Vehicular seat

Abstract

To enhance a degree of freedom of layout of an electric component and a control instrument or the like and reduce unnecessary time and efforts and costs required in cable wiring.SOLUTION: A vehicular seat 310 comprises: a seat main body on which an occupant is seated; and a wireless power supply mechanism 350 provided in the seat main body. The seat main body has: one member; and the other member connected to the one member to be turnable with a rotating shaft as a center. The wireless power supply mechanism 350 has: an electric power transmitting part 351, arranged at the one member side in an area around the rotating shaft, which receives supply of electric power from a power supply part; and an electric power receiving part 352, arranged at the other member side in the area around the rotating shaft, which receives wirelessly supply of electric power from the electric power transmitting part 351. The seat main body is constituted including a seat frame constituting a frame, and out of the power transmitting part and the power receiving part, one is arranged on an inner surface of the seat frame, and the other is arranged on an external surface of the seat frame.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, many electrical components and control devices have been installed in vehicle seats, and power supply and information communication from the vehicle body side have become indispensable. Therefore, many cables for communication and power supply are wired from the vehicle body side to the seat cushion and seat back (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, when many cables for communication and power supply are wired, these many cables occupy space, and the degree of freedom in layout when installing electrical components and control devices may be restricted. Furthermore, when the reclining mechanism operates, the cables wired on the seat back side are bent each time, so it is necessary to improve the durability of the cables, but this will incur extra labor and cost.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and its problem is to improve the degree of freedom in layout of electrical components and control devices, etc., and to reduce the extra labor and cost associated with cable wiring.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the invention according to claim 1 is a vehicle seat, comprising: a seat body on which an occupant sits; a wireless power feeding mechanism provided on the seat body; The seat body includes: one member; and another member rotatably connected to the one member about a rotation axis. The wireless power feeding mechanism includes: a power transmission unit disposed on the one-member side in a peripheral region of the rotation axis and receiving power supply from a power supply unit; a power reception unit disposed on the other-member side in a peripheral region of the rotation axis and wirelessly receiving power supply from the power transmission unit. The seat body includes a seat frame constituting a skeleton. Among the power transmission unit and the power reception unit, one is disposed on an inner surface of the seat frame, and the other is disposed on an outer surface of the seat frame.

[0007] The invention according to claim 2 is the vehicle seat according to claim 1, wherein the power reception unit is connected to be capable of supplying power to an article attached to the seat body. Here, the power transmission unit and the power reception unit may be arranged to wrap in a direction along the axial direction of the rotation axis.

[0008] The invention according to claim 3 is the vehicle seat according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the seat body includes a pad supported by the seat frame and a skin covering the pad, and has a slide mechanism for sliding the seat body at least in the front-rear direction and a height adjustment mechanism for adjusting the height of the seat body. Further, the power transmission unit and the power reception unit may be arranged so as to trace the locus of the rotation operation of the other member about the rotation axis.

[0009] The invention according to claim 4 is the vehicle seat according to claim 3, wherein At least one of the power transmission unit and the power reception unit is formed in an arc shape that traces the locus of the rotation operation of the other member.

[0010] The invention according to claim 5 is the vehicle seat according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein A plurality of the wireless power feeding mechanisms are provided in the seat body, Among the plurality of wireless power feeding mechanisms, a power reception unit in one of the wireless power feeding mechanisms and a power transmission unit in the other wireless power feeding mechanism are connected so as to be capable of power feeding.

[0011] The invention according to claim 6 is the vehicle seat according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein The one member is a seat cushion that supports the buttocks and thighs of the occupant, The other member is a seat back that supports the back of the occupant, The seat body further has a reclining mechanism that rotatably connects the seat back to the seat cushion about the rotation axis, The power transmission unit is disposed on the seat cushion side in the peripheral region of the rotation axis, The power reception unit is disposed on the seat back side in the peripheral region of the rotation axis.

[0012] The invention according to claim 7 is the vehicle seat according to claim 6, wherein The reclining mechanism includes a reclining cover that covers the peripheral region of the rotation axis, The power transmission unit is attached to the back surface of the reclining cover.

