Vehicle seats

Abstract

To diversify shapes of a fluid bag device during inflation.SOLUTION: A fluid bag device 50 has: a support member 51 having a support face 51A along a first direction; a fluid bag assembly 52 located on the support face; and a fluid feeder 53 which is connected to the fluid bag assembly. The fluid bag assembly has: a first fluid bag 56 located on the support face; a second fluid bag 57 which has a first coupling part 61 coupled to the first fluid bag at a first side end, and communicates with the first fluid bag; and a third fluid bag 58 which has a second coupling part 62 coupled to the second fluid bag at a first side end, and communicates with the second fluid bag. In the state where the fluid bag assembly is contracted, a first side edge 61A that is a side edge on a second side of the first coupling part and a second side edge 62A that is a side edge on a second side of the second coupling part respectively extend linearly and extend in direction different from each other when viewed from a direction orthogonal to the support face.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a fluid bladder device and a vehicle seat equipped with a fluid bladder device. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a fluid bag device provided inside a seat cushion and a seat back of a vehicle seat. The fluid bag device changes the surface shapes of the seat cushion and the seat back by expanding. The fluid bag device is formed by joining a plurality of fluid bags together. Each fluid bag is formed by welding the edges of two sheets together. In one fluid bag device, each fluid bag is stacked in the thickness direction and welded to each other at their respective centers. This fluid bag device expands in the thickness direction of the fluid bag. In another fluid bag device, each fluid bag is stacked in the thickness direction and welded to each other at corresponding side edges. This fluid bag device expands in the circumferential direction around the welded side edges. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 63-5846 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] There is a demand for a variety of shapes of the fluid bladder device when inflated so that it can conform to the shape of a seated occupant, for example, a demand for the fluid bladder device to be inflated in multiple directions, or a demand for the direction of expansion to be changed as the expansion progresses.

[0005] In view of the above background, an object of the present invention is to provide a fluid bag device capable of diversifying the shape when inflated, and to provide a vehicle seat equipped with a fluid bag device capable of diversifying the shape when inflated. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, one aspect of the present invention is a fluid bag device (50) that is arranged between a frame (20) and an upholstery material (13, 17) in a vehicle seat (1) and that expands and contracts, the fluid bag device (50) comprising: a support member (51) provided on the frame and having a support surface (51A) along a first direction; a fluid bag assembly (52) arranged on the support surface; and a fluid supply device (53) connected to the fluid bag assembly, one side in the first direction being a first side and the other side being a second side, the fluid bag assembly comprising a first fluid bag (56) arranged on the support surface and a front fluid bag (57) arranged on a front surface of the support member (57) and a front fluid bag (57) arranged on the front surface of the support member (57). The fluid bag assembly has a first connecting portion (61) at an end of the first side that is connected to the first fluid bag and a second fluid bag (57) that is in communication with the first fluid bag, and a third fluid bag (58) that has a second connecting portion (62) at an end of the first side that is connected to the second fluid bag and in communication with the second fluid bag, and when the fluid bag assembly is in a contracted state, when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the support surface, a first side edge (61A) which is the side edge of the second side of the first connecting portion and a second side edge (62A) which is the side edge of the second side of the second connecting portion each extend in a straight line and in different directions from each other.

[0007] According to this embodiment, since the first side edge and the second side edge extend in different directions, the expansion direction of the second fluid bag and the expansion direction of the third fluid bag can be changed, thereby diversifying the shape of the fluid bag assembly when expanded.

[0008] In the above aspect, the second side edge may be disposed on the second side relative to the first side edge.

[0009] According to this aspect, the shape of the fluid bag assembly when inflated can be diversified.

[0010] In the above aspect, the length of the second fluid bag in the first direction may be longer than the length of the third fluid bag in the first direction.

[0011] According to this aspect, the shape of the fluid bag assembly when inflated can be diversified.

[0012] In the above aspect, the fluid supply device is connected to the first fluid bag, the first fluid bag and the second fluid bag are connected by a first communication hole (61B) passing through the first connecting portion, and the second fluid bag and the third fluid bag are connected by a second communication hole (62B) passing through the second connecting portion.

[0013] According to this aspect, the connection structure between the air supply device and the fluid bag assembly can be simplified.

[0014] In the above aspect, the first fluid bag, the second fluid bag, and the third fluid bag may extend in the first direction.

[0015] According to this aspect, the shape of the fluid bag assembly when contracted can be simplified.

[0016] In the above aspect, the first fluid bag may have a tab (56D) protruding laterally, and the tab may be fastened to a side surface of the support member that is perpendicular to the support surface.

[0017] According to this aspect, the support member can be made smaller, and the fluid bag device can be made smaller.

[0018] Another aspect of the present invention is a vehicle seat (1) having a fluid bag device (50), comprising a seat cushion (3) for supporting the buttocks of an occupant, and a seat back (4) extending upward from a rear portion of the seat cushion and supporting the back of the occupant, wherein a pair of the support members and the fluid bag assemblies are provided on the left and right, and the left and right support members are disposed on the left and right portions of the upper part of the seat back so that the support surfaces of each face forward and the first sides are on the inside and below the left and right, and when the fluid bag assembly is in a contracted state, when viewed from the front, each of the first side edges and the second side edges extends at a downward incline outward to the left and right.

