Vehicle seat

Abstract

To provide a vehicle seat provided with a height adjustment mechanism and a load detection sensor and suppressed in size enlargement.SOLUTION: A vehicle seat S comprises: a seat cushion S2 equipped with a seat cushion frame 20; a front link 41 that adjusts the height of the seat cushion S with respect to a slide rail 30 or a base which is a vehicle body floor; and a front load detection sensor 50 that is attached to an upper rail 32 and detects a load applied on the vehicle seat S. The seat cushion frame 20 has a pair of side frames 21 provided so as to be spaced apart in the width direction of the seat. The front link 41 has a first rotary shaft 41a rotatable with respect to the seat cushion frame 20, and a second rotary shaft 41b rotatable with respect to the base. The front load detection sensor 50 is disposed at a position different from that of the second rotary shaft 41b in a seat longitudinal direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle seat, and more particularly to a vehicle seat having a height adjustment mechanism for adjusting the height of a seat cushion and a load detection device for detecting the load of an occupant. [Background technology]

[0002] There is known a vehicle seat equipped with a height adjustment mechanism for adjusting the height of the seat cushion and a load detection sensor for detecting the load of an occupant (Patent Documents 1 and 2). The height adjustment mechanism is equipped with a link member that is a rotating body that rotates to change the height of the seat cushion, and this link member is interposed between the seat cushion and a slide rail mechanism, and moves the seat cushion in the up and down direction by rotating. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 7,360,460 [Patent Document 2] US Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0224553 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the vehicle seats described in Patent Documents 1 and 2, the load detection sensor is equipped with an axis member, but the load detection sensor is positioned in a position in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle seat where it overlaps with the pivot axis of the link member provided in the height adjustment mechanism, resulting in an increase in size in the up-and-down direction of the vehicle seat.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and its object is to provide a vehicle seat that is equipped with a height adjustment mechanism and a load detection sensor, while preventing an increase in size. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The above problem is solved by the vehicle seat of the present invention, which comprises a seat cushion having a seat cushion frame, a first link member that adjusts the height of the seat cushion relative to a base which is a slide rail or a vehicle floor, and a first load detection sensor that is attached to the base and detects a load applied to the vehicle seat, wherein the seat cushion frame has a pair of side frames spaced apart in the width direction of the vehicle seat, the first link member has a first rotation shaft that is rotatable relative to the seat cushion frame and a second rotation shaft that is rotatable relative to the base, and the first load detection sensor is arranged at a position different from the second rotation shaft in the fore-aft direction of the vehicle seat.

[0007] In the vehicle seat of the present invention configured as described above, the second pivot axis of the first link member of the height adjustment mechanism is positioned at a position different from the first load detection sensor in the fore-and-aft direction of the seat, thereby preventing the vehicle seat from becoming larger in height.

[0008] In the above vehicle seat, the first load detection sensor has a first sensor shaft to which a load acting on the vehicle seat is applied, and in the vertical direction of the vehicle seat, at least a portion of the second rotating shaft is positioned at the same height as the first sensor shaft. In the above configuration, the second rotation shaft of the first link member and the first sensor shaft are disposed at the same height, which prevents the vehicle seat from becoming large in size in the height direction.

[0009] In the vehicle seat described above, it is preferable that an upper end of the second rotating shaft is disposed lower than an upper end of the first sensor shaft in a vertical direction of the vehicle seat. In the above configuration, the upper end of the second rotation shaft of the first link member is disposed lower than the upper end of the first sensor shaft, thereby preventing the vehicle seat from becoming large in size in the height direction.

[0010] In the above-mentioned vehicle seat, the seat cushion frame has a connecting member that connects between a pair of the side frames, and when the seat cushion is in the lowest position, at least a portion of the first load detection sensor is positioned at the same height as the connecting member in the vertical direction of the vehicle seat. In the above configuration, the connecting member and the first load detection sensor are disposed at the same height position, which prevents the vehicle seat from becoming large in size in the height direction.

[0011] In the above-mentioned vehicle seat, a second link member that adjusts the height of the seat cushion relative to the base may be located rearward of the first link member, the side frame may be disposed between the first link member and the second link member in the width direction of the vehicle seat, and the first sensor shaft may be disposed between the first link member and the second link member in the width direction of the vehicle seat. In the above configuration, the first sensor shaft is disposed between the first link member and the second link member in the seat width direction, and therefore an increase in size of the vehicle seat in the width direction is suppressed.

[0012] In the above-mentioned vehicle seat, a second load detection sensor is attached to the base and positioned rearward of the first load detection sensor to detect a load applied to the vehicle seat, the second load detection sensor has a second sensor shaft to which the load applied to the vehicle seat is applied, and the second sensor shaft is positioned between the first link member and the second link member in the width direction of the vehicle seat. In the above configuration, the second sensor shaft is disposed between the first link member and the second link member in the seat width direction, and therefore an increase in size of the vehicle seat in the width direction is suppressed.

