seat

Abstract

A vibration element can be arranged in a seating portion at a position that does not interfere with other components, and a large cradle vibration can be transmitted over a wide range of the seating portion. A seat has a seat main body, a vibration device embedded in a seating portion of the seat main body, and a driving portion that drives the vibration device. The vibration device has a vibration element that vibrates in a first direction in a direction parallel to a seat surface of the seating portion, and a vibration plate that extends from the vibration element and transmits vibration of the vibration element. The vibration plate is arranged to extend in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction in the direction parallel to the seat surface of the seating portion, and has an elongated shape with a length in the second direction longer than a length in the first direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to seats. Background Technology

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses a technique in which an actuator installed in a vehicle seat is used to perform cradle vibration (circular vibration), and the cradle vibration (circular vibration) is transmitted to the occupants of the vehicle.

[0003] Existing technical documents Patent documents Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2024 / 209841 Summary of the Invention

[0004] The problem that the invention aims to solve However, the technology in Patent Document 1 has the following problems: it is difficult to generate large cradle vibrations (circular vibrations), and placing the vibration element in the part where vibration is to be generated, i.e. the center of the seat, will hinder the arrangement of other components.

[0005] Methods for solving problems The seat according to the embodiment includes: a seat body; a vibration device embedded in the seating portion of the seat body; and a drive unit that drives the vibration device, wherein the vibration device has: a vibration element that vibrates in a first direction parallel to the seat surface of the seating portion; and a vibration plate that extends from the vibration element and transmits the vibration of the vibration element, the vibration plate extending in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction in a direction parallel to the seat surface of the seating portion, and having an elongated shape in which the length in the second direction is longer than the length in the first direction.

[0006] Invention Effects According to one embodiment of the seat, the vibration element can be positioned in the seating area at a location that does not interfere with other components, and large cradle vibrations (circular vibrations) can be transmitted over a wide range of the seating area. Attached Figure Description

[0007] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the structure of a seat according to one embodiment.

[0008] Figure 2 This is a top view of the seating section of a seat according to one embodiment.

[0009] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 The AA section view of the seating area is shown.

[0010] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 The BB section view of the seating area is shown.

[0011] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating a first example of how a drive device provided by a seat in one embodiment drives two vibrating elements.

[0012] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating a second example of a drive device provided by a seat according to one embodiment, which drives two vibrating elements.

[0013] Figure 7 This is a top view of the seating section of a seat in a first modified embodiment of an implementation.

[0014] Figure 8 This is a top view of the seating section of a seat in a second variation of an embodiment.

[0015] Figure 9 This is a top view of the seating section of a seat in a third variation of an embodiment.

[0016] Figure 10 This is a top view of the seating section of a seat in a fourth variation of an embodiment.

[0017] Figure 11 It means by Figure 2 A graph showing an example of the acceleration obtained by the seat in one embodiment.

[0018] Figure 12 It means by Figure 10 A diagram showing an example of the acceleration obtained by the seat in a fourth variation of one embodiment.

[0019] Figure 13 It means by Figure 9 A diagram showing an example of the acceleration obtained by the seat in a third variation of one embodiment.

[0020] Figure 14 This is a top view of the seating section of a seat in a fifth variation of an embodiment.

[0021] Figure 15 This is a graph showing the vibration acceleration of a seat in a fifth modified example of an embodiment and a comparative seat in a first comparative example.

[0022] Figure 16 This is a top view of the seating section of the comparative seat used in the second comparative example.

[0023] Figure 17 This is a graph showing the vibration acceleration of the seat of the fifth modified example of one embodiment and the seat used for comparison with the second comparative example.

[0024] Figure 18 This is a diagram showing a detailed cross-section of the seating portion of a seat according to one embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0025] Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, for convenience, in the following description, the Z-axis direction (the direction corresponding to the vehicle's vertical direction) will be defined as the vertical direction, the Y-axis direction (the direction corresponding to the vehicle's horizontal direction) will be defined as the horizontal direction, and the X-axis direction (the direction corresponding to the vehicle's front-back direction) will be defined as the front-back direction. Specifically, the positive Z-axis direction will be defined as upward, the positive Y-axis direction as rightward, and the positive X-axis direction as forward.

[0026] (Structure of seat 100) Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the structure of a seat 100 according to one embodiment. Figure 1 The seat 100 shown is mounted on the vehicle and is occupied by the vehicle's occupants 10. Figure 1 As shown, the seat 100 has a seat body 110, a vibration device 120, and a drive device 130.

