Child seat

Abstract

To provide a child seat capable of effectively easing shocks from a lateral side to a seated child.SOLUTION: A child seat 1 comprises: a seat body 2; and a side collision addressing member 3 that absorbs shocks from the lateral side of the seat body 2. The seat body 2 has: a seat 21 extending in a cross direction D1 and a horizontal direction D2; a backside 22 extending in the horizontal direction D2 and a vertical direction D3; and a side wall 23 connected to one end of the backside 22 in the horizontal direction D2 and extending in the cross direction D1 and the vertical direction D3. The side collision addressing member 3 is disposed outside the side wall 23 in the horizontal direction D2. The side collision addressing member 3 has: a body 31 disposed to be separated from and face at least a part of the side wall 23; and a shock absorption mechanism 32 disposed between the body 31 and at least a part of the side wall 23 and connected to the body 31 and the side wall 23.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a child seat.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a child seat is known that includes a shell that defines a space for a child to sit, a housing formed integrally with the shell, and a protection member that is fitted into a side wing of the shell and supported by the housing (for example, Patent Document 1). In the child seat described in Patent Document 1, for example, it is possible to bring a part of the vehicle body such as a door pushed into the vehicle interior into early contact with the protection member due to an impact from the side of the automobile.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the child seat described in Patent Document 1, the housing is formed integrally with the shell. Further, the protection member is supported by the housing. Therefore, when the protection member comes into contact with a part of the vehicle body that has been pushed in, there is a risk that a relatively strong impact will be immediately transmitted from the protection member to the child sitting on the child seat via the housing and the shell.

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure aims to provide a child seat that can effectively mitigate a lateral impact on a seated child.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The present disclosure includes the child seats of [1] to [7].

[0007] [1] It includes a seat body on which a child sits and a side impact corresponding member that absorbs impacts from the side of the seat body. The seat body has a seat portion extending in a first direction and a second direction intersecting the first direction, a back portion connected to one end of the seat portion in the first direction and extending in the second direction and a third direction intersecting the first and second directions, and a side wall connected to one end of the back portion in the second direction and extending in the first and third directions. It has The side impact corresponding member is disposed outside the side wall in the second direction. The side impact corresponding member has a main body portion disposed so as to be separated from and opposed to at least a part of the side wall in the second direction, and a shock absorption mechanism disposed between the main body portion and at least a part of the side wall and connected to the main body portion and the side wall. This is a child seat.

[0008] In the configuration of [1] above, the side impact corresponding member is disposed outside the side wall in the second direction. The side impact corresponding member has a main body portion disposed so as to cover a part of the side wall. Therefore, for example, a part of the vehicle body such as a door pushed into the vehicle by an impact from the side of an automobile can first contact the main body portion. The side impact corresponding member has a shock absorption mechanism connected to the main body portion and the side wall. Therefore, when the main body portion is pushed so as to approach the side wall by the contact of the part of the vehicle body, the shock absorption mechanism absorbs the shock applied to the main body portion. Therefore, part of the energy due to the shock applied from the part of the vehicle body to the main body portion is absorbed by the shock absorption mechanism. As described above, according to the child seat, the impact from the side to the seated child can be effectively alleviated.

[0009] [2] The main body portion has a first portion connected to the side wall and a second portion connected to the first portion in a manner movable relative to the first portion toward the side wall. The shock absorbing mechanism is disposed between the second part and the side wall, the child seat of [1].

[0010] According to the configuration of [2] above, for example, when a part of the vehicle body pushed into the vehicle interior by an impact from the side of an automobile contacts the main body part, the second part can be moved relative to the first part toward the side wall. Thereby, the impact applied to the main body part can be suitably absorbed by the shock absorbing mechanism disposed between the second part and the side wall.

[0011] [3] The second part of the child seat of [2] includes a protruding part protruding outward in the second direction.

[0012] According to the configuration of [3] above, for example, by first bringing a part of the vehicle body pushed into the vehicle interior by an impact from the side of an automobile into contact with the protruding part of the second part, the second part can be easily moved inward. Thereby, the effects described in [2] above can be suitably obtained.

[0013] [4] In any one of the child seats of [1] to [3], the hardness of the material constituting the shock absorbing mechanism is lower than the hardness of the material constituting the main body part and the hardness of the material constituting the side wall.

[0014] According to the configuration of [4] above, when the second part is pushed in so as to approach the side wall, the shock absorbing mechanism can be easily deformed or broken. Thereby, since the shock absorbing mechanism can suitably absorb the impact, the impact from the side to the seated child can be more effectively alleviated.

[0015] [5] The shock absorbing mechanism of any one of the child seats of [1] to [4] has an elastic member that expands and contracts in the second direction.

[0016] According to the configuration of [5] above, when the main body is pushed in so as to approach the side wall, the elastic member can be contracted. Thereby, the energy of the impact applied to the main body can be suitably absorbed by the elastic member. As a result, the impact from the side to the seated child can be suitably mitigated.

[0017] [6] The shock absorption mechanism has a telescopic shock absorber that expands and contracts in the second direction, the child seat according to any one of [1] to [5].