[0013] The invention according to claim 8 is a vehicle seat according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein one of the members is a seat back that supports the back of an occupant, the other member is an armrest that supports the arm of the occupant, the seat body further has an angle adjustment mechanism that rotatably connects the armrest to the seat back about the rotation axis, the power transmission unit is disposed on the seat back side in the peripheral region of the rotation axis, the power reception unit is disposed on the armrest side in the peripheral region of the rotation axis, which is characterized.

[0014] The invention according to claim 9 is a vehicle seat according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the seat body includes a seat frame that constitutes a skeleton, one of the power transmission unit and the power reception unit is disposed on the inner surface of the seat frame, and the other is disposed on the outer surface of the seat frame, which is characterized.

[0015] The invention according to claim 10 is a vehicle seat according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the power reception unit is connected to be capable of supplying power to an article attached to the seat body, which is characterized.

Advantages of the Invention

[0016] According to the invention described in claim 1, the wireless power supply mechanism includes a power transmission unit disposed on one member side in the peripheral region of the rotation axis and receiving power supply from the power supply unit, and a power reception unit disposed on the other member side in the peripheral region of the rotation axis and wirelessly receiving power supply from the power transmission unit. Therefore, when supplying power from one member side to the other member side, it can be performed wirelessly. Thereby, the degree of freedom in the layout of electrical components, control devices, etc. provided in the seat body is improved, and it is easy to reduce the extra labor and cost associated with the wiring of cables spanning from one member side to the other member side. In addition, since one of the power transmission unit and the power reception unit is disposed on the inner surface of the seat frame and the other is disposed on the outer surface of the seat frame, one of the power transmission unit and the power reception unit can be housed inside the seat body, contributing to the miniaturization of the seat body.

[0017] According to the invention described in claim 2, since the power reception unit is connectable to supply power to an article attached to the seat body, a function of the attached article can be imparted to the seat body, contributing to an improvement in comfort when sitting. In addition, the power transmission unit and the power reception unit are arranged to wrap in the direction along the axial direction of the rotation axis, so that even if the other member rotates with respect to the one member, the power reception unit can receive wireless power supply from the power transmission unit.

[0018] Further, the power transmission unit and the power reception unit are arranged so as to follow the locus of the rotation operation of the other member around the rotation axis. Even if the other member rotates with respect to the one member, the power reception unit can easily receive wireless power supply from the power transmission unit.

[0019] According to the invention described in claim 4, at least one of the power transmission unit and the power reception unit is formed in an arc shape following the locus of the rotation operation of the other member. Even if the other member rotates with respect to the one member, the power reception unit can more easily receive wireless power supply from the power transmission unit.

[0020] According to the invention described in claim 5, since the power reception unit in one of the plurality of wireless power supply mechanisms and the power transmission unit in the other wireless power supply mechanism are connectable to supply power, a plurality of wireless power supply mechanisms can be used in cooperation in one seat body. As a result, the wiring inside the seat body can be reduced as much as possible, and the degree of freedom in the layout of electrical components, control devices, etc. provided in the seat body can be improved.

[0021] According to the invention described in claim 6, since the power transmission unit is arranged on the seat cushion side in the peripheral area of the rotating shaft in the reclining mechanism, and the power reception unit is arranged on the seat back side in the peripheral area of the rotating shaft in the reclining mechanism, power can be supplied wirelessly when supplying power from the seat cushion side to the seat back side. This can improve the degree of freedom in the layout of electrical components and control devices provided in the seat body, and it is easy to reduce the extra labor and cost associated with the wiring of cables spanning from the seat cushion side to the seat back side.

[0022] According to the invention described in claim 7, since the power transmission unit is attached to the back surface of the reclining cover that covers the peripheral area of the rotating shaft, it is easy to arrange the power transmission unit in the peripheral area of the rotating shaft. Also, since the power transmission unit is not attached to the seat body side, there is no need to process the seat body side, which is convenient for attaching the power transmission unit.

[0023] According to the invention described in claim 8, since the power transmission unit is arranged on the seat back side in the peripheral area of the rotating shaft in the armrest angle adjustment mechanism, and the power reception unit is arranged on the armrest side in the peripheral area of the rotating shaft in the armrest angle adjustment mechanism, power can be supplied wirelessly when supplying power from the seat back side to the armrest side. This can improve the degree of freedom in the layout of electrical components and control devices provided in the seat body, and it is easy to reduce the extra labor and cost associated with the wiring of cables spanning from the seat back side to the armrest side.