[0019] According to this aspect, the fluid bag device can cause the portion of the seat back that corresponds to the shoulders of the seated occupant to bulge inwardly and downwardly in the left-right direction, thereby providing a seat back that corresponds to the position and shape of the shoulders of the seated occupant.

[0020] In the above aspect, it is preferable that a blower (35) is provided in the center of the upper part of the seat back, and the left and right support members are disposed on the left and right sides of the blower.

[0021] According to this aspect, the fluid bag device and the blower device can be disposed within the seat back so as not to interfere with each other.

[0022] In the above aspect, the blower device has a blower device main body (36) equipped with an impeller and a duct (37) extending from the blower device main body, the blower device main body is arranged in the center of the upper part of the seat back, the duct extends vertically along the side of the blower device main body, and one of the left and right support members is arranged on the left or right side of the duct.

[0023] According to this aspect, the fluid bag device and the blower device can be disposed within the seat back so as not to interfere with each other.

[0024] In the above-mentioned aspect, a lumbar support member (31) for supporting the lumbar region of the occupant is provided at the lower part of the seat back, and the lumbar support member has a support plate (32) and an elastic member (33) connecting the support plate to the frame, and each of the lower ends of the left and right support members is preferably positioned higher than the upper ends of the support plates.

[0025] According to this aspect, the fluid bag device and the lumbar support member can be disposed within the seat back so as not to interfere with each other.

[0026] In the above aspect, a first side airbag (41) is provided on one of the left and right sides of the seat back, and a second side airbag (42) is provided on the other of the left and right sides of the seat back, the first side airbag and the second side airbag each extend vertically, an upper end of the first side airbag is positioned higher than an upper end of the second side airbag, and each of the lower ends of the left and right support members is positioned higher than an upper end of the second side airbag.

[0027] According to this aspect, the fluid bag device and the side airbag can be disposed within the seat back so as not to interfere with each other.

[0028] In the above aspect, the left and right fluid bag assemblies may have recesses recessed outwardly to the left and right on their left and right inner side edges, and the left and right side portions of the blower may be disposed in the recesses, respectively.

[0029] According to this aspect, the fluid bag devices and the blower devices can be arranged at high density. Effect of the Invention

[0030] One aspect of the present invention is a fluid bag device (50) that is arranged between a frame (20) and an upholstery material (13, 17) in a vehicle seat (1) and that expands and contracts, the fluid bag device (50) comprising: a support member (51) that is provided on the frame and has a support surface (51A) along a first direction; a fluid bag assembly (52) that is arranged on the support surface; and a fluid supply device (53) that is connected to the fluid bag assembly, one side in the first direction being a first side and the other side being a second side, the fluid bag assembly comprising a first fluid bag (56) that is arranged on the support surface and a fluid supply device (53) that is connected to the fluid bag assembly. The fluid bag assembly includes a first connecting portion (61) connected to the first fluid bag at an end of the first side and a second fluid bag (57) connected to the first fluid bag, and a third fluid bag (58) connected to the second fluid bag at an end of the first side and a second connecting portion (62) connected to the second fluid bag, and when the fluid bag assembly is in a contracted state, a first side edge (61A) which is a side edge of the second side of the first connecting portion and a second side edge (62A) which is a side edge of the second side of the second connecting portion each extend linearly in different directions from each other when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the support surface. According to this embodiment, since the first side edge and the second side edge extend in different directions from each other, the expansion direction of the second fluid bag and the expansion direction of the third fluid bag can be changed. This makes it possible to diversify the shape of the fluid bag assembly when expanded.

[0031] In the above aspect, the second side edge may be disposed on the second side relative to the first side edge. According to this aspect, the shape of the fluid bag assembly when inflated can be diversified.

[0032] In the above aspect, the length of the second fluid bag in the first direction may be longer than the length of the third fluid bag in the first direction. According to this aspect, the shape of the fluid bag assembly when expanded can be diversified.

[0033] In the above aspect, the fluid supply device may be connected to the first fluid bag, the first fluid bag and the second fluid bag may be connected to each other by a first communication hole (61B) passing through the first joint, and the second fluid bag and the third fluid bag may be connected to each other by a second communication hole (62B) passing through the second joint. According to this aspect, the connection structure between the air supply device and the fluid bag assembly can be simplified.

[0034] In the above aspect, the first fluid bag, the second fluid bag, and the third fluid bag may extend in the first direction. According to this aspect, the shape of the fluid bag assembly when contracted can be simplified.

[0035] In the above aspect, the first fluid bag may have a tab (56D) protruding laterally, and the tab may be fastened to a side surface of the support member that is perpendicular to the support surface. According to this aspect, the support member can be made smaller, and the fluid bag device can be made smaller.

