Vehicle seat

Abstract

To provide a vehicle seat that can easily warm feet of an occupant even if goods, such as shoes, are placed in a foot space behind the seat.SOLUTION: A vehicle seat 1 includes: a seat cushion 3 in which an occupant is seated; a seat back 5 that is disposed above a rear part of the seat cushion 3, and supports an upper body of the occupant seated in the seat cushion 3; a footrest FR that is formed in at least one of the seat cushion 3 and the seat back 5, and is configured to allow feet of the occupant positioned behind the seat cushion 3 to be placed; and a cushion heater (a heating portion) 33 that heats the footrest FR and / or therearound.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle seat. [Background technology]

[0002] In general, in vehicles such as automobiles, warm air heated by an air conditioner can be blown to the feet of passengers seated in the seats. However, the warm air that is blown is prone to diffusion because the medium that transmits heat is air (gas), and there is a limit to how efficiently it can warm the feet. In particular, when warming the feet of passengers seated in the rear seats of a vehicle, it is necessary to pull a duct or the like rearward from the air conditioner installed in the instrument panel in front of the front seats, and since the flow path length of the duct is long, heat is likely to escape before the warm air reaches the feet of the rear seats.

[0003] Therefore, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a foot heating device for rear seat passengers. In this foot heating device, a foot rest is provided under the seat cushion of the front seat, which can be switched between being lowered to the floor side when in use and being raised to the bottom side of the seat cushion when stored, and this foot rest is provided with a planar heating element that can wrap the feet placed on the foot rest from above and below, is turned off when the foot rest is stored, and is turned on when in use. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 2-149307 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] For example, when a person goes to a ski resort in a vehicle such as an automobile and takes off his / her ski boots in the vehicle after enjoying skiing outdoors, there is a need to warm his / her feet, especially the toes. However, in the structure of the foot heating device as disclosed in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, when the foot rest is used after taking off the shoes in the vehicle, the foot rest interferes with the removed shoes, making it impossible to switch the foot rest to the position for use, which may cause problems in using the foot heating device, and there is room for improvement.

[0006] The present invention has been made with the above points in mind, and aims to provide a vehicle seat that can easily warm the feet of an occupant even if shoes or other items are placed in the foot space behind the seat. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, one aspect of the present invention provides a vehicle seat including a seat cushion on which an occupant sits, and a seat back arranged above the rear of the seat cushion and supporting the upper body of the occupant seated on the seat cushion. The vehicle seat includes a footrest portion formed on at least one of the seat cushion and the seat back and configured to be able to support the feet of an occupant positioned behind the seat cushion, and a heating portion for heating the footrest portion and / or its surroundings. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to one aspect of the vehicle seat of the present invention, the feet of an occupant can be easily warmed even if shoes or other articles are placed in the foot space behind the seat. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing an appearance of a seat cushion in a vehicle seat according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the seat cushion in FIG. [Diagram 3]2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 1. [Figure 4] 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the periphery of the footrest section in FIG. 3. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the posture of an occupant who places his / her feet on a footrest section as viewed from the side of the vehicle in the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the periphery of a footrest in a modified example 1-1 related to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a plan view showing the configuration of a cushion heater in Modification Example 1-2. [Figure 8] 13 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the periphery of the footrest portion in Modification 1-3. FIG. [Figure 9] 13 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the periphery of the footrest portion in Modification 1-4. FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a seat cushion in Modification 1-5. [Figure 11] 13 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the periphery of the footrest portion in Modification Example 1-6. FIG. [Figure 12] 13 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the periphery of the footrest portion in Modification Example 1-7. FIG. [Figure 13] 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the periphery of a footrest portion in a vehicle seat according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 11 is a side cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a main part of a vehicle seat according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a side cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a main part of a modified example 3-1 related to the third embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 13 is a side cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a main part of modified example 3-2. [Figure 17] FIG. 13 is a side cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a main part of modified example 3-3. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] (First embodiment) Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a seat cushion in a vehicle seat according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the seat cushion in FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 1. In each of the drawings described below, the direction of the arrow F indicates the front in the front-rear direction of the vehicle seat. The "front part (front end) and the rear part (rear end)" in the description of each embodiment correspond to the front part and the rear part in the front-rear direction of the seat. In each embodiment, the front of the seat in the front-rear direction corresponds to the front of the vehicle in the front-rear direction. The directions of the arrows R and L indicate the right and left sides when an occupant is seated in the vehicle seat. The direction of the arrow U indicates the upper side in the vertical direction of the vehicle seat.

[0011] 1 to 3, a vehicle seat 1 of the first embodiment includes a seat cushion 3 (solid line) and a seat back 5 (chain line). The seat cushion 3 is a portion on which an occupant sits. The seat back 5 is disposed above the rear part of the seat cushion 3 and supports the upper body of the occupant (not shown) seated on the seat cushion 3.