[0018] According to the configuration of [6] above, when the main body is pushed in so as to approach the side wall, the telescopic shock absorber can be contracted. Thereby, the energy of the impact applied to the main body can be suitably absorbed by the telescopic shock absorber. As a result, the impact from the side to the seated child can be suitably mitigated.

[0019] [7] The shock absorption mechanism is arranged so as to fill a gap between at least a part of the side wall and the main body, the child seat according to any one of [1] to [6].

[0020] According to the configuration of [7] above, by arranging the shock absorption mechanism in the region of the entire gap between at least a part of the side wall and the main body, the shock absorption force of the shock absorption mechanism can be increased. As a result, the impact from the side to the seated child can be suitably mitigated.

Effects of the Invention

[0021] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a child seat that can effectively mitigate the impact from the side to the seated child.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0022]

Fig. 1

Fig. 2

Fig. 3

Fig. 4

Fig. 5

Fig. 6

Fig. 7

Fig. 8

Fig. 9

[0023] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same or corresponding elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and overlapping descriptions are omitted.

[0024] With reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, the child seat 1 according to an embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a side view of the child seat 1. FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically showing the seat body 2. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a part of the left side of the child seat 1. The child seat 1 is attached to an automobile seat for seating a child such as an infant.

[0025] In this specification, unless otherwise specified, the terms "front", "rear", "left", "right", "up", "down", "front-rear direction", "left-right direction", and "up-down direction" with respect to the child seat 1 and the vehicle mean "front", "rear", "left", "right", "up", "down", "front-rear direction", "left-right direction", and "up-down direction" based on the child sitting on the child seat 1. The "front-rear direction" is the advancing and retreating direction of the vehicle parallel to the ground contact surface of the vehicle. Also, the "up-down direction" is a direction orthogonal to the front-rear direction and orthogonal to the ground contact surface. Further, the "left-right direction" is a direction orthogonal to both the front-rear direction and the up-down direction. In the "left-right direction", the side approaching the child sitting on the child seat 1 (the center of the child seat 1 in the left-right direction) is referred to as the "inner side (in the left-right direction)", and the side separated from the child is referred to as the "outer side (in the left-right direction)". Also, unless otherwise specified, in this specification, the "child" means a child sitting on the child seat.

[0026] In FIGS. 1 to 9, for convenience, the "front-rear direction" is represented as the front-rear direction D1 (the first direction), the "left-right direction" is represented as the left-right direction D2 (the second direction), and the "up-down direction" is represented as the up-down direction D3 (the third direction). The positive direction side of the front-rear direction D1 corresponds to "rear", and the negative direction side of the front-rear direction D1 corresponds to "front". The positive direction side of the left-right direction D2 corresponds to "right", and the negative direction side of the left-right direction D2 corresponds to "left". The positive direction side of the up-down direction D3 corresponds to "up", and the negative direction side of the up-down direction D3 corresponds to "down".

[0027] The child seat 1 includes a seat body 2 and a side impact corresponding member 3. The seat body 2 is the portion where the child sits. The seat body 2 has a seat portion 21, a back portion 22, a pair of side walls 23, a pair of grips 24, and leg portions 25. The seat portion 21 is the portion that supports the child's buttocks. The seat portion 21 has a substantially rectangular outer shape when viewed from the up-down direction D3. The seat portion 21 extends in the front-rear direction D1 and the left-right direction D2. The seat portion 21 is inclined downward as it extends from the front end to the rear end of the seat portion 21.

[0028] The back portion 22 is a portion that supports the child's back and head. The back portion 22 extends in the left-right direction D2 and the up-down direction D3. The lower end of the back portion 22 is connected to one end (rear end) of the seat portion 21 in the front-rear direction D1. The back portion 22 is inclined backward from the lower end to the upper end of the back portion 22.

[0029] The back portion 22 has a back support portion 221, a headrest 222, an adjustment portion 223, a back outer wall 224, and a back inner wall 225. The back support portion 221 is a portion that supports the child's back. The back support portion 221 is a rectangular plate-shaped member. The back support portion 221 is provided with a plurality of through holes that penetrate in the front-rear direction D1.

[0030] The headrest 222 is a portion that supports the child's head. The headrest 222 is provided above the backrest portion 221. When viewed from the up-down direction D3, the headrest 222 has a shape that curves backward so as to cover the sides (both sides in the left-right direction D2) and rear of the child's head.

[0031] The adjustment unit 223 is a portion that adjusts the position of the headrest 222. The adjustment unit 223 has a frame 223a and a cushion 223b. The frame 223a extends relative to the backrest 221 in a direction along the backrest 221. The frame 223a has a T-shape when viewed from the front-rear direction D1. The frame 223a includes an extending portion 223c and a curved portion 223d. The extending portion 223c has a rectangular shape extending in the left-right direction D2 and the up-down direction D3. The extending portion 223c is disposed behind the backrest 221. The extending portion 223c moves upward parallel to the backrest 221.

[0032] The curved portion 223d is connected to the upper end of the extending portion 223c. The curved portion 223d has a shape curved backward when viewed from the up-down direction D3. The curved portion 223d is curved along the headrest 222 so as to surround the sides and rear of the headrest 222.

