Cushion frame

Abstract

To provide an example of a cushion frame capable of properly deforming a regulated link and a free link in cooperation.SOLUTION: A size L3 from the rotation center axis line L2 to the second deformation-inducing part 71 is larger than a size L3 from the rotation center axis line L1 to the first deformation-inducing part 61. Accordingly, even in a case where the reaction acting on the second lifter link 7, which is a free link, is smaller than the reaction acting on the first lifter link 6, which is a restricted link, a difference in magnitude between the bending moment acting on the first deformation-inducing portion 61 and the bending moment acting on the second deformation-inducing portion 71 is small. Thus, the first lifter link 6 and the second lifter link 7 can be properly deformed in cooperation with each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a cushion frame used in a vehicle seat having a function of displacing the vehicle seat in the up and down direction (hereinafter also referred to as a "lifter function"). [Background technology]

[0002] As shown in Patent Document 1, for example, the cushion frame includes at least two side frames (also called "lower arms") and a connecting pipe that connects the two side frames.

[0003] The cushion frame having a lifter function further includes a lifter link, a drive mechanism, and a lock mechanism in addition to the above. The lifter link is provided at each of one end side and the other end side of the connecting pipe in the extension direction.

[0004] The lower end of each lifter link is indirectly rotatably connected to the vehicle via a slide device, and the upper end of each lifter link is integrated with a connecting pipe by welding or the like. In an electric vehicle seat, a drive mechanism and a lock mechanism are configured by an actuator in which an electric motor and a reducer are integrated. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2022-167380 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In preparation for the application of a large external force to the vehicle seat, a deformation inducing portion such as a weakened portion may be provided in each lifter link. When a load exceeding a predetermined magnitude acts on the cushion frame, the deformation inducing portion undergoes plastic deformation before other portions do, thereby absorbing the energy caused by the load and preventing other portions from deforming significantly.

[0007] However, it is difficult to appropriately deform the lifter link (hereinafter referred to as the regulated link) whose displacement is directly restricted by the locking mechanism and the lifter link (hereinafter referred to as the free link) whose displacement is indirectly restricted via the regulated link and the connecting pipe in coordination.

[0008] That is, since the displacement of the restricting link is directly restricted by the locking mechanism, the reaction acting on the restricting link with respect to the input load is greater than the reaction acting on the free link.

[0009] For this reason, it is difficult to appropriately deform the restricting link and the free link in coordination. The present disclosure discloses an example of a cushion frame that takes this into consideration. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] A cushion frame used in a vehicle seat that allows the vehicle seat to be displaced in the up and down direction preferably has at least one of the following constituent features, for example. That is, the constituent features are a first side frame (2) extending in the front-rear direction of the seat, and a second side frame (5) disposed at a position shifted in the seat width direction relative to the first side frame (2), and a second side frame (3) extending in the front-rear direction of the seat and a second side frame (5) disposed at a position shifted in the seat width direction relative to the first side frame (2). a connecting member (4) extending in the direction of the first lifter link (6) connecting the first side frame (2) and the second side frame (3), the connecting member (4) being rotatable relative to the first side frame (2) and the second side frame (3); a first lifter link (6) having one end rotatably connected directly or indirectly to the vehicle and the other end integrated with the first side frame (2) side of the connecting member (4); and a second lifter link (7) having one end rotatably connected directly or indirectly to the vehicle and the other end integrated with the second side frame (3) side of the connecting member (4), the second lifter link (7) rotating in synchronization with the first lifter link (6). The device includes a second lifter link (7) that undergoes rotational displacement, a locking mechanism (10) that restricts the rotational displacement of the first lifter link (6), a first deformation inducing portion (61) provided on the first lifter link (6) that induces deformation of the first lifter link (6) when a load exceeding a predetermined magnitude acts on the first lifter link (6), and a second deformation inducing portion (71) provided on the second lifter link (7) that induces deformation of the second lifter link (7) when a load exceeding a predetermined magnitude acts on the second lifter link (7).

[0011] Furthermore, it is desirable that the dimension (L2) from the rotation center (L3) on one end side of the second lifter link (7) to the second deformation inducing portion (71) be larger than the dimension (L1) from the rotation center (L3) on one end side of the first lifter link (6) to the first deformation inducing portion (61).

