Vehicle seat

Abstract

To provide a vehicle seat capable of enhancing the degree of freedom of seat arrangement while improving the supporting force of a headrest.SOLUTION: The vehicle seat S includes a seat back 1 and a headrest 3. The car seat S includes a first support member 4 for supporting a first side portion 3a of the headrest 3 in the seat-width direction, and a second support member 5 for supporting a second side portion 3a of the headrest 3 on the side opposite to the first side portion 3b in the seat-width direction. The second support member 5 is switchable between a support state in which the second side portion 3b can be supported and a storage state in which the second support member 5 is moved in a predetermined direction from the support state and stored in the first support member 4.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle seat, and more particularly to a vehicle seat including a seat back and a headrest. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a headrest support structure in which the headrest is supported in a cantilever manner is known. For example, in the vehicle seat described in Patent Document 1, the headrest is cantilevered by one pillar (hollow metal support rod) fixed to the headrest skeleton frame. A bracket is attached to the attachment portion of the hollow metal support rod to ensure the strength of the attachment portion of the hollow metal support rod. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 4-141112 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] There has been a demand for further improvement in the support strength of the headrest in a support structure in which the headrest is cantilevered by a single pillar, as in Patent Document 1. On the other hand, if the side portions of the headrest are supported by multiple pillars in order to increase the support strength of the headrest, there is a risk that the degree of freedom in seat arrangement will be insufficient.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle seat that can increase the degree of freedom in seat arrangement while improving the supporting force of the headrest. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The above problem is solved by the vehicle seat of the present invention, which is a vehicle seat comprising a seat back and a headrest, and which comprises a first support member for supporting a first side portion of the headrest in the seat width direction, and a second support member for supporting a second side portion of the headrest opposite the first side portion in the seat width direction, wherein the second support member is switchable between a support state in which it can support the second side portion, and a storage state in which it moves from the support state in a predetermined direction and is stored in the first support member, the seat back, or the headrest. With this configuration, by moving the second support member, the headrest can be switched between a state in which both the first side portion and the second side portion are supported and a state in which only the first side portion is cantilevered, thereby improving the support force of the headrest and increasing the degree of freedom in seat arrangement.

[0007] In this case, the second support member has a support main body portion that supports the second side portion of the headrest from below in the support state, and the support main body portion is switchable between the support state in which it can support the second side portion of the headrest, and the storage state in which it moves from the support state in the seat width direction and comes close to the first support member. With the above configuration, the headrest can be supported even when the second support member moves in the seat width direction, thereby further improving the supporting force of the headrest.

[0008] In this case, the seat back is provided with an operating member that moves the second support member in the seat width direction, the operating member having a lower operating member that supports the second support member from below and moves the second support member in the seat width direction, the seat back having a first side frame and a second side frame that are arranged spaced apart in the seat width direction, and a connecting frame that connects the upper part of the first side frame and the upper part of the second side frame, and the lower operating member is attached to the connecting frame. With the above configuration, the lower operating member that supports the second support member is attached to the connecting frame, so the rigidity of the second support member can be further increased.

[0009] In this case, the headrest has a connecting frame connected to the first support member and extending in the seat width direction, the operating member has an upper operating member that supports the second support member from above and moves the second support member in the seat width direction, and the upper operating member is attached to the connecting frame. With the above configuration, the upper operating member that supports the second support member is attached to the headrest frame, so the rigidity of the second support member can be further increased.

[0010] In this case, the lower operating member includes a lower slider attached to the lower end of the second support member and moving in the seat width direction, a lower guide rail attached to the connecting frame, extending in the seat width direction, and guiding the lower slider, and a rattle suppression member attached to the lower guide rail and suppressing rattle of the lower slider, and the rattle suppression member preferably holds the lower slider when the second support member is in the supporting state. With the above configuration, the second support member can be easily moved, and the supporting force of the second support member in the supported state can be stabilized.

[0011] In this case, the vehicle seat is provided with an operating member that moves the second support member in the predetermined direction, the operating member having a drive member that moves the second support member in the predetermined direction, and the vehicle seat is provided with a control device that controls the drive member and a detection unit that detects the seating state of the occupant, and when the detection unit detects a change in the predetermined seating state of the occupant, the control device switches the second support member between the support state and the storage state using the drive member. With the above configuration, the second support member can be automatically switched by detecting the seating state of the seat occupant, which allows for easy seat arrangement and improves convenience.

[0012] In this case, the second support member may have a support extension portion that extends from the support main body portion in the seat width direction and supports the headrest from below in the supported state, a support frame that forms the skeleton of the support main body portion and the support extension portion, a pad that covers the support frame, and a skin that covers the pad. The above configuration can improve the seating feeling of the seat occupant.

[0013] In this case, when the support main body portion is in the stored state, the support extension portion is stored inside the first support member, and when the support main body portion is in the supporting state, the support extension portion is arranged between the support main body portion and the first support member in the seat width direction, and the front surface of the support extension portion moves forward. The above configuration can further improve the seating feeling of the seat occupant.

[0014] In this case, the second support member may have a shape that conforms to the seating surface of the first support member. The above configuration can improve the design of the seat.