[0024] According to the invention described in claim 9, since one of the power transmission unit and the power reception unit is arranged on the inner surface of the seat frame and the other is arranged on the outer surface of the seat frame, one of the power transmission unit and the power reception unit can be housed inside the seat body, contributing to the miniaturization of the seat body.

[0025] According to the invention described in claim 10, since the power receiving unit is connected so as to be able to supply power to the articles attached to the seat body, functions of the attached articles can be imparted to the seat body, contributing to an improvement in comfort when sitting.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0026]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0027] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, although various technically preferable limitations are imposed on the embodiments described below for carrying out the present invention, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments and illustrated examples.

[0028] In addition, the vehicle seat described below includes vehicle seats for ships, airplanes, snowmobiles, water bikes, etc., but mainly refers to vehicle seats for vehicles. Vehicles include not only straddle-type or non-straddle-type motorcycles and automobiles (passenger cars), but also bicycles, motorized bicycles, construction vehicles, military vehicles, industrial vehicles, railway vehicles, and other agricultural vehicles such as cultivators and tractors. And passengers sit on the vehicle seat. In the present embodiment, the vehicle seat 310 in an automobile will be described as an example.

[0029] The vehicle seat 310 includes, as a seat body, a seat cushion 311 that supports a person's thigh and hip, a seat back 312 whose lower end is supported by the seat cushion 311 and serves as a backrest, a reclining mechanism 313 that tilts (rotates) the seat back 312 with respect to the seat cushion 311, a headrest 314 that supports a person's head, and an armrest 315 that supports a person's arm. Such a seat body is supported by a support base 316 fixed to the vehicle body 1 of the automobile. Further, if necessary, an auxiliary support part such as an ottoman that supports a person's legs is provided. Note that the support base 316 has a slide mechanism that slides the seat body at least in the front-rear direction (and the left-right direction), and a height adjustment mechanism that adjusts the height of the seat body.

[0030] The reclining mechanism 313 and the armrest 315 are movable parts of the seat body. That is, the movable parts in the present embodiment refer to mechanisms that support a part of the occupant's body and operate to adjust the position of that part of the body.

[0031] The vehicle seat 310 is composed of a seat frame 320 that constitutes a skeleton, and a pad 330 supported by the seat frame 320, which is covered with a seat cover 340 that serves as an outer skin. The seat frame 320 and the pad 330 are provided with electrical components, control devices, etc. necessary to impart various functions to the vehicle seat 310. The seat cover 340 also covers these electrical components, control devices, etc.

[0032] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 6, the seat frame 320 includes a seat cushion frame 321 that constitutes the skeleton of the seat cushion 311, a seat back frame 322 that constitutes the skeleton of the seat back 312, reclining constituent members 323a, 323b, 323c that constitute the reclining mechanism 313, a headrest frame (not shown) that constitutes the skeleton of the headrest 314, and an armrest frame 325 that constitutes the skeleton of the armrest 315.

[0033] A pad 330 is provided on the seat cushion frame 321, and the seat cushion frame 321 and the pad 330 are covered by a seat cover 340.

[0034] The seat cushion frame 321 has a pair of left and right cushion side frames 321a, a back pipe frame 321c, a pan frame (not shown), and a pressure receiving member (not shown).

[0035] The pair of left and right cushion side frames 321a are formed to be long in the front-rear direction and are connected to the seat back frame 322 via the reclining mechanism 313 at the rear end portion.

[0036] The back pipe frame 321c is a pipe material. The back pipe frame 321c is spanned between the rear end portions of the pair of left and right cushion side frames 321a and connects the rear end portions of the pair of left and right cushion side frames 321a.

[0037] The pan frame is a pressure receiving member made of a metal or resin plate material that receives the load of the occupant, connects the front end portions of the respective cushion side frames 321a, and is located below the thigh portion of the occupant when seated in the normal driving position.

[0038] The pressure-receiving member is constituted by, for example, an S-spring, with its rear end hooked to the back pipe frame 321c and its front end hooked to the rear end in the pan frame. This pressure-receiving member is positioned below the buttocks of the occupant when seated in the normal driving position.

