Handrail and vehicle seat
By setting up circulation channels and heat dissipation channels on the main body of the handrail, the problem of heat dissipation from the power coil is solved, achieving effective heat removal and convenient operation of the device.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- TS TECH CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-12-19
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-26
Smart Images
Figure CN122275729A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to armrests and vehicle seats equipped with armrests. Background Technology
[0002] JP2019-094027A discloses a door trim piece including an armrest. The armrest is formed to bulge into the vehicle interior and serves as an armrest for occupants. The armrest has a receiving portion with an opening at the top.
[0003] The housing includes a bottom wall, a pair of side walls, and a rear wall, and one side wall includes an inclined surface on which an electronic device, such as a smartphone, can be disposed. A coil (power coil) is embedded in the inclined surface to charge the electronic device by transmitting power in a non-contact manner.
[0004] The power coil described in JP2019-094027A is embedded in the inclined surface. As a result, there is a problem that the heat generated by the power coil is difficult to dissipate from the housing to the outside. Summary of the Invention
[0005] In view of the above background, the object of the present invention is to provide an armrest that can effectively dissipate heat from the device and a vehicle seat provided with the armrest.
[0006] To achieve this objective, one aspect of the present invention provides a handrail 15, 101, comprising: a handrail body 21, 103; and a device 18 supported on the surface of the handrail body, the handrail body being provided with a flow channel 72U, 131, the upstream side of the flow channel being connected to the device, and the downstream side of the flow channel opening on the surface of the handrail body at a position not overlapping with the device.
[0007] According to this aspect, since a circulation channel is provided in the handrail, the heat from the device can be effectively dissipated through the circulation channel.
[0008] In the above aspects, preferably, the device is supported on the free end side of the handrail body, and the downstream end of the flow channel is disposed on the base end side of the handrail body.
[0009] Based on this, the device can be placed in a position on the seat where the occupant can easily operate it.
[0010] In the above aspects, preferably, the downstream end of the flow channel is provided with a cover 139 including a vent 143.
[0011] Based on this, a circulation channel can be formed through the cover.
[0012] In the above aspects, preferably, the handrail body includes a support member 109 on which the device is arranged and a pipe 111 supported by the support member. The support member includes a support portion 117 forming a surface for supporting the device on the top side and a connecting portion 119 opening at the support portion and extending to the back side. The pipe is formed in a groove shape at a position opposite to the support member, connects to the connecting portion, abuts against the back surface of the support member, and defines the downstream side of the flow channel.
[0013] Based on this, a flow channel leading to the device can be constructed with a simple structure.
[0014] In the above aspects, preferably, the armrest body is provided with a rotating shaft 34 for rotatably connecting the armrest body to the seat back, and the rotating shaft extends in the lateral direction and passes through the conduit.
[0015] Based on this, in the side view, the pipes are arranged to overlap with the axis of rotation. This allows for a more compact handrail body compared to placing the pipes away from the axis of rotation.
[0016] In the foregoing, preferably, the pipe includes a bottom wall 111A and a pair of side walls 111B extending upward from the bottom wall, each of the pair of side walls being provided with a cutout 135 cut in a direction away from the support member, and the rotation axis passing through the cutout.
[0017] Based on this, the pipes can be arranged to overlap with the axis of rotation when viewed from the side.
[0018] In the above aspects, preferably, a fixing part 149 for fixing the wire harness connected to the device is provided on the downstream side of the pipe.
[0019] In this respect, there is no need to set up a separate component for fixing the wiring harness to the support member, thus reducing the number of parts in the handrail.
[0020] In the above aspects, preferably, a padding member 105 is provided on the back side of the handrail body, and the padding member is provided with a receiving recess 133 for receiving the connecting part and the pipe.
[0021] Based on this aspect, the support members and pipes can be well connected to the liner members.
[0022] In the foregoing, preferably, the conduit is provided with a pair of limiting tabs 155 protruding toward the liner member, and the liner member is provided with a bulge 159 extending into the space between the pair of limiting tabs.
[0023] According to this aspect, the movement of the gasket member relative to the pipe can be restricted by the bulge and a pair of limiting plates.
[0024] In the foregoing, preferably, each of the pair of limiting pieces is provided with a rib 161 having a surface, the surface of the rib of one limiting piece facing the surface of the rib of the other limiting piece, and the bulge is inserted between the ribs.
[0025] In this respect, the bulge is inserted between the ribs, thus effectively restricting the movement of the gasket member relative to the pipe.
[0026] In the foregoing, preferably, the device is a power supply device 18 for supplying power to the terminal.
[0027] Based on this, it is possible to supply power to the terminal using a device installed in the handrail.
[0028] Another aspect of the present invention provides a vehicle seat 1, the vehicle seat including the armrest, the armrest body being rotatably connected to the seat back about an axis extending in a transverse direction at the base end of the armrest body, and the seat back being provided with a receiving recess 16 for receiving the armrest.
[0029] According to this aspect, it is possible to provide a vehicle seat including a retractable armrest capable of effectively dissipating heat from the device.
[0030] Effects of the present invention
[0031] One aspect of the present invention provides a handrail 15, 101, the handrail comprising: a handrail body 21, 103; and a device 18, the device being supported on the surface of the handrail body, the handrail body being provided with a flow channel 72U, 131, the upstream side of the flow channel being connected to the device, and the downstream side of the flow channel opening on the surface of the handrail body at a position not overlapping with the device.
[0032] According to this aspect, since a circulation channel is provided in the handrail, the heat from the device can be effectively dissipated through the circulation channel.
[0033] In the above aspects, preferably, the device is supported on the free end side of the handrail body, and the downstream end of the flow channel is disposed on the base end side of the handrail body.
[0034] Based on this, the device can be placed in a position on the seat where the occupant can easily operate it.
[0035] In the above aspects, preferably, the downstream end of the flow channel is provided with a cover 139 including a vent 143.
[0036] Based on this, a circulation channel can be formed through the cover.
[0037] In the above aspects, preferably, the handrail body includes a support member 109 on which the device is arranged and a pipe 111 supported by the support member. The support member includes a support portion 117 forming a surface for supporting the device on the top side and a connecting portion 119 opening at the support portion and extending to the back side. The pipe is formed in a groove shape at a position opposite to the support member, connects to the connecting portion, abuts against the back surface of the support member, and defines the downstream side of the flow channel.
[0038] Based on this, a flow channel leading to the device can be constructed with a simple structure.
[0039] In the above aspects, preferably, the armrest body is provided with a rotating shaft 34 for rotatably connecting the armrest body to the seat back, and the rotating shaft extends in the lateral direction and passes through the conduit.
[0040] Based on this, in the side view, the pipes are arranged to overlap with the axis of rotation. This allows for a more compact handrail body compared to placing the pipes away from the axis of rotation.
