Vehicle seat

Abstract

A vehicle seat is provided. A vehicle seat (10) has a restraining member (16) housed in a seat cushion (12) and movable between a housed position and a deployed position that is a position capable of supporting a pelvis of an occupant from a seat front side at a seat upper side side compared to the housed position, an airbag device (18) housed in the seat cushion (12) and inflated and deployed to move the restraining member (16) to the deployed position when a front collision is detected or predicted, and an energy absorbing portion (24B) provided on a surface of the seat cushion (12) at a seat rear side of the restraining member (16) disposed at the deployed position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a vehicle seat. Background Technology

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2022-32266 discloses a movable seat pan that suppresses movement of the occupant's waist during a vehicle collision. Specifically, the movable seat pan changes from a tilted to an upright position by utilizing the inflated deployment of the airbag, thereby becoming a structure that blocks the occupant's waist.

[0003] The movable seat base described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2022-32266, compared to structures that utilize airbags or similar devices to inflate the seat cushion, can effectively suppress the movement of the occupant's lower back towards the front of the seat, even when the occupant is in a relaxed posture. However, since it directly obstructs the inertial movement of the occupant's lower back during a frontal collision or similar event, excessive load may be transferred to the lower back, thus there is room for improvement in enhancing occupant protection. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a vehicle seat that can effectively suppress the inertial movement of occupants while improving occupant protection in the event of a vehicle collision.

[0005] The first type of vehicle seat includes: a restraint member housed in a seat cushion and movable between a housed position and an extended position, the extended position being a position that supports the occupant's pelvis from the front side of the seat, located above the seat compared to the housed position; an airbag device housed in the seat cushion and inflating and deploying upon detection or prediction of a frontal collision, thereby moving the restraint member toward the extended position; and an energy-absorbing portion provided on the rear seat side surface of the restraint member disposed in the extended position.

[0006] In the vehicle seat of the first embodiment, a restraint member and an airbag device are provided in the seat cushion. The restraint member is configured to move between a stowed position and a deployed position in which it supports the occupant's pelvis from the front side of the seat, located above the stowed position. Furthermore, when a frontal collision is detected or predicted, the airbag device inflates and deploys, causing the restraint member to move to the deployed position. Thus, in the event of a vehicle collision, the restraint member can be moved to the deployed position early to suppress the occupant's lumbar region from inertial movement towards the front of the seat.

[0007] Furthermore, an energy-absorbing section is provided on the surface of the restraint member located on the rear side of the seat in the deployed position. As a result, the occupant's pelvis is blocked by the restraint member through the energy-absorbing section, thereby preventing excessive load from being input to the occupant's lower back.

[0008] The second type of vehicle seat is, in the first type, wherein the restraint component is configured to include a rod body and a connecting rod, the rod body extending in the vehicle width direction, the connecting rod being provided in a left and right pair, and the front end of each connecting rod being mounted on both ends of the rod body in the seat width direction, and the rear end of each connecting rod being rotatably connected to a connecting portion located on the rear side of the seat relative to the rod body.

[0009] In the second type of vehicle seat, the restraint component is configured to include a rod body and connecting rods, with the rod body extending in the vehicle width direction. Furthermore, a pair of connecting rods are provided, with the front ends of each connecting rod mounted at both ends of the rod body in the seat width direction. The rear ends of each connecting rod are rotatably connected to a connecting portion. Thus, by rotating the rear ends of the connecting rods, the rod body can be moved from a stowed position to an extended position. Moreover, since the connecting portion is located further rearward than the rod body, when a load from the occupant is input to the rod body via an energy absorption portion, a tensile load will act on the connecting rods from the rod body, thereby generating a reaction force on the occupant towards the rear of the vehicle.

[0010] The third type of vehicle seat is, in the second type, wherein the connecting parts are respectively disposed on the left and right side frames of the frame constituting the seat cushion.

[0011] In third-party vehicle seats, the connecting part is located on the side frame that forms the seat cushion skeleton, thus preventing the connecting rod from detaching. Furthermore, since the side frame is located on the outer side of the seat width relative to the area where the occupant sits, the connecting rod will not interfere with the occupant even if the connecting part is positioned on the upper side of the seat.

[0012] The fourth type of vehicle seat is, in the second type, the airbag device is configured to include an airbag body and an inflation device capable of supplying gas to the airbag body, the airbag body having an extension portion, which is disposed on the seat rear side of the rod body and constitutes the energy absorption portion when inflated.

[0013] In the fourth type of vehicle seat, when a frontal collision is detected or predicted, the airbag body inflates and deploys by generating gas from an inflation device. Here, the airbag body includes an extension constituting an energy-absorbing section, which is positioned on the seat rear side of the main body during inflatation. This allows for occupant protection without the need for a dedicated energy-absorbing component. Furthermore, since the extension also contracts when the airbag body contracts, the energy-absorbing section does not cause any foreign body sensation to the occupant under normal use.