[0012] The seat cushion 3 includes a cushion frame 31, a cushion material 32 installed on the upper part of the cushion frame 31, a cushion heater 33 placed on the upper surface of the cushion material 32, and a cushion cover 34 that covers the cushion material 32 and the cushion heater 33. In the first embodiment, the cushion heater 33 corresponds to the "heat generating portion" of the present invention.

[0013] The cushion frame 31 constitutes the framework of the seat cushion 3. The lower portion of the cushion frame 31 is movably attached to left and right seat rails 71 via running parts (not shown) at both sides in the seat width direction (FIG. 1). The seat rails 71 are provided on the vehicle floor 7 inside the vehicle cabin and extend in the front-rear direction of the vehicle.

[0014] The cushion material 32 has elastic properties and serves as a base for forming the seating surface 3A of the seat cushion 3. The cushion material 32 in the first embodiment has an extension portion 32B that extends rearward from a lower surface 51A of a main body portion 51 (described later) in the seat back 5 in an upright position (FIGS. 1 and 3). The extension portion 32B extends in the width direction (left-right direction) of the seat cushion 3 with a predetermined extension length and a predetermined vertical thickness. That is, the cushion material 32 is integrally formed with the seating portion 32A that serves as a base for forming the seating surface 3A of the seat cushion 3 and the extension portion 32B that extends rearward continuously from the rear end of the seating portion 32A.

[0015] The lower surface 51A of the main body 51 of the seat back 5 is in pressure contact with the upper rear end of the seating portion 32A of the cushion material 32 via the cushion heater 33 and the cushion cover 34 (FIG. 3). In addition, a recess 32C corresponding to the cross frame 31A constituting a part of the cushion frame 31 is provided at the lower rear end of the seating portion 32A. The recess 32C extends in the left-right direction (seat width direction) along the cross frame 31A and opens downward. Therefore, the extension portion 32B is formed on the rear side of the recess 32C.

[0016] The cushion heater 33 extends in the front-rear and left-right directions so as to cover the upper surfaces of the seating portion 32A and the extending portion 32B of the cushion material 32 (FIGS. 1 to 3). A heating element made of a heater wire or the like is installed inside the cushion heater 33. The hatched area in FIG. 2 indicates the installation range of the heating element. In the first embodiment, for example, the heating element of the cushion heater 33 is integrally formed with a seating surface heating element 33A and a footrest heating element 33B.

[0017] The seating surface heating element 33A is disposed around the seating surface 3A of the seat cushion 3. Specifically, the seating surface heating element 33A is disposed in a range extending in the front-rear direction from the upper surface front part of the seating part 32A of the cushion material 32 to the vicinity of the pressure contact part with the lower surface 51A of the main body part 51 of the seat back 5. The footrest heating element 33B extends rearward from the rear end part of the seating surface heating element 33A to the upper surface rear part of the extension part 32B of the cushion material 32. The seating surface heating element 33A and the footrest heating element 33B are electrically connected to each other, and the surroundings are heated by supplying power from an on-board battery (not shown) to the cushion heater 33 via the electric connector wiring 33C.

[0018] The cushion cover 34 is a trim that covers the cushion material 32 and the cushion heater 33 from above (FIG. 2). The cushion cover 34 covers the upper part, front part, rear part, and both left and right sides of the cushion material 32. In other words, the seat cushion 3 is configured such that the cushion heater 33 is interposed at a predetermined position between the cushion material 32 and the cushion cover 34.

[0019] The seat back 5 includes the above-mentioned main body 51 that supports the back of the occupant seated on the seat cushion 3, and the headrest 52 that supports the head of the occupant (FIG. 1). The headrest 52 is detachably attached to the main body 51. The main body 51 includes a back frame 511 that constitutes the framework of the main body 51, and a back cushion 512 that covers the back frame 511 (FIG. 3). The back cushion 512 is covered with a back cover (not shown). The inclination angle of the seat back 5 relative to the seat cushion 3 can be adjusted by a reclining mechanism (not shown). The rear portion of the lower surface 51A of the main body 51 of the seat back 5 in the upright state has a shape that curves upward toward the rear, and a gap 51B that opens to the rear side is formed between the main body 51 and the upper surface of the seat cushion 3 (FIG. 3).

[0020] In the vehicle seat 1 of the first embodiment having the seat cushion 3 and the seat back 5 as described above, a portion of the upper surface (cushion cover 34) of the seat cushion 3 corresponding to the extension portion 32B of the cushion material 32 functions as a footrest portion FR configured to be able to place the feet of an occupant positioned behind the seat cushion 3. The occupant positioned behind the seat cushion 3 may be, for example, an occupant (occupant sitting in the rear seat) different from the occupant sitting on the seat cushion 3, or an occupant who was sitting on the seat cushion 3 may move to the rear seat side and place his / her feet on the footrest portion FR. The footrest portion FR is heated by the footrest heating element 33B of the cushion heater 33, so that the feet of the occupant placed on the footrest portion FR are warmed.

