Seat cushion

Abstract

To provide a seat cushion that is able to prevent biting of a foreign matter even if a cushion length variable mechanism is provided on a main top plate separated from a top plate side.SOLUTION: In a seat cushion 1, a cushion body for elastically supporting a seated person is divided into three parts, which are a central main top plate 3 and top-plate sides on both sides. The seat frame 5 has a frame front part 5D that supports the main front part 31 of the main top plate 3, and a frame rear part 5E that supports the main rear part 32 and each top-plate side. The seat cushion 1 further includes: a cushion length variable mechanism 6 that extends the cushion length of the main top plate 3 by moving the frame front part 5D to a seat front side with respect to the frame rear part 5E; and a first overhanging portion E7 that overhangs from the frame rear part 5E to the seat front side and that covers, from a side in a planar manner, a gap T left from the frame front side 5D.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a seat cushion, and more particularly to a seat cushion having a cushion body that elastically supports a seated occupant and a seat frame that supports the cushion body from the back side of the seat. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses a split seat in which a cushion body that elastically supports a seated occupant is composed of three divided elements: a main top plate that forms the central part in the seat width direction, and each side top plate that forms both side parts in the seat width direction. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-33005 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When a mechanism for adjusting the cushion length of the seat cushion is provided for the split seat described in Patent Document 1, for example, a configuration in which the front portion of the main top panel is moved forward of the seat relative to the rear portion is considered. In this case, if the front portion of the main top panel protrudes forward of the seat beyond the side top panels, foreign objects may become trapped between them from the side, which is undesirable. Therefore, the present invention provides a seat cushion that can prevent foreign objects from becoming trapped even when a cushion length adjustment mechanism is provided on the main top panel, which is separated from the side top panels. [Means for solving the problem]

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

[0006] That is, the first invention of the present invention is a seat cushion having a cushion body that elastically supports a seat occupant and a seat frame that supports the cushion body from the back of the seat, wherein the cushion body is made up of three divided elements: a main top plate that forms the central part in the seat width direction, and each side top plate that forms both side parts in the seat width direction; the seat frame has a front frame part that supports the main front part, which is the front part of the main top plate, from the back of the seat, and a rear frame part that supports the main rear part, which is the rear part of the main top plate, and each side top plate from the back of the seat; and the seat cushion further has a cushion length variable mechanism that extends the cushion length of the main top plate by moving the front frame part toward the front of the seat relative to the rear frame part, and a first protrusion part that protrudes from one of the front frame part and the rear frame part toward the other and covers, in a planar manner, from the side of the gap that is formed between the one and the other as the cushion length is extended.

[0007] According to the first aspect of the present invention, the gap formed by the extension of the cushion length is covered from the side by the first protruding portion that protrudes from the front or rear frame portion, so that even if the cushion length of the main tabletop that is separated from the side tabletop can be changed, it is possible to prevent foreign objects from getting caught between the main tabletop front portion and the main tabletop rear portion from the side.

[0008] The second invention of the present invention is a seat cushion in which, in the above-mentioned first invention, the main top plate has a main pad forming a seat pad and a main base material attached to the back surface of the main pad, the first protrusion portion is provided at the rear part of the frame so as to protrude forward of the seat, and a second protrusion portion is provided at the front part of the base material forming the main front part of the main base material so as to protrude rearward of the seat together with the first protrusion portion so as to cover the gap from the side in a planar manner.

[0009] According to the second invention, both the first protruding portion that protrudes from the rear of the frame toward the front of the seat and the second protruding portion that protrudes from the front of the base material toward the rear of the seat can more appropriately prevent foreign objects from getting caught between the main front portion and the main rear portion from the side.

[0010] The third invention of the present invention is a seat cushion according to the first invention, wherein the main top plate further has a main pad forming a seat pad and a main cover covering the main pad from the seat surface side, and the main cover has a side cover portion that covers the pad side surface of the main pad and the gap in which the first protrusion portion is provided from the side in a planar manner.