[0027] The seat body 110 includes a backrest 111, a seating area 112, and a headrest 113. The backrest 111, seating area 112, and headrest 113 are configured with a frame, a cushioning pad 114, and a seat fabric. The frame forms the skeleton of the seat 100. The cushioning pad 114 is formed from a foaming agent such as polyurethane foam and is disposed on the frame. The seat fabric is made of fabric or leather and covers the surface of the cushioning pad 114. (The frame and seat fabric are not shown in the illustrations.)

[0028] A vibration device 120 is installed and embedded inside the cushioning pad 114 of the seating portion 112 of the seat body 110. The vibration device 120 is capable of generating vibration and transmitting the vibration to the occupant 10 sitting on the seating portion 112.

[0029] (Structure of vibration device 120) Figure 2 This is a top view of the seating section 112 of the seat 100 according to one embodiment. Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A sectional view of the seating section 112 shown. Figure 4 yes Figure 2 The BB section view of the seating part 112 shown.

[0030] like Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the vibration device 120 is disposed at the rear (the negative side of the X-axis) and the upper (the positive side of the Z-axis) of the cushioning pad 114 of the seat portion 112.

[0031] For example, it can also be configured such that a space the size of the vibration device 120 is provided inside the buffer pad 114 and a cutout from the outer surface to the space is provided, so that the vibration device 120 is disposed in the space through the cutout.

[0032] Alternatively, the buffer pad 114 may be configured such that a recess is provided on the outer surface of the buffer pad 114 to connect the outer surface of the buffer pad 114 with the space where the vibration device 120 is disposed, and after the vibration device 120 is disposed in the recess, the recess is blocked by other buffer pads in such a way that the vibration element is embedded in the interior of the buffer pad 114.

[0033] With these structures, the outer surface of the vibration device 120 is not exposed on the outer surface of the buffer pad 114, and a buffer pad exists around the vibration device 120, thereby enabling the vibration device 120 to be embedded in the buffer pad 114.

[0034] In addition, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the seat 100 has a pair of vibration devices 120 (120-1, 120-2) on the left and right sides. The vibration device 120 has a vibration element 121, a vibration plate 122 and a counterweight 124.

[0035] The vibrating element 121 is disposed inside the seat portion 112 near the end of the seat portion 112 in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction).

[0036] For example, the vibration element 121 of the vibration device 120-1 on the right side (positive side of the Y-axis) is disposed inside the seat portion 112 near the right end (positive end of the Y-axis) of the seat portion 112.

[0037] Additionally, for example, the vibration element 121 of the vibration device 120-2 on the left side (negative side of the Y-axis) is disposed inside the seat portion 112 near the left end (end on the negative side of the Y-axis) of the seat portion 112.

[0038] The vibrating element 121 is driven by the driving device 130 to vibrate in the front-back direction (X-axis direction), which is an example of the "first direction".

[0039] The vibrating plate 122 is a flat plate component arranged parallel to the XY plane. The vibrating plate 122 is formed using a rigid body (e.g., stainless steel, hard resin, etc.). The vibrating plate 122 has a long side shape with the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) as the long side and the front-back direction (X-axis direction) as the short side. Furthermore, since the vibrating plate 122 is a rigid body, it vibrates integrally with the vibrating element 121.

[0040] The vibrating plate 122 is fixed to the upper surface of the vibrating element 121, which is located near the end of the seat portion 112 in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction), via a counterweight 124 using any fixing mechanism such as an adhesive. Furthermore, the vibrating plate 122 extends from the vibrating element 121 toward the end of the seat portion 112 in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) as an example of a "second direction".

[0041] For example, the vibration plate 122 of the vibration device 120-1 on the right side (positive Y-axis side) is fixed to the upper surface of the vibration element 121 provided near the right end (positive Y-axis side end) of the seating portion 112 by any fixing mechanism, and extends to the left (negative Y-axis direction) from the vibration element 121 toward the left end (negative Y-axis side end) of the seating portion 112.

[0042] Additionally, for example, the vibration plate 122 of the vibration device 120-2 on the left side (negative side of the Y-axis) is fixed to the upper surface of the vibration element 121 provided near the left end (negative side of the Y-axis) of the seating portion 112 by any fixing mechanism, and extends to the right (positive direction of the Y-axis) from the vibration element 121 toward the right end (positive side of the Y-axis) of the seating portion 112.