[0033] The cushion 223b is a part that protects a child's head. The cushion 223b is composed of a flexible material. The cushion 223b is connected to the front side of the curved portion 223d and is disposed between the curved portion 223d and the headrest 222.

[0034] The back outer wall 224 is located at the rear end of the seat body 2. The back outer wall 224 is disposed behind the backrest portion 221 so as to be separated from the backrest portion 221. The back outer wall 224 extends in the left - right direction D2 and the up - down direction D3.

[0035] The back inner wall 225 is disposed between the backrest portion 221 and the back outer wall 224. The back inner wall 225 extends in the left - right direction D2 and the up - down direction D3. On the front surface of the back inner wall 225, a rail (not shown) that fits with the extending portion 223c is provided. The extending portion 223c moves along the rail. The upper end of the back inner wall 225 is connected to the upper end of the back outer wall 224. The lower end of the back inner wall 225 is connected to the rear end of the seat portion 21.

[0036] The pair of side walls 23 is a part for preventing a child from falling sideways from the child seat 1. In this embodiment, the part where the side wall 23 and the grip 24 are integrally formed covers the side of the child. That is, a notch corresponding to the portion where the grip 24 is disposed is formed in the side wall 23. In FIG. 2 which schematically shows the seat body 2, the illustration of the notch is omitted.

[0037] Each side wall 23 extends in the front - rear direction D1 and the up - down direction D3. The rear ends of the side walls 23 are connected to both ends in the left - right direction D2 of the back portion 22 (back inner wall 225). The position of the upper end of the side wall 23 is substantially the same as the position of the upper end of the adjustment portion 223 when the position of the lower end of the range where the adjustment portion 223 can move. In this embodiment, the back inner wall 225, the pair of side walls 23, and the seat portion 21 are integrally molded with each other.

[0038] The pair of grips 24 are the parts that the user grips when holding the child seat 1. The user is, for example, the person who installs the child seat 1 on the seat of an automobile. Each grip 24 extends in the front - rear direction D1 and the up - down direction D3. The upper edge of each grip 24 is connected to the lower edge of the side wall 23. The lower edge of the grip 24 is connected to the edge in the left - right direction D2 of the seat part 21. A rectangular opening is provided at approximately the center of the grip 24 in the up - down direction D3. The part defining the front edge of the opening has a cylindrical shape. The user can grip the part having the cylindrical shape.

[0039] The leg part 25 is the part placed (supported) on the seat of the automobile. The leg part 25 is provided below the seat part 21. The leg part 25 is formed in a cylindrical shape extending in the up - down direction D3. The lower end of the back outer wall 224 is connected to the leg part 25.

[0040] The side - impact - corresponding member 3 is a member for absorbing (mitigating) the impact on the seat body 2. The side - impact - corresponding member 3 is arranged outside the side wall 23 in the left - right direction D2. That is, the side - impact - corresponding member 3 is arranged so as to cover the outside of the side wall 23 in the left - right direction D2. In the present embodiment, a pair of side - impact - corresponding members 3 are provided on both the left and right sides of the child seat 1 so that the child seat 1 can be arranged on either the left or right seat in the automobile. However, when the child seat 1 is configured for exclusive use of either the left or right seat in the automobile, the side - impact - corresponding member 3 (particularly the impact - absorbing mechanism 32 and the second main body part 34 described later) may be provided only on one side (the side facing a part of the vehicle body such as the door of the automobile). The side - impact - corresponding member 3 has a main body part 31 and an impact - absorbing mechanism 32.

[0041] The main body portion 31 covers at least a part of the side wall 23 when viewed from the left - right direction D2. The main body portion 31 is arranged so as to be separated from and opposed to at least a part of the side wall 23 in the left - right direction D2. The main body portion 31 has a first main body portion 33 (first part) and a second main body portion 34 (second part). The first main body portion 33 is connected to the side wall 23. In the present embodiment, the second main body portion 34 is connected to the first main body portion 33 in a manner movable relative to the first main body portion 33 toward the side wall 23 (that is, toward the inside in the left - right direction D2).

[0042] The first main body portion 33 is connected to the second main body portion 34 and the seat main body 2. The first main body portion 33 is arranged outside the side wall 23 in the left - right direction D2 so as to cover the side wall 23 of the seat main body 2, and extends in the front - rear direction D1 and the up - down direction D3. In the present embodiment, the first main body portion 33 is connected to the back inner wall 225, the back outer wall 224, the side wall 23, and the grip 24. As shown in FIG. 5, a recess 33a that is recessed inward is provided on the outer surface of the first main body portion 33. When viewed from the left - right direction D2, the recess 33a is formed in an elliptical shape. At the bottom of the recess 33a, a circular through - hole 33b (see FIG. 5) penetrating in the left - right direction D2 and a pair of through - holes 33c (see FIG. 5) are provided respectively. The pair of through - holes 33c are formed in a circular shape smaller than the through - hole 33b and are provided on both sides with the through - hole 33b interposed therebetween. The first main body portion 33 is composed of, for example, an EPS (bead - type polystyrene foam) material.

