Vehicular seat

Abstract

To provide a vehicular seat capable of attaching a sound insulation cover to a motor supported by a frame by simple assembling work.SOLUTION: A vehicular seat is equipped with a frame 32, a motor 55 supported by the frame 32, and a sound insulation cover 56 attached to the motor 55. The sound insulation cover 56 has a first half body 56a that partially covers the motor 55, a second half body 56b that is coupled to the first half body 56a by a ribbing hinge 63, and is displaced by the working of the ribbing hinge 63 between an opening position separating from the first half body 56a and a uniting position storing the motor 55 between the second half body 56b and the first half body 56a, and an engaging piece 64 that is integrally formed with the second half body 56b and engages with the first half body 56a according to elastic force to hold the second half body 56b at the uniting position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle seat including a frame and a motor supported by the frame. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a power seat motor unit that adjusts the height of a vehicle seat. The power seat motor unit includes a gear box fixed to a frame of the vehicle seat and a motor coupled to the gear box. The driving force of the motor is transmitted to a link member from a gear assembly housed in the gear box. The link member guides the vertical movement of a seat cushion frame relative to a base frame around a horizontal axis. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2017-181968 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In Patent Document 1, the gearbox is covered with a soundproof cover at the position of the first gear. Low-frequency noise can be reduced according to the action of the mass embedded in the soundproof cover. However, the soundproof cover covers the outer surface of the gearbox but does not cover the motor. Moreover, the soundproof cover only partially covers the gearbox. The soundproof cover opens towards the metal plate that supports the gearbox.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle seat in which a soundproof cover can be attached to a motor supported by a frame through a simple assembly process. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a vehicle seat includes a frame, a motor supported by the frame, and a soundproof cover attached to the motor, the soundproof cover having a first half that partially covers the motor, a second half that is hinged to the first half and displaces between an open position away from the first half and a connected position in which the motor is accommodated between the first half and the second half due to the function of the hinge, and an engagement piece that is formed integrally with the second half and engages with the first half in response to an elastic force to hold the second half in the connected position, and when the second half is positioned in the connected position, the first half and the second half form a continuous mating surface except for one opening that allows for the positioning of the drive shaft of the motor.

[0007] According to a second aspect, in addition to the configuration of the first aspect, the soundproof cover is formed from a resin molded body including the hinge as a living hinge.

[0008] According to a third aspect, in addition to the configuration of the first or second aspect, when the second half is positioned in the coupled position, the first half and the second half form a continuous mating surface except for one opening that allows for the positioning of the drive shaft of the motor.

[0009] According to a fourth aspect, in addition to the configuration of any one of the first to third aspects, the vehicle seat further includes a rib that stands from the inner wall surfaces of the first half and the second half toward the motor and has a thickness that stores elastic force by contacting the motor at its tip when the second half is positioned at the connecting position.

[0010] According to a fifth aspect, in addition to the configuration of any one of the first to fourth aspects, the vehicle seat further includes a base that is fixed to the frame and receives the motor at a mounting surface, and a protrusion that is formed on at least one of the first half and the second half and that engages with a specific portion of the base when the second half is positioned at the joining position to prevent the soundproof cover from coming off in a direction perpendicular to the mounting surface.

[0011] According to a sixth aspect, in addition to the configuration of any one of the first to fifth aspects, at least one of the first half and the second half defines a resonance space connected to a space in contact with the motor by a through hole. Effect of the Invention

[0012] According to the first aspect, the second half of the soundproof cover is moved away from the first half in the open position, so that the first half can partially cover the motor without being hindered by the second half. When the second half is positioned in the coupled position by the function of the hinge, the motor can be accommodated between the second half and the first half. In this way, the soundproof cover can be attached to the motor. The soundproof cover can be attached to the motor through a simple assembly operation.

[0013] According to the second aspect, effective sound insulation can be achieved. In addition, the soundproof cover can be manufactured light-weight and inexpensively.

[0014] According to the third aspect, in the motor, driving force is taken from the drive shaft. Since the mating surfaces of the first half and the second half are continuous except for one opening that allows the arrangement of the drive shaft, the motor can be covered by the first half and the second half except for the opening. The motor can be covered by the soundproof cover over as wide an area as possible. The noise of the motor can be well trapped within the soundproof cover.