[0043] In addition, the vibrating plate 122 may also have multiple holes. Thus, for example, if an air supply member that supplies air upward (to the surface of the seating portion 112) is disposed on the lower side of the vibrating plate 122 in the seating portion 112, the vibrating plate 122 can easily prevent the air supply member from obstructing the air supply.

[0044] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the counterweight 124 is disposed between the lower surface of the vibrating plate 122 and the upper surface of the vibrating element 121. By adjusting the center of gravity of the vibrating element 121, the counterweight 124 enables the vibrating plate 122 to undergo a greater cradle-like vibration (circular arc vibration) in the front-to-back direction (X-axis direction) when the vibrating element 121 vibrates. The material of the counterweight is not limited; for example, iron or molybdenum can be used. Alternatively, the counterweight 124 can also be disposed on the upper part of the vibrating plate 122 or inside the vibrating element 121.

[0045] Furthermore, the drive unit 130 is electrically connected to the vibrating element 121 by omitting wiring components such as wires shown in the figure. The drive unit 130 causes the vibrating element 121 to vibrate by supplying a drive signal to the vibrating element 121.

[0046] Here, use Figure 18This describes the cradle vibration (circular arc vibration) of the vibration device 120 generated by embedding the vibration device 120 inside the buffer pad 114 and making the vibration element 121 vibrate horizontally in the front-back direction (X-axis direction). Figure 18 This is a detailed diagram showing the cross-section of the seating portion 112 of the seat 100 according to one embodiment.

[0047] like Figure 18 As shown, the vibrating element 121 includes a housing 121-1, a drive body 121-2, springs 121-3, and a coil 124-4. The drive body 121-2 is equipped with a permanent magnet and is held in place by a pair of springs 121-3, allowing it to move in the front-back direction (X-axis direction) inside the housing 121-1. The coil 124-4 is mounted on the housing 121-1. Furthermore, by supplying alternating current to the coil 124-4, the drive body 121-2 can be made to reciprocate in the front-back direction (X-axis direction) by the action of the permanent magnet.

[0048] The vibration device 120 is embedded inside the buffer pad 114 and is held solely by the buffer pad 114. Because the buffer pad 114 is flexible, the vibration device 120 can easily move in any direction and remain suspended within the buffer pad 114. Furthermore, since a counterweight 124 is provided on the vibration element 121, the center of gravity CG of the vibration device 120 moves from the center of the drive body 121-2 towards the counterweight 124 (positive Z-axis direction). Therefore, when the drive body 121-2 vibrates in the X-direction, the vibration device 120 does not vibrate in the X-direction, producing an arc-shaped vibration centered on the center of gravity CG, i.e., cradle vibration. Additionally, the structure of the vibration element 121 is only required to produce vibration in at least the X-axis direction and is not limited to this. Figure 18 The structure shown.

[0049] Here, as Figure 2 As shown, the vibrating plate 122 has an elongated shape in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) than in the front-back direction (X-axis direction). In particular, in this embodiment, the vibrating plate 122 has an elongated shape that gradually tapers from the end portion fixed to the vibrating element 121 to the front end portion (i.e., the width gradually narrows in the X-axis direction). Furthermore, in this embodiment, the vibrating plate 122 has a triangular shape that gradually tapers from the end portion fixed to the vibrating element 121 to the front end portion.

[0050] Furthermore, a pair of vibrating plates 122 are arranged opposite each other in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction), each extending towards the other in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction). However, since each extended portion is triangular, therefore... Figure 2As shown, the inclined sides 122A of the extended arrangement portions are arranged opposite each other with a certain gap, so that the extended arrangement portions do not interfere with each other. In particular, in this embodiment, the pair of vibrating plates 122 are the same shape, so by rotating one of the vibrating plates 122 by 180° in the XY plane, the extended arrangement portions can be arranged in a way that does not interfere with each other.

[0051] Thus, in one embodiment of the seat 100, the length of the vibrating plate 122 in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) is long, and the length of the vibrating plate 122 in the front-back direction (X-axis direction) is short. Therefore, as Figure 4 As shown, by making the vibrating element 121 vibrate in the front-back direction (X-axis direction), the vibrating plate 122 can be made to cradle vibrate (circular arc vibration) in the front-back direction (X-axis direction).

