Seat

Abstract

To provide a seat in which ventilation holes can be appropriately formed at positions closer to the edge of a main pad even if the main pad is separated from side pads.SOLUTION: A seat includes a seat pad that elastically supports an occupant seated, where the seat pad comprises three divided elements: a main pad A1 forming a central portion in a seat width direction, and side pads B1 forming both side portions in the seat width direction. The main pad A1 has a ventilation hole A12 formed on the side edge facing the side pad B1 in the seat width direction, where the ventilation hole penetrates through the entire thickness of the pad in the thickness direction and opens outwardly in the seat width direction. The seat further includes an extending portion A41, serving as an abutting member, which is applied to the side surface of the main pad A1 so as to cover the ventilation hole A12 from the outside in the seat width direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a seat, and more particularly to a seat having a seat pad that elastically supports a seated person. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a seat in which vent holes are formed in the seat pad to allow air to pass through in the thickness direction of the pad. The vent holes are formed so as to open on the surface of the seat pad. The vent holes are opened by a blower located on the back side of the pad to draw air from the front side of the seat, improving the comfort of the seated occupant. The vent holes are located toward the outside in the seat width direction to prevent them from being blocked by the occupant sitting in the seat. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-11776 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the configuration described in Patent Document 1, when the seat pad is divided into a main pad that forms the center portion in the seat width direction and side pads that form both side portions, it is difficult to position the vent holes formed in the main pad outward in the seat width direction. This is because if the vent holes are positioned too close to the edges of the main pad, it becomes difficult to ensure an appropriate thickness for the peripheral walls of the vent holes. Therefore, the present invention provides a seat that allows vent holes to be appropriately positioned near the edges of the main pad even when the main pad is separated from the side pads. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] To solve the above problems, the sheet of the present invention employs the following means.

[0006] That is, the first invention of the present invention is a seat having a seat pad that elastically supports a seat occupant, the seat pad consisting of three divided elements: a main pad that forms the central part of the seat width direction, and side pads that form both side parts of the seat width direction, the main pad has an air vent that penetrates in the pad thickness direction at the side edge opposite one of the side pads in the seat width direction so as to open outward in the seat width direction over the entire area in the pad thickness direction, and the seat further has a pad member that is placed on the side of the main pad so as to cover the air vent from the outside in the seat width direction.

[0007] According to the first aspect of the present invention, the vent holes are positioned close to the side edges of the main pad so that they open outward, making it possible to provide the vent holes in a position where they are less likely to be blocked by a seated occupant. Furthermore, by providing a cover member that covers the vent holes from the outside in the seat width direction, the sealing performance of the vent holes is improved, allowing the vent holes to function properly.

[0008] The second invention of the present invention is a sheet according to the first invention, further comprising a flow path cover that is attached to the back surface of the pad so as to cover the air distribution groove formed along the back surface of the main pad, and the attaching member is made of an extension portion that extends from the side edge of the flow path cover in the sheet width direction.

[0009] According to the second aspect of the present invention, the backing member can be rationally formed by utilizing the configuration of the flow path cover. Specifically, by using a backing member that extends continuously from the flow path cover that covers the ventilation groove, when the ventilation holes extend continuously from the ventilation groove, these can be appropriately covered.

[0010] A third invention of the present invention is a seat according to the first or second invention, further comprising a main cover that covers the main pad from the front side of the pad, the main cover having a retraction portion that retracts the main pad to the back side of the pad so as to wrap around the main pad from the side of the seat, and the retraction portion presses the contact member against the side of the main pad.

[0011] According to the third aspect of the present invention, the recessed portion of the main cover allows the contact member to be pressed against the side surface of the main pad in an appropriate manner, thereby appropriately improving the sealing performance of the vent hole.

[0012] A fourth invention of the present invention is a seat according to the third invention, wherein the main cover further has another support member that is pressed against the support member from the outside in the seat width direction so as to cover the air vent from the outside in the seat width direction together with the support member as the retraction portion is retracted.