[0043] The second main body portion 34 is configured separately from the first main body portion 33. The second main body portion 34 is connected to the first main body portion 33. Note that "connecting" two parts includes a mode of connecting (linking) two members (the first main body portion 33 and the second main body portion 34) that are separate from each other in the normal state so that their positions are fixed to each other, and also includes a mode of integrally molding the two parts.

[0044] In this embodiment, the second main body portion 34 is connected to the first main body portion 33. As an example, the second main body portion 34 is fixed to the concave portion 33a of the first main body portion 33. The second main body portion 34 has a protruding portion 34a. The protruding portion 34a protrudes outward in the left - right direction D2. In this embodiment, the protruding portion 34a is the portion that protrudes most outward in the left - right direction D2 among the portions constituting the child seat 1. The hardness of the material constituting the second main body portion 34 is higher than the hardness of the material constituting the first main body portion 33. The second main body portion 34 is constituted by, for example, PP (polypropylene).

[0045] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the main body portion 31 will be described in more detail. FIG. 4 is a cross - sectional view taken along line IV - IV of FIG. 3. FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the main body portion 31. The second main body portion 34 has an air cushion 341, an outer fixture 342, and an inner fixture 343. The air cushion 341 and the outer fixture 342 are arranged outside the first main body portion 33 in the left - right direction D2. The inner fixture 343 is arranged inside the first main body portion 33 in the left - right direction D2. The air cushion 341 is sandwiched between the inner fixture 343 and the outer fixture 342 via the first main body portion 33 (the portion provided with the concave portion 33a).

[0046] The air cushion 341 is a member having a space inside. The inside of the air cushion 341 is filled with air. The air cushion 341 has an annular portion 341a, a side surface portion 341b, a curved portion 341c, and a bottom portion 341d. The annular portion 341a is an oval - shaped annular member. The side surface portion 341b is a portion extending from the annular portion 341a in the inner direction of the seat body 2. When viewed from the left - right direction D2, the outline of the annular portion 341a surrounds the side surface portion 341b.

[0047] The curved portion 341c is a portion that fills the inner region defined by the annular portion 341a. The curved portion 341c is curved outward. The curved portion 341c constitutes the protruding portion 34a. The bottom portion 341d is a portion facing the annular portion 341a and the curved portion 341c. The bottom portion 341d is connected to the side surface portion 341b. The bottom portion 341d has a stepped shape. More specifically, at approximately the center of the bottom portion 341d in the vertical direction D3, a stepped stepped portion 341f protruding toward the inside of the seat body 2 is provided.

[0048] A pair of through holes 341e are provided in the annular portion 341a. The through holes 341e extend in the left - right direction D2. The through holes 341e are defined by an annular wall portion that extends in the left - right direction D2 so as to surround the through holes 341e, and are not in communication with the internal space S4 of the air cushion 341 (that is, the main cavity formed between the curved portion 341c and the bottom portion 341d). An insertion pin 342b of an outer fixture 342 described later is inserted into the through holes 341e. The internal space S4 of the air cushion 341 is hermetically defined by the annular portion 341a, the side surface portion 341b, the curved portion 341c, the bottom portion 341d, and the annular wall portion defining the through holes 341e.

[0049] The outer fixture 342 has an annular portion 342a and a pair of insertion pins 342b. The annular portion 342a is arranged to cover the outside of the annular portion 341a of the air cushion 341. The curved portion 341c is exposed through the opening defined by the annular portion 342a. The pair of insertion pins 342b extend inward in the left - right direction D2 from the inner surface of the annular portion 342a (the surface facing the annular portion 341a) at positions corresponding to the pair of through holes 341e of the air cushion 341.

[0050] The inner fixture 343 has an annular portion 343a and a convex portion 343b. The annular portion 343a is formed in a plate shape and is the innermost portion of the second main body portion 34. The convex portion 343b is a portion that protrudes in the outer direction of the seat body 2 at a substantially central portion of the annular portion 343a. The convex portion 343b faces the bottom portion 341d. The outer surface of the convex portion 343b is recessed inward. The stepped portion 341f fits into the concave portion 343d formed by the outer surface of the convex portion 343b being recessed inward. A pair of pin fitting portions 343c are provided on the annular portion 343a. An insertion pin 342b is fitted into the pin fitting portion 343c.

[0051] The through hole 33b of the first main body portion 33 is provided at a substantially central portion of the concave portion 33a. The stepped portion 341f of the air cushion 341 and the convex portion 343b of the inner fixture 343 are accommodated in the through hole 33b. The convex portion 343b is fixed in the through hole 34b by fitting. A pair of insertion pins 342b of the outer fixture 342 are inserted into the pair of through holes 33c.

[0052] The second main body portion 34 is attached to the first main body portion 33 by assembling the air cushion 341, the outer fixture 342, and the inner fixture 343 so as to sandwich the first main body portion 33. More specifically, with the air cushion 341 disposed in the concave portion 33a of the first main body portion 33, each insertion pin 342b of the outer fixture 342 is inserted through each through hole 341e of the air cushion 341 and each through hole 33c of the first main body portion 33 and fitted into each pin fitting portion 343c. A space is provided inside the insertion pin 342b. A screw groove is formed on the inner wall defining the space. A through hole is provided in the pin fitting portion 343c. A screw (not shown) is fastened to the screw groove formed in the insertion pin 342b through the through hole. Thereby, the second main body portion 34 is fixed to the first main body portion 33.

