Vehicle seat

Abstract

To provide a vehicle seat which properly controls behavior of a pelvis (a lumbar part) of a seating person to inhibit a compressive load from occurring in the pelvis of the seating person when an impact, such as a collision, occurs.SOLUTION: A vehicle seat includes a seat cushion S1. The seat cushion S1 has: a seat cushion frame 10; and a cushion pad 1b placed on the seat cushion frame 10. The seat cushion frame 10 includes a sinking inhibition member 15 which inhibits sinking of a seating person. A fragile part 15a is provided at the sinking inhibition member 15.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle seat, and more particularly to a vehicle seat that can prevent an occupant from sinking when an impact such as a collision occurs. [Background technology]

[0002] When a moving vehicle is involved in a frontal collision, a submarine phenomenon may occur in which the body of a seated occupant (passenger) restrained by a seat belt slides forward and downward on the surface of the seat. As a measure to prevent the submarine phenomenon, for example, as described in Patent Document 1, a vehicle seat is known in which a pipe member is provided under the front part of the seat cushion to prevent sinking. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-34797 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the event of a frontal collision, compressive loads are generated on the spine as the occupant sinks, which can place strain on the occupant.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide a vehicle seat that can appropriately absorb the impact that occurs to the occupant when an impact such as a collision occurs, and can suppress the occurrence of compressive load on the occupant's spine. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The above problem is solved by the vehicle seat of the present invention, which is a vehicle seat equipped with a seat cushion, wherein the seat cushion has a seat cushion frame and a cushion pad placed on the seat cushion frame, and the seat cushion frame is equipped with a sinking suppression member that suppresses sinking of the seated occupant, and the sinking suppression member is provided with a weak portion.

[0007] In the seat cushion of the present invention configured as described above, when the seat occupant sinks in the event of a frontal collision, the sinking suppression member deforms at the weak portion, thereby contributing to absorbing the impact on the seat occupant, and thus suppressing the occurrence of a compressive load on the spine of the seat occupant.

[0008] In the above configuration, the seat cushion frame may have a pair of side frames, and the sinking suppression member may be mounted across the pair of side frames. In the above configuration, the sinking suppression member is bridged at both ends in the seat width direction between the pair of side frames, thereby improving the mounting rigidity.

[0009] In the above configuration, the sinking suppression member may be a pan frame that supports the thighs of the seated occupant. With the above configuration, the area capable of supporting the occupant increases when the occupant is normally seated, and can contribute to impact absorption in the event of a frontal collision.

[0010] In the above configuration, the sinking suppression member may be provided inside the cushion pad. With the above configuration, the structure of the seat frame can be made as simple as usual, which contributes to improving workability when assembling the vehicle seat while also contributing to absorbing impact in the event of a frontal collision.

[0011] In the above configuration, it is preferable that a height adjustment mechanism for adjusting the height position of the vehicle seat is provided, and a weak portion is provided in a link portion that maintains the height position of the height adjustment mechanism. In the above configuration, when the seated occupant sinks in the event of a frontal collision, the number of weak parts that contribute to shock absorption increases, thereby further reducing the impact on the seated occupant.

[0012] Furthermore, in the above configuration, the subsidence suppression member is a first subsidence suppression member, and is provided with a second subsidence suppression member different from the first subsidence suppression member, and the second subsidence suppression member also has a weak portion. In the above configuration, when the seated occupant sinks in the event of a frontal collision, the number of weak parts that contribute to shock absorption increases, thereby further reducing the impact on the seated occupant.

[0013] In the above configuration, the first subsidence suppression member may be spaced apart from the second subsidence suppression member in the front-rear direction of the vehicle seat. In the above-described configuration, impact absorption occurs over a wide range in the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle seat, so that the impact on the seated occupant is further reduced.

[0014] The first subsidence suppression member may be disposed so as to overlap at least a portion of the second subsidence suppression member in the up-down direction of the vehicle seat. In the above configuration, the first sinking suppression member and the second sinking suppression member overlap in the vertical direction of the seat, making it possible to increase the amount of impact absorption when the seated occupant sinks during a frontal collision.

[0015] In the above configuration, the first subsidence suppression member may be disposed so as not to overlap with the second subsidence suppression member in the up-down direction of the vehicle seat. In the above-described configuration, impact absorption occurs over a wide range in the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle seat, so that the impact on the seated occupant is further reduced.