[0013] In the above-mentioned vehicle seat, a second link member for adjusting the height of the seat cushion relative to the base is located at a position rearward of the first link member, and a second load detection sensor for detecting a load applied to the vehicle seat is located rearward of the first load detection sensor and attached to the base, the second load detection sensor has a coupler for connecting to an external electronic device, and the second link member is disposed between the side frame and the coupler in the width direction of the vehicle seat. In the above configuration, the second link member is disposed between the side frame and the coupler in the seat width direction, and therefore an increase in size of the vehicle seat in the width direction is suppressed.

[0014] In the vehicle seat described above, the coupler may be disposed at the same position as the second link member in the front-rear direction of the vehicle seat. In the above configuration, the second link member and the coupler are arranged compactly in the front-rear direction of the seat.

[0015] In the above-mentioned vehicle seat, a second link member for adjusting the height of the seat cushion relative to the base is provided at a position rearward of the first link member, and a second load detection sensor for detecting a load applied to the vehicle seat is provided at a position rearward of the first load detection sensor and is attached to the base, the first link member and the second link member are attached to a link support bracket, the first load detection sensor and the second load detection sensor are attached to the link support bracket, the link support bracket is bent upward and is spaced apart from the base between the mounting position of the first load detection sensor and the mounting position of the second load detection sensor. With the above configuration, the number of parts constituting the vehicle seat is reduced, while the rigidity of the link support bracket itself is improved.

[0016] The vehicle seat described above may include a plate-shaped pressure-receiving member suspended from the seat cushion frame, and in the width direction of the vehicle seat, a recess recessed inward is formed on the side of the pressure-receiving member. A second load detection sensor that is attached to the base and detects a load applied to the vehicle seat is located rearward of the first load detection sensor, and in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle seat, the recess is preferably positioned between the first load detection sensor and the second load detection sensor. In the above configuration, the recesses of the pressure-receiving member are arranged compactly in the front-rear direction of the seat, so that a decrease in the rigidity of the pressure-receiving member is suppressed. Effect of the Invention

[0017] According to the vehicle seat of the present invention, the second pivot axis of the first link member of the height adjustment mechanism is positioned at a position different from the first load detection sensor in the fore-and-aft direction of the seat, thereby preventing the vehicle seat from becoming larger in height. Furthermore, according to the vehicle seat of the present invention, the second rotation shaft of the first link member and the first sensor shaft are disposed at the same height, thereby preventing the vehicle seat from becoming large in size in the height direction. In addition, according to the vehicle seat of the present invention, the upper end of the second pivot shaft of the first link member is positioned lower than the upper end of the first sensor shaft, thereby preventing the vehicle seat from becoming larger in height. Furthermore, according to the vehicle seat of the present invention, the connecting member and the first load detection sensor are disposed at the same height position, which prevents the vehicle seat from becoming large in size in the height direction. Furthermore, according to the vehicle seat of the present invention, the first sensor shaft is disposed between the first link member and the second link member in the seat width direction, thereby preventing the vehicle seat from becoming large in size in the width direction. Furthermore, according to the vehicle seat of the present invention, the second sensor shaft is disposed between the first link member and the second link member in the seat width direction, thereby preventing the vehicle seat from becoming large in size in the width direction. Furthermore, according to the vehicle seat of the present invention, the second link member is disposed between the side frame and the coupler in the seat width direction, and therefore an increase in size of the vehicle seat in the width direction is suppressed. Furthermore, according to the vehicle seat of the present invention, the second link member and the coupler are arranged compactly in the front-rear direction of the seat. Furthermore, according to the vehicle seat of the present invention, the rigidity of the link support bracket itself is improved while the number of parts constituting the vehicle seat is reduced. Furthermore, according to the vehicle seat of the present invention, the recesses of the pressure-receiving member are compactly arranged in the front-rear direction of the seat, so that a decrease in the rigidity of the pressure-receiving member is suppressed. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] 1 is an external view of a vehicle seat according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] 1 is a perspective view of a seat frame included in a vehicle seat according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 3] 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of a seat cushion frame of the vehicle seat as viewed from above. [Figure 4] 2 is a schematic perspective view of a seat cushion frame of a vehicle seat as viewed from the outside. FIG. [Diagram 5] 2 is an enlarged view showing the vicinity of a slide rail of a vehicle seat. FIG. [Figure 6A] FIG. 4 is a top view of the first link support bracket. [Figure 6B] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a first link support bracket. [Figure 7A] FIG. 4 is a top view of the second link support bracket. [Figure 7B] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a second link support bracket. [Figure 8] 2 is a side view of a seat cushion frame of the vehicle seat. FIG. [Figure 9] 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 2. [Figure 10A] 2 is a schematic perspective view of a seat cushion frame of a vehicle seat as viewed from the inside. FIG. [Figure 10B] 2 is a side view showing a rear end portion of a seat cushion frame of the vehicle seat. FIG. [Figure 11A] 2 is a side view of a seat frame when a seat cushion of the vehicle seat is in an uppermost position. FIG. [Figure 11B] 2 is a schematic side view of a seat frame seen from the inside when a seat cushion of the vehicle seat is in an uppermost position. FIG. [Figure 12A] 4 is a side view of a seat frame when a seat cushion of the vehicle seat is in a lowermost position. FIG. [Figure 12B] 4 is a schematic side view of a seat frame seen from the inside when a seat cushion of the vehicle seat is in a lowermost position. FIG. [Figure 13] 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of a seat cushion frame of the vehicle seat as viewed from above. [Figure 14] 2 is a top view showing a structure around a support bracket of a seat cushion frame of a vehicle seat. FIG. [Figure 15] 4 is a top view showing the rear end portion of the seat cushion frame. FIG. [Figure 16] 13 is a partial cross-sectional view of a seat cushion frame of a vehicle seat according to a modified example, viewed from above. FIG. [Figure 17] 13 is a side view of a seat cushion frame of a vehicle seat according to a modified example. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0019] A vehicle seat according to an embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter, the present embodiment) will be described below. As the vehicle seat according to the present embodiment, a vehicle seat mounted in a vehicle will be described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to a vehicle seat.

