Vehicle seat

Abstract

To provide a vehicle seat which minimizes exposure of a frame serving as a framework of a canopy to the outside.SOLUTION: A vehicle seat S is provided with: a seat back 2; a canopy 30 that is provided at an upper part of the seat back and switches its state between a state of being accommodated in a seat back side and a state of being deployed to the front side of the seat back to cover a head of a seated person; and a canopy cover 40 which is attached to the canopy and covers the canopy from the outer side. The canopy 30 has: a hood 31 for covering the head of the seated person from above; and a canopy frame 32 supporting the hood. The canopy cover 40 is arranged so as to cover the hood 31 and the canopy frame 32 from the outer side when the canopy 30 is in a storage state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle seat, and more particularly to a vehicle seat provided with a canopy that is provided on the upper part of a seat back and covers the head of a seated occupant. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, a vehicle seat has been known that includes a canopy that can be switched between a "stored state" in which the canopy is stored in the seat back and a "deployed state" in which the canopy is deployed in front of the seat back and covers the head of the occupant from above, and a switching mechanism (rotating mechanism) that switches the canopy (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] The vehicle seat described in Patent Document 1 is equipped with a canopy device that is located on the top of the seat back and switches between a "stored state" in which it is stored in the seat back and an "deployed state" in which it unfolds forward of the seat back and covers the head of the seated occupant. The canopy device has a flexible hood that can be deployed in a dome shape or stored in an accordion-like shape, a main frame and a sub-frame that support the hood, and a mechanism for rotating the main frame and the sub-frame. Additionally, mobile devices that can be used by the seated occupant are mounted on the inner surface of the main frame in the interior space of the canopy. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-104118 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Incidentally, in a vehicle seat equipped with a canopy such as that disclosed in Patent Document 1, there has been a demand for improving the appearance of the seat by devising a way to minimize exposure of the frame that forms the framework of the canopy to the outside. Note that in the vehicle seat of Patent Document 1, the main frame and sub-frame that support the canopy (hood) are exposed to the outside. Furthermore, when installing mobile devices, display devices, etc. in the interior space of the canopy, it was necessary to devise a way to prevent these devices from being exposed to the outside as much as possible.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle seat equipped with a canopy, which is capable of minimizing exposure of the frame that forms the framework of the canopy to the outside. Another object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle seat that, when a display device or the like is mounted in the interior space of the canopy, can minimize exposure of the device to the outside. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The above problem is solved by the vehicle seat of the present invention, which comprises a seat back, a canopy provided on top of the seat back and switchable between a stored state stored on the seat back side and an deployed state in which it deploys forward of the seat back and covers the head of the occupant, and a canopy cover attached to the canopy and covering the canopy from the outside, wherein the canopy has a hood that covers the head of the occupant from above and a canopy frame that supports the hood, and the canopy cover is positioned so as to cover the hood and the canopy frame from the outside when the canopy is in the stored state.

[0008] The above-described configuration makes it possible to realize a vehicle seat that minimizes exposure of the frame that forms the framework of the canopy to the outside. More specifically, the vehicle seat of the present invention is provided with a canopy cover that is attached to the canopy and covers the canopy from the outside, and the canopy cover is arranged to cover the hood and canopy frame from the outside when the canopy is in the "stored state." This makes it possible to minimize exposure of the hood and canopy frame to the outside, at least when the canopy is in the "stored state." In other words, the appearance of the vehicle seat can be improved.

[0009] In this case, the seat back has a back frame that forms the skeleton of the seat back, the canopy frame has left and right side frames that extend upward from the left and right lateral portions of the back frame in the seat width direction, respectively, and an upper frame that connects the upper portions of the left and right side frames, and the canopy cover is preferably positioned so as to cover the upper frame and the left and right side frames from the sides when the canopy is in the stored state. As described above, the canopy cover is positioned to cover the upper frame and the left and right side frames from the sides when the canopy is in the "stored state," thereby improving the appearance of the vehicle seat.

[0010] In this case, the canopy cover preferably has a rear canopy cover that is arranged to cover the hood and the canopy frame from above and from the sides when the canopy is in the stored state, and a front canopy cover that is located further forward than the rear canopy cover when the canopy is in the stored state, is attached to the upper frame, and is arranged to cover the internal space of the canopy from the front. As described above, the presence of the front and rear canopy covers can improve the appearance of the vehicle seat. In addition, the front canopy cover is attached to the upper frame and covers the interior space of the canopy from the front, thereby minimizing exposure of the structure of the interior space of the canopy to the outside.

[0011] In this case, a fitting portion is formed on the outer surface of the front canopy cover along the upper frame to fit into the upper frame, and the front canopy cover is attached to the inner surface of the canopy frame by fitting the fitting portion into a fitting portion provided on the upper frame. With the above-described configuration, the front canopy cover can be suitably assembled to the canopy frame (upper frame), and the front canopy cover can be arranged along the upper frame.

[0012] In this case, it is preferable that a holder to which a display device can be attached is attached to the upper frame, the holder being disposed in the interior space of the canopy and covered from the front by the front canopy cover. With the above-described configuration, the holder provided in the internal space of the canopy can be positioned so as not to be exposed to the outside, which improves the appearance of the seat.

[0013] In this case, the display device is attached to the upper frame via the holder, and when the canopy is in the stored state, the display device is preferably positioned rearward of the front end of the upper part of the seat back when viewed from the side of the seat. With the above-described configuration, the display device provided in the interior space of the canopy can be suitably arranged so as not to be exposed to the outside. Also, the display device can be arranged compactly without protruding forward of the seat back.

[0014] In this case, an electric wire for supplying electricity to the display device is connected to the display device, and the electric wire extends from the display device along the canopy frame, from the canopy frame to the seat back and into the interior of the seat back, and preferably extends while being guided by a plurality of guide members provided on the canopy frame. The above-described configuration allows the electric wires to be routed simply, and also allows the electric wires to be extended while being guided by the guide member.

[0015] In this case, a frame protrusion that protrudes into the internal space of the canopy is formed on the inner surface of the upper frame, the holder is attached to the frame protrusion, and the holder and the display device are covered from the front by the front canopy cover. By providing the frame protrusions as described above, the holder can be easily attached to the canopy frame (upper frame). Furthermore, when the holder is attached, the rigidity of the canopy frame can be ensured.

[0016] In this case, the canopy cover is preferably positioned so as to cover the holder and the display device from above, the front and the sides when the canopy is in the stored state, and so as to cover the holder and the display device from above, the front and the sides when the canopy is in the unfolded state. With the above configuration, the holder and the display device can be configured not to be exposed to the outside when the canopy is in the "stored state" or "deployed state."

[0017] In this case, the rear canopy cover extends along the upper frame and the left and right side frames, and extends to the left and right side portions of the seat back, and the front canopy cover extends along the upper frame and is preferably positioned above the seat back. With the above configuration, the front canopy cover and rear canopy cover can be arranged compactly while preventing the canopy frame from being exposed to the outside.

[0018] In this case, it is preferable that the seat is provided with a rotating bracket that is interposed between the back frame and the canopy frame in the seat width direction, supports the lower part of the canopy frame, and rotates together with the canopy frame, and an outer bracket cover that covers the rotating bracket from the outside in the seat width direction, and that the rear canopy cover has a cover engaging portion that is provided in the lower part of the rear canopy cover and engages with an engaged portion provided on the outer bracket cover. With the above configuration, the rear canopy cover can be firmly attached.