[0052] Furthermore, in the seat 100 according to the embodiment, the vibration element 121 with a large thickness (dimension in the Z direction) is arranged in a position that does not interfere with other components provided in the seating portion 112 (e.g., an air supply component that blows air upwards (to the surface of the seating portion 112)). The vibration of the vibration element 121 can be transmitted over a large range in the seating portion 112 through the vibration plate 122. Therefore, even if the vibration element 121 is arranged in a position that does not interfere with the arrangement of other components, the vibration can be transmitted to the occupant 10.

[0053] In addition, the vibration of the vibrating element 121 is difficult to transmit to the occupant 10 due to the presence of the buffer pad 114. However, the vibrating plate 122 of the seat 100 in one embodiment has a long length in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction), so it can generate a large cradle vibration and transmit the vibration over a wide range to the seating portion 112, thus enabling the transmission of vibration to the occupant 10.

[0054] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the vibration device 120 is embedded in the buffer pad 114 without forming a gap between the buffer pad 114 and the vibration device 120. However, it is sufficient that the vibration of the vibration plate 122 is transmitted to the buffer pad 114. Therefore, it is sufficient that the vibration plate 122 and the buffer pad 114 are in close contact. For example, a gap may also be formed between the vibration element 121 and the buffer pad 114.

[0055] Furthermore, since the seat 100 according to the embodiment includes a pair of vibrating plates 122 arranged opposite each other in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction), vibration can be transmitted to the occupant 10 over a wide range of the seating portion 112.

[0056] Additionally, in one embodiment, the seat 100 has a region 112A in the seating portion 112 where a portion (triangular portion) of one vibrating plate 122 extends in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) and the front-back direction (X-axis direction) overlaps with a portion (triangular portion) of the other vibrating plate 122 (see reference). Figure 2 Therefore, in one embodiment, the seat 100 is able to transmit the vibrations of one vibrating plate 122 and the vibrations of the other vibrating plate 122 to the occupant 10 simultaneously or separately in the overlapping area 112A.

[0057] In addition, even if the length of each pair of vibrating plates 122 in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) is increased, the seat 100 of one embodiment can still be configured so that the pair of vibrating plates 122 do not interfere with each other. Therefore, in the front-back direction (X-axis direction), the pair of vibrating plates 122 can be housed within the width of a single vibrating plate 122.

[0058] (Example of driving two vibrating elements 121) Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating a first driving example of the drive device 130 of a seat 100 according to one embodiment, which drives two vibrating elements 121. (See diagram below.) Figure 5 As shown, the driving device 130 can also gradually reduce the amplitude of the driving signal of one vibration element 121 (first vibration element) to make the one vibration element 121 (first vibration element) vibrate, and in parallel, gradually increase the amplitude of the driving signal of the other vibration element 121 (second vibration element) to make the other vibration element 121 (second vibration element) vibrate.

[0059] Furthermore, the frequency of the drive signal is set to the same value as the natural vibration frequency of the vibrating element 121. The vibration frequency of the vibrating element 121 is the same as the frequency of the drive signal, and the amplitude of the vibration of the vibrating element 121 is proportional to the amplitude of the drive signal. Therefore, in Figure 5 In this embodiment, the amplitude of the drive signal along the vertical axis can also be considered as the amplitude of the vibrating element 121. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the vibration frequency of the vibrating element 121 is set to a value such as 140Hz so that the vibration is easily felt by a person, and the time from the maximum to the minimum of the drive signal is set to a time that is sufficiently long compared to the period of the vibration of the vibrating element 121, such as 2 seconds.

[0060] Figure 6 This diagram illustrates a second driving example of the drive device 130 provided in a seat 100 according to one embodiment, driving two vibration elements 121. The drive device 130 may also be as follows: Figure 6The amplitude of the drive signal is controlled as shown. Specifically, vibration can also be performed with the amplitude of the drive signal of the other vibrating element 121 (second vibrating element) being constant, i.e., the amplitude of the other vibrating element 121 (second vibrating element) being constant. In parallel with this, vibration can be performed with the amplitude of the drive signal of the first vibrating element 121 (first vibrating element) gradually increasing, i.e., the amplitude of the first vibrating element 121 (first vibrating element) gradually increasing. Then, vibration can be performed with the amplitude of the drive signal of the first vibrating element 121 (first vibrating element) being constant, i.e., the amplitude of the first vibrating element 121 (first vibrating element) being constant. In parallel with this, vibration can be performed with the amplitude of the drive signal of the other vibrating element 121 (second vibrating element) gradually decreasing, i.e., the amplitude of the other vibrating element 121 (second vibrating element) gradually decreasing, causing the vibrating element 121 to vibrate.