[0014] The fifth type of vehicle seat is one in which, in the fourth type, the extension covers the range of the rod body from the rear side of the seat to the top side of the seat.

[0015] In the fifth type of vehicle seat, since the extension covers the entire length of the rod body up to the upper side of the seat, it is possible to suppress the load input to the occupant's thigh located above the rod body.

[0016] The sixth type of vehicle seat is, in the fourth type, wherein the rod body is positioned in the unfolded position on the rear side and above the seat relative to the inflator.

[0017] In the sixth type of vehicle seat, a rod body positioned behind and above the seat compared to the inflator exerts a reaction force on the airbag body. This allows the reaction force to be applied to the airbag body at a position closer to the occupant than the inflator, thereby increasing restraint.

[0018] The seventh type of vehicle seat, as in the second type, includes a locking mechanism that restricts the rotation of the rod body toward the stowage position while the rod body has moved toward the unfolded position.

[0019] In the seventh type of vehicle seat, the rotation of the rod body towards the storage position is restricted by a locking mechanism, thereby effectively blocking the occupant's pelvis through the rod body.

[0020] The eighth type of vehicle seat, in the fourth type, includes an airbag device with a strap sewn onto the airbag body and holding the rod body in a non-removable manner.

[0021] In the eighth type of vehicle seat, since the rod body is inserted into the airbag body in a way that it cannot be pulled out by means of a belt, it is possible to prevent the extension from separating from the rod body.

[0022] The ninth type of vehicle seat is provided in the fourth type, wherein a high-pressure section with a higher pressure than other parts is provided on the extension portion in the airbag body.

[0023] In the ninth type of vehicle seat, by providing a high-pressure section on the extension section, when the occupant's pelvis is supported by the rod body via the extension section, it is possible to prevent the extension section from shrinking and to prevent the pelvis from being directly supported by the rod body.

[0024] The tenth type of vehicle seat is, in the ninth type, wherein the high-pressure unit is constructed by internally housing an airbag containing the inflation device.

[0025] In the tenth type of vehicle seat, by inflating the internal airbag first, the high-pressure section can effectively block the occupant's pelvis.

[0026] The eleventh type of vehicle seat is, in the ninth type, wherein the airbag body is divided into at least two chambers in the front-rear direction of the seat by means of a tether, and the high-pressure section is located in the chamber on the front side of the seat.

[0027] In the vehicle seat of the eleventh type, the high-pressure section can be constructed with a simple structure.

[0028] The twelfth type of vehicle seat is a vehicle seat comprising: a restraint member housed in a seat cushion and movable between a housed position and an extended position, the extended position being a position in which the occupant's pelvis is supported from the front side of the seat on the upper side of the seat compared to the housed position; a piston-cylinder actuator housed in the seat cushion and which moves the restraint member toward the extended position when a frontal collision is detected or predicted, and an energy-absorbing portion is provided on the rear seat side surface of the restraint member disposed in the extended position.

[0029] In the twelfth type of vehicle seat, the restraint member is configured to move between a stowed position and an extended position in which the occupant's pelvis is supported from the front side of the seat on the upper side compared to the stowed position. Furthermore, a piston-cylinder actuator is housed in the seat cushion and moves the restraint member to the extended position when a frontal collision is detected or predicted. Moreover, since an energy-absorbing portion is provided on the rear seat side surface of the restraint member positioned in the extended position, the occupant's pelvis is blocked by the restraint member via the energy-absorbing portion, thereby preventing excessive load from being input to the occupant's lumbar region.

[0030] As explained above, the vehicle seat according to this disclosure can effectively suppress the inertial movement of the occupants while improving the protection of the occupants in the event of a vehicle collision. Attached Figure Description

[0031] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the following accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 A side view of the vehicle seat according to the first embodiment is shown in summary.

[0032] Figure 2 This is a top view showing the main parts of the vehicle seat according to the first embodiment.

[0033] Figure 3 This is a side view showing the main part of the vehicle seat according to the first embodiment, and a diagram showing the state of the airbag body before it is inflated and deployed.

[0034] Figure 4 This is a side view showing the main part of the vehicle seat according to the first embodiment, and a diagram showing the state after the airbag body has been inflated and deployed.

[0035] Figure 5 This is a side view showing the main part of the vehicle seat involved in the alteration example.

[0036] Figure 6 This is a side view showing the main part of the vehicle seat according to the second embodiment.

[0037] Figure 7 This is a side view showing the main part of the vehicle seat according to the third embodiment.

[0038] Figure 8 This is a top view showing the main parts of the vehicle seat according to the fourth embodiment.