[0015] In this case, the second support member may have an inflatable airbag, and the airbag may be capable of being deployed on a side opposite to the first support member in the seat width direction. With the above configuration, the second support member has an airbag, thereby improving safety. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the support force of the headrest while increasing the degree of freedom in seat arrangement. Furthermore, according to the present invention, the supporting force of the headrest is further improved. Furthermore, according to the present invention, the rigidity of the second support member can be further increased. Furthermore, according to the present invention, the rigidity of the second support member can be further increased. Furthermore, according to the present invention, the second support member can be made easily movable, and the supporting force of the second support member in the supported state can be stabilized. Furthermore, according to the present invention, seat arrangement can be easily performed, improving convenience. Furthermore, according to the present invention, the seating feeling of the seated person can be improved. Furthermore, according to the present invention, the seating feeling of the seated person can be further improved. Furthermore, according to the present invention, the design of the seat can be improved. Furthermore, the present invention can improve safety. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle seat according to a first embodiment; [Figure 2] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a second support member in a supported state. [Figure 3] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a second support member in a stored state. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV of FIG. 2. [Figure 5] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 3 . [Figure 6] 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VI-VI in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a lower operating member. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII in FIG. 7. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a control block diagram of the vehicle seat. [Figure 10] FIG. 4 is a control flow diagram for a vehicle seat. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a vehicle seat according to a second embodiment, illustrating a second support member in a supported state. [Figure 12] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a second support member in a stored state according to a second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In the following description, the "front-rear direction" refers to the front-rear direction of the vehicle seat, which is the direction that coincides with the direction of travel when the vehicle is traveling. The "seat width direction" refers to the width direction of the vehicle seat, which is the direction that coincides with the left-right direction as seen by an occupant seated in the vehicle seat. The "up-down direction" refers to the up-down direction of the vehicle, which is the direction that coincides with the vertical direction when the vehicle is traveling on a horizontal plane.

[0019] First Embodiment As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle seat S of the first embodiment includes a seat back 1, a seat cushion 2, and a headrest 3. 2 and 3, the vehicle seat S includes a first support member 4 that supports a first side portion 3a (right side portion) of the headrest 3 in the seat width direction, and a second support member 5 that supports a second side portion 3b (left side portion) of the headrest 3 that is located on the opposite side to the first side portion 3a in the seat width direction. The headrest 3 is connected to an upper portion of the seat back 1 by the first support member 4.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle seat S also includes an operating member 6 that moves the second support member 5 in the seat width direction, a seat movable member 7 that operates to contract a portion of the seat back 1 from its normal position in which it bulges toward the occupant, a detection unit 8 that detects the seating state of the occupant, and a control device 9 that controls the operating member 6 and the seat movable member 7. The control device 9 controls the operating member 6 and the seat movable member 7 based on the detection result of the detection unit 8. The second support member 5 is moved in the seat width direction by the operating member 6. Note that the configuration is not limited to one in which the second support member 5 is automatically moved by the operating member 6 based on the detection result of the detection unit 8. For example, the second support member 5 may be configured to be moved by manual operation by the seated occupant.

[0021] <<Seat body>> As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the seat back 1 is a backrest portion that supports the back of an occupant from behind, and is configured by placing a pad P on a back frame that serves as a skeleton and covering it with a skin T. The seat back 1 has a back frame made of a substantially rectangular frame-like body. The back frame has a first side frame 1a and a second side frame 1b spaced apart in the seat width direction, a connecting frame 1c connecting the upper part of the first side frame 1a to the upper part of the second side frame 1b, and a lower connecting frame 1d connecting the lower part of the first side frame 1a to the lower part of the second side frame 1b.

[0022] The first side frame 1a and the second side frame 1b are sheet metal members that extend in the vertical direction and have a substantially C-shaped cross section. The lower end portions of the first side frame 1a and the second side frame 1b are connected to the cushion frame via a reclining device (not shown). The connecting frame 1c is a box-shaped sheet metal member that extends in the seat width direction. The connecting frame 1c connects the upper part of the first side frame 1a and the upper part of the second side frame 1b via pipe members connected to both ends. In addition, a lower operating member 10 of the operating member 6, which will be described later, is attached to the upper surface of the connecting frame 1c. The lower connecting frame 1d is a metal pipe member that extends in the seat width direction and connects the lower portion of the first side frame 1a and the lower portion of the second side frame 1b.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 1, the seat cushion 2 is a seating portion that supports an occupant from below, and is configured by placing a pad P on a seat frame (not shown) that serves as a skeleton, and covering the pad P with a skin T.

[0024] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the headrest 3 is a head support that supports the occupant's head from behind, and is configured by placing a pad P on a headrest frame that serves as a skeleton and covering it with a skin T. The headrest 3 has, as a headrest frame, a connection frame 3c connected to the first support member 4 and extending in the seat width direction, and a head support frame 3d extending upward from the connection frame 3c.

[0025] The connecting frame 3c is a plate-shaped sheet metal member extending in the seat width direction. The first support member 4 is connected to the right side of the connecting frame 3c. In addition, an upper operating member 20 of the operating member 6 (described later) is attached to the lower surface of the connecting frame 3c. The head support frame 3d is a plate-shaped sheet metal member that extends in the seat width direction and is provided so as to extend upward from the upper surface of the connection frame 3c.

[0026] 1 and 2, the first support member 4 is a member that fixes the first lateral portion 3a of the headrest 3 to the upper portion of the seat back 1, and is configured by placing a pad P on a fixed frame that serves as a skeleton and covering it with a skin T. Note that in the vehicle seat S, the seat back 1, the headrest 3, and the first support member 4 are integrally configured and covered with the same skin T, but the seat back 1, the headrest 3, and the first support member 4 may each be configured as separate members. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the first support member 4 has, as a fixed frame, a front frame 4a attached to the front portion of the connecting frame 1c of the seat back 1 and extending upward, and a rear frame 4b attached to the rear portion of the connecting frame 1c of the seat back 1 and extending upward.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 2, the front frame 4a is a plate-shaped sheet metal member that extends upward from the upper surface of the connecting frame 1c. The rear frame 4b is a plate-shaped sheet metal member that extends upward from the upper surface of the connecting frame 1c. The front frame 4a and the rear frame 4b are arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the front-to-rear direction, as shown in Fig. 4. A space capable of accommodating the second support member 5 is formed between the front frame 4a and the rear frame 4b.