[0036] Another aspect of the present invention is a vehicle seat (1) having a fluid bag device (50), the vehicle seat having a seat cushion (3) for supporting the buttocks of an occupant, and a seat back (4) extending upward from the rear of the seat cushion and supporting the back of the occupant, the support members and the fluid bag assemblies are provided in pairs on the left and right, the left and right support members are disposed on the left and right parts of the upper part of the seat back so that the support surfaces of the left and right support members face forward and the first sides are on the left and right inner sides and downward, and when the fluid bag assembly is in a contracted state, the first side edge and the second side edge each extend inclined downward toward the left and right outer sides when viewed from the front. According to this aspect, the fluid bag device can bulge the portions of the seat back corresponding to the shoulders of the seated occupant inward and downward in the left and right direction. This makes it possible to provide a seat back that corresponds to the position and shape of the shoulders of the seated occupant.

[0037] In the above aspect, a blower (35) is preferably provided in the center of the upper part of the seat back, and the left and right support members are disposed on the left and right sides of the blower. According to this aspect, the fluid bag device and the blower can be disposed within the seat back so as not to interfere with each other.

[0038] In the above aspect, the air blower has an air blower body (36) equipped with an impeller and a duct (37) extending from the air blower body, the air blower body is disposed in the center of the upper part of the seat back, the duct extends vertically along the side of the air blower body, and one of the left and right support members is disposed on the left and right sides of the duct. According to this aspect, the fluid bag device and the air blower can be disposed within the seat back so as not to interfere with each other.

[0039] In the above aspect, a lumbar support member (31) for supporting the lumbar region of an occupant is provided at the lower part of the seat back, the lumbar support member having a support plate (32) and an elastic member (33) connecting the support plate to the frame, and each of the lower ends of the left and right support members is disposed higher than the upper ends of the support plates. According to this aspect, the fluid bag device and the lumbar support member can be disposed in the seat back so as not to interfere with each other.

[0040] In the above aspect, it is preferable that a first side airbag (41) is provided on one of the left and right sides of the seat back, a second side airbag (42) is provided on the other of the left and right sides of the seat back, the first side airbag and the second side airbag each extend vertically, an upper end of the first side airbag is disposed higher than an upper end of the second side airbag, and each of the lower ends of the left and right support members is disposed higher than an upper end of the second side airbag. According to this aspect, the fluid bag device and the side airbag can be disposed within the seat back so as not to interfere with each other.

[0041] In the above aspect, the left and right fluid bag assemblies may have recesses recessed outwardly to the left and right on their inner left and right side edges, and the left and right side portions of the air blower may be disposed in the recesses, respectively. According to this aspect, the fluid bag devices and the air blowers can be disposed at high density. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0042] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a seat according to an embodiment; [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a frame of a seat according to an embodiment; [Diagram 3] Front view of seat back frame [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a fluid bag assembly and a support plate; [Diagram 5] Exploded perspective view of the fluid bag assembly [Figure 6] 1A is a diagram showing a fluid bag assembly in a contracted state, a diagram showing a partially expanded state, and a diagram showing a fluid bag assembly in an expanded state; [Figure 7] 1 is a cross-sectional view of the fluid bladder assembly in an expanded state; [Figure 8] 1 is a cross-sectional view of the fluid bladder assembly in an expanded state; [Figure 9] 1 is a cross-sectional view of the fluid bladder assembly in an expanded state; [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a front view of a seat back frame according to a modified embodiment; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0043] Hereinafter, an embodiment in which a vehicle seat according to the present invention is applied to an automobile seat will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the up-down direction is defined as a direction along the vertical direction. The front-rear direction is defined as a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction, and the direction in which the seat back is located is defined as the rear with respect to the seat cushion as the reference, and the direction opposite to the rear is defined as the front. The left-right direction is defined as a direction perpendicular to the up-down direction and the front-rear direction, and is defined with respect to the front.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 1, the seat 1 has a seat cushion 3 provided on a floor 2 of an automobile, and a seat back 4 extending upward from a rear portion of the seat cushion 3. The seat cushion 3 supports the buttocks of an occupant, and the seat back 4 supports the back of the occupant. As shown in FIG. 2, the seat cushion 3 may be provided on the floor 2 via slide rails 5. The slide rails 5 have left and right lower rails 5A connected to the floor 2, and left and right upper rails 5B slidably supported on the left and right lower rails 5A, respectively. The seat cushion 3 is connected to the left and right upper rails 5B. A lifting device may be interposed between the seat cushion 3 and the upper rails 5B.

[0045] The seat cushion 3 has a seat cushion frame 11 forming a skeleton, a pad 12 supported by the seat cushion frame 11, and a skin material 13 covering the surface of the pad 12. The seat back 4 has a seat back frame 15 forming a skeleton, a pad 16 supported by the seat back frame 15, and a skin material 17 covering the surface of the pad 16. The seat cushion frame 11 and the seat back frame 15 are connected to each other via a reclining device 19, and form a frame 20 of the seat 1. In the following description, the seat back 4 is disposed in an initial position extending vertically.

[0046] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the seatback frame 15 has left and right back side members 22 extending vertically, an upper member 23 extending horizontally and joined to the upper ends of the left and right back side members 22, respectively, a lower member 24 extending horizontally and joined to the lower ends of the left and right back side members 22, respectively, and a middle member 25 extending horizontally between the upper member 23 and the lower member 24 and joined to the left and right back side members 22, respectively.