[0061] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the drive device 130 can also drive one vibrating element 121 and the other vibrating element 121 by controlling the amplitude of the drive signal, so that the amplitude of one vibrating element 121 gradually increases while the amplitude of the other vibrating element 121 gradually decreases. Thus, the drive device 130 can provide the occupant 10 with the feeling that the vibration moves smoothly in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction).

[0062] Here, the drive device 130 drives one vibrating element 121 and the other vibrating element 121 in such a way that the vibration direction of one vibrating element 121 and the vibration direction of the other vibrating element 121 are the same in the front-back direction.

[0063] Alternatively, the drive device 130 can drive one vibrating element 121 and the other vibrating element 121 in a manner where one vibrating element 121 vibrates in the forward direction (positive X-axis direction) and the other vibrating element 121 vibrates in the backward direction (negative X-axis direction), i.e., vibrates in different directions in the forward and backward directions.

[0064] (First variation of seat 100) Figure 7 This is a top view of the seating portion 112 of the seat 100 in a first modified embodiment of one implementation.

[0065] like Figure 7 As shown, the seat 100 according to the first modified example may include a first pair of vibration devices 120-1, 120-2 embedded in the rear of the cushioning pad of the seating portion 112 and a second pair of vibration devices 120-3, 120-4 embedded in the front of the cushioning pad of the seating portion.

[0066] In this case, such as Figure 7 As shown, the pair of vibrating elements 121 of the first pair of vibrating devices 120-1 and 120-2 can be disposed at the left and right ends of the seating portion 112, and the pair of vibrating elements 121 of the second pair of vibrating devices 120-3 and 120-4 can be disposed at the left and right ends of the seating portion 112. Furthermore, Figure 7 All four vibrating elements 121 shown vibrate in the front-to-back direction (X-axis direction).

[0067] Thus, the seat 100 of the first modification is able to transmit a wide range of cradle vibrations in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) and the front-back direction (X-axis direction) to the occupant 10 at the front and rear of the seating portion 112, respectively.

[0068] Furthermore, as a result, the seat 100 of the first modified example can arrange a pair of left and right vibrating elements 121 in the front and rear parts of the seating portion 112 respectively in a position that does not interfere with other components provided in the central part of the seating portion 112 (e.g., an air supply component that supplies air upward (to the surface of the seating portion 112)).

[0069] (Second variation of seat 100) Figure 8 This is a top view of the seating portion 112 of the seat 100 in a second variation of one embodiment.

[0070] like Figure 8 As shown, in the seat 100 according to the second modified example, a vibration device 120-5 including a pair of left and right vibration elements 121 and a vibration plate 122 connecting the pair of vibration elements 121 to each other can be embedded in the rear of the cushioning pad of the seating part 112.

[0071] In this case, such as Figure 8 As shown, the pair of vibrating elements 121 of the vibration device 120-5 can also be disposed at the left and right ends of the seating portion 112. Additionally, Figure 8 The pair of vibrating elements 121 shown both vibrate in the front-to-back direction (X-axis direction).

[0072] Thus, the seat 100 of the second modification is able to transmit a wide range of cradle vibrations in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) and the front-back direction (X-axis direction) to the occupant 10 at the rear of the seating portion 112.

[0073] Furthermore, as a result, the seat 100 of the second modification can arrange a pair of left and right vibrating elements 121 at the rear of the seating portion 112 in a position that does not interfere with other components provided in the central portion of the seating portion 112 (e.g., an air supply component that supplies air upwards (to the surface of the seating portion 112)).

[0074] (Third variation of seat 100) Figure 9 This is a top view of the seating portion 112 of the seat 100 in a third variation of an embodiment.

[0075] like Figure 9 As shown, in the seat 100 according to the third modification, a pair of left and right vibration devices 120-6 and 120-7 can be embedded in the rear of the cushioning pad of the seating portion 112. Each of the left and right vibration devices 120-6 and 120-7 has a shape similar to... Figure 2 Vibrating plates 122 of different shapes are included.