[0019] In this case, the seat back comprises a back frame that forms the skeleton of the seat back, a padding material placed on the back frame, and a back board that covers the back frame and the padding material from behind, the back board is provided on the outer edge of the back board and has a board extension portion that extends above the back frame and the padding material and outward in the seat width direction, and the canopy frame is preferably stored in front of the board extension portion when in the stored state. The above-described configuration allows the canopy frame to be stored in a suitable manner. When the canopy frame is stored, the canopy frame is covered from behind by the backboard. This improves the appearance of the vehicle seat when viewed from behind. [Effects of the Invention]

[0020] According to the present invention, a vehicle seat can be realized in which the frame that forms the framework of the canopy is not exposed to the outside as much as possible. Specifically, when the canopy is in at least the "stowed state," the hood and canopy frame can be not exposed to the outside as much as possible. In other words, the appearance of the vehicle seat can be improved. Furthermore, according to the present invention, the structure of the interior space of the canopy can be kept from being exposed to the outside as much as possible. Furthermore, according to the present invention, the front canopy cover can be suitably assembled to the canopy frame (upper frame), and the front canopy cover can be positioned along the upper frame. Furthermore, according to the present invention, the holder and display device provided in the internal space of the canopy can be arranged so as not to be exposed to the outside, and the display device can be arranged compactly. Furthermore, according to the present invention, the electric wires can be routed simply. Furthermore, according to the present invention, the holder can be easily assembled to the canopy frame, and when the holder is assembled, the rigidity of the canopy frame can be ensured. Furthermore, according to the present invention, the canopy can be configured so that the holder and the display device are not exposed to the outside when the canopy is in the "stored state" or "deployed state." Furthermore, according to the present invention, the front canopy cover and the rear canopy cover can be arranged compactly while taking measures to prevent the canopy frame from being exposed to the outside. Furthermore, according to the present invention, the rear canopy cover can be firmly attached. Furthermore, according to the present invention, the canopy frame can be stored in a suitable manner. When the canopy frame is stored, the canopy frame is covered from the rear by the backboard. In other words, the appearance of the vehicle seat when viewed from behind can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the vehicle seat of the present embodiment, showing the canopy in a "storage state." [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle seat showing the canopy in the "deployed" position. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a side view of the vehicle seat showing the canopy in the "stowed" position. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a side view of the vehicle seat showing the canopy in the "deployed" position. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a front view of the seat back and canopy, showing the back frame. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view of the back frame (right side), drive unit, pivot bracket, and canopy. [Figure 7] This is a front view of the back frame (right side), drive unit (without cover), pivot bracket, and canopy. [Figure 8] FIG. [Figure 9] This is an assembly diagram of the seat back and backboard. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a side cross-sectional view of a seat back, a canopy, a canopy cover, a display device, a fragrance device, and an air conditioning device. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the canopy, showing the canopy frame, display devices, electric wires, and air conditioning equipment (ducts and air conditioning vents). [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating the wiring of the display device. [Figure 13] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the canopy frame and the front canopy cover. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the front canopy cover. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the canopy, the canopy cover, and the display device. [Figure 16] This is a perspective view of the back frame (right side), drive unit (without cover), pivot bracket (without cover), and canopy. [Figure 17] This is an exploded perspective view of the back frame (right side), pivot bracket, and canopy. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a detail (drive device) of the exploded perspective view of FIG. [Figure 19] FIG. 18 is a detail (rotating bracket) of the exploded perspective view of FIG. [Figure 20] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the main part of the seat back (right side), showing each cover. [Figure 21] This is a perspective view of the seat back (right side), pivot bracket, and canopy from a different angle. [Figure 22] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the back frame (left side), the frame drive device, the drive device, and the pivot bracket. [Figure 23] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the back frame (left side), frame drive device, drive device, and pivot bracket as seen from another angle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. This embodiment relates to a "vehicle seat" that has a canopy that covers the head of a seated occupant and that makes it possible to minimize exposure of the canopy frame, which is the framework of the canopy, to the outside. The side of the seat back (headrest) of a vehicle seat on which a seat occupant sits is the front side (front side of the seat).

[0023] 1 to 4, the vehicle seat S of this embodiment is a vehicle seat, for example, a front seat arranged in a front position of the vehicle. Note that the vehicle seat S may be a middle seat or a rear seat.

[0024] The vehicle seat S includes a seat cushion 1, a seat back 2, a headrest 3, a reclining device 4 that rotatably connects the seat back 2 to the seat cushion 1, a height device 5 that connects the seat cushion 1 to the vehicle floor so that it can be raised and lowered, a rail device 6 that supports the seat cushion 1 so that it can move back and forth relative to the vehicle floor, and a control device 7 that controls the operation of the reclining device 4, the height device 5, and the rail device 6. The vehicle seat S also includes a canopy 30 provided on top of the seat back 2 to cover the head of the seated occupant, a canopy cover 40, a display device 50 installed in the interior space of the canopy 30, and a fragrance device 60 and an air conditioning device 65 provided inside the seat back 2. The vehicle seat S also includes a drive unit 70 that switches the canopy 30, a pivoting bracket 80 that connects the canopy 30 and the drive unit 70, and a frame drive unit 90 that pivots the upper portion of the seat back 2 relative to the lower portion. The seat cushion 1, the seat back 2 and the headrest 3 are also referred to as a "seat body."

[0025] The vehicle seat S is a seat that can be switched between a "normal mode (first mode)" shown in Figures 1 and 3 and a "relaxation mode (second mode)" shown in Figures 2 and 4, and the switching is controlled by, for example, a control device 7. Specifically, when the vehicle seat S is in the "normal mode," the seat back 2 is in the "upright state," the upper part of the seat back 2 is in the "normal state," and the canopy 30 is in the "stored state" stored on the seat back 2 side. On the other hand, when the vehicle seat S is in the "relaxation mode," the seat back 2 is tilted backward in a "reclined state (reclined state)," the upper part of the seat back 2 is tilted forward relative to the lower part in a "forward tilted state (center-folded state)," and the canopy 30 is deployed forward of the seat back 2 in an "expanded state." In addition, the control device 7 controls the driving operation of the height device 5 and rail device 6, and can move the height position and front-rear position of the seat body, either manually or automatically, by the seat occupant. The control device 7 also controls the operation of the display device 50, and can display images. The control device 7 also controls the operation of the fragrance device 60 and air conditioning device 65, and can provide cool air (warm air) to the seat occupant's head and waft a fragrance.

[0026] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the seat cushion 1 is a seating portion that supports the seated person from below, and includes a cushion frame 1c that serves as a skeleton, a pad material 1a that is placed on the cushion frame 1c, and a cover material 1b that covers the cushion frame 1c and the pad material 1a.

[0027] The seat back 2 is a backrest portion that supports the seated occupant from behind, and includes a back frame 10 that serves as a skeleton, a padding material 2a, a skin material 2b, and a backboard 20 that covers the back frame 10, the padding material 2a, and the skin material 2b from behind. More specifically, the padding 2a can be separated into an upper and lower portion, and has an upper padding placed on the upper portion of the back frame 10, and a lower padding placed on the lower portion of the back frame 10. The upper padding and the lower padding are each covered with a skin material 2b.

[0028] The headrest 3 supports the head of a seated occupant from behind and includes left and right head pillars, a padding material 3a, and a covering material 3b. The headrest 3 is attached to the front of the upper part of the seat back 2. The headrest 3 may be positioned above the seat back 2, but it is preferable to position it in front of the seat back 2 in order to prevent interference with the canopy 30 and to position the canopy 30 compactly.

[0029] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the reclining device 4 is a device that rotatably connects the seat back 2 to the seat cushion 1 and locks the seat back 2. As shown in FIGS. The reclining device 4 includes a reclining body 4a that is driven when rotating the seat back 2, a rotation axis 4b, a spiral spring 4c that urges the seat back 2 to rotate forward around the rotation axis 4b, an operating lever that releases the locked state of the seat back 2, and a drive motor. The reclining body 4a has a locking mechanism that switches the state of the seat back 2 between a "locked state" and an "unlocked state" in which the seat back 2 is rotatable relative to the seat cushion 1. The rotation shaft 4b is supported in the seat width direction on the seat cushion 1 side and the seat back 2 side. One end of the spiral spring 4c is anchored on the seat cushion 1 side, and the other end is anchored on the seat back 2 side.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 1, the height device 5 is attached between the seat cushion 1 and the rail device 6 in the vertical direction. The height device 5 includes left and right first links 5a arranged on the front side of the seat, left and right second links 5b arranged on the rear side of the seat, a locking member that locks the seat cushion 1, a height operating lever that releases the locked state of the locking member, and a drive motor. The second link 5b serves as a driving link, allowing the height of the seat body to be adjusted.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 1, the rail device 6 is disposed between the seat cushion 1 and the vehicle floor in the vertical direction. The rail device 6 is fixed to the vehicle floor and includes left and right lower rails 6a extending in the fore-and-aft direction, left and right upper rails 6b supported slidably along the lower rails 6a, a locking member that locks the upper rails 6b so that they cannot slide relative to the lower rails 6a, a rail operating lever 6c that releases the locked state of the locking member, and a drive motor. A seat cushion 1 is mounted on the upper surfaces of the left and right upper rails 6b via a height device 5.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 1, the control device 7 is a device that performs overall electrical control of the vehicle seat S, and is, for example, an engine control unit (ECU). The control device 7 is connected to the operating switches, detection sensors, reclining device 4, height device 5, rail device 6, display device 50, fragrance device 60, air conditioning device 65, drive device 70, frame drive device 90, and other moving devices and electronic devices via an in-vehicle network. The control device 7 determines that an occupant is seated based on, for example, the turning on of an operation switch by the occupant or based on a detection signal output from a detection sensor, and controls the operation of the above-mentioned movable devices and electronic devices.