[0020] The embodiment described below is merely an example for facilitating understanding of the present invention, and is not intended to limit the present invention. In other words, the shapes, dimensions, arrangements, and other aspects of the components described below may be modified or improved without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and the present invention naturally includes equivalents thereof.

[0021] In the following description, the "front-rear direction" refers to the front-rear direction of the vehicle seat, which is the front-rear direction as seen by a person sitting in the vehicle seat, i.e., the direction that coincides with the direction in which the vehicle travels. The "seat width direction" refers to the width direction of the vehicle seat, which coincides with the left-right direction as seen by a person sitting in the vehicle seat. The "height direction" refers to the height direction of the vehicle seat, which is the direction perpendicular to both the front-rear direction and the seat width direction, i.e., coincides with the up-down direction.

[0022] <Basic configuration of vehicle seat S> The basic configuration of the vehicle seat S according to this embodiment will be described. The basic configuration of the vehicle seat S according to this embodiment is substantially the same as that of a known general vehicle seat, and includes a seat back S1, a seat cushion S2, and a headrest S3 as shown in Fig. 1. Note that, for convenience of explanation, a part of the vehicle seat S, specifically, the center right part of the seat cushion S2, is shown in Fig. 1 with the cover material R removed.

[0023] The vehicle seat S has, as its skeleton, a seat frame F shown in Fig. 2. The seat frame F has, as its main components, a seat back frame 10 and a seat cushion frame 20. The seat back S1 and the seat cushion S2 are constructed by placing a cushion pad U made of urethane or the like on each of the frames (the seat back frame 10 and the seat cushion frame 20) and covering the surface of the cushion pad U with a skin material R.

[0024] A slide rail mechanism 30 for sliding the seat back S1, the seat cushion S2 and the headrest S3 in the front-rear direction is disposed below the seat cushion S2. A pair of slide rail mechanisms 30 are provided on the left and right sides separated by a gap as shown in Fig. 1. Each slide rail mechanism 30 has a lower rail 31 fixed to the vehicle body in a state extending in the front-rear direction, and an upper rail 32 movable along the extension direction of the lower rail 31 as shown in Fig. 2.

[0025] Furthermore, a height adjustment mechanism 40 for adjusting the height of the seat cushion S2 is provided between the seat cushion S2 and the slide rail mechanism 30 in the height direction. An operating lever L for driving the height adjustment mechanism 40 is provided at a side position of the seat cushion S2.

[0026] (Seat back frame 10) 2, the seatback frame 10 has an inverted U-shaped upper frame 11, a pair of left and right seatback side frames 12 forming both ends in the seat width direction, and a lower member frame 13 installed between the lower ends of the seatback side frames 12. In addition, a reclining mechanism (not shown) that adjusts the inclination angle of the seatback S1 with respect to the seat cushion S2 is attached to the lower end of one of the pair of left and right seatback side frames 12.

[0027] (Seat cushion frame 20) 2, the seat cushion frame 20 has a rectangular frame-like outer shape when viewed from above, and its main components are seat cushion side frames 21 (corresponding to side frames) located at both ends in the seat width direction, and a pan frame 22 that constitutes the front end of the seat cushion frame 20. A connecting bracket 23 is attached to the upper portion of the rear end of the seat cushion side frame 21. The connecting bracket 23 is a metal plate member provided to connect the seat cushion side frame 21 and the seatback side frame 12.