[0047] The lower parts of the left and right back side members 22 are formed from sheet metal members with faces facing left and right. The upper parts of the left and right back side members 22 and the upper member 23 are formed from a continuous pipe material. The pipe material has a central portion extending left and right, and left and right end portions bent from the central portion and extending downward. The left and right end portions of the pipe material are joined to the surfaces of the left and right sheet metal members facing inward left and right.

[0048] A pair of left and right headrest support members 27 are provided on the upper member 23. Each of the headrest support members 27 is formed in a cylindrical shape and extends vertically. Each of the headrest support members 27 is joined to the front surface of the upper member 23 by welding or the like. Each of the headrest support members 27 is disposed at a distance on the left and right in the center of the upper member 23 in the left-right direction. A resin collar (not shown) is attached to each of the headrest support members 27. A pair of left and right pillars 29A (see FIG. 1) extending from the headrest 29 are inserted into and supported by the headrest support members 27 via the collars.

[0049] 2 and 3, a lumbar support member 31 for supporting the lumbar region of an occupant is provided at the bottom of the seat back 4. The lumbar support member 31 has a plate-shaped support plate 32 and an elastic member 33 that connects the support plate 32 to the seat back frame 15. The elastic member 33 is, for example, a plurality of wire springs, and may be stretched between at least two of the middle member 25, the lower member 24, and the left and right back side members 22. In this embodiment, the elastic member 33 is a pair of left and right wire springs that extend vertically and are connected to the middle member 25 and the lower member 24. The left and right elastic members 33 are connected to the left and right ends of the middle member 25, and have an upper end 33A extending downward, an upper intermediate portion 33B extending from the lower end of the upper end 33A at an inward and downward inclination in the left and right directions, a lower intermediate portion 33C extending downward from the lower end of the upper intermediate portion 33B, and a lower end 33D extending from the lower end of the lower intermediate portion 33C outward and downward in the left and right directions and connected to the lower member 24. The left and right lower end portions 33D may be connected to each other by a connecting portion 33E, and the elastic members 33 may be formed from a single wire spring. The support plate 32 may be connected to the lower intermediate portions 33C and the lower end portions 33D of the left and right elastic members 33. The support plate 32 is made of resin and has flexibility.

[0050] The blower device 35 is provided in the center of the upper part of the seat back 4. The blower device 35 has a blower device body 36 equipped with an impeller and a duct 37 extending from the blower device body 36. The blower device 35 is connected to a bracket 38 connected to at least one of the upper member 23 and the middle member 25. In this embodiment, the bracket 38 extends vertically and has an upper end connected to the center of the upper member 23 in the left-right direction and a lower end connected to the center of the middle member 25 in the left-right direction. The blower device body 36 may be, for example, a centrifugal fan. The blower device body 36 is formed in a flat cylindrical shape and is fixed to the front of the bracket 38 so that its axis faces forward and backward. The blower device body 36 is disposed in the center of the upper part of the seat back 4. More specifically, the blower device body 36 is disposed between the upper member 23 and the middle member 25. The blower body 36 may be disposed between the left and right headrest support members 27 in the left-right direction. The duct 37 has one end connected to the center of the rear surface of the blower body 36 and the other end forming the air intake 37A. The duct 37 has a horizontal portion 37B extending rightward from one end behind the bracket 38 and the right headrest support member 27, and a vertical portion 37C extending downward and forward from the right end of the horizontal portion 37B. That is, the duct 37 extends vertically on the side of the blower body 36. The air intake 37A is provided at the lower end of the vertical portion 37C. The vertical portion 37C extends vertically to the right of the blower body 36, and the air intake 37A is disposed below the lower end of the blower body 36. In another embodiment, the horizontal portion 37B may extend leftward from one end, and the vertical portion 37C may be disposed on the left side of the blower body 36. In this embodiment, the blower body 36 draws in air from the center through the duct 37 and discharges it from the outer periphery. A duct (not shown) through which the discharged air flows may be connected to the outer periphery of the blower body 36. In other embodiments, the duct 37 may be omitted, and the blower body 36 may directly draw in air.

[0051] A first side airbag 41 is provided on one of the left and right sides of the seat back 4, and a second side airbag 42 is provided on the other of the left and right sides of the seat back 4. In this embodiment, the first side airbag 41 is provided on the right side surface of the right back side member 22, and the second side airbag 42 is provided on the left side surface of the left back side member 22. Each of the first side airbag 41 and the second side airbag 42 extends vertically. The upper end of the first side airbag 41 is disposed above the upper end of the second side airbag 42. In addition, the first side airbag 41 is formed longer vertically than the second side airbag 42. In this embodiment, the seat 1 is the left seat of the vehicle, the first side airbag 41 is a far side airbag away from the side wall of the vehicle, and the second side airbag 42 is a near side airbag close to the side wall of the vehicle.

