Seating seat

Abstract

To provide a vehicle seat capable of suppressing an increase in size of a connection part between a support member and a seat body while supplying power to the support member connected to the seat body via a rotary shaft member.SOLUTION: A vehicle seat S includes a seat body and an armrest 4 connected to the seat body to support a seated person. The seat body has a power supply connection part 22 for supplying power to the armrest 4, the armrest 4 has a rotary shaft member 11 rotatably connected to the seat body, and the rotary shaft member 11 has a power receiving connection part 12 abutting on the power supply connection part 22 to receive the power supplied from the seat body.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a seat, and more particularly to a seat having a rotatable support member. [Background technology]

[0002] Armrests have traditionally been provided on vehicle seats to support the arms of occupants and improve comfort when seated. In recent years, armrests have become more multifunctional and convenient by incorporating drink holders and mobile phone holders. Patent Document 1 discloses an armrest with a built-in power cable. By incorporating a power cable into the armrest, it is possible to charge a mobile phone via the power cable, and various electrical components can be installed in the armrest, making the armrest even more multifunctional and convenient.

[0003] Here, the armrest is provided on the back seat so as to be rotatable between an upright position in which it stands vertically and an unfolded position in which it is unfolded horizontally. Therefore, in the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, a power feeding coil is provided on the back seat and a power receiving coil is provided on the armrest to enable power supply via a power cable in both the upright position and the unfolded position. More specifically, the power feeding coil and the power receiving coil are provided around a rotation axis that rotatably supports the armrest with respect to the back seat, thereby realizing contactless power supply to the armrest. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-209853 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Although the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 makes it possible to supply power to electrical components via a power cable built into the armrest, further improvement was required. Specifically, a mechanism must be provided on the outer periphery of the rotation shaft of the armrest, which changes position between an upright position and an unfolded position, to regulate the rotation direction of the armrest and maintain the position of the armrest. Therefore, if the power supply coil and power receiving coil disclosed in Patent Document 1 were provided on the outer periphery of the rotation shaft of the armrest, there would be a problem in that the connection part between the armrest and the back seat (the outer periphery of the rotation shaft) would become large.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide a seating seat that enables power to be supplied to a support member connected to the seat body via a rotating shaft member, while preventing the connection portion between the support member and the seat body from becoming larger. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The above problem is solved by the seating seat of the present invention, which comprises a seat body and a support member connected to the seat body to support an occupant, wherein the seat body has a power supply connection portion that supplies power to the support member, the support member has a rotating shaft member that is rotatably connected to the seat body, and the rotating shaft member has a power receiving connection portion that abuts against the power supply connection portion and receives the power supplied from the seat body.

[0008] According to the above configuration, the pivot shaft member that rotatably connects the support member to the seat body has a power receiving connection portion that abuts against a power supply connection portion provided on the seat body to receive power supplied by the seat body. Since the pivot shaft member itself functions as the power receiving connection portion, there is no need to secure additional space for the power receiving connection portion. This makes it possible to supply power to the support member connected to the seat body via the pivot shaft member while preventing the connection portion between the support member and the seat body from becoming too large.

[0009] In addition, the power receiving connection portion may be provided at the tip end of the rotating shaft member and protrude in the axial direction of the rotating shaft member, and the power supply connection portion may be provided in a fitting recess that fits into the rotating shaft member. According to the above configuration, since the power supply connection portion is provided in the fitting recess that fits with the rotating shaft member, it is possible to prevent the power supply connection portion from accidentally short-circuiting and causing an overcurrent to flow through the power supply connection portion.

[0010] In addition, the support member may have an electrical component that operates using the power supplied by the power supply connection portion and a connection cable that connects the electrical component to the power receiving connection portion, and the rotating shaft member may have a hollow cylindrical shaft portion, and the connection cable may extend through the interior of the cylindrical shaft portion. According to the above configuration, the connection cable connecting the electrical component and the power receiving connection part extends through the inside of the rotating shaft member, so there is no need to provide space outside the rotating shaft member for routing the connection cable, and it is possible to prevent the connection part between the support member and the seat body from becoming larger.

[0011] The connection cable may include a ground line, a power line, and one or more signal lines, and the ground line may be electrically connected to the cylindrical shaft portion, which is conductive. According to the above configuration, the power supply line and the signal line can be covered with a conductive cylindrical shaft portion connected to the ground line, thereby suppressing the influence of external noise on the signal line or the power supply line and stabilizing the operation of the electrical components provided on the support member.