[0015] According to the fourth aspect, when the motor is housed in the soundproof cover, the elastic force of the ribs can prevent the soundproof cover from rattling. The dimensional errors of the soundproof cover or the motor can be absorbed according to the elastic deformation of the ribs. The elastic force of the ribs can strengthen the engagement of the engagement piece with the first half. Even if the vehicle body vibrates, the soundproof cover can be prevented from coming off the motor.

[0016] According to the fifth aspect, when the soundproof cover is attached to the motor fixed to the base, the protrusion can engage with a specific portion of the base. Even if the vibration of the vehicle body is transmitted from the frame to the motor, the soundproof cover can be prevented from coming off in the vertical direction of the mounting surface.

[0017] According to the sixth aspect, the specific frequency components of noise can be efficiently attenuated by the action of the resonant space. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic overall configuration of a vehicle seat according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a schematic structure of a seat frame. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a seat cushion pad and a seat back pad. [Figure 4] (A) is a conceptual diagram showing the configuration of a soundproof cover attached to an electric motor of an electric forward / backward movement device, (B) is a plan view of an unfolded soundproof cover alone, and (C) is a side view of an unfolded soundproof cover alone. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an electric motor of the electric forward / backward movement device. [Figure 6] 1 is a plan view of a soundproof cover deployed when attached to an electric motor of an electric vertical movement device. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 2A is a plan view of an unfolded soundproof cover alone, and FIG. 2B is a side view of an unfolded soundproof cover alone. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a soundproof cover according to a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0019] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, the terms "front / rear," "left / right," and "up / down" refer to directions as seen by an occupant seated in a normal seating position (e.g., a basic position when driving) in a vehicle seat.

[0020] FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of an overall configuration of a vehicle seat according to an embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle seat 11 includes a slide rail 13 coupled to a floor panel 12 that functions as one component of a monocoque structure of a vehicle, a seat cushion 14 supported by the slide rail 13 so as to be movable in the front-rear direction and to receive the buttocks and thighs of an occupant, a seat back 15 connected to the seat cushion 14 so as to be swingable in the front-rear direction about a swing axis SX and to receive the back of the occupant, and a head rest 16 supported by the upper end of the seat back 15 and to receive the head of the occupant. The seat cushion 14, the seat back 15, and the head rest 16 each have upholstery materials 14a, 15a, and 16a that encase the internal pads. The upholstery materials 15a and 16a are in close contact with the outer surface of the pad following the depression of the pad due to the action of a hanging thread 17. The pad will be described in detail later. The vehicle seat 11 is configured for a left seat. When the vehicle seat 11 is used as a right seat, the left and right of the vehicle seat 11 may be interchanged.

[0021] The seat cushion 14 includes a side cover (cover member) 18. A first switch (operation member) 19a and a second switch (operation member) 19b are attached to the side cover 18. The first switch 19a is formed as a knob that is long in the front-rear direction. When the first switch 19a is operated forward, the seat cushion 14 and the seat back 15 move forward. When the first switch 19a is operated rearward, the seat cushion 14 and the seat back 15 move rearward. When the first switch 19a is operated upward, the seat cushion 14 and the seat back 15 move upward. When the first switch 19a is operated downward, the seat cushion 14 and the seat back 15 move downward. The second switch 19b is formed as a knob that is long in the up-down direction. When the second switch 19b is operated forward, the seat back 15 swings forward about the swing axis SX. When the second switch 19b is operated rearward, the seat back 15 swings rearward about the swing axis SX.

[0022] The headrest 16 is fixed to a headrest pillar 21 that extends upward from the upper end of the seat back 15. The headrest pillar 21 is supported by the seat back 15 so as to be displaceable axially in the up and down direction. The height of the headrest 16 can be adjusted according to the displacement of the headrest pillar 21.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 2, the vehicle seat 11 includes a seat frame 23 that supports a pad. The seat frame 23 includes a seat cushion frame 24 that supports a pad of the seat cushion 14, a seat back frame 25 that is connected to the seat cushion frame 24 so as to be swingable about a swing axis SX and supports a pad of the seat back 15, and a base frame 26 that is guided by the slide rail 13 so as to be movable back and forth in the longitudinal direction and supports the seat cushion frame 24 on the slide rail 13. The seat cushion frame 24 is connected to the base frame 26 by a link mechanism 27. The link mechanism 27 includes a link member 28 having one end that is connected to the base frame 26 so as to be rotatable about a horizontal axis FH extending in the left-right direction, and the other end that is connected to the seat cushion frame 24 so as to be rotatable about a horizontal axis SH that extends in the left-right direction parallel to the horizontal axis FH. The link member 28 guides the up-down movement of the seat cushion frame 24 relative to the base frame 26 around the horizontal axis FH.