[0052] In the seat 1, a fluid bag device 50 that expands and contracts is disposed between the frame 20 and the covering materials 13, 17. The fluid bag device 50 includes a support member 51 having a support surface 51A, a fluid bag assembly 52 supported on the support surface 51A, and a fluid supply device 53 connected to the fluid bag assembly 52. ​​In this embodiment, the fluid bag device 50 includes a pair of left and right support members 51 and fluid bag assemblies 52, and one fluid supply device 53 connected to the left and right fluid bag assemblies 52. The left and right support members 51 and fluid bag assemblies 52 are disposed between the support member 51 and the pad 12. In this embodiment, the fluid supplied to the fluid bag assembly 52 is air, and the fluid supply device 53 includes an air pump. In other embodiments, the fluid may be a liquid such as water or oil. The fluid supply device 53 may be provided on one of the inner surfaces of the left and right back side members 22. A driving device 19A that drives the reclining device 19 may be provided on the other inner surface of the left and right back side members 22. That is, the fluid supply device 53 and the driving device 19A are provided on the inner surfaces of different back side members 22. The driving device 19A may include an electric motor and a reduction mechanism.

[0053] The support member 51 is formed of, for example, resin, and is formed in a plate shape. The left and right support members 51 are provided on the frame 20. The left and right support members 51 are provided on, for example, at least one of the middle member 25 and the back side member 22. The left and right support members 51 may be provided on the frame 20 via the elastic member 33. The support member 51 is, for example, connected to the elastic member 33, and is fixed in position by abutting against the middle member 25 and the back side member 22. Parts of the left and right support members 51 are disposed in front of the upper end portions 33A of the corresponding elastic members 33 on the left and right, the left and right ends of the middle member 25, and the back side member 22. Parts of the support members 51 may be disposed in front of the joints between the left and right back side members 22 and the middle member 25.

[0054] The support surface 51A of the support member 51 faces forward along the first direction. Here, one side in the first direction is the first side, and the other side is the second side. In this embodiment, the left and right support members 51 are disposed on the left and right parts of the upper part of the seat back 4 such that the respective support surfaces 51A face forward and the first sides are on the left and right inner sides and downward. The support member 51 has a side surface 51B that is perpendicular to the support surface 51A. In this embodiment, the support member 51 extends in the first direction.

[0055] The left and right support members 51 are disposed on the left and right sides of the blower 35. One of the left and right support members 51 is disposed on the left and right sides of the duct 37. The right support member 51 is disposed on the right side of the duct 37, and the left support member 51 is disposed on the left side of the duct 37. The lower ends of the left and right support members 51 are preferably disposed above the upper end of the support plate 32. The lower ends of the left and right support members 51 are preferably disposed above the upper end of the second side airbag 42.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, the fluid bag assembly 52 has a first fluid bag 56, a second fluid bag 57, and a third fluid bag 58. The first fluid bag 56 is disposed on the support surface 51A. The second fluid bag 57 has a first connecting portion 61 connected to the first fluid bag 56 at an end on the first side, and is connected to the first fluid bag 56. The third fluid bag 58 has a second connecting portion 62 connected to the second fluid bag 57 at an end on the first side, and is connected to the second fluid bag 57. Each of the first to third fluid bags 56 to 58 is formed by welding the edges of stacked sheet materials. For example, two sheets of sheet materials may be stacked on top of each other and their edges may be joined to each other to form the fluid bag. Alternatively, the fluid bag may be formed by stacking one sheet material by folding it back, and joining the edges to each other.

[0057] The first fluid bag 56 has a first sheet 56A and a second sheet 56B laminated together. The first sheet 56A and the second sheet 56B are joined together by a third joint 56C extending from the edges of the first sheet 56A and the second sheet 56B and forming a closed ring. The third joint 56C may be a portion where the first sheet 56A and the second sheet 56B are welded or bonded together. An introduction pipe 63, which is a pipe with both ends open, is interposed between the edges of the first sheet 56A and the second sheet 56B and crosses the third joint 56C. The outer peripheral surface of the introduction pipe 63 and the first sheet 56A and the second sheet 56B are airtightly sealed.

[0058] The first fluid bag 56 contacts the support surface 51A at the first sheet 56A and extends in the first direction. At least one of the first sheet 56A and the second sheet 56B has a tab 56D protruding laterally at a middle portion in the first direction. In this embodiment, the tab 56D is provided on the inner side edge in the left-right direction of the middle portion in the first direction of the first sheet 56A and the second sheet 56B. The tabs 56D of the first sheet 56A and the second sheet 56B may be connected to each other. The tab 56D is bent so as to follow the side surface 51B of the support member 51 and is fastened to the side surface 51B by a fastening member 65 such as a clip or a rivet. The first fluid bag 56 is fixed to the support member 51 by the tab 56D. When viewed from a direction perpendicular to the support surface 51A, the first side end of the first fluid bag 56 is positioned at a position coinciding with the first side end of the support member 51, and the second side end of the first fluid bag 56 is positioned at a position coinciding with the second side end of the support member 51.