[0033] Specifically, the control device 7 is a computer equipped with a CPU (processor) as a data calculation and control processing device, ROM and RAM as storage devices, an HDD, and a communication interface for sending and receiving information data via an in-vehicle network. The control device 7 is provided inside the seat cushion 1 and is connected to various movable devices and electronic devices by electric wires (harnesses). The control device 7 may be provided inside the seat back 2 or outside the seat body.

[0034] <Back frame> As shown in Figures 5 to 7, the back frame 10 is a substantially rectangular frame-like body and includes back side frames 11 arranged on the left and right sides, inverted U-shaped back upper frames 12 provided at the upper end portions of each back side frame 11, a back lower frame 13 connecting the lower end portions of each back side frame 11, and a back connecting plate 14 connecting the left and right side portions of the back upper frame 12 and extending in the seat width direction. The back frame 10 also includes left and right wire members 15 that extend vertically and are hooked to the back upper frame 12 and the back lower frame 13, and a support plate 16 (pressure plate) that is held by the left and right wire members and supports the seated person from behind.

[0035] The back side frame 11 is a plate-like frame that extends in the vertical direction and has a C-shaped cross section. The lower end portion of the backside frame 11 is connected to the rear end portion of the cushion frame 1c via the reclining device 4. A mounting bracket 17 for mounting a drive unit 70 and a pivot bracket 80 is attached to the outer surface of the back side frame 11. A frame drive device 90 is attached to the inner surface of the left back side frame 11. Protruding frames 11a and 11b that protrude inward in the seat width direction from the frame body of the back side frame are formed in the upper and lower portions of the back side frame 11. As shown in Fig. 7, a board frame 23 (frame connecting portions 23c and 23d) described below is assembled to the protruding frames 11a and 11b. The protruding frames 11a and 11b are spaced apart in the up-down direction. The back side frame 11 and the back upper frame 12 may be formed as an integrated frame.

[0036] The back upper frame 12 is an inverted U-shaped frame that extends in the vertical direction. The back upper frame 12 has an upper frame main body 12a and a cylindrical pillar mounting member 12b that is attached to the center portion of the upper frame main body 12a in the seat width direction and for mounting a headrest 3 (head pillar). The pillar mounting members 12b are fixed in pairs with a gap between them.

[0037] As shown in FIGS. 22 and 23, a frame drive device 90 (a frame support member 94 having a C-shaped cross section) is attached via a rotary shaft 96 to the lower portion (lower end) of the upper frame main body 12a. The frame drive device 90 allows the back upper frame 12 to rotate in the front-rear direction relative to the back side frame 11. That is, as shown in Figures 2 and 4, the seat back 2 can be switched to a "forward tilted state (center-folded state)" in which the upper portion thereof is tilted forward relative to the lower portion thereof.

[0038] As shown in FIGS. 6, 7, 16 and 17, the mounting bracket 17 is attached to the outer surface of the backside frame 11, and is a bracket for mounting the drive unit 70 and the rotating bracket 80. The mounting bracket 17 has a shape that extends in the vertical direction and is bent in the seat width direction. The mounting bracket 17 is disposed at a position that protrudes slightly forward from the back side frame 11. Specifically, the mounting bracket 17 has a long inner wall portion 17a that is connected to the outer surface of the backside frame 11, a long outer wall portion 17b that is located outside the inner wall portion 17a in the seat width direction and is connected to the drive shaft 72, and a connecting wall portion 17c that extends in the seat width direction and connects the upper end of the inner wall portion 17a and the lower end of the outer wall portion 17b.

[0039] The outer wall portion 17b is disposed offset outward in the seat width direction from the inner wall portion 17a. That is, the drive member 71 is disposed outward and spaced apart from the back side frame 11 in the seat width direction. In other words, the drive shaft 72 is disposed outwardly and spaced apart from the back side frame 11 in the seat width direction. The mounting bracket 17 (outer wall portion 17b) is fastened to the outer surface of the backside frame 11 with fastening bolts 18. The mounting bracket 17 (inner wall portion 17a) is connected to the drive member 71 (drive shaft 72) via an intermediate plate 73 and a guide plate 74. These components are connected with connecting bolts 19. The mounting bracket 17 may be fixed to the backside frame 11 by welding.

[0040] <Backboard> As shown in FIGS. 8 to 10, the backboard 20 is a resin board member that entirely covers the back frame 10, canopy 30, display device 50, fragrance device 60, and air conditioner 65 from behind. By providing the backboard 20, the vehicle seat S can be configured so that, for example, the back frame 10, the canopy frame 32, etc. are not exposed from behind, thereby improving the appearance of the vehicle seat S when viewed from behind.

[0041] The backboard 20 comprises an assembly backboard 21 assembled to the backframe 10 from the rear, a storage backboard 22 capable of storing the assembly backboard 21, an inverted U-shaped board frame 23 supporting the storage backboard 22 from the rear, and a rear backboard 24 covering the entire storage backboard 22 and the board frame 23 from the rear.

[0042] 4 and 8 to 10, the assembly backboard 21 has a plate-shaped board body 21a and a protruding outer edge portion 21b that protrudes forward and is provided along substantially the entire outer edge of the board body 21a. A board recess portion 21c that is recessed rearward is formed in the center of the board body 21a. The assembled backboard 21 covers the headrest 3, the back upper frame 12 and the back connecting plate 14 from the rear, and is assembled to the back upper frame 12 and the back connecting plate 14 from the rear. More specifically, the assembly backboard 21 has frame assembly portions 21d that can be assembled to assembly receiving portions 14a provided on the left and right side portions of the back connecting plate 14.

[0043] The protruding outer edge 21b at the lower end of the assembly backboard 21 protrudes forward beyond the back upper frame 12. In other words, the protruding outer edge 21b covers the back upper frame 12 from below. The left and right wire members 15 are hooked to the protruding outer edge portion 21b.

[0044] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the storage backboard 22 has a plate-shaped board body 22a, a protruding outer edge portion 22b that is provided along almost the entire outer edge of the board body 22a and protrudes forward, and a protruding flange portion 22c that is provided at the protruding end of the protruding outer edge portion 22b and protrudes slightly in the vertical or horizontal direction. A board recess 22d recessed rearward is formed in the center of the board body 22a, and a plurality of fitting holes 22e are formed in the rear surface of the board body 22a. The assembly backboard 21 and the storable backboard 22 are not fixed, and the assembly backboard 21 rotates forward together with the seat back 2 (back side frame 11) relative to the storable backboard 22. That is, as shown in FIG. 4, the assembly backboard 21 can move away from the storable backboard 22.

[0045] As shown in FIGS. 6 to 9, the board frame 23 is a plate-shaped frame, and is assembled to fit into the board recess 22d of the storage backboard 22. As shown in FIGS. Furthermore, a plurality of assembly holes 23a and a plurality of engagement holes 23b are formed on the rear surface of the board frame 23 along the extending direction of the board frame 23. The board frame 23 is fixed to the rear surface of the storage backboard 22 by fastening the assembly bolts into the assembly holes 23a from the rear. Furthermore, the engagement holes 23b are detachably engaged with engagement protrusions 24h formed on the front surface of the rear backboard 24. The engagement with each other may also be achieved by clip engagement.

[0046] The board frame 23 extends downward further than the assembly backboard 21 and the storage backboard 22. Frame connecting portions 23c and 23d for connecting to the back side frames 11 (protruding frames 11a and 11b) are formed on the left and right downward extending portions of the board frame 23. That is, the board frame 23 is assembled to the storage backboard 22 and the back side frame 11.

[0047] As shown in FIGS. 4, 8 to 10, the rear backboard 24 is a board member that covers the back frame 10, the canopy 30, the fragrance device 60, and the air conditioning device 65 from the sides and rear. The rear backboard 24 has a rear wall portion 24a, an upper wall portion 24b and a bottom wall portion 24c that protrude forward from the upper and lower ends of the rear wall portion 24a, respectively, and side wall portions 24d that protrude forward from both the left and right ends of the rear wall portion 24a. A mounting hole 24e for mounting the reclining device 4 is formed at the lower end of the side wall portion 24d. A notch 24f is formed at the front end of the side wall 24d, cutting downward from the upper end. The drive unit 70, outer drive cover 77, and rotating bracket 80 are disposed (received) at a position corresponding to the notch 24f. A harness-passing hole is formed at the lower end of the notch 24f, through which the harness extending from the drive unit 70 passes.

[0048] The rear backboard 24 is assembled to the storage backboard 22 and the board frame 23 from the rear. Specifically, a plurality of fitting protrusions 24g and engagement protrusions 24h are formed on the front surface of the rear backboard 24. The fitting protrusions 24g are detachably fitted into the storage backboard 22 (fitting holes 22e), and the engagement protrusions 24h are detachably engaged with the board frame 23 (engagement holes 23b), so that the rear backboard 24 is integrally assembled with the storage backboard 22 and the board frame 23. The rear backboard 24 may be detachably engaged with the storage backboard 22 and the board frame 23 by clip engagement.