[0011] According to the third aspect of the present invention, the side cover portion is configured to be supported from the rear side of the cover by the first protruding portion, and therefore, the "tension" of the side cover portion as it contacts the first protruding portion can prevent foreign matter from getting caught over a wide area where the side cover portion is tensioned.

[0012] A fourth aspect of the present invention is the seat cushion according to the third aspect, wherein the main cover has a backing material provided in an overlapping manner on the back surface of the cover of the side cover portion.

[0013] According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the hardness of the side cover portions can be increased, and foreign matter can be more appropriately prevented from getting caught through the side cover portions. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view illustrating a schematic configuration of a seat cushion according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of a cushion length adjusting mechanism. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating a state before the cushion length is extended. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a side view of FIG. [Figure 6]FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a state in which the cushion length is extended. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a side view of FIG. 6. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a plan view of FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration of a main part of a seat cushion according to a second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of a main part of a seat cushion according to a third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

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

[0016] First Embodiment (Schematic configuration of seat cushion 1) First, the configuration of a seat cushion 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 8. In the following description, when directions such as front, back, up, down, left, and right are indicated, they refer to the directions shown in each figure.

[0017] Furthermore, when a direction, such as the "seat width direction," is indicated with the word "seat," it refers to the respective direction relative to the seat cushion 1. Furthermore, in the following description, when a specific reference drawing is not shown or when there is no reference symbol corresponding to the reference drawing, any of Figures 1 to 8 will be referred to as appropriate.

[0018] As shown in Fig. 1, a seat cushion 1 according to this embodiment is configured as a seating portion of an automobile seat. As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the seat cushion 1 has a cushion body 2 that elastically supports the buttocks and thighs of a seated person, and a metal cushion frame 5 that supports the cushion body 2 from the back side of the seat (the lower side in the figure).

[0019] The cushion body 2 is configured to be divided into three divided elements: a main top plate 3 that forms the center portion in the seat width direction, and each side top plate 4 that forms both side portions in the seat width direction. By dividing the cushion body 2 in this way, parts can be replaced according to the specifications for each divided element.

[0020] 2, the main top plate 3 and each side top plate 4 are individually assembled to the cushion frame 5 from the seat front side (the upper side in the figure). The main top plate 3 has a main pad 3A made of urethane foam and a main base material 3B made of resin that is assembled so as to contact the back side of the main pad 3A.

[0021] The main top panel 3 also has a main cover 3C made of fabric that covers the main pad 3A. The main cover 3C is placed over the main pad 3A from the front side (top side in the figure). The cover terminals of the main cover 3C, which form the peripheral edges on the rear side and each of the left and right sides, are pulled into the back side (bottom side in the figure) of the main base material 3B and fixed to the peripheral edges of the base material.

[0022] As a result, the main cover 3C is integrated with the main base material 3B so as to enclose the main pad 3A between the main cover 3C and the main base material 3B. As a result, the main base material 3B is fixed in a state in which it is in contact with the back surface of the main pad 3A via the main cover 3C.

[0023] The main top plate 3 is assembled to the cushion frame 5 with the main pad 3A, main base material 3B, and main cover 3C assembled as a single unit as described above. Specifically, the main top plate 3 is set so that the main base material 3B is in contact with the cushion frame 5 from the seat surface side, and is fastened together with clips and bolts (not shown).

[0024] Furthermore, the main top plate 3 is fixed to the cushion frame 5 by having the front cover end of the main cover 3C pulled into and hooked onto the rear side of the cushion frame 5 (the lower side in the figure).

[0025] The cushion frame 5 has a frame front part 5D that supports the main front part 31, which is the front part of the top plate main 3, from the backside of the seat, and a frame rear part 5E that supports the main rear part 32, which is the rear part of the top plate main 3, and each of the top plate side parts 4 from the backside of the seat. Specifically, the frame rear part 5E has a pair of left and right lower arms E1 that form a framework along both the left and right side parts of the seat cushion 1.