[0016] In the above configuration, it is preferable that a height adjustment mechanism for adjusting the height position of the vehicle seat is provided, and a weak portion is provided in a link portion that maintains the height position of the height adjustment mechanism. In the above configuration, when the seated occupant sinks in the event of a frontal collision, the number of weak parts that contribute to shock absorption increases, thereby further reducing the impact on the seated occupant. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] According to the vehicle seat of the present invention, when the seated occupant sinks in the event of a frontal collision, the sinking suppression member deforms at the weak portion, thereby contributing to absorbing the impact on the seated occupant, and thus suppressing the occurrence of a compressive load on the spine of the seated occupant. Furthermore, according to the vehicle seat of the present invention, the sinking suppression member is bridged at both ends in the seat width direction between the pair of side frames, thereby improving the mounting rigidity. Furthermore, the vehicle seat of the present invention increases the area available for supporting an occupant when normally seated, and can contribute to absorbing impact in the event of a frontal collision. Furthermore, according to the vehicle seat of the present invention, the structure of the seat frame can be made as simple as usual, which contributes to improving workability when assembling the vehicle seat while also contributing to absorbing impact in the event of a frontal collision. Furthermore, with the vehicle seat of the present invention, when the seated occupant sinks in during a frontal collision, the number of weak parts that contribute to shock absorption increases, thereby further reducing the impact on the seated occupant. Furthermore, according to the vehicle seat of the present invention, impact absorption occurs over a wide range in the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle seat, so that the impact on the seated occupant is further reduced. Furthermore, according to the vehicle seat of the present invention, the first sinking suppression member and the second sinking suppression member overlap in the vertical direction of the seat, making it possible to increase the amount of impact absorption when the seated occupant sinks during a frontal collision. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1]1 is an external view of a vehicle seat according to first to fourth embodiments of the present invention; [Figure 2] 1 is a perspective view of a seat cushion frame of a vehicle seat according to a first embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 3] 1 is a perspective view of a seat cushion frame of a vehicle seat according to a first embodiment of the present invention, with a pan frame removed; [Figure 4] 1 is a top view of a seat cushion frame of a vehicle seat according to a first embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 5] 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 1, illustrating the positional relationship between first and second subsidence suppression members according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 6] 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB in FIG. 1, illustrating the positional relationship between the first and second subsidence suppression members according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a seat cushion frame of a vehicle seat according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 1, and is an explanatory diagram showing the positional relationship between first and second subsidence suppression members according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a seat cushion frame of a vehicle seat according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a top view of a seat cushion frame of a vehicle seat according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] 1, and is an explanatory diagram showing the positional relationship between first and second subsidence suppression members according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a seat cushion frame of a vehicle seat according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a vehicle seat height adjustment mechanism according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention; FIG. [Figure 14] 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams showing a link member of the height adjustment mechanism. [Figure 15]10 is an explanatory diagram showing a weakened portion provided in a link member of the height adjustment mechanism. FIG. [Figure 16A] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a seat frame of a vehicle seat according to a first modified example of the present invention. [Figure 16B] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating the arrangement of impact absorbing members in a seat frame of a vehicle seat according to a first modified example of the present invention. [Figure 16C] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating the arrangement of impact absorbing members in a seat frame of a vehicle seat according to a first modified example of the present invention. [Figure 16D] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating the arrangement of impact absorbing members in a seat frame of a vehicle seat according to a first modified example of the present invention. [Figure 17A] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a seat frame of a vehicle seat according to a second modified example of the present invention. [Figure 17B] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating the arrangement of impact absorbing members in a seat frame of a vehicle seat according to a second modified example of the present invention. [Figure 17C] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating the arrangement of impact absorbing members in a seat frame of a vehicle seat according to a second modified example of the present invention. [Figure 17D] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating the arrangement of impact absorbing members in a seat frame of a vehicle seat according to a second modified example of the present invention. [Figure 18A] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a seat frame of a vehicle seat according to a third modified example of the present invention. [Figure 18B] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating the arrangement of impact absorbing members in a seat frame of a vehicle seat according to a third modified example of the present invention. [Figure 18C] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating the arrangement of impact absorbing members in a seat frame of a vehicle seat according to a third modified example of the present invention. [Figure 18D] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating the arrangement of impact absorbing members in a seat frame of a vehicle seat according to a third modified example of the present invention. [Figure 19A]FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a seat frame of a vehicle seat according to a fourth modified example of the present invention. [Figure 19B] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating the arrangement of impact absorbing members in a seat frame of a vehicle seat according to a fourth modified example of the present invention. [Figure 19C] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating the arrangement of impact absorbing members in a seat frame of a vehicle seat according to a fourth modified example of the present invention. [Figure 19D] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating the arrangement of impact absorbing members in a seat frame of a vehicle seat according to a fourth modified example of the present invention. [Figure 20A] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a seat frame of a vehicle seat according to a fifth modified example of the present invention. [Figure 20B] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating the arrangement of impact absorbing members in a seat frame of a vehicle seat according to a fifth modified example of the present invention. [Figure 20C] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating the arrangement of impact absorbing members in a seat frame of a vehicle seat according to a fifth modified example of the present invention. [Figure 20D] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating the arrangement of impact absorbing members in a seat frame of a vehicle seat according to a fifth modified example of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] A vehicle seat according to an embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as the present embodiment) will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 20D. As the vehicle seat according to the present embodiment, a vehicle seat mounted on a vehicle will be described as an example, but the vehicle seat is not limited to a vehicle seat mounted on a ground-traveling vehicle having wheels such as an automobile or train, and may also be a seat mounted on an aircraft, ship, or the like that moves other than on land.

[0020] The embodiment described below is merely an example to facilitate understanding of the present invention, and is not intended to limit the present invention. In other words, the shapes, dimensions, arrangements, etc. of the components described below may be changed or improved without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and the present invention naturally includes equivalents thereof.

[0021] Regarding terms indicating directions in this specification, each direction is defined as shown in Figure 1. Specifically, in the following description, the "front-rear direction" means the front-rear direction as seen from the perspective of a person seated in the vehicle seat, and is the direction that coincides with the direction in which the vehicle is traveling. The "seat width direction" means the width direction of the vehicle seat, and coincides with the left-right direction as seen from the perspective of a person seated in the vehicle seat. Furthermore, the "up-down direction" means the height direction of the vehicle seat, and coincides with the up-down direction as seen from the front of the vehicle seat.

[0022] [1. Configuration of the vehicle seat S] The vehicle seat S according to this embodiment has the appearance shown in Fig. 1. In Fig. 1, a part of the vehicle seat S (specifically, a front corner of the seat cushion S1) is shown with the trim cover 1a removed for convenience of illustration.

[0023] The vehicle seat S has as its main components a seat cushion S1, which serves as a seating portion that supports the buttocks of the seated occupant, a seat back S2, which serves as a backrest that supports the back of the seated occupant, and a headrest S3, which is disposed on top of the seat back S2 and supports the head of the seated occupant. The seat cushion S1 is configured by placing a cushion pad 1b on a seat cushion frame 10, which serves as a framework as shown in FIG. 2, and further covering the cushion pad 1b with a trim cover 1a. The seat back S2 is configured by placing a cushion pad (not shown) on a seat back frame (not shown) and covering it with a trim cover 1a. The headrest S3 is formed by placing a pad material (not shown) on a core material (not shown) and covering it with a trim cover 1a.

[0024] The cushion pads of the seat cushion S1 and the seat back S2 are made of a urethane base material formed by foam molding using a urethane foam material. The trim cover 1a of the seat cushion S1 is provided with a first hanging portion 2a (right-side hanging portion) located on the right side of the seat cushion and extending in the front-rear direction, a second hanging portion 2b (left-side hanging portion) located on the left side of the seat cushion and extending in the front-rear direction, a third hanging portion 2c (front-side hanging portion) located on the front side of the seat cushion and extending in the seat width direction, and a fourth hanging portion 2d (rear-side hanging portion) located on the rear side of the seat cushion and extending in the seat width direction. As will be described later, the cushion pad 1b is provided with thin-walled portions that are thinner than the surrounding areas at positions corresponding to the hanging portions 2a to 2d.

[0025] [2. Seat cushion frame of the first embodiment] 2 and 3, the configuration of a seat cushion frame 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described. The seat cushion frame 10 is supported by legs (not shown), to which inner rails are attached, and is assembled in a sliding manner between the legs and outer rails installed on the vehicle floor so that the position can be adjusted in the fore-and-aft direction. The rear end of the seat cushion frame 10 is connected to a seat back frame (not shown) via a reclining mechanism (not shown).

[0026] In this embodiment, the seat cushion frame 10 has an outer shape that is approximately a rectangular frame when viewed from above, as shown in Fig. 2. The seat cushion frame 10 mainly comprises a pair of side frames 11 that respectively form the left and right ends in the seat width direction, a pan frame 12 that forms the front end of the seat cushion frame 10, and a connecting pipe 13 (pipe frame) that connects the left and right side frames 11 at their rear ends.

[0027] The two (pair) side frames 11 are arranged spaced apart in the left-right direction and extend in the front-rear direction to define the width of the seat cushion frame 10. A connecting pipe 13 is attached to the rear side of the side frames 11, and the left and right side frames 11 are connected at the rear side by the connecting pipe 13.

[0028] The pan frame 12 is fixedly joined to the front sides of the pair of side frames 11, and the left and right side frames 11 are connected at the front sides by the pan frame 12. More specifically, the left and right ends of the pan frame 12 are fixed to flanges 11a provided on the side frames 11 by fixing means such as welding.