[0013] According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the contact member can be pressed more appropriately against the side surface of the main pad. This allows the sealing of the vent hole to be more appropriately improved. Furthermore, by using both the contact member and another contact member to cover the vent hole from the outside in the seat width direction, it is possible to reduce the amount of the contact member that protrudes toward the front side of the pad. This reduces the feeling of a foreign object caused by the contact member when an occupant sits in the seat. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view illustrating a schematic configuration of a seat according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. [Figure 4] This is an oblique view of the main top plate from the back side. [Figure 5] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VV in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is an enlarged perspective view showing the shape of a side surface of a main pad and an extension portion of a flow path cover. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0016] First Embodiment (Outline of Seat S) First, the configuration of a seat S according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 6. In the following description, when directions such as front, back, up, down, left, and right are indicated, they refer to the directions shown in each figure.

[0017] Furthermore, when a direction such as the "sheet width direction" is indicated with the word "sheet," it refers to the corresponding direction based on the sheet S. Furthermore, in the following description, when a specific reference drawing is not shown or when there is no reference symbol corresponding to the reference drawing, any of Figures 1 to 6 will be referred to as appropriate.

[0018] 1, the seat S according to this embodiment is configured as a one-seat seat to be installed in an automobile. The seat S includes a seat back 1 for a seated person to rest against, a seat cushion (not shown) for sitting against, and a headrest H for a headrest.

[0019] The lower ends of both left and right sides of the seat back 1 are connected to the rear ends of both left and right sides of the seat cushion via recliners (not shown), so that the angle of the seat back 1 relative to the seat cushion can be adjusted as needed.

[0020] As shown in Fig. 2, the seat back 1 has a cushion body 2 that elastically supports the back of a seated occupant, and a back frame 3 that supports the cushion body 2 from the rear side of the seat. The cushion body 2 is divided into three divided elements: a main top plate 2A that forms the center part in the seat width direction, and side top plates 2B that form both side parts in the seat width direction.

[0021] The back frame 3 is made of metal members assembled into a frame shape when viewed from the front. A lumbar support 3D capable of improving support for the lumbar region of a seated occupant is provided within the frame of the back frame 3. The seat back 1 further includes a blower F attached to the upper part of the lumbar support 3D.

[0022] The blower F functions as seat ventilation, sucking air from the cushion body 2 on the seat surface side and extracting heat between the occupant and the seat back 1. This function improves the breathability of the seat surface of the cushion body 2, improving the comfort of the seated occupant.

[0023] As described above, the cushion body 2 is divided into the main top panel 2A and each side top panel 2B, so that each divided element can be replaced according to specifications. The main top panel 2A and each side top panel 2B can be easily assembled to the back frame 3 by accessing them from the front of the seat.

[0024] As shown in Fig. 3, the main top plate 2A is formed with a plurality of vent holes A12 for sucking air from the front side of the seat by the suction pressure of the above-mentioned blower F (see Fig. 2). The vent holes A12 are formed in two positions, left and right, along both edges of the main top plate 2A in the seat width direction, with five vent holes lined up vertically.

[0025] Of these, the three lower vent holes A12 aligned at symmetrical positions are formed at positions spaced inward from both edges of the top plate main 2A in the seat width direction, while the two upper vent holes A12 aligned at symmetrical positions are formed at both edges of the top plate main 2A in the seat width direction.

[0026] With this arrangement, the air vents A12 are aligned along both sides of the torso to match the occupant's physique, i.e., the shape of the torso which becomes wider as it goes up. As a result, the air vents A12 are unlikely to be blocked from the front side of the seat even when the occupant leans against the seat back 1.

[0027] Specifically, the two upper symmetrically aligned air vents A12 are formed on both side edges of the main pad A1 constituting the top panel main 2A so as to open outward in the seat width direction (see FIG. 6). As a result, each air vent A12 has an opening shape that allows air to leak outward in the seat width direction when only the main pad A1 is configured.

[0028] Therefore, even if the ventilation holes A12 are formed at such positions, the main top panel 2A is provided with a structure (each extension portion A41 and a planar member A5, which will be described later) that allows the ventilation holes A12 to be appropriately covered from the outside in the seat width direction. The specific structure of the main top panel 2A will be described in detail below, along with the structure of each part of the seat back 1.

