] Next, the seat back pad 112 is placed on the seat back frame structure 111 from the front. At this time, a portion of the rear surface of the seat back pad 112 may abut against the front surface of the pressure receiving member 121. The other end of the duct 132 of the blower 109 may be inserted into the ventilation hole 134 provided in the seat back pad 112.

[0335] Next, the skin material 113 is placed from the front on the seat back pad 112. The skin material 113 is held on the seat back pad 112 by the respective locking portions provided on the skin material 113 being locked to the locking portions of the clips provided in the row grooves 126. In this way, the seat back 105 having the plurality of vibration devices 107 and the plurality of air bags 108 placed on its surface is manufactured.

[0336] Since the vibration devices 107 and the air bags 108 overlap each other when viewed from the front, they are densely stacked when viewed from the front-rear direction. Therefore, the vibration devices 107 and the air bags 108 can be arranged on the surface of the seat back pad 112 in an advantageous manner. In addition, since each first recess 141 is connected to the ventilation groove 135, the vibration devices 107 and the ventilation groove 135 are densely stacked when viewed from the front-rear direction. Therefore, even if the seat 101 is equipped with the blower 109, the vibration devices 107, the air bags 108 and the ventilation groove 135 can be arranged on the surface of the seat back pad 112 in an advantageous manner.

[0337] The shape of the cover gasket 146 can vary. For example, Fig.19As shown, the cover pad 146 may be provided with a plurality of second recesses 151 recessed from the rear surface toward the front surface of the cover pad 146. In this embodiment, each second recess 151 is formed to be recessed forward from the rear surface of the cover pad 146. Each second recess 151 receives a corresponding air bag 108. This prevents each air bag 108 from moving along the surface of the seat back pad 112. In addition, the step between each air bag 108 and the seat back pad 112 is reduced, thereby minimizing the discomfort experienced by the occupant.

[0338] In other embodiments, each second recess 151 may be provided in the seat back pad 112. More specifically, each second recess 151 may be provided to be recessed rearward from the front surface of the seat back pad 112. Each second recess 151 may be connected to the first recess 141 accommodating each vibration device 107. More specifically, each second recess 151 may be provided to protrude outward from the upper and lower edges of the first recess 141. The bottom surface of the second recess 151 may be located on the front side of the bottom surface of the first recess 141.

[0339] This ends the description of the seventh embodiment, but the present invention can be widely modified and implemented without being limited to the above-mentioned embodiment. For example, each air bag 108, each vibration device 107 and the blower 109 are arranged in the seat back 105, but can also be arranged in the seat cushion 104.

[0340] <Eighth Embodiment> A vehicle according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, front / rear, left / right, and up / down are defined with reference to the vehicle.

[0341] like Fig. 20 As shown, the vehicle 201 is provided with a plurality of seats 202 arranged in its cabin. The plurality of seats 202 include a right front seat 202A (first seat), a left front seat 202B, a right middle seat 202C, a left middle seat 202D and a rear seat 202E. The right front seat 202A, the left front seat 202B, the right middle seat 202C and the left middle seat 202D are single seats. The rear seat 202E is a double seat. The right front seat 202A constitutes a driver's seat. The right front seat 202A, the left front seat 202B, the right middle seat 202C and the left middle seat 202D can have the same structure.

[0342] like Fig. 20 and 21As shown, each seat 202 has a seat cushion 205 provided on a floor 204, a seat back 206 extending upward from the rear of the seat cushion 205, and a headrest 207 connected to the upper end of the seat back 206. The seat back 206 is rotatably supported on the seat cushion 205 via a reclining device 208. In other words, the seat back 206 is supported so as to be able to be tilted relative to the seat cushion 205. The seat cushion 205 and the seat back 206 constitute a seat body 209.

[0343] The seat body 209 is rotatably disposed on the floor 204 via a rotating device 211. More specifically, the seat cushion 205 is supported on the floor 204 so as to be rotatable around a rotation axis A extending vertically (in a direction perpendicular to the floor 204). The rotating device 211 may have an actuator that generates a driving force to rotate the seat body 209. The seat cushion 205 may also be supported on the floor 204 via a sliding device so as to be movable forward and backward. In this case, the rotation axis A may be arranged to be movable forward and backward. The sliding device may be interposed between the floor 204 and the rotating device 211.