[0021] Fig. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the periphery of the footrest portion FR in Fig. 3. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the posture of an occupant H with feet H1 placed on the footrest portion FR as viewed from the side of the vehicle in the first embodiment. In the example of Fig. 5, the vehicle seat 1 of the first embodiment is applied to the front seat in a vehicle having two rows of seats arranged in front and rear. Note that the vehicle seat 1 may be applied not only to the front seats in a two-row seat arrangement, but also to seats with seats arranged at the rear (for example, the first and / or second row seats in a three-row seat arrangement).

[0022] In a vehicle as shown in Fig. 5, an occupant H seated on a seat cushion 81 and a seat back 82 of a rear seat 8 can warm his / her feet H1 by taking off his / her shoes and placing his / her feet H1 on a foot rest FR while the cushion heater 33 provided on the front vehicle seat 1 is activated. In particular, as shown in Fig. 4, if the foot H1 is placed on the foot rest FR so that the toes are inserted into a gap 51B formed between a front portion of the foot rest FR and a lower surface 51A of a main body 51 of a seat back 5, the toes can be efficiently warmed.

[0023] In this case, since the footrest portion FR of the vehicle seat 1 is located higher than the lower surface of the seat cushion 3 of the front seat, even if an article G such as removed shoes is placed at the foot of the rear seat 8, the occupant H can reliably abut the footrest portion FR and can easily maintain the abutting state (FIG. 5). In addition, in the vehicle seat 1 of the first embodiment, the extension portion 32B of the cushion material 32 of the seat cushion 3 that is the base of the footrest portion FR is configured to extend rearward beyond the lower surface 51A of the main body portion 51 of the seat back 5 in the upright state. With this configuration, it is possible to secure a space for the footrest portion FR behind the seating surface 3A of the seat cushion 3 of the front seat while maintaining the area and cushioning properties of the seating surface 3A in a desired state.

[0024] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the rear end side portion of the seat cushion 3 corresponding to the extension portion 32B of the cushioning material 32 is disposed above and away from the vehicle floor 7 (FIG. 5). With such an arrangement, an article G such as shoes placed at the feet of the rear seat 8 is unlikely to interfere with the footrest portion FR of the front seat, so that the passenger H in the rear seat 8 can easily use the footrest portion FR. In particular, in the case of a vehicle body structure having a floor kick-up portion 72 in which the rear seat lower portion of the vehicle floor 7 is raised upward as illustrated in FIG. 5, the article G such as shoes cannot be moved to the lower portion of the rear seat, so the space below the footrest portion FR of the front seat is effective. In addition, in the case where the floor tunnel portion 73 formed in the center portion of the vehicle floor 7 in the vehicle width direction extends rearward to the foot side of the rear seat 8, the article G such as shoes cannot be moved to the center side of the vehicle floor 7 in the vehicle width direction, so the space below the footrest portion FR of the front seat is more effective.

[0025] Additionally, in the vehicle seat 1 of the first embodiment, the seating surface heating element 33A and the footrest heating element 33B are included in a common cushion heater 33. By using such a cushion heater 33, both the seating surface 3A and the footrest portion FR of the seat cushion 3 can be heated with a simple configuration.

[0026] (Variation 1-1) Here, various modifications related to the above-mentioned first embodiment will be described. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the footrest FR and its periphery in the modified example 1-1. Note that the same or corresponding parts as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the same applies hereinafter.

[0027] In the above-described first embodiment, an example has been described in which the footrest portion FR is heated by the footrest heating element 33B of the cushion heater 33 provided in the seat cushion 3. In contrast, in the modified example 1-1, as shown in Fig. 6, in addition to the footrest heating element 33B of the cushion heater 33 in the first embodiment, the periphery of the footrest portion FR is heated by the footrest heating element 513B of the back heater 513 provided in the main body portion 51 of the seat back 5. Therefore, in the modified example 1-1, the cushion heater 33 and the back heater 513 correspond to the "heating portion" of the present invention.

[0028] The back heater 513 extends so as to continuously cover the backrest surface (front surface) 51C and the lower surface 51A of the back cushion 512 in the upright state, and the rear surface (rear surface) 51D facing the backrest surface. Inside the back heater 513, a backrest surface heating element 513A and a footrest heating element 513B are integrally formed as heating elements made of heater wires or the like. The backrest surface heating element 513A is arranged in a range extending from the upper front surface to the front lower surface of the back cushion 512 in the vertical direction. The footrest heating element 513B is arranged in a range extending from the rear lower surface of the back cushion 512 to the lower rear surface of the back cushion 512. In other words, the footrest heating element 513B is arranged around the adjacent portion of the footrest portion FR (the upper surface of the extension portion 32B of the cushion material 32) of the seat back 5. The backrest heating element 513A and the footrest heating element 513B are electrically connected to each other, and power from the vehicle battery is supplied to the back heater 513 via an electrical connector wiring (not shown) to heat the surroundings.