[0049] By having the rear backboard 24, the appearance of the vehicle seat S (appearance when viewed from behind) can be improved even if, for example, the upper part of the seat back 2 is tilted forward relative to the lower part (center-bent state). Note that, in the case where the vehicle seat S does not have the frame drive device 90 and the upper portion of the seat back 2 does not tilt forward, the vehicle seat S does not need to have the rear backboard 24. In other words, a skin material may be used instead of the rear backboard 24, and the rear portion of the vehicle seat S may be covered with the skin material.

[0050] In the above configuration, as shown in Figures 8 and 10, the rear backboard 24 has a board protrusion 24i provided on its outer edge that protrudes above the back frame 10 and the pad material 2a and outward in the seat width direction. In the "stored state," the canopy frame 32 is provided in front of the board extension portion 24i and is stored so as not to extend outward from the rear backboard 24. Specifically, the outer surface of the rear backboard 24 and the outer surface of the canopy frame 32 (the outer surface of the hood 31) are substantially flush with each other. Therefore, the appearance of the vehicle seat S equipped with the canopy 30 can be maintained in good condition.

[0051] <Canopy> 1 to 4 and 10 to 12, the canopy 30 is provided on the upper part of the seat back 2 and switches between a "stored state" in which it is stored in the seat back 2 and an "expanded state" in which it is deployed to the front side of the seat back 2 to cover the head of the seated occupant. The canopy 30 is also called a covering part, a canopy, a hood, etc. The canopy 30 is connected to the left and right side portions (left and right back side frames 11) of the seat back 2 via mounting brackets 17, a drive unit 70 and a rotating bracket 80 so as to be rotatable in the front-to-rear direction of the seat. More specifically, the canopy 30 has a hood 31 that covers the head of a seated occupant from above, and a canopy frame 32 that supports the hood 31.

[0052] The canopy 31 is a stretchable sheet that is folded so as to be able to unfold in the front-rear direction of the seat. The canopy 31 is made of, for example, a waterproof cloth. When the canopy 31 is in the "deployed state", it can cover the upper part of the seat back 2 and the headrest 3 from above, the front, and the left and right sides. In other words, it can cover the head of a seated occupant. When the hood 31 is in the "storage state", it is stored in a folded state toward the seat back 2 (backboard 20) side. At this time, the hood 31 is covered from above and from the sides by the canopy cover 40.

[0053] As shown in Figures 2, 4, and 10 to 12, the canopy frame 32 is attached to the seat back 2 so as to be rotatable in the front-to-rear direction, and has a drive frame 33 that rotates in accordance with the driving of the drive unit 70, and a plurality of driven frames 34 that rotate in accordance with the driving operation of the drive frame 33. The drive frame 33 is disposed at a position furthest forward of the driven frame 34 . The drive frame 33 and the driven frame 34 are arranged to surround the back frame 10 (back upper frame 12).

[0054] The drive frame 33 is a plate-like frame having an inverted U-shape. Specifically, it has left and right side frames 33a extending upward from the left and right lateral portions of the back frame 10 in the seat width direction, respectively, and an upper frame 33b connecting upper portions of the left and right side frames 33a. The driven frame 34 is a wire frame, and like the driving frame 33, has left and right side frames 34a and an upper frame 34b.

[0055] The drive frame 33 is a frame that supports the front end portion of the hood 31 from below. The left and right side frames 33a and the upper frame 33b are connected to the hood 31. The lower ends of the left and right side frames 33a are connected to the left and right back side frames 11 via pivot brackets 80. More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 17 and 19, an assembly hole 33c (assembly receiving portion) for assembly to the rotating bracket 80 is formed in the lower end of the drive frame 33 (side frame 33a). The drive frame 33 rotates in the front-rear direction around the drive shaft 72 as the rotation center when the rotation bracket 80 rotates in accordance with the driving of the drive device 70 .

[0056] 11 and 13, a frame protrusion 33d that protrudes into the internal space of the canopy 30 is formed on the inner surface of the center portion in the seat width direction of the drive frame 33 (upper frame 33b). A holder 55 is fixed to the inner surface of the frame protrusion 33d, and a display device 50 is attached via the holder 55.

[0057] As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the outer surface of the drive frame 33 is formed with a latch rib 33e extending in the direction in which the drive frame 33 extends. The hook rib 33e is a hook portion for hooking the electric wire 51 extending from the display device 50, and is formed at one end of the drive frame 33 in the width direction and protrudes outward from the drive frame 33. The retaining ribs 33e are formed on the outer surfaces of the side frames 33a and the upper frames 33b, respectively. The connecting portions of the drive frame 33 between the side frames 33a and the upper frames 33b are provided with portions (groove portions 33f) where the retaining ribs 33e are not formed. Guide members 35 are attached to the outer surface of the drive frame 33 to hold the electric wires 51 at a predetermined interval and guide the electric wires 51. The guide members 35 may be, for example, clip members or guide claws formed on the drive frame 33.

[0058] The driven frame 34 is disposed at a position rearward of the drive frame 33 and is a frame that supports the hood 31 from below. The multiple driven frames 34 are spaced apart from one another when switched from the "stored state" to the "deployed state" and can support the hood 31 as a whole. The plurality of driven frames 34 are each connected to the hood 31. The lower ends of the plurality of driven frames 34 are gathered together in one location and fixed to the lower end of the hood 31.

[0059] <Canopy cover> As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 and 10 to 15, the canopy cover 40 is attached to the canopy 30 and covers the canopy 30 from the outside. The canopy cover 40 is positioned to cover the hood 31 and the canopy frame 32 from above and from the sides when the canopy 30 is in the "stored state." The canopy cover 40 is arranged to cover the display device 50 from above, the front, and the sides when in the "stored state" and the "deployed state."

[0060] The canopy cover 40 has a rear canopy cover 41 that covers the hood 31 and canopy frame 32 from above and from the sides when the canopy 30 is in the "stored state," and a front canopy cover 45 that is located forward of the rear canopy cover 41 and covers the internal space of the canopy 30 from the front. The rear canopy cover 41 is attached rearward of the drive frame 33, and the front canopy cover 45 is attached forward of the drive frame 33. The rear canopy cover 41 extends forward to cover the drive frame 33 from above and from the sides, and the rear canopy cover 41 and the front canopy cover 45 are arranged to cover the entire canopy 30 (drive frame 33).

[0061] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, 10, 20, and 21, the rear canopy cover 41 is a plate-shaped resin cover having an inverted U shape, and extends along the canopy frame 32 (drive frame 33) and extends to the left and right side portions of the seat back 2. The upper portion of the rear canopy cover 41 is detachably attached to the upper portion of the drive frame 33. The lower end of the rear canopy cover 41 is detachably engaged with an outer bracket cover 87 that covers the rotating bracket 80 from the outside.

[0062] Specifically, the rear canopy cover 41 has an inverted U-shaped cover body 42, a frame hook portion 43 provided at the front end of the cover body 42, and a cover engagement portion 44 formed at the lower end of the cover body 42. The frame latch portion 43 is latched onto the latch rib 33e of the drive frame 33 from the outside. The cover engaging portion 44 is formed along the outer shape of the outer bracket cover 87, and engages with an engaged portion 87i formed on the outer surface of the outer bracket cover 87. For example, the cover engaging portion 44 may be an engaging protrusion, and the engaged portion 87i may be an engaging recess. The rear canopy cover 41 is detachably attached to the canopy 30 and the pivot bracket 80 by the frame latch portion 43 and the cover engagement portion 44.

[0063] As shown in Figures 1 to 4 and 10 to 15, the front canopy cover 45 is a resin cover that is slightly long in the seat width direction, extends along the drive frame 33, and is positioned above the seat back 2. The front canopy cover 45 has a curved cover body 46, a fitting recess 47 formed on the outer surface of the cover body 46, an opening 48 formed in the center of the cover body 46 in the seat width direction, and a support rib 49 formed on the inner surface of the center of the cover body 46.

[0064] The fitting recess 47 is formed along the drive frame 33 (upper frame 33b) and is a recess for fitting into the drive frame 33. The fitting recess 47 has a recess shape corresponding to the drive frame 33, and is detachably fitted into the drive frame 33 from the inside. That is, the front canopy cover 45 is attached to the inner surface of the canopy frame 32 by fitting the fitting recess 47 into the fitted portion 33 g of the drive frame 33 . In this embodiment, the outer shape of the drive frame 33 itself corresponds to the fitted portion, but a fitted portion 33g (fitting protrusion) may be separately formed on the inner surface of the drive frame 33. The front canopy cover 45 may be fastened to the drive frame 33 by bolts or may be fixed to the drive frame 33 by welding.