[0059] The second fluid bag 57 has a third sheet 57A and a fourth sheet 57B that are stacked together. The third sheet 57A and the fourth sheet 57B extend along their respective edges and are joined together by a fourth joint 57C that forms a closed ring. The fourth joint 57C may be a portion where the third sheet 57A and the fourth sheet 57B are welded or bonded together. The second fluid bag 57 extends in the first direction and is arranged overlapping the first fluid bag 56. The third sheet 57A of the second fluid bag 57 contacts the second sheet 56B of the first fluid bag 56. When viewed from a direction perpendicular to the support surface 51A, the first side end of the second fluid bag 57 is arranged at a position that coincides with the first side end of the first fluid bag 56, and the second side end of the second fluid bag 57 is arranged at a position that coincides with the second side end of the first fluid bag 56.

[0060] The end of the first side of the third sheet 57A and the end of the first side of the second sheet 56B are joined to each other by a first joint 61. The first joint 61 may be a portion where the third sheet 57A and the second sheet 56B are welded or bonded to each other. The first joint 61 has a first side edge 61A which is a side edge of the second side. The first side edge 61A extends linearly. The first fluid bag 56 and the second fluid bag 57 are connected to each other by a first communication hole 61B which passes through the first joint 61. The first communication hole 61B is formed in the second sheet 56B and the third sheet 57A.

[0061] The third fluid bag 58 has a fifth sheet 58A and a sixth sheet 58B stacked together. The fifth sheet 58A and the sixth sheet 58B extend along their respective edges and are joined together by a fifth joint 58C forming a closed ring. The fifth joint 58C may be a portion where the fifth sheet 58A and the sixth sheet 58B are welded or bonded together. The third fluid bag 58 extends in the first direction and is arranged overlapping the second fluid bag 57. The fifth sheet 58A of the third fluid bag 58 contacts the fourth sheet 57B of the second fluid bag 57. When viewed from a direction perpendicular to the support surface 51A, the first side end of the third fluid bag 58 is arranged offset to the second side with respect to the first side end of the second fluid bag 57, and the second side end of the third fluid bag 58 is arranged at a position that coincides with the second side end of the second fluid bag 57. That is, the length of the second fluid bag 57 in the first direction is longer than the length of the third fluid bag 58 in the first direction.

[0062] The end of the fifth sheet 58A on the first side and the middle part of the fourth sheet 57B in the first direction are joined to each other by a second joining part 62. The second joining part 62 may be a part where the fourth sheet 57B and the fifth sheet 58A are welded or bonded to each other. The second joining part 62 has a second side edge 62A which is a side edge of the second side. The second side edge 62A extends linearly. The second fluid bag 57 and the third fluid bag 58 are connected to each other by a second communication hole 62B which passes through the second joining part 62. The second communication hole 62B is formed in the fourth sheet 57B and the fifth sheet 58A.

[0063] The introduction pipes 63 of the left and right fluid bag assemblies 52 are connected to a fluid supply device 53 via a tube 67. The fluid bag assemblies 52 expand when supplied with fluid and contract when the fluid is discharged.

[0064] 3 and 6(A), when the fluid bag assembly 52 is in a contracted state, the first side edge 61A and the second side edge 62A extend in different directions when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the support surface 51A. That is, when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the support surface 51A, the angle between the first side edge 61A and the first direction is different from the angle between the second side edge 62A and the first direction. In addition, the second side edge 62A is disposed on the second side of the first side edge 61A.

[0065] The first side edge 61A and the second side edge 62A are preferably disposed below the central axis of the blower body 36. The first side edge 61A and the second side edge 62A are preferably disposed below the upper end of the first side airbag 41. The upper end of the fluid bag assembly 52 is preferably disposed below the central axis of the blower body 36. The upper end of the fluid bag assembly 52 is preferably disposed below the upper end of the first side airbag 41.

[0066] Each of the first to third fluid bags 56-58 is flat in a contracted state and is stacked on top of one another. When the fluid supply device 53 is driven and air is supplied to the fluid bag assembly 52, the fluid bag assembly 52 expands. Air supplied from the fluid supply device 53 through the tube 67 flows through the introduction pipe 63 into the first fluid bag 56, from the first fluid bag 56 through the first communication hole 61B into the second fluid bag 57, and from the second fluid bag 57 through the second communication hole 62B into the third fluid bag 58. This causes the fluid bag assembly 52 to expand.

[0067] In the expanded state, the thickness of each of the first to third fluid bags 56-58 gradually increases from the edge to the center. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 7, in the expanded state, the second fluid bag 57 bends about the first side edge 61A, and the second side end of the second fluid bag 57 moves away from the second side end of the first fluid bag 56. Also, the third fluid bag 58 bends about the second side edge 62A, and the second side end of the third fluid bag 58 moves away from the second side end of the second fluid bag 57. As a result, the second side end of the fluid bag assembly 52 is wider in the direction perpendicular to the support surface 51A than the first side end.