[0028] Each seat cushion side frame 21 is made of a metal steel plate extending in the front-rear direction. Furthermore, the seat cushion side frame 21 is located directly above the corresponding slide rail mechanism 30 (the slide rail mechanism 30 located closer).

[0029] As shown in Fig. 2, rear end portions of a pair of left and right seat cushion side frames 21 are connected to each other by a rear connecting pipe 24. This rear connecting pipe 24 is formed of a round pipe extending along the seat width direction. Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 2, front end portions of the pair of left and right seat cushion side frames 21 are connected to each other by a front connecting pipe 25. This front connecting pipe 25 is formed of a round pipe extending along the seat width direction.

[0030] Each of the rear connecting pipe 24 and the front connecting pipe 25 is disposed between the seat cushion side frames 21, and their ends are joined to the seat cushion side frames 21 while passing through the seat cushion side frames 21.

[0031] As shown in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, a plate-shaped pressure receiving member 26 is suspended between the rear connecting pipe 24 and the front connecting pipe 25 of the seat cushion frame 20. A recess 26b recessed inward is formed in a side portion 26a of the pressure receiving member 26 in the seat width direction. As shown in Fig. 3, a round hole 26c is formed in front of the pressure receiving member 26 at a position approximately in the center in the seat width direction. In addition, two triangular holes 26d are formed side by side in the seat width direction behind the pressure receiving member 26. It should be noted that instead of the pressure receiving member 26, the pan frame 22 may extend to the rear connecting pipe 24.

[0032] (Slide rail mechanism 30) In addition to the lower rail 31 and the upper rail 32, the slide rail mechanism 30 has a foot 33, a first link support bracket 34, and a second link support bracket 35 (FIGS. 4 and 5). The foot 33 is a member attached to the front end of the lower rail 31 to fix the lower rail 31 to the vehicle body.

[0033] The first link support bracket 34 and the second link support bracket 35, which serve as link support brackets, are provided in pair on the left and right sides spaced apart in the seat width direction, and are metal plate members that support the pivot links (specifically, the front link 41 and the rear link 42 described below) provided in the height adjustment mechanism 40 (Figures 4 to 7B).

[0034] (First link support bracket 34) The first link support bracket 34 extends long in the front-rear direction, and is fixed to the upper surface of the upper rail 32 via a front load detection sensor 50 and a rear load detection sensor 60. As shown in Figures 5, 6A, and 6B, the first link support bracket 34 has a bottom wall 34a to which the front load detection sensor 50 and the rear load detection sensor 60 are attached, and an inner wall 34b and an outer wall 34c erected from the bottom wall 34a.

[0035] As shown in Fig. 6B, an inner wall 34b of the first link support bracket 34 is bent inward in the seat width direction. Also, as shown in Figs. 5 and 6B, an outer wall 34c of the first link support bracket 34 is bent in an inverted U-shape toward the outside in the seat width direction. Also, a front link hole 34d corresponding to a second rotation shaft 41b at the lower end of a front link 41 (described later) is formed in a front end portion of the outer wall 34c of the first link support bracket 34.

[0036] A first shaft hole 34e corresponding to a first sensor shaft 51 of a front load detection sensor 50 (described later) is formed in the front of the bottom wall 34a of the first link support bracket 34. A second shaft hole 34f corresponding to a second sensor shaft 61 of a rear load detection sensor 60 (described later) is formed in the rear of the bottom wall 34a of the first link support bracket 34 (FIGS. 5 and 6A). A rear hole 34g corresponding to a seat belt buckle support bracket attachment portion B (described later) is formed in the rear end of the outer wall 34c of the first link support bracket 34.

[0037] (Second link support bracket 35) The second link support bracket 35 is disposed at the rear end of the first link support bracket 34, and is fixed to the upper surface of the upper rail 32 via a rear load detection sensor 60. As shown in Figures 5, 7A and 7B, the second link support bracket 35 has a bottom wall 35a to which the rear load detection sensor 60 is attached, and an inner wall 35b erected from the bottom wall 35a.

[0038] As shown in Fig. 7B, a front portion of inner wall 35b of second link support bracket 35 is bent inward in the seat width direction and engages with inner wall 34b of first link support bracket 34. Also, as shown in Fig. 7B, a rear link hole 35c corresponding to a rear link pivot shaft 42a of a rear link 42 described later is formed behind inner wall 35b of second link support bracket 35.

[0039] A nut hole 35d corresponding to a front nut of a rear load detection sensor 60 (described later) is formed in the bottom wall 35a of the second link support bracket 35 (FIGS. 5, 7A, and 7B). In addition, a notch 35e recessed toward the inside in the seat width direction is formed in the rear end portion of the bottom wall 35a of the second link support bracket 35 so as to correspond to a second sensor shaft 61 of the rear load detection sensor 60 (described later).