[0041] In the foregoing, preferably, the pipe includes a bottom wall 111A and a pair of side walls 111B extending upward from the bottom wall, each of the pair of side walls being provided with a cutout 135 cut in a direction away from the support member, and the rotation axis passing through the cutout.
[0042] Based on this, the pipes can be arranged to overlap with the axis of rotation when viewed from the side.
[0043] In the above aspects, preferably, a fixing part 149 for fixing the wire harness connected to the device is provided on the downstream side of the pipe.
[0044] In this respect, there is no need to set up a separate component for fixing the wiring harness to the support member, thus reducing the number of parts in the handrail.
[0045] In the above aspects, preferably, a padding member 105 is provided on the back side of the handrail body, and the padding member is provided with a receiving recess 133 for receiving the connecting part and the pipe.
[0046] Based on this aspect, the support members and pipes can be well connected to the liner members.
[0047] In the foregoing, preferably, the conduit is provided with a pair of limiting tabs 155 protruding toward the liner member, and the liner member is provided with a bulge 159 extending into the space between the pair of limiting tabs.
[0048] According to this aspect, the movement of the gasket member relative to the pipe can be restricted by the bulge and a pair of limiting plates.
[0049] In the foregoing, preferably, each of the pair of limiting pieces is provided with a rib 161 having a surface, the surface of the rib of one limiting piece facing the surface of the rib of the other limiting piece, and the bulge is inserted between the ribs.
[0050] In this respect, the bulge is inserted between the ribs, thus effectively restricting the movement of the gasket member relative to the pipe.
[0051] In the foregoing, preferably, the device is a power supply device 18 for supplying power to the terminal.
[0052] Based on this, it is possible to supply power to the terminal using a device installed in the handrail.
[0053] Another aspect of the present invention provides a vehicle seat 1, the vehicle seat including the armrest, the armrest body being rotatably connected to the seat back about an axis extending in a transverse direction at the base end of the armrest body, and the seat back being provided with a receiving recess 16 for receiving the armrest.
[0054] According to this aspect, it is possible to provide a vehicle seat including a retractable armrest capable of effectively dissipating heat from the device. Attached Figure Description
[0055] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a rear seat with armrests according to a first embodiment of the present invention;
[0056] Figure 2 This is a 3D view of the handrail as seen from the left.
[0057] Figure 3 It is an exploded 3D view of the handrail;
[0058] Figure 4A This is a top view of the handrail;
[0059] Figure 4B This is a bottom view of the handrail with the backrest padding removed;
[0060] Figure 5 It is along Figure 2 A cross-sectional view taken by line VV;
[0061] Figure 6 It is a perspective view of the handrail with the cover, upper liner components, device, and skin material removed;
[0062] Figure 7 This is a rear 3D view of the tray;
[0063] Figure 8 This is the rear view of the tray;
[0064] Figure 9 This is a three-dimensional view of the handrail with the skin material removed, seen from a tilted rearward direction;
[0065] Figure 10 This is a perspective view of the handrail according to the second embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the left side;
[0066] Figure 11 This is an exploded perspective view of the handrail body according to the second embodiment;
[0067] Figure 12 This is a perspective view showing the limiting mechanism and fixing part according to the second embodiment;
[0068] Figure 13 It is along Figure 10 A sectional view taken by line XIII-XIII;
[0069] Figure 14 This is a three-dimensional view of the pipes and the capped support components as seen from below;
[0070] Figure 15 This is a top view showing the arrangement of the lower liner components, pipes, and cover; and
[0071] Figure 16 This is the rear view of the cover. Detailed Implementation
[0072] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention applied to armrests of three-seater rear seats in automobiles will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention can also be applied to armrests installed in the middle seat, front seats, door trim, center console, etc.
[0073] like Figure 1 As shown, the rear seat 1 includes a right seat 2 forming the right side seat and a left seat 3 forming the left side seat and the center seat. The left seat 3 and the right seat 2 are independent of each other and are arranged continuously in the lateral direction.
[0074] The right-side seat 2 includes a seat cushion 5, a seat back 6, and a headrest 7. The seat cushion 5 is connected to the base plate 8, and the seat back 6 is connected to the rear end of the seat cushion 5. The headrest 7 is connected to the upper part of the seat back 6.
[0075] The left seat 3 includes a seat cushion 10, a seat back 11, a headrest 12, and an armrest 15. The seat cushion 10 is connected to the base plate 8, and the seat back 11 is connected to the rear end of the seat cushion 10. The headrest 12 is connected to the upper part of the seat back 11.
[0076] The right-side seat 2 and the left-side seat 3 are arranged continuously in the lateral direction. The seat back 6 of the right-side seat 2 and the seat back 11 of the left-side seat 3 are integrally formed to constitute the seat back 13 of the rear seat 1. The seat cushion 5 of the right-side seat 2 and the seat cushion 10 of the left-side seat 3 are integrally formed to constitute the seat cushion 14 of the rear seat 1.
[0077] A rearwardly recessed receiving recess 16 is formed in the portion of the front surface of the seat back 11 that constitutes the central seat. The base end of the armrest 15 is disposed within the receiving recess 16 and is rotatably connected to the seat back 11 about a rotation axis extending in the lateral direction. The armrest 15 is in a use position where its free end protrudes forward relative to its base end (see...). Figure 1 The solid line in the middle) and the free end are arranged above the base end and stored in the storage recess 16 (see storage position). Figure 1 Rotate between the dashed lines in the diagram.
[0078] <<First Implementation Method>>
[0079] In the following text, the structure of the handrail 15 according to the first embodiment will be described based on the handrail 15 being in the use position.
[0080] like Figure 2 As shown, the armrest 15 includes a downwardly recessed receiving recess 17 on its front end (i.e., free end) side. The receiving recess 17 is used to receive various items such as beverage cups.
[0081] The armrest 15 includes a contactless power supply device 18 for charging devices such as smartphones. The power supply device 18 is positioned slightly forward of the center of the armrest 15 and behind the receiving recess 17. By positioning the power supply device 18 slightly forward of the center of the armrest 15, it can be placed in a location easily accessible to the seated person.
[0082] However, the power supply device 18 is an example of a device that can be installed in the armrest 15, which can be equipped with any device powered by electricity supplied from the battery installed in the vehicle. For example, the device installed in the armrest 15 can be an LCD panel, a heater, a fan, etc.
[0083] like Figure 3 As shown, in addition to the power supply device 18, the handrail 15 also includes a handrail body 21 and an upper padding member 22 arranged along the upper surface of the handrail body 21 (see also...). Figure 4A), a lower liner member 23 disposed on the lower side of the handrail body 21, and a skin material 25 covering the outer surface of the upper liner member 22 and the lower liner member 23.
[0084] like Figure 3 , Figure 4A and Figure 4B As shown, the handrail body 21 includes a frame 26 (see...) Figure 3 and Figure 4B ), and cover 27 supported by frame 26 (see Figure 3 and Figure 4B ), and tray 28 attached to the lower surface of cover 27 (see Figure 3 and Figure 4B ), and cap 29 attached to the upper surface of cover 27 (see Figure 3 and Figure 4A ).