[0028] 1, the second support member 5 is a member that is movable in the seat width direction and supports the headrest 3 from below. The second support member 5 is switchable between a support state (FIGS. 2 and 4) in which it can support the second side portion 3b and a storage state (FIGS. 3 and 5) in which it moves from the support state in a predetermined direction and is stored in the first support member 4. The "stored state in which the second support member 5 is stored in the first support member 4" includes a state in which the second support member 5 is stored inside the first support member 4, a state in which the second support member 5 overlaps with the first support member 4 in the front-to-rear direction, a state in which the second support member 5 is close to the left end of the first support member 4, etc. In this way, since the second support member 5 is stored in the first support member 4, the headrest 3 can be made compact when in a cantilevered state.

[0029] As shown in Figures 2 and 4, the second support member 5 has a support main body portion 5a that supports the second lateral portion 3b of the headrest 3 from below in the supported state, and a support extension portion 5b that extends from the support main body portion 5a in the seat width direction and supports the central portion of the headrest 3 in the seat width direction from below in the supported state. 3 and 5, when the second support member 5 moves in the seat width direction from the supporting state to the stored state, the support main body portion 5a supports the central portion in the seat width direction of the headrest 3 from below. In addition, the support extension portion 5b supports the first side portion 3a of the headrest 3 from below.

[0030] The support body 5a is a plate-shaped support member extending in the up-down and front-rear directions. The support body 5a is switchable between a support state in which it can support the second lateral portion 3b of the headrest 3 and a stored state in which it moves in the seat width direction from the support state to a storage state adjacent to the first support member 4. In other words, the support main body portion 5a moves from a position where it supports the second side portion 3b of the headrest 3 from below to a position where it does not support the second side portion 3b of the headrest 3 from below.

[0031] The support extension 5b is a plate-shaped support portion that extends in the up-down direction and the seat width direction. The support extension 5b is switchable between a support state in which it can support the second lateral portion 3b of the headrest 3 and a storage state in which it moves from the support state in the seat width direction and is stored inside the first support member 4. In other words, the support extension 5b moves from a position where it supports the central portion of the headrest 3 from below to a position where it does not support the second side portion 3b of the headrest 3. In other words, when the support main body 5a is in the stored state, the support extension 5b is stored inside the first support member 4. Specifically, the support extension 5b is stored between the front frame 4a and the rear frame 4b of the first support member 4.

[0032] The support extension 5b has a shape that extends in the seat width direction, which increases the rigidity of the headrest 3. Furthermore, the support extension 5b is housed inside the first support member 4, which further increases the rigidity of the first support member 4 and the first side portion 3a of the headrest 3. The shape of the second support member 5 is not limited to this. For example, the support main body 5a and the support extension 5b may be columnar, cylindrical, or rod-shaped, and may be one or more members. Furthermore, the second support member 5 may have only one of the support main body 5a and the support extension 5b.

[0033] In this way, by moving the second support member 5 in a predetermined direction, the headrest 3 changes between a state in which it is supported at both ends with respect to the seat back 1 and a state in which it is supported at one end. By supporting the headrest 3 at both ends, the rigidity of the headrest 3 can be increased compared to when the headrest 3 is supported at one end. Specifically, by supporting the first side portion 3a of the headrest 3 from below by the first support member 4 and supporting the second side portion 3b from below by the second support member 5, it is possible to stabilize the force supporting the head of a seated occupant while the vehicle is traveling, for example. Furthermore, by supporting the headrest 3 in a cantilevered manner, the space in which the seated person can move is wider compared to when the headrest 3 is supported on both sides. Specifically, since there is no member supporting the second lateral portion 3b of the headrest 3, it becomes easier for the seated person to look back toward the rear of the vehicle, for example, while the vehicle is stopped.

[0034] The second support member 5 may be stored in the seat back 1 or the headrest 3 in the stored state. Specifically, the second support member 5 may move downward from the supporting state to be stored inside the seat back 1, or may move upward from the supporting state to be stored inside the headrest 3. When the second support member 5 is in the supporting state, the first side portion 3a of the headrest 3 is supported by the first support member 4, and the second side portion 3b of the headrest 3 is supported by the second support member 5. When the second support member 5 is in the supporting state, the first side portion 3a of the headrest 3 is supported only by the first support member 4, and the second side portion 3b of the headrest 3 is not supported from below. In other words, the headrest 3 is cantilevered with respect to the seat back 1. In this way, by moving the second support member 5 in a predetermined direction, the headrest 3 changes between a state in which it is supported at both ends and a state in which it is supported at one end with respect to the seat back 1. This increases the degree of freedom in seat arrangement.

[0035] 4 and 5, the second support member 5 is configured by placing a pad Pa on a support frame that serves as a skeleton and covering it with a skin Ta. In other words, the second support member 5 has a support frame that serves as a skeleton of the support main body portion 5a and the support extension portion 5b, the pad Pa that covers the support frame, and the skin Ta that covers the pad Pa. The second support member 5 has a support frame consisting of a main body frame 5c that forms the skeleton of the support main body portion 5a and an extension frame 5d that forms the skeleton of the support extension portion 5b. Note that the second support member 5 is configured as an integrated unit with the support frame covered with the same skin Ta, but the support main body portion 5a and the support extension portion 5b may each be configured as separate members.

[0036] The main body frame 5c is a plate-shaped sheet metal member that extends in the up-down direction and the front-rear direction. The extension frame 5d is a plate-shaped sheet metal member that extends in the vertical direction and the seat width direction and is connected to the right side surface of the main frame 5c at the center portion in the front-rear direction.