[0026] The frame rear portion 5E also has a front pipe E2 that is integrally bridged between the front portions of the lower arms E1, and a rear pipe E3 that is integrally bridged between the rear portions of the lower arms E1. The frame rear portion 5E also has a tilt panel E4 that is provided between the front portions of the lower arms E1 so that the panel surface faces in the seat height direction.

[0027] Tilting side panels E5 are joined to the left and right sides of the tilt panel E4, overhanging the upper portions of the lower arms E1. The tilting panel E4 is connected to the left and right tilting side panels E5 so that each tilting arm E6 extending from the left and right tilting side panels E5 to the rear of the seat can rotate relative to each lower arm E1 around an axis extending in the seat width direction.

[0028] As a result, the tilt panel E4 can rotate about an axis extending in the seat width direction to adjust the seat cushion angle relative to each lower arm E1 in accordance with the drive of a drive unit (not shown) connected between the tilt panel E4 and each lower arm E1. The frame front portion 5D is provided in front of the tilt panel E4.

[0029] 3, the seat cushion 1 further includes a cushion length adjusting mechanism 6 that extends the cushion length by moving the frame front portion 5D toward the front of the seat relative to the tilt panel E4. The cushion length adjusting mechanism 6 includes a pair of left and right sliding pipes 6A that are connected to the bottom of the tilt panel E4 so as to be slidable in the front-to-rear direction of the seat.

[0030] Each sliding pipe 6A is made of a round pipe material that extends straight in the front-to-rear direction of the seat. The front end of each sliding pipe 6A is welded to the bottom of each support bracket D1, which is bent in a U-shape when viewed from the front and welded to the underside of the top plate of the front frame portion 5D. Each support bracket D1 is positioned so that it is located more inward in the seat width direction than each first protrusion E7 (described later) that protrudes from each tilt side panel E5 toward the front of the seat.

[0031] Each sliding pipe 6A is moved in the front-to-rear direction of the seat relative to the tilt panel E4 by driving a drive unit (not shown) connected to the bottom of the tilt panel E4, thereby adjusting the position of the frame front portion 5D in the front-to-rear direction of the seat relative to the tilt panel E4.

[0032] When the frame front portion 5D is pulled out from the tilt panel E4 toward the front of the seat, the main front portion 31 (see FIG. 2) provided above it is pulled out from the main rear portion 32 above the tilt panel E4 toward the front of the seat. As a result, the cushion length of the top panel main 3 is extended.

[0033] Referring to Fig. 2, the main pad 3A constituting the main top panel 3 is divided into two parts: a pad front part A1 installed on the top of the frame front part 5D, and a pad rear part A2 installed on the top of the frame rear part 5E. The main base material 3B is also divided into two parts: a base material front part B1 that abuts against the back surface of the pad front part A1, and a base material rear part B2 that abuts against the back surface of the pad rear part A2. The base material front part B1 is fixed to the top of the frame front part 5D. The base material rear part B2 is fixed to the top of the frame rear part 5E.

[0034] The main cover 3C is placed over the pad front portion A1 and the pad rear portion A2 from the front side (upper side in the figure) of the pad. Before the cushion length is extended, the portion of the main cover 3C that is placed between the pad front portion A1 and the pad rear portion A2 is pulled in and held below the seat.

[0035] As the pad front portion A1 moves toward the front of the seat, the main cover 3C is pulled out so that the portion that is pulled in between the pad front portion A1 and the pad rear portion A2 is stretched between them. As a result, the main cover 3C is stretched between the pad front portion A1 and the pad rear portion A2 that have been pulled out toward the front of the seat. Furthermore, as the pad front portion A1 moves back toward the rear of the seat, the main cover 3C is again pulled in between the pad rear portion A2.