[0012] The power receiving connection portion may have a ground terminal connected to the ground line, a power terminal connected to the power line, a signal terminal connected to the signal line, and an insulator that electrically insulates the ground terminal, the power terminal, and the signal terminal, and the ground terminal, the power terminal, and the signal terminal may be aligned in the axial direction of the rotating shaft member and cover at least the outer peripheral surface of the rotating shaft member. With this configuration, the ground terminal, power terminal, and signal terminal are aligned in the axial direction, which allows the power receiving connection part to be miniaturized in the radial direction of the rotating shaft member, and also allows the ground terminal, power terminal, and signal terminal of the power receiving connection part to be easily connected to the ground terminal, power terminal, and signal terminal of the power supply connection part.

[0013] In addition, the seat body has left and right side frames that form the skeleton of the seat back, and a box-shaped connecting bracket fixed to the side frames, and the cylindrical shaft portion penetrates the connecting bracket in the seat width direction, and the power receiving connection portion provided at the tip of the rotating shaft member protrudes inward in the seat width direction from the connecting bracket. According to the above configuration, the rotating shaft member can be stably connected to the connecting bracket, thereby maintaining a good electrical connection between the power supply connection part and the abutting power receiving connection part. Furthermore, since the abutting power receiving connection part is provided at a tip part that protrudes inward from the connecting bracket, the power receiving connection part and the power supply connection part can be easily connected.

[0014] The connecting bracket may have shaft support members at both ends in the seat width direction for rotatably supporting the cylindrical shaft portion. According to the above configuration, the rotating shaft member can be stably connected to the connecting bracket, so that the electrical connection state between the power supply connection part and the abutting power receiving connection part can be maintained in a good condition.

[0015] The shaft support member may be positioned outward of the power receiving connection portion in the seat width direction. According to the above configuration, the shaft support member does not protrude inward beyond the power receiving connection portion in the seat width direction, and therefore it is possible to prevent the shaft support member from interfering with the connection between the power supply connection portion and the power receiving connection portion.

[0016] In addition, the shaft support member has a fastening member, and the rotating shaft member has a fastened portion between the tip portion and the tubular shaft portion that screws into the fastening member, and the outer diameter of the fastened portion is larger than the outer diameter of the tip portion and smaller than the outer diameter of the tubular shaft portion. According to the above configuration, the diameter of the fastened portion is larger than the diameter of the tip portion, so the fastening portion and the fastened portion can be screwed together without interfering with the tip portion. Also, the diameter of the fastened portion is smaller than the diameter of the cylindrical shaft portion, so excessive tightening of the fastening member to the rotating shaft member can be prevented.

[0017] Preferably, at least one of the power supply connection part and the power receiving connection part has a permanent magnet that is attracted to the other. According to the above configuration, it is possible to prevent the power supply connection part and the power receiving connection part from being accidentally disconnected. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] According to the vehicle seat of the present invention, it is possible to supply power to a support member connected to the seat body via a rotating shaft member, while preventing the connection portion between the support member and the seat body from becoming larger. Moreover, it is possible to prevent an overcurrent from flowing through the power supply connection portion. Furthermore, it is possible to suppress the influence of external noise on the signal lines or power lines, and to stabilize the operation of the electrical components provided on the support member. Furthermore, it is possible to reduce the size of the power receiving connection part in the radial direction of the rotating shaft member, and it is also possible to easily connect the ground terminal, power supply terminal, and signal terminal of the power receiving connection part to the ground terminal, power supply terminal, and signal terminal of the power supply connection part. Furthermore, it is possible to maintain a good electrical connection between the power supply connection part and the abutting power receiving connection part, and it is also possible to easily connect the power receiving connection part and the power supply connection part. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent the shaft support member from interfering with the connection between the power supply connection part and the power receiving connection part. In addition, the fastening portion and the fastened portion can be screwed together without interference with the tip portion. Moreover, it is possible to prevent the fastening member from being excessively tightened to the rotating shaft member. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent the power supply connection part and the power receiving connection part from being accidentally disconnected. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the vehicle seat as seen obliquely from the front. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a seat back frame and an armrest frame as viewed obliquely from the front. [Figure 3] FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the input device as seen obliquely from the front. [Figure 5] 4A and 4B are diagrams for explaining a power supply connection portion and a power receiving connection portion. [Figure 6] FIG. [Figure 7] 10 is a perspective view of a connecting portion between the seat body and the armrest with a part of the connecting bracket removed. FIG. [Figure 8] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a power receiving connection portion according to a second modified example. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an input device according to a third modified example, as seen obliquely from the front. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an input device according to a fourth modified example, as seen obliquely from the front. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a layered structure of an input device according to a fourth modified example. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a variable embossed switch. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] The configuration of a seat according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, the embodiment described below is intended to facilitate understanding of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. In other words, the present invention may be modified or improved without departing from the spirit thereof, and of course, the present invention also includes equivalents thereof. In the following description, the contents regarding the materials, shapes, and sizes of the seat components are merely examples and do not limit the present invention.