[0076] Furthermore, in a third variation of one embodiment, the seat 100 has a region 112A in the lateral (Y-axis direction) and longitudinal (X-axis direction) directions of the seating portion 112 where a portion of one vibrating plate 122 extends and a portion of the other vibrating plate 122 extends (see reference). Figure 9 ).

[0077] exist Figure 9 In the example shown, a pair of vibrating plates 122 each have a certain first width in the front-back direction (X-axis direction) from the end portion (the side connected to the vibrating element 121) to the middle portion and are arranged to extend in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction). From the middle portion to the front end portion, they each have a certain second width in the front-back direction (X-axis direction) (wherein the second width < the first width) and are arranged to extend in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction).

[0078] In this case, such as Figure 9 As shown, by reversing the pair of vibrating plates 122 and arranging them opposite each other, the length of each pair of vibrating plates 122 in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) can be increased without causing the pair of vibrating plates 122 to interfere with each other.

[0079] (Fourth variation of seat 100) Figure 10 This is a top view of the seating portion 112 of the seat 100 according to a fourth variation of one embodiment. (See attached image.) Figure 10 As shown, in the comparative seat of the fourth modified example, a pair of left and right vibration devices 120-8 and 120-9 are embedded in the rear of the cushion of the seat portion 112, and each of the left and right vibration devices 120-8 and 120-9 has a simple horizontally elongated rectangular vibration plate 122.

[0080] (Acceleration of the seat surface based on the drive signal) Figure 11 It means through Figure 2 A graph illustrating an example of acceleration obtained by the seat 100 in one embodiment is shown, as follows. Figure 6The figure shows the case where the amplitude of the drive signal is controlled.

[0081] Figure 12 It means through Figure 10 The graph shows an example of the acceleration obtained by the seat 100 in the fourth modified example, as shown. Figure 6 The figure shows the case where the amplitude of the drive signal is controlled.

[0082] Figure 13 It means through Figure 9 The graph shows an example of the acceleration obtained by the seat 100 in the third modified example, as shown. Figure 6 The figure shows the case where the amplitude of the drive signal is controlled.

[0083] In addition, Figures 11-13 In the graph, the left bar represents the amplitude of the driving signal of one vibrating element 121 (first vibrating element), and the right bar represents the amplitude of the driving signal of the other vibrating element 121 (second vibrating element).

[0084] In addition, Figures 11-13 In this context, it is assumed that the amplitude of the driving signal of one vibrating element 121 (the first vibrating element) relative to time and the amplitude of the driving signal of the other vibrating element 121 (the second vibrating element) relative to time are both the same. Specifically, as follows... Figure 6 As shown, the amplitude of the driving signal of one vibrating element 121 (the second vibrating element) gradually increases and then becomes constant. In addition, the driving signal of the other vibrating element 121 (the second vibrating element) gradually decreases after its amplitude becomes constant.

[0085] Figure 11 The five graphs shown represent the acceleration of the surface of the seating portion 112 obtained by gradually changing the ratio of the driving force (amplitude of the driving signal) of one vibration element 121 to the driving force (amplitude of the driving signal) of the other vibration element 121 in the seat 100 according to the embodiment, and represent the acceleration of each of the multiple measurement positions in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) at the center of the front-back direction of the vibration plate 122.

[0086] Similarly, Figure 12 The five graphs shown represent the effects of gradually changing... Figure 10 The acceleration of the surface of the seating portion 112 is obtained by the ratio between the driving force of one vibration element 121 and the driving force of the other vibration element 121 in the seat of the fourth modified example shown, and represents the acceleration of each of the multiple measurement positions in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) at the center of the front-back direction of the vibration plate 122.

[0087] Similarly, Figure 13 The five graphs shown represent the effects of gradually changing... Figure 9 The acceleration of the surface of the seating portion 112 is obtained by the ratio between the driving force of one vibration element 121 and the driving force of the other vibration element 121 in the seat of the third modified example shown, and represents the acceleration of each of the multiple measurement positions in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) at the center of the front-back direction of the vibration plate 122.

[0088] like Figure 11 , Figure 13 As shown, in the seat 100 of one embodiment, regardless of the ratio of the driving force of one vibration element 121 to the driving force of the other vibration element 121, the difference in acceleration between multiple measurement positions is small, the waveform of the curve is generally flat, and the acceleration at each position changes smoothly.