[0344] The seat cushion 205 includes a seat cushion frame structure, a cushion supported by the seat cushion frame structure, and a skin material covering the cushion. The seat back 206 has a seat back frame structure, a cushion supported by the seat back frame structure, and a skin material covering the cushion. The seat back 206 is supported on the seat cushion 205 via a tilting device 208 so as to be rotatable around a transversely extending axis (also referred to as tiltable).

[0345] The seat 202 is provided with a plurality of vibration devices 220. The plurality of vibration devices 220 may include first to fourth vibration devices 220A, 220B, 220C and 220D. The first to fourth vibration devices 220A, 220B, 220C and 220D may be arranged in pairs arranged transversely. Each first vibration device 220A arranged in a transverse pair and each second vibration device 220B arranged in a transverse pair may be arranged on the seat cushion 205. Each third vibration device 220C arranged in a transverse pair and each fourth vibration device 220D arranged in a transverse pair may be arranged on the seat back 206.

[0346] Each second vibration device 220B is disposed closer to the seat back 206 than each first vibration device 220A. In other words, the left and right first vibration devices 220A are disposed in the front portion of the seat cushion 205, and the left and right second vibration devices 220B are disposed in the rear portion of the seat cushion 205. Each first vibration device 220A and each second vibration device 220B may be placed in a recess formed in the upper surface of the pad constituting the seat cushion 205. Alternatively, each first vibration device 220A and each second vibration device 220B may be disposed in a recess formed in the lower surface of the pad constituting the seat cushion 205.

[0347] The left and right third vibration devices 220C are provided in the lower portion of the seat back 206, and the left and right fourth vibration devices 220D are provided in the upper portion of the seat back 206. Each of the third vibration devices 220C and each of the fourth vibration devices 220D may be provided in a recessed portion formed in the front surface of the pad constituting the seat back 206. Alternatively, each of the third vibration devices 220C and each of the fourth vibration devices 220D may be provided in a recessed portion formed in the rear surface of the pad constituting the seat back 206.

[0348] Each of the vibration devices 220 is composed of an eccentric rotating mass vibration motor or a linear resonant actuator. The eccentric rotating mass vibration motor includes an electric motor and an eccentric counterweight connected to the rotating shaft of the electric motor. The electric motor rotates the eccentric counterweight to generate vibration. The linear resonant actuator may include a coil, a magnet, and a yoke. The magnetic field generated by the coil changes periodically as the direction of the current flowing through the coil changes. As a result, the yoke coupled to the magnet vibrates in response to the change in the magnetic field. The eccentric rotating mass vibration motor can be arranged on the seat cushion 205 and the seat back 206 so that the vibration direction is perpendicular to the seat surface.

[0349] Preferably, one of the pairs of first vibration devices 220A and second vibration devices 220B is composed of an eccentric rotating mass vibration motor, and the other pair of first vibration devices 220A and second vibration devices 220B is composed of a linear resonant actuator. In this embodiment, the left and right first vibration devices 220A are eccentric rotating mass vibration motors, and the left and right second vibration devices 220B are eccentric rotating mass vibration motors.

[0350] like Fig. 22As shown, the vehicle 201 is provided with a seat control device 225, a vehicle control device 226, and a sound control device 227. Each of the seat control device 225, the vehicle control device 226, and the sound control device 227 is constituted by an electronic control device (ECU) including a processor such as a CPU, a non-volatile memory (ROM), and a volatile memory (RAM). The seat control device 225, the vehicle control device 226, and the sound control device 227 execute various applications by performing arithmetic processing in the processor according to a program stored in the non-volatile memory. The seat control device 225, the vehicle control device 226, and the sound control device 227 may be configured as one piece of hardware, or may be configured as a unit composed of a plurality of pieces of hardware. When the seat control device 225, the vehicle control device 226, and the sound control device 227 are independent hardware, the seat control device 225, the vehicle control device 226, and the sound control device 227 are connected to each other so that they can communicate with each other.