[0053] The inner diameter of the inner peripheral surface of the recess 33a of the first main body portion 33 is larger than the outer diameter of the side surface portion 341b of the air cushion 341. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 4, a gap S1 is provided between the recess 33a and the side surface portion 341b. The outer contour of the side surface portion 341b and the bottom of the recess 33a are not smoothly connected, and a corner R is provided when viewed from the front-rear direction D1.

[0054] The first main body portion 33 has an upper support portion 331, a lower support portion 332, a rear support portion 333, and a front support portion 334. The upper support portion 331, the lower support portion 332, the rear support portion 333, and the front support portion 334 are portions connected to the side wall 23 of the seat body 2. The first main body portion 33 is directly connected to the seat body 2. However, the first main body portion 33 may be indirectly connected to the seat body 2 via a member disposed between the first main body portion 33 and the seat body 2.

[0055] The upper support portion 331 is located at the upper edge of the first main body portion 33. The lower support portion 332 is located at the lower edge of the first main body portion 33. The rear support portion 333 is located at the rear edge of the first main body portion 33. The front support portion 334 is located at the front edge of the first main body portion 33. Thus, the first main body portion 33 has a plurality of supports connected to the side wall 23 so as to surround the second main body portion 34.

[0056] The first main body portion 33 has a thick portion 335 and a thin portion 336. At least a part of the thick portion 335 is separated from the side wall 23. The thick portion 335 is connected to each of the upper support portion 331, the lower support portion 332, the rear support portion 333, and the front support portion 334. The thick portion 335 surrounds the recess 33a.

[0057] The plate thickness of the thin portion 336 is thinner than the plate thickness of the thick portion 335. The thin portion 336 constitutes the bottom of the recess 33a. The thin portion 336 is sandwiched between the air cushion 341 and the inner fixture 343. The thin portion 336 is separated from the side wall 23.

[0058] A gap S2 is provided between the second main body portion 34 and the side wall 23. More specifically, the gap S2 is provided between the inner fixture 343 and the side wall 23. In any part of the gap S2, the length in the left - right direction D2 of the gap S2 is longer than the thickness of the thin - walled portion 336. The length in the left - right direction D2 at the upper end of the gap S2 is longer than the length in the left - right direction D2 at the lower end of the gap S2.

[0059] The second main body portion 34 can move relative to the first main body portion 33 toward the side wall 23. For example, when a part of the vehicle body such as a door pushed into the vehicle collides with the protruding portion 34a, a force acting toward the side wall 23 along the left - right direction D2 is applied to the main body portion 31. Since the upper support portion 331, the lower support portion 332, the rear support portion 333, and the front support portion 334 are connected to the side wall 23, it is difficult for the first main body portion 33 to be pushed into the side wall 23. On the other hand, since the gap S2 is provided, the second main body portion 34 is easily pushed toward the side wall 23.

[0060] A gap S3 is provided between the first main body portion 33 and the side wall 23. The second main body portion 34 has an outer edge B which is the outer edge of the second main body portion 34 when viewed in the left - right direction D2. More specifically, the outer edge B is the outer edge of the inner fixture 343 when viewed in the left - right direction D2. In other words, the outer edge B is the outer edge of the member of the second main body portion 34 adjacent to the gap S2 when viewed in the left - right direction D2. That is, the outer edge B may be the outer edge of the portion (in this embodiment, the inner fixture 343) that moves when the second main body portion 34 is pushed into the side wall 23.

[0061] The gap S3 is provided between a part of the first main body portion 33 adjacent to the outer edge B and the side wall 23. The upper end of the gap S3 is located between the thick - walled portion 335 and the side wall 23. The gap S3 communicates with the gap S2. As an example, between the gap S3 and the gap S2, there is no member that prevents the side - impact - corresponding member 3 (the first main body portion 33 and the second main body portion 34) from approaching the side wall 23.

[0062] The shock absorption mechanism 32 is disposed between at least a part of the main body 31 and the side wall 23 and is connected to the main body 31 and the side wall 23. In this embodiment, as an example, the shock absorption mechanism 32 has a plurality (two in this embodiment) of support members 321. Each support member 321 is a columnar member extending along the left - right direction D2. However, the support member 321 is not limited to a columnar member. For example, the support member 321 may be a plate - shaped (wall - shaped) member extending in the left - right direction D2 and the front - rear direction D1. One end (the outer end in the left - right direction D2) of each support member 321 is connected to the second main body 34 (in this embodiment, the inner fixture 343) of the main body 31. The other end (the inner end in the left - right direction D2) of each support member 321 is connected to the side wall 23. Each support member 321 is provided in the gap S2.

[0063] The hardness of the material constituting the support member 321 is lower than the hardness of the material constituting the side wall 23 and the hardness of the material constituting the main body 31. More specifically, the support member 321 is lower in hardness than the material constituting the portion (in this embodiment, the second main body 34) of the main body 31 to which the support member 321 is connected. The support member 321 is constituted by, for example, PP.