[0029] The pan frame 12 is primarily intended to support the thighs of a seated occupant (passenger) and is a frame formed from a metal plate material formed into a generally rectangular shape with a substantially flat upper surface. As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 5, which will be described later, the pan frame 12 has a forward bent portion 12a bent downward at its front end, and a rear bent portion 12b bent downward at its rear end 12e. A support surface 12c with a substantially flat upper surface is provided between the forward bent portion 12a and the rear bent portion 12b. The left and right ends of this support surface 12c are fixed to the flanges 11a of the side frames 11 (FIG. 2).

[0030] An end of the trim cover 1a is engaged with the lower end of the front bent portion 12a of the pan frame 12. A known method such as a trim cord is used to engage the trim cover 1a with the front bent portion 12a. As shown in FIG. 2, a protrusion 12d is provided on the top surface of the pan frame 12.

[0031] Next, a description will be given with reference to FIG. 3, which shows the seat cushion frame 10 without the pan frame 12, together with FIG. 2. Front springs 14a and rear springs 14b (support members) are disposed rearward of the rear end 12e of the pan frame 12. The front springs 14a and rear springs 14b are horizontally mounted between the left and right side frames 11, and both ends of the front springs 14a and rear springs 14b are respectively engaged with engaging portions 11b provided on the side frames 11. The engaging portions 11b are formed as portions between two holes spaced apart in the front-to-rear direction, and the portions sandwiched between the holes are configured to bulge toward the inside of the side frames 11. The end of the front spring 14a or rear spring 14b is inserted through one of the holes, and after a portion of the spring is aligned with the bulging portion, the end is inserted through the other hole.

[0032] The front springs 14a and the rear springs 14b are arranged to be spaced a predetermined distance from each other and extend in directions that are substantially parallel to each other when the seat cushion frame 10 is viewed from directly above (i.e., in a plan view). The front springs 14a and the rear springs 14b are configured to support a position corresponding to the ischial tuberosities of a seated person between them (the space spaced a predetermined distance apart). In other words, the front springs 14a and the rear springs 14b are arranged spaced apart from each other at least to the extent that they are not disposed directly below the ischial tuberosities.

[0033] The front springs 14a and the rear springs 14b are linear members formed in a wave shape (zigzag shape) or the like, and mainly support the buttocks of a seated occupant. The ends of the front springs 14a and the rear springs 14b are pivotally supported by the left and right side frames 11, respectively, and the cushion pad 1b is placed above the front springs 14a and the rear springs 14b. In other words, the front springs 14a and the rear springs 14b function as support members that support the cushion pad 1b.

[0034] As shown in Fig. 3, the seat cushion frame 10 of this embodiment is provided with a submarine pipe 15 (first sinking suppression member) for suppressing the submarine phenomenon in which the body of a seated occupant in the vehicle seat S slides forward and downward in the event of a frontal collision of the vehicle. The submarine pipe 15 is provided between the left and right side frames 11 at a position forward of the front springs 14a. The submarine pipe 15 is also disposed in a position forward of the rear end portion 12e and the rear bent portion 12b of the pan frame 12. The submarine pipe 15 is also disposed in a position below the pan frame 12, specifically below the support surface 12c and the protrusion 12d of the pan frame 12.

[0035] When an impact such as a frontal collision occurs, the seated occupant may sink, causing a compressive load on the spine of the seated occupant. In the seat cushion frame 10 of this embodiment, in order to suppress the impact caused by the seated occupant sinking when an impact such as a frontal collision occurs, a weakened portion 15a is provided in the submarine pipe 15, which is the first sinking suppression member. The weakened portion 15a is a portion with a narrowed diameter provided near the center of the submarine pipe 15. When the seated occupant sinks during a frontal collision, the submarine pipe 15 deforms at the weakened portion 15a, thereby contributing to absorbing the impact on the seated occupant. Therefore, the compressive load on the spine of the seated occupant is suppressed.

[0036] Furthermore, the submarine pipe 15 provided with the weak portion 15a is installed between the left and right side frames 11, and is provided with mounting rigidity and can contribute appropriately to shock absorption.

[0037] [3. Second sinking suppression member provided in seat cushion pad] The second sinking suppression member provided in the cushion pad 1b of the seat cushion S1 according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 4 to 6. Figure 4 is a top view of the seat cushion frame 10, Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in Figure 1, and Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in Figure 1.

[0038] A plate member 17 will be described as an example of the second sinking suppression member provided in the cushion pad 1b of the seat cushion S1 according to this embodiment. The plate member 17 is a plate-shaped resin molded product provided in the cushion pad 1b. The plate member 17 is injection molded while being inserted into a base material (urethane foam, which is a urethane material) that constitutes the cushion pad 1b. Because the plate member 17 is integrally molded with the cushion pad 1b, there is no need to separately attach the plate member 17 to the molded cushion pad 1b, which has the advantage of improving workability.

[0039] The plate member 17 has a weak part, such as a hollow structure that collapses when a load is applied due to an impact, or a structure in which air is trapped in cylindrical protrusions provided on the bubble cushioning material, and is configured to be able to absorb the impact that occurs when the seated person sinks when an impact such as a frontal collision occurs.

[0040] 4, which is a top view of the seat cushion frame 10, the plate member 17 has a front end surface 17a at the front, a rear end surface 17b at the rear, a right end surface 17c facing the right side frame 11, and a left end surface 17d facing the left side frame 11. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 5, the plate member 17 has an upper surface portion 17e and a lower surface portion 17f.

[0041] 4 and 5, in a plan view of the seat cushion frame 10 seen from above, the plate member 17 is disposed so as to overlap at least a portion of the front springs 14a and the rear springs 14b, which are support members that support the cushion pad 1b in the up-down direction. In addition, the plate member 17 is configured so that the front end surface 17a is located rearward of the rear end of the submarine pipe 15 (first sinking suppression member) in the seat front-rear direction.

[0042] As shown in Fig. 5, the plate member 17 is disposed so as to be located between the front thin portion 1c provided on the cushion pad 1b and the additional pipe 16 in the up-down direction. Also, as shown in Fig. 6, the plate member 17 is provided between the left and right thin portions of the cushion pad 1b, i.e., the right thin portion 1e and the left thin portion 1f, in the seat width direction (seat left-right direction) (closer to the seat center with respect to the left and right thin portions). In other words, the plate member 17 is provided between the left and right hanging portions provided on the trim cover 1a, i.e., the first hanging portion 2a and the second hanging portion 2b, in the seat width direction (seat left-right direction) (closer to the seat center with respect to the left and right hanging portions).

[0043] In the seat cushion frame 10 of this embodiment, the plate member 17 is disposed at such a position, so that when the seated occupant sinks in during a frontal collision, the impact on the seated occupant is appropriately absorbed by the plate member 17. Therefore, the occurrence of a compressive load on the spine of the seated occupant is suppressed.

[0044] Here, it is preferable that the plate member 17 is configured to transmit the impact to the submarine pipe 15 when it is displaced due to a collision, as this will effectively absorb the impact. For example, in Fig. 4, the plate member 17 can be configured so that the front end surface 17a is located forward of the submarine pipe 15, and the plate member 17 is provided so as to straddle the submarine pipe 15. In this case, when the seated occupant sinks due to a collision, the impact is absorbed by both the submarine pipe 15 and the plate member 17, making it possible to effectively absorb the impact over a wide range in the front-to-rear direction of the seat. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the compressive load acting on the spine of the seated occupant.