[0039] Figure 9 This is a side view showing the main part of the vehicle seat according to the fourth embodiment, and a diagram showing the state before the piston-cylinder actuator operates.

[0040] Figure 10 This is a side view showing the main part of the vehicle seat according to the fourth embodiment, and a diagram showing the state in which the piston-cylinder actuator is in operation. Detailed Implementation

[0041] <First Implementation Method> The vehicle seat according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, arrows FR, UP, and RH respectively indicate the forward direction, upward direction, and rightward direction of the vehicle seat. Unless otherwise specified, the directions front-back, up-down, and left-right in the following description refer to the front-back direction, up-down direction, and left-right direction (width direction) of the seat, respectively. Furthermore, the front-back direction of the vehicle seat may not necessarily be the same as the front-back direction of the vehicle.

[0042] Figure 1 A side view of the vehicle seat 10 according to this embodiment is shown for summary purposes. Figure 1 As shown, the vehicle seat 10 of this embodiment is configured to include a seat cushion 12 and a seat back 14.

[0043] The seat cushion 12 extends in the fore-and-aft direction and the width direction of the seat, and is configured to support the buttocks and thighs of the occupant P from the underside of the seat. In addition, the seat cushion 12 has an internal seat cushion pad (not shown).

[0044] In this embodiment, a restraint member 16 and an airbag device 18 are provided inside the seat cushion 12. Details about the restraint member 16 and the airbag device 18 will be described later.

[0045] A seat backrest 14 is rotatably connected to the rear end of the seat cushion 12. The seat backrest 14 extends in both the vertical and width directions of the seat and is configured to support the back of the occupant P from the rear side of the seat. Furthermore, the seat backrest 14 has an internal backrest pad, and a tilt adjustment device (not shown) is provided at the connection between the seat backrest 14 and the seat cushion 12. The tilt adjustment device is configured to adjust the tilt angle of the seat backrest 14 relative to the seat cushion 12.

[0046] A headrest (not shown) is provided on the upper end of the seat back 14. The headrest is fixed to the seat back 14, for example, via a headrest support rod, and is configured to support the head of the occupant P from the rear side of the seat.

[0047] Figure 2 This is a top view showing the main parts of the vehicle seat 10 according to the first embodiment. (See attached image.) Figure 2 As shown, a support plate 20 is provided inside the seat cushion 12. In addition, a side frame 32 constituting the skeleton of the seat cushion 12 is provided inside the seat cushion 12.

[0048] A pair of side frames 32 are provided on the left and right sides and are disposed at the ends of the seat cushion 12 in the seat width direction. Furthermore, each side frame 32 is a metal plate-shaped component extending in the seat front-to-back direction with the seat width direction as its thickness direction. The front ends of the side frames 32 are connected in the seat width direction via front connecting members 34.

[0049] The front connecting member 34 is, for example, a generally cylindrical metal component, and connects the front ends of the pair of side frames 32 to each other. In addition, the rear ends of the side frames 32 are connected in the seat width direction by a rear connecting member (not shown), and the seat cushion frame 30 is formed by including the side frames 32, the front connecting member 34, and the rear connecting member.

[0050] Here, a restraint member 16 is provided inside the seat cushion 12. The restraint member 16 is configured to include a rod body 26 and a pair of left and right connecting rods 28.

[0051] The rod body 26 is a generally cylindrical component extending in the width direction of the vehicle, and is formed of a highly rigid material capable of supporting the pelvis Q of the occupant P. Furthermore, connecting rods 28 are respectively installed at both ends of the rod body 26.

[0052] The connecting rod 28 is a long strip-shaped component that extends in the front-to-back direction. The front end of the connecting rod 28 is mounted on the seat-width end of the rod body 26, and the rear end of the connecting rod 28 is rotatably connected to the connecting part JP of the side frame 32.

[0053] A support shaft (not shown) is provided on the connecting part JP, through which the rear end of the connecting rod 28 is inserted. Furthermore, during normal driving, the connecting rod 28 can also be locked to prevent rotation.

[0054] The rod body 26 is configured to move between a stowed position and an unfolded position. Specifically, the rod body 26 can move between the stowed position and the unfolded position by rotating the connecting rod 28.

[0055] Figure 3 This diagram shows the state of the airbag device 18 before it is activated. Figure 4 This diagram illustrates the state of the airbag device 18 after it has been deployed. Figure 3 As shown, the rod body 26 is located near the support plate 20 in the storage position.

[0056] like Figure 4 As shown, the rod body 26, in its extended position, is positioned towards the rear of the seat and above the seat compared to its folded position. Furthermore, as... Figure 1As shown, when the rod body 26 is in the extended position, the surface of the seat cushion 12 bulges up, thereby supporting the pelvis Q of the occupant P from the front side of the seat.