[0064] [Function and Effect] In the child seat 1, the side - impact - corresponding member 3 is disposed outside the side wall 23 in the left - right direction D2. The side - impact - corresponding member 3 has a main body 31 disposed so as to cover a part of the side wall 23. Thus, for example, a part of the vehicle body such as a door pushed into the vehicle interior by an impact from the side of an automobile can first be brought into contact with the main body 31. The side - impact - corresponding member 3 has a shock absorption mechanism 32 connected to the main body 31 and the side wall 23. Therefore, when the main body 31 is pushed so as to approach the side wall 23 due to the contact of the part of the vehicle body, the shock absorption mechanism 32 absorbs the shock applied to the main body 31. Accordingly, part of the energy of the shock applied from the part of the vehicle body to the main body 31 is absorbed by the shock absorption mechanism 32. As described above, according to the child seat 1, the lateral impact on the seated child can be effectively mitigated.

[0065] While referring to Fig. 6, a specific mode in which the above effects are achieved by the side-impact corresponding member 3 of the present embodiment will be described. Fig. 6(a) is a diagram schematically showing the state (normal state) of the child seat 1 before the second main body portion 34 is pushed toward the side wall 23. Fig. 6(b) is a diagram schematically showing the state of the child seat 1 when the second main body portion 34 is being pushed toward the side wall 23. When the second main body portion 34 is pushed relative to the first main body portion 33 (that is, when the second main body portion 34 moves from the position shown in Fig. 6(a) to the position shown in Fig. 6(b)), since the second main body portion 34 approaches the side wall 23, the support member 321 disposed between the second main body portion 34 and the side wall 23 will be pushed from both sides in the left-right direction D2. Here, as described above, the hardness of the support member 321 is lower than the hardness of the second main body portion 34 and the side wall 23. Therefore, the support member 321 is deformed or broken without breaking through the side wall 23 and the second main body portion 34. In the example of Fig. 6(b), the support member 321 is broken because it cannot withstand the forces applied from both sides in the left-right direction D2. Thus, in the child seat 1, part of the energy of the impact from the side of the child seat 1 is consumed by the deformation or breakage of the shock absorption mechanism 32, thereby effectively mitigating the impact.

[0066] Also, as shown in Fig. 4, the main body portion 31 has a first main body portion 33 connected to the side wall 23 and a second main body portion 34 connected to the first main body portion 33 in a manner movable relative to the first main body portion 33 toward the side wall 23, and the shock absorption mechanism 32 is disposed between the second main body portion 34 and the side wall 23. According to this configuration, for example, when a part of the vehicle body pushed into the vehicle interior by an impact from the side of the automobile contacts the main body portion 31, the second main body portion 34 can be moved relative to the first main body portion 33 toward the side wall 23. That is, as shown in the example of Fig. 6, the deformation or breakage of the shock absorption mechanism 32 associated with the inward movement of the second main body portion 34 in the left-right direction D2 can be suitably caused. Thereby, the impact applied to the main body portion 31 can be suitably absorbed by the shock absorption mechanism 32 disposed between the second main body portion 34 and the side wall 23.

[0067] Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the second main body portion 34 includes a protruding portion 34a that protrudes outward in the left - right direction D2. According to this configuration, for example, by first bringing a part of the vehicle body pushed into the vehicle interior by an impact from the side of an automobile into contact with the protruding portion 34a of the second main body portion 34, it is possible to easily move the second main body portion 34 inward in the left - right direction D2. Thereby, the above - described effect (that is, the effect of suitably causing deformation or destruction of the shock - absorbing mechanism 32 accompanying the movement of the second main body portion 34 inward in the left - right direction D2) can be suitably obtained.

[0068] Also, as described above, the hardness of the material constituting the shock - absorbing mechanism 32 is lower than the hardness of the material constituting the main body portion 31 and the hardness of the material constituting the side wall 23. According to this configuration, when the second main body portion 34 is pushed in so as to approach the side wall 23, the shock - absorbing mechanism 32 can be easily deformed or destroyed. Thereby, since the shock - absorbing mechanism 32 can suitably absorb the impact, the impact from the side to the seated child can be more effectively alleviated.

[0069] [First Modified Example] The child seat 1A of the first modified example will be described with reference to FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the side - impact - corresponding member 3A according to the first modified example. The child seat 1A mainly differs from the child seat 1 in that it has a side - impact - corresponding member 3A instead of the side - impact - corresponding member 3. The side - impact - corresponding member 3A mainly differs from the side - impact - corresponding member 3 in that it has a shock - absorbing mechanism 32A instead of the shock - absorbing mechanism 32. The shock - absorbing mechanism 32A has an elastic member 35.