[0085] like Figure 4B As shown, the frame 26 includes a pair of left and right longitudinal beams 31, a front member 32 and a rear member 33 connecting the left and right longitudinal beams 31, and a shaft 34.
[0086] like Figure 3 As shown, the longitudinal beam 31 is formed of a metal plate having a surface facing the transverse direction. Figure 4B As shown, the front member 32 and the rear member 33 are each formed from free metal wire components. The front member 32 is arranged in front of the rear member 33. The front member 32 and the rear member 33 each have a bend 35 that bends backward at their left and right ends, and are welded to the front member 32 and the rear member 33 at the bend 35.
[0087] Shaft 34 is formed of a metal round bar extending in the transverse direction. Shaft 34 passes through the left longitudinal beam 31 near its left end and protrudes further to the left. Shaft 34 is fixed to the left longitudinal beam 31 near its left end by welding or the like. Shaft 34 passes through the right longitudinal beam 31 near its right end and protrudes further to the right. Shaft 34 is fixed to the right longitudinal beam 31 near its right end by welding or the like.
[0088] like Figure 2 As shown, both ends of the shaft 34 are rotatably connected to the bracket 36 fixed to the seat back 11 (more specifically, the frame of the seat back 11). That is, the shaft 34 constitutes a connecting part for connecting the armrest body 21 to the seat back 11. A known locking mechanism can be provided between the shaft 34 and the bracket 36 to lock the position of the armrest 15 in the storage position or the use position.
[0089] The cover 27 is formed of resin components. For example... Figure 3 and Figure 4BAs shown, the cover 27 has a roughly rectangular shape in the top view. The left edge of the cover 27 is fastened to the upper part of the left longitudinal beam 31, and the right edge of the cover 27 is fastened to the upper part of the right longitudinal beam 31. Thus, the cover 27 is supported by the left and right longitudinal beams 31.
[0090] In this embodiment, such as Figure 3 As shown, the cover 27 includes a front portion 27A constituting the front part, a central portion 27B constituting the central part, and a rear portion 27C constituting the rear part. The front portion 27A, the central portion 27B, and the rear portion 27C are all roughly rectangular in shape when viewed from above.
[0091] The cover 27 includes a receiving hole 37 extending vertically to receive the power supply device 18. In this embodiment, the receiving hole 37 is disposed in the central portion 27B of the cover, which has a generally square frame shape.
[0092] like Figure 5 As shown, the power supply device 18 is housed in the receiving hole 37. Hooks 38 are provided at the front and rear edges of the power supply device 18, hooking onto the edge of the receiving hole 37. The hooks 38 engage with the edge of the receiving hole 37, and the power supply device 18 is connected to the cover 27. Thus, while housed in the receiving hole 37, the power supply device 18 is connected to the frame 26 via the cover 27 and supported on the surface of the armrest body 21.
[0093] like Figure 3 and Figure 4B As shown, the front portion 27A of the cover includes a front hole 39 extending in the vertical direction, and the front portion 27A of the cover has a generally square frame shape.
[0094] like Figure 6 As shown, tray 28 is constructed from a rectangular tubular box with a bottom. Tray 28 includes an opening 28A at the top and opens upwards. Figure 5 As shown, tray 28 is positioned behind the front member 32 and above the rear member 33. Figure 4B As shown, tray 28 is fastened to the lower surface of cover 27 by means of fasteners. Thus, the opening 28A of tray 28 is closed from above by cover 27. That is, as... Figure 5 As shown, cover 27 serves as a cover to close part of the opening 28A of tray 28. Tray 28 is connected to cover 27 and is supported by longitudinal beam 31 via cover 27.
[0095] The tray 28 is fastened to the lower surface of the central part 27B and the rear part 27C of the cover, and is positioned slightly behind the lower surface of the cover 27 in the front-back direction.
[0096] like Figure 6 As shown, the tray 28 includes a bottom wall 41 having a generally rectangular shape extending in the front-rear direction and a peripheral wall 42 extending upward from the bottom wall 41 along its edge.
[0097] The peripheral wall 42 includes a front wall 44 extending upward from the bottom wall 41 along its front edge, a rear wall 45 extending upward from the bottom wall 41 along its rear edge, and a pair of left and right side walls 46 extending upward from the bottom wall 41 along their left and right side edges. The front wall 44 is disposed on the free end side of the handrail body 21, and the rear wall 45 is disposed on the base end side of the handrail body 21. The left side wall 46 (hereinafter referred to as the left wall 46L) connects the left edge of the front wall 44 to the left edge of the rear wall 45. The right side wall 46 (hereinafter referred to as the right wall 46R) connects the right edge of the front wall 44 to the right edge of the rear wall 45.
[0098] In this embodiment, such as Figure 7 As shown, a corner portion 48, which curves gently in an arc in the side view, is provided between the rear wall 45 and the bottom wall 41. The corner portion 48 connects to the rear wall 45 at its upper end and extends downward and forward, curving gently in an arc in the side view. The corner portion 48 connects to the bottom wall 41 at its lower end.
[0099] like Figure 4A , Figure 4B and Figure 6 As shown, the left wall 46L and the right wall 46R extend from the front end to the rear, bend in a near-central manner in the front-rear direction, and extend further rearward. Thus, the lateral distance between the left wall 46L and the right wall 46R on the base end side (rear end side) is smaller than the lateral distance between the left wall 46L and the right wall 46R on the free end side (front end side).
[0100] like Figure 5 As shown, a downwardly recessed bottom wall recess 50 is provided in the front half of the bottom wall 41. The bottom wall recess 50 is formed by the downward bulge of the front half of the bottom wall 41. The bottom wall recess 50 is positioned aligned vertically with the receiving hole 37. The bottom wall recess 50 overlaps with the receiving hole 37 when viewed from above.
[0101] like Figure 6 As shown, an upwardly protruding protrusion 52 is provided in the rear half of the bottom wall 41. The protrusion 52 extends in the front-rear direction at approximately the center of the left wall 46L and the right wall 46R.
[0102] The bottom wall 41 is provided with at least one rib 54 extending in the front-rear direction. The rib 54 has a wall-like shape with a surface facing the lateral direction. The rib 54 extends in the front-rear direction at approximately the center of the left wall 46L and the right wall 46R. The rib 54 connects to the rear surface of the front wall 44 at its front end and to the front surface of the rear wall 45 at its rear end. By providing the rib 54 connecting the front wall 44 and the rear wall 45, the rigidity of the handrail body 21 can be improved.