[0039] Subsequently, a pad 330 is provided on the front side of the seat back frame 322, and these seat back frame 322 and pad 330 are covered by a seat cover 340 that constitutes the surface of the seat back 312.

[0040] The seat back frame 322 has a pair of left and right back side frames 322a, an upper frame 322c, a lower frame 322d, and a pressure-receiving member (not shown).

[0041] A pair of left and right back side frames 322a are formed to be long in the vertical direction and are connected to the seat cushion frame 321 via a reclining mechanism 313 at their lower ends.

[0042] The upper frame 322c is a pipe material and is bent into a U-shape. And the left and right ends (lower ends) are welded and joined to the upper ends of a pair of left and right back side frames 322a, connecting the upper ends of each back side frame 322a. Note that although the upper frame 322c in the present embodiment is a pipe material, it may be formed by sheet metal processing of a metal plate.

[0043] The lower frame 322d is a pipe material, and the left and right ends are welded and joined to the rear side of the lower ends of a pair of left and right back side frames 322a, connecting the lower ends of each back side frame 322a.

[0044] The pressure-receiving member is constituted by, for example, an S-spring, and its left and right end portions are attached to the inner sides in the left-right direction of a pair of left and right backside frames 322a. This pressure-receiving member is positioned behind the back of the occupant when seated in the normal driving position.

[0045] Subsequently, a reclining mechanism 313 constituted by reclining constituent members 323a, 323b, 323c connects the seat cushion frame 321 and the seat back frame 322 and enables the seat back frame 322 to rotate with respect to the seat cushion frame 321. The reclining mechanism 313 includes a reclining adjuster 323a, a bracket 323b, a shaft rod 323c, and a biasing member (not shown).

[0046] The reclining adjuster 323a is an angle adjustment mechanism composed of a plurality of members for adjusting the inclination angle of the seat back 312, and is provided at the lower part of the side surfaces of a pair of left and right backside frames 322a in the seat back frame 322.

[0047] The bracket 323b is integrally fixed to the seat cushion frame 321 and connected to the reclining adjuster 323a to connect the seat cushion 311 and the seat back 312. This enables the seat back 312 to rotate with respect to the seat cushion 311. Such a bracket 323b is formed by sheet metal working a metal plate, and a pair of left and right brackets are provided. Each bracket 323b has a plate shape extending parallel to the side surface of the seat cushion frame 321.

[0048] The shaft rod 323c penetrates through the lower ends of the pair of left and right backside frames 322a, the left and right reclining adjusters 323a, and the left and right brackets 323b, and rotatably supports the seat back 312 with respect to the seat cushion 311. That is, the seat back 312 is a rotating member that rotates with respect to the seat cushion 311 with the shaft rod 323c as the rotation axis. A lever (not shown) is attached to one end of the shaft rod 323c. When the lever is moved back and forth (or up and down), it rotates in accordance with the movement of the lever.

[0049] The biasing member biases the seat back frame 322 and is disposed on the backside frame 322a side of the reclining adjuster 323a. The biasing member according to the present embodiment is a wound spring wound around the shaft rod 323c one or more times. One end of the biasing member engages with the seat back frame 322, and the other end engages directly or indirectly with the bracket 323b. Thereby, the biasing member biases the seat back frame 322 forward.

[0050] When a lever (not shown) is pulled, the reclining mechanism 313 according to the present embodiment configured as described above is in an unlocked state in accordance with the movement. While in this state, the seat back frame 322 can be adjusted to an arbitrary angle. On the other hand, when the lever is released, the reclining mechanism 313 is in a locked state.

[0051] Further, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the reclining mechanism 313 in the present embodiment is covered by a reclining cover 313a that simultaneously covers the reclining mechanism 313, the side surface of the seat cushion 311, and the upper end side surface of the support base 316.

[0052] Subsequently, the armrest frame 325 is provided with a pad 330 on its surface, and the armrest frame 325 and the pad 330 are covered by a seat cover 340 that constitutes the surface of the armrest 315.

[0053] The armrest frame 325 is attached to the backside frame 322a via an angle adjustment mechanism 325a for adjusting the vertical angle. That is, the armrest 315, which is a rotating member, can be rotated vertically with respect to the seat back frame 322 by the angle adjustment mechanism 325a, and its angle can be adjusted.