[0351] The seat control device 225 controls each vibration device 220. The seat control device 225 is connected to a rotation angle sensor 231, a tilt angle sensor 232, and a load sensor 233. The rotation angle sensor 231 detects the rotation angle of the seat body 209 with the rotation axis extending in the vertical direction as the center relative to the floor 204. The rotation axis can be set to extend in a direction perpendicular to the floor 204. When the seat body 209 faces the front of the vehicle 201, the rotation angle is set to 0 degrees, and the positive angle (0 degrees to 180 degrees) is set in the clockwise direction, and the negative angle (0 degrees to -180 degrees) is set in the counterclockwise direction. The rotation angle sensor 231 can be provided in the rotating device 211. The tilt angle sensor 232 detects the tilt angle, which is the angle of the seat back 206 relative to the vertical plane. The vertical plane here can be defined as a plane perpendicular to the floor 204. The tilt angle sensor 232 can also detect the rotation angle of the seat back 206 relative to the seat cushion 205. The tilt angle sensor 232 may be disposed between the seat cushion 205 and the seat back 206. The rotation angle sensor 231 and the tilt angle sensor 232 may be a rotation angle sensor 231 known per se, such as a potentiometer or a rotary encoder. The load sensor 233 is disposed in the seat cushion 205 and measures a load applied by the occupant. The load sensor 233 may be, for example, a piezoelectric device.

[0352] The vehicle control device 226 is capable of executing a variety of driving modes including an automatic driving mode and a manual driving mode. In the automatic driving mode, the vehicle control device 226 controls the driving source 235, the braking device 236 and the steering device 237 of the vehicle 201 based on signals from various sensors to drive the vehicle 201. The driving source 235 may be an electric motor or an internal combustion engine. In the manual driving mode, the vehicle control device 226 controls the driving source 235, the braking device 236 and the steering device 237 of the vehicle 201 based on the driving operation applied by the driver to the steering wheel 241, the accelerator pedal 242 and the brake pedal 243 to drive the vehicle 201. The steering wheel 241 is provided with a steering angle sensor 245 for detecting a steering angle. The accelerator pedal 242 is provided with an accelerator pedal sensor 246 for detecting the position of the accelerator pedal 242. The brake pedal 243 is provided with a brake pedal sensor 247 for detecting the position of the brake pedal 243. A steering angle sensor 245 , an accelerator pedal sensor 246 , and a brake pedal sensor 247 are connected to the vehicle control device 226 .

[0353] The vehicle control device 226 is capable of switching the driving mode of the vehicle 201 between the automatic driving mode and the manual driving mode. The vehicle control device 226 may switch the driving mode from the automatic driving mode to the manual driving mode when the position of the vehicle 201 is within a predetermined range from the end point of the automatic driving. The end point of the automatic driving may be set, for example, at an exit of a highway. In addition, the vehicle control device 226 may set the end point of the automatic driving to a position at a predetermined distance ahead of the current position when an abnormality is detected in any device or occupant of the vehicle 201. The predetermined distance may be set in advance.

[0354] The vehicle control device 226 is connected to an obstacle sensor 251, which detects obstacles existing around the vehicle 201 (body). The obstacle sensor 251 may be a radar, a laser radar, a sonar, etc. The vehicle control device 226 acquires obstacle information including the position of obstacles existing around the vehicle 201 based on a signal from the obstacle sensor 251.

[0355] The steering wheel 241 is provided with a grip sensor 252. The grip sensor 252 may be any one of a capacitive sensor, a pressure sensor, and a membrane switch provided on the steering wheel 241. The vehicle control device 226 and the seat control device 225 determine whether the steering wheel 241 is being gripped based on a signal from the grip sensor 252. The steering angle sensor 245, the accelerator pedal sensor 246, the brake pedal sensor 247, and the grip sensor 252 constitute an input device 253 that receives a manual driving operation of the driver.

[0356] The sound control device 227 controls the speaker 255 based on the sound information. The speaker 255 is provided in the vehicle 201. The sound control device 227 can use the sound information stored in the memory, obtain the sound information from the recording medium such as CD or DVD, obtain the sound information from the radio wave or TV wave, or obtain the sound information via the Internet. The sound control device 227 can generate a sound output signal based on the sound information and control the speaker 255 by the sound output signal. The sound control device 227 also outputs the sound output signal to the seat control device 225.

[0357] The following will describe the control action performed by the seat control device 225. When the vehicle control device 226 performs the automatic driving end control for switching the driving mode from the automatic driving mode to the manual driving mode, the seat control device 225 performs the notification control for sequentially vibrating the respective vibration devices 220 starting from the vibration device located at the rear. In the notification control, the seat control device 225 acquires the front and rear positions of the respective first vibration devices 220A and the respective second vibration devices 220B based on the rotation angle of the right front seat 202A around the rotation axis.