[0029] (Back frame 3 configuration) First, a description will be given of the configuration of the back frame 3. As shown in Fig. 2, the back frame 3 has a pair of left and right elongated side frames 3A extending in the seat height direction along the left and right side portions of the seat back 1.

[0030] The back frame 3 also has an upper frame 3B extending in the seat width direction along the upper side of the seat back 1. The back frame 3 also has a lower frame 3C extending in the seat width direction along the lower side of the seat back 1.

[0031] The back frame 3 also includes a lumbar support 3D suspended between the upper frame 3B and each side frame 3A. The lower portion of the lumbar support 3D is elastically supported from the backside of the seat by the lower frame 3C via a spring (not shown). The blower F is attached to the upper region of the lumbar support 3D suspended from the upper frame 3B.

[0032] (Configuration of cushion body 2) Next, the configuration of the main top plate 2A and each side top plate 2B will be described. As shown in Figures 2 and 4, the main top plate 2A has a main pad A1 made of urethane foam, a main cover A2 made of fabric that covers the main pad A1, and a main base material A3 made of resin that is placed on the back side of the main pad A1.

[0033] The main cover A2 is placed over the main pad A1 from the front side. The upper and left and right cover terminals of the main cover A2 are pulled into the back side of the main pad A1. The cover terminals of the main cover A2 are fastened to the peripheral edges of the main base material A3, which is in contact with the back side of the main pad A1.

[0034] By this fastening, the main cover A2 is integrated with the main base material A3 so as to enclose the main pad A1 between the main cover A2 and the main base material A3. As a result, the main base material A3 is fixed in contact with the back surface of the main pad A1 through the main cover A2.

[0035] 2, when the main top panel 2A is attached to the back frame 3, the lower cover end of the main cover A2 is pulled toward the rear of the seat so as to wrap around the lower frame 3C from below and is fastened to the lower frame 3C. This will be described in detail later.

[0036] Similarly, each side table top 2B has a urethane foam side pad B1, a fabric side cover B2 that covers the side pad B1, and a resin side base material B3 that is attached to the back side of the side pad B1. Here, the main pad A1 and each side pad B1 correspond to the "seat pad" of the present invention.

[0037] Each side cover B2 is placed over the corresponding side pad B1 from the front side of the pad. The top, bottom, left, and right cover terminals of each side cover B2 are pulled into the back side of the corresponding side pad B1. The cover terminals of these side covers B2 are fastened to the peripheral edges of the side substrate B3 that is in contact with the back surface of the corresponding side pad B1.

[0038] By this fastening, each side cover B2 is integrated with the corresponding side base material B3 so as to enclose the side pad B1 between the side cover B2 and the corresponding side base material B3. As a result, each side base material B3 is fixed in contact with the back surface of the side pad B1 through the corresponding side cover B2.

[0039] The main table top 2A and each side table top 2B are individually assembled to the back frame 3 by accessing them from the front of the seat. Specifically, first, each side table top 2B is assembled to the back frame 3. Each side table top 2B is integrally assembled by hooking its side base material B3 onto each side frame 3A of the back frame 3 from above the seat and fastening it with bolts from the front of the seat.

[0040] After the above assembly, the main top plate 2A is then assembled to the back frame 3. Specifically, the top of the main base material A3 of the main top plate 2A is hooked onto the upper frame 3B from above the seat.

[0041] Furthermore, the main top panel 2A is pulled toward the rear of the seat so that the lower cover end of the main cover A2 is wrapped around the lower frame 3C from below together with the lower part of the main pad A1, and is fastened to the lower frame 3C. With this assembly, the main top panel 2A and each side top panel 2B are fixed integrally to the back frame 3 with the gap between them in the seat width direction narrowed.

[0042] (Top plate main 2A ventilation structure) As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the main top plate 2A has a flow path cover A4 that is attached to the back surface of the main pad A1 so as to cover the concave air distribution groove A11 formed along the back surface of the pad. The flow path cover A4 is made of felt. The flow path cover A4 is integrally bonded to the back surface of the pad and is configured to close and seal the air distribution groove A11 from the back side of the pad.