[0012] As a result, in the cushion frame, the first lifter link (6) becomes a restricting link and the second lifter link (7) becomes a free link. In other words, the dimension (L2) from the rotation center (L3) on one end of the free link (7) to the second deformation inducing portion (71) is greater than the dimension (L1) from the rotation center (L3) on one end of the restricting link (6) to the first deformation inducing portion (61).

[0013] The bending moment acting on the first deformation inducing portion (61) is the product of the dimension (L1) from the rotation center (L3) on one end side of the regulating link (6) to the first deformation inducing portion (61) and the force generated at the rotation center.

[0014] Similarly, the bending moment acting on the second deformation-inducing portion (71) is the product of the dimension (L2) from the rotation center (L3) on one end side of the free link (7) to the second deformation-inducing portion (71) and the force generated at the rotation center.

[0015] The force generated at each rotation center is a reaction to the input load. Therefore, even if the reaction acting on the free link (7) is smaller than the reaction acting on the restricting link (6), the difference between the magnitude of the bending moment acting on the first deformation inducing portion (61) and the magnitude of the bending moment acting on the second deformation inducing portion (71) becomes small. As a result, it may be possible to appropriately deform the restricting link (6) and the free link (7) in coordination with each other.

[0016] The cushion frame may have the following configuration. That is, it is desirable that at least a portion of the range from the first deformation inducing portion (61) of the first lifter link (6) to the connecting member (4) has an inclined surface (62) that is inclined in the vertical direction so that it becomes lower as it approaches the second lifter link (7).

[0017] This may enable the first deformation inducing portion (61) to be plastically deformed so as to reliably buckle. It is desirable that the first deformation inducing portion (61) is configured as a portion bent so as to be convex toward the second lifter link (7). Furthermore, the bending rigidity of the second deformation inducing portion (71) is set to 0.05 mm from the rotation center (L3) on one end side of the second lifter link (7) to the second deformation inducing portion (71). It is desirable that the bending stiffness is smaller than the bending stiffness in the range.

[0018] Incidentally, the symbols in each of the parentheses above are examples showing the correspondence with the specific configurations, etc. described in the embodiments described below, and the present disclosure is not limited to the specific configurations, etc. shown by the symbols in the parentheses above. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a view showing a cushion frame according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a view showing a cushion frame according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a first lifter link according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a second lifter link according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a first lifter link according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] 10 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between a first deformation inducing part and a second deformation inducing part. FIG. [Figure 7] 10 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between a first deformation inducing part and a second deformation inducing part. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] The following "embodiments of the invention" are examples of embodiments that fall within the technical scope of the present disclosure. In other words, the invention-specific matters described in the claims are not limited to the specific configurations and structures shown in the following embodiments.

[0021] This embodiment is an example in which the cushion frame according to the present disclosure is applied to a seat (hereinafter referred to as a vehicle seat) mounted on a vehicle such as a car. Arrows and diagonal lines indicating directions are added to each figure to make it easier to understand the relationship between the figures and the shapes of components or parts.

[0022] Therefore, the cushion frame is not limited to the directions indicated in the drawings. The directions indicated in the drawings are directions when the vehicle seat according to the present embodiment is assembled to a vehicle. Diagonally shaded drawings do not always represent cross-sectional views.

[0023] At least one of a member or part that is described with a reference numeral is provided unless otherwise specified, such as "one." In other words, unless otherwise specified, two or more of the member may be provided. The cushion frame shown in the present disclosure includes at least one of the components such as the member or part that is described with a reference numeral and the structural parts shown in the drawings.

[0024] (First embodiment) <1. Overview of cushion frame> The cushion frame is a reinforcing member that forms the framework of the seat cushion. The seat cushion is a part that supports the buttocks of a seated person. The cushion frame according to this embodiment has a function of displacing the seat cushion in the up and down direction (hereinafter referred to as a lifter function).

[0025] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the cushion frame 1 according to this embodiment includes at least a first side frame 2, a second side frame 3, a first connecting pipe 4, a second connecting pipe 5, lifter links 6 to 9, an actuator 10, and the like.

[0026] The first side frame 2 and the second side frame 3 are lower arms that extend in the front-rear direction of the seat. The second side frame 3 is disposed at a position offset from the first side frame 2 in the seat width direction.