[0037] In this way, the support frame that forms the framework of the support main body 5a and the support extension 5b is covered with the pad Pa and the cover Ta, so that the seating feeling of the seated person can be improved. As shown in FIG. 1, the support body portion 5a is formed along the seating surface of the first support member 4. Specifically, when the support body portion 5a is in the stored state, the seating surface of the first support member 4 and the front surface of the support body portion 5a are substantially flush with each other. In other words, the second support member 5 (support body portion 5a) in the stored state has a shape that conforms to the seating surface of the first support member 4. Furthermore, the side surface of the first support member 4 and the side surface of the support body portion 5a have substantially the same shape. In this way, by making the first support member 4 and the second support member 5 have an integrated appearance, the design of the seat can be improved. In other words, when the headrest 3 is in a cantilevered state, the vehicle seat S has a shape in which a portion of the seat body is cut out, allowing the occupant to look back and rest their arms in the cut-out portion.

[0038] <<Operating parts>> 4 to 6, the operating member 6 is a member that moves the second support member 5 in the seat width direction to switch between a supporting state and a stored state. The operating member 6 has a lower operating member 10 that supports the support main body portion 5a from below and moves the support main body portion 5a in the seat width direction, an upper operating member 20 that supports the support main body portion 5a from above and moves the support main body portion 5a in the seat width direction, and a drive member 30 that moves the second support member 5 in a predetermined direction. When the second support member 5 is stored in the seat back 1 or the headrest 3, the operating member 6 may move the second support member 5 in the up and down direction.

[0039] 6 and 7, the lower operating member 10 is attached to the connecting frame 1c of the seat back 1 and is a member for moving the second support member 5 in the seat width direction. The lower operating member 10 has a lower slider 11 attached to the lower end of the second support member 5 and moving in the seat width direction, a lower guide rail 12 attached to the connecting frame 1c, extending in the seat width direction, and guiding the lower slider 11, and a rattle suppression member 13 attached to the lower guide rail 12 and suppressing rattle of the lower slider 11.

[0040] 6 and 7, the lower slider 11 is a movable member that extends elongatedly in the sheet width direction, and moves in the sheet width direction along the lower guide rail 12. The lower slider 11 is engaged with the lower guide rail 12, and supports the second support member 5 from below. Specifically, both ends of the lower slider 11 in the front-to-rear direction protrude upward and engage with the engaged portions 12a of the lower guide rail 12. In addition, the center portion of the lower slider 11 in the front-to-rear direction protrudes upward and is connected to the lower surfaces of the support main body portion 5a and the support extension portion 5b. The lower slider 11 supports both the support main body portion 5a and the support extension portion 5b from below, thereby increasing the rigidity of the second support member 5.

[0041] The length of the lower slider 11 in the seat width direction is formed to be approximately the same as the length of the second support member 5 in the seat width direction. However, this is not limiting, and for example, the lower slider 11 may be formed to be approximately the same length as the support main body portion 5a. In this case, the lower slider 11 is connected only to the lower surface of the support main body portion 5a. In this way, when the second support member 5 is in the supporting state, at least the support main body portion 5a is supported from below by the connecting frame 1c of the seat back 1 via the lower operating member 10, thereby improving the supporting force of the second lateral portion 3b of the headrest 3.

[0042] 8, the lower slider 11 is formed with a through hole 11a that penetrates in the sheet width direction. An internal thread that screws into a screw shaft 31 of a drive member 30 (described later) is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the through hole 11a. When the screw shaft 31 is rotated by a drive motor 32, the lower slider 11 slides along the lower guide rail 12 in the sheet width direction.

[0043] 4 and 5, the lower guide rail 12 is a rail member that has a concave cross section, extends longitudinally in the seat width direction, and guides the lower slider 11 in the seat width direction. The lower guide rail 12 engages with the lower slider 11 and supports the second support member 5 from below. 6, the lower guide rail 12 is formed with engaged portions 12a that engage with both front-rear end portions of the lower slider 11. The lower surface of the lower guide rail 12 is attached to the upper surface of the connecting frame 1c of the seat back 1. The lower guide rail 12 is disposed between the front frame 4a and the rear frame 4b of the first support member 4. In this way, the lower guide rail 12 supports the lower slider 11, the support main body 5a, and the support extension 5b from below, thereby increasing the rigidity of the second support member 5. Note that a plurality of rattle suppression members 13 are attached to the inner surface of the lower guide rail 12.

[0044] 7, the rattle suppression member 13 is a member that holds the lower slider 11 when the second support member 5 is in the supporting state. The rattle suppression member 13 is disposed at the moving end 12b (left end) of the lower guide rail 12, and holds the lower slider 11 that has moved leftward. The rattle suppression member 13 is, for example, a rubber member, and has an inclined surface 13a that slopes toward the lower slider 11, as shown in Fig. 8. The left end of the lower slider 11 abuts against the inclined surface 13a, thereby restricting the movement of the lower slider 11 in the forward / backward and leftward directions.

[0045] The rattle suppressing members 13 are attached to, for example, the bottom surface, side surface, and top surface of the inner surface of the lower guide rail 12, respectively. In this way, when the second support member 5 is in the supported state (i.e., when the lower slider 11 moves to the moving end 12b of the lower guide rail 12), the movement of the lower slider 11 in the front-rear and leftward directions is restricted by the plurality of rattle suppression members 13. Therefore, the second support member 5 can be easily moved by the lower guide rail 12, while the supporting force of the second support member 5 in the supported state can be stabilized. The rattle suppressing member 13 is not limited to a rubber member having elasticity, but may be a locking member that locks the lower slider 11 at the moving end 12b. The rattle suppressing member 13 may also be provided at a position other than the moving end 12b.