[0029] In the configuration of the above-mentioned modified example 1-1, the footrest portion FR is heated by the footrest heating element 33B of the cushion heater 33, and the periphery (upper front side) of the footrest portion FR is heated by the footrest heating element 513B of the back heater 513. This makes it possible to effectively warm the feet H1 (particularly the toes) of the occupant H seated in the rear seat 8. In addition, by including the backrest heating element 513A and the footrest heating element 513B in the common back heater 513, both the backrest surface 51C in the main body portion 51 of the seat back 5 and the periphery of the footrest portion FR can be heated by a simple configuration.

[0030] (Variation 1-2) FIG. 7 is a plan view showing the configuration of the cushion heater 33 in the modified example 1-2. In the above-mentioned first embodiment, an example was described in which the seating surface heating element 33A and the footrest heating element 33B are integrally formed inside the cushion heater 33 (heat generating portion) as shown on the left side of Fig. 7. In contrast, in the modified example 1-2, the seating surface heating element 33A and the footrest heating element 33B are provided as independent electric circuits as shown in the center or right side of Fig. 7. Each electric circuit is formed inside the common cushion heater 33 (center of Fig. 7) or inside each separate cushion heater 33 (right side of Fig. 7).

[0031] If the seating surface heating element 33A and the footrest heating element 33B are made into separate electrical circuits as in variant example 1-2 above, when it is determined based on information from on-board sensors, etc. that no occupant is seated in the front seat, power can be supplied only to the footrest heating element 33B to heat only the footrest section FR, thereby making it possible to reduce power consumption of the on-board battery.

[0032] (Variation 1-3) FIG. 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the periphery of the footrest portion FR in the modified example 1-3. In the above-mentioned first embodiment, an example was described in which the extension portion 32B of the cushion material 32 is formed so that the seating surface 3A of the seat cushion 3 and the footrest portion FR (the upper surface of the extension portion 32B of the cushion material 32) are generally flush with each other (FIG. 3). In contrast, in the modified example 1-3, as shown in FIG. 8, the extension portion 32B of the cushion material 32 is formed so that the footrest portion FR is angled with respect to the seating surface 3A of the seat cushion 3. The angle of the footrest portion FR with respect to the seating surface 3A may be fixed or adjustable.

[0033] By providing an angle to the footrest portion FR as in the above-mentioned modified example 1-3, it is possible to make it easier for the occupant H in the rear seat 8 to place the feet H1 on the footrest portion FR. In particular, if the angle of the footrest portion FR is adjustable, it is possible to move the footrest portion FR to a position where it does not get in the way when not in use, so that it is possible to effectively utilize the foot space of the rear seat 8.

[0034] (Variation 1-4) FIG. 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the periphery of the footrest portion FR in the modified example 1-4. In the modified example 1-4 shown in Fig. 9, in order to ensure the rigidity of the footrest portion FR of the seat cushion 3, a reinforcing member 32D is provided in the cushion material 32 in a range extending from the upper rear end of the seating portion 32A to the upper rear end of the extension portion 32B. For example, a felt mat or the like can be used as the reinforcing member 32D. The lower surface 51A of the main body portion 51 of the seat back 5 is in pressure contact with the upper front surface of the reinforcing member 32D via the cushion heater 33 and the cushion cover 34.

[0035] By providing the cushion material 32 with the reinforcing material 32D as in the above-mentioned modified example 1-4, the rigidity of the footrest portion FR is increased, so that it is possible to more stably maintain the contact state between the feet H1 of the occupant H placed on the footrest portion FR and the footrest portion FR. In addition, the reinforcing material 32D makes it difficult for heat from the footrest heating element 33B of the cushion heater 33 to escape to the lower side of the cushion material 32, so that the feet H1 of the occupant H can be warmed more effectively.

[0036] (Variation 1-5) FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the seat cushion 3 in the modified example 1-5. In variant example 1-5 shown in FIG. 10, as another example for ensuring the rigidity of the footrest portion FR of the seat cushion 3, a structural member 35 (thick dashed line in FIG. 10) is provided inside the extension portion 32B of the cushion material 32 of the seat cushion 3.

[0037] The structural material 35 is formed, for example, from a pipe frame, a sheet metal part, etc. The structural material 35 extends in the left-right direction (seat width direction) inside the extension portion 32B, and both ends in the longitudinal direction extend forward and are connected to the cross frame 31A of the cushion frame 31, etc. Therefore, the extension portion 32B of the cushion material 32 is formed so as to cover the structural material 35.