[0040] A bottom wall 35a of the second link support bracket 35 is laid on top of the bottom wall 34a of the first link support bracket 34, and welded to each other at a weld Y (FIGS. 5, 10A, and 10B).

[0041] (Height adjustment mechanism 40) The height adjustment mechanism 40 adjusts the height of the seat cushion S2 by rotating a rotating link. Two rotating links are provided on each of the left and right sides. More specifically, two rotating links are provided above each of the pair of left and right slide rail mechanisms 30. The two rotating links are spaced apart from each other in the front-rear direction (i.e., the extension direction of the lower rail 31).

[0042] The front rotating link corresponds to the first link member and is hereinafter referred to as the front link 41. The rear rotating link corresponds to the second link member and is hereinafter referred to as the rear link 42. The front link 41 is disposed closer to the front connecting pipe 25 than the rear link 42 in the front-rear direction. In other words, the front connecting pipe 25 is disposed closer to the front link 41 than the rear link 42.

[0043] Each rotating link is made of a metal plate and is pressed into a predetermined shape. A rib recessed toward the inside in the seat width direction is formed on the surface of the front link 41 so as to extend between the first rotating shaft 41a and the second rotating shaft 41b (FIG. 9). Also, a rib recessed toward the outside in the seat width direction is formed on the surface of the rear link 42 so as to extend between the rear link rotating shaft 42a and the rear end 42b (FIGS. 10A and 10B).

[0044] 8 to 12B, the structure of the height adjustment mechanism 40 will be described. In the height adjustment mechanism 40, both of the front link 41 and the rear link 42, which are rotating links, are supported in a rotatable state with respect to the seat cushion S2 and the upper rail 32, respectively.

[0045] Specifically, the front link 41 is supported in a rotatable state relative to the first link support bracket 34 via a pivot pin, with the second rotating shaft 41b at its lower end overlapping the front link hole 34d (Figures 8 and 9).

[0046] The rear link 42 is supported rotatably relative to the second link support bracket 35 via a pivot pin with the rear link pivot shaft 42a at its lower end overlapping with the rear link hole 35c (FIGS. 10A and 10B).

[0047] Furthermore, an upper end portion of the front link 41 is rotatably supported on the first rotating shaft 41a via a pivot pin at a portion slightly forward of the center portion of the seat cushion side frame 21 in the seat front-rear direction (FIGS. 8 and 9). Furthermore, a rear end portion 42b of the rear link 42 is rotatably supported on the rear connecting pipe 24 at the rear end portion of the seat cushion side frame 21 (FIGS. 10A and 10B).

[0048] Describing in detail the support structure for the upper end of the rear link 42, the upper end of the rear link 42 is generally fan-shaped in side view as shown in Fig. 10B, with a through hole formed in the center thereof. As shown in Fig. 10B, the end of the rear connecting pipe 24 is fitted and welded into this through hole.

[0049] The rear connecting pipe 24 is supported by the seat cushion side frames 21 in a state in which it can rotate relatively to the seat cushion side frames 21. This allows the upper end portion of the rear link 42 to rotate relatively to the seat cushion side frames 21.

[0050] In this way, the front link 41 and the rear link 42 form a four-section link together with the link support brackets (the first link support bracket 34 and the second link support bracket 35) fixed to the upper rail 32 and the seat cushion side frame 21. The height of the seat cushion S2 can be changed by rotating the front link 41 or the rear link 42 relative to the seat cushion side frame 21 by an electric or manual actuator (not shown).

[0051] Specifically, when one of the front link 41 or the rear link 42 rotates, the other rotating link rotates in the same direction in a following manner. At this time, each rotating link rotates so as to rotate the seat cushion frame 20 together (in other words, rotates together with the seat cushion S2). As a result, the seat cushion frame 20 (i.e., the position of the seat cushion S2) moves up and down between the uppermost position shown in Figures 11A and 11B and the lowermost position shown in Figures 12A and 12B, and the height of the seat cushion S2 is adjusted.

[0052] (Load detection sensor) In the vehicle seat S of this embodiment, a load detection sensor that detects a load applied to the vehicle seat S is attached to the upper surface of the upper rail 32 of the slide rail mechanism 30 as a base by fastening members (bolts and nuts). More specifically, a front load detection sensor 50 as a first load detection sensor is attached in front of the upper rail 32 by a first front fastening member 55 and a first rear fastening member 56, and a rear load detection sensor 60 as a second load detection sensor is attached behind the upper rail 32 by a second front fastening member 65 and a second rear fastening member 66. The front load detection sensor 50 and the rear load detection sensor 60 are conventionally known strain sensors.