[0054] The angle adjustment mechanism 325a has a rotating shaft 325b that protrudes from the backside frame 322a toward the side armrest frame 325. That is, the armrest 315 is a rotating member that rotates with respect to the seat back 312 around the rotating shaft 325b of the angle adjustment mechanism 325a.

[0055] In the vehicle seat 310 configured as described above, electrical components, control devices, etc. necessary for imparting various functions to the vehicle seat 310 as described above are provided. Conventionally, as shown in FIG. 3, a wired connection was made from the power supply unit to the electrical components by a cable 5 (also called a harness), but since the reclining mechanism 313 and the armrest 315 are rotating members and movable parts that perform the above-described operations, it has been desired to omit the cable 5. Therefore, a wireless power supply mechanism 350 for wirelessly supplying power to electrical components and control devices is provided in the vehicle seat 310 in the vicinity of the movable parts (reclining mechanism 313, armrest 315) at a position that does not interfere with the operation of the movable parts. The wireless power supply mechanism 350 in the present embodiment includes a power transmission unit 351 and a power reception unit 352.

[0056] Here, examples of the method (wireless power supply method) in which the wireless power supply mechanism 350 supplies power wirelessly (that is, non - contact) include an electromagnetic induction method, a magnetic field resonance method, an electric field coupling method, a radio wave reception method, and the like. The electromagnetic induction method is a method in which an induction magnetic flux is generated between a transmission - side coil and a reception - side coil by passing an electric current through the transmission - side coil in a state where the transmission - side coil and the reception - side coil are close to each other, and an induced electromotive force is generated in the reception - side coil through this induced magnetic flux. The magnetic field resonance method is a method of supplying power by embedding coils and capacitors on the power transmission side and the power reception side, respectively, and causing the respective resonators to resonate magnetically. The electric field coupling method is a method of supplying power by installing electrodes on the power transmission side and the power reception side, respectively, and using the electric field generated when the respective electrodes are close to each other. The radio wave reception method is a method of supplying power by converting an electric current into an electromagnetic wave on the power transmission side and sending it to the power reception side. In this radio wave reception method, the power reception side receives the electromagnetic wave from the antenna, converts it into a direct current through a rectifier circuit, and uses it as power.

[0057] In this embodiment, the electromagnetic induction method is adopted as the wireless power supply method. The power transmission unit 351 is configured with a transmission-side coil provided inside the housing, and receives power supply from the vehicle body 1 side. The power reception unit 352 is configured with a reception-side coil provided inside the housing, and receives wireless power supply from the power transmission unit 351. More specifically, an electromotive force is generated in the power reception unit 352 through the induction magnetic flux generated by the power supplied from the vehicle body 1 side to the power transmission unit 351. The housings of the power transmission unit 351 and the power reception unit 352 are formed in an arc shape as shown in FIGS. 2 and 5.

[0058] It is ensured that there is no obstacle, for example, that inhibits wireless power supply, or that an obstacle is not placed at a position where the magnetic flux passes, between the power transmission unit 351 and the power reception unit 352. In addition, the power transmission unit 351 and the power reception unit 352 are arranged so as to maintain a constant interval (constant distance) as much as possible in order to ensure good power transmission efficiency. In addition, the distance between the power transmission unit 351 and the power reception unit 352 is arranged to be as short as possible in order to ensure good power transmission efficiency and to miniaturize the power transmission unit 351. Furthermore, the power transmission unit 351 and the power reception unit 352 are arranged to be as parallel as possible as shown in FIGS. 3 and 6 in order to ensure good power transmission efficiency. In addition, the power transmission unit 351 and the power reception unit 352 are arranged so that the displacement in the vertical and horizontal directions is as small as possible in order to ensure good power transmission efficiency. More specifically, the power transmission unit 351 and the power reception unit 352 are arranged to wrap around each other (as will be described later).

[0059] The housing of the power transmission unit 351 is made of a material such as resin that does not hinder wireless power supply between the power transmission unit 351 and the power reception unit 352, at least on the surface facing the power reception unit 352 side.