[0045] The positional relationship between the submarine pipe 15 (first sinking suppression member) and the plate member 17 (second sinking suppression member) can be changed as appropriate, and if the submarine pipe 15 is positioned so that at least a portion of it overlaps with the plate member 17 in the vertical direction of the seat (in other words, the front end surface 17a of the plate member 17 is positioned forward of the rear end of the submarine pipe 15), it is possible to increase the amount of impact absorption when the seated occupant sinks during a frontal collision.

[0046] Furthermore, if the submarine pipe 15 is positioned so as not to overlap the plate member 17 in the vertical direction of the seat (in other words, the front end surface 17a of the plate member 17 is positioned rearward of the rear end of the submarine pipe 15), it becomes possible to absorb impacts over a wide range in the front-to-rear direction of the seat.

[0047] [4. Seat cushion frame of second embodiment] In the first embodiment, the seat cushion frame of the vehicle seat is described as an example in which a weak portion 15a for impact absorption is provided in the submarine pipe as the first sinking suppression member.In the second embodiment, an example is described in which a weak portion for impact absorption is provided in the pan frame that supports the thighs of the seated person and functions as a sinking suppression member.

[0048] A seat cushion frame according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to Figures 7 and 8. Only the configurations different from the first embodiment will be described, and the other configurations are the same as the configurations of the first embodiment, so descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0049] 7 shows a perspective view of a seat cushion frame 10X for a vehicle seat according to the second embodiment. The pan frame 12 of the seat cushion frame 10X has a box-shaped weakened portion 12f. The weakened portion 12f is formed as a part of a rear bent portion 12b that is bent downward from a rear end portion 12e of the pan frame 12.

[0050] When the seated occupant sinks during a frontal collision, the weak portion 12f collapses, thereby appropriately absorbing the impact on the seated occupant. The weak portion 12f can be provided with a bellows structure that collapses when a load is applied due to an impact, or a structure in which air is trapped in cylindrical protrusions like those in bubble cushioning material, to effectively absorb the impact. Therefore, compressive loads on the spine of the seated occupant can be suppressed.

[0051] [5. Seat cushion frame of the third embodiment] In the first embodiment, the seat cushion frame of the vehicle seat has been described as an example equipped with a submarine pipe as a first sinking suppression member (for example, a seat cushion frame of a front seat), but in the third embodiment, a seat cushion frame (a seat cushion frame of a front seat or a seat cushion frame of a rear seat) that does not have a submarine pipe will be described.

[0052] A seat cushion frame according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to Figures 9 to 11. Only the configurations different from the first embodiment will be described, and the other configurations are the same as the configurations of the first embodiment, so descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0053] 9 shows a perspective view of a seat cushion frame 10Y of a vehicle seat according to a third embodiment. The seat cushion frame 10Y differs from the first embodiment in that it does not include a component equivalent to a submarine pipe. The seat cushion frame 10Y according to the second embodiment has a plate member 17 provided with a weak portion below the cushion pad 1b. When the plate member 17 is displaced downward during a frontal collision, the plate member 17 comes into contact with a sinking suppression member provided with a weak portion on the seat cushion frame 10Y or the vehicle body, and the plate member 17 and the sinking suppression member with a weak portion absorb the impact on the seated occupant.

[0054] An example of a sinking suppression member provided on the seat cushion frame 10Y may be any member that has a weak portion that can absorb an impact, such as a frame piece 18 provided with a weak portion 18a, but is not limited to this. The frame piece 18 is provided between the left and right side frames 11 at a position forward of the front spring 14a.

[0055] 10, in a plan view of the seat cushion frame 10Y seen from above in the seat vertical direction, the plate member 17 is disposed above the frame pieces 18. In addition, the plate member 17 is configured so that a front end surface 17a thereof is positioned forward of the frame pieces 18 in the seat front-rear direction.

[0056] According to the seat cushion frame 10Y of the vehicle seat of the second embodiment, when a seated occupant sinks during a frontal collision, the plate member 17 is displaced downward and comes into contact with the sinking suppression member (frame piece 18), which causes the weak portions provided on the plate member 17 and the frame piece 18 to deform and absorb the impact, thereby suppressing the impact on the seated occupant. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 11 , the lower surface portion 17f of the plate member 17 comes into contact with the sinking suppression member (frame piece 18), which causes the weak portions provided on the plate member 17 and the frame piece 18 to deform and absorb the impact, thereby suppressing the impact on the seated occupant. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the compressive load acting on the spine of the seated occupant.

[0057] [6. Seat cushion frame of the fourth embodiment] In addition, in a vehicle seat equipped with a height adjustment mechanism for the seat cushion, a weakened portion can be provided in part of the height adjustment mechanism to absorb the impact on the seated occupant in the event of a frontal collision. Hereinafter, a seat cushion frame according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, in which a weakened portion is provided in part of the height adjustment mechanism, will be described in detail with reference to Figures 12 to 15.

[0058] 12 has a rectangular frame-like outer shape when viewed from above, and includes, as its main components, side frames 11 located at the left and right ends in the seat width direction, and a pan frame 12 that forms the front end of the seat cushion frame 10. The upper portions of the rear ends of the side frames 11 are attached to the lower ends of seatback side frames (not shown).

[0059] 12, the lower portions of the rear ends of the side frames 11 are connected to each other by a member extending in the seat width direction. This member is a hollow member, a connecting pipe 24, specifically a round pipe. Furthermore, both ends of the connecting pipe 24 in the seat width direction are supported by the left and right side frames 11 via end sleeves 28L and 28R, which are cylindrical members.

[0060] Additionally, a plurality of springs 25 (S-type springs) serving as support members are arranged in the seat width direction between the left and right side frames 11. These springs 25 extend longitudinally in the seat front-rear direction. The front ends of the springs 25 are fixed to the upper end surface of the pan frame 12. The rear ends of the springs 25 are fastened to the connecting pipe 24 by an engaging hook 26 and an L-angle-shaped fixing bracket 27 disposed between the left and right side frames 11.

[0061] The vehicle seat S of this embodiment is provided with a height adjustment mechanism 40 for adjusting the height of the seat cushion S1. The height adjustment mechanism 40 is disposed between the seat cushion frame 10Z and the upper rail 32L of the slide rail mechanism 30 in the vertical direction. When an occupant performs a height adjustment operation (for example, pressing an up / down button not shown), movable parts of the height adjustment mechanism 40 (more specifically, a drive link 41 and a driven link 43, which will be described later, etc.) are operated. This adjusts the height of the seat body including the seat cushion S1.

[0062] The configuration of the height adjustment mechanism 40 according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to Fig. 13. As shown in Fig. 13, the height adjustment mechanism 40 has a driving link 41, a pinion gear 42, and a driven link 43. The driving link 41 and the driven link 43 swing in the front-rear and up-down directions together with the seat cushion S1.