[0046] 6, the upper operating member 20 is attached to the connection frame 3c of the headrest 3 and is a member for moving the second support member 5 in the seat width direction. The upper operating member 20 has an upper slider 21 attached to the upper end of the second support member 5 and moving in the seat width direction, and an upper guide rail 22 attached to the connection frame 3c, extending in the seat width direction, and guiding the upper slider 21. Note that a rattle suppression member 13 may be provided on the upper guide rail 22.

[0047] 6 and 7, the upper slider 21 is a movable member that extends elongatedly in the sheet width direction, and moves in the sheet width direction along the upper guide rail 22. The upper slider 21 is engaged with the upper guide rail 22, and supports the second support member 5 from above. Specifically, both ends of the upper slider 21 in the front-rear direction protrude downward and engage with the locked portions 22a of the upper guide rail 22. In addition, the center portion of the upper slider 21 in the front-rear direction protrudes downward and is connected to the upper surface of the support main body portion 5a and the upper surface of the support extension portion 5b. The upper slider 21 supports both the support main body portion 5a and the support extension portion 5b from above, thereby increasing the rigidity of the second support member 5.

[0048] The length of the upper slider 21 in the seat width direction is formed to be approximately the same as the length of the second support member 5 in the seat width direction. However, without being limited thereto, for example, the upper slider 21 may be formed to be approximately the same length as the support main body portion 5a. In this case, the upper slider 21 is connected only to the upper surface of the support main body portion 5a. In this way, when the second support member 5 is in a supporting state, at least the support main body portion 5a is supported from above by the connecting frame 3c of the headrest 3 via the upper operating member 20, thereby improving the supporting force of the second lateral portion 3b of the headrest 3.

[0049] 4 and 5, the upper guide rail 22 is a rail member that has an inverted concave cross section, extends longitudinally in the sheet width direction, and guides the upper slider 21 in the sheet width direction. The upper guide rail 22 is engaged with the upper slider 21, and supports the second support member 5 from above. 6, the upper guide rail 22 is formed with locked portions 22a to which both ends of the upper slider 21 in the front-rear direction are locked. The upper surface of the upper guide rail 22 is attached to the lower surface of the connection frame 3c of the headrest 3. The upper guide rail 22 supports the upper slider 21, the support main body portion 5a, and the support extension portion 5b from above, thereby increasing the rigidity of the second support member 5.

[0050] 4 and 5, the drive member 30 is a member for moving the second support member 5 in the sheet width direction. Specifically, the drive member 30 slides the lower slider 11 of the lower operating member 10 along the lower guide rail 12. The drive member 30 has a screw shaft 31 that screws into the through hole 11a of the lower slider 11, and a drive motor 32 that rotates the screw shaft 31.

[0051] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the screw shaft 31 is a screw member that is long in the sheet width direction. The screw shaft 31 has an outer peripheral surface formed with a male thread that screws into the female thread of the through hole 11a. The right end of the screw shaft 31 is connected to a drive motor 32. The left end of the screw shaft 31 is rotatably supported by the moving end 12b of the lower guide rail 12. When rotated by the drive motor 32, the screw shaft 31 causes the lower slider 11 to slide along the lower guide rail 12 in the sheet width direction.

[0052] 4 and 5, the drive motor 32 is a motor that can rotate forward and backward and is electrically connected to and driven by the control device 9. The drive motor 32 is attached between the front frame 4a and the rear frame 4b of the first support member 4. The drive motor 32 may also be attached to the connecting frame 1c of the seat back 1. The right end of the screw shaft 31 is connected to the output shaft of the drive motor 32. The drive motor 32 is controlled by the control device 9 to rotate the screw shaft 31.

[0053] In this way, by moving the second support member 5 by the operating member 6, the headrest 3 can be switched between a state in which both the first side portion 3a and the second side portion 3b are supported, and a state in which only the first side portion 3a is cantilevered. Therefore, the support force of the headrest 3 can be improved, and the degree of freedom in seat arrangement can be increased.

[0054] Here, the vehicle in which the vehicle seat S is installed may be switchable between a manual driving mode in which the seat occupant (passenger) manually drives the vehicle and an automatic driving mode in which the vehicle is automatically driven. For example, when the vehicle is switched to the automatic driving mode, the second support member 5 may be switched from the supporting state to the stowed state by the operating member 6. This makes it easier for the seated occupant to turn around behind the seat (to maintain a turned-around posture), making it easier to talk to passengers in the backseat, for example. Note that the second support member 5 may be switched from the stored state to the support state by the operating member 6 in conjunction with switching from the automatic driving mode to the manual driving mode.

[0055] In this embodiment, the second support member 5 is configured to slide by rotating the screw shaft 31, but this is not limiting. For example, the second support member 5 may be slid using a known power supply rail. Also, the second support member 5 may be slid by the movement of an actuator back and forth in the seat width direction. Also, wheels may be attached to the underside of the lower slider 11 to enable sliding, or any other known slide mechanism may be used. Furthermore, the driving member 30 is configured to move the lower slider 11 of the lower operating member 10, but it may also move the upper slider 21 of the upper operating member 20. Furthermore, it may slide continuously as in this embodiment, or it may slide in stages.

[0056] <<Seat movable member>> As shown in FIG. 1, the seat movable member 7 is an electrically operated device that operates to inflate or deflate the seat back 1. The seat movable member 7 has, for example, a bag body 7a and is provided on the pad P of the seat back 1. Specifically, the bag body 7a of the seat movable member 7 is disposed on the left bank portion 1e of the seat back 1. The bag body 7a of the seat movable member 7 inflates toward the seat occupant when compressed air is enclosed therein. The bag body 7a of the seat movable member 7 then contracts when the enclosed compressed air is discharged. The seat movable member 7 may be configured to operate by a mechanical mechanism (such as a link mechanism or hinge mechanism). The seat movable member 7 may also be disposed on the right bank portion.