[0053] The front load detection sensor 50 and the rear load detection sensor 60 may be provided on at least one side of a pair of upper rails 32 spaced apart in the seat width direction. In the case of a vehicle seat S not equipped with a slide rail mechanism 30, the front load detection sensor 50 and the rear load detection sensor 60 are directly attached to a vehicle body floor (not shown) serving as a base.

[0054] 9, the front load detection sensor 50 has a first sensor shaft 51, to which a load is applied from above, between a first sensor front end 52 at the front and a first sensor rear end 53 at the rear. The front load detection sensor 50 has a first coupler 54 (sensor connector) at the first sensor rear end 53 for connecting to an external electronic device (electronic control unit).

[0055] When the load of an occupant seated in the vehicle seat S is applied to the first strain body 51a, which is a sensor substrate, via the first sensor shaft 51, a deflection occurs in the first strain body 51a. The front load detection sensor 50 is configured to measure the load of the occupant seated in the vehicle seat S as a deflection occurring in the first strain body 51a.

[0056] 9, the rear load detection sensor 60 has a second sensor shaft 61, to which a load is applied from above, between a second sensor front end 62 at the front and a second sensor rear end 63 at the rear. The rear load detection sensor 60 has a second coupler 64 (sensor connector) at the second sensor rear end 63 for connecting to an external electronic device (electronic control unit).

[0057] When the load of an occupant seated on the vehicle seat S is applied to the second strain body 61a, which is a sensor substrate, via the second sensor shaft 61, a deflection occurs in the second strain body 61a. The rear load detection sensor 60 is configured to measure the load of the occupant seated on the vehicle seat S as a deflection occurring in the second strain body 61a.

[0058] 5, 8 and 9, the first flexure body 51a is located on the lower surface of the bottom wall 34a of the first link support bracket 34, and the upper end 51b of the first sensor shaft 51 is exposed upward from the first shaft hole 34e in the bottom wall 34a of the first link support bracket 34. The second flexure body 61a is located on the lower surface of the bottom wall 34a of the first link support bracket 34, and the upper end of the second sensor shaft 61 is exposed upward from the second shaft hole 34f in the bottom wall 34a of the first link support bracket 34.

[0059] With this configuration, in the vehicle seat S of this embodiment, the link support brackets (first link support bracket 34 and second link support bracket 35) properly support the pivot links (front link 41 and rear link 42) while the load of an occupant seated in the vehicle seat S is efficiently applied to the first strain body 51a via the first sensor shaft 51.

[0060] (Regarding the relative positions of each component) In the vehicle seat S of this embodiment, each component is arranged in an appropriate positional relationship as described below, so that while the seat is equipped with a height adjustment mechanism 40 and a load detection sensor, the size in the height and width directions is prevented from becoming large.

[0061] The front load detection sensor 50 is disposed at a position different from the second rotation shaft 41b of the front link 41 in the seat front-rear direction (FIG. 9). More specifically, the second rotation shaft 41b of the front link 41 is disposed forward of the first sensor front end 52 of the front load detection sensor 50 (FIG. 9). In this manner, the second rotation shaft 41b of the front link 41 constituting the height adjustment mechanism 40 is disposed at a position different from the front load detection sensor 50 in the seat front-rear direction and does not overlap with it, thereby preventing the vehicle seat S from becoming large in the height direction.

[0062] Furthermore, the first sensor shaft 51 of the front load detection sensor 50 is disposed at the same height as at least a part of the second pivot shaft 41b of the front link 41 in the seat up-down direction (FIG. 9). When the second pivot shaft 41b and the first sensor shaft 51 are disposed at the same height, an increase in size of the vehicle seat S in the height direction is suppressed.

[0063] Also, as shown in FIG. 9, in the seat vertical direction, the upper end 41c of the second pivot shaft 41b of the front link 41 is positioned lower than the upper end 51b of the first sensor shaft 51, thereby preventing the vehicle seat S from becoming larger in the height direction.

[0064] Also, as shown in FIG. 9, when the seat cushion S2 is in the lowest position, at least a portion of the front load detection sensor 50 is disposed at the same height as the rear connecting pipe 24 of the seat cushion frame 20 in the up-down direction of the seat, thereby preventing the vehicle seat S from becoming larger in the height direction.

[0065] In addition, the seat cushion side frame 21 is disposed between the front link 41 and the rear link 42 in the seat width direction (FIGS. 9 and 10), and the first sensor shaft 51 is disposed between the front link 41 and the rear link 42 in the seat width direction (FIGS. 3 and 5). With this configuration, the vehicle seat S is prevented from becoming large in size in the width direction.

[0066] In addition, the second sensor shaft 61 of the rear load detection sensor 60 is disposed between the front link 41 and the rear link 42 in the seat width direction (Figures 3, 5 and 14), thereby preventing the vehicle seat S from becoming larger in the width direction.