[0027] The first connecting pipe 4 and the second connecting pipe 5 extend in the seat width direction and are connected to the first side frame The first connecting pipe 4 connects the rear side of the first side frame 2 to the rear side of the second side frame 3. That is, the first connecting pipe 4 is an example of a connecting member, and connects the rear side of the first side frame 2 to the rear side of the second side frame 3.

[0028] The second connecting pipe 5 connects the front side of the first side frame 2 and the front side of the second side frame 3. The first connecting pipe 4 and the second connecting pipe 5 are connected to the first side frame 2 and the second side frame 3 so as to be rotatable about the axis lines L1 and L2, respectively.

[0029] The lifter links 6 to 9 and the actuator 10 are functional parts for realizing the lifter function. The lower ends of the lifter links 6 to 9 are directly or indirectly rotatably connected to the vehicle.

[0030] Specifically, the lower end side of each of the lifter links 6 to 9 is indirectly connected to the vehicle via two slide devices 11. The two slide devices 11 have the same structure. Each slide device 11 supports the cushion frame 1 so that it can slide in the front-rear direction of the seat.

[0031] Each slide device 11 has at least a fixed rail 11A and a movable rail 11B. Each fixed rail 11A is fixed to the vehicle. Each movable rail 11B is slidably connected to the corresponding fixed rail 11A.

[0032] The lower ends of the lifter links 6 to 9 are rotatably connected to the corresponding movable rails 11B, so that each lifter link 6 to 9 can rotate relative to the corresponding movable rail 11B around rotation center lines L3 and L4 that are parallel to the axes L1 and L2.

[0033] As shown in Fig. 2, the upper end of the lifter link 6 (hereinafter referred to as the first lifter link 6) is integrated with the first side frame 2 side of the first connecting pipe 4. The upper end of the lifter link 8 is integrated with the first side frame 2 side of the second connecting pipe 5.

[0034] As shown in Fig. 1, the upper end of the lifter link 7 (hereinafter referred to as the second lifter link 7) is integrated with the second side frame 3 side of the first connecting pipe 4. The upper end of the lifter link 9 is integrated with the second side frame 3 side of the second connecting pipe 5.

[0035] Therefore, when the first connecting pipe 4 rotates, the first lifter link 6 and the second lifter link 7 are mechanically rotated and displaced in synchronization with each other. Similarly, the lifter links 8 and 9 are rotated and displaced in synchronization with each other via the second connecting pipe 5.

[0036] The actuator 10 generates a driving force that rotates the first connecting pipe 4. Specifically, the actuator 10 is an electric motor in which an electric motor 10A and a reducer 10B are integrated together.

[0037] The reducer 10B has at least a worm (not shown) and a worm wheel (not shown). The worm is a gear that rotates when it receives a driving force from the electric motor 10A. The worm wheel is a gear that meshes with the worm.

[0038] The rotational force output from the reducer 10B is transmitted to a sector gear 10C (see FIG. 2) that is integrated with the first connecting pipe 4. Therefore, when the electric motor 10A is operated, the first connecting pipe 4 rotates accordingly.

[0039] The sector gear 10C according to this embodiment is integrated with the first lifter link 6. Therefore, in this embodiment, the rotational force transmitted to the sector gear 10C is transmitted to the first connecting pipe 4 via the first lifter link 6.

[0040] However, even when a rotational force is input to the output side of the reducer 10B, that is, when a force that rotates the first lifter link 6 or the first connecting pipe 4 due to an external force is input to the output side of the reducer 10B, the rotor of the electric motor 10A does not rotate.

[0041] This is because the worm wheel cannot rotate the worm. In other words, the actuator 10 according to this embodiment functions as a "lock mechanism that restricts the rotational displacement of the first lifter link 6." Therefore, in the cushion frame 1 according to this embodiment, the first lifter link 6 is the restricting link, and the second lifter link 7 is the free link.

[0042] <2. Details of the 1st Lifterlink and 2nd Lifterlink> As shown in Fig. 3, the first lifter link 6 is provided with a first deformation inducing portion 61. As shown in Fig. 4, the second lifter link 7 is provided with a second deformation inducing portion 71.

[0043] The first deformation inducing portion 61 is a weak portion that induces deformation of the first lifter link 6 when a load exceeding a predetermined magnitude acts on the first lifter link 6. In other words, the first deformation inducing portion 61 has lower rigidity than portions of the first lifter link 6 other than the first deformation inducing portion 61, and is a portion where stress is likely to concentrate.