[0070] The elastic member 35 is arranged to expand and contract along the left - right direction D2. The elastic member 35 is, for example, a spring. One end of the elastic member 35 (the inner end in the left - right direction D2) is connected to the side wall 23. The other end of the elastic member 35 (the outer end in the left - right direction D2) is connected to the second main body portion 34 (for example, the inner fixture 343). When the second main body portion 34 is pushed relatively inward in the left - right direction D2 with respect to the first main body portion 33, the second main body portion 34 approaches the side wall 23. Therefore, the elastic member 35 arranged between the second main body portion 34 and the side wall 23 is pushed from both sides in the left - right direction D2. As a result, when the elastic member 35 contracts, part of the energy of the impact from the side of the child seat 1A is converted into the elastic energy of the elastic member 35.

[0071] As described above, according to the first modification example, when the main body portion 31 (the second main body portion 34) is pushed so as to approach the side wall 23, the elastic member 35 can be contracted. Thereby, the energy of the impact applied to the main body portion 31 can be preferably absorbed by the elastic member 35. As a result, the impact from the side to the seated child can be preferably alleviated. In the example of FIG. 6, the side - impact - corresponding member 3A has only one elastic member 35, but the side - impact - corresponding member 3A may have a plurality of elastic members 35.

[0072] [Second Modification Example] The child seat 1B of the second modification example will be described with reference to FIG. 8. FIG. 8(a) is a diagram schematically showing the state of the child seat 1B before the second main body portion 34 is pushed toward the side wall 23. FIG. 8(b) is a diagram schematically showing the state of the child seat 1B when the second main body portion 34 is being pushed toward the side wall 23. The child seat 1B mainly differs from the child seat 1 in that it has a side - impact - corresponding member 3B instead of the side - impact - corresponding member 3. The side - impact - corresponding member 3B mainly differs from the side - impact - corresponding member 3 in that it has a shock - absorbing mechanism 32B instead of the shock - absorbing mechanism 32. The shock - absorbing mechanism 32B has a telescopic shock absorber 36.

[0073] The telescopic damper 36 is, for example, a gas damper. The telescopic damper 36 is arranged to extend along the left-right direction D2. One end of the telescopic damper 36 (the bottom 362a of the cylinder portion 362 described later) is connected to the side wall 23. The other end of the telescopic damper 36 (the end 361b on the side opposite to the tip 361a of the rod 361 described later) is connected to the second main body portion 34. The telescopic damper 36 has a rod 361 and a cylinder portion 362. The rod 361 is a columnar member extending in the left-right direction D2. The rod 361 has a spherical tip 361a. The diameter of the tip 361a is larger than the outer diameter of the portion of the rod 361 other than the tip 361a (the portion extending in the left-right direction D2).

[0074] The cylinder portion 362 has a bottomed cylindrical shape. The tip 361a of the rod 361 is press-fitted into the inner peripheral surface of the cylinder portion 362. A seal member (not shown) is provided between the inner peripheral surface of the cylinder portion 362 and the tip 361a. Thereby, the internal space S between the bottom 362a of the cylinder portion 362 and the tip 361a of the rod 361 is hermetically sealed. For example, nitrogen gas is enclosed in the internal space S of the cylinder portion 362. Therefore, when the rod 361 is pushed into the cylinder portion 362 inward in the left-right direction D2, the pressure in the internal space S of the cylinder portion 362 increases.

[0075] When the second main body portion 34 is pushed relatively inward in the left-right direction D2 with respect to the first main body portion 33, since the second main body portion 34 approaches the side wall 23, the rod 361 connected to the second main body portion 34 is pushed into the cylinder portion 362. As a result, part of the energy of the impact from the second main body portion 34 is consumed by pushing the rod 361 into the cylinder portion 362 (that is, the increase in the pressure of the internal space S of the cylinder portion 362).

[0076] As described above, according to the second modification example, when the main body portion 31 (the second main body portion 34) is pushed in so as to approach the side wall 23, the telescopic shock absorber 36 can be contracted. That is, the rod 361 can be pushed into the cylinder portion 362. As a result, the energy of the impact applied to the main body portion 31 can be suitably absorbed by the telescopic shock absorber 36. As a result, the impact from the side to the seated child can be suitably alleviated. In the example of FIG. 7, the side impact corresponding member 3B has only a plurality (two) of telescopic shock absorbers 36, but the side impact corresponding member 3B may have one or three or more telescopic shock absorbers 36.

[0077] [Third Modification Example] The child seat 1C of the third modification example will be described with reference to FIG. 9. FIG. 9 is a schematic view showing the structure of the side impact corresponding member 3C according to the third modification example. The child seat 1C is mainly different from the child seat 1 in that it has a side impact corresponding member 3C instead of the side impact corresponding member 3. The side impact corresponding member 3C is mainly different from the side impact corresponding member 3 in that it has a shock absorption mechanism 32C instead of the shock absorption mechanism 32. The shock absorption mechanism 32C has a shock absorption material 37.

[0078] The shock absorption mechanism 32C is arranged so as to fill the gap S2. As an example, the shock absorption material 37 is arranged so as to completely fill the entire gap S2. The shock absorption material 37 is constituted by, for example, urethane. Alternatively, the shock absorption material 37 may be a bag-shaped member in which a gel, a liquid, air, or the like is enclosed inside.