[0067] Moreover, the rear link 42 is disposed between the seat cushion side frame 21 and the second coupler 64 of the rear load detection sensor 60 in the seat width direction (FIG. 15). Since the rear link 42 is contained within the range between the seat cushion side frame 21 and the second coupler 64 in the seat width direction in this manner, the vehicle seat S becomes more compact accordingly.

[0068] In addition, the second coupler 64 of the rear load detection sensor 60 is disposed at the same position as the rear link 42 in the seat front-rear direction (FIG. 10B), resulting in a compact arrangement. In addition, as shown in FIG. 10B, the rear link pivot shaft 42a of the rear link 42 is disposed at the same height as the second sensor shaft 61 in the seat up-down direction.

[0069] The front link 41 and the rear link 42 are attached to link support brackets (first link support bracket 34 and second link support bracket 35), and the front load detection sensor 50 and the rear load detection sensor 60 are attached to the link support brackets (FIG. 5). As shown in FIG. 8, the first link support bracket 34 is bent upward from the front end toward the rear, and is spaced apart from the upper rail 32 of the slide rail mechanism 30 between the mounting position of the front load detection sensor 50 and the mounting position of the second load detection sensor (in other words, between the first sensor shaft 51 and the second sensor shaft 61). This configuration improves the rigidity of the link support bracket itself while reducing the number of parts that make up the vehicle seat S.

[0070] In addition, in the seat front-rear direction, the recess 26b provided on the side portion 26a of the pressure-receiving member 26 is disposed between the front load detection sensor 50 and the rear load detection sensor 60. In this manner, since the recesses of the pressure-receiving member 26 are disposed compactly in the seat front-rear direction, a decrease in the rigidity of the pressure-receiving member 26 is suppressed.

[0071] <Modification> The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. As shown in Fig. 16, a partial cross-sectional view of a seat cushion frame 20x of a vehicle seat S according to a modified example is shown from above. As shown in Fig. 16, wire springs 70, 71, 72, and 73 are suspended between the rear connecting pipe 24 and the front connecting pipe 25 of the seat cushion frame 20x.

[0072] The wire spring 70 has a spring recess 70c, a spring protrusion 70d, and a spring recess 70e between the front end 70a and the rear end 70b, in that order from the front. The wire spring 71 has a spring recess 71c and a spring recess 71d between the front end 71a and the rear end 71b, in that order from the front. The wire spring 72 has a spring recess 72c and a spring recess 72d between the front end 72a and the rear end 72b, in that order from the front. The wire spring 73 has a spring recess 73c, a spring protrusion 73d, and a spring recess 73e between the front end 73a and the rear end 73b, in that order from the front.

[0073] 16, the spring protrusion 73d of the wire spring 73 is disposed at a position facing in the seat width direction to a second coupler 64 (sensor connector) disposed at the second sensor front end 62 of the rear load detection sensor 60. In addition, the spring protrusion 73d and the second coupler 64 (sensor connector) are disposed so as not to overlap each other in the seat vertical direction.

[0074] With this arrangement, it is possible to increase the area over which the wire spring 73 supports the occupant in the seat width direction, compared to when the spring recess 73c or the spring recess 73e is positioned opposite the second coupler 64 in the seat width direction.

[0075] The wire springs 70 and 71 are connected at the rear by a rear connecting member 74 and at the front by a front connecting member 75. The rear connecting member 74 and the front connecting member 75 are connected by a resin member 76 extending in the front-rear direction of the seat. The resin member 76 has a certain degree of elasticity, and has a front end 76a and a rear end 76b. The front end 76a of the resin member 76 is a free end, and the rear end 76b is a fixed end.

[0076] The resin member 76 extends forward from a position rearward of the second coupler 64 (sensor connector) located at the second sensor front end 62 of the rear load detection sensor 60, and extends beyond the front connecting member 75, thereby being positioned long in the fore-and-aft direction of the seat.

[0077] 17 is a side view of a seat cushion frame of a vehicle seat according to another modified example. As shown in FIG. 17, a flange 41x is formed on the rear end of the front link 41 on the first rotation shaft 41a side as a stopper portion that restricts the rotation range of the front link 41.

[0078] When the seat cushion S2 is at the lowermost position, the flange 41x abuts against the upper surface (abutment portion) of the outer wall 34c of the first link support bracket 34x. In this way, the flange 41x restricts the front link 41 from rotating further downward. The amount of protrusion of the flange 41x is set to be inward from the outer end of the upper surface (abutment portion) of the outer wall 34c of the first link support bracket 34x in the seat width direction, thereby making the flange 41x compact.

[0079] The upper surface of the outer wall 34c of the first link support bracket 34x protrudes upward or is recessed downward to function as a receiving portion for the flange 41x. Furthermore, rubber may be attached as an elastic member to the upper surface of the outer wall 34c of the first link support bracket 34.