[0103] In this embodiment, a rib 54 is provided on the bottom wall 41. The rib 54 includes a front rib 54F extending in a front-rear direction at the bottom wall recess 50 and a rear rib 54R extending in a front-rear direction at the upper surface of the protrusion 52. The front end of the front rib 54F is connected to the rear surface of the front wall 44, and the rear end of the front rib 54F is connected to the front end of the rear rib 54R. The rear end of the rear rib 54R is connected to the front surface of the rear wall 45.
[0104] By providing ribs 54 on the bottom wall 41, the space 56 inside the tray 28 is divided into two spaces 56: the space 56 arranged on the left side of the ribs 54 (hereinafter referred to as the left space 56L) and the space 56 arranged on the right side of the ribs 54 (hereinafter referred to as the right space 56R).
[0105] like Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the rear wall 45 is provided with a slit 58 extending in the front-rear direction. The slit 58 is positioned to avoid the connection between the rib 54 and the rear wall 45. The rear wall 45 may have multiple slits 58 in the portion located to the left of the rib 54 and the portion located to the right of the rib 54. When viewed from the rear, the slits 58 have approximately the same shape. In this embodiment, four slits 58 are provided in the left and right portions of the rib 54, respectively.
[0106] like Figure 8 As shown, slit 58 extends downward from the portion below the upper edge of the rear wall 45 and reaches the lower edge of the rear wall 45. Figure 5 and Figure 7 As shown, the slit 58 can extend further from the lower edge of the rear wall 45, through the corner 48 and into the interior of the bottom wall 41.
[0107] like Figure 8 As shown, the left wall surface defining the left edge of slit 58 and the right wall surface defining the right edge of slit 58 are configured to diverge in a downward direction. Therefore, slit 58 is configured to widen in a downward direction (i.e., toward a position away from cover 27) when viewed from the rear.
[0108] like Figure 6 As shown, at least one downward-cutting notch 60 is provided at the protruding end (i.e., the upper end) of the rib 54. In this embodiment, the rear rib 54R is provided with two notches 60. The left space 56L and the right space 56R are connected to each other via the notches 60. In this embodiment, a downward-cutting cutout 62 is provided in the upper end of the rear portion of the rear rib 54R.
[0109] like Figure 3As shown, the cap 29 includes a front portion 29F and a rear portion 29R. The front portion 29F forms the front of the cap 29 and includes a receiving recess 17. The rear portion 29R forms the rear of the cap 29 and includes a through hole 64 at a position aligned with the power supply device 18. In the side view, the front portion 29F protrudes downward relative to the rear portion 29R. The cap 29 is connected to the upper surface of the cover 27 by a portion of the front portion 29F passing through a front hole 39 in the front portion 27A. The front portion 27A is covered from above by the front portion 29F, and the central portion 27B is covered from above by the rear portion 29R.
[0110] The upper padding member 22 is formed of a material such as polyurethane, which has cushioning properties. The upper padding member 22 is formed as a plate with a surface facing up and down. For example... Figure 4B and Figure 5 As shown, the upper liner member 22 is connected to the upper surface of the cover 27 (specifically, the upper surface of the rear part 27C of the cover) and the upper surface of the frame 26 (longitudinal beam 31).
[0111] like Figure 9 As shown, the upper liner member 22 is provided with a liner hole 70 that extends through the thickness direction. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the padding hole 70 is located at the rear end of the handrail 15. In this embodiment, as... Figure 5 As shown, the upper gasket member 22 includes an extension 68 that extends rearward beyond the cover 27, and the gasket hole 70 is formed such that at least a portion of the gasket hole 70 overlaps with the extension 68. The rear end (extension end) of the extension 68 preferably extends behind the shaft 34.
[0112] The lower liner member 23 is formed of a cushioning material such as polyurethane. The lower liner member 23 is arranged to cover the lower surface of the frame 26, cover 27 and cap 29, and is connected to the lower surface of the frame 26.
[0113] The skin material 25 is formed of a sheet (or fabric) material and covers the outer surface of the upper liner member 22 and the outer surface of the lower liner member 23. The skin material 25 is preferably formed of a breathable fabric material. Alternatively, the skin material 25 may be configured to form a mesh structure at the portion overlapping the opening of the liner hole 70. The skin material 25 may be hooked or attached to the cover 27 or tray 28 at its ends by hooks or the like.
[0114] like Figure 5 As shown, using this configuration, a heat dissipation channel 72 is formed inside the armrest 15, extending from the lower surface of the power supply unit 18 through the interior of the tray 28 and the slit 58 to the pad hole 70. Figure 5 As indicated by the arrow, heat from the power supply unit 18 is discharged to the outside of the handrail 15 through the heat dissipation channel 72.
[0115] The heat dissipation channel 72 includes a flow channel 72U forming its upstream side and a discharge channel 72D forming its downstream end. The flow channel 72U is defined by a space 56 between the cover 27 and the tray 28. The upstream end of the flow channel 72U is connected to the power supply device 18, and the downstream end of the flow channel 72U is connected to the discharge channel 72D via a slit 58. That is, the slit 58 forms a downstream opening of the flow channel 72U, and the flow channel 72U opens onto the surface (rear surface) of the armrest body 21 at a position where it does not overlap with the power supply device 18. The upstream end of the discharge channel 72D is connected to the downstream end of the flow channel 72U, and the downstream end of the discharge channel 72D is defined by a liner hole 70. That is, the liner hole 70 is formed by passing through the upper liner member 22 at the position where it connects to the flow channel 72U, and the liner hole 70 defines the heat dissipation outlet 72A of the heat dissipation channel 72. In the side view, the heat dissipation outlet 72A is arranged above the flow channel 72U.
[0116] In this embodiment, the armrest 15 is provided with a wiring harness 80 that supplies power to the power supply device 18. The wiring harness 80 includes a heat dissipation channel 72 passing through it. More specifically, the wiring harness 80 is connected at one end to the lower surface of the power supply device 18, passes through the flow channel 72U and the pad hole 70, and extends above the upper pad member 22. By routing the wiring harness 80 through the heat dissipation channel 72 in this way, it is not necessary to provide additional holes or the like for routing the wiring harness 80 in the armrest 15, and the armrest 15 can be configured simply.
[0117] Next, the effect of this configuration of the armrest 15 will be explained.
[0118] like Figure 5 As shown, the armrest body 21 is provided with a flow channel 72U. The upstream side of the flow channel 72U is connected to the power supply device 18, and the downstream side of the flow channel 72U has a rear end opening on the surface of the armrest body 21 that does not overlap with the power supply device 18. This allows heat from the power supply device 18 to be dissipated to a location that does not overlap with the power supply device 18. Furthermore, a discharge channel 72D defined by a liner hole 70 is connected to the downstream end of the flow channel 72U, and a heat dissipation channel 72 connected to the power supply device 18 is formed in the armrest 15. This allows for more efficient dissipation of heat generated by the power supply device 18.
[0119] In this way, the power supply device 18 is supported by the armrest body 21 at the front end. As a result, the power supply device 18 can be positioned so that the occupant of the rear seat 1 can easily operate it.