[0024] The seat cushion frame 24 includes side frames 24a extending in parallel with the respective slide rails 13, a pan frame 24b connecting the side frames 24a to each other at the front end of the seat cushion 14, and a connecting pipe 24c connecting the side frames 24a to each other at the rear end of the seat cushion 14. A plurality of S springs (not shown) are disposed between the pan frame 24b and the connecting pipe 24c. Each S spring extends in the front-rear direction in a zigzag shape. The zigzag shape is formed by alternately combining wires extending in the front-rear direction and wires extending in the left-right direction.

[0025] An electric forward / backward movement device 29 is attached to the base frame 26. The electric forward / backward movement device 29 includes an electric motor unit 31 supported by the base frame 26. A connector 32 is connected to the electric motor unit 31, which extends from the electric motor unit 31 in parallel to the swing axis SX and is joined to the right base frame 26. As described below, the electric motor unit 31 includes an electric motor that generates power in response to the supply of power. The power is supplied based on the operation of the first switch 19a. The power of the electric motor unit 31 causes the base frame 26 to move forward / backward along the slide rail 13.

[0026] An electric vertical movement device 33 is attached to the side frame 24a of the seat cushion frame 24. The electric vertical movement device 33 includes an actuator 34 supported by the side frame 24a and connected to the link mechanism 27. The actuator 34 includes an electric motor 35 disposed on the outside of the side frame 24a and generating power in response to the supply of electric power, a gear box (base) 36 that is fixed to the side frame 24a and receives the electric motor 35 on a mounting surface 36a and houses a power transmission mechanism, a female coupler 39 formed integrally with the gear box 36 and that receives a male coupler 38 of a harness 37 used to supply electric power, and a soundproof cover 41 attached to the electric motor 35. The transmission mechanism may include, for example, a worm fixed to the drive shaft of the electric motor 35, a worm wheel cooperating with the worm to form a worm gear, a driven gear fixed to the link member 28 around the horizontal axis SH, and a group of gears that mesh with each other in order to transmit power from the worm wheel to the driven gear. In response to the power of the electric motor 35, the link member 28 is caused to rotate relative to the side frame 24a around the horizontal axis SH. Electricity is supplied based on the operation of the first switch 19a. The power of the electric motor 35 causes the side frame 24a to move up and down around the horizontal axis FH.

[0027] A support shaft 44 is incorporated into the seat cushion frame 24 coaxially with the swing axis SX above and rearward of the connecting pipe 24c. The support shaft 44 is formed, for example, from a hollow metal tube. The metal tube has high rigidity in the axial direction. The support shaft 44 is sandwiched between the left and right side frames 24a. The seat back frame 25 is supported by the support shaft 44.

[0028] The seatback frame 25 includes a sheet metal frame 25a connected to the inside of each side frame 24a by support shafts 44, and an upper frame 25b connecting the upper ends of the sheet metal frames 25a to each other. The sheet metal frame 25a is formed, for example, from a single metal plate. The upper frame 25b is formed, for example, from a metal tube. A headrest pillar guide 45 that supports the headrest pillar 21 so that it can slide up and down is fixed to the upper frame 25b.