[0038] By providing the structural material 35 as described above inside the extension portion 32B, it is possible to realize a footrest portion FR with high rigidity, making it possible to maintain an even more stable contact state between the feet H1 of the occupant H placed on the footrest portion FR and the footrest portion FR.

[0039] (Variation 1-6) FIG. 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the periphery of the footrest portion FR in the modified example 1-6. In the first embodiment described above, there is a possibility that a situation may occur in which the foot H1 of the rear seat occupant H passes through the pressure-contact portion between the lower surface 51A of the main body 51 of the seat back 5 and the seat cushion 3 and hits the front seat occupant. In order to prevent such a situation from occurring, in the modified example 1-6 shown in FIG. 11, a step portion 3B is provided on the side of the seat cushion 3.

[0040] The step portion 3B is formed in a step shape at the upper rear end of the sitting portion 32A of the cushion material 32 of the seat cushion 3, connecting the rear end of the front upper surface and the front end of the rear upper surface located below the front upper surface, and the cushion heater 33 and the cushion cover 34 are placed to cover the step shape. The step portion 3B extends in the left-right direction (seat width direction). The front end of the lower surface 51A of the main body portion 51 of the seat back 5 in the upright state is in pressure contact with the step portion 3B of the seat cushion 3.

[0041] In the above-described modified example 1-6, when an occupant H in the rear seat 8 places his / her feet H1 on the front footrest portion FR, the forward movement of the feet H1 is prevented by the step portion 3B of the seat cushion 3. This makes it possible to prevent the feet H1 placed on the footrest portion FR from hitting the occupant in the front seat while maintaining the area and cushioning of the seating surface 3A of the seat cushion 3 of the front seat in a desired state.

[0042] (Variation 1-7) FIG. 12 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the periphery of the footrest portion FR in the modified example 1-7. In the modified example 1-7 shown in FIG. 12, a step portion 51E is provided on the side of the seat back 5 so that the foot H1 placed on the footrest portion FR does not hit the front seat passenger.

[0043] The step portion 51E is formed in a step shape at the lower end of the back cushion 512 in the main body 51 of the seat back 5, connecting the rear end of the front lower surface and the front end of the rear lower surface located above the front lower surface, and a back cover (not shown) is placed over the step shape. The step portion 51E extends in the left-right direction (seat width direction). The step surface and the rear lower surface of the step portion 51E form a gap portion 51B together with the upper surface of the seat back 5. The front lower surface of the step portion 51E is in pressure contact with the upper surface of the seat back 5.

[0044] In the above-mentioned variant 1-7, when an occupant H in the rear seat 8 places his / her foot H1 on the front footrest portion FR, the forward movement of the foot H1 is prevented by the step portion 51E of the main body portion 51 of the seat back 5, thereby achieving the same effect as in the above-mentioned variant 1-6.

[0045] Second embodiment Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Fig. 13 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the periphery of the footrest portion FR in the vehicle seat 1 according to the second embodiment. In Fig. 13, the configuration of the vehicle seat 1 according to the second embodiment differs from that of the first embodiment in that the extension portion 32B of the cushion material 32 in the seat cushion 3 is not formed, and the gap between the upper rear end of the seat cushion 3 and the rear lower end of the seat back 5 is made into the footrest portion FR by providing a device in the main body portion 51 of the seat back 5 to facilitate insertion of the feet H1 of the occupant H into the gap, and the footrest portion FR is heated by using the cushion heater 33 and the back heater 513. Since the configuration other than the above differences is the same as that of the first embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to the corresponding parts and the description is omitted.

[0046] In some cases, a resin member for fixing the back cover is provided on the underside of an existing seat back. In this case, it becomes difficult to insert the foot part into the gap between the seat cushion and the seat back. In the second embodiment, therefore, a resin member 514 for fixing the back cover is attached to the lower part of the back surface (rear surface) 51D facing the backrest surface (front surface) 51C of the main body 51 of the seat back 5 (FIG. 13). As a result, the underside 51A of the main body 51 of the seat back 5 is made of a soft surface having elastic properties similar to those of the back cushion 512.

[0047] The rear portion of the lower surface 51A of the main body 51 of the seat back 5 has a shape that curves upward toward the rear, similar to the case of the first embodiment described above, and forms a gap 51B that opens to the rear side between the upper surface of the seat cushion 3 and the lower surface 51A. Since the gap 51B is made of a soft surface as described above, it is possible to easily insert the foot H1 deep into the gap 51B by displacing the gap 51B when inserting the foot H1. By utilizing such characteristics of the lower surface 51A of the main body 51 of the seat back 5, in the vehicle seat 1 according to the second embodiment, the foot rest portion FR is formed in the gap 51B.