[0120] Furthermore, the heat dissipation outlet 72A of the heat dissipation channel 72 is defined by a padding hole 70 located at the rear end of the handrail body 21. As a result, compared to the front end of the handrail 15, the heat dissipation outlet 72A can be placed in a less conspicuous position on the handrail 15, and the design of the handrail 15 can be improved.
[0121] The upper padding member 22 is provided with a padding hole 70 extending along the thickness direction, forming the downstream end of the heat dissipation channel 72. The padding hole 70 is located at the rear end of the armrest 15. This allows the rear end of the armrest 15 to have a cushioning characteristic, while allowing heat to dissipate through the padding hole 70.
[0122] In this embodiment, the upper liner member 22 includes an extension 68 extending rearward beyond the cover 27, and the liner hole 70 is formed overlapping with the extension 68. Therefore, the cover 27 can lessen obstructing airflow through the liner hole 70, and heat dissipation can be efficiently achieved through the liner hole 70. Figure 5 As shown, preferably, the rear end of the extension 68 extends to the shaft 34.
[0123] like Figure 7 As shown, the rear wall 45 of the tray 28 is provided with a slit 58 extending in the front-to-back direction. By providing the slit 58, the space 56 between the cover 27 and the tray 28 is connected to the outside. Thus, a heat dissipation channel 72 can be formed in the armrest 15 with a simple structure.
[0124] The slit 58 widens towards the opening 28A away from the tray 28 and has a tapered structure that narrows towards the top. This prevents warm air exhausted to the outside of the tray 28 from flowing back into the interior of the tray 28 and allows for efficient heat dissipation from the armrest 15. Furthermore, when the tray 28 is manufactured using two molds, the molds can be easily separated. This simplifies the manufacturing process of the tray 28.
[0125] Furthermore, the slit 58 extends through the lower end of the rear wall 45 to the bottom wall 41. As a result, compared with when the slit 58 does not extend to the bottom wall 41, the area of the opening of the slit 58 can be increased, and heat dissipation from the armrest 15 can be achieved more efficiently.
[0126] In this embodiment, a corner 48 that is arc-shaped when viewed from the side is provided between the rear wall 45 and the bottom wall 41, and the slit 58 is configured to penetrate the corner 48. As a result, compared with the rear wall 45 and the bottom wall 41 being connected at a right angle when viewed from the side, air flows more easily through the slit 58, and heat dissipation from the armrest 15 can be achieved efficiently.
[0127] like Figure 6As shown, the bottom wall 41 of the tray 28 is provided with ribs 54 extending in the front-to-back direction to increase rigidity. By providing ribs 54, the space 56 between the tray 28 and the cover 27 is divided into a left region and a right region, and there is a risk that heat will concentrate in one of the left and right spaces 56.
[0128] Therefore, according to this embodiment, the cut 60 is provided at the protruding end of the rib 54. By providing the cut 60, heat can flow efficiently between the spaces 56 arranged on the left and right sides of the rib 54. As a result, heat can be prevented from concentrating in one of the left and right spaces 56, and heat can be dissipated efficiently from the armrest 15.
[0129] like Figure 5 As shown, the bottom wall 41 is provided with a bottom wall recess 50, which is recessed downward at a position aligned with the receiving hole 37 in the vertical direction. As a result, the wiring harness 80 connected to the power supply device 18 and the bottom wall 41 are less likely to interfere with each other, and the connection between the wiring harness 80 and the power supply device 18 is made easier.
[0130] A recess 50 is provided in the front half of the bottom wall 41. Thus, the bottom wall 41 is configured to rise towards the downstream side, thereby preferentially dissipating warm air from the slit 58 and promoting heat dissipation. Furthermore, the lateral distance between the left wall 46L and the right wall 46R is smaller at the rear end than at the front end, thus effectively guiding the air flowing in the heat dissipation channel 72 to the slit 58.
[0131] In the first embodiment described above, an example of providing one rib 54 on the bottom wall 41 was given, but two or more ribs 54 may be provided on the bottom wall 41. In addition, although the slit 58 is provided in the rear wall 45 according to this embodiment, one or more holes penetrating the rear wall 45 may be provided instead of the slit 58 (or in addition to the slit 58).
[0132] In the first embodiment, the padding hole 70 is provided in the upper padding member 22, but it can be provided in the lower padding member 23. If the upper padding member 22 is made of a foam material with sufficient breathability, or if the upper padding member 22 is thin enough to allow heat dissipation, then the padding hole 70 is not required.
[0133] <Summary of the First Embodiment>
[0134] One embodiment is a handrail 15, which includes: a handrail body 21; and a device (e.g., a power supply device 18) supported on the surface of the handrail body 21. The handrail body 21 is provided with a flow channel 72U, the upstream side of which is connected to the device, and the downstream side of which opens on the surface of the handrail body 21 at a position that does not overlap with the device.
[0135] Accordingly, a circulation channel 72U is provided in the handrail 15, so that heat from the device can be effectively dissipated through the circulation channel 72U.
[0136] In the above aspects, preferably, the armrest body 21 includes a connecting portion (e.g., shaft 34) at its base end for connecting the armrest body 21 to the seat back 13. This device is supported on the free end side of the armrest body 21, and the downstream end of the flow channel 72U is located at the base end side of the armrest body 21.
[0137] Based on this, the device can be positioned in a location where the seated person can easily operate it.
[0138] In the above aspects, preferably, the handrail includes a padding member (e.g., an upper padding member 22) connected to the surface of the handrail body 21, and a skin material 25 covering the padding, and the padding member is provided with a padding hole 70 through the padding member at the position where the padding hole 70 connects with the flow channel 72U.
[0139] Based on this aspect, the armrest 15 can be made to have cushioning properties while dissipating heat through the padding holes 70.
[0140] In the above aspects, preferably, the handrail 15 includes a wiring harness 80 with one end connected to the device, the wiring harness 80 passing through the flow channel 72U and the padding hole 70.
[0141] According to this aspect, there is no need to provide additional holes for wiring harness 80 in the armrest 15, and the armrest 15 can be configured simply.
[0142] In the above aspects, preferably, the handrail body 21 includes a box (e.g., tray 28) formed into a rectangular cylindrical shape with the bottom wall 41 and the peripheral wall 42, and a cover (e.g., cover 27) that closes the opening 28A of the box. The cover includes a receiving hole 37 extending vertically to receive a device. The peripheral wall includes a front wall 44 disposed on the free end side, a rear wall 45 disposed on the base end side, and a pair of side walls 46 that connect the edges of the front wall 44 and the rear wall 45 respectively. The flow channel 72U is defined by the box and the cover. The rear wall 45 is provided with a slit 58 forming a downstream opening of the flow channel 72U.
[0143] Based on this, a heat dissipation channel 72 can be formed in the armrest 15 with a simple structure.