[0029] An electric reclining device 46 is attached to the sheet metal frame 25a of the seat back frame 25. The electric reclining device 46 includes an actuator 47 attached to the sheet metal frame 25a of the seat back frame 25 around the swing axis SX. The actuator 47 includes an electric motor 48 that is disposed inside the sheet metal frame 25a and generates power in response to the supply of electric power, a base 49 that is fixed to the sheet metal frame 25a and receives the electric motor 48 on a mounting surface 49a, and a soundproof cover 51 that is attached to the electric motor 48. The power of the electric motor 48 is converted into a driving force around the swing axis SX by the action of a transmission mechanism. The transmission mechanism can include, for example, a worm fixed to the drive shaft of the electric motor 48, and a worm wheel that cooperates with the worm to form a worm gear and is fixed to the support shaft 44 around the swing axis SX. Electric power is supplied based on the operation of the second switch 19b. The power of the electric motor 48 causes the seat back frame 25 to swing back and forth about the swing axis SX relative to the seat cushion frame 24 .

[0030] 3, the seat cushion 14 further includes a seat cushion pad 53 supported by the seat cushion frame 24 and wrapped in a skin material 14a. The seat back 15 further includes a seat back pad 54 supported by the seat back frame 25 and wrapped in a skin material 15a. The seat cushion pad 53 and the seat back pad 54 are made of a resilient material such as urethane foam.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 4, the electric motor unit 31 of the electric forward / backward movement device 29 includes a soundproof cover 56 attached to the electric motor 55. The soundproof cover 56 is made of, for example, a resin molded body. The soundproof cover 56 includes a first half 56a that partially covers the electric motor 55, and a second half 56b that is connected to the first half 56a and houses the electric motor 55 between the first half 56a and the second half 56b. An opening (hereinafter, "first opening") 57 that allows the connector 32 to be disposed is defined at the right end of the soundproof cover 56. The connector 32 can house a drive shaft that extends from the electric motor 55 toward the right base frame 26. The drive shaft may be disposed in parallel to the connector 32. An opening (hereinafter referred to as "second opening") 59 is defined at the left end of the soundproof cover 56, which allows for the placement of a support leg 58 that extends from the electric motor 55 toward the left base frame 26 and fixes the electric motor 55 to the left base frame 26. A drive shaft extending from the electric motor 55 toward the left base frame 26 can be placed within the second opening 59. The drive shaft may be placed in parallel to the support leg 58. The second opening 59 is continuous with an opening 62 that allows for the placement of a male coupler 61 protruding from the electric motor 55.

[0032] When the first half 56a and the second half 56b are connected to each other, a living hinge 63 is formed between the first half 56a and the second half 56b. The living hinge 63 allows the second half 56b to be displaced between an open position in which the second half 56b is moved away from the first half 56a, and a coupled position in which the electric motor 55 is housed between the second half 56b and the first half 56a. The second half 56b is integrally formed with an engagement piece 64 that engages with the first half 56a in response to an elastic force to hold the second half 56b in the coupled position.

[0033] Here, the engagement piece 64 is formed of a frame body that extends from the edge of the second half 56b along the outer surface of the first half 56a and surrounds a specified space 64a. A protrusion 65 is formed on the outer surface of the first half 56a in correspondence with the space 64a in the frame body. When the second half 56b is positioned at the joining position, the protrusion 65 enters the space 64a in the frame body. The protrusion 65 may be formed with a contact surface that restrains the frame body at the joining position of the second half 56b. The protrusion 65 may be formed with a slide surface that promotes elastic deformation of the frame body in a direction away from the outer surface of the first half 56a when the second half 56b is displaced from the open position to the joining position. The displacement of the frame body may be restricted in a centrifugal direction from the rotation axis 66 of the living hinge 63.

[0034] When the second half 56b is in the coupled position, the first half 56a and the second half 56b form a continuous mating surface 67 other than the first opening 57 and the second opening 59. The first half 56a and the second half 56b are overlapped with each other at the mating surface 67. The overlapping position can be regulated by the living hinge 63. The engagement piece 64 and the protrusion 65 may be disposed on the opposite side of the living hinge 63 with the space that houses the electric motor 55 in between.

[0035] The first half 56a and the second half 56b have a peripheral wall 68a that surrounds the storage space for the electric motor 55, and an end wall 68b that continues from the right end of the peripheral wall 68a and closes one end of the storage space. The left end of the peripheral wall 68a is discontinued. In other words, the other end of the storage space is open. The open end of the storage space forms a second opening 59. A first notch 69a that forms the first opening 57 when the second half 56b is positioned in the coupled position is formed in the mating surface 67 of the end wall 68b. A second notch 69b that forms the opening 62 when the second half 56b is positioned in the coupled position is formed in the mating surface 67 of the peripheral wall 68a. The second notch 69b continues from the left end of the peripheral wall.