[0057] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as an example, a locking structure (not shown) is provided, which restricts the rotation of the rod body 26 towards the retracted position when the rod body 26 has moved to the unfolded position. The locking mechanism can be, for example, a known ratchet mechanism consisting of gears or the like provided on the connecting portion JP of the side frame 32. Alternatively, a known one-way clutch mechanism can also be used as the locking mechanism.

[0058] like Figure 3 As shown, the support plate 20 is a generally flat component mounted on the seat frame 30, and may also be a seat base plate or the like. Here, an airbag device 18 is provided on the support plate 20. The airbag device 18 is configured to include an inflation device 22 and an airbag body 24, and the inflation device 22 is fixed to the support plate 20.

[0059] The inflation device 22 is electrically connected to a control unit such as the airbag ECU (not shown). When a frontal collision is detected or predicted by sensors mounted on the vehicle, the airbag ECU sends a signal to the inflation device 22, causing it to operate and generate gas. Thus, the inflation device 22 is configured to supply gas to the airbag body 24.

[0060] The airbag body 24 is a bag-shaped component that is folded up and housed during normal driving, and is inflated and deployed by supplying gas through the inflation device 22. Furthermore, the airbag body 24 is configured to include a main chamber 24A and an extension 24B.

[0061] The main chamber 24A of the airbag body 24 is disposed on the upper surface of the support plate 20 and located below the rod body 26. That is, the main chamber 24A is located between the rod body 26 of the restraint member 16 and the support plate 20, and extends in the seat width direction and the seat fore-and-aft direction when folded.

[0062] The extension 24B extends upward from the rear end of the main chamber 24A and folds back towards the front of the seat. The extension 24B is integrally formed with the main chamber 24A, and gas flows from the inflation device 22 through the main chamber 24A.

[0063] like Figure 4As shown, with the airbag body 24 inflated and deployed, the rod body 26 of the restraint component 16 is lifted as the airbag body 24 expands and deploys, and then moves from the stowed position to the deployed position. At this time, the connecting rod 28 rotates around the connecting part JP of the side frame 32.

[0064] The extension 24B expands by being supplied with gas from the rear end of the main chamber 24A, and covers the area of ​​the rod body 26 from the rear side of the seat to the upper side of the seat. Moreover, this extension forms an energy absorption section.

[0065] Specifically, the rod body 26 is positioned in the extended position on the rear side and above the seat relative to the inflation device 22, and is covered by the extension 24B on the rear side and above the seat of the rod body 26, thereby absorbing a portion of the load input from the pelvis Q of the occupant P.

[0066] (effect) Next, the function of the vehicle seat 10 according to this embodiment will be explained.

[0067] In the vehicle seats involved in this embodiment, such as Figure 1 As shown, a restraint component 16 and an airbag device 18 are provided in the seat cushion 12. Furthermore, as... Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 As shown, the restraint member 16 includes a rod body 26, which is configured to move between a stowed position and an extended position in which the pelvis Q of the occupant P is supported from the front side of the seat at a position above the seat compared to the stowed position.

[0068] Furthermore, when a frontal collision is detected or predicted, the airbag device 18 inflates and deploys, causing the rod body 26 of the restraint member 16 to move towards the deployed position. This allows the rod body 26 to move towards the deployed position early in the event of a vehicle collision, thereby suppressing the occupant P's waist from inertial movement towards the front of the seat.

[0069] Furthermore, an extension 24B, serving as an energy absorption section, is provided on the surface of the rod body 26 located in the extended position behind the seat. As a result, the pelvis Q of the occupant P is blocked by the rod body 26 via the energy absorption section, thereby preventing excessive load from being input to the occupant P's waist.

[0070] In particular, in this embodiment, the restraint member 16 is configured to include a rod body 26 and connecting rods 28, with the rod body 26 extending in the vehicle width direction. Furthermore, a pair of connecting rods 28 are provided, with the front ends of each connecting rod 28 mounted at both ends of the rod body 26 in the seat width direction. Moreover, the rear ends of each connecting rod 28 are rotatably connected to the connecting portion JP. Thus, by rotating the rear ends of the connecting rods 28, the rod body 26 can be moved from a stowed position to an extended position. Furthermore, since the connecting portion JP is located on the rear side of the seat compared to the rod body 26, when a load from the occupant P is input to the rod body 26 via the energy absorption portion, a tensile load is applied from the rod body 26 to the connecting rods 28, thereby generating a reaction force on the occupant towards the rear of the vehicle.