[0057] The seat movable member 7 is driven and controlled by the control device 9 to expand or contract the left bank portion 1e of the seat back 1. When the left bank portion 1e is in the expanded state where it expands toward the occupant, the occupant is held by the left bank portion 1e. When the left bank portion 1e is in the contracted state where it is retracted further back than the expanded state, the occupant can easily look back toward the rear of the vehicle. The seat movable member 7 operates in conjunction with the drive member 30. Specifically, when the second support member 5 is in the supporting state, the left bank portion 1e of the seat back 1 is expanded, and when the second support member 5 is in the stored state, the left bank portion 1e of the seat back 1 is contracted.

[0058] In this way, for example, while the vehicle is traveling, the stability of the headrest 3 is increased by the second support member 5 in the supporting state, and the bulging left bank portion 1e can improve the support force for the seated occupant. Furthermore, when the vehicle is stopped, the second support member 5 is stored and the left bank portion 1e is contracted, making it easier for the seated occupant to look back toward the rear of the vehicle.

[0059] <<Detection section>> 1, the detection unit 8 is a sensor member provided in the seat body and capable of detecting a change in the seating state of a seated occupant. For example, the detection unit 8 has a first sensor 8a provided on the front surface of the second support member 5, a second sensor 8b provided on the left side surface of the second support member 5, and a third sensor 8c provided on the right front surface 1f of the seating surface of the seat back 1. The first sensor 8a, the second sensor 8b, and the third sensor 8c are, for example, pressure sensors or electrostatic sensors, and determine whether an occupant is in contact with the seat.

[0060] Specifically, for example, while the vehicle is stopped, the first sensor 8a and the third sensor 8c detect that the seat occupant is sitting facing forward. In other words, when the first sensor 8a and the third sensor 8c are ON and the second sensor 8b is OFF, it is determined that the seat occupant is in a forward-facing posture (driving posture). Furthermore, while the vehicle is stopped, the second sensor 8b detects a posture of the seated person looking back. In other words, when the first sensor 8a and the third sensor 8c are OFF and the second sensor 8b is ON, it is determined that the seated person is facing backward (having a conversation with someone in the rear seat).

[0061] The number and positions of the detection units 8 are not limited to those described above, as long as they are capable of detecting a change in the seating state of a seated occupant. Furthermore, the detection unit 8 may be an imaging camera, an infrared sensor, etc. For example, the seating state can be determined by capturing an image of the seating posture of the seated person with an imaging camera attached to the seat body or the vehicle body.

[0062] <<Control device>> 1, the control device 9 is provided in the seat body and incorporates a control circuit that controls the operating member 6 and the seat movable member 7. The control device 9 is electrically connected to the operating member 6, the seat movable member 7, and the detection unit 8. Each component is connected to each other via a bus so that they can communicate with each other. In addition to these, various actuators, input devices, output devices, and various sensors may be mounted on the vehicle seat S. The control device 9 may also be provided in the body of the vehicle.

[0063] <<Hardware configuration of vehicle seat system>> As shown in Fig. 9, the vehicle seat S includes a control device 9 that controls the drive device. The control device 9 has a control circuit and is mainly composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that is a central processing unit, and a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), and the like that serve as storage devices.

[0064] The CPU (processor) is a central processing unit that executes various programs and controls each part. That is, the CPU reads programs from ROM or HDD and executes them using RAM as a work area. The CPU controls each component and performs various arithmetic operations according to the programs stored in ROM or HDD.

[0065] The ROM stores various programs and data, while the RAM serves as a working area for temporarily storing programs or data. The HDD may be a solid state drive (SSD), and stores various programs including the operating system and various data.

[0066] <<Controller Functions>> Next, the functions of the control device 9 will be described with reference to Fig. 9. The functional units of the control device 9 are realized by the cooperation of hardware devices (specifically, an MPU and a memory) constituting the control device 9 with software devices (control circuits).

[0067] The control device 9 has, as its main functions, an acquisition unit 91 that acquires the seating state of the seated person from the detection unit 8, an operation control unit 92 that controls the operating member 6, and a movement control unit 93 that controls the seat movable member 7.

[0068] (Acquisition part 91) The acquisition unit 91 acquires the seating state of the seated occupant detected by the detection unit 8. Specifically, the acquisition unit 91 acquires whether the pressure of the second sensor 8b is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold. The acquisition unit 91 also acquires whether the pressure of the first sensor 8a and the third sensor 8c is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold. The acquisition unit 91 may be configured to acquire the seating state of the seated occupant when an operation input is made by the occupant.

[0069] (Operation control unit 92) When the detection unit 8 detects a change in the seating state of the seated person, the operation control unit 92 controls the operating member 6 so as to switch the second support member 5 from the support state to the stored state using the drive member 30. Specifically, when the pressure of the second sensor 8b is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold and the pressures of the first sensor 8a and the third sensor 8c are not equal to or greater than the predetermined thresholds, the operation control unit 92 performs a storing operation of the operating member 6 and switches the second support member 5 from the support state to the stored state.

[0070] (movable control unit 93) When the detection unit 8 detects a change in the seating state of the seated occupant, the movement control unit 93 controls the seat movable member 7 to expand or contract the left bank portion 1e. Specifically, when the pressure of the second sensor 8b is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold and the pressures of the first sensor 8a and the third sensor 8c are not equal to or greater than the predetermined thresholds, the movement control unit 93 performs a contraction operation on the seat movable member 7, switching the left bank portion 1e of the seat back 1 from the expanded state to the contracted state.

[0071] <<Driver control>> Next, a description will be given of the flow of control processing executed by the operation control unit 92 and the movement control unit 93 of the control device 9. As shown in Fig. 10, the control processing is executed to perform seat arrangement while the vehicle is stopped.