[0048] In the vehicle seat 1 according to the second embodiment, a back heater 513 is provided between the back cushion 512 and the back cover (not shown). The back heater 513 extends so as to continuously cover the front surface of the back cushion 512 forming the backrest surface 51C of the main body 51, and the lower surface of the back cushion 512 forming the lower surface 51A and the gap portion 51B of the main body 51. Inside the back heater 513, a backrest surface heating element 513A and a footrest heating element 513B are integrally or independently formed as heating elements made of heater wires or the like. The backrest surface heating element 513A is disposed in a range extending from the upper part of the front surface of the back cushion 512 to the front part of the lower surface in the vertical direction. The footrest heating element 513B is disposed in the rear part of the lower surface of the back cushion 512. The backrest heating element 513A and the footrest heating element 513B heat the surroundings by receiving power from the vehicle battery via an electric connector wiring (not shown).

[0049] The cushion heater 33 provided in the seat cushion 3 has an internal heating element that extends to the rear end of the cushion material 32 corresponding to the gap 51B. That is, the heating elements for heating the footrest portion FR in the second embodiment are disposed around the gaps 51B of the seat cushion 3 and the seat back 5. Therefore, in the second embodiment, the foot H1 inserted in the footrest portion FR is heated from both above and below. In the second embodiment, the cushion heater 33 and the back heater 513 correspond to the "heating portion" of the present invention. However, the heating element for heating the footrest portion FR may be located on either the seat back 5 side or the seat cushion 3 side.

[0050] The vehicle seat 1 of the second embodiment as described above can also provide the same effects as those of the first embodiment and the modified example 1-1. In addition, since the shapes of the back cushion 512 and the cushion material 32 in the second embodiment are basically similar to those of existing ones, it is possible to realize the vehicle seat 1 having the function of warming the feet H1 at low cost. Furthermore, in the vehicle seat 1 according to the first embodiment, the extension part 32B on the side of the seat cushion 3 may cause restrictions on the foot space in the rear seat, but the vehicle seat 1 according to the second embodiment has the advantage that such restrictions do not occur.

[0051] Third embodiment Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. Fig. 14 is a side cross-sectional view showing the main configuration of the vehicle seat 1 according to the third embodiment. In Fig. 14, the configuration of the vehicle seat 1 according to the third embodiment is significantly different from the above-mentioned first and second embodiments in that the footrest portion FR is formed on the back surface 51D of the main body portion 51 of the seat back 5, which faces the backrest surface 51C.

[0052] Specifically, the back surface 51D of the main body 51 of the seat back 5 has a recessed portion 51F recessed toward the backrest surface 51C. The recessed portion 51F has a lower inclined surface extending upward from the lower portion of the back surface 51D toward the front, and an upper inclined surface extending rearward from the upper end of the lower inclined surface toward the rear. The lower inclined surface and the upper inclined surface are exposed to the rear side of the seat back 5, and as shown in FIG. 14, the shape is such that the passenger H sitting in the rear seat 8 can easily abut the foot H1 against the lower inclined surface of the recessed portion 51F. That is, in the third embodiment, a footrest portion FR is formed in the recessed portion 51F of the back surface 51D of the main body 51 of the seat back 5. Note that the recessed portion 51F can also utilize a part of an air passage provided for ventilation inside an existing seat back.

[0053] In the vehicle seat 1 according to the third embodiment, a back heater 513 is provided between the back cushion and the back cover (not shown). The back heater 513 extends so as to continuously cover the front surface of the back cushion forming the backrest surface 51C of the main body 51, the lower surface of the back cushion forming the lower surface 51A of the main body 51, and the rear surface of the back cushion forming the lower inclined surface of the recessed portion 51F in the rear surface 51D of the main body 51. Inside the back heater 513, a backrest surface heating element 513A and a footrest heating element 513B are integrally or independently formed as heating elements made of heater wires or the like. The backrest surface heating element 513A is arranged in a range extending from the upper part of the front surface of the back cushion to the front part of the lower surface in the vertical direction. The footrest heating element 513B is arranged on the rear surface of the back cushion corresponding to the lower inclined surface of the recessed portion 51F. The backrest heating element 513A and the footrest heating element 513B heat the surroundings by receiving power from the vehicle battery via an electric connector wiring (not shown). In the third embodiment, the back heater 513 corresponds to the "heat generating unit" of the present invention.

[0054] Furthermore, in the vehicle seat 1 according to the third embodiment, a plate-shaped member 515 molded from resin or the like is provided on the back side (the side facing the front of the seat) of the foot heating element 513B. The plate-shaped member 515 is fixed to the back frame 511 of the main body 51 or the like. By providing the recessed portion 51F in the main body 51 of the seat back 5, the thickness of the main body 51 is reduced, and there is a possibility that the portion of the recessed portion 51F that comes into contact with the sole of the passenger's foot may be recessed downward. The plate-shaped member 515 prevents the downward deformation of the recessed portion 51F. If the plate-shaped member 515 has high thermal conductivity, the plate-shaped member 515 may be arranged on the toe side of the foot heating element 513B. The plate-shaped member 515 may also be omitted.