[0144] In the above aspects, preferably, the slit 58 widens toward a position away from the opening 28A of the housing.
[0145] Based on this, heat can be dissipated efficiently from the armrest 15.
[0146] In the above aspects, preferably, the slit 58 penetrates the lower end of the rear wall 45 and extends to the bottom wall 41.
[0147] Based on this, heat can be dissipated efficiently from the armrest 15.
[0148] In the above aspects, preferably, the bottom wall 41 is provided with at least one rib 54 connecting the front wall 44 and the rear wall 45.
[0149] Based on this, the rigidity of the handrail body 21 can be improved.
[0150] In the above aspects, preferably, at least one cutout 60 is provided at the protruding end of the rib 54.
[0151] Based on this aspect, heat can be efficiently transferred through the armrest 15.
[0152] In the above aspects, preferably, the bottom wall 41 is provided with a bottom wall recess 50 that is recessed at a position aligned with the receiving hole 37 in the vertical direction.
[0153] Based on this aspect, it becomes easy to connect the wire harness 80 to the device.
[0154] In the above aspects, preferably, the liner member includes an extension 68 extending beyond the cover toward the base end side, and at least a portion of the liner hole 70 is formed in the extension 68.
[0155] Based on this, heat dissipation can be achieved efficiently through the liner holes 70.
[0156] In the foregoing, preferably, the device is a power supply device 18 for supplying power to the terminal.
[0157] Based on this, it is possible to supply power to the terminal using a device installed in the handrail.
[0158] To achieve this objective, one aspect of the present invention provides a vehicle seat (e.g., a rear seat 1) including an armrest 15, wherein the armrest body 21 is rotatably connected to a seat back 13 about an axis extending in a lateral direction at the base end of the armrest body, and the seat back 13 is provided with a receiving recess 16 for receiving the armrest 15.
[0159] According to this aspect, it is possible to provide a vehicle seat including a retractable armrest 15 that can effectively dissipate heat from the device.
[0160] <<Second Implementation Method>>
[0161] In the following description, as in the first embodiment, the structure of the handrail 101 according to the second embodiment will be described based on the state of the handrail 101 in the use position.
[0162] like Figure 10As shown, similar to the first embodiment, the armrest 101 is rotatably connected to the seat back 13 at its base end about an axis extending in the lateral direction. As in the first embodiment, the seat back 13 is provided with a receiving recess 16 to receive the armrest 101 (see [link to first embodiment]). Figure 1 ).
[0163] The armrest 101, like in the first embodiment, includes a receiving recess 17 on its front end (i.e., free end) side. The receiving recess 17 is used to receive various items such as beverage cups. In this embodiment, the armrest 101 is provided with a closing member 17A for closing the receiving recess 17.
[0164] The armrest 101 also includes a contactless power supply device 18 for charging terminals such as smartphones. The power supply device 18 is located slightly forward of the center of the armrest 101 and behind the receiving recess 17.
[0165] The power supply device 18 according to this embodiment is provided with a heat dissipation fan 18A. The fan 18A is disposed in the right half of the power supply device 18. An opening (not shown) communicating with the interior of the housing is provided in the right half of the lower surface of the housing that forms the outer casing of the power supply device 18. The fan 18A is housed inside the housing and dissipates heat from the power supply device 18 through the opening.
[0166] Similar to the first embodiment, the handrail 101 includes, in addition to the power supply device 18, a handrail body 103, an upper padding member 22 arranged along the upper surface of the handrail body 103, a lower padding member 105 disposed on the lower side of the handrail body 103, a skin material 25 covering the outer surfaces of the upper padding member 22 and the lower padding member 105, and a cap 29.
[0167] The upper padding member 22, the skin material 25, and the cap 29 of the armrest 101 in the second embodiment are substantially the same as those in the first embodiment, so the description is omitted. Figure 11 An exploded perspective view of the handrail body 103 is shown.
[0168] like Figure 11 As shown, the handrail body 103 includes a frame 26, a support member 109 supported by the frame 26, and a pipe 111 connected to the support member 109.
[0169] Similar to the first embodiment, the frame 26 includes a pair of left and right longitudinal beams 31, a front member 32 connecting the left and right longitudinal beams 31, and a shaft 34.
[0170] Shaft 34 is formed of a metal round bar and is arranged to extend in the transverse direction. Shaft 34 passes through a through hole provided in the rear of the left and right longitudinal beams 31 and is fixed to the corresponding longitudinal beam 31 at the through hole.
[0171] The left and right ends of shaft 34 are rotatably supported by a pair of brackets 36 fixed to the seat back frame. Therefore, frame 26 is rotatably connected to seat back 13 (see also) about the central axis X of shaft 34 (also called the rotation axis). Figure 10 ).
[0172] like Figure 11 As shown, a limiting mechanism 112 is provided between the handrail 101 and the support 36 to limit the rotation range of the handrail 101. The limiting mechanism 112 includes a rod member 116 disposed in the frame 26 and a guide groove 36A disposed in the support 36.
[0173] like Figure 12 As shown, the rod member 116 is a rod-shaped member extending laterally and connected to the rear end of the longitudinal beam 31, protruding laterally outward from a pair of supports 36. Each support 36 is provided with a guide groove 36A on the corresponding side for receiving the rod member 116, and the rod member 116 is received in the guide groove 36A. Thus, the rotation range of the handrail 101 is limited between the use position and the storage position.
[0174] like Figure 11 As shown, the support member 109 is a component made of resin, metal, etc., and is formed into a flat plate shape. The support member 109 is arranged to overlap with the longitudinal beam 31 from above at the left and right edges, and overlaps with the front member 32 from above at the front edge, and is fixed in place. The support member 109 can be fixed to the frame 26 by screws or the like. The power supply device 18 is arranged on the upper surface of the support member 109 and is supported by the upper surface (also called the top surface) of the support member 109.
[0175] More specifically, the support member 109 includes a rectangular frame body 115 extending in the front-rear direction, a support portion 117 arranged to connect the front and rear central portions of the long side of the frame body 115, a connecting portion 119 provided on the support portion 117, and a closing portion 121 provided behind the support portion 117.
[0176] The main frame 115 includes a left frame 115L arranged along the left longitudinal beam 31, a right frame 115R arranged along the right longitudinal beam 31, a front frame 115F arranged along the front member 32 connecting the front end of the left frame 115L to the front end of the right frame 115R, and a rear frame 115B connecting the rear end of the left frame 115L to the rear end of the right frame 115R.
[0177] The front frame 115F, left frame 115L, and right frame 115R are arranged along the upper surface of frame 26. The rear frame 115B passes above shaft 34 and extends to the rear of shaft 34. The rear frame 115B also includes an extension 123 extending downward at the rear end. The extension 123 is arranged behind shaft 34 and forms a wall that faces the front-rear direction.