[0063] The drive link 41 is made of a metal plate member and is disposed on the outer side of the side frames 11 constituting the seat cushion frame 10Z in the seat width direction. One longitudinal end of the drive link 41 is swingably supported via a pivot pin 41b on a link support 32a provided on the upper surface of the upper rail 32L. The other longitudinal end of the drive link 41 has a generally fan-shaped outer shape as shown in FIG. 13. Gear teeth are formed on the front end of the other longitudinal end of the generally fan-shaped drive link 41. That is, the other longitudinal end of the drive link 41 forms a sector gear 41a, which meshes with a pinion gear 42 as shown in FIG. 13. The pinion gear 42 is rotatably attached to the side frame 11 provided on the seat cushion frame 10Z. The pinion gear 42 is connected to a drive motor attached to the side frame 11. The mechanism part that includes the drive link 41, sector gear 41a, and pinion gear 42 and that mainly operates the height adjustment mechanism 40 is referred to as the drive part 40M, and the mechanism part that adjusts the seat height in response to the operation of the drive part 40M is referred to as the driven part.

[0064] The driven link 43 (corresponding to the driven portion of the height adjustment mechanism 40) is made of a metal plate member and is a link that swings in response to the swinging action of the drive link 41. The driven link 43 is supported so as to be able to swing relative to each of the side frame 11 and the upper rail 32L of the seat cushion frame 10Z. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 13, one longitudinal end of the driven link 43 is supported so as to be able to swing relative to a link support portion 32b installed on the upper surface of the upper rail 32L via a pivot pin 43a. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 13, the other longitudinal end of the driven link 43 is supported so as to be able to swing relative to the lower end of the side frame 11 via a pivot pin 43b.

[0065] The operation of the height adjustment mechanism 40 configured as described above will be described. When a seat occupant performs a height adjustment operation (e.g., pressing a lift button, not shown), the drive motor connected to the pinion gear 42 is driven, causing the pinion gear 42 to rotate. As the pinion gear 42 rotates, the meshing position between the pinion gear 42 and the sector gear 41a changes. Accordingly, the drive link 41 and the driven link 43 swing. At this time, the end sleeves 28L, 28R welded to the drive link 41 and the connecting pipe 24 fitted into the end sleeves 28L, 28R swing integrally. As a result, the side frame 11 of the seat cushion frame 10Z rotates relative to the connecting pipe 24 and the end sleeves 28L, 28R, about their central axes. As a result, the seat cushion frame 10Z moves up and down, adjusting the height of the seat body.

[0066] 14 and 15, a weak portion 33 is provided in a link support portion 32b that constitutes a link portion that maintains the height position of a height adjustment mechanism 40 that adjusts the height position of a vehicle seat. The weak portion 33 is formed by providing an elongated hole in the link support portion 32b, and in the event of a frontal collision, a pivot pin 43a breaks the weak portion 33 and enters the elongated hole, thereby absorbing the impact. The method of providing a weak portion in the link portion is not limited to this, and any method may be used as long as it can absorb the impact on the seated occupant when they sink in during a frontal collision.

[0067] [7. Variations] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. Modifications of the seat cushion frame and seat cushion according to the present embodiment will be described below.

[0068] In the above embodiment, the submarine pipe 15 (first sinking suppression member) is formed as a straight pipe member, and the diameter of a portion of the pipe member is reduced to provide the weakened portion 15a. However, the weakened portion may be formed by forming a cut, recess, or notch in a portion of the pipe member, by reducing the wall thickness, or by making the material of the central portion of the pipe member in the seat width direction softer than the surrounding area. Furthermore, the cross-sectional shape of the submarine pipe 15 may be configured such that one side of the pipe member is inclined relative to the other side toward the rear or front in the seat front-rear direction. Furthermore, the weakened portion may be formed by joining two pipe members together, or by joining two halves of a member with different strengths.

[0069] In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the cushion pad and the plate member were integrated by integral molding, but this is not limited to this, and a recess may be formed in the cushion pad and the plate member may be accommodated in the recess. Furthermore, although using a plate member is preferable from the viewpoint of weight reduction, a metal plate member provided with a fragile portion instead of resin, or a hard urethane molded into a plate shape, or other materials other than resin, may also be used.

[0070] In the above embodiment, an example has been shown in which the plate member 17 is integrated with the cushion pad 1b by being integrally molded therewith, but the method of attachment to the cushion pad is not limited to this, and the plate may be attached to a coarse blanket as a backing material attached to the underside of the cushion pad. In this case, by providing fine irregularities on the surface (upper surface) and edges of the plate that comes into contact with the cushion pad, the plate is prevented from falling off from the underside of the cushion pad.

[0071] The shape of the plate member 17 is not limited to a flat shape, and may have a curved shape that curves in the left-right direction (seat width direction). Specifically, the plate member 17 may have a curved shape such that the right end surface 17c and the left end surface 17d are located below or above the center portion of the plate member 17. The plate member 17 may also have a curved shape that curves in the front-rear direction. Specifically, the plate member 17 may have a curved shape such that the front end surface 17a and the rear end surface 17b are located below or above the center portion of the plate member 17. Furthermore, it is possible to thin the left and right side portions (right end surface 17c and left end surface 17d) of the plate member 17, or to thin the center portion.

[0072] In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the plate member 17 was provided on the cushion pad 1b, but the plate member may be provided on a part other than the cushion pad. Specifically, the plate member may be attached by hooking the left and right ends of the plate member onto the left and right side frames 11, respectively, and the lower surface of the plate may be supported by the front springs 14a and the rear springs 14b, thereby installing the plate member on the seat cushion.

[0073] In the above embodiment, an example was described in which a plate member was used as the second sinking suppression member provided in the cushion pad, but the form of the second sinking suppression member is not limited to this. For example, the second sinking suppression member may be a coarse blanket attached to the underside of the cushion pad as a backing material with a harder material than the urethane base material. Furthermore, a fragile portion may be provided in a portion of the backing material, such as the coarse blanket, that comes into contact with the frame member, the vehicle body, etc. when the second sinking suppression member is displaced downward, specifically, in a portion of the backing material, such as the coarse blanket, that faces the frame member, the vehicle body, etc. The backing material may be a coarse blanket, felt, press felt, or nonwoven fabric, and the fragile portion may be provided by appropriately processing a portion of the backing material.

[0074] In the above embodiment, an example in which a plate member is applied to the seat cushion frame shown in Fig. 2 has been shown, but it is also possible to apply the plate member (sinking suppression member, high hardness portion, impact absorbing member) to other seat frames. Hereinafter, seat frames of vehicle seats according to modified examples (first to fifth modified examples) will be described with reference to Figs. 16A to 20D. It should be noted that Figs. 16A to 20D do not illustrate the thickness of the plate member.

[0075] (Seat frame of a vehicle seat according to a first modified example) First, an outline of the configuration of the seat frame will be described with reference to Fig. 16A. As shown in Fig. 16A, the seat frame S100 is mainly composed of a seat cushion frame 110 and a seat back frame 120. The seat cushion frame 110 forms the framework of the sitting portion of the vehicle seat, and the seat back frame 120 forms the framework of the backrest portion of the vehicle seat.