[0071] Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the connecting part JP is provided on the side frame 32 constituting the skeleton of the cushion 12, it is possible to prevent the connecting rod 28 from falling off. Additionally, as... Figure 2 As shown, since the side frame 32 is located on the outer side of the seat width direction compared to the area where the occupant P sits, the connecting rod 28 will not interfere with the occupant P even if the connecting part JP is positioned on the side above the seat.

[0072] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when a frontal collision is detected or predicted, the airbag body 24 is inflated and deployed by generating gas from the inflation device 22. Here, the extension 24B is positioned on the rear seat side and the upper seat side of the pole body 26 during inflatation. This allows protection of the occupant P without the need for a dedicated energy-absorbing component. Moreover, since the extension 24B also retracts when the airbag body 24 contracts, the occupant P does not experience any discomfort due to the energy-absorbing component during normal use. Furthermore, load input to the thighs of the occupant P, located above the pole body 26, can be suppressed.

[0073] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a reaction force is applied to the airbag body 24 by means of the rod body 26, which is positioned on the rear side and above the seat compared to the inflation device 22. Therefore, a reaction force can be applied to the airbag body 24 at a position closer to the occupant P than the inflation device 22, thereby improving the restraint force.

[0074] Furthermore, in this embodiment, by utilizing a locking mechanism to restrict the rotation of the rod body 26 toward the storage position, the occupant's pelvis can be effectively blocked by the rod body 26.

[0075] Alternatively, it can be like Figure 5 The modified example shown uses a structure with 38.

[0076] (Modified example) Figure 5 This is a side view showing the main part of the vehicle seat involved in the alteration example. Figure 5 As shown, in this modified example, the airbag device 18 includes a strap 38 that connects the main chamber 24A of the airbag body 24 to the extension portion 24B.

[0077] One end of the strap 38 is sewn to the main chamber 24A, and the other end is sewn to the upper end of the extension 24B. Therefore, a space is provided between the strap 38 and the airbag body 24, and the rod body 26 is inserted through this space. In other words, the rod body 26 is held in place by the airbag body 24 in a manner that prevents it from being pulled out.

[0078] According to this modified example, since the rod body 26 is held between the strap 38 and the airbag body 24 in a manner that prevents it from being pulled out, the separation of the extension 24B from the rod body 26 can be prevented. Furthermore, the number of straps 38 is not particularly limited, and multiple straps can be provided in the seat width direction.

[0079] <Second Implementation Method> Next, refer to Figure 6 The vehicle seat 40 according to the second embodiment will be described. Furthermore, structures identical to those in the first embodiment will be labeled with the same symbols, and descriptions will be omitted where appropriate.

[0080] Figure 6 This is a side view showing the main parts of the vehicle seat 40 according to the second embodiment. (See attached image.) Figure 6 As shown, the vehicle seat 40 according to this embodiment is equipped with an airbag device 42.

[0081] The airbag device 42 is configured to include an inflation device 22, an airbag body 44, and an inner airbag 46. The airbag body 44 is configured similarly to the airbag body 24 of the first embodiment, including a main chamber 44A and an extension 44B.

[0082] The main chamber 44A of the airbag body 44 is disposed on the upper surface of the support plate 20 and located below the rod body 26. Furthermore, the extension 44B extends upward from the rear end of the main chamber 44A and folds back towards the front of the seat. The extension 44B is integrally formed with the main chamber 44A.

[0083] An inner airbag 46 constituting a high-pressure section is disposed inside the airbag body 44. The inner airbag 46 has an inner main chamber 46A disposed at a position corresponding to the main chamber 44A of the airbag body 44. An inflation device 22 is disposed inside the inner main chamber 46A.

[0084] An inner extension 46B extends upward from the rear end of the inner main chamber 46A. The inner extension 46B folds back towards the front of the seat and is positioned corresponding to the extension 44B of the airbag body 44.

[0085] Furthermore, although not illustrated, the inner airbag 46 has a vent that communicates with the airbag body 44. Therefore, after the gas generated from the inflation device 22 is supplied to the inner airbag 46, the gas flows into the airbag body 44 through the vent. Thus, the inner airbag 46 becomes a high-pressure section with a higher pressure compared to other parts.

[0086] (effect) Next, the function of the vehicle seat 40 according to this embodiment will be explained.

[0087] In the vehicle seat 40 according to this embodiment, the inner airbag 46 inflates and deploys early when gas is generated from the inflation device 22. Since the inner airbag 46 has an inner extension 46B, a high-pressure section is provided in the extension 44B. In this way, by providing a high-pressure section in the extension 44B of the airbag body 44, when the pelvis Q of the occupant P is received by the rod body 26 via the extension 44B, it is possible to prevent the extension 44B from shrinking, so that the pelvis is directly received by the rod body 26.

[0088] In particular, in this embodiment, since an inner airbag 46 is provided as a high-pressure unit, by inflating the inner airbag 46 first, the pelvis Q of the occupant P can be reliably blocked by the high-pressure unit. Other functions are the same as in the first embodiment.