[0178] The support portion 117 is formed as a plate with its surface facing vertically. In a top view, the support portion 117 has a generally rectangular shape extending laterally. The support portion 117 is connected at its left edge to the left frame 115L at approximately the center in the front-rear direction, and at its right edge to the right frame 115R at approximately the center in the front-rear direction. The upper surface (top surface) of the support portion 117 forms the surface supporting the power supply device 18 (hereinafter referred to as the support surface 125), and the power supply device 18 is arranged on the support surface 125. A sealing member 126 is provided between the power supply device 18 and the support surface 125, arranged along the edge of the opening 129.
[0179] In this embodiment, a heat dissipation hole 127 extending vertically is provided at approximately the center of the support portion 117 in the lateral direction. The heat dissipation hole 127 has a generally rectangular shape when viewed from above.
[0180] The support portion 117 has an opening 129 extending through the plate thickness at the right edge of the support surface 125 and opposite to the fan 18A of the power supply unit 18. The opening 129 has a generally square shape when viewed from above.
[0181] like Figure 13 As shown, the connecting portion 119 is connected to the opening portion 129 from below, and forms a groove extending downward from the opening portion 129.
[0182] More specifically, such as Figure 13 and Figure 14 As shown, the connecting portion 119 includes a front wall 119A that connects to the front edge of the opening 129 and extends downward, a pair of left and right side walls 119B that connect to the left and right side edges of the opening 129 and extend downward, and a bottom wall 119C that connects to the lower ends of the front wall 119A and the side walls 119B and extends rearward. Therefore, the connecting portion 119 is closed at its front end, has a U-shaped groove extending rearward, and includes an opening 119D that opens towards the rear.
[0183] like Figure 11 and Figure 14 As shown, the closure 121 is formed as a rectangular plate with its surface facing upwards and downwards. The closure 121 is connected to the left frame 115L at its left edge, to the rear frame 115B at its rear edge, and to the right frame 115R at its right edge. Figure 15As shown, the upper liner member 22 is arranged on the upper surface of the closure portion 121.
[0184] like Figure 11 As shown, the pipe 111 includes a bottom wall 111A extending in a generally horizontal direction, and side walls 111B extending upward from the respective left and right edges of the bottom wall 111A. The side walls 111B of the pipe 111 are connected to each other at approximately the center of their upper ends by a laterally extending upper wall 111C. Thus, the central portion of the pipe 111 is formed into a cylindrical shape having a front opening 111D opening towards the front and a rear opening 111E opening towards the rear.
[0185] In addition, the front end of the pipe 111 is provided with a front groove 111F, which is a groove formed by the front part of the bottom wall 111A and the front parts of the left and right side walls 111B. The rear end of the pipe 111 is also provided with a rear groove 111G, which is a groove formed by the rear part of the bottom wall 111A and the rear parts of the left and right side walls 111B. The front groove 111F and the rear groove 111G each have an upward-opening U-shaped cross-section. By providing the front groove 111F and the rear groove 111G, the pipe 111 is formed into a groove shape at both the front and rear ends.
[0186] The pipe 111 extends in the front-to-back direction, and the front groove 111F is arranged to cover the connecting portion 119 from below. Thus, the pipe 111 connects to the connecting portion 119 at its central front end. At this time, the closing portion 121 is arranged above the rear groove 111G, and the rear groove 111G (the rear end of the grooved pipe 111) is arranged vertically opposite the closing portion 121. Furthermore, the upper edges of the rear portions of the side walls 111B abut against the lower surface of the closing portion 121, and the rear groove 111G is closed from above by the closing portion 121. Therefore, as... Figure 13 As shown, the channel 131 extending from the connecting portion 119 to the rear end of the pipe 111 is defined by the pipe 111 and the support member 109. Therefore, the pipe 111 can be referred to as a channel forming member (or flow path forming member) that cooperates with the support member 109 to form the channel 131, and the support member 109 can be referred to as a cover member that closes the upper side of the rear groove portion 111G. Figure 11 As shown, a sealing member 132 is preferably provided between the pipe 111 and the sealing part 121 to seal the gap between the side wall 119B (the rear part of the side wall 119B) constituting the rear groove 111G and the sealing part 121.
[0187] The front groove portion 111F of the pipe 111 can adhere to the connecting portion 119, and the pipe 111 can be biased upward by the lower liner member 105 to maintain the connection between the pipe 111 and the connecting portion 119.
[0188] like Figure 13 and Figure 15As shown, the lower liner member 105 is provided with a downwardly recessed receiving recess 133 to receive the connecting portion 119 and the pipe 111. By providing the receiving recess 133, the lower liner member 105 is well connected to the support member 109 and the pipe 111.
[0189] like Figure 13 As shown, a cutout 135, cutting downwards from the upper edge (i.e., in a direction away from the support member 109), is provided at each rear portion of the sidewall 111B of the pipe 111. The cutout 135 is provided in the sidewall 111B constituting the rear groove portion 111G (see also...). Figure 11 Axis 34 passes through the cutout 135 of pipe 111. Therefore, the channel 131 defined by pipe 111 and support member 109 is configured to overlap with axis 34 in side view.
[0190] The rear end of pipe 111 extends to near the front surface of extension 123. Extension 123 is provided with through hole 137 (see also...). Figure 14 A through-hole 137 is formed at the rear end of pipe 111, facing forward and backward. Extension 123 is provided with a rear cover member 139 that closes the through-hole 137. (Example) Figure 15 and Figure 16 As shown, the rear cover member 139 is formed as a plate with a rectangular shape in the front view. The rear cover member 139 is provided with a through hole 140 extending through the rear end of the pipe 111. (As shown...) Figure 16 As shown, the through-hole 140 is provided with a format frame 141 extending in both the vertical and horizontal directions. Therefore, the rear cover member 139 is provided with a plurality of vent holes 143 arranged in both the vertical and horizontal directions. The rear cover member 139 is provided with a design section 139A (see...). Figure 16 To improve the design of the handrail 101, however, design department 139A is not necessary.
[0191] like Figure 11 As shown, the support portion 117 is provided with a wiring harness hole 145 extending through the left side of the heat dissipation hole 127. Similar to the first embodiment, the wiring harness 147 is connected to the power supply device 18. The wiring harness 147 passes through the wiring harness hole 145 to reach between the support member 109 and the lower liner member 105, and extends further rearward. Figure 15 As shown, the wiring harness 147 further passes through the rear cover member 139 and the conduit 111, and extends into the gap between the bracket 36 and the armrest 101 (see also...). Figure 12 ).