[0036] As shown in Fig. 3, each tilt side panel E5 connected to the left and right sides of the tilt panel E4 has a first protruding portion E7 formed thereon, which is an upright plate that protrudes forward of the seat. The first protruding portions E7 are formed symmetrically to each other. The first protruding portions E7 protrude further forward of the seat than the tilt panel E4, and have an upright plate shape with their panel surfaces facing in the seat width direction.

[0037] Each first protrusion E7 is located lower than the top plate of the inverted L-shaped frame front part 5D in a side view, and higher than the lower edge of the frame front part 5D. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, each first protrusion E7 is positioned to protrude directly below the top plate of the frame front part 5D before the cushion length is extended.

[0038] In this state, the first protrusions E7 are positioned so as to fit inside the second protrusions B3, which are the left and right protrusion surfaces of the base material front part B1 that is attached to the frame front part 5D. The base material front part B1 forms an inverted L-shaped plate that covers the top plate and front plate of the frame front part 5D, and is configured to have the second protrusions B3 protruding from the left and right side edges of the base material front part B1 so as to laterally cover the inner corners of the inverted L shape in a planar manner.

[0039] Each second protrusion B3 has a vertical plate shape that protrudes rearward from the left and right side edges of the front panel of the frame front portion 5D. Specifically, each second protrusion B3 has a vertical plate shape with its panel surface facing the seat width direction. Each second protrusion B3 protrudes rearward from the seat to roughly the same position as the rear edge of the top panel of the frame front portion 5D.

[0040] Before the cushion length is extended, each second protrusion B3 overlaps with each first protrusion E7 in the seat front-rear direction. More specifically, each second protrusion B3 covers the corresponding first protrusion E7 from the outer side in the seat width direction.

[0041] 6 and 7, as the cushion length is extended forward, the first protrusions E7 are gradually pulled away from the second protrusions B3, which are moving forward, toward the rear of the seat, so that the first protrusions E7 laterally cover the gaps T formed between the tilt side panels E5 and the frame front portion 5D (the second protrusions B3 of the base material front portion B1 attached thereto).

[0042] As a result, the side coverage provided by each of the first overhanging portions E7 and each of the second overhanging portions B3 can prevent foreign matter from entering from the side between the main front portion 31 and the main rear portion 32. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 8, each of the first overhanging portions E7 and each of the second overhanging portions B3 is configured so that the outside thereof is covered with each of the side cover portions C1 of the main cover 3C.

[0043] Each side cover portion C1 is a portion that covers from the side each side surface of the pad front portion A1 and each side surface of the pad rear portion A2 of the main pad 3A shown in Fig. 2. As a result, even if a load such as a foreign object being pressed against each side cover portion C1 from the outside, each side cover portion C1 is supported from the back side of the cover (inside in the seat width direction) by each first overhang portion E7 and each second overhang portion B3.

[0044] As a result, foreign matter is prevented from entering from the side between the main front portion 31 and the main rear portion 32. A planar back surface material C2 made of the same material as each side cover portion C1 is laminated integrally on the back surface of the cover of each side cover portion C1.

[0045] Thus, each side cover portion C1 is reinforced by each back surface material C2 so that the surface rigidity (hardness) is appropriately increased. As a result, even if a load is applied from the outside to the portion of each side cover portion C1 that covers the gap T between each first overhang portion E7 and each second overhang portion B3, the tension of each side cover portion C1 as it contacts and braces against each first overhang portion E7 and each second overhang portion B3 makes it difficult for bending that would cause the gap between them to occur.

[0046] Each back surface material C2 may be made of a fabric material different from that of each side cover portion C1, such as felt or nonwoven fabric, etc. Also, each back surface material C2 may be made of a resin plate.

[0047] To summarize the above, the seat cushion 1 according to this embodiment has the following configuration: Note that the reference numerals in parentheses below correspond to the respective components shown in the above embodiment.