[0089] <Third Implementation Method> Next, refer to Figure 7 The vehicle seat 50 according to the third embodiment will be described. Furthermore, structures identical to those in the first embodiment will be labeled with the same symbols, and descriptions will be omitted where appropriate.

[0090] Figure 7 This is a side view showing the main parts of the vehicle seat 50 according to the third embodiment. (See attached image.) Figure 7 As shown, in this embodiment, the internal space of the airbag body 54 is separated by a tether 56.

[0091] The vehicle seat 50 of this embodiment is equipped with an airbag device 52, which is configured to include an inflation device 22, an airbag body 54, and a tether 56.

[0092] The airbag body 54 is configured similarly to that in the first embodiment, including a main chamber 54A and an extension 54B. The main chamber 54A is disposed on the upper surface of the support plate 20 and located below the rod body 26. Furthermore, the extension 54B is a portion that extends upward from the rear end of the main chamber 54A and then folds back towards the front of the seat. The extension 54B and the main chamber 54A are integrally formed.

[0093] The tether 56 is disposed inside the airbag body 54, and divides the internal space of the airbag body 54 in the fore-and-aft direction of the seat. The lower end of the tether 56 is sewn into the main chamber 54A on the rearward side relative to the inflation device 22, and the upper end of the tether 56 is sewn onto the upper part of the extension 54B.

[0094] The space on the front side, separated by the tether 56, is designated as the front chamber 58F, and the inflation device 22 is disposed in the front chamber 58F. In addition, the space on the rear side, separated by the tether 56, is designated as the rear chamber 58R, and a communication hole (not shown) is formed on the tether 56.

[0095] In this embodiment, since the inflation device 22 is disposed in the front chamber 58F, the front chamber 58F becomes a high-pressure section that is higher pressure than the rear chamber 58R.

[0096] (effect) Next, the function of the vehicle seat 50 according to this embodiment will be explained. In this embodiment, when gas is generated from the inflation device 22, the front chamber 58F expands and unfolds early. Since the front chamber 58F covers the rear and upper sides of the rod body 26 of the restraint member 16, when the pelvis Q of the occupant P is supported by the rod body 26 via the extension 54B, it is possible to prevent the extension 54B from shrinking and to prevent the rod body 26 from directly supporting the pelvis Q.

[0097] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the high-pressure section can be constructed with a simpler structure compared to a structure with an internal airbag. Other functions are the same as in the first embodiment.

[0098] <Fourth Implementation Method> Next, refer to Figures 8 to 10 The vehicle seat 60 according to the fourth embodiment will be described. Furthermore, structures identical to those in the first embodiment will be labeled with the same symbols, and descriptions will be omitted where appropriate.

[0099] Figure 8 This is a top view showing the main parts of the vehicle seat 60 according to the fourth embodiment. (See attached image.) Figure 8As shown, the vehicle seat 60 of this embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that it does not have an airbag device.

[0100] In this embodiment, the vehicle seat 60 has a restraint member 62 inside the seat cushion 12. The restraint member 62 is configured to include a rod body 64 and a pair of left and right connecting rods 66.

[0101] The rod body 64 is a generally cylindrical component extending in the width direction of the vehicle, and is formed of a highly rigid material capable of supporting the pelvis Q of the occupant P. Furthermore, connecting rods 66 are respectively installed at both ends of the rod body 64.

[0102] The connecting rod 66 is a long strip-shaped component that extends in the front-to-back direction. The front end of the connecting rod 66 is mounted on the seat-width end of the rod body 64, and the rear end of the connecting rod 66 is rotatably connected to the side frame 32.

[0103] Here, a fan-shaped portion 68 is provided on the rear end of the connecting rod 66, which engages with the cylinder key 72 that constitutes the piston-cylinder actuator 70.

[0104] The piston-cylinder actuator 70 is positioned rearward relative to the restraint member 62. Figure 9 This is a side view showing the main parts of the vehicle seat 60 according to this embodiment, and a diagram showing the state of the piston-cylinder actuator 70 before it operates. Figure 10 A diagram showing the state of the piston-cylinder actuator 70 after it has been operated.

[0105] like Figure 9 As shown, the fan-shaped portion 68 and the connecting rod 66 are integrally formed and configured to rotate relative to the side frame 32 at the support shaft portion 76. That is, the connecting rod 66 and the fan-shaped portion 68 can rotate about the support shaft portion 76.

[0106] The piston-cylinder actuator 70 is configured to include a gas generating section 71 and a cylinder key 72, which engages with a fan-shaped section 68.