[0043] The ventilation grooves A11 function as ventilation passages connecting the air vents A12 so that the suction pressure of the fan F (see FIG. 2) can be transmitted to the air vents A12. The ventilation grooves A11 extend along the back surface of the main pad A1 from the connection port with the fan F to the positions where they connect to the air vents A12.

[0044] Each ventilation hole A12 is formed to penetrate the main pad A1 in the pad thickness direction so as to be connected to each ventilation groove A11 on the back surface of the main pad A1. Of these, the two upper ventilation holes A12 formed at symmetrical positions on both edges of the main pad A1 in the seat width direction as shown in Fig. 6 are formed to open outward in the seat width direction over the entire area in the pad thickness direction.

[0045] Therefore, in order to cover each of the vent holes A12 that open outward from the outside, the flow path cover A4 is formed with extension portions A41 that are bent and extend from both side edges in the seat width direction toward the front of the seat. Each extension portion A41 has an extension length that extends from each side edge of the flow path cover A4 outward in the seat width direction beyond the main pad A1. Here, each extension portion A41 corresponds to the "backing member" of the present invention.

[0046] When the main cover A2 is attached to the main pad A1, the extension portions A41 are bent from the side edges of the flow path lid A4 toward the front of the seat to contact the side surfaces of the main pad A1. The extension portions A41 are not bonded to the side surfaces of the main pad A1.

[0047] Each extension A41 is held pressed against each side of the main pad A1 by left and right retraction portions A21 (see FIG. 5) that are retracted into the back side of the pad of the main cover A2, so that each extension A41 is set to cover from the outside each vent hole A12 recessed from each side of the main pad A1.

[0048] Each extension portion A41 has an extension width that allows it to collectively block the two upper air vents A12 located at symmetrical positions on the left and right of the main pad A1 from the outside in the seat width direction. By forming such extension portions A41 on the flow path cover A4, it is possible to continuously block the air distribution grooves A11 covered by the flow path cover A4 and each air vent A12 without any gaps.

[0049] 5, each extension portion A41 extends forward of the seat only to a position midway in the thickness direction of the main pad A1, and does not reach the surface of the pad. As a result, although each extension portion A41 only covers each vent hole A12 from the outside to a position midway in the thickness direction of the pad, it is configured to be less likely to cause a foreign body sensation when the main pad A1 is deflected by a passenger sitting on it.

[0050] The reason for this is that the extensions A41, which are made of a harder felt material than the main cover A2, are positioned at a distance from the body of the occupant. Therefore, in order to cover the front outer openings of the air vents A12 that the extensions A41 cannot reach, strip-shaped planar members A5 are sewn to both corners that cover the side edges of the main cover A2 so as to overlap the inner surfaces of the left and right retracted portions A21.

[0051] Each planar member A5 is made of a cloth-like material such as carpet that has the same breathability as the flow path cover A4 and is softer than the flow path cover A4 but harder than the main cover A4. Here, each planar member A5 corresponds to the "other pad member" of the present invention. When the main cover A2 is placed on the main pad A1, each planar member A5 covers the front outer opening of each air vent A12 and is pressed against each extension A41 from the outside in the seat width direction.

[0052] As the main cover A2 is drawn into and fastened to the rear surface of the main base material A3, each planar member A5 is bent so as to be pressed against a part of the flow path lid A4 from the rear side, thereby blocking each vent hole A12 from the outside over the entire area in the pad thickness direction by each planar member A5 and each extension portion A41.

[0053] Furthermore, each planar member A5 presses each extension A41 widely against each side surface of the main pad A1 in close contact with the surface, so that each extension A41 properly seals each vent hole A12 from the outside.

[0054] Because each planar member A5 is sewn to the main cover A2, it can be displaced toward the back of the seat together with the main cover A2 when the main pad A1 is deflected by a passenger sitting on it. That is, when the main pad A1 is deflected, each planar member A5 can move relative to the extension A41, sliding toward the rear of the seat together with the main cover A2. As a result, even if each planar member A5 is made of a material harder than the main cover A2, it is unlikely to cause a foreign body sensation when seated on it.