[0036] Ribs 71 are formed on the inner wall surfaces of the first half 56a and the second half 56b, facing the electric motor 55 and coming into contact with the electric motor 55 at their tips when the second half 56b is placed in the coupled position. The ribs 71 extend, for example, parallel to the rotation axis 66 of the living hinge 63. The ribs 71 have a thickness that allows them to accumulate elastic force by coming into contact with the electric motor 55 at their tips when the second half 56b is placed in the coupled position. In response to the elastic force of the ribs 71, a repulsive force that moves the first half 56a and the second half 56b away from the outer surface of the electric motor 55 can be generated.

[0037] 5, the electric motor 55 includes a housing 72 that extends parallel to the swing axis SX and houses a stator, a rotor and other components, and a female coupler 75 that protrudes from the outer periphery of the housing 72 and receives a male coupler 74 of a harness 73 used to supply power. The connector 32 extends from the right end of the housing 72 toward the right base frame 26. The support leg 58 extends from the left end of the housing 72 toward the left base frame 26.

[0038] 6 and 7, the soundproof cover 41 of the actuator 34 is made of, for example, a resin molded body. The soundproof cover 41 includes a first half 41a that partially covers the electric motor 35, and a second half 41b that is joined to the first half 41a and houses the electric motor 35 between the first half 41a and the second half 41b. An opening 77 is defined at the rear end of the soundproof cover 41 to allow for the placement of a drive shaft that enters the gear box 36 from the electric motor 35.

[0039] When the first half 41a and the second half 41b are connected to each other, a living hinge 78 is formed between the first half 41a and the second half 41b. The living hinge 78 allows the second half 41b to be displaced between an open position in which the second half 41b is moved away from the first half 41a, and a coupled position in which the electric motor 35 is housed between the second half 41b and the first half 41a. The second half 41b is integrally formed with an engagement piece 79 that engages with the first half 41a in response to an elastic force to hold the second half 41b in the coupled position.

[0040] Here, the engagement piece 79 is formed of a frame body that extends from the edge of the second half 41b along the outer surface of the first half 41a and surrounds a specified space 79a. A protrusion 81 is formed on the outer surface of the first half 41a in correspondence with the space 79a in the frame body. When the second half 41b is located at the joining position, the protrusion 81 enters the space 79a in the frame body. The protrusion 81 may be formed with a contact surface that restrains the frame body at the joining position of the second half 41b. The protrusion 81 may be formed with a slide surface that promotes elastic deformation of the frame body in a direction away from the outer surface of the first half 41a when the second half 41b is displaced from the release position to the joining position. The displacement of the frame body may be restricted in a centrifugal direction from a rotation axis 82 of the living hinge 78.

[0041] When the second half 41b is located in the joining position, the first half 41a and the second half 41b form a continuous mating surface 83 except at the opening 77. The first half 41a and the second half 41b are overlapped with each other at the mating surface 83. The overlapping position can be regulated by the living hinge 78. The engagement piece 79 and the protrusion 81 may be located on the opposite side of the living hinge 78 with the space that houses the electric motor 35 in between.

[0042] The first half 41a and the second half 41b have a peripheral wall 84a that surrounds the storage space for the electric motor 35, and an end wall 84b that is continuous with the front end of the peripheral wall 84a and closes one end of the storage space. The rear end of the peripheral wall 84a is discontinuous. In other words, the other end of the storage space is open. The open end of the storage space forms an opening 77.

[0043] Ribs 85 are formed on the inner wall surfaces of the first half 41a and the second half 41b, facing the electric motor 35 and coming into contact with the electric motor 35 at their tips when the second half 41b is placed at the coupled position. The ribs 85 extend, for example, parallel to the rotation axis 82 of the living hinge 78. The ribs 85 have a thickness that allows them to accumulate elastic force by coming into contact with the electric motor 35 at their tips when the second half 41b is placed at the coupled position. In response to the elastic force of the ribs 85, a repulsive force that moves the first half 41a and the second half 41b away from the outer surface of the electric motor 35 can be generated.