[0107] The gas generating unit 71 is housed within the seat cushion 12, and generates gas upon detecting or predicting a frontal collision, causing the cylinder key 72 to protrude towards the front of the seat. The cylinder key 72 is an elongated strip extending in the fore-and-aft direction of the seat, and has multiple teeth on its upper surface. Furthermore, the teeth on the cylinder key 72 engage with the teeth of the fan-shaped portion 68 located at the rear end of the connecting rod 66, and in the normal state, the fan-shaped portion 68 and the connecting rod 66 are locked to prevent rotation.

[0108] like Figure 10As shown, when a frontal collision of the vehicle is detected or predicted, gas is generated from the gas generating unit 71, causing the cylinder key 72 to protrude towards the front of the seat. At the same time, the fan-shaped part 68, which engages with the cylinder key 72, rotates around the support shaft part 76.

[0109] By rotating the fan-shaped portion 68, the connecting rod 66, which is integrally formed with the fan-shaped portion 68, rotates clockwise, thereby moving the rod body 64 towards the rear and above side of the seat. Figure 9 The position of the rod body 64 shown is designated as the storage position. Figure 10 The position of the rod body 64 shown is set to the unfolded position. Figure 10 In the unfolded position shown, due to the relationship with Figure 1 The position of the rod body 26 shown is approximately the same, and therefore it is configured to support the pelvis Q of the occupant P from the front side of the seat via the rod body 64 (see reference). Figure 1 ).

[0110] In addition, such as Figures 8 to 10 As shown, buffer members 74, serving as energy absorption parts, are provided on the rear side of the seat and the upper side of the seat of the rod body 64. The buffer members 74 are not particularly limited to any material capable of absorbing energy; in this embodiment, as an example, they are formed of foamed materials such as polyurethane foam.

[0111] (effect) Next, the function of the vehicle seat 60 according to this embodiment will be explained.

[0112] In this embodiment, the rod body 64 of the restraint member 62 is configured to move between a stowed position and an extended position in which the pelvis Q of the occupant P is supported from the front side of the seat at a position above the seat compared to the stowed position. Furthermore, a piston-cylinder actuator 70 is housed in the seat cushion 12 and moves the rod body 64 to the extended position when a frontal collision is detected or predicted.

[0113] Here, since a buffer member 74 is provided on the rear side of the rod body 64 and the upper side of the seat where it is positioned in the extended position, the pelvis Q of the occupant P is blocked by the rod body 64 via the buffer member 74, thereby suppressing the situation where excessive load is input to the waist of the occupant P.

[0114] The vehicle seat disclosed herein has been described above, but it can certainly be implemented in various ways without departing from the spirit of this disclosure. Although in the above embodiments, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4The constraint member 16 shown has a structure including a rod body 26, but is not limited to this. For example, a generally rectangular flat plate-shaped constraint member may be used instead of the rod body 26. In this case, the surface can be used to support the occupant's pelvis.

[0115] Furthermore, although the structure in the above embodiment where the connecting rod 28 of the constraint member 16 is connected to the side frame 32 has been described, it is not limited to this and the connecting rod may also be installed on other frames.

[0116] Furthermore, although the airbag body 24 is configured in the above embodiment to include a main chamber 24A and an extension 24B, it is not limited to this and can be configured in other shapes. For example, it can be configured such that the airbag body is formed into a generally cylindrical shape and the rod body 26 is inserted through it. In this case, it is possible to reliably prevent the rod body 26 from separating from the airbag body.

[0117] Regarding the above-described embodiments, the following notes are disclosed.

[0118] (Note 1) A vehicle seat, comprising: The restraint component is housed in the seat cushion and is movable between a housed position and an extended position, the extended position being a position that supports the occupant's pelvis from the front side of the seat on the upper side of the seat compared to the housed position. An airbag device, housed within the seat cushion, inflates and deploys upon detection or prediction of a frontal collision, causing the restraint components to move towards the deployed position. An energy-absorbing portion is provided on the surface of the restraint member located at the extended position on the rear side of the seat.

[0119] (Note 2) As described in Appendix 1, the vehicle seat, wherein... The constraint component is configured to include a rod body and connecting rods. The rod body extends in the vehicle width direction. A pair of connecting rods are provided on the left and right sides. The front end of each connecting rod is mounted on both ends of the rod body in the seat width direction. The rear end of each connecting rod is rotatably connected to a connecting portion located on the rear side of the seat relative to the rod body.

[0120] (Note 3) As described in Appendix 2, the vehicle seat, wherein... The connecting parts are respectively located on the left and right side frames of the frame that constitute the seat cushion.

[0121] (Note 4) Vehicle seats as described in Appendix 2 or 3, wherein... The airbag device is configured to include an airbag body and an inflation device capable of supplying gas to the airbag body. The airbag body has an extension portion, which is positioned on the seat rear side of the rod body and constitutes the energy absorption portion when inflated.