[0060] Also, in the case of the reclining mechanism 313, as shown in FIG. 2, the power transmission unit 351 is arranged on the upper edge of the bracket 323b in the reclining mechanism 313. In the case of the reclining mechanism 313, the power transmission unit 351 is covered from the side by the reclining cover 313a. FIG. 4 shows the back side of the reclining cover 313a, and the power transmission unit 351 is attached corresponding to the arc-shaped portion at the upper end of the reclining cover 313a. That is, the power transmission unit 351 is attached to the back surface of the reclining cover 313a, and when the reclining mechanism 313 is covered by the reclining cover 313a, the power transmission unit 351 is arranged at the position of the upper edge of the bracket 323b. Note that the angle and length of the arc of the arc-shaped housing of the power transmission unit 351 attached to the back surface of the reclining cover 313a are set to be substantially equal to the angle and length of the arc at the upper edge of the bracket 323b.

[0061] In the case of the armrest 315, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the power transmission unit 351 is attached to the inner surface of the backside frame 322a facing the base end portion of the armrest 315. The power transmission unit 351 arranged inside the backside frame 322a is covered by the seat cover 340 together with the pad 330. The angle and length of the arc of the arc-shaped housing of the power transmission unit 351 attached to the inner surface of the backside frame 322a are set to be substantially equal to the angle and length of the arc at the base end portion of the armrest 315.

[0062] Note that the mounting position of the power transmission unit 351 is not limited to the above locations (the back surface of the reclining cover 313a and the inner side surface of the backside frame 322a) as long as there is a gap where the housing can be placed, it is in the vicinity of the movable parts (reclining mechanism 313, armrest 315), and it can be arranged in a wrapped manner with the power reception unit 352. For example, in the above case, the power transmission unit 351 is attached to the back surface of the reclining cover 313a, but the power transmission unit 351 may be attached to the upper edge of the bracket 323b.

[0063] The power reception unit 352 has a function of wirelessly receiving power supply from the power transmission unit 351. Such a power reception unit 352 is arranged so as to wrap around the power transmission unit 351. Also, the power reception unit 352 supplies the supplied power to electrical components and control devices connected to itself.

[0064] That is, in the case of the reclining mechanism 313, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the power reception unit 352 is attached to the upper edge of the reclining adjuster 323a and the side surface of the backside frame 322a in the reclining mechanism 313. The angle and length of the arc of the housing formed in an arc shape are set to be substantially equal to the angle and length of the arc at the upper edge of the reclining adjuster 323a. Note that since the power reception unit 352 is attached to the side surface of the backside frame 322a with a large surface area, the heat of the conversion loss when converting from magnetic field to electricity can be easily dissipated by the backside frame 322a with a large surface area.

[0065] In the case of the armrest 315, as shown in FIG. 5, the power reception unit 352 is attached to the upper edge of the base end portion in the armrest 315. The angle and length of the arc of the housing formed in an arc shape are set to be substantially equal to the angle and length of the arc at the base end portion of the armrest 315.

[0066] The power receiving unit 352 is arranged to wrap around the power transmitting unit 351. Since the shapes of both are based on the shape of the movable part, even when the reclining mechanism 313 and the armrest 315, which are movable parts, operate, the power receiving unit 352 and the power transmitting unit 351 will still be arranged to wrap around each other. In short, in the case of the reclining mechanism 313, the power transmitting unit 351 and the power receiving unit 352 are formed and arranged so as to follow the orbit (locus) of the operation of the reclining mechanism 313, which is a movable part. Furthermore, in the case of the armrest 315, the power transmitting unit 351 and the power receiving unit 352 are formed and arranged so as to follow the orbit (locus) of the operation of the armrest 315, which is a movable part. However, when the shapes and sizes of the power transmitting unit 351 and the power receiving unit 352 are formed such that one is larger and the other is smaller, and the smaller one moves within the area range of the larger one, the state of being arranged to wrap around each other can always be maintained. Therefore, it is not necessary to make the shapes and sizes of the power transmitting unit 351 and the power receiving unit 352 the same.

[0067] Note that the distance between the power transmitting unit 351 and the power receiving unit 352 in the case of the reclining mechanism 313 is set to about 5 mm. Also, in the case of the armrest 315, since the backside frame 322a is interposed between the power transmitting unit 351 and the power receiving unit 352, an opening is formed in the portion of the backside frame 322a located between the power transmitting unit 351 and the power receiving unit, or the portion is formed of a non-metallic material that does not inhibit wireless power supply, so as to ensure reliable wireless power supply.