[0021] In the following, a vehicle seat S mounted on a vehicle will be taken as an example of a seat, and an example of its configuration will be described. However, the present invention is not limited to seats mounted on ground vehicles with wheels such as automobiles and trains, and can also be applied to seats mounted on aircraft, ships, and other vehicles that move on non-ground surfaces. Furthermore, the seat of the present invention can also be applied to chairs used indoors other than in vehicles.

[0022] In the following description, the "seat front-rear direction" refers to the front-rear direction of the vehicle seat S, which is the direction that coincides with the front-rear direction as seen by an occupant seated in the vehicle seat S. The "seat width direction" refers to the width direction of the vehicle seat S, which is the direction that coincides with the left-right direction as seen by an occupant seated in the vehicle seat S. The "up-down direction" refers to the up-down direction of the vehicle seat S, which is the direction that coincides with the vertical direction when the vehicle is traveling on a horizontal plane. The term "outside" simply refers to the side closer to the outside in the direction from the center of the vehicle seat S to the outside, and the term "inside" refers to the side closer to the center in the direction from the outside to the center of the vehicle seat S.

[0023] <Overview of Vehicle Seat S> First, an overview of a vehicle seat S will be described with reference to Fig. 1 to Fig. 4. Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the vehicle seat S. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a back frame 5 and an armrest frame 7 that constitute a seat frame F. Fig. 3 is a front view of the armrest frame 7. Fig. 4 is a perspective view of an input device 43 provided on the armrest 4. In FIG. 1, for convenience of illustration, a part of the vehicle seat S is shown with the cover material Tr removed and the pad material P exposed.

[0024] As shown in Fig. 1, the vehicle seat S according to this embodiment mainly comprises a seat cushion 1, a seat back 2, a headrest 3, and an armrest 4. In the following description, the seat cushion 1, the seat back 2, and the headrest 3 may be collectively referred to as the seat body. As shown in Fig. 2, a seat frame F that forms the framework of the vehicle seat S is provided inside the vehicle seat S. The seat frame F has cushion frames (not shown) that form the seat cushion 1, seat back 2, headrest 3, and armrest 4, respectively, a back frame 5, a headrest pillar 6, and an armrest frame 7.

[0025] The vehicle seat S also includes a reclining device, an elevation device, and a slide rail device, which are not shown in Figures 1 and 2. The reclining device rotatably connects the seat back 2 to the seat cushion 1. The elevation device and the slide rail device are disposed below the seat cushion 1 and connect the seat body to the vehicle floor so that it can be displaced in the up-down and back-to-front directions.

[0026] <Seat cushion 1> The seat cushion 1 is a support member that supports the buttocks of a seated occupant (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a seated person) and supports the seated person from below. The seat cushion 1 mainly comprises a cushion frame (not shown) that forms the framework of the seat cushion 1, a pad material P that covers the cushion frame, and a cover material Tr. The cushion frame is a frame body having a rectangular shape when viewed from above.

[0027] The padding material P is a cushioning material and is made of, for example, a urethane resin (foamed resin) such as soft polyurethane foam. The padding material P may be made of biomass urethane. The covering material Tr covering the padding material P is made of, for example, a stretchable synthetic leather material. The covering material Tr may be made of cloth, film, leather, etc.

[0028] <Seatback 2> The seat back 2 is a support member that supports the back of a seated occupant, and is a backrest portion that supports the back of the seated occupant from behind. The seat back 2 mainly comprises a back frame 5 that forms the framework of the seat back 2, a pad material P that covers the back frame 5, and a skin material Tr that covers the back frame 5 and the pad material P.

[0029] The back frame 5 is a frame body having a substantially rectangular shape when viewed from the front. The back frame 5 mainly comprises left and right side frame portions 51, an upper frame portion 52, a lower frame portion 53, and a side connecting frame 54. The left and right side frame portions 51, the upper frame portion 52, and the lower frame portion 53 are all made of integrally formed round pipe material.

[0030] The left and right side frame portions 51 are elongated frame members that extend in the vertical direction and are arranged facing each other on both sides in the seat width direction while being spaced apart from each other. The left and right side frame portions 51 are connected to side connecting frames 54 and armrest frames 7, which will be described later.

[0031] The upper frame portion 52 connects the upper ends of the left and right side frame portions 51 and has a generally inverted U shape. In other words, the upper frame portion 52 extends upward from both sides in the seat width direction while slanting toward the center. The upper frame portion 52 also has a pair of headrest support portions 521 that extend horizontally in the seat width direction at the center in the seat width direction and into which the headrest pillars 6 can be inserted. On the other hand, the lower frame portion 53 connects the lower ends of the left and right side frame portions 51 and extends horizontally in the seat width direction.

[0032] The side connecting frame 54 is located below the side frame portion 51 and is rotatably connected to the cushion frame via the reclining device. The side connecting frame 54 is a plate-shaped member.