[0072] Specifically, when the second support member 5 is in the supporting state (Step 1: Yes), the control device 9 determines whether the pressure of the second sensor 8b is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold (Step 2). If the pressure of the second sensor 8b is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold (Step 2: Yes), the control device 9 determines whether the pressure of the first sensor 8a and the third sensor 8c is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold (Step 3). If the pressure of the first sensor 8a and the third sensor 8c is not equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold (Step 3: No), the control device 9 performs a retracting operation using the operating member 6 to switch the second support member 5 from the supporting state to the retracted state (Step 4). Furthermore, the control device 9 performs a contracting operation using the seat movable member 7 to switch the left bank portion 1e from the expanded state to the retracted state (Step 5), and the left bank portion 1e is then in the retracted state (Step 6). Then, the control process ends. On the other hand, if the pressure of the second sensor 8b is not equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold value (Step 2: No), the control process ends while maintaining the second support member 5 in a supporting state. Also, if the pressures of the first sensor 8a and the third sensor 8c are equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold value (Step 3: Yes), the control process ends while maintaining the second support member 5 in a supporting state.

[0073] Furthermore, when the second support member 5 is not in the supporting state, i.e., in the stored state (Step 1: No), the control device 9 obtains whether the pressure of the second sensor 8b is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold (Step 7). Then, if the pressure of the second sensor 8b is not equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold (Step 7: No), the control device 9 obtains whether the pressure of the first sensor 8a and the third sensor 8c are equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold (Step 8). Then, if the pressure of the first sensor 8a and the third sensor 8c are equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold (Step 8: Yes), the control device 9 performs a deployment operation using the operating member 6 to switch the second support member 5 from the stored state to the supporting state (Step 9). Furthermore, the seat movable member 7 performs an expanding operation to switch the left bank portion 1e from the stored state to the expanded state (Step 10), and the support state is achieved (Step 11). On the other hand, if the pressure of the second sensor 8b is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold value (Step 7: Yes), the control process ends while maintaining the second support member 5 in the housed state. If the pressures of the first sensor 8a and the third sensor 8c are not equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold value (Step 8: No), the control process ends while maintaining the second support member 5 in the housed state.

[0074] In this way, when the detection unit 8 detects a predetermined change in the seating state of the occupant (for example, a movement of looking back), the control device 9 switches the second support member 5 between the support state and the stored state using the drive member 30 of the operating member 6. In addition, when the detection unit 8 detects a predetermined change in the seating state of the occupant, the control device 9 switches the left bank portion 1e between the expanded state and the contracted state using the seat movable member 7.

[0075] More specifically, when the seated occupant turns around from a seated position facing forward to facing backward, the control device 9 switches the second support member 5 from the support state to the stored state and switches the left bank portion 1e from the expanded state to the contracted state. This makes it easier for the seated occupant to turn around toward the rear of the seat (to maintain a posture of turning around), making it easier for the seated occupant to talk to passengers in the back seat, for example. Furthermore, when the seated occupant moves from a seated position facing backward to a position facing forward to drive, the control device 9 switches the second support member 5 from the stored state to the support state and switches the left bank portion 1e from the expanded state to the contracted state. As a result, the seated occupant is supported from both sides by the seat back 1, which can stabilize, for example, the driving posture. Therefore, the support force of the headrest 3 can be improved, and the degree of freedom in seat arrangement can be increased.

[0076] Second Embodiment A vehicle seat S2 according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to Figures 11 and 12. Note that descriptions of configurations that overlap with those of the vehicle seat S according to the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0077] The vehicle seat S2 includes a first support member 104 that supports a first side portion 103a in the seat width direction of the headrest 103, and a second support member 105 that supports a second side portion 103b in the seat width direction of the headrest 103. In the vehicle seat S2, the configuration of the second support member 105 is different from the configuration of the second support member 5.

[0078] As shown in Figure 11, the second support member 105 has a support main body portion 105a that supports the second lateral portion 3b of the headrest 103 from below in the supported state, and a support extension portion 105b that extends from the support main body portion 105a in the seat width direction and supports the central portion of the headrest 103 in the seat width direction from below in the supported state.

[0079] As shown in Figure 11, the second support member 105 has a pad Pb covering the support frame, a skin Tb covering the pad Pb, a main body frame 105c that forms the skeleton of the support main body portion 105a, an extension frame 105d that forms the skeleton of the support extension portion 105b, an airbag device 105e attached to the main body frame 105c, and an air cell 105f attached to the extension frame 105d.

[0080] As shown in FIG. 11, the airbag device 105e has a known configuration, is attached to the main body frame 105c, and is disposed inside the support main body portion 105a and on the inner side of the skin Tb. The airbag device 105e of the second support member 105 has an inflatable airbag A and an inflator (not shown) that supplies gas to the airbag A. When the airbag device 105e detects an external impact, the folded airbag A inflates and deploys to the side (towards the center of the vehicle).

[0081] The airbag A can be deployed on the opposite side to the first support member 104 in the seat width direction. More specifically, when the inflator ejects gas from the gas outlet and the airbag A inflates, the pad Pb arranged at the left end of the second support member 5 breaks and the skin Tb is cut open, causing the airbag A to deploy on the left side in the seat width direction. In other words, when the vehicle seat S2 is a driver's seat arranged on the right side of the vehicle, the airbag A deploys toward the center in the vehicle width direction. In this way, the second support member 105 is provided with the airbag A, thereby improving safety.

[0082] 11, the air cells 105f are attached to the extension frame 105d and are disposed inside the support extension portion 105b and on the inner side of the skin Tb. The air cells 105f are capable of expanding and contracting in the front-rear direction. When the second support member 105 is in the supporting state, the air cells 105f are inflated to make the seating surface of the second support member 105 approximately flush with the seating surface of the first support member 104 and the front surface of the support main body portion 105a. In other words, when the support main body portion 105a is in the supporting state, the support extension portion 105b is disposed between the support main body portion 105a and the first support member 104 in the seat width direction. Then, as the air cells 105f inflate, the front surface of the support extension portion 105b (the surface Tb of the support extension portion 105b) moves forward.