[0055] The vehicle seat 1 of the third embodiment can also provide the same effects as those of the second embodiment. In addition, since the footrest portion FR of the third embodiment can easily have a larger area than that of the second embodiment, it is possible to warm the feet H1 of the occupant H over a wide area.

[0056] (Variation 3-1) Here, various modifications related to the above-mentioned third embodiment will be described. FIG. 15 is a side cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a main part of the modified example 3-1. In the above-described third embodiment, an example has been described in which the recessed portion 51F formed in the back surface 51D of the main body portion 51 of the seat back 5 has a lower inclined surface and an upper inclined surface. In contrast, in the modified example 3-1, as shown in Fig. 15, the recessed portion 51F has a shape recessed toward the backrest surface 51C in a door pocket shape.

[0057] Specifically, the door pocket-shaped recess 51F formed in the back surface 51D of the main body 51 of the seat back 5 has a lower surface extending forward from the lower part of the back surface 51D, a front surface extending upward from the front end of the lower surface, and an upper surface extending rearward from the upper end of the front surface. The front-rear width of the recess 51F is narrower in the upper part than in the lower part. When the seat back 5 is appropriately tilted forward, most of the lower surface and the front surface of the recess 51F are exposed to the rear side of the seat back 5, and as shown in FIG. 15, the recess 51F is shaped so that an occupant H seated in the rear seat 8 can easily abut his / her feet H1 against the lower surface and the front surface of the recess 51F.

[0058] In addition, in the modified example 3-1, a back heater 516 is provided around the recessed portion 51F in the back surface 51D of the main body 51 of the seat back 5. A heating element formed inside the back heater 516 and made of a heater wire or the like is arranged, for example, on the lower surface, front surface, and upper surface of the recessed portion 51F. The heating element of the back heater 516 heats the surroundings by receiving power from the vehicle battery through an electric connector wiring (not shown). The heating element of the back heater 516 provided around the recessed portion 51F may be arranged at least on the upper part of the front surface and the upper surface of the recessed portion 51F. In addition, when a back heater for heating the backrest surface 51C is provided in the main body 51 of the seat back 5, the back heater 516 may be formed integrally with the back heater by being continuous therewith. In the modified example 3-1, the back heater 516 corresponds to the "heating portion" of the present invention.

[0059] Furthermore, in the modified example 3-1, a plate-shaped member 517 molded from resin or the like is provided on the back side (the side facing the front of the seat) of a portion of the back heater 516 that corresponds to the front of the recessed portion 51F. The plate-shaped member 517 is fixed to the back frame 511 of the main body 51 of the seat back 5 or the like. The plate-shaped member 517 restricts forward displacement when the front of the recessed portion 51F is pressed by the sole of the passenger's foot. The plate-shaped member 517 may be omitted.

[0060] In the above-described modified example 3-1, in addition to the effects of the third embodiment described above, the heating element of the rear heater 516 is arranged on the upper and upper surface of the front surface of the door pocket-shaped recessed portion 51F, so that the soles and toes of the feet H1 of the occupant H can be efficiently warmed. Also, by arranging the heating element of the rear heater 516 on the lower and lower surface of the front surface of the door pocket-shaped recessed portion 51F, it becomes possible to warm the entire feet H1 including the heels.

[0061] (Variation 3-2) FIG. 16 is a side cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a main part of the modified example 3-2. In the modified example 3-2 shown in FIG. 16, the recessed portion 51F is not provided on the back surface 51D of the main body portion 51 of the seat back 5 in the vehicle seat 1 in the front seat, and the back surface heater 516 is provided in the range from the upper end to the lower end of the back surface 51D of the main body portion 51 of the seat back 5 in the upright state. The back surface heater 516 is configured so that the entire back surface heater 516 is heated by the power supply from the vehicle battery, or the upper and lower portions can be heated separately. In the example of FIG. 16, the seat cushion 81 of the rear seat 8 is located forward of the upper end portion of the floor kick-up portion 72, and an article G such as a shoe can be moved below the seat cushion 81, but the front-rear dimension of the foot space of the rear seat 8 is shortened accordingly.

[0062] When the back heater 516 of the seat back 5 is used in the above-mentioned modified example 3-2, the seat back 5 of the vehicle seat 1 in the front seat and the seat back 82 of the rear seat 8 are tilted forward, and a multi-board 9 or the like is installed in the luggage space behind the rear seat 8 to form a generally flat floor surface in the vehicle cabin. In the example of FIG. 16, the headrest portion 52 of the seat back 5 of the front seat is detached from the main body portion 51. Then, the occupant H can lie on the floor surface so that the head is located at the rear side of the vehicle cabin, and can warm the feet H1 and legs by operating the back heater 516. In addition, although not shown, it is also possible to warm the back by lying on the floor surface so that the head is located at the front side of the vehicle cabin. Furthermore, in the example of FIG. 16, if a heating portion is provided on the back side of the seat back 82 of the rear seat 8, the back of the seat back 82 is heated by the heating portion, so that the occupant's buttocks and the entire back of the lower body can be warmed.