[0033] <Headrest 3> The headrest 3 is a support member that supports the head of a seated occupant from behind. The headrest 3 has a headrest pillar 6 that serves as a core material, a pad material P that covers the headrest pillar 6, and a skin material Tr that covers the pad material P. The headrest 3 is attached to the seat back 2 by inserting the headrest pillar 6 into the headrest support portion 521 of the back frame 5.

[0034] <Armrest 4> The armrest 4 is a support member that can transition between an upright position in which it stands vertically together with the seatback 2 and an unfolded position in which it is unfolded horizontally in front of the seat, and supports the arms of the seated occupant from below when in the unfolded position. More specifically, the armrest 4 has an elongated shape and is rotatably connected to the seatback 2 via a rotation support mechanism 10. The armrest 4 corresponds to the support member of the present invention. The armrest 4 mainly comprises an armrest frame 7 that forms the skeleton of the armrest 4, a padding material P that covers the armrest frame 7, a skin material Tr that covers the armrest frame 7 and the padding material P, and an input device 43.

[0035] As shown in Fig. 3, the armrest frame 7 is a longitudinal plate-like body having a base end 71 and a tip end 72 at both ends in the longitudinal direction. A tapered portion 73 that tapers from the base end 71 toward the tip end 72 is provided between the base end 71 and the tip end 72. The armrest frame 7 also has flat side wall portions 74 and bent portions 75 that are located on the edges of the side wall portions 74 and are bent outward in the seat width direction relative to the side wall portions 74. The bent portions 75 improve the strength of the armrest frame 7.

[0036] A rotating shaft member insertion hole 76 is formed in the base end portion 71 of the armrest frame 7. A rotating shaft member 11, which will be described later, is inserted into the rotating shaft member insertion hole 76 and is welded and fixed to the rotating shaft member insertion hole 76. Furthermore, a connection cable 13, which is connected to the input device 43, is inserted into the rotating shaft member insertion hole 76. Lightening holes 77 are formed between the base end 71 and the tip end 72, penetrating the side wall 74. Although four lightening holes 77 are shown in Figure 3, the shape, number, and arrangement of the lightening holes 77 are not limited to those shown in Figure 3.

[0037] 4, an input device 43 to be operated by a seated occupant is provided at a tip 42 of the armrest 4. By operating the input device 43, the seated occupant can control a navigation device, a video playback device, etc., installed in the vehicle. In addition, by operating the input device 43, the opening and closing of a power window may be controlled. The input device 43 incorporates a direction input button 431 (cross button), a first selection button 432, a second selection button 433, and a sensor (not shown) that detects an operation input by the seat occupant. The input device 43 operates using power supplied from the seat body via a power supply cable 20. As will be described in detail later, the power for operating the input device 43 is received by a power receiving connection portion 12 provided on the rotating shaft member 11. The input device 43 corresponds to an electrical component of the present invention.

[0038] <Rotation support mechanism 10, power receiving connector 12, power supply connector 22> Next, the rotation support mechanism 10 of the armrest 4, the power receiving connector 12 provided on the rotation support mechanism 10, and the power supply connector 22 for supplying power will be described. The rotation support mechanism 10 mainly comprises a rotation shaft member 11 provided at the base end 41 of the armrest 4 and a rotation shaft member connecting unit 15 provided at the side frame portion 51 of the back frame 5.

[0039] <<Rotating shaft member 11>> First, the rotating shaft member 11 will be described with reference to Fig. 4 to Fig. 6. Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the armrest 4 and an input device 43 provided at the tip 42 of the armrest 4. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in Fig. 1 to explain the power supply connection portion 22 and the power receiving connection portion 12. Fig. 6 is a front view of the power receiving connection portion 12. The rotating shaft member 11 is a shaft member having an elongated shape, passes through the rotating shaft member connecting unit 15 in the seat width direction, and rotates together with the armrest 4 when the armrest 4 transitions between the upright position and the deployed position. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the rotary shaft member 11 has a tip portion 111, a fastened portion 112, a cylindrical shaft portion 113, an extension shaft 114, and a cap 115 as main components.

[0040] The tip portion 111 protrudes inward in the seat width direction from the rotating shaft member connection unit 15, and is connected to a connection end portion 21 of a power supply cable 20, which will be described later. More specifically, the tip portion 111 is provided with an engaging protrusion 111a that engages with an engaging groove 211 provided in the connection end portion 21 of the power supply cable 20. The engaging protrusion 111a and the engaging groove 211 improve the mechanical connection strength between the rotating shaft member 11 and the power supply cable 20.