[0065] The opening 48 is provided at a position corresponding to the frame protrusion 33d of the drive frame 33, and is a portion that is combined with the frame protrusion 33d. The frame protrusion 33d extends toward the inside of the front canopy cover 45 in a state where it is combined with the opening 48. As will be described later, a holder 55 is fixed to the outer surface of the frame protrusion 33d.

[0066] The support rib 49 is a rib that protrudes from the inner surface of the cover body 46 . When the display device 50 is attached to the drive frame 33 (frame protrusion 33d) via the holder 55, the support rib 49 comes into contact with the display device 50 and can support the display device 50.

[0067] As described above, by providing the canopy cover 40, the frame that forms the framework of the canopy 30 can be configured to be exposed to the outside as little as possible. Specifically, when the canopy 30 is at least in the "stored state," the hood 31 and the canopy frame 32 can be exposed to the outside as little as possible. In other words, the appearance of the vehicle seat S can be improved.

[0068] In the above configuration, the rear canopy cover 41 extends along the upper frame 33b and the left and right side frames 33a of the drive frame 33, and extends to the left and right side portions of the seat back 2, as shown in FIGS. The front canopy cover 45 extends along the upper frame 33b and is disposed at a position higher than the seat back 2. Therefore, the rear canopy cover 41 and the front canopy cover 45 can be arranged compactly while taking measures to prevent the canopy frame 32 (drive frame 33) from being exposed to the outside.

[0069] In the above configuration, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 and 10, the canopy cover 40 (front canopy cover 45) is arranged so as not to protrude above or to the side of the rear backboard 24. Therefore, the appearance of the vehicle seat S when viewed from behind can be improved. Although the rear canopy cover 41 partially protrudes upward or to the side from the rear backboard 24, it may be arranged so as not to protrude.

[0070] <Display equipment, aroma equipment, air conditioning equipment> The display device 50 is a display used by a person seated in the vehicle seat S, as shown in FIGS. The display device 50 is attached to the canopy frame 32 (drive frame 33) via a holder 55. The holder 55 has a rotation mechanism (rotation hinge) and can adjust the display device 50 to a predetermined orientation and hold the display device 50 in the predetermined orientation.

[0071] The display device 50 and the holder 55 are disposed in the interior space of the canopy 30 and are covered from the front and sides by the canopy cover 40 . More specifically, the canopy cover 40 is disposed so as to cover the display device 50 and the holder 55 from above, the front, and the sides when the canopy 30 is in the "stored state." The canopy cover 40 is disposed so as to cover the display device 50 and the holder 55 from the front and the sides when the canopy 30 is in the "deployed state." When the canopy 30 is in the "deployed state," the hood 31 covers the display device 50 and the holder 55 from above. Therefore, when the canopy 30 is in the "stored state" or "deployed state", the holder 55 and the display device 50 can be configured not to be exposed to the outside.

[0072] The display device 50 is connected to an electric wire 51 for supplying electricity to the display device 50 (device main body). 11 and 12, the electric wire 51 extends from the display device 50 outward in the seat width direction and then extends toward the drive frame 33. The electric wire 51 enters the groove 33f of the drive frame 33 and extends along the outer surface of the drive frame 33 while being hooked onto the hook rib 33e of the drive frame 33. The electric wire 51 extends from the drive frame 33 along the rotating bracket 80 and into the interior of the seat back 2. The electric wire 51 extends from the interior of the seat back 2 into the interior of the seat cushion 1 and is connected to the control device 7.

[0073] The electric wire 51 extends along the outer surface of the drive frame 33 while being hooked on the hook rib 33 e of the drive frame 33 . The electric wires 51 are held by a plurality of guide members 35 provided on the drive frame 33 , and are guided by the guide members 35 to extend along the outer surface of the drive frame 33 . Therefore, the electric wire 51 can be routed simply. Also, the electric wire 51 can be stretched stably. The drive frame 33 does not necessarily have to be provided with the retaining rib 33e or the guide member 35. In that case, the electric wire 51 may be extended so as to be wound around the drive frame 33.

[0074] In the above configuration, as shown in FIG. 10, when the canopy 30 is in the "stored state", the display device 50 is disposed at a position rearward of the front end of the upper end of the seat back 2 in a side view of the seat. The display device 50 is disposed at a position rearward of the headrest 3 in a side view of the seat, and is disposed at a position rearward of the seating surface at the top of the seat back 2. Therefore, the display device 50 can be suitably arranged so as not to be exposed in the internal space of the canopy 30. Furthermore, the display device 50 can be arranged compactly without protruding forward of the seat back 2 and headrest 3.

[0075] As shown in FIGS. 1, 5 and 10, the fragrance device 60 is a device that emits a fragrance to the outside, and is provided inside the seat back 2. The air outlet 63 of the fragrance device 60 is disposed in a position on the upper part of the seat back 2 that corresponds to the internal space of the canopy 30 , and faces the internal space of the canopy 30 . Therefore, the fragrance device 60 can emit fragrance toward the interior space of the canopy 30.

[0076] Specifically, the fragrance device 60 is assembled to the top of the back upper frame 12 and comprises an aroma diffuser 61 (device main body) that emits a fragrance, a fragrance passage 62 that is connected to the aroma diffuser 61 and allows the fragrance emitted from the aroma diffuser 61 to flow toward the seated occupant, and an outlet 63 provided at the tip of the fragrance passage 62. The fragrance passages 62 extend from the fragrance device 61 to both sides in the seat width direction and downward from the fragrance device 61. The left and right fragrance passages 62 pass through pad holes formed in the pad material 2a and extend from the back side to the front side of the pad material 2a. The left and right air outlets 63 are provided at the top of the seat back 2 and are arranged at a predetermined interval in the seat width direction. In other words, when the canopy 30 is in the "deployed state," the left and right air outlets 63 are disposed above the front end of the canopy 30 (hood 31, canopy frame 32) and are disposed inside the canopy 30 in the seat width direction. In other words, the air outlets 63 are covered by the canopy 30.

[0077] The air conditioner 65 is a device that adjusts the air in the internal space of the canopy 30, and is provided inside the seat back 2, as shown in FIGS. An air conditioning vent 68 of the air conditioning device 65 is provided in the canopy frame 32 (drive frame 33 ) and faces the interior space of the canopy 30 . Therefore, the air conditioner 65 can provide good air conditioning in the interior space of the canopy 30, allowing seated occupants to feel comfortable.

[0078] Specifically, the air conditioning device 65 is mounted to the rear of the back upper frame 12 and comprises an air conditioner 66 (device main body) that supplies air, a duct 67 that is connected to the air conditioner 66 and allows the air sent out from the air conditioner 66 to flow out toward the seated occupant, and an air conditioning port 68 provided at the tip of the duct 67. 10 to 12, the ducts 67 extend from the air conditioner 66 to both sides in the seat width direction of the seat back 2. The ducts 67 preferably extend along the rear surface of the back upper frame 12. The left and right ducts 67 extend from both side portions of the seat back 2 along the canopy frame 32 (drive frame 33), and are connected to the left and right air conditioning vents 68. The left and right air conditioning vents 68 are attached to the drive frame 33 and are arranged at a predetermined interval in the seat width direction.

[0079] 11, the left and right air conditioning vents 68 are located at or near the opening of the canopy 30 (hood 31, canopy frame 32), and are located inside the canopy 30 in the seat width direction. The air conditioning vents 68 are covered by the canopy 30, and face the interior space of the canopy 30. This makes it easier to adjust the air in the interior space of the canopy 30. Furthermore, by providing the left and right air conditioning vents 68 on the drive frame 33, the opening area in the lower part of the canopy 30 can be covered like an air curtain. This allows the conditioned air to be suitably retained in the interior space of the canopy 30.

[0080] <Drive unit> As shown in Figures 1, 2, 5 to 7, and 16 to 18, the drive device 70 is a device that switches the canopy 30, and is attached to the left and right side portions of the seat back 2, and is covered from the sides by an outer drive cover 77 and an inner drive cover 78. More specifically, the drive unit 70 is attached to the outer surface of the back frame 10 (back side frame 11) via a mounting bracket 17. A rotating bracket 80 is attached between the back side frame 11 and the drive member 71 in the seat width direction.

[0081] The drive unit 70 is provided on each of the left and right side portions of the seat back 2, and a drive member 71 (drive motor) is attached to the right side portion of the seat back 2. Note that the drive member 71 is not attached to the left side portion of the seat back 2. As shown in FIGS. 16 to 21, the components of the drive device 70 in the right portion of the seat back 2 are as follows. The drive unit 70 includes a drive member 71 (drive motor) provided on the right side of the seat back 2, a drive shaft 72 that serves as the axis of the drive member 71, an intermediate plate 73 that supports the drive shaft 72, a guide plate 74, an auxiliary guide plate 75 and a guide ring 76 that guide the rotational movement of the rotating bracket 80 together with the guide plate 74, and an outer drive cover 77 and an inner drive cover 78 that cover these components.