[0076] The seat cushion frame 110 has a rectangular frame-like outer shape when viewed from above. The main components of the seat cushion frame 110 are side frames 111 and 112 that form the ends in the seat width direction, a pan frame 113 that forms the front end of the seat cushion frame 110, and a connecting pipe 114 that connects the rear ends of the right side frame 111 and the left side frame 112.

[0077] 16A, a submarine pipe 115 is provided between the left and right side frames 111, 112 at a position rearward of the pan frame 113. A spring 116 serving as a support member is arranged to extend in the front-to-rear direction of the seat. Specifically, the front end of the spring 116 is attached to the submarine pipe 115, and the rear end of the spring 116 is attached to the connecting pipe 114, so that the spring 116 (support member) is arranged in the front-to-rear direction of the seat.

[0078] 16A, the seatback frame 120 is configured in a frame shape by a right side frame 121 and a left side frame 122 that are arranged spaced apart on the left and right and extend in the longitudinal direction (up-down direction), a plate-shaped upper frame 123 that connects the upper ends of the side frames 121, 122, a connecting pipe 124 that rotatably connects the seat cushion frame 110 and the seatback frame 120, and a lower frame 125 (lower member) that connects the lower ends of the side frames 121, 122. The upper frame 123 is provided with pillar support portions into which headrest pillars are inserted and to which headrests are attached.

[0079] A pressure-receiving member 126 that supports the upper body of the occupant and prevents sinking is arranged inside the frame-shaped seatback frame 120. The pressure-receiving member 126 is a plate-shaped member made of resin or the like. As shown in Fig. 16A, the pressure-receiving member 126 is connected to the upper frame 123 and the lower frame 125 by connecting wires 127.

[0080] An example of the arrangement of the plate members relative to the seat frame S100 will be described with reference to Figures 16B to 16D. In the example shown in Figure 16B, the plate member 117a is arranged so as to overlap with the spring 116 (support member) in the seat front-rear direction and the seat width direction of the seat cushion frame 110. Furthermore, the plate member 117b is arranged so as to overlap with the pressure-receiving member 126 in the seat up-down direction and the seat width direction of the seat back frame 120.

[0081] 16C, the plate member 117a is arranged so as to overlap with the spring 116 (support member) and the submarine pipe 115 in the seat front-rear direction and the seat width direction of the seat cushion frame 110. In addition, the plate member 117b is arranged so as to overlap with the pressure-receiving member 126 in the seat up-down direction and the seat width direction of the seat back frame 120.

[0082] 16D, the plate member 117a is arranged so as to overlap with the spring 116 (support member), the submarine pipe 115, and the pan frame 113 in the seat front-rear direction and the seat width direction of the seat cushion frame 110. In addition, the plate member 117b is arranged so as to overlap with the lower frame 125 (lower member) and the pressure-receiving member 126 in the seat up-down direction and the seat width direction of the seat back frame 120.

[0083] (Seat frame of a vehicle seat according to a second modified example) First, an outline of the configuration of the seat frame according to the second modified example will be described with reference to Fig. 17A. As shown in Fig. 17A, the seat frame S200 is mainly composed of a seat cushion frame 210 and a seat back frame 220. The seat cushion frame 210 forms the framework of the sitting portion of the vehicle seat, and the seat back frame 220 forms the framework of the backrest portion of the vehicle seat.

[0084] The seat cushion frame 210 has a rectangular outer shape when viewed from above. The seat cushion frame 210 mainly includes side frames 211 and 212 that form the ends in the seat width direction, and a pan frame 213 that forms the front end to the rear end of the seat cushion frame 210. As shown in Fig. 17A, the pan frame 213 has a bottom surface 214.

[0085] 17A, the seatback frame 220 is configured in a frame shape by a right side frame 221 and a left side frame 222 that are arranged spaced apart on the left and right and extend in the longitudinal direction (up and down direction), an upper frame 223 that connects the upper ends of the side frames 221, 222, and a connecting pipe 224 that rotatably connects the seat cushion frame 210 and the seatback frame 220. The upper frame 223 is provided with a pillar support portion into which a headrest pillar is inserted and into which a headrest is attached.

[0086] Pressure-receiving members 225, 226 that support the upper body of the occupant and prevent sinking are arranged inside the frame-shaped seatback frame 220. The pressure-receiving member 225 is a plate-shaped member made of resin or the like. The pressure-receiving member 226 is made of a planar spring (Plumaflex) and is held in a suspended state by a wire or the like on the upper frame 223.

[0087] 17B to 17D, an example of the arrangement of the plate members relative to the seat frame S200 will be described. In the example shown in Fig. 17B, the plate member 217a is arranged so as to overlap with the bottom surface 214 of the pan frame 213 in the seat front-rear direction and the seat width direction of the seat cushion frame 210. In addition, the plate member 217b is arranged so as to overlap with the pressure-receiving member 226 in the seat up-down direction and the seat width direction of the seat back frame 220.

[0088] 17C, the plate member 217a is arranged so as to overlap with the bottom surface 214 and the front portion of the pan frame 213 in the seat front-rear direction of the seat cushion frame 210. In addition, the plate member 217b is arranged so as to overlap with both the pressure-receiving member 225 and the pressure-receiving member 226 in the seat up-down direction and the seat width direction of the seat back frame 220.

[0089] 17D, the plate member 217a is arranged so as to overlap the entire seat cushion frame 210, including the bottom surface 214, of the pan frame 213, in the seat front-rear direction and the seat width direction. In addition, the plate member 217b is arranged so as to overlap both the pressure-receiving member 225 and the pressure-receiving member 226 of the seat back frame 220 in the seat up-down direction and the seat width direction.

[0090] (Seat frame of a vehicle seat according to a third modified example) First, an outline of the configuration of a seat frame according to the third modified example will be described with reference to Fig. 18A. As shown in Fig. 18A, the seat frame S300 is mainly composed of a seat cushion frame 310 and a seat back frame 320. The seat cushion frame 310 forms the framework of the sitting portion of the vehicle seat, and the seat back frame 320 forms the framework of the backrest portion of the vehicle seat.

[0091] The seat cushion frame 310 has a rectangular outer shape when viewed from above. The main components of the seat cushion frame 310 are side frames 311, 312 that form the ends in the seat width direction, a pan frame 313 that forms the front end of the seat cushion frame 310, and a connecting pipe 314 that connects the rear ends of the right side frame 311 and the left side frame 312.

[0092] 18A, four springs 315 serving as support members are arranged to extend in the front-rear direction of the seat. Specifically, the front ends of springs 315 are attached to pan frame 313, and the rear ends of springs 315 are attached to connecting pipe 314, so that springs 315 (support members) are arranged in the front-rear direction of the seat.

[0093] 18A, the seatback frame 320 is configured in a frame shape by right and left side frames 321 and 322 that are arranged spaced apart on the left and right and extend in the longitudinal direction (vertical direction), an upper frame 323 that connects the upper ends of the side frames 321 and 322, and a connecting pipe 324 that rotatably connects the seat cushion frame 310 and the seatback frame 320. The upper frame 323 is provided with pillar support portions into which headrest pillars are inserted and to which headrests are attached.