[0041] Further, a power receiving connection portion 12 is provided on the tip surface of the tip portion 111. The power receiving connection portion 12 abuts against a power supply connection portion 22 (described later) to receive power supplied from the seat body, and supplies the power to the input device 43 via a connection cable 13. The power receiving connection portion 12 may also transmit a detection signal output by a sensor of the input device 43 to an in-vehicle ECU (Electronic Control Unit) provided in the seat body. In this way, the power receiving connection portion 12 provided on the tip portion 111 electrically connects the armrest 4 and the seat body.

[0042] 6 is a front view of the power receiving connection part 12. As shown in FIG. 6, the power receiving connection part 12 has a ground terminal 121, a power supply terminal 122, a signal terminal 123, and an insulator . The ground terminal 121 is an electrical contact that abuts against the ground terminal 221 of the power supply connection part 22 and commonizes the reference potential between the seat body and the armrest 4 (input device 43). The ground terminal 121 is provided on the outer periphery (shell) of the power receiving connection part 12. The shell is conductive. By providing the ground terminal 121 on the shell, the number of terminals can be reduced, and the power receiving connection part 12 and the power supply connection part 22 can be made smaller.

[0043] The power terminal 122 is an electrical contact that comes into contact with the power terminal 222 of the power supply connection part 22 and receives power supplied from the seat body. The power received by the power terminal 122 is supplied to the input device 43 via the connection cable 13, causing the input device 43 to operate. The power terminal 122 is provided at the center of the power receiving connection part 12. In other words, the ground terminal 121 and the power terminal 122 are provided at positions that are most distant from each other with the insulator 124 interposed therebetween.

[0044] The signal terminal 123 abuts against the signal terminal 223 of the power supply connection part 22, and transmits the detection signal output by the input device 43 to the vehicle-mounted ECU. However, without being limited to this, a control signal output by the vehicle-mounted ECU may be transmitted to the input device 43. The signal terminal 123 has a circular ring shape when viewed from the front, and is provided between the ground terminal 121 and the power terminal 122. The number of signal terminals 123 is not limited to one. Two or more signal terminals 123 may be provided.

[0045] The insulator 124 is interposed between the ground terminal 121, the power terminal 122, and the signal terminal 123, and electrically insulates and protects the ground terminal 121, the power terminal 122, and the signal terminal 123. The insulator 124 is made of an engineering plastic that has excellent electrical insulation, heat resistance, strength, and chemical resistance.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 5, the power receiving connector 12 provided at the tip 111 protrudes inward in the seat width direction from the connecting bracket 151 and is fitted with the connecting end 21 of the power supply cable 20 . The power supply connection portion 22 supplies the power required to operate the input device 43 provided on the armrest 4. The power supply connection portion 22 also transmits a detection signal output by a sensor of the input device 43 to an in-vehicle ECU provided on the seat body. The power supply connection portion 22 may also transmit a control signal output by the in-vehicle ECU to the input device 43.

[0047] The power supply connection portion 22 has a ground terminal 221, a power terminal 222, a signal terminal 223, and an insulator 224. The ground terminal 221, the power terminal 222, and the signal terminal 223 are electrically insulated from one another by the insulator 224. The ground terminal 221 is an electrical contact that abuts against the ground terminal 121 of the power receiving connection part 12 and commonizes the reference potential between the seat body and the armrest 4 (input device 43). The ground terminal 221 is provided on the outer periphery (shell) of the power feeding connection part 22. The shell is conductive.

[0048] The power terminal 222 is an electrical contact that abuts against the power terminal 122 of the power receiving connection part 12 to supply power. The power terminal 222 is provided in the center of the power supply connection part 22. In other words, the ground terminal 221 and the power terminal 222 are provided at positions that are furthest apart from each other via the insulator 124. This prevents the ground terminal 221 and the power terminal 222 from becoming electrically conductive and short-circuiting.

[0049] The signal terminal 223 abuts against the signal terminal 123 of the power receiving connection unit 12, and transmits the detection signal output by the input device 43 to the vehicle-mounted ECU. The signal terminal 223 may also transmit the control signal output by the vehicle-mounted ECU to the input device 43. The number of signal terminals 223 is not limited to one, and two or more signal terminals 223 may be provided between the ground terminal 221 and the power terminal 222.

[0050] As described above, the power receiving connection portion 12 is provided at the tip end 111 of the rotating shaft member 11 and protrudes in the axial direction (inward in the seat width direction). On the other hand, the power supply connection portion 22 is provided in a fitting recess that can fit with the tip end 111 of the rotating shaft member 11. This prevents an operator from accidentally touching the power terminal 122 and getting an electric shock.

[0051] The fastened portion 112 is a shaft-like portion that fixes the rotating shaft member 11 to the rotating shaft member connecting unit 15 by screwing into a fastening member 153, which will be described later. The outer diameter of the fastened portion 112 is larger than the outer diameter of the tip portion 111 and smaller than the outer diameter of the cylindrical shaft portion 113, which will be described later. This makes it possible to prevent excessive tightening by the fastening member 153.