[0082] The drive member 71 is, for example, a drive motor that rotates a drive shaft 72, and has an axis support portion 71a that supports the drive shaft 72, and an attachment hole 71b that is located below the axis support portion 71a and is used for attachment to the attachment bracket 17. The drive member 71 is attached to the mounting bracket 17 by fastening the mounting bolt from the outside while the mounting hole 71b, the mounting hole 74e formed in the guide plate 74, and the mounting hole 17d formed in the mounting bracket 17 are in communication with each other.

[0083] The drive shaft 72 functions as a rotation shaft for the rotation bracket 80 and extends in the seat width direction. The drive shaft 72 passes through the intermediate plate 73 , the guide plate 74 and the guide ring 76 , and is supported by the lower end of the rotating bracket 80 . A gear 72a is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the drive shaft 72. The gear 72a and a gear hole 84a formed in the lower end of the rotating bracket 80 are fitted together.

[0084] The intermediate plate 73 is a plate-shaped reinforcing plate having a plate body 73a, a shaft through hole 73b formed in the center portion of the plate body 73a, and a connecting hole 73c formed to surround the shaft through hole 73b. The shaft through hole 73b is a shaft hole through which the drive shaft 72 passes. A plurality of the connecting holes 73c are formed at a position above the shaft through hole 73b, and a plurality of the connecting holes 73c are formed at a position below the shaft through hole 73b. The intermediate plate 73 is connected to the guide plate 74 by fastening a connecting bolt from the outside with the connecting hole 73c communicating with the connecting hole 74c formed in the guide plate 74. The surfaces of the intermediate plate 73 and the guide plate 74 are configured to mate with each other.

[0085] The guide plate 74 and the auxiliary guide plate 75 are plate-shaped members that have the function of increasing the assembly rigidity of the drive member 71 and the function of guiding the rotational movement of the rotational bracket 80 . The guide plate 74 has a plate body 74a, a shaft through hole 74b that penetrates the plate body 74a, a plurality of connecting holes 74c formed to surround the shaft through hole 74b, and a plurality of assembly holes 74d and mounting holes 74e formed at the lower end of the plate body 74a. A guide plate 74f is integrally formed on the inner surface of the plate body 74a, slightly rearward of the shaft through hole 74b and aligned along the shaft through hole 74b. A plurality of fastening holes 74g for fastening an auxiliary guide plate 75 are formed on the inner surface of the guide plate 74f. The auxiliary guide plate 75 has a plate body 75a, a shaft insertion portion 75b, and a plurality of fastening holes 75c.

[0086] The shaft through-hole 74b and the shaft insertion portion 75b are shaft holes through which the drive shaft 72 passes. The guide plate 74 is assembled to the mounting bracket 17 by fastening an assembly bolt from the inside with the assembly hole 74d communicating with the assembly hole 17e formed in the mounting bracket 17.

[0087] Guide plate 74f is connected to auxiliary guide plate 75 by fastening bolts from the inside with fastening holes 74g communicating with fastening holes 75c of auxiliary guide plate 75. The surface of guide plate 74f and the surface of auxiliary guide plate 75 are configured to mate with each other. The front end of the guide plate 74f is cut out to form a guide portion 74h (guide surface) that guides the rotation of the rotation bracket 80. Similarly, the front end of the auxiliary guide plate 75 is also formed with a guide portion 75d (guide surface). A guide ring 76 is fitted and attached to the guide portions 74h and 75d.

[0088] The guide ring 76 is a ring member that guides the rotation of the rotation bracket 80 . The guide ring 76 is provided at a position corresponding to the drive shaft 72, and is supported by the guide plate 74f and the auxiliary guide plate 75. The guide ring 76 is disposed between the guide plate 74f and the rotating bracket 80 in the seat width direction. The bracket bulge 81a of the rotating bracket 80 is inserted into and held by the guide ring 76. The guide ring 76 allows the rotating bracket 80 to rotate smoothly.

[0089] The outer drive cover 77 and the inner drive cover 78 are covers made of resin and are assembled to each other so as to sandwich the drive member 71, drive shaft 72, intermediate plate 73, guide plate 74, auxiliary guide plate 75, guide ring 76 and part of the rotating bracket 80 between them. For example, the outer edge of the outer drive cover 77 and the outer edge of the inner drive cover 78 are engaged with each other, thereby combining these covers 77 and 78 together. A shaft through-hole 78a is formed in a portion of the inner drive cover 78 that corresponds to the drive shaft 72. In addition, a guide portion 78b (guide surface) that guides the rotational movement of the rotating bracket 80 is formed on the periphery of the shaft through-hole 78a. The guide portion 78b has a guide shape (groove shape) that follows the rotation path of the rotating bracket 80 (inner bracket cover 88). The guide portion 78b may be formed on the outer drive cover 77.

[0090] <Rotating bracket> As shown in FIGS. 6, 7, and 16 to 21, the pivoting bracket 80 is a bracket that connects the canopy frame 32 and the drive unit 70 and pivots as the drive unit 70 is driven. The pivot bracket 80 supports the lower portion of the drive frame 33 and pivots in the front-to-rear direction around the drive shaft 72 together with the drive frame 33 as the drive member 71 is driven. The pivot bracket 80 together with the drive frame 33 is covered by an outer bracket cover 87 and an inner bracket cover 88 .

[0091] The rotating bracket 80 has a shape that extends in the vertical direction and is bent in the seat width direction. Of the rotating bracket 80, an upper portion that supports the canopy frame 32 is offset outward in the seat width direction from a lower portion that is connected to the drive shaft 72. Specifically, the pivoting bracket 80 has a bracket inner portion 81 connected to the drive shaft 72, a bracket outer portion 82 that is located outside the bracket inner portion 81 in the seat width direction and supports the lower portion of the drive frame 33, and a bracket connecting portion 83 that extends in the seat width direction and connects the bracket inner portion 81 and the bracket outer portion 82.

[0092] A bracket bulge 81a having a generally cylindrical shape that bulges outward in the seat width direction is formed on the inner surface of the lower end of the bracket inner portion 81. A guide ring 76 is slidably attached to the outer peripheral surface of the bracket bulge 81a. A shaft through-hole 84 that passes through the side surfaces of the bracket inner portion 81 and the bracket bulging portion 81a in the seat width direction and supports the drive shaft 72 is formed. The shaft through-hole 84 has a gear hole 84a into which the gear 72a of the drive shaft 72 is fitted.

[0093] A cover assembly hole 85 for assembling an outer bracket cover 87 is formed in the side surface of the upper end of the bracket inner portion 81, penetrating in the seat width direction. The pivot bracket 80 is assembled to the outer bracket cover 87 by fastening bolts from the outside with the cover assembly holes 85 communicating with assembly holes 87h formed in the outer bracket cover 87.

[0094] A frame assembly hole 86 is formed in the side surface of the bracket outer portion 82, penetrating in the seat width direction and for assembly of the canopy frame 32 (drive frame 33). A plurality of frame assembly holes 86 are formed at intervals in the vertical direction, and are arranged at positions corresponding to the assembly holes 33c of the drive frame 33 and the assembly bosses 87e of the outer bracket cover 87. The pivot bracket 80 is assembled to the drive frame 33 and the outer bracket cover 87 by fitting the assembly boss 87e from the outside with the frame assembly hole 86 communicating with the assembly hole 33c of the drive frame 33.

[0095] As shown in FIGS. 16 to 21, the outer bracket cover 87 is a resin cover that extends in accordance with the curved shape of the rotating bracket 80. As shown in FIGS. The outer bracket cover 87 has an approximately L-shape and includes a first outer cover portion 87a that extends along the bracket outer portion 82 and covers the bracket outer portion 82 from the outside, and a second outer cover portion 87b that bends continuously from the lower end of the first outer cover portion 87a, extends along the bracket connecting portion 83, and covers the bracket connecting portion 83 from below. A pair of support ribs 87c that protrude inward in the seat width direction are formed on both widthwise ends of the first outer cover portion 87a, and a pair of support ribs 87d that protrude upward are formed on both widthwise ends of the second outer cover portion 87b. The support ribs 87c and 87d support the drive frame 33 and the rotating bracket 80 by sandwiching them therebetween.