[0044] Specifically, as shown in Figure 3, the first deformation inducing portion 61 is configured as a portion that is bent in an approximately J-shape or an approximately L-shape so as to be convex toward the second lifter link 7 side (in this embodiment, the left side).

[0045] An inclined surface 62 is provided in the first lifter link 6 in a range from the first deformation inducing portion 61 to the first connecting pipe 4. As shown in Fig. 5, the inclined surface 62 is inclined in the vertical direction so that it becomes lower as it approaches the second lifter link 7 side (the left side in this embodiment) when the cushion frame 1 is in the lowest state.

[0046] The second deformation inducing portion 71 is a weak portion that induces deformation of the second lifter link 7 when a load exceeding a predetermined magnitude acts on the second lifter link 7. In other words, the second deformation inducing portion 71 has lower rigidity than portions of the second lifter link 7 other than the second deformation inducing portion 71, and is a portion where stress is likely to concentrate.

[0047] 4, the second deformation inducing portion 71 has a substantially L-shaped cross section. The second lifter link 7 has a section extending from the rotation center axis L3 to the second deformation inducing portion 71 (hereinafter referred to as the other portion) having a substantially C-shaped or U-shaped cross section.

[0048] Therefore, the bending rigidity of the second deformation inducing portion 71 is smaller than that of other portions. Note that, as shown in Fig. 6, the second deformation inducing portion 71 according to this embodiment is shifted toward the first lifter link 6 side (to the right in this embodiment) compared to other portions.

[0049] As shown in Figure 7, the dimension L2 from the rotational axis L3 of the second lifter link 7 to the second deformation inducing portion 71 is larger than the dimension L1 from the rotational axis L3 of the first lifter link 6 to the first deformation inducing portion 61.

[0050] 3. Features of the cushion frame according to this embodiment The bending moment acting on the first deformation inducing portion 61 is the product of the dimension L1 from the rotation central axis L3 of the first lifter link 6 to the first deformation inducing portion 61 and the force generated on the rotation central axis L3.

[0051] Similarly, the bending moment acting on the second deformation inducing portion 71 is the product of the dimension L2 from the rotation center axis L3 of the second lifter link 7 to the second deformation inducing portion 71 and the force generated on the rotation center axis L3.

[0052] Furthermore, the force generated on each rotation central axis L3 is a reaction to a load input from the outside to the cushion frame 1. The dimension L2 from the rotation central axis L3 to the second deformation inducing portion 71 is greater than the dimension L1 from the rotation central axis L3 to the first deformation inducing portion 61.

[0053] Therefore, even if the reaction acting on the second lifter link 7 is smaller than the reaction acting on the first lifter link 6, the difference between the magnitude of the bending moment acting on the first deformation inducing portion 61 and the magnitude of the bending moment acting on the second deformation inducing portion 71 becomes small. As a result, it may become possible to appropriately deform the first lifter link 6 and the second lifter link 7 in coordination with each other.

[0054] At least a portion of the range from the first deformation inducing portion 61 of the first lifter link 6 to the first connecting pipe 4 is provided with an inclined surface 62 that is inclined in the vertical direction so as to become lower as it approaches the second lifter link 7 side.

[0055] This may enable the first deformation inducing portion 61 to be plastically deformed so as to reliably buckle. In other words, the first lifter link 6 is buckled and deformed so as to reduce the distance between the rotation central axis L1 and the rotation central axis L3.

[0056] At this time, there is a risk that the first lifter link 6 may bend and deform so as to be displaced to the opposite side of the second lifter link 7, that is, to the right side in the seat width direction. However, in this embodiment, as the deformation of the first lifter link 6 progresses, the inclined surface 62 comes into contact with the bracket 13 (see FIG. 2, etc.).

[0057] Therefore, the deformation direction of the first lifter link 6 is restricted so as to be guided by the inclined surface 62, and therefore the deformation of the first lifter link 6 is prevented from progressing so as to cause it to slide to the right in the seat width direction.

[0058] The "bracket 13" is a member for connecting the first lifter link 6 to the movable rail 11B. The "bracket 13, etc." refers to the bracket 13 or a bolt or the like for fixing the bracket 13 to the movable rail 11B.