[0048] That is, the seat cushion (1) has a cushion body (2) that elastically supports a seated occupant and a seat frame (5) that supports the cushion body (2) from the backside of the seat. The cushion body (2) is composed of three divided elements: a main top plate (3) that forms the center portion in the seat width direction, and each side top plate (4) that forms both side portions in the seat width direction. The seat frame (5) has a frame front part (5D) that supports the main front part (31), which is the front part of the main top plate (3), from the backside of the seat, and a frame rear part (5E) that supports the main rear part (32), which is the rear part of the main top plate (3), and each side top plate (4) from the backside of the seat.

[0049] The seat cushion (1) further has a cushion length varying mechanism (6) that extends the cushion length of the top panel main (3) by moving the frame front part (5D) toward the front of the seat relative to the frame rear part (5E). The seat cushion (1) also has a first protruding part (E7) that protrudes from one (5E) of the frame front part (5D) and the frame rear part (5E) toward the other (5D) and covers, in a planar form, a gap (T) formed between the other (5D) and the frame front part (5D) as the cushion length extends.

[0050] According to the above configuration, the gap (T) formed by the extension of the cushion length is covered from the side by the first protruding portion (E7) protruding from the frame front portion (5D) or the frame rear portion (5E). Therefore, even if the cushion length of the top main plate (3) separated from the top side plate (4) can be changed, it is possible to prevent foreign matter from being caught between the main front portion (31) and the main rear portion (32) from the side.

[0051] The main top panel (3) has a main pad (3A) forming a seat pad and a main base material (3B) attached to the back surface of the main pad (3A). A first protrusion (E7) is provided on the rear frame portion (5E) so as to protrude forward of the seat. A second protrusion (B3) is provided on the base material front portion (B1) forming the main front portion (31) of the main base material (3B). The second protrusion (B3) protrudes rearward of the seat together with the first protrusion (E7) so as to cover the gap (T) from the side in a planar manner.

[0052] According to the above configuration, the first protruding portion (E7) that protrudes from the frame rear portion (5E) toward the front of the seat and the second protruding portion (B3) that protrudes from the base material front portion (B1) toward the rear of the seat can both more appropriately prevent foreign objects from getting caught between the main front portion (31) and the main rear portion (32) from the side.

[0053] The main top panel (3) further includes a main pad (3A) that forms a seat pad, and a main cover (3C) that covers the main pad (3A) from the seat surface side. The main cover (3C) has side cover portions (C1) that laterally cover the pad side surfaces of the main pad (3A) and the gap (T) where the first protrusion portion (E7) is provided.

[0054] According to the above configuration, the side cover portion (C1) is supported from the rear side of the cover by the first protruding portion (E7). Therefore, the "tension" of the side cover portion (C1) contacting the first protruding portion (E7) makes it possible to prevent foreign matter from getting caught over a wide area where the side cover portion (C1) is tensioned.

[0055] The main cover (3C) also has a back surface member (C2) that is provided in an overlapping manner on the back surface of the side cover portion (C1). According to the above configuration, the hardness of the side cover portion (C1) can be increased, and it is possible to more appropriately prevent foreign matter from getting caught through the side cover portion (C1).

[0056] Second Embodiment Next, the configuration of a seat cushion 1 according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 9. In the seat cushion 1 according to this embodiment, when the cushion length is extended, each first protrusion E8 that covers the gap T between each tilt side panel E5 and the frame front portion 5D (each second protrusion B3 of the base material front portion B1 assembled thereto) from the side is configured as follows.

[0057] That is, each first protrusion E8 is formed of a separate member from each tilt side panel E5. Each first protrusion E8 is integrally joined to each tilt side panel E5 by welding. As a result, each first protrusion E8 is provided in a state in which it protrudes from each tilt side panel E5 toward the front of the seat, similar to each first protrusion E7 (see FIG. 3) shown in the first embodiment. Since the configuration other than the above is the same as the configuration shown in the first embodiment, the same reference numerals are used and a description thereof will be omitted.