[0079] According to the third modification example, by arranging the shock absorption mechanism 32C (the shock absorption material 37) in the entire region of the gap (gap S2 in the present embodiment) between at least a part of the side wall 23 and the main body portion 31, the shock absorption force of the shock absorption mechanism 32C can be enhanced. As a result, the impact from the side to the seated child can be suitably alleviated.

[0080] [Modification Example] As described above, some embodiments and some modifications of the present disclosure have been explained. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the configurations shown in each of the above embodiments and each modification. The materials and shapes of each configuration are not limited to the specific materials and shapes described above, and various materials and shapes other than those described above can be adopted. Further, some configurations included in each of the above embodiments and each modification may be appropriately omitted or changed, or can be arbitrarily combined.

[0081] For example, although the second main body portion 34 of the child seat 1 described above is configured to include the air cushion 341 as a shock absorption member, the second main body portion 34 may not include such a shock absorption member. For example, the second main body portion 34 may be formed of a material harder than the first main body portion 33 and may be configured by a member having no shock absorption property itself. Even in this case, since the shock absorption mechanism 32 can be preferably deformed or destroyed as the second main body portion 34 moves inward in the left-right direction D2, the effects of the child seat 1 described above can be obtained. Further, the second main body portion 34 may include a shock absorption member (shock absorption mechanism) other than the air cushion.

[0082] The main body portion 31 of the child seat 1 described above had the first main body portion 33 and the second main body portion 34, but the main body portion 31 may be an integrally formed member. The main body portion 31 may not be connected to the side wall 23. According to this configuration, since the entire portion constituting the main body portion 31 is pushed toward the side wall 23, the shock absorption mechanism 32 can be provided at any position between the main body portion 31 and the side wall 23.

[0083] The main body portion 31 of the child seat 1 described above had the protruding portion 34a, but the main body portion 31 may be a plate-shaped member extending parallel to the vertical direction D3. That is, the protruding portion 34a may be omitted.

[0084] The shock absorption mechanisms 32, 32A to 32C shown in the above-described embodiments and the first to third modification examples may be used in appropriate combinations. For example, the shock absorption mechanism provided between the main body portion 31 and the side wall 23 may have a plurality of types of configurations (for example, a combination of one or more support members 321 and one or more elastic members 35, etc.).

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0085] 1, 1A, 1B, 1C... child seat, 2... seat body, 3, 3A, 3B, 3C... side impact corresponding members, 21... seat portion, 22... back portion, 23... side wall, 24... grip, 25... leg portion, 31... main body portion, 32, 32A, 32B, 32C... shock absorption mechanisms, 33... first main body portion (first part), 33a... concave portion, 33b... through hole, 33c... through hole, 34... second main body portion (second part), 34a... protruding portion, 34b... through hole, 35... elastic member, 36... telescopic shock absorber, 37... shock absorption material, 221... backrest portion, 222... headrest, 223... adjustment portion, 223a... frame, 223b... cushion, 223c... extending portion, 223d... curved portion, 224... outer wall of the back portion, 225... inner wall of the back portion, 321... support member, 331... upper support portion, 332... lower support portion, 333... rear support portion, 334... front support portion, 335... thick portion, 336... thin portion, 341... air cushion, 341a... annular portion, 341b... side surface portion, 341c... curved portion, 341d... bottom portion, 341e... through hole, 341f... step portion, 342... outer fixture, 342a... annular portion, 342b... insertion pin, 343... inner fixture, 343a... annular portion, 343b... convex portion, 343c... pin fitting portion, 343d... concave portion, 361... rod, 361a... tip portion, 361b... end portion, 362... cylinder portion, 362a... bottom portion, S... internal space, S1, S2, S3... gaps, S4... internal space, B... outer edge, R... corner portion.

Claims

1. A child seat includes a seat body on which a child sits and a side-impact response member that absorbs an impact from the side of the seat body. The seat body includes a seat portion extending in a first direction and in a second direction intersecting the first direction, a back portion connected to one end of the seat portion in the first direction and extending in the second direction and in a third direction intersecting both the first direction and the second direction, and a side wall connected to one end of the back portion in the second direction and extending in the first direction and the third direction. The side-impact response member is disposed outside the side wall in the second direction. The side-impact response member has a main body portion disposed spaced apart from and facing at least a part of the side wall in the second direction, and a shock absorption mechanism disposed between the main body portion and at least a part of the side wall and connected to the main body portion and the side wall.

2. The main body portion has a first portion connected to the side wall and a second portion connected to the first portion in a manner movable relative to the first portion toward the side wall. The shock absorption mechanism is disposed between the second portion and the side wall. The child seat according to claim 1.

3. The second portion includes a protruding portion protruding outward in the second direction. The child seat according to claim 2.

4. The hardness of the material constituting the shock absorption mechanism is lower than the hardness of the material constituting the main body portion and the hardness of the material constituting the side wall. The child seat according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The shock absorption mechanism has an elastic member that expands and contracts in the second direction. The child seat according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. The shock absorption mechanism has a telescopic shock absorber that expands and contracts in the second direction. The child seat according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

7. The shock absorption mechanism is disposed so as to fill a gap between at least a part of the side wall and the main body portion. The child seat according to any one of claims 1 to 3. ​

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