[0122] (Note 5) As described in Appendix 4, the vehicle seats, wherein... The extension covers the area of ​​the rod body from the rear side of the seat to the top side of the seat.

[0123] (Note 6) Vehicle seats as described in Appendix 4 or 5, wherein... The main body of the rod is positioned in the extended position relative to the rear side of the seat and above the seat, compared to the inflation device.

[0124] (Note 7) Vehicle seats as described in any of Notes 2 to 6, wherein... The device includes a locking mechanism that restricts the rotation of the rod body toward the retracted position when the rod body has moved toward the unfolded position.

[0125] (Note 8) Vehicle seats as described in any of Notes 4 to 7, wherein... The airbag device includes a strap that is sewn onto the airbag body and holds the rod body in a non-removable manner.

[0126] (Note 9) Vehicle seats as described in any of notes 4 to 8, wherein... The extension portion in the airbag body is provided with a high-pressure section that has a higher pressure compared to other parts.

[0127] (Postscript 10) As described in Appendix 9, the vehicle seats, wherein... The high-pressure section is constructed by housing an internal air bladder containing the inflation device.

[0128] (Postscript 11) As described in Appendix 9, the vehicle seats, wherein... The airbag body is divided into at least two chambers in the fore-and-aft direction of the seat by a tether. The high-pressure unit is located in the chamber on the front side of the seat.

[0129] (Postscript 12) A vehicle seat, comprising: The restraint component is housed in the seat cushion and is movable between a housed position and an extended position, the extended position being a position that supports the occupant's pelvis from the front side of the seat on the upper side of the seat compared to the housed position. A piston-cylinder actuator, housed within the seat cushion, moves the restraint components to the deployed position upon detection or prediction of a frontal collision. An energy-absorbing portion is provided on the surface of the restraint member located at the extended position on the rear side of the seat.

Claims

1. A vehicle seat, comprising: The restraint component is housed in the seat cushion and is movable between a housed position and an extended position, the extended position being a position that supports the occupant's pelvis from the front side of the seat on the upper side of the seat compared to the housed position. An airbag device, housed within the seat cushion, inflates and deploys upon detection or prediction of a frontal collision, causing the restraint components to move towards the deployed position. An energy-absorbing portion is provided on the surface of the restraint member located at the extended position on the rear side of the seat.

2. The vehicle seat as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The constraint component is configured to include a rod body and connecting rods. The rod body extends in the vehicle width direction. A pair of connecting rods are provided on the left and right sides. The front ends of each connecting rod are mounted on both ends of the rod body in the seat width direction, and the rear ends of each connecting rod are rotatably connected to a connecting portion located on the rear side of the seat relative to the rod body.

3. The vehicle seat as described in claim 2, wherein, The connecting parts are respectively located on the left and right side frames of the frame that constitute the seat cushion.

4. The vehicle seat as claimed in claim 2, wherein, The airbag device is configured to include an airbag body and an inflation device capable of supplying gas to the airbag body. The airbag body has an extension portion, which is positioned on the seat rear side of the rod body and constitutes the energy absorption portion when inflated.

5. The vehicle seat as claimed in claim 4, wherein, The extension covers the area of ​​the rod body from the rear side of the seat to the top side of the seat.

6. The vehicle seat as claimed in claim 4, wherein, The main body of the rod is positioned in the extended position relative to the rear side of the seat and above the seat, compared to the inflation device.

7. The vehicle seat as claimed in claim 2, wherein, The vehicle seat is equipped with a locking mechanism that restricts the rotation of the rod body toward the stowage position when the rod body has moved toward the unfolded position.

8. The vehicle seat as claimed in claim 4, wherein, The airbag device includes a strap that is sewn onto the airbag body and holds the rod body in a non-removable manner.

9. The vehicle seat as claimed in claim 4, wherein, A high-pressure section with a higher pressure than other parts is provided on the extension portion in the airbag body.

10. The vehicle seat as claimed in claim 9, wherein, The high-pressure section is constructed by housing an internal air bladder containing the inflation device.

11. The vehicle seat as claimed in claim 9, wherein, The airbag body is divided into at least two chambers in the fore-and-aft direction of the seat by a tether. The high-pressure unit is located in the chamber on the front side of the seat.

12. A vehicle seat, comprising: The restraint component is housed in the seat cushion and is movable between a housed position and an extended position, the extended position being a position that supports the occupant's pelvis from the front side of the seat on the upper side of the seat compared to the housed position. A piston-cylinder actuator, housed within the seat cushion, moves the restraint components to the deployed position upon detection or prediction of a frontal collision. An energy-absorbing portion is provided on the surface of the restraint member located at the extended position on the rear side of the seat.

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