[0063] (Variation 3-3) FIG. 17 is a side cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a main part of the modified example 3-3. In the modified example 3-3 shown in Fig. 17, the recessed portion 51F is not provided on the back surface 51D of the main body portion 51 of the seat back 5 in the vehicle seat 1 for the front seat, and a back surface heater 516 is provided on the upper portion of the back surface 51D of the main body portion 51 of the seat back 5 in the upright state, and a back surface heater 521 is provided on the back surface (rear surface) of the headrest portion 52. A back surface heater 821 is also provided on the back surface of the seat back 82 of the rear seat 8. Furthermore, in the example of Fig. 17, the rear seat 8 is structured so that the left and right sides can be tilted down independently and stored in the foot space.

[0064] When using the rear heaters 516, 521, 821 in the above-mentioned modified example 3-3, the seat back 82 of one of the left and right rear seats 8 is tilted down together with the seat cushion 81 in a forward tilted state, and a generally flat floor surface is formed at the rear of the vehicle interior by the back surface of the seat back 82 and the rear floor panel 74 behind it. At this time, since the other of the left and right rear seats 8 is not tilted down, it is possible to place items such as shoes in the foot space of the other rear seat 8. In addition, a multi-board 9 is installed in the luggage space behind the rear seat 8 to form a work table. Then, the occupant H sits upright on the floor surface as shown in FIG. 17, and can warm his feet, legs, back, and head while working by operating the rear heaters 516, 521, 821.

[0065] The above describes the first to third embodiments of the present invention and various modifications related thereto. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and modifications, and various modifications and changes are possible based on the technical concept of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0066] 1...Vehicle seat 3. Seat cushion 3A…Seating surface 31…Cushion frame 32…Cushioning material 32A…Seating area 32B...Extension part 33...Cushion heater (heat generating part) 33A…Heating element for seating surface 33B…Heating element for footrest 33C…Electrical connector wiring 34…Cushion cover 5…Seat back 51...Main body 51A…Bottom surface 51B…Gap 51C…Backrest surface 51D…Back 511…Back frame 512…Back cushion 513…Back heater (heat generating part) 513A…Heating element for backrest 513B…Heating element for footrest 516, 521, 821…Rear heater (heating part) 52…Headrest section 7…Vehicle floor 8…Rear seat FR: Footrest G…Goods H...Crew H1...foot

Claims

1. A seat cushion on which an occupant sits; a seat back disposed above and behind the seat cushion and supporting an upper body of an occupant seated on the seat cushion; In a vehicle seat comprising: a footrest portion formed on at least one of the seat cushion and the seat back, the footrest portion being configured to be able to support the feet of an occupant positioned behind the seat cushion; A heating unit that heats the footrest and / or its surroundings; A vehicle seat comprising:

2. the seat cushion includes an extension portion configured to be extendable rearward beyond a lower surface of the seat back in an upright state, The footrest is formed on the upper surface of the extension. The vehicle seat according to claim 1 .

3. The extension portion is disposed above and spaced apart from the vehicle floor. The vehicle seat according to claim 2.

4. The heat generating portion includes a footrest heat generating element disposed around an upper surface of the extension portion of the seat cushion and / or around an adjacent portion of the seat back to the extension portion. The vehicle seat according to claim 2.

5. The heat generating portion is a footrest heating element disposed around an upper surface of the extension portion of the seat cushion; A seating surface heating element disposed around the seating surface of the seat cushion; 3. The vehicle seat of claim 2, comprising:

6. The heat generating portion is A footrest heating element is disposed around a portion of the seat back adjacent to the extension portion; A heating element for a backrest surface arranged around the backrest surface of the seat back; 3. The vehicle seat of claim 2, comprising:

7. a gap portion that can be opened rearward is formed between an upper surface of a rear end portion of the seat cushion and a lower surface of the seat back in an upright state, The footrest is formed in the gap. The vehicle seat according to claim 1 .

8. The heat generating portion includes a footrest heat generating element disposed around the gap of each of the seat cushion and the seat back. The vehicle seat according to claim 7.

9. The footrest portion is formed on a rear surface of the seat back that faces a backrest surface of the seat back. The vehicle seat according to claim 1 .

10. The back surface has a recessed portion on the side of the backrest surface, The footrest is formed in the recess, The heating portion includes a footrest heating element disposed around the recessed portion of the seat back.

10. The vehicle seat according to claim 9.

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