[0089] On the other hand, such as Figure 12 As shown, in Figure 10 In the seat of the fourth modified example shown, when the ratio of the driving force of one vibration element 121 to the driving force of the other vibration element 121 is different, the difference in acceleration between any two adjacent measurement positions is large, a part of the waveform of the curve changes drastically, and the acceleration at each measurement position is either almost unchanged or changes drastically.

[0090] (Fifth variation of seat 100) Figure 14 This is a top view of the seating portion 112 of the seat 100 in a fifth variation of an embodiment.

[0091] like Figure 14 As shown, in the seat 100 according to the fifth modification, a vibration device 120-10 including a vibration element 121 that vibrates in the front-back direction and a vibration plate 122 extending from the vibration element 121 in the left-right direction can be embedded in the rear of the cushioning pad of the seating portion 112.

[0092] In this case, such as Figure 14 As shown, a vibration element 121 of the vibration device 120-10 can be disposed at the right end of the seating portion 112.

[0093] Thus, the seat 100 of the fifth modification is able to transmit a wide range of cradle vibrations in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) and the front-back direction (X-axis direction) to the occupant 10 at the rear of the seating portion 112.

[0094] Furthermore, as a result, the seat 100 of the fifth modification can place a vibration element 121 at the rear of the seating portion 112 in a position that does not interfere with other components provided in the central portion of the seating portion 112 (e.g., an air supply component that supplies air upwards (to the surface of the seating portion 112)).

[0095] (Vibration acceleration of the fifth modified example and the first comparative example) Figure 15 It means Figure 14 A graph showing the vibration acceleration of the seat 100 of the fifth modified example of one embodiment and the seat of the first comparative example. Figure 14 The vibrating element 121 of the vibration device 120-10 shown vibrates in the front-to-back direction, whereas in the first comparative example, the only difference is that the vibrating element 121 vibrates in the left-to-right direction. Furthermore, each vibrating element is driven at 140 Hz.

[0096] Figure 15 The graph shown represents the acceleration of the surface of the seating portion 112, and represents the acceleration of each of the multiple measurement positions in the left-right direction of the center of the seating portion 112 and in the front-back direction (X-axis direction).

[0097] Specifically, Figure 15 The horizontal axis of the graph shows the position of the surface of the seat 112 in the front-back direction (X-axis direction), with the 0mm position corresponding to the midpoint of the front-back direction of the vibrating plate 122. The vertical axis represents the maximum vibration acceleration (magnitude of the vibration acceleration vector) obtained at each position.

[0098] like Figure 15 As shown, in the case where a vibrating plate 122 vibrates in the front-back direction (X-axis direction) to cause the vibrating device 120-10 to perform cradle vibration (circular arc vibration) as in the fifth modified example, compared with the case where a vibrating plate 122 vibrates linearly in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) as in the first comparative example, at the 0mm position, although it is slightly reduced in order to correspond to the center position of the circular vibration of the cradle vibration, a large vibration acceleration can be obtained in approximately the entire area of ​​the surface of the seat portion 112 in the front-back direction (X-axis direction).

[0099] Therefore, by vibrating the vibrating plate 122 in the front-to-back direction (X-axis direction) and causing the vibration device 120-10 to perform cradle vibration, the occupant 10 can feel a large cradle vibration over a wide area of ​​the surface of the seating portion 112.

[0100] In particular, when the vibrating plate 122 vibrates in the front-back direction (X-axis direction) to cause the vibrating device 120-10 to cradle vibrate, the maximum vibration acceleration can be obtained at the end of the vibrating plate 122 in the front-back direction (i.e., on the vibrating plate 122).

[0101] Furthermore, when the vibrating plate 122 is vibrated in the front-back direction (X-axis direction) to cause the vibrating device 120-10 to perform cradle vibration, the vibration acceleration gradually decreases from the end part of the vibrating plate 122 in the front-back direction (i.e., on the vibrating plate 122) towards the middle position (0mm position) of the vibrating plate 122 in the front-back direction (X-axis direction) and away from the vibrating plate.

[0102] (Second comparative example of seat 100) Figure 16 This is a top view of the seating section 112 of the seat 100 in the second comparative example.

[0103] like Figure 16 As shown, in the seat 100 according to the second comparative example, a vibration device 920-1 having a vibration element 121 and a square vibration plate 122 is embedded in the center of the cushioning pad in the front-rear direction and the right end in the left-right direction of the seat portion 112. In addition, the vibration element 121 vibrates in the front-rear direction.