[0094] A lower bracket 325 that connects the left and right side frames at a lower position and an upper bracket 326 that connects the left and right side frames at an upper position are provided inside the frame-shaped seatback frame 320 in the seat width direction. Also, pressure-receiving members 327, 328 that support the upper body of the occupant and prevent sinking are arranged inside the frame-shaped seatback frame 320. The pressure-receiving member 327 is a plate-shaped member made of resin or the like. The pressure-receiving member 328 is made of a planar spring (Plumaflex) and is held in a suspended state by a wire or the like on the upper bracket 326.

[0095] 18B to 18D, an example of the arrangement of the plate members relative to the seat frame S300 will be described. In the example shown in Fig. 18B, the plate member 317a is arranged so as to overlap with the inner two of the four springs 315 in the seat front-rear direction and the seat width direction of the seat cushion frame 310. In addition, the plate member 317b is arranged so as to overlap with the pressure-receiving member 328 in the seat up-down direction and the seat width direction of the seat back frame 320.

[0096] 18C, plate member 317a is arranged so as to overlap four springs 315 in the seat front-rear direction and the seat width direction of seat cushion frame 310. Also, plate member 317b is arranged so as to overlap both pressure receiving member 327 and pressure receiving member 328 in the seat up-down direction and the seat width direction of seat back frame 320.

[0097] 18D, the plate member 317a is arranged so as to overlap the pan frame 313 and the four springs 315 in the seat front-rear direction and the seat width direction of the seat cushion frame 310. In addition, the plate member 317b is arranged so as to overlap the upper bracket 326, the pressure receiving member 327, and the pressure receiving member 328 in the seat up-down direction and the seat width direction of the seat back frame 320.

[0098] (Seat frame of a vehicle seat according to a fourth modified example) First, an outline of the configuration of a seat frame according to the fourth modified example will be described with reference to Fig. 19A. As shown in Fig. 19A, a seat frame S400 is mainly composed of a seat cushion frame 410 and a seat back frame 420. The seat cushion frame 410 forms the framework of the sitting portion of the vehicle seat, and the seat back frame 420 forms the framework of the backrest portion of the vehicle seat.

[0099] The seat cushion frame 410 has a rectangular outer shape when viewed from above. The main components of the seat cushion frame 410 are side frames 411, 412 that form the ends in the seat width direction, a pan frame 413 that forms the front end of the seat cushion frame 410, and a connecting pipe 414 that connects the rear ends of the right side frame 411 and the left side frame 412.

[0100] 19A, four springs 415 serving as support members are arranged to extend in the front-rear direction of the seat. Specifically, the front ends of springs 415 are attached to pan frame 413, and the rear ends of springs 415 are attached to connecting pipe 414, so that springs 415 (support members) are arranged in the front-rear direction of the seat.

[0101] 19A, the seatback frame 420 is configured in a frame shape by a right side frame 421 and a left side frame 422 that are arranged spaced apart on the left and right and extend in the longitudinal direction (vertical direction), an upper frame 423 that connects the upper ends of the side frames 421, 422, and a connecting pipe 424 that rotatably connects the seat cushion frame 410 and the seatback frame 420. The upper frame 423 is provided with a pillar support portion into which a headrest pillar is inserted and into which a headrest is attached.

[0102] A lower bracket 425 that connects the left and right side frames at a lower position and an upper bracket 426 that connects the left and right side frames at an upper position are provided inside the frame-shaped seatback frame 420 in the seat width direction. Also, a pressure-receiving member 427 that supports the upper body of the occupant and prevents sinking is arranged inside the frame-shaped seatback frame 420. The pressure-receiving member 427 is provided between the lower bracket 425 and the upper bracket 426 in the up-down direction of the seatback frame 420, and is bridged between the left and right side frames 421, 422.

[0103] 19B to 19D, an example of the arrangement of the plate members relative to the seat frame S400 will be described. In the example shown in Fig. 19B, the plate member 417a is arranged so as to overlap with the four springs 415 in the seat front-rear direction and the seat width direction of the seat cushion frame 410. In addition, the plate member 417b is arranged so as to overlap with the pressure-receiving member 427 in the seat up-down direction and the seat width direction of the seat back frame 420.

[0104] 19C, plate member 417a is arranged so as to overlap four springs 415 in the seat front-rear direction and the seat width direction of seat cushion frame 410. Also, plate member 417b is arranged so as to overlap both upper bracket 426 and pressure-receiving member 427 in the seat up-down direction and the seat width direction of seat back frame 420.

[0105] 19D, the plate member 417a is arranged so as to overlap the pan frame 413 and the four springs 415 in the seat front-rear direction and the seat width direction of the seat cushion frame 410. In addition, the plate member 417b is arranged so as to overlap the lower bracket 425, the upper bracket 426, and the pressure-receiving member 427 in the seat up-down direction and the seat width direction of the seat back frame 420.

[0106] (Seat frame of vehicle seat according to fifth modified example) First, an outline of the configuration of the seat frame according to the fifth modified example will be described with reference to Fig. 20A. As shown in Fig. 20A, the seat frame S500 is mainly composed of a seat cushion frame 510 and a seat back frame 520. The seat cushion frame 510 forms the framework of the sitting portion of the vehicle seat, and the seat back frame 520 forms the framework of the backrest portion of the vehicle seat.

[0107] The seat cushion frame 510 has a rectangular outer shape when viewed from above. The main components of the seat cushion frame 510 are side frames 511, 512 that form the ends in the seat width direction, a pan frame 513 that forms the front end of the seat cushion frame 510, and a connecting pipe 514 that connects the rear ends of the right side frame 511 and the left side frame 512.

[0108] 20A, four springs 515 serving as support members are arranged to extend in the front-rear direction of the seat. Specifically, the front ends of springs 515 are attached to pan frame 513, and the rear ends of springs 515 are attached to connecting pipe 514, so that springs 515 (support members) are arranged in the front-rear direction of the seat.

[0109] 20A, the seatback frame 520 is configured in a frame shape by a right side frame 521 and a left side frame 522 that are arranged spaced apart on the left and right and extend in the longitudinal direction (up and down direction), an upper frame 523 that connects the upper ends of the side frames 521, 522, and a connecting pipe 524 that rotatably connects the seat cushion frame 510 and the seatback frame 520. The upper frame 523 is provided with a pillar support portion into which a headrest pillar is inserted and into which a headrest is attached.

[0110] Lower brackets 525 that connect the left and right side frames at lower positions are provided in the seat width direction inside frame-shaped seatback frame 520. Also, pressure-receiving member 526 that supports the upper body of the occupant and prevents sinking is arranged inside frame-shaped seatback frame 520. Pressure-receiving member 526 is made of a planar spring (Plumaflex), and is held in a state of being suspended by a wire or the like from wire member 527 attached to upper frame 523.

[0111] 20B to 20D, an example of the arrangement of the plate members relative to the seat frame S500 will be described. In the example shown in Fig. 20B, the plate member 517a is arranged so as to overlap with the inner two of the four springs 515 in the seat front-rear direction and the seat width direction of the seat cushion frame 510. In addition, the plate member 517b is arranged so as to overlap with the pressure-receiving member 526 in the seat up-down direction and the seat width direction of the seat back frame 520.