[0083] In this way, the second support member 105 (support main body portion 105a and support extension portion 105b) in the supporting state has a shape that conforms to the seating surface of the first support member 104. In this way, by making the first support member 104 and the second support member 105 have an integrated appearance, the design of the seat can be improved. The method for moving the front surface of the support extension portion 105b forward is not limited to the expansion of the air cell 105f, but may also be a lead screw mechanism, a link mechanism, or the like.

[0084] 12, the air cells 105f are contracted when the support extensions 105b are housed inside the first support member 104. Then, the air cells 105f, together with the pads Pb and the skin Tb, are housed between the front frame 104a and the rear frame 104b. In this way, a part of the second support member 105 (support extension 105b) is housed in the first support member 104, so that the headrest 103 can be made compact when in a cantilevered state.

[0085] In the above embodiment, a vehicle seat used in an automobile was described as a specific example, but the present invention is not limited to this and can be used for various seats such as two-wheeled seats for two-wheeled vehicles, seats for vehicles such as trains and buses, seats for vehicles such as airplanes and ships, as well as office chairs for work, wheelchairs, and child seats in shopping carts.

[0086] In the present embodiment, the vehicle seat according to the present invention has been mainly described. However, the above embodiment is merely an example for facilitating understanding of the present invention, and does not limit the present invention. The present invention can be modified and improved without departing from the spirit thereof, and the present invention naturally includes equivalents thereof. [Explanation of symbols]

[0087] S, S2 vehicle seats 1 seat back 1a First side frame 1b Second side frame 1c Connecting frame 1d Lower connecting frame 1e Left bank 1f Right front 2 seat cushions 3, 103 Headrest 3a, 103a First lateral part 3b, 103b Second lateral part 3c Connecting Frame 3D Head Support Frame 4, 104 first support member 4a, 104a Front frame 4b, 104b rear frame 5, 105 Second support member 5a, 105a Support body part 5b, 105b Support extension 5c, 105c body frame 5d, 105d extended frame 105e Airbag device 105f Air Cell 6. Operating parts 7. Movable seat member 7a Bag body 8. Detection unit 8a First sensor 8b Second sensor 8c Third sensor 9 Control Device 10 Lower operating member 11 Lower Slider 11a Through hole 12 Lower guide rail 12a Engaged part 12b Moving end 13 Restraining member 13a Slope 20 Upper operating member 21 Upper slider 22 Upper guide rail 22a Locked part 30 Driving member 31 Screw shaft 32 Drive motor 91 Acquisition Department 92 Motion control section 93 Movable control section P Pad Pa Pad Pb pad T epidermis Ta epidermis Tb epidermis A. Airbag

Claims

1. A vehicle seat including a seat back and a headrest, a first support member supporting a first side portion of the headrest in a seat width direction; a second support member for supporting a second side portion of the headrest opposite to the first side portion in the seat width direction, The second support member is switchable between a support state in which the second side portion can be supported and a storage state in which the second support member moves in a predetermined direction from the support state and is stored in the first support member, the seat back, or the headrest.

2. the second support member has a support main body portion that supports the second side portion of the headrest from below in the supported state, 2. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, wherein the support body portion is switchable between the support state in which the second side portion of the headrest can be supported and the storage state in which the support body portion moves from the support state in the seat width direction and approaches the first support member.

3. an operating member that moves the second support member in the seat width direction; The operating member includes a lower operating member that supports the second support member from below and moves the second support member in the seat width direction, the seat back includes a first side frame and a second side frame that are spaced apart in a seat width direction, and a connecting frame that connects an upper portion of the first side frame and an upper portion of the second side frame, 3. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, wherein the lower operating member is attached to the connecting frame.

4. The headrest has a connection frame connected to the first support member and extending in the seat width direction, the operating member includes an upper operating member that supports the second support member from above and moves the second support member in the seat width direction, 4. The vehicle seat according to claim 3, wherein the upper operating member is attached to the connecting frame.

5. The lower operating member is a lower slider attached to a lower end of the second support member and movable in a seat width direction; a lower guide rail attached to the connecting frame, extending in the seat width direction, and guiding the lower slider; a rattle suppressing member attached to the lower guide rail and configured to suppress rattle of the lower slider, 4. The vehicle seat according to claim 3, wherein the rattle suppression member holds the lower slider when the second support member is in the supporting state.

6. an operating member that moves the second support member in the predetermined direction; the operating member has a driving member that moves the second support member in the predetermined direction, The vehicle seat is a control device for controlling the driving member; a detection unit that detects the seating state of an occupant, The vehicle seat according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that when the detection unit detects a change in the predetermined seating state of the occupant, the control device switches the second support member between the support state and the stored state using the drive member.

7. The second support member is a support extension portion that extends from the support main body portion in a seat width direction and supports the headrest from below in the supported state; a support frame that forms a framework of the support main body portion and the support extension portion; a pad covering the support frame; 3. The vehicle seat according to claim 2, further comprising a cover covering the pad.

8. When the support main body portion is in the stored state, the support extension portion is stored inside the first support member, The vehicle seat according to claim 7, characterized in that when the support main body portion is in the supporting state, the support extension portion is arranged between the support main body portion and the first support member in the seat width direction, and the front surface of the support extension portion moves forward.

9. 9. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, wherein the second support member has a shape that conforms to the seating surface of the first support member.

10. the second support member has an inflatable airbag; 3. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, wherein the airbag is inflatable on a side opposite to the first support member in the seat width direction.

Images