[0358] The vehicle control device 226 outputs a switching start signal to the seat control device 225 when the automatic driving end control for switching the driving mode from the automatic driving mode to the manual driving mode is started. When the seat control device 225 receives the switching start signal, it starts Fig.23 Notification controls shown.

[0359] like Fig.23 As shown, the seat control device 225 first obtains the rotation angle of the right front seat 202A based on the signal from the rotation angle sensor 231 of the right front seat 202A (ST1). Based on the rotation angle of the right front seat 202A, the seat control device 225 determines whether the right front seat 202A faces forward (ST2). When the rotation angle of the right front seat 202A is between -90 degrees and 90 degrees, the seat control device 225 can determine that the right front seat 202A faces forward.

[0360] If the right front seat 202A faces forward (the determination result in ST2 is yes), the seat control device 225 vibrates each vibration device 220 in the order of the fourth vibration device 220D, the third vibration device 220C, the second vibration device 220B and the first vibration device 220A (ST3). In other words, the seat control device 225 vibrates each vibration device 220 in sequence from the rear side vibration device in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle 201. When the rotation angle is -90 degrees or 90 degrees, the first to fourth vibration devices 220A, 220B, 220C and 220D are arranged at the same position in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle 201. For example, the seat control device 225 can vibrate each fourth vibration device 220D for a predetermined time and then stop them, vibrate each third vibration device 220C for a predetermined time and then stop them, vibrate each second vibration device 220B for a predetermined time and then stop them, and vibrate each first vibration device 220A for an extended time. Furthermore, the seat control device 225 may vibrate each of the first vibration devices 220A for a predetermined time period, and then vibrate the first to fourth vibration devices 220A, 220B, 220C, and 220D for an extended time period.

[0361] When the right front seat 202A faces rearward (the determination result of ST2 is no), the seat control device 225 vibrates the respective vibration devices 220 in the order of the left and right first vibration devices 220A, the left and right second vibration devices 220B, the left and right third vibration devices 220C, and the left and right fourth vibration devices 220D (ST4). In other words, the seat control device 225 vibrates the respective vibration devices 220 in sequence from the vibration device located at the rear side in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle 201. For example, the seat control device 225 can vibrate the respective first vibration devices 220A for a predetermined time and then stop them, vibrate the respective second vibration devices 220B for a predetermined time and then stop them, vibrate the respective third vibration devices 220C for a predetermined time and then stop them, and vibrate the respective fourth vibration devices 220D for an extended time. Furthermore, the seat control device 225 may vibrate each fourth vibration device 220D for a predetermined time period, and then vibrate the first to fourth vibration devices 220A, 220B, 220C, and 220D for an extended time period.

[0362] Then, the seat control device 225 drives the rotating device 211 so that the right front seat 202A faces forward (ST5). The seat control device 225 may control the rotating device 211 until the rotation angle of the right front seat 202A becomes 0 degrees. If the rotation angle of the right front seat 202A is already 0 degrees, the seat control device 225 does not drive the rotating device 211. This allows the occupant seated in the right front seat 202A to perform a manual driving operation and prepare for manual driving.

[0363] Then, the seat control device 225 determines whether a predetermined input operation has been applied to the input device 253 (ST6). The predetermined input to the input device 253 may be a gripping operation of the steering wheel 241, a steering operation of the steering wheel 241, a stepping operation of the accelerator pedal 242, or a stepping operation of the brake pedal 243. The seat control device 225 may determine whether a predetermined input operation has been applied to the input device 253 based on a signal from the grip sensor 252, the steering angle sensor 245, the accelerator pedal sensor 246, or the brake pedal sensor 247. The signal from the grip sensor 252, the steering angle sensor 245, the accelerator pedal sensor 246, or the brake pedal sensor 247 may be directly input to the seat control device 225. In addition, the signal from the grip sensor 252, the steering angle sensor 245, the accelerator pedal sensor 246, or the brake pedal sensor 247 may be input to the seat control device 225 via the vehicle control device 226. For example, the vehicle control device 226 can output a detection signal to the seat control device 225 based on a signal from the grip sensor 252, the steering angle sensor 245, the accelerator pedal sensor 246 or the brake pedal sensor 247, and the seat control device 225 can determine whether a predetermined input operation has been applied to the input device 253 based on the detection signal.

[0364] If a predetermined input operation has been applied to the input device 253 (the determination result in ST6 is YES), the seat control device 225 stops the vibrations of the first to fourth vibration devices 220A, 220B, 220C, and 220D (ST7).