[0096] A plurality of assembly bosses 87e that protrude inward in the seat width direction are formed on the inner surface of the first outer cover portion 87a in the seat width direction. Note that assembly holes may be used instead of assembly bosses. In the case of assembly holes, bolts are attached from the outside. A pair of storage recesses 87f are formed on the inner surface of the first outer cover portion 87a in the seat front-rear direction to store disk-shaped permanent magnets 89. A plurality of storage recesses 87f are formed at intervals in the up-down direction. The permanent magnets 89 stored in the pair of storage recesses 87f are arranged at positions sandwiching the metal drive frame 33 therebetween. The outer bracket cover 87 can hold the drive frame 33 more suitably by having the permanent magnets 89 abut against the drive frame 33 .

[0097] The first outer cover portion 87a has an upper end formed with a cover opening 87g for laterally assembling the drive frame 33 and exposing the drive frame 33 thereto. Further, an assembly hole 87h is formed on the side surface of the second outer cover portion 87b in the seat width direction, penetrating the side surface in the seat width direction and for assembly to the pivot bracket 80 (cover assembly hole 85).

[0098] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 17 to 21, the inner bracket cover 88 is a resin cover that extends in accordance with the curved shape of the rotating bracket 80. As shown in FIGS. The inner bracket cover 88 comprises a first inner cover portion 88a that extends along the bracket inner portion 81 and covers the bracket inner portion 81 from the inside, a second inner cover portion 88b that bends from the upper end of the first inner cover portion 88a and extends along the bracket connecting portion 83 and covers the bracket connecting portion 83 from above, and a third inner cover portion 88c that bends from the outer end of the second inner cover portion 88b and extends along the bracket outer portion 82 and covers the bracket outer portion 82 from the inside. A pair of support ribs 88d that protrude outward in the seat width direction are formed on both widthwise ends of the first inner cover portion 88a and the third inner cover portion 88c. Also, a pair of support ribs 88e that protrude downward are formed on both widthwise ends of the second inner cover portion 88b. The support ribs 88d and 88e support the drive frame 33 and the rotating bracket 80 by sandwiching them therebetween.

[0099] The inner bracket cover 88 extends in the vertical direction in accordance with the curved shape of the pivot bracket 80. The inner surface of the inner bracket cover 88 is inclined in the vertical direction from the bracket inner portion 81 to the bracket outer portion 82. That is, an inclined surface 88f is formed on the inner surface of the inner bracket cover 88, making the inner surface of the inner bracket cover 88 a smooth surface. This prevents the seated occupant from hitting the inner bracket cover 88, and even if the occupant does come into contact with the inner bracket cover 88, it is possible to prevent the occupant from feeling uncomfortable.

[0100] A boss hole 88g for supporting the drive shaft 72 is formed on the outer surface in the seat width direction of the lower end of the first inner cover portion 88a, the boss hole 88g bulging inward in the seat width direction. The outer surface in the seat width direction of the upper end of the first inner cover portion 88a is formed with an assembly boss hole 88h that bulges inward in the seat width direction and is used for assembly to the pivot bracket 80 (cover assembly hole 85).

[0101] The third inner cover portion 88c has an outer surface in the seat width direction formed with an assembly boss hole 88i that bulges inward in the seat width direction and is used for assembly to the drive frame 33 (assembly hole 33c). The assembly boss 87e of the outer bracket cover 87, the assembly hole 33c, and the assembly boss hole 88i are assembled together.

[0102] The inner bracket cover 88 is connected to the outer bracket cover 87 by the support ribs 88d and 88e engaging with the support ribs 87c and 87d. The outer bracket cover 87 and the inner bracket cover 88 rotate integrally with the rotating bracket 80 around the drive shaft 72 as the center of rotation.

[0103] <Frame drive unit> As shown in FIGS. 22 and 23, the frame drive device 90 is a device that connects the back upper frame 12 to the back side frame 11 so as to be rotatable in the front-rear direction of the seat, and is attached to the left side portion of the seat back 2. That is, the frame driving device 90 is a device that causes the back frame 10 to fold in the middle. The frame drive device 90 is attached to the left side portion of the backside frame 11, and is disposed slightly rearward of the drive device 70 (canopy drive device). In other words, the frame drive device 90 and the drive device 70 are configured so that they do not interfere with each other when they are driven.

[0104] A drive member 71 (drive motor) of the drive device 70 is attached to the right back side frame 11. On the other hand, a drive member 91 (drive motor) of the frame drive device 90 is attached to the left back side frame 11.

[0105] As shown in Figures 22 and 23, the frame drive device 90 includes a drive member 91 (drive motor) provided on the inner surface of the left back side frame 11, a drive shaft 92 that serves as the axis of the drive member 91, a drive link 93 provided on the outer surface of the back side frame 11 and connected to the drive shaft 92, and a frame support member 94 that connects the drive link 93 and the back upper frame 12. The drive link 93 and the frame support member 94 are connected by a drive shaft 95 . The frame support member 94 is connected to the back side frame 11 via a drive shaft 95, and is also fixed to the lower end of the back upper frame 12 by welding.

[0106] The driving member 91 is, for example, a driving motor that moves a driving shaft 92 up and down. The driving member 91 has a motor body 91a, an expandable member 91b that expands and contracts up and down from the motor body 91a, and a shaft support portion 91c that is formed at the tip of the expandable member 91b and that supports the driving shaft 92. A mounting hole 91d for mounting the motor body 91a to the side surface of the back side frame 11 is formed at the lower end of the motor body 91a. The drive member 91 is attached to the back side frame 11 by fastening an attachment pin from the inside with the attachment hole 91d communicating with an attachment hole 11c formed in the back side frame 11. The expandable member 91b is a rod member that expands and contracts up and down along the inner surface of the backside frame 11 in accordance with the driving operation of the motor main body 91a.

[0107] The drive shaft 92 penetrates the back side frame 11 and extends in the seat width direction, and is a shaft that connects the expansion and contraction member 91 b and the drive link 93 . In addition, a vertically elongated slot 11d is formed in a portion of the side surface of the back side frame 11 that corresponds to the drive shaft 92. The drive shaft 92 can move up and down inside the elongated hole 11d in accordance with the up and down movement of the expandable member 91b.

[0108] The drive link 93 is a link that connects the back side frame 11 and the frame support member 94. They are connected via a drive shaft 92 and a drive shaft 95. The drive link 93 rotates relative to the drive shaft 92 while rising in accordance with the up and down movement of the drive shaft 92. Then, the frame support member 94 is raised and rotated via the drive shaft 95.

[0109] The frame support member 94 is a frame having a C-shaped cross section, and is rotatably connected to the back side frame 11 via a rotation shaft 96 . The frame support member 94 is welded and fixed to the back upper frame 12 so as to surround the back upper frame 12 from the outside. That is, the frame support member 94 is fixed integrally with the back upper frame 12 and rotates in the front-rear direction together with the back upper frame 12 about the rotation shaft 96 as the drive link 93 rotates.

[0110] With the above-described configuration, the frame drive device 90 can rotate the back upper frame 12 in the front-rear direction of the seat relative to the back side frame 11. That is, as shown in Figures 2 and 4, the seat back 2 can be switched to a "forward-leaning state (center-folded state)" in which the upper portion thereof is tilted forward relative to the lower portion thereof.

[0111] <Method for manufacturing vehicle seats> Next, a method for manufacturing the vehicle seat S will be described with reference to FIGS. In addition, in the method for manufacturing the vehicle seat S, explanation of manufacturing steps other than those described below will be omitted.

[0112] First, the seat back 2, the canopy 30, and the canopy cover 40 are prepared. The canopy 30 has a hood 31 that covers the head of a seated occupant from above, and a canopy frame 32 that supports the hood 31.

[0113] Then, the canopy 30 is assembled to the seat back 2 so that the canopy 30 is disposed above the seat back 2 . At this time, the canopy 30 can be switched between a "stored state" in which it is stored on the seat back 2 side, and an "expanded state" in which it is deployed on the front side of the seat back 2 and covers the head of the seated occupant.

[0114] Then, a canopy cover 40 is attached to the canopy 30 so as to cover the canopy 30 from the outside. The canopy cover 40 is arranged to cover the hood 31 and the canopy frame 32 from the outside when the canopy 30 is in the "stored state."

[0115] The above manufacturing method makes it possible to manufacture a vehicle seat in which the canopy frame, which forms the framework of the canopy, is not exposed to the outside as much as possible.

[0116] <Other embodiments> In the above embodiment, as shown in Figures 1 to 5, the vehicle seat S is equipped with a display device 50, a fragrance device 60, an air conditioning device 65, and a frame drive device 90, but this is not particularly limited. For example, the vehicle seat S may not be equipped with the frame drive device 90. Alternatively, the vehicle seat S may not be equipped with the display device 50, the fragrance device 60, the air conditioning device 65, or the frame drive device 90.