[0068] When the left and right fluid bag assemblies 52 are contracted, the first side edge 61A and the second side edge 62A extend inclined downwards toward the left and right outward direction when viewed from the front. As a result, the second side end of the second fluid bag 57 moves or rotates inwardly and downwardly to the left and right about the first side edge 61A when inflated. Similarly, the second side end of the third fluid bag 58 moves or rotates inwardly and downwardly to the left and right about the second side edge 62A when inflated. Since the first side edge 61A and the second side edge 62A extend in different directions, the second side end of the second fluid bag 57 and the second side end of the third fluid bag 58 move in different directions. In this embodiment, the second side end of the second fluid bag 57 moves forward, inwardly to the left and right, and downwards when inflated, and the second side end of the third fluid bag 58 moves forward and inwardly to the left and right. As a result, the fluid bag assembly 52 inflates as shown in FIGS. 6(A) to (C).

[0069] According to the fluid bag device 50 of this embodiment, since the first side edge 61A and the second side edge 62A extend in different directions, the expansion direction of the second fluid bag 57 and the expansion direction of the third fluid bag 58 can be changed. This makes it possible to diversify the shape of the fluid bag assembly 52 when inflated. The first to third fluid bags 56 to 58 are joined at the first joining portion 61 and the second joining portion 62, and the first and second joining portions 61 and 62 are formed with the first and second communication holes 61B and 62B, respectively, so that the structure is simple. The tab 56D of the first fluid bag 56 is bent and fastened to the side surface 51B perpendicular to the support surface 51A, so that the support member 51 can be made compact.

[0070] The fluid bag device 50 can cause the portions of the seat back 4 that correspond to the shoulders of the seated occupant to swell inwardly and downwardly in the left-right direction. This makes it possible to provide a seat back 4 that corresponds to the position and shape of the seated occupant's shoulders. Since the left and right fluid bag assemblies each inflate forward, inwardly and downwardly to the left and right, the fluid bag device 50 is arranged in a position that does not interfere with other devices such as the blower device, lumbar support member 31, and near-side airbag according to the physique of the seated occupant.

[0071] 2, the seat cushion frame 11 has left and right cushion side members 71 extending in the front-rear direction, a front member 72 extending in the left-right direction and connecting front ends of the left and right cushion side members 71, a rear member 73 extending in the left-right direction and connecting rear ends of the left and right cushion side members 71, and a movable frame 74 supported on the front member 72 so as to be movable in the front-rear direction. A support member 75 for supporting the buttocks of an occupant is bridged between the front member 72 and the rear member 73. The support member 75 may include a plate-shaped member made of resin and a plurality of wire springs connected to the plate-shaped member.

[0072] The movable frame 74 has an upper plate 74A that is provided on the upper surface of the front member 72 and supported so as to be movable front and rear relative to the front member 72, and a front plate 74B that extends downward from the front end of the upper plate 74A and is disposed in front of the front member 72. The left and right ends of the rear part of the upper plate 74A extend rearward relative to the center part. The front plate 74B is formed in an arc shape that is convex forward when viewed from the left and right sides.

[0073] As shown in Figs. 8 and 9, a storage recess 72A recessed downward is formed in the center in the left-right direction of the upper surface of the front member 72. The front and rear ends of the storage recess 72A may reach the front and rear ends of the front member 72. A pair of left and right rails 77A extending forward and backward are provided on the left and right sides of the storage recess 72A on the upper surface of the front member 72. A slider 77B is provided on each of the left and right rails 77A so as to be movable forward and backward relative to the rail 77A. The upper plate 74A of the front member 72 is connected to the left and right sliders 77B by bolts 78. As a result, the movable frame 74 is provided on the front member 72 so as to be movable forward and backward via the slider 77B and the rail 77A. The storage recess 72A is disposed below the upper plate 74A of the front member 72.

[0074] As the upper plate 74A is displaced forward and backward, the movable frame 74 moves between the initial position and the protruding position relative to the front member 72. The movable frame 74 reaches the protruding position by moving forward from the initial position. Also, the movable frame 74 returns to the initial position by moving rearward from the protruding position.

[0075] The pad 12 of the seat cushion 3 is disposed so as to cover the upper surface and front surface of the movable frame 74. When the movable frame 74 moves from the initial position to the protruding position, the movable frame 74 slides relative to the pad 12. The pad 12 has a sufficient length so as to be able to cover the front plate 74B of the movable frame 74 even when the movable frame 74 is in the protruding position. It is preferable that the front edge of the pad 12 extends downward below the lower edge of the front plate 74B of the movable frame 74 when the movable frame 74 is in the initial position.

[0076] The seat 1 further has an actuator 80 that moves the movable frame 74 forward and rearward relative to the front member 72. The actuator 80 has a first actuator 81 that urges the movable frame 74 forward, a second actuator 82 that urges the movable frame 74 rearward, a case 85 that houses the first actuator 81 and the second actuator 82, and a control device (not shown) that controls the urging forces generated by each of the first actuator 81 and the second actuator 82.

[0077] 8, each of the first actuator 81 and the second actuator 82 is formed by a fluid bag assembly that expands when compressed air is supplied and contracts when the compressed air is discharged. The control device may include a compressor that generates compressed air, a connecting pipe that connects the compressor and the first actuator 81, a connecting pipe that connects the compressor and the second actuator 82, control valves provided in each connecting pipe, an electronic control unit (ECU) that controls the compressor and the control valves, an operation switch that inputs a signal to the electronic control unit, etc.