[0104] Figure 17 It means Figure 14 The seat 100 of the fifth variation of one embodiment shown and Figure 16 The graph shows the vibration acceleration of the seat used for comparison in the second comparative example. Figure 17 (a) is a distribution diagram showing the acceleration of seat 100 in the fifth modified example. Figure 17 (b) is a distribution diagram of the vibration acceleration of the seat used for comparison in the second comparative example. Each distribution diagram shows the distribution of acceleration at various locations on the surface of the seating portion 112, and represents the absolute value of the maximum acceleration. In addition, the single-dotted line represents the vibrating plate 122.

[0105] also, Figure 17 The values ​​in the front and back directions at the center position of the left and right directions in the distribution diagram of (a) are... Figure 15 The value corresponds to the fifth variation of one implementation method.

[0106] And, as Figure 17 As shown, compared to the case where the vibrating plate 122, which has the same size in both the front-back and left-right directions, vibrates in the front-back direction, by vibrating the vibrating plate, which is longer in the left-right direction than in the front-back direction, in the front-back direction, a large vibration acceleration can be obtained over approximately the entire area of ​​the surface of the seat portion 112 in the front-back direction (X-axis direction).

[0107] As explained above, the seat 100 of the first to fifth modifications of one embodiment, like the seat 100 of the first embodiment, has a longer length in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) and a shorter length in the front-back direction (X-axis direction) of the vibrating plate 122. Therefore, by vibrating the vibrating element 121 in the front-back direction (X-axis direction), the vibrating plate 122 can be made to cradle-like vibrate (arc-shaped vibration) in the front-back direction (X-axis direction), and vibration can be transmitted to the seating portion 112 over a wide range. Therefore, even if the vibrating element 121 is arranged in a position that does not interfere with other components provided in the seating portion 112 (e.g., an air supply component that blows air upwards (towards the surface of the seating portion 112)), or even if a cushioning pad 114 is present around the vibrating element 121, vibration can be reliably transmitted to the occupant 10.

[0108] The above describes one embodiment of the present invention in detail, but the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. Various modifications or alterations can be made within the scope of the spirit of the present invention as set forth in the claims.

[0109] Furthermore, without contradiction, embodiments can be combined with each other, and features from different embodiments can also be combined with each other.

[0110] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures 10 crew members 100 seats 110 seat body 111 Backrest 112 Seating Section 112A overlapping area 113 headrest Vibration devices 120, 120-1, 120-2, 120-3, and 120-4 Vibration devices 120-5, 120-6, 120-7, 120-8, and 120-9 121 Vibration Element 121-1 Shell 121-2 Driving Unit 121-3 Spring 124-4 coil 122 Vibrating Plate 122A hypotenuse 124 counterweights 130 drive unit

Claims

1. A type of seat, characterized in that, have: Seat body; A vibration device, which is embedded in the seating portion of the seat body; and The drive unit drives the vibration device. The vibration device has: A vibrating element that vibrates in a first direction parallel to the seat surface of the seating portion; and A vibrating plate, which extends from the vibrating element and transmits the vibration of the vibrating element. The vibrating plate extends in a direction parallel to the seat surface of the seating portion and in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, having an elongated shape in the second direction that is longer than its length in the first direction.

2. The seat according to claim 1, characterized in that, It has a pair of vibration devices arranged opposite each other in the second direction.

3. The seat according to claim 2, characterized in that, In the first direction and the second direction, the area where the vibrating plate of one vibration device extends overlaps with the area where the vibrating plate of the other vibration device extends.

4. The seat according to claim 3, characterized in that, The drive unit drives the vibration element of one party and the vibration element of the other party in such a way that the amplitude of the vibration element of one party gradually increases and the amplitude of the vibration element of the other party gradually decreases.

5. The seat according to claim 2, characterized in that, A pair of the vibrating elements are disposed at the rear and left and right ends of the seat.

6. The seat according to claim 1, characterized in that, have: A first pair of vibration devices, embedded in the rear of the seating portion, are arranged opposite to each other in the second direction; and The second pair of vibration devices is embedded in the front part of the seat and is arranged opposite to each other in the second direction. The first pair of vibration devices has a pair of vibration elements disposed at the left and right ends of the seating portion. The second pair of vibration devices has a pair of vibration elements disposed at the left and right ends of the seat.

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