[0365] If the predetermined input operation has not been applied to the input device 253 (the determination result in ST6 is NO), the seat control device 225 determines whether a predetermined time period has passed since the vibration device 220 started to vibrate (ST8). The seat control device 225 may measure the time from the start of vibration of the vibration device 220 that started to vibrate last among the vibration devices 220. In addition, the seat control device 225 may measure the time from the start of notification control instead of measuring the time from the start of vibration of the vibration device 220.

[0366] If a predetermined time has passed since the vibration device 220 started to vibrate (the determination result in ST8 is yes), the seat control device 225 makes at least one of the vibration devices 220 of the seats 202B to 202E (second seat) other than the vibration device of the right front seat 202A vibrate (ST9). For example, the seat control device 225 can make the vibration devices 220 of the left front seat 202B vibrate for a predetermined time. This makes it possible to notify the occupant seated in the left front seat 202B that the driving mode will be switched from the automatic driving mode to the manual driving mode. As a result, the occupant seated in the left front seat 202B can warn the occupant seated in the driver's seat.

[0367] If the predetermined time period has not elapsed since the vibration device 220 started vibrating (the determination result in ST8 is NO), the seat control device 225 repeats the process of determining whether a predetermined input operation has been applied to the input device 253 (ST6).

[0368] By using the notification control, each vibration device 220 vibrates in sequence from the vibration device on the rear side, so that the occupant can be warned of the object in front. This allows the occupant to recognize that the driving mode of the vehicle 201 has been switched based on the vibration of the right front seat 202A. Since the front and rear positions of each vibration device 220 are obtained based on the rotation angle of the right front seat 202A, even if the rotating device 211 rotates the right front seat 202A, the front and rear positions of each vibration device 220 can be reliably obtained.

[0369] Since a plurality of vibration devices 220 are provided on the seat cushion 205 and the seat back 206 of the right front seat 202A, it is possible to increase the distance between the frontmost vibration device 220 and the rearmost vibration device 220. This increases the moving distance of the vibration position, making it easier for the occupant to recognize that the vibration position has changed.

[0370] The seat control device 225 can estimate that the occupant has completed the preparation for the manual driving mode based on the occupant's input to the input device 253. In addition, when the occupant has completed the preparation for the manual driving mode, the vibration of the vibration device 220 can be stopped to avoid unnecessary energy consumption.

[0371] The seat control device 225 may perform additional control of controlling the plurality of vibration devices 220 based on audio information. More specifically, the seat control device 225 may vibrate the respective vibration devices 220 based on audio information in the same manner as the speaker 255. In this case, when the notification control is being performed, the seat control device 225 may reduce the amplitude of the output of the respective vibration devices 220 caused by the additional control compared to when the notification control is not being performed. According to this aspect, when the driving mode is switched, the amplitude caused by the additional control is suppressed, so that the occupant can easily recognize the vibration caused by the notification control.

[0372] The seat control device 225 can perform obstacle control that controls each vibration device 220 according to the position of the obstacle. The driving control device can obtain the position of the obstacle based on the signal from the obstacle sensor 251, and output the position information of the obstacle to the seat control device 225. The seat control device 225 can vibrate the vibration device 220 located near the obstacle based on the position information of the obstacle. For example, when the seat 202 faces forward and the obstacle is in the right front of the vehicle 201, the seat control device 225 can vibrate the first vibration device 220A on the right side. In addition, when the seat 202 faces forward and the obstacle passes from the front to the rear on the right side of the vehicle 201, the seat control device 225 can vibrate the first vibration device 220A on the right side, the second vibration device 220B on the right side, the third vibration device 220C on the right side, and the fourth vibration device 220D on the right side in this order. This allows the occupant to recognize the relative position of the obstacle relative to the vehicle 201.

[0373] The seat control device 225 may prohibit the obstacle control while executing the notification control. According to this aspect, when the driving mode is switched, the seat control device 225 prohibits the obstacle control so that the occupant can easily recognize the vibration caused by the notification control.

[0374] The seat control device 225 may perform preliminary control before performing the notification control, in which each vibration device 220 is vibrated with an amplitude smaller than that of each vibration device 220 in the notification control. According to this aspect, the occupant can recognize that the driving mode is being switched by the vibration based on the preliminary control.