[0052] The cylindrical shaft portion 113 extends in the seat width direction and is rotatably connected to the rotary shaft member connecting unit 15. More specifically, the cylindrical shaft portion 113 penetrates the box-shaped rotary shaft member connecting unit 15 in the seat width direction. The cylindrical shaft portion 113 is welded to the armrest frame 7 at its base end (the outer end in the seat width direction). Furthermore, the tubular shaft portion 113 is a hollow cylindrical portion that houses the connection cable 13 inside. Therefore, there is no need to provide a space outside the rotating shaft member 11 for routing the connection cable 13 outside the rotating shaft member 11, and it is possible to prevent the connection portion between the rotating shaft member 11 and the seat main body from becoming large.

[0053] Furthermore, the cylindrical shaft portion 113 is a conductive member formed integrally with the shell of the tip portion 111 and the fastened portion 112, and is electrically connected to the ground wire 131 of the connection cable 13. Therefore, the power supply wire 132 and the signal wire 133 of the connection cable 13 are covered on their outer peripheries with the ground terminal 121 of the reference potential, thereby suppressing the influence of external noise and stabilizing the operation of the input device 43. In FIG. 5, the cylindrical shaft portion 113 is connected to the ground line 131 at approximately the center in the seat width direction, but the connection position is not limited to the position shown in FIG.

[0054] In addition, a spring 152, which will be described later, is wound around the outer periphery of the cylindrical shaft portion 113, and the cylindrical shaft portion 113 has a spring locking groove 1131 that locks the end of the spring 152 (see FIG. 7). The spring 152 and the spring locking groove 1131 are provided to limit the rotation direction of the armrest 4. As described above, the connection cable 13 is housed inside the cylindrical shaft portion 113, so that interference between the connection cable 13 and the spring 152 can be prevented.

[0055] The extension shaft 114 is connected to the cylindrical shaft portion 113 and extends outward in the seat width direction. The extension shaft 114 prevents deformation of the cylindrical shaft portion 113 and, in cooperation with the cap 115, firmly fixes the cylindrical shaft portion 113 to the armrest 4.

[0056] <<Rotating shaft member connection unit 15>> Next, the rotating shaft member connecting unit 15 will be described with reference to FIGS. The rotating shaft member connection unit 15 has a box-like shape and is welded and fixed to the side frame portion 51 of the back frame 5. The rotating shaft member connection unit 15 rotatably supports the rotating shaft member 11 and prevents the armrest 4 from rotating excessively beyond the upright position and the deployed position. The rotating shaft member connecting unit 15 has a connecting bracket 151 , a spring 152 , a fastening member 153 , an outer shaft support member 154 , and an inner shaft support member 155 .

[0057] The connecting bracket 151 has a box shape and houses the spring 152 with an outer connecting bracket 1511 located on the outer side in the seat width direction and an inner connecting bracket 1512 located on the inner side in the seat width direction (see FIGS. 2 and 7). The outer connecting bracket 1511 and the inner connecting bracket 1512 fit together to form a space for housing the spring 152. Furthermore, through holes through which the rotating shaft member 11 of the armrest 4 passes are formed on both sides of the connecting bracket 151 in the seat width direction. This allows the rotating shaft member 11 to pass through the connecting bracket 151 in the seat width direction, and the tip end 111 provided with the power receiving connection portion 12 to protrude inward in the seat width direction beyond the inner connecting bracket 1512.

[0058] The spring 152 is a metal coil spring, one end of which is fixed to the connecting bracket 151 and the other end of which is engaged in a spring engaging groove 1131 of the cylindrical shaft portion 113. Although a detailed explanation will be omitted, the spring 152 can regulate the rotation direction of the armrest 4 when the armrest 4, which can rotate between an upright position and an unfolded position, is positioned at a predetermined rotation position.

[0059] The fastening member 153 screws into the fastened portion 112 of the rotating shaft member 11, thereby fixing the rotating shaft member 11 to the rotating shaft member connecting unit 15. The fastening member 153 also rotates relative to the fastened portion 112 and abuts against the tip end of the cylindrical shaft portion 113 of the rotating shaft member 11. This restricts the position of the fastening member 153 relative to the rotating shaft member 11, preventing the fastening member 153 from being excessively tightened against the fastened portion 112 and damaging the inner connecting bracket 1512.

[0060] An outer shaft support member 154 is disposed between the armrest 4 and the outer connecting bracket 1511. The outer shaft support member 154 is a cylindrical member (collar member) having a through-hole in the center through which the cylindrical shaft portion 113 passes. The outer shaft support member 154 rotatably supports the cylindrical shaft portion 113. The outer shaft support member 154 also has a fitting groove on its outer peripheral surface that fits into the outer connecting bracket 1511. Therefore, the outer shaft support member 154 can cooperate with the outer connecting bracket 1511 to stably and rotatably support the cylindrical shaft portion 113. The outer shaft support member 154 corresponds to the shaft support member of the present invention.