[0068] Even when the movable parts such as the reclining mechanism 313 and the armrest 315 of the vehicle seat 310 as described above operate, wireless power supply is performed from the power transmitting unit 351 to the power receiving unit 352, and power supply to the electrical components and control devices connected to the power receiving unit 352 is reliably performed. More specifically, the power from the power supply unit on the vehicle body 1 side is first supplied to the power transmitting unit 351 near the reclining mechanism 313. Then, the power from the power transmitting unit 351 is wirelessly supplied to the opposing power receiving unit 352. In addition, the power receiving unit 352 near the reclining mechanism 313 can supply power to electrical components and control devices connected to itself. Further, if this power receiving unit 352 is cable-connected to the power transmitting unit 351 near the armrest 315, it can supply power to the power transmitting unit 351. That is, a plurality of wireless power supply mechanisms 350 can be connected and used with a single seat body.

[0069] In the present embodiment, a pattern in which the seat cushion 311 is one member and the seat back 312 is the other member, and a pattern in which the seat back 312 is one member and the armrest 315 is the other member of the seat body have been described, but other patterns may also be used. For example, a pattern of the seat cushion 311 that rotates with respect to the support base 316 and can be folded, or a pattern of the headrest 314 that rotates with respect to the seat back 312 and can be angle-adjusted may be used.

[0070] According to the present embodiment, the following excellent effects are obtained. That is, the wireless power supply mechanism 350 includes a power transmitting unit 351 that is disposed on one member side in the peripheral region of the rotation shafts 323c and 325b and receives power supply from the power supply unit, and a power receiving unit 352 that is disposed on the other member side in the peripheral region of the rotation shafts 323c and 325b and receives wireless power supply from the power transmitting unit 351. Therefore, when supplying power from one member side to the other member side, it can be performed wirelessly. Thereby, the degree of freedom in the layout of electrical components and control devices provided in the seat body is improved, and it is easy to reduce the extra labor and cost associated with the wiring of the cable 5 that straddles from one member side to the other member side.

[0071] In addition, since the power transmitting unit 351 and the power receiving unit 352 are arranged to wrap in the direction along the axial direction of the rotation shafts 323c and 325b, even if the other member rotates with respect to the one member, the power receiving unit 352 can receive wireless power supply from the power transmitting unit 351.

[0072] In addition, since the power transmission unit 351 and the power reception unit 352 are arranged so as to trace the locus of the rotation of the other member about the rotation axes 323c and 325b, even if the other member rotates with respect to the one member, the power reception unit 352 can easily receive wireless power supply from the power transmission unit 351.

[0073] Further, at least one of the power transmission unit 351 and the power reception unit 352 is formed in an arc shape that traces the locus of the rotation operation of the other member. Therefore, even if the other member rotates with respect to the one member, the power reception unit 352 can more easily receive wireless power supply from the power transmission unit 351.

[0074] Also, among the plurality of wireless power supply mechanisms 350, the power reception unit 352 in one wireless power supply mechanism 350 and the power transmission unit 351 in the other wireless power supply mechanism 350 are connected so as to enable power supply. Therefore, a plurality of wireless power supply mechanisms 350 can be used in cooperation on one seat body. As a result, wiring inside the seat body can be reduced as much as possible, and the degree of freedom in the layout of electrical components, control devices, etc. provided in the seat body can be improved.

[0075] In addition, the power transmission unit 351 is arranged on the seat cushion 311 side in the peripheral region of the rotation axis 323c in the reclining mechanism 313, and the power reception unit 352 is arranged on the seat back 312 side in the peripheral region of the rotation axis 323c in the reclining mechanism 313. Therefore, when supplying power from the seat cushion 311 side to the seat back 312 side, it can be performed wirelessly. As a result, the degree of freedom in the layout of electrical components, control devices, etc. provided in the seat body is improved, and it is easy to reduce the extra labor and cost associated with the wiring of the cable 5 spanning from the seat cushion 311 side to the seat back 312 side.

[0076] In addition, since the power transmission unit 351 is attached to the back surface of the reclining cover 313a that covers the peripheral area of the rotation axis 323c, it is easy to arrange the power transmission unit 351 in the peripheral area of the rotation axis 323c. Also, since the power transmission unit 351 is not attached to the seat body side, there is no need to perform processing on the seat body side, which is convenient for attaching the power transmission unit 351.