[0192] In this embodiment, such as Figure 12As shown, a fixing part 149 for fixing the wire harness 147 is provided on the rear edge of the bottom wall 111A of the pipe 111, so as to stably hold the wire harness 147 between the rear cover member 139 and the pipe 111. The fixing part 149 is provided with a locking hole 153 and a wire harness clip 151 (see...). Figure 13 and Figure 15 The wire harness 147 is secured to the wire harness clip 151, and the wire harness clip 151 is locked into the locking hole 153. Thus, the wire harness 147 is locked to the rear edge of the pipe 111 and held between the rear cover member 139 and the pipe 111. Furthermore, by providing a fixing part 149 for securing the wire harness 147 to the pipe 111, a separate component for securing the wire harness 147 to the support member 109 is not required, and the number of components in the handrail 101 can be reduced.
[0193] like Figure 11 and Figure 15 As shown, a pair of front and rear limiting plates 155 are provided on at least one sidewall 111B of the pipe 111. The limiting plates 155 are arranged at intervals on the upstream (front) and downstream (rear) sides of the sidewall 111B provided on the rear of the pipe 111.
[0194] Each limiting tab 155 extends parallel to the bottom wall 111A from the side wall 111B and protrudes toward the lower liner member 105. Each limiting tab 155 is formed as a plate with its surface facing vertically. Due to its shape, the limiting tab 155 may also be referred to as a protrusion or a planar rib. In this embodiment, the limiting tab 155 protrudes to the left from the lower edge of the left side wall 111B of the conduit 111.
[0195] The lower pad member 105 is provided with a recess 157, which is formed at a position corresponding to the limiting piece 155. Therefore, the lower pad member 105 extends into the space between a pair of front and rear limiting pieces 155 arranged between the recess 157. Hereinafter, the portion of the lower pad member 105 arranged between the limiting pieces 155 will be referred to as the bulge 159. The bulge 159 extends into the space between the pair of front and rear limiting pieces 155 and restricts the front-to-back movement of the lower pad member 105 relative to the support member 109.
[0196] Each limiting piece 155 is provided with a rib 161, which protrudes upward and such that the surface of the rib of one limiting piece faces the surface of the rib of the other limiting piece. In this embodiment, the rib 161 provided on the front limiting piece 155 extends laterally along the rear edge of the front limiting piece 155. The rib 161 provided on the rear limiting piece 155 extends laterally along the front edge of the rear limiting piece 155. Therefore, each of the two ribs 161 has a surface that faces each other in the front-rear direction.
[0197] The bulge 159 is inserted between the rear surface of the rib 161 provided on the front limiting plate 155 and the front surface of the rib 161 provided on the rear limiting plate 155. This more firmly restricts the back-and-forth movement of the lower liner member 105 relative to the support member 109.
[0198] Next, the manufacturing method of the handrail 101 with this configuration will be described. The operator manufacturing the handrail 101 first forms the frame 26 of the handrail 101 by connecting a pair of left and right longitudinal beams 31, a front member 32, and a shaft 34 together. Then, the operator connects the rod member 116 to the frame 26. Next, the operator connects the pipe 111 to the support member 109, and then connects the power supply device 18 to the support member 109. Next, the operator connects the upper pad member 22, the lower pad member 105, and the cap 29 to the support member 109 and the frame 26, and covers the upper pad member 22 and the lower pad member 105 with the covering material 25, thereby completing the manufacturing of the handrail 101.
[0199] Next, the effect of this configuration of the armrest 101 will be explained.
[0200] Air heated by heat generated by the power supply unit 18 is exhausted through an opening in the housing by a fan 18A. The air flows downwards through the connection 119 and opening 129 in the support 117 and enters the channel 131 between the pipe 111 and the support member 109. Thereafter, the air that has flowed between the pipe 111 and the support member 109 is exhausted to the outside of the armrest 101 through the vent 143 of the rear cover member 139 (see [link]). Figure 13 (The arrow in the image).
[0201] Thus, channel 131 functions as a heat dissipation channel from power supply device 18. The upstream side of channel 131 is connected to power supply device 18, and the downstream side of channel 131 opens on the surface of the armrest body 103 at a position that does not overlap with power supply device 18. As a result, heat from power supply device 18 can be effectively dissipated through channel 131.
[0202] A rear cover member 139 with a vent 143 is provided at the downstream end of channel 131. By providing the rear cover member 139, foreign objects can be prevented from entering channel 131. In addition, the portion of the heat dissipation channel connected to the power supply device 18 can be formed by a simple configuration of pipe 111 and support member 109.
[0203] This concludes the description of the second embodiment. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment and can be implemented with extensive modifications.
[0204] In the second embodiment described above, an example of providing a format frame 141 in the through hole 137 is given. However, instead of the format frame 141, the back cover member 139 may be provided with a frame extending in the vertical direction (or the horizontal direction) and slits are formed side by side in the back cover member 139.
Claims
1. A handrail, the handrail comprising: Handrail body; and A device supporting the surface of the handrail body, wherein... The handrail body is provided with a circulation channel, the upstream side of which is connected to the device, and the downstream side of which opens on the surface of the handrail body at a position that does not overlap with the device.
2. The handrail according to claim 1, wherein, The device is supported on the free end of the handrail body, and The downstream end of the circulation channel is located at the base of the handrail body.
3. The handrail of claim 1, wherein, The downstream end of the flow channel is provided with a cover including a vent.
4. The handrail of claim 1, wherein, The handrail body includes a support member on which the device is arranged and a pipe supported by the support member. The support member includes a support portion and a connecting portion. The support portion forms a surface for supporting the device on the top side, and the connecting portion opens at the support portion and extends to the back side. The pipe is formed in the shape of a groove at a position opposite to the support member, connects to the connecting part, abuts against the back surface of the support member, and defines the downstream side of the flow channel.
5. The handrail according to claim 4, wherein, The armrest body is provided with a rotating shaft, which is used to rotatably connect the armrest body to the seat back. The rotating shaft extends laterally and passes through the pipe.
6. The handrail according to claim 5, wherein, The pipe includes a bottom wall and a pair of side walls extending upward from the bottom wall. Each of the pair of sidewalls is provided with a cutout cut in a direction away from the supporting member, and The rotating shaft passes through the cut.
7. The handrail according to claim 4, wherein, A fixing part for securing the wire harness connected to the device is provided on the downstream side of the pipe.
8. The handrail according to claim 4, wherein, A padding member is provided on the back side of the armrest body, and The gasket member is provided with a receiving recess for receiving the connection portion and the pipe.
9. The handrail according to claim 8, wherein, The pipe is provided with a pair of limiting tabs protruding toward the gasket member, and The padding member is provided with a bulge extending into the space between the pair of limiting plates.
10. The handrail according to claim 9, wherein, Each of the pair of limiting pieces is provided with a rib having a surface, wherein the surface of the rib of one limiting piece faces the surface of the rib of the other limiting piece, and The bulge is inserted between the ribs.
11. The handrail according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein, The device is a power supply device for supplying electricity to a terminal.
12. A vehicle seat, the vehicle seat comprising an armrest according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The armrest body is rotatably connected to the seat back about an axis extending laterally at its base end. The seat back is provided with a storage slot for storing the armrests.