[0061] An inner shaft support member 155 is disposed between the fastening member 153 and the inner connecting bracket 1512. The inner shaft support member 155 is an annular metal fitting having a through hole in the center through which the cylindrical shaft portion 113 passes. The inner shaft support member 155 rotatably supports the cylindrical shaft portion 113. The inner shaft support member 155 may be a washer. By using the inner shaft support member 155 as a washer, it is possible to rotatably support the cylindrical shaft portion 113 while preventing the fastening member 153 from loosening. The inner shaft support member 155 corresponds to the shaft support member of the present invention.

[0062] The power required to operate the input device 43 of the armrest 4 can be supplied from the seat body via the rotation support mechanism 10 configured as described above, the power receiving connection part 12 provided on the rotation support mechanism 10, and the power supply connection part 22 that abuts against the power receiving connection part 12. It is also possible to prevent the connection part between the armrest 4 and the seat body from becoming too large.

[0063] <Method for manufacturing vehicle seat S> Next, a method for manufacturing the vehicle seat S will be described. First, the armrest 4 is assembled to the back frame 5. Specifically, first, the rotating shaft member connection unit 15 is fixed to the side frame portion 51 of the back frame 5 by welding. Next, the rotating shaft member 11 of the armrest 4 is passed through the rotating shaft member connection unit 15, and the fastening member 153 is screwed into the fastened portion 112 of the rotating shaft member 11, thereby assembling the armrest 4 to the back frame 5. At this time, the power receiving connection portion 12 provided on the tip portion 111 of the rotating shaft member 11 protrudes inward in the seat width direction from the connection bracket 151 of the rotating shaft member connection unit 15.

[0064] Next, by engaging the engaging protrusion 111a of the rotating shaft member 11 with the engaging groove 211 provided in the connection end 21 of the power supply cable 20, the power receiving connection portion 12 abuts against the power supply connection portion 22, and the two are electrically connected.

[0065] Next, the padding material P is placed on the back frame 5 and covered with the skin material Tr, thereby assembling the seat back 2. Similarly, the padding material P is placed on the cushion frame and covered with the skin material Tr, thereby assembling the seat cushion 1. The headrest 3 is assembled by covering the headrest pillar 6 with the skin material Tr, and then filling and foaming the foam resin.

[0066] Next, the seat cushion 1, the seat back 2, and the headrest 3 are assembled. Specifically, the seat cushion 1 and the seat back 2 are rotatably connected via a reclining device. The headrest 3 is also attached to the seat back 2. Finally, the seat body is assembled to the slide rail device, thereby completing the manufacture of the vehicle seat S.

[0067] Although a vehicle seat S according to one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the above-described embodiment is merely an example for facilitating understanding of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. In other words, the present invention may be modified or improved without departing from the spirit thereof, and the present invention naturally includes equivalents thereof.

[0068] In the above-described embodiment, the power supplied to the input device 43 provided on the armrest 4 is received by the power receiving connector 12 of the rotating shaft member 11, but this is not limiting. The present invention may also be applied to an ottoman to supply power to electrical components provided on the ottoman. In the above-described embodiment, power is supplied to the input device 43 provided in the armrest 4, but this is not limiting. A display device may be provided in the armrest 4, and power may be supplied to the display device.

[0069] <First Modification> In the above-described embodiment, the rotating shaft member 11 and the power supply cable 20 are coupled together by the engagement of the engaging protrusion 111a provided on the rotating shaft member 11 with the engaging groove 211 provided on the power supply cable 20, but this is not limiting. At least one of the power receiving connection part 12 and the power supply connection part 22 may have a permanent magnet that is attracted to the other. This can improve the coupling strength between the power receiving connection part 12 and the power supply connection part 22 and prevent the power receiving connection part 12 and the power supply connection part 22 from accidentally coming loose.

[0070] <Second Modification> In the above-described embodiment, the ground terminal 121, the power supply terminal 122, and the signal terminal 123 of the power receiving connection portion 12 are described as being concentrically arranged on the tip end surface of the rotating shaft member 11 in a front view, but this is not limiting. The ground terminal 121, the power supply terminal 122, and the signal terminal 123 may be arranged in the axial direction of the rotating shaft member 11 and may be arranged so as to cover at least the outer circumferential surface of the rotating shaft member 11.