[0078] The case 85 is disposed in the storage recess 72A and has a bottom wall 85A extending forward and backward, a front wall 85B extending upward from the front end of the bottom wall 85A, and a rear wall 85C extending upward from the rear end of the bottom wall 85A. The bottom wall 85A is fastened to the bottom of the storage recess 72A. The case 85 may also have left and right end walls 85D extending forward and backward along the left and right side edges of the bottom wall 85A and joined to the front wall 85B and the rear wall 85C, respectively. The bottom wall 85A, the front wall 85B, the rear wall 85C, and the left and right end walls 85D cooperate with each other to form a box structure that opens upward.

[0079] A pressure receiving plate 74C extending downward is provided at the center of the rear end of the upper plate 74A of the movable frame 74. The pressure receiving plate 74C is disposed between the front wall 85B and the rear wall 85C. The pressure receiving plate 74C is also disposed between the left and right end walls 85D. The first actuator 81 is disposed between the front wall 85B and the pressure receiving plate 74C, and the second actuator 82 is disposed between the pressure receiving plate 74C and the rear wall 85C.

[0080] As the first actuator 81 and the second actuator 82 expand and contract, the pressure-receiving plate 74C moves relative to the front wall 85B and the rear wall 85C, and the movable frame 74 moves back and forth relative to the front member 72.

[0081] The first actuator 81 and the second actuator 82 are expanded by supplying compressed air to the corresponding first actuator 81 and the second actuator 82. When the control valve is in the holding state, the flow of air to the corresponding first actuator 81 and the second actuator 82 is blocked, and the first actuator 81 and the second actuator 82 maintain their size. When the control valve is in the exhaust state, the compressed air in the corresponding first actuator 81 and the second actuator 82 is exhausted to the outside, and the first actuator 81 and the second actuator 82 contract.

[0082] A rear end of a cover member 86 is joined to the rear of the accommodation recess 72A. The cover member 86 has a flange 86A fastened to a portion of the accommodation recess 72A rearward of the rear wall 85C of the case 85, a vertical plate portion 86B extending upward from the front edge of the flange 86A behind the rear wall 85C, and a horizontal plate portion 86C extending forward from the upper end of the vertical plate portion 86B and disposed above the upper plate 74A of the movable frame 74. The horizontal plate portion 86C covers the rear of the upper plate 74A. The horizontal plate portion 86C supports the pad 12 from below.

[0083] Although the description of the specific embodiment is finished above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment and can be widely modified and implemented. The fluid bag device 50 may be provided in the seat cushion 3 or the headrest 29. Furthermore, the fluid bag device 50 is not limited to the three fluid bags 56 to 58, and may include four or more fluid bags. For example, the fluid bag device 50 may include a fourth fluid bag connected to the third fluid bag 58, and a fifth fluid bag connected to the fourth fluid bag.

[0084] In a partially modified embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, the fluid bag assembly 52 may be disposed close to the periphery of the blower 35. In this case, the fluid bag assembly 52 may have recesses 101 recessed outwardly to the left and right on the inner left and right side edges, and the left and right sides of the blower 35 may be disposed in the recesses 101, respectively. The recesses 101 may be formed in a shape that conforms to the outer edge of the blower 35. For example, the blower 100 may be formed in a cylindrical shape, and the recesses 101 may be formed in an arc shape having a radius equal to that of the blower 100. This allows the fluid bag assembly 52 to be enlarged while avoiding interference between the fluid bag assembly 52 and the blower 35. The support plate 102 of the lumbar support member 31 may extend left and right, and the left and right ends may reach the left and right back side members 22. The blower 35 may be supported by the support plate 102. The support plate 102 of the lumbar support member 31 may also constitute a support member for the fluid bag device 50. In this case, the fluid bladder assembly 52 may be coupled to the support plate 102 . [Explanation of symbols]

[0085] 1: Sheet 3: Seat cushion 4: Seat back 15: Seat back frame 20: Frame 22: Backside member 23: Upper Member 24: Lower Member 25: Middle member 31: Lumbar support material 32: Support plate 33: Elastic member 35: Blower 36: Blower unit body 37: Duct 41: First side airbag 42: Second side airbag 50:Fluid bag device 51: Support member 51A: Support surface 51B: Side 52:Fluid bag assembly 53:Fluid supply device 56: 1st fluid bag 56D: Tab 57:Second fluid bag 58: Third fluid bag 61: 1st joint 61A: First side edge 61B: 1st communication hole 62:Second joint 62A: Second side edge 62B: 2nd communication hole 63:Introduction tube 65: Fastening member 67: Tube

Claims

[Claim 1] A vehicle seat having a seat cushion and a seat back, The seat back is A blower device; At least one elastic member extending in the vertical direction; At least one support member supported on an upper portion of the elastic member, The blower device is A blower body including an impeller and a duct extending from the blower body, The duct has one end connected to the blower body and the other end forming an air intake port, The other end of the duct is located above a lower end of the support member and below an upper end of the support member.

Images