[0080] As shown in FIG. 17, the front load detection sensor 50 may be disposed forward of the second rotation shaft 41b of the front link 41. When the seat cushion S2 is in the lowest position, the first rear fastening member 56 as a rear mounting member of the front load detection sensor 50 is disposed forward of the second rotating shaft 41b, and the front load detection sensor 50 is disposed overall forward of the second rotating shaft 41b. With this configuration, when the front link 41 is provided with a flange 41x as a stopper portion, it is possible to prevent the front load detection sensor 50 and the front link 41 from interfering with each other and to prevent the seat structure from becoming large in the vertical direction due to design. [Explanation of symbols]

[0081] S Vehicle seats (vehicle seats) S1 Seat Back S2 Seat Cushion S3 Headrest R Skin material U Cushion Pad L Operation Lever Seat frame, front 10 Seat back frame 11 Upper frame 12 Seat back side frame 13 Lower member frame 20, 20x seat cushion frame 21 Seat cushion side frame (side frame) 22 Pan Frame 23 Connecting bracket 24 Rear connecting pipe (connecting member) 25 Front connecting pipe 26 Pressure-receiving member 26a Side 26b Recess 26c round hole 26d triangular hole 30 Slide rail mechanism (base) 31 Lower rail 32 Upper Rail 33 Foot 34, 34x 1st link support bracket (link support bracket) 34a bottom wall 34b Inner wall 34c exterior wall 34d Front link hole 34e 1st shaft hole 34f 2nd shaft hole 34g posterior hole 35 Second link support bracket (link support bracket) 35a bottom wall 35b Inner wall 35c rear link hole 35d nut hole 35e Notch 40 Height adjustment mechanism 41 Front link (first link member) 41a First rotating shaft 41b Second rotating shaft 41c Upper end 41x flange 42 Rear link (second link member) 42a Rear link pivot shaft 42b Rear end 50 Front load detection sensor (first load detection sensor) 51 First sensor axis 51a First strain body 51b Upper end 52 Front end of first sensor 53 Rear end of first sensor 54 First Coupler 55 First front fastening member 56 First rear fastening member 60 Rear load detection sensor (second load detection sensor) 61 Second sensor axis 61a Second strain body 62 Front end of second sensor 63 Rear end of second sensor 64 2nd Coupler 65 2nd front fastening member 66 Second rear fastening member B Buckle support bracket attachment part Y weld 70, 71, 72, 73 Wire spring (pressure receiving member) 70a, 71a, 72a, 73a front end 70b, 71b, 72b, 73b rear end 70c, 71c, 72c, 73c Spring recess 70d, 73d Spring protrusion 70e, 71d, 72d, 73e Spring recess 74 Rear connecting member 75 Front connecting member 76 Resin parts 76a front end 76b front end

Claims

1. A vehicle seat, comprising: a seat cushion having a seat cushion frame; and a first link member for adjusting the height of the seat cushion with respect to a base which is a slide rail or a vehicle body floor, wherein the seat cushion frame has a pair of side frames provided apart in the width direction of the vehicle seat, the first link member has a first rotation axis rotatable with respect to the seat cushion frame and a second rotation axis rotatable with respect to the base, the first link member is attached to a first link support bracket, the first link support bracket includes a bottom wall, a first wall erected from the bottom wall, and a first wall portion bent from an upper end portion of the first wall, an attachment portion for attaching a buckle support bracket of a seat belt is formed on the first link support bracket, a rear end of the first wall portion in the front-rear direction of the vehicle seat is disposed in front of the attachment portion, and the vehicle seat is characterized by this.

2. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, wherein the attachment portion is disposed below an upper end of a front end of the first wall portion in a side view.

3. The vehicle seat according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a second link support bracket disposed on the first link support bracket, wherein a front end of the attachment portion is disposed behind a front end of the second link support bracket.

4. The vehicle seat according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a connecting pipe connecting front end portions of the pair of side frames, when the seat cushion is in the uppermost position, a rear end of the connecting pipe is disposed above an upper end of the first wall portion, when the seat cushion is in the lowermost position, a rear end of the connecting pipe is disposed behind a front end of the first wall portion.

5. The vehicle seat according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first link support bracket has a second wall facing the first wall in the width direction of the vehicle seat, a rear end of the first wall portion is disposed behind a rear end of the second wall.

6. The first link support bracket has a second wall portion bent from an upper end portion of the second wall and extending in a direction away from the first wall portion in the width direction of the vehicle seat. The vehicle seat according to claim 5, characterized in that the length in the width direction of the vehicle seat of the first wall portion is longer than the length in the width direction of the vehicle seat at the upper end portion of the second wall portion.

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