[0044] The second half 41b is formed with a hook piece 86 that protrudes rearward from the rear end of the peripheral wall 84a. A claw 86a is formed at the tip of the hook piece 86, which faces the gear box 36 when the second half 41b is placed in the coupling position when the soundproof cover 41 is attached to the electric motor 35. The claw 86a meshes with a specific portion of the gear box 36 to prevent the soundproof cover 41 from coming off in the vertical direction of the mounting surface 36a. A meshing surface 87 is formed at the specific portion of the gear box 36, facing rearward on the back side of the mounting surface 36a and receiving the meshing of the claw 86a. The electric motor 35 is fixed to the mounting surface 36a of the gear box 36 with a screw 88. The soundproof cover 51 of the actuator 47 may be configured similarly to the soundproof cover 41.

[0045] When the first switch 19a is operated forward or backward, power is supplied to the electric motor 55. The electric motor 55 operates. Driving force is taken from the drive shaft of the electric motor 55. Based on the driving force, the seat cushion 14 and the seat back 15 can be moved forward and backward. At this time, the operating sound of the electric motor 55 is contained within the soundproof cover 56. This can enhance the quietness inside the vehicle cabin.

[0046] When the first switch 19a is operated upward or downward, power is supplied to the electric motor 35. The electric motor 35 operates. Driving force is taken from the drive shaft of the electric motor 35. The driving force is transmitted to the link member 28 through the transmission mechanism. The seat cushion 14 and the seat back 15 can be moved up and down. At this time, the operating sound of the electric motor 35 is trapped inside the soundproof cover 41. The quietness inside the vehicle cabin can be improved.

[0047] When the second switch 19b is operated forward or backward, power is supplied to the electric motor 48. The electric motor 48 operates. Driving force is taken from the drive shaft of the electric motor 48. The seat back 15 can be moved forward and backward based on the driving force. At this time, the operating sound of the electric motor 48 is contained within the soundproof cover 51. The quietness in the vehicle interior can be improved.

[0048] In the actuator 34 of the vehicle seat 11 according to this embodiment, the first half 41a and the second half 41b form a mating surface 83 that is continuous except for the single opening 77 that allows for the arrangement of the drive shaft of the electric motor 35. Since the mating surface 83 of the first half 41a and the second half 41b is continuous except for the single opening 77 that allows for the arrangement of the drive shaft, the electric motor 35 can be covered by the first half 41a and the second half 41b except for the opening 77. The electric motor 35 can be covered by the soundproof cover 41 over as wide an area as possible. Noise from the electric motor 35 can be well contained within the soundproof cover 41.

[0049] Similarly, in the electric motor unit 31 of the vehicle seat 11 according to this embodiment, the first half 56a and the second half 56b form a mating surface 67 that is continuous except at the first opening 57 and the second opening 59. Since the mating surface 67 of the first half 56a and the second half 56b is continuous except at the first opening 57 and the second opening 59, the electric motor 55 can be covered by the first half 56a and the second half 56b except at the first opening 57 and the second opening 59. The electric motor 55 can be covered by the soundproof cover 56 over as wide an area as possible. Noise from the electric motor 55 can be well contained within the soundproof cover 56.

[0050] The soundproof cover 41, 56 further includes ribs 85, 71 that stand from the inner wall surfaces of the first half 41a, 56a and the second half 41b, 56b toward the electric motor 35, 55 and have a thickness that stores elastic force by contacting the electric motor 35, 55 at their tips when the second half 41b, 56b is disposed at the joining position. The elastic force of the ribs 85, 71 can prevent the soundproof cover 41, 56 from rattling. The dimensional error of the soundproof cover 41, 56 or the electric motor 35, 55 can be absorbed by the elastic deformation of the ribs 85, 71. The elastic force of the ribs 85, 71 can strengthen the engagement of the engagement pieces 79, 64 with the first half 41a, 56a. Even if the vehicle body vibrates, the soundproof cover 41, 56 can be effectively prevented from coming off the electric motor 35, 55. Similarly, in the case of the soundproof cover 51, rattling of the soundproof cover 51 can be prevented depending on the formation of ribs.