[0117] In the above embodiment, as shown in Figures 2 and 6, the vehicle seat S is equipped with a drive unit 70, which drives the canopy 30 to switch between a "storage state" and an "expanded state," but this is not particularly limited. For example, the vehicle seat S may not be equipped with the drive unit 70, and the canopy may be switched between the "stored state" and the "deployed state" by manual operation.

[0118] In the above embodiment, as shown in Figs. 2 and 4, the vehicle seat S is provided with the rear canopy cover 41 and the front canopy cover 45, but this is not particularly limited. For example, the vehicle seat S may be provided with only the rear canopy cover 41, or may be provided with only the front canopy cover 45. Alternatively, the vehicle seat S may be provided with a third canopy cover that covers the canopy 30 in addition to the rear canopy cover 41 and the front canopy cover 45.

[0119] In the above embodiment, a vehicle seat used in an automobile was described as a specific example, but the present invention is not limited to this and can also be used as a vehicle seat for trains, buses, etc., as well as airplanes, ships, etc.

[0120] In this embodiment, the vehicle seat according to the present invention has been mainly described. However, the above embodiment is merely an example for facilitating understanding of the present invention, and does not limit the present invention. The present invention can be modified and improved without departing from the spirit thereof, and the present invention naturally includes equivalents thereof. [Explanation of symbols]

[0121] S Vehicle seat (vehicle seat) 1 seat cushion 1a, 2a, 3a pad material 1b, 2b, 3b Skin material 1c Cushion Frame 2 seat backs 3 headrests 4 Reclining device 4a Reclining unit 4b Rotating shaft 4c spiral spring 5 Height device 5a Link 1 5b Second Link 6 Rail device 6a Lower rail 6b Upper rail 6c Rail operation lever 7 Control Device 10 Back Frame 11 Backside Frame 11a, 11b Protruding frame 11c mounting hole 11d long hole 12 Back upper frame 12a Upper frame body 12b Pillar mounting member 13 Back lower frame 14 Back connecting plate 14a Mounting part 15 Wire material 16 Support Plate 17 Mounting bracket 17a Inside wall 17b Outer wall 17c Connecting wall 17d mounting hole 17e Assembly hole 18 Fastening bolt 19 Connection bolt 20 Backboard 21 Assembled backboard 21a board body 21b protruding outer edge 21c Board recess 21d Frame assembly part 22 Retractable Backboard 22a board body 22b protruding outer edge 22c protruding flange 22d Board recess 22e Mating hole 23 Board Frame 23a Assembly hole 23b Engagement hole 23c, 23d Frame connection part 24 Rear Backboard 24a Rear wall 24b Upper wall 24c Bottom wall 24d Side wall part 24e mounting holes 24f cutout 24g mating protrusion 24h Engagement protrusion 24i Board extension 30 Canopy 31 Canopy 32 Canopy frame 33 Drive frame 33a, 34a Side frame 33b, 34b upper frame 33c Assembly hole (assembly part) 33d Frame protrusion 33e Retaining rib 33f Groove 33g Mated part 34 Follower frame 35 Guide member 40 Canopy Cover 41 Rear canopy cover (first canopy cover) 42 Cover body 43 Frame hook stopper 44 Cover engagement portion 45 Forward canopy cover (second canopy cover) 46 Cover body 47 Fitting recess (fitting part) 48 Opening 49 Support Rib 50 Display equipment 51 Electric wire 55 Holder 60 Fragrance device 61 Air freshener 62 Fragrance aisle 63 Air Outlet 65 Air conditioner 66 Air conditioner 67 Duct (air conditioning passage) 68 Air conditioning vent 70 Drive unit (canopy drive unit) 71 Driving member (driving motor) 71a Shaft support part 71b Mounting hole 72 Drive shaft 72a Gear (Mating gear) 73 Intermediate Plate 73a Plate body 73b Shaft through hole 73c connection hole 74 Guide plate 74a Plate body 74b Shaft through hole 74c connection hole 74d Assembly hole 74e mounting holes 74f Guide plate 74g Fastening hole 74h Guide section 75 Auxiliary guide plate 75a Plate body 75b Shaft insertion part 75c fastening hole 75d Guide part 76 Guide Ring 77 Outer drive cover 78 Inner drive cover 78a Shaft through hole 78b Guide part 80 Rotating bracket 81 Bracket inner part 81a Bracket bulge 82 Outer part of bracket 83 Bracket connection part 84 shaft through hole 84a gear hole 85 Cover assembly hole 86 Frame assembly holes 87 Outer bracket cover 87a First outer cover part 87b Second outer cover part 87c, 87d Support ribs 87e Assembly boss 87f Storage recess 87g Cover opening 87h Assembly hole 87i Engaged part 88 Inner bracket cover 88a First inner cover part 88b Second inner cover part 88c Third inner cover part 88d, 88e Support ribs 88f slope 88g boss hole 88h, 88i assembly boss hole 89 Permanent Magnets 90 Frame drive unit 91 Driving member (driving motor) 91a Motor body 91b Elastic member 91c Shaft support part 91d Mounting hole 92 Drive shaft 93 Drive link 94 Frame support member 95 Drive shaft 96 Rotating shaft

Claims

1. Seat back and a canopy that is provided on an upper portion of the seat back and that switches between a stored state in which it is stored on the seat back side and a deployed state in which it is deployed on the front side of the seat back and covers the head of a seated occupant; a canopy cover attached to the canopy and covering the canopy from the outside, The canopy includes a hood that covers the head of the seated occupant from above and a canopy frame that supports the hood, The canopy cover is arranged to cover the hood and the canopy frame from the outside when the canopy is in the stored state.

2. The seat back has a back frame that forms a skeleton of the seat back, The canopy frame includes left and right side frames extending upward from left and right side portions of the back frame in the seat width direction, respectively, and an upper frame connecting upper portions of the left and right side frames, The vehicle seat according to claim 1 , wherein the canopy cover is arranged to cover the upper frame and the left and right side frames from the sides when the canopy is in the stored state.

3. The canopy cover is a rear canopy cover that is arranged to cover the hood and the canopy frame from above and laterally when the canopy is in the stored state; 3. The vehicle seat according to claim 2, further comprising: a front canopy cover that is provided at a position forward of the rear canopy cover when the canopy is in the stored state, attached to the upper frame, and positioned to cover the interior space of the canopy from the front.

4. a fitting portion formed on an outer surface of the front canopy cover along the upper frame for fitting to the upper frame; The vehicle seat according to claim 3 , wherein the front canopy cover is attached to the inner surface of the canopy frame by fitting the fitting portion into a mating portion provided on the upper frame.

5. A holder to which a display device can be attached is attached to the upper frame, The vehicle seat according to claim 3 , wherein the holder is disposed in an interior space of the canopy and is covered from the front by the front canopy cover.

6. the display device is attached to the upper frame via the holder, The vehicle seat according to claim 5 , wherein the display device is disposed at a position rearward of a front end of an upper portion of the seat back in a side view of the seat when the canopy is in the stored state.

7. an electric wire for supplying electricity to the display device is connected to the display device; The electric wire is extending from the display device along the canopy frame, and extending from the canopy frame to the seat back and into the interior of the seat back; The vehicle seat according to claim 5, wherein the seat extends while being guided by a plurality of guide members provided on the canopy frame.

8. A frame protrusion that protrudes into the interior space of the canopy is formed on the inner surface of the upper frame, The holder is attached to the frame protrusion, The vehicle seat according to claim 5, wherein the holder and the display device are covered from the front by the front canopy cover.

9. The canopy cover is The canopy is arranged to cover the holder and the display device from above, from the front, and from the sides when in the stored state, and The vehicle seat according to claim 5 , wherein the canopy is disposed so as to cover the holder and the display device from above, from the front, and from the sides when in the unfolded state.

10. the rear canopy cover extends along the upper frame and the left and right side frames to the left and right side portions of the seat back, The vehicle seat according to any one of claims 3 to 8, wherein the front canopy cover extends along the upper frame and is positioned above the seat back.

11. a rotating bracket that is interposed between the back frame and the canopy frame in the seat width direction, supports a lower portion of the canopy frame, and rotates together with the canopy frame; an outer bracket cover that covers the rotating bracket from the outside in the seat width direction, 9. The vehicle seat according to claim 3, wherein the rear canopy cover has a cover engaging portion provided in a lower portion of the rear canopy cover and engaging with an engaged portion provided on the outer bracket cover.

12. The seat back includes a back frame that forms a skeleton of the seat back, a padding material placed on the back frame, and a back board that covers the back frame and the padding material from behind, The backboard has a board protrusion provided on an outer edge of the backboard and protruding upward and outward in the seat width direction beyond the back frame and the pad material, The vehicle seat according to claim 1 , wherein the canopy frame is accommodated in front of the board extension portion when in the stored state.

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