[0058] Third Embodiment Next, the configuration of a seat cushion 1 according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 10. In the seat cushion 1 according to this embodiment, when the cushion length is extended, each first protrusion E9 that covers the gap T between each tilt side panel E5 and the frame front portion 5D (each second protrusion B3 of the base material front portion B1 assembled thereto) from the side is configured as follows.

[0059] That is, each first protrusion E9 is formed of a separate member from each tilt side panel E5. Each first protrusion E9 is integrally joined to each side edge of the tilt panel E4 by welding. As a result, each first protrusion E9 is provided in a state in which it protrudes from each tilt side panel E5 toward the front of the seat, similar to each first protrusion E7 (see FIG. 3) shown in the first embodiment. Since the configuration other than the above is the same as the configuration shown in the first embodiment, the same reference numerals are used and a description thereof will be omitted.

[0060] Other Embodiments Although the present invention has been described above using three embodiments, the present invention can be embodied in various forms other than the above embodiments.

[0061] 1. The seat cushion of the present invention is applicable to seats installed in vehicles such as automobiles and trains, as well as seats installed in vehicles other than vehicles such as aircraft and ships. The seat cushion is also applicable to seats other than vehicles.

[0062] 2. The first protrusion may protrude from both sides of one of the front and rear frame portions of the seat frame, or may protrude from only one side. Furthermore, the first protrusion may protrude from the rear frame portion toward the front of the seat, or may protrude from the front frame portion toward the rear of the seat. The first protrusion may be fixed integrally to one of the front and rear frame portions by bolting.

[0063] 3. The main substrate may be made of metal in addition to resin. [Explanation of symbols]

[0064] 1 seat cushion 2 cushion body 3 Main top 3A Main Pad A1 Pad front A2 Pad rear 3B Main substrate B1 Front part of base material B2 Back of base material B3 2nd overhang 3C Main Cover C1 Side cover part C2 Back material 31 Main front 32 Main rear 4 Top side 5 Cushion frame (seat frame) 5D Frame front (other side) D1 Support Bracket 5E Rear of frame (one side) E1 Lower arm E2 front pipe E3 rear pipe E4 Tilt Panel E5 Tilt Side Panel E6 Tilt Arm E7 1st overhang E8 1st overhang E9 1st overhang T-gap 6. Cushion length adjustment mechanism 6A Sliding pipe

Claims

1. A seat cushion having a cushion body that elastically supports a seated person and a seat frame that supports the cushion body from the back side of the seat, The cushion body is composed of three divided elements: a main top plate forming a central portion in the seat width direction, and each side top plate forming both side portions in the seat width direction; the seat frame has a frame front portion that supports a main front portion, which is a front portion of the top plate main, from the back side of the seat, and a frame rear portion that supports a main rear portion, which is a rear portion of the top plate main, and each of the top plate sides from the back side of the seat, The seat cushion further includes a cushion length variable mechanism that extends the cushion length of the main top plate by moving the front portion of the frame toward the front of the seat relative to the rear portion of the frame, and a first protruding portion that extends from one of the front portion of the frame and the rear portion of the frame toward the other and covers, from the side, a gap that is formed between the one and the front portion of the frame as the cushion length extends.

2. 2. The seat cushion according to claim 1, The main top plate has a main pad that forms a seat pad and a main base material attached to a back surface of the main pad, the first protruding portion is provided at the rear portion of the frame so as to protrude forward of the seat, A seat cushion in which a second protruding portion is provided at a base material front portion forming the main front portion of the main base material, and protrudes rearward of the seat so as to cover the gap from the side in a planar manner together with the first protruding portion.

3. The seat cushion according to claim 1 or 2, The main top plate further includes a main cover that covers the main pad from the seat surface side, The main cover has a side cover portion that covers, from the side, the pad side surface of the main pad and the gap in which the first protrusion portion is provided.

4. 4. The seat cushion according to claim 3, The main cover has a backing material that is provided in an overlapping manner on the back surface of the cover of the side cover portion.

Images