[0112] 20C, the plate member 517a is arranged so as to overlap with the four springs 515 in the seat front-rear direction and the seat width direction of the seat cushion frame 510. In addition, the plate member 517b is arranged so as to overlap with both the pressure-receiving member 526 and the wire member 527 in the seat up-down direction and the seat width direction of the seat back frame 520.

[0113] 20D, the plate member 517a is arranged so as to overlap the pan frame 513 and the four springs 515 in the seat front-rear direction and the seat width direction of the seat cushion frame 510. In addition, the plate member 517b is arranged so as to overlap the lower bracket 525, the pressure-receiving member 526, and the wire member 527 in the seat up-down direction and the seat width direction of the seat back frame 520.

[0114] The seat frames of the vehicle seats according to the first to fifth modified examples have been described above with reference to Fig. 16A to Fig. 20D. In the seat frames of the vehicle seats according to the first to fifth modified examples, if the plate member is arranged only in an area overlapping with a pressure-receiving member made of a spring (a planar spring or a spring) or a plate-shaped pressure-receiving member, the seating comfort of the seated person (occupant) during normal seating is suppressed from being reduced.

[0115] Furthermore, in the seat frames of the vehicle seats according to the first to fifth modified examples, if the plate member is arranged to extend to an area that overlaps with the pressure-receiving member (planar spring or spring), bracket (upper bracket or lower bracket provided on the seat back frame), and pan frame of the seat cushion, when an impact such as a collision occurs and the seated occupant (passenger) sinks toward the seat frame of the vehicle seat, the resin plate is supported by the pressure-receiving member, bracket, and pan frame, thereby improving the energy absorption effect.

[0116] The seat cushion according to the present embodiment has been described above as an example of a seat cushion for a vehicle seat installed in a vehicle. The seat cushion according to the present embodiment is not limited to a seat cushion for a vehicle seat, and is not particularly limited in its use as long as it is a seat cushion for a seat in which an impact may be applied to a seat occupant, particularly a seat in which the lumbar region of the seat occupant may sink in upon the occurrence of an impact. For example, the seat cushion of the present invention can also be used as a seat cushion for a vehicle seat used in a vehicle other than a vehicle. [Explanation of symbols]

[0117] S Vehicle seat (vehicle seat) S1 seat cushion 1a Trim cover 1b Cushion pad 1c Front thin section 1d Rear thin wall part 1e Right side thin section 1f Left thin section 2a First hanging part (right hanging part) 2b Second hanging part (left hanging part) 2c Third hanging section (front hanging section) 2d Fourth hanging part (rear hanging part) S2 seat back S3 Headrest 10, 10X, 10Y, 10Z seat cushion frame 11 Side frame 11a flange 11b Locking part 12 Pan Frame 12a Front bend 12b Rear bend 12c Support surface 12d convex part 12e Rear end 12f Weak part 12X Front Frame 13,24 Connecting pipe (pipe frame) 14a Front spring (support member) 14b Rear spring (support member) 15 Submarine pipe (first subsidence suppression member) 15a Weak area 17 Plate member (second subsidence suppression member) 17a Front end surface (front end) 17b Rear end surface (rear end) 17c Right end surface (right end) 17d Left end surface (left end) 17e Top part (upper end part) 17f Bottom part (lower end part) 18 Frame piece (first subsidence suppression member) 18a Weak area 25 Spring (support member) 26 Engagement hook 27 Fixing bracket 28L, 28R End sleeve 30 Slide rail mechanism 32L upper rail 32a, 32b Link support parts 33 Weakened part 40 Height adjustment mechanism 40M main moving part 41 Active Link 41a sector gear 41b, 43a, 43b Pivot pin 42 Pinion gear 43,44 Follower link S100 seat frame 110 Seat cushion frame 111,112 Side frame 113 Pan Frame 114 Connecting Pipe 115 Submarine Pipe 116 Spring (support member) 120 seat back frame 121,122 Side frame 123 Upper Frame 124 Connecting Pipe 125 lower frame 126 Pressure-receiving member 127 Connecting Wire 117a, 117b Plate members S200 seat frame 210 seat cushion frame 211,212 Side frame 213 Pan Frame 214 bottom 220 seat back frame 221,222 Side frame 223 Upper Frame 224 Connecting Pipe 225, 226 Pressure-receiving member 217a, 217b Plate members S300 seat frame 310 seat cushion frame 311,312 Side frame 313 Pan Frame 314 Connecting Pipe 315 Spring (support member) 320 seat back frame 321 Side Frame 322 Side Frame 323 Upper Frame 324 Connecting Pipe 325 Lower Bracket 326 Upper bracket 327,328 Pressure-receiving member 317a, 317b Plate members S400 seat frame 410 seat cushion frame 411,412 Side frame 413 Pan Frame 414 Connecting Pipe 415 Spring (support member) 420 seat back frame 421,422 Side frame 423 Upper Frame 424 Connecting Pipe 425 Lower Bracket 426 Upper Bracket 427 Pressure-receiving member 417a, 417b Plate members S500 seat frame 510 seat cushion frame 511,512 Side frame 513 Pan Frame 514 Connecting Pipe 515 Spring (supporting member) 520 seat back frame 521,522 Side frame 523 Upper Frame 524 Connecting Pipe 525 Lower Bracket 526 Pressure-receiving member 527 Wire Materials 517a, 517b Plate members

Claims

1. A vehicle seat having a seat cushion, The seat cushion includes a seat cushion frame and a cushion pad placed on the seat cushion frame, The seat cushion frame includes a sinking suppression member that suppresses sinking of a seated occupant, A vehicle seat, characterized in that the sinking suppression member is provided with a weak portion.

2. The seat cushion frame has a pair of side frames, 2. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, wherein the sinking suppression member is mounted across the pair of side frames.

3. 2. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, wherein the sinking suppression member is a pan frame that supports the thighs of a seated occupant.

4. 2. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, wherein the sinking suppression member is provided within the cushion pad.

5. a height adjustment mechanism for adjusting the height position of the vehicle seat; 5. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, wherein a weakened portion is provided in a link portion that maintains the height position of the height adjustment mechanism.

6. the subsidence suppression member is a first subsidence suppression member, a second subsidence suppression member different from the first subsidence suppression member; 2. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, wherein the second sinking suppression member is also provided with a weakened portion.

7. 7. The vehicle seat according to claim 6, wherein the first sinking suppression member is provided spaced apart from the second sinking suppression member in the front-rear direction of the vehicle seat.

8. The vehicle seat according to claim 7, wherein the first sinking suppression member is arranged so as to at least partially overlap the second sinking suppression member in the up-down direction of the vehicle seat.

9. The vehicle seat according to claim 7, wherein the first sinking suppression member is arranged so as not to overlap with the second sinking suppression member in the up-down direction of the vehicle seat.

10. a height adjustment mechanism for adjusting the height position of the vehicle seat; 8. The vehicle seat according to claim 7, wherein a weakened portion is provided in a link portion that maintains the height position of the height adjustment mechanism.

Images