[0375] In the notification control, when the tilt angle of the seat back 206 is equal to or greater than a predetermined first determination value, the seat control device 225 may increase the amplitude of the output of each vibration device 220 compared to when the tilt angle is less than the first determination value. According to this aspect, giving a stronger vibration to the occupant who may fall asleep enables the occupant to recognize that switching of the driving mode is possible.

[0376] In the notification control, when the load measured by the load sensor 233 is equal to or greater than a predetermined second determination value, the seat control device 225 may increase the amplitude of the output of each vibration device 220 compared to when the load measured by the load sensor 233 is less than the second determination value. According to this aspect, it is possible to give a stronger vibration to an occupant of a larger body size.

[0377] This concludes the description of the eighth embodiment, but the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment and can be modified and implemented in various different ways. Reference numerals list

[0378] 1: Vehicle seats 8: Seat cushion frame structure 9A: Pad member 18: Supporting member body (main body) 24: Vibration generating device (electrical device) 27: Wire harness (wire-like component) 50: Keep structure 51: First holding part 52: Second holding unit 53: First base part 54: First restriction member (restriction member) 55: Second base part 56: Second restriction member (restriction member) 70: Protrusion

Claims

1. A vehicle seat, comprising Frame structure, a support member supported by the frame structure and supporting an occupant, a cushion member supported on the front side of the support member, and A wiring harness to be connected to an electrical device, The support member has a plate-shaped body, and A holding structure for holding the wiring harness on the main body, in, The retaining structure includes a first retaining portion and a second retaining portion, the first retaining portion connecting the wire harness to the main body so as to be movable in a first direction and immovable in a second direction intersecting the first direction, the second retaining portion connecting the wire harness to the main body so as to be movable in the second direction and immovable in the first direction, the retaining structure being integrally formed with the main body.

2. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, wherein the first retaining portion includes a pair of first base portions protruding from the rear surface of the main body and aligned in the second direction, and the second retaining portion includes a pair of second base portions protruding from the rear surface of the main body and aligned in the first direction, and the wiring harness passes between the pair of first base portions and between the pair of second base portions. 3 . The vehicle seat according to claim 2 , wherein at least one of the pair of first base portions and at least one of the pair of second base portions are connected to each other. 4 . The vehicle seat according to claim 2 , wherein the pair of first base portions and the pair of second base portions are disposed to be spaced apart from each other. 5 . The vehicle seat according to claim 2 , wherein each first base portion is plate-shaped having a surface perpendicular to the second direction, and each second base portion is plate-shaped having a surface perpendicular to the first direction. 6 . The vehicle seat according to claim 5 , wherein the pair of first base portions are provided at positions spaced apart from the pair of second base portions in both the first direction and the second direction. 7 . The vehicle seat according to claim 2 , wherein a restriction piece is provided at a distal end of each of the pair of first and second base portions to restrict the wire harness from moving away from the main body.

8. The vehicle seat according to claim 7, wherein the first base portion is plate-shaped and has a surface perpendicular to the second direction, and at least one of the pair of first base portions is provided with two or more restriction members, so that the two or more restriction members provided on the at least one first base portion and the restriction members provided on the other first base portion are arranged in a staggered manner along the first direction.

9. The vehicle seat according to claim 8, wherein each second base portion is plate-shaped and has a surface perpendicular to the first direction, and at least one of the pair of second base portions is provided with two or more restriction members, so that the two or more restriction members provided on the at least one second base portion and the restriction members provided on the other second base portion are arranged in a staggered manner along the second direction.

10. The vehicle seat according to claim 2, wherein relative surfaces of the pair of first base portions are provided with protrusions protruding in relative directions, and at least one of the pair of first base portions is provided with a plurality of the protrusions, so that the respective protrusions are staggered along the first direction, and the protrusion amount of each protrusion increases as moving away from the support member.

11. A method for manufacturing a vehicle seat, comprising the following steps installing a cushion member on the front side of the support member supported by the frame structure, and An electrical device connected with a wiring harness is mounted on the cushion member, The supporting member has a plate-like main body and a holding structure for holding the wire harness on the main body, in, The holding structure includes a first holding portion and a second holding portion, the first holding portion connecting the wire harness to the main body so as to be movable in a first direction and immovable in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and the second holding portion connects the wire harness to the main body so as to be movable in the second direction and immovable in the first direction, and The step of mounting the electric device includes the step of holding the wire harness to the first holding portion and the second holding portion.

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