[0077] In addition, the power transmission unit 351 is arranged on the seat back 312 side of the peripheral area of the rotation axis 325b in the angle adjustment mechanism 325a of the armrest 315, and the power reception unit 352 is arranged on the armrest 315 side of the peripheral area of the rotation axis 325b in the angle adjustment mechanism 325a of the armrest 315. Therefore, when supplying power from the seat back 312 side to the armrest 315 side, it can be performed wirelessly. This improves the degree of freedom in the layout of electrical components, control devices, etc. provided in the seat body, and also easily reduces the extra labor and cost associated with the wiring of the cable 5 that spans from the seat back 312 side to the armrest 315 side.

[0078] In addition, since one of the power transmission unit 351 and the power reception unit 352 is arranged on the inner surface of the seat frame 320 and the other is arranged on the outer surface of the seat frame 320, one of the power transmission unit 351 and the power reception unit 352 can be housed inside the seat body, contributing to the miniaturization of the seat body.

[0079] 〔Modification Example〕 Note that the embodiments to which the present invention is applicable are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be appropriately changed without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Hereinafter, modification examples will be described. The following modification examples may be combined as much as possible. Also, in each of the following modification examples, elements common to the above-described embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted or simplified.

[0080] The armrest 315 in this modification example includes a remote control 315a as an accessory. The remote control 315a is for operating, for example, the navigation system of an automobile, and can be stored in a storage recess 315b formed on the upper surface of the armrest 315a.

[0081] Since the power transmission unit 351 and the power reception unit 352 in this modified example are not provided on the movable part, they are not formed in an arc shape like the power transmission unit 351 and the power reception unit 352 in the above-described embodiment.

[0082] The power transmission unit 351 of the wireless power supply mechanism 350 is provided at the bottom of the storage recess 315b, and the power reception unit 352 of the wireless power supply mechanism 350 is provided on the remote control 315a. Further, the remote control 315a incorporates a rechargeable battery and is connected to the power reception unit 352. As a result, the remote control 315a can be taken out of the storage recess 315b and used wirelessly. Therefore, for example, even when the driver cannot release their hand during driving, a passenger in the rear seat can use the remote control 315a to operate the navigation system.

[0083] The power transmission unit 351 provided at the bottom of the storage recess 315b may be connected by cable to the power reception unit 352 of another wireless power supply mechanism 350 and receive power supply from the power reception unit 352 of the other wireless power supply mechanism 350.

[0084] According to this modified example, since the power reception unit 352 is connected to be able to supply power to an article (remote control 315a) attached to the seat body, a function by the attached article can be given to the seat body, contributing to an improvement in comfort when sitting.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0085] 1 Vehicle body 5 Cable 310 Vehicle seat 311 Seat cushion 312 Seat back 313 Reclining mechanism 313a Reclining cover 314 Headrest 315 Armrest 315a Storage recess 316b Remote control 320 Seat frame 321 Seat cushion frame 322 Seat back frame 322a Back side frame 323a Reclining adjuster 323b Bracket 323c Shaft rod 325 Armrest frame 325a Angle adjustment mechanism 350 Wireless power supply mechanism 351 Power transmission unit 352 Power reception unit

Claims

1. A seat body on which an occupant sits, and a wireless power supply mechanism provided on the seat body, wherein the seat body has one member, and the other member that is rotatably connected to the one member about a rotation axis, wherein the wireless power supply mechanism has a power transmission part that is arranged on the one-member side of the peripheral region of the rotation axis and receives power supply from a power supply part, and a power reception part that is arranged on the other-member side of the peripheral region of the rotation axis and wirelessly receives power supply from the power transmission part, wherein the seat body is configured to include a seat frame that constitutes a skeleton, and a vehicle seat, characterized in that, among the power transmission part and the power reception part, one is arranged on the inner surface of the seat frame and the other is arranged on the outer surface of the seat frame.

2. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, characterized in that the power reception part is connected so as to be able to supply power to an article attached to the seat body.

3. The seat body includes a pad supported by the seat frame and a skin covering the pad, and the vehicle seat according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it has a slide mechanism for sliding the seat body at least in the front-rear direction and a height adjustment mechanism for adjusting the height of the seat body.

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