[0059] (Other embodiments) In the above-described embodiment, the inclined surface 62 is provided in the range from the first deformation inducing portion 61 to the first connecting pipe 4. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. That is, it is sufficient that the inclined surface 62 is provided in at least a part of the range from the rotation central axis L3 of the first lifter link 6 to the first connecting pipe 4.

[0060] The first lifter link 6 according to the above-described embodiment is provided with the inclined surface 62. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. That is, the present disclosure may be directed to, for example, a first lifter link 6 in which the inclined surface 62 is eliminated.

[0061] The first deformation inducing portion 61 according to the above embodiment is configured to be convex toward the second lifter link 7 side. In the conventional example, the first deformation inducing portion 61 is configured with a portion bent in a substantially J-shape or a substantially L-shape. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. That is, in the present disclosure, for example, the first deformation inducing portion 61 may be configured with a structure similar to that of the second deformation inducing portion 71.

[0062] The second deformation inducing portion 71 according to the above-described embodiment has a substantially L-shaped cross section. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. That is, in the present disclosure, the second deformation inducing portion 71 may have a configuration similar to that of the first deformation inducing portion 61, for example.

[0063] In the above-described embodiment, the vehicle seat is provided with an electric actuator 10 having a locking mechanism. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. That is, the present disclosure may be, for example, a manually operated vehicle seat that does not have an electric motor.

[0064] The locking mechanism according to the above embodiment is configured to use the reducer 10B provided in the actuator 10. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. That is, the present disclosure may be configured to use, for example, a locking mechanism that uses a ratchet mechanism.

[0065] In the above-described embodiment, the vehicle seat according to the present disclosure is applied to a vehicle. However, the application of the invention disclosed in this specification is not limited thereto. That is, the present disclosure can also be applied to seats used in vehicles such as railway cars, ships, and aircraft, as well as stationary seats used in theaters, homes, etc.

[0066] Furthermore, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments as long as it conforms to the spirit of the disclosure described in the above-described embodiments. Therefore, the present disclosure may be a configuration in which at least two of the above-described embodiments are combined, or a configuration in which any of the components illustrated or described with reference numerals in the above-described embodiments is eliminated. [Explanation of symbols]

[0067] 1. Cushion frame 2... First side frame 3... Second side frame 4... First connecting pipe 5... Second connecting pipe 6... 1st Lifter Link 7... 2nd Lifter Link 10... Actuator 11... Slide device 61... First deformation induction section 62… Inclined surface 71... Second deformation induction section

Claims

1. A cushion frame used in a vehicle seat that allows the vehicle seat to be displaced in the up and down direction, a first side frame extending in the front-rear direction of the seat; a second side frame disposed at a position offset in a seat width direction relative to the first side frame and extending in a seat front-rear direction; a connecting member extending in a seat width direction and connecting the first side frame and the second side frame, the connecting member being rotatable with respect to the first side frame and the second side frame; a first lifter link having one end rotatably connected directly or indirectly to the vehicle and the other end integrated with the first side frame of the connecting member; a second lifter link, one end of which is rotatably connected directly or indirectly to the vehicle and the other end of which is integrated with the second side frame of the connecting member, the second lifter link rotating and displacing in synchronization with the first lifter link; a locking mechanism that restricts rotational displacement of the first lifter link; a first deformation inducing portion provided in the first lifter link, the first deformation inducing portion inducing deformation of the first lifter link when a load exceeding a predetermined magnitude acts on the first lifter link; a second deformation inducing portion provided in the second lifter link, which induces deformation of the second lifter link when a load exceeding a predetermined magnitude acts on the second lifter link, A cushion frame in which a dimension from a rotation center on one end side of the second lifter link to the second deformation inducing portion is larger than a dimension from a rotation center on one end side of the first lifter link to the first deformation inducing portion.

2. The cushion frame according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the range of the first lifter link from the first deformation-inducing portion to the connecting member has an inclined surface inclined in the vertical direction so as to become lower as it approaches the second lifter link.

3. The cushion frame according to claim 2 , wherein the first deformation inducing portion is configured as a portion that is bent so as to be convex toward the second lifter link side.

4. The cushion frame according to claim 3 , wherein the bending stiffness of the second deformation inducing portion is smaller than the bending stiffness of a range from a rotation center on one end side of the second lifter link to the second deformation inducing portion.

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