[0055] 5 are formed at both edge positions of the main pad A1 in the seat width direction, and are configured to face a triangular gap T formed at the boundary on the seat surface side between the main table top 2A and each side table top 2B. The triangular gap T is a gap portion that opens in a triangular cross section toward the front of the seat, formed by the rounding of both corners caused by the main cover A2 being stretched over the main pad A1 of the main table top 2A, and the rounding of inner corners caused by the side cover B2 being stretched over the side pad B1 of each side table top 2B.

[0056] These triangular gaps T are formed to extend continuously across the entire area in the seat height direction along the boundaries between the main top plate 2A and each side top plate 2B. By facing these triangular gaps T, each vent A12 can easily maintain communication with the outside through each triangular gap T, even if the main pad A1 is crushed when an occupant sits on the seat. Therefore, each vent A12 is less likely to be blocked by the occupant's body, and each vent A12 can perform its proper ventilation function.

[0057] 3, the vent holes A12 formed in the main top panel 2A are configured so that the two upper vent holes A12 arranged at symmetrical positions are shifted outward in the seat width direction relative to the three lower vent holes A12 arranged at symmetrical positions in accordance with the physique of the occupant, i.e., the shape of the torso that becomes wider as it goes up. In this embodiment, the main top panel 2A is shaped so that it becomes narrower as it goes up.

[0058] Even if the main top plate 2A has a tapered shape in this way, the two upper vent holes A12 arranged at symmetrical positions on the left and right can be arranged closer to the outside by opening outward at both edges in the seat width direction of the main top plate 2A. Even if the vent holes A12 are arranged in such positions, the vent holes A12 can be appropriately covered from the outside by the above-mentioned extension portions A41 and planar members A5.

[0059] 5, when the main tabletop 2A and the side tabletops 2B are assembled to the back frame 3, the main pad A1 and the side pads B1 are pressed against each other in the seat width direction by their respective resilient forces. This causes the extensions A41 and the planar members A5 that cover the vent holes A12 from the outside to be appropriately pressed against the side surfaces of the main pad A1. As a result, the extensions A41 and the planar members A5 can appropriately block the vent holes A12.

[0060] To summarize the above, the sheet S according to this embodiment has the following configuration: Note that the reference numerals in parentheses below correspond to the respective components shown in the above embodiment.

[0061] That is, the seat (S) has seat pads (A1, B1) that elastically support the seat occupant. The seat pads (A1, B1) are composed of three divided elements: a main pad (A1) that forms the center portion in the seat width direction, and side pads (B1) that form both side portions in the seat width direction.

[0062] The main pad (A1) has an air hole (A12) penetrating through the pad thickness direction so as to open outward in the seat width direction over the entire area in the pad thickness direction at a side edge facing either of the side pads (B1) in the seat width direction. The seat (S) further has a contact member (A41) that is contacted to a side surface of the main pad (A1) so as to cover the air hole (A12) from the outside in the seat width direction.

[0063] In this way, by arranging the air vent (A12) close to the side edge of the main pad (A1) so that it opens outward, the air vent (A12) can be provided in a position where it is less likely to be blocked by an occupant sitting in the seat. Furthermore, by providing a stopper member (A41) that covers the air vent (A12) from the outside in the seat width direction, the sealing performance of the air vent (A12) can be improved, allowing the air vent (A12) to function properly.

[0064] The sheet (S) further includes a flow path cover (A4) that is attached to the rear surface of the main pad (A1) so as to cover an air distribution groove (A11) formed along the rear surface of the pad. The attachment member (A41) is made of an extension portion (A41) that extends from a side edge of the flow path cover (A4) in the sheet width direction.

[0065] According to the above configuration, the backing member (A41) can be rationally formed by utilizing the configuration of the flow path cover (A4). More specifically, by using the backing member (A41) extending continuously from the flow path cover (A4) that covers the air distribution groove (A11), when the air vent (A12) extends continuously from the air distribution groove (A11), it is possible to appropriately cover them.