[0051] In the actuator 34 according to this embodiment, a hook piece 86 that meshes with a specific portion of the gear box 36 to prevent the soundproof cover 41 from coming off in the vertical direction of the mounting surface 36a is formed on the second half 41b. When the soundproof cover 41 is attached to the electric motor 35 fixed to the gear box 36, the hook piece 86 can mesh with a meshing surface 87 of the gear box 36. Even if vibrations of the vehicle body are transmitted from the seat frame 23 to the electric motor 35, the soundproof cover 41 can be prevented from coming off in the vertical direction of the mounting surface 36a. Similarly, in the actuator 47, depending on the formation of the protrusion, the soundproof cover 51 can be prevented from coming off in the vertical direction of the mounting surface 49a. When the protrusion meshes with the base 49, for example, a recess that receives the protrusion may be formed.

[0052] When manufacturing the vehicle seat 11, the electric motor 55 is attached to the seat frame 23. Thereafter, the soundproof cover 56 is attached to the electric motor 55. Since the second half 56b of the soundproof cover 56 is moved away from the first half 56a in the open position, the first half 56a can partially cover the electric motor 55 without being obstructed by the second half 56b. When the second half 56b is positioned in the coupled position by the function of the living hinge 63, the electric motor 55 can be accommodated between the second half 56b and the first half 56a. In this manner, the soundproof cover 56 can be attached to the electric motor 55. The soundproof cover 56 can be attached to the electric motor 55 by a simple assembly operation.

[0053] Similarly, the electric motor 35 is attached to the seat frame 23. Thereafter, the soundproof cover 41 is attached to the electric motor 35. Since the second half 41b of the soundproof cover 41 is away from the first half 41a in the open position, the first half 41a can partially cover the electric motor 35 without being hindered by the second half 41b. When the second half 41b is positioned at the coupled position by the function of the living hinge 78, the electric motor 35 can be accommodated between the second half 41b and the first half 41a. In this manner, the soundproof cover 41 can be attached to the electric motor 35. The soundproof cover 41 can be attached to the electric motor 35 by a simple assembly process. Since the soundproof cover 51 has a structure similar to that of the soundproof cover 41, the soundproof cover 51 can be attached to the electric motor 48 by a simple assembly process.

[0054] 8, in the soundproof cover 56, the first half 56a and the second half 56b may define a resonance space 92 connected to a space adjacent to the electric motor 55 by a through hole 91. The resonance space 92 can efficiently attenuate a specific frequency component of noise based on the principle of Helmholtz resonance. Similarly, a resonance space can be defined in the soundproof covers 41 and 51. [Explanation of symbols]

[0055] 11...vehicle seat, 23...frame (seat frame), 35...motor (electric motor), 36...base (gear box), 36a...mounting surface, 41...soundproof cover, 41a...first half, 41b...second half, 48...motor (electric motor), 49...base, 49a...mounting surface, 51...soundproof cover, 55...motor (electric motor), 56...soundproof cover, 56a...first half, 56b...second half, 63...hinge (living hinge), 64...engagement piece, 71...rib, 77...opening, 78...hinge (living hinge), 79...engagement piece, 83...mating surface, 85...rib, 86...projection piece (hook piece), 91...through hole, 92...resonance space.

Claims

1. The frame and a motor supported by the frame; a soundproof cover attached to the motor, The soundproof cover is a first half and a second half that partially cover the motor; a protrusion formed at a boundary between the first half and the second half and protruding from a surface of the soundproof cover; an opening passing through the soundproof cover; The vehicle seat, wherein the opening is formed in alignment with the protrusion in the longitudinal direction of the soundproof cover.

2. In the vehicle seat according to claim 1, The vehicle seat, wherein the opening is formed across the first half and the second half.

3. In the vehicle seat according to claim 1 or 2, The first half and the second half are a peripheral wall surrounding the motor housing space; an end wall formed by bending from an end of the peripheral wall toward the motor, The end wall has a notch formed therein. The vehicle seat is characterized in that the cutout accommodates a drive shaft of the motor.

4. A vehicle seat according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The soundproof cover has a rib protruding inward from a surface of the soundproof cover, The vehicle seat is characterized in that the protrusion is disposed at a position overlapping the rib in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

5. A vehicle seat according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The vehicle seat is characterized in that the protrusion is arranged so as to avoid a central portion in the longitudinal direction of the soundproof cover.

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