[0066] The seat (S) further includes a main cover (A2) that covers the main pad (A1) from the front side of the pad. The main cover (A2) has a retraction portion (A21) that retracts the main pad (A1) from the side of the seat toward the back side of the pad. The retraction portion (A21) presses the contact member (A41) against the side of the main pad (A1).

[0067] According to the above configuration, the recessed portion (A21) of the main cover (A2) can rationally press the contact member (A41) against the side surface of the main pad (A1), thereby appropriately improving the sealing performance of the air hole (A12).

[0068] The main cover (A2) further includes another contact member (A5) that contacts the contact member (A41) from the outside in the seat width direction so as to cover the vent hole (A12) from the outside in the seat width direction together with the contact member (A41) as the retraction portion (A21) is retracted. With this configuration, the contact member (A41) can be more appropriately pressed against the side surface of the main pad (A1).

[0069] This allows the sealing performance of the vent hole (A12) to be more appropriately improved. Also, by using both the backing member (A41) and another backing member (A5) to cover the vent hole (A12) from the outside in the seat width direction, it is possible to reduce the protrusion of the backing member (A41) toward the front side of the pad. This reduces the feeling of a foreign object caused by the backing member (A41) when an occupant sits in the seat.

[0070] Other Embodiments Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention can be embodied in various forms other than the above embodiment.

[0071] 1. The seat of the present invention may be applied to vehicles other than automobiles, such as trains, airplanes, and ships. Furthermore, the seat may be installed in various facilities (non-vehicle use) such as sports facilities, theaters, concert halls, and event venues, in addition to vehicles. The configuration of the present invention can be applied to seat cushions as well as seat backs.

[0072] 2. The pad members, that is, the pad members that are applied to the side surfaces of the main pad so as to cover the vent holes from the outside in the seat width direction, may be members that extend from the flow path cover or may be members that are separate from the flow path cover. The pad members may also be planar members sewn to the main cover shown in the above embodiment. The pad members may simply be applied to the side surfaces of the main pad or may be adhered.

[0073] 3. The pad member and the other pad member may be made of the same material or different materials. The pad member and the other pad member may be made of the same hardness, or one may be made of a harder material than the other. Alternatively, the pad member alone may cover the entire vent hole from the outside in the seat width direction over the entire area in the pad thickness direction without using a separate pad member.

[0074] 4. The main cover may be made of fabric, or may be made of leather material such as synthetic leather or natural leather. [Explanation of symbols]

[0075] 1 seat back 2 cushion body 2A Top plate main A1 Main pad (seat pad) A11 Air distribution groove A12 Ventilation hole A2 main cover A21 Retraction section A3 main substrate A4 Channel cover A41 Extension part (backing part) A5 Planar member (another backing member) 2B Top board side B1 Side pad (seat pad) B2 side cover B3 Side substrate 3 Back Frame 3A Side Frame 3B upper frame 3C lower frame 3D Lumbar Support S seat H Headrest F Blower T triangular gap

Claims

1. A seat having a seat pad that elastically supports a seated person, The seat pad is composed of three divided elements: a main pad forming a central portion in the seat width direction; and side pads forming both side portions in the seat width direction. the main pad has, at a side edge thereof facing any one of the side pads in the seat width direction, a vent hole penetrating the pad in the pad thickness direction so as to open outward in the seat width direction over the entire area in the pad thickness direction, The sheet further includes a contact member that is placed against a side surface of the main pad so as to cover the air vent from the outside in the sheet width direction.

2. The sheet according to claim 1, a flow path cover that is attached to the rear surface of the main pad so as to cover an air distribution groove formed along the rear surface of the main pad; The sheet, wherein the contact member is formed of an extension portion extending from a side edge of the flow path cover in the sheet width direction.

3. The sheet according to claim 1 or claim 2, a main cover that covers the main pad from the front side of the pad; the main cover has a retraction portion that retracts the main pad from the side of the seat toward the back side of the pad, The sheet has a retraction portion that presses the contact member against the side surface of the main pad.

4. The sheet according to claim 3, The seat further includes another support member that is pressed against the support member from the outside in the seat width direction so as to cover the air vent from the outside in the seat width direction together with the support member when the retraction portion is retracted.

Images