[0071] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 1 to explain a power receiving connection portion 12A according to a second modified example. 8, the power receiving connection portion 12A provided on the rotating shaft member 11 has a ground terminal 121A, a power terminal 122A, and a signal terminal 123A arranged in the axial direction, similar to a known audio jack. An insulator 124A is interposed between the ground terminal 121A, the power terminal 122A, and the signal terminal 123A. The ground terminal 121A is located at the base end of the power receiving connection part 12A (the end close to the fastened part 112) and covers the outer circumferential surface of the base end of the power receiving connection part 12A. In other words, the ground terminal 121A is a sleeve terminal of the power receiving connection part 12A.

[0072] The power supply terminal 122A is located at the tip end (the inner end in the seat width direction) of the power receiving connection portion 12A and covers the outer peripheral surface including the tip end of the power receiving connection portion 12A. In other words, the power supply terminal 122A is the tip terminal of the power receiving connection portion 12A. The signal terminal 123A is located between the ground terminal 121A and the power terminal 122A in the axial direction of the rotating shaft member 11, and covers the outer circumferential surface of the power receiving connection part 12A. In other words, the signal terminal 123A is a ring terminal of the power receiving connection part 12A.

[0073] In this way, by adopting a structure similar to that of a publicly known, widely available audio jack, it is possible to reduce the radial size of power receiving connection part 12A. Also, by inserting and removing rotating shaft member 11 and power supply cable 20 into and from each other, it is possible to easily connect ground terminal 121A, power supply terminal 122A, and signal terminal 123A of power receiving connection part 12A to the ground terminal, power supply terminal, and signal terminal of power supply connection part 22.

[0074] <Third Modification> In the above-described embodiment, the input device 43 has been described as having the direction input button 431 (cross button), the first selection button 432, and the second selection button 433, but is not limited to this. The input device 43 may also have a joystick 431B.

[0075] Fig. 9 is a perspective view of an input device 43B according to a third modified example. As shown in Fig. 9, the input device 43B provided at the tip 42 of the armrest 4 has a joystick 431B. The seated person can input a direction by tilting the joystick 431B. The seated person can also select or enter an answer by pushing the joystick 431B up or down.

[0076] <Fourth Modification> The input device 43 may also include a variable embossed switch 44 . Fig. 10 is a perspective view of an input device 43C according to a fourth modified example. As shown in Fig. 10, the input device 43C provided at the tip 42 of the armrest 4 has a variable embossed switch 44. The variable embossed switch 44 has a power button 434C, a volume button 435C, and a music selection button 436C. A seated occupant can control the video playback device installed in the vehicle by operating the power button 434C, the volume button 435C, or the music selection button 436C.

[0077] 10, the power button 434C, volume button 435C, and song selection button 436C protrude upward from the upper surface of the armrest 4 in the unfolded position. In other words, the power button 434C, volume button 435C, and song selection button 436C are raised upward by a thin film actuator 444 that constitutes the variable embossed switch 44 having a laminated structure. The laminated structure of the variable embossed switch 44 and the thin film actuator 444 will be described later.

[0078] Fig. 11 shows the layered structure of the variable embossed switch 44. Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the variable embossed switch 44. As shown in Figs. 11 and 12, the variable embossed switch 44 includes a layered body having a light-transmitting top sheet 441, a light-guiding fiber sheet 442, a film-like force sensor 443, a thin-film actuator 444, a heating film 445, and a heat-dissipating sheet 446. A spacer 447 is interposed between the film-like force sensor 443 and the thin-film actuator 444.

[0079] The translucent top sheet 441 is a translucent resin sheet that covers the surface of the variable embossed switch 44 to protect the variable embossed switch 44. In addition, the translucent top sheet 441 has designs of a power button 434C, a volume button 435C, and a song selection button 436C printed thereon.

[0080] The light-guiding fiber sheet 442 is a fiber sheet in which light-guiding fibers are woven into ordinary fibers. The light-guiding fibers are plastic fibers made of an acrylic core and a fluorine-based resin cladding, but are not limited to this. The light-guiding fibers may also be plastic fibers made of an acrylic material. The light-guiding fibers can guide and emit light output from a light source (e.g., an LED) (not shown) in the direction in which the light-guiding fibers extend. Therefore, by emitting light from the light source through the light-guiding fibers, positions corresponding to the protrusions formed on the variable embossed switch 44 are illuminated, thereby improving the visibility of the power button 434C, the volume button 435C, and the song selection button 436C.

[0081] The film force sensor 443 is a capacitance sensor capable of detecting the pressure of the variable embossed switch 44 by the occupant's finger and the sliding of the finger along the surface. In other words, the film force sensor 443 is a force sensor capable of detecting operation input in three axial directions. More specifically, the film force sensor 443 has matrix electrode layers arranged in a lattice pattern, stacked and spaced apart in the thickness direction with an insulating elastic body sandwiched between them. The insulating elastic body elastically deforms between the matrix electrode layers due to the pressure and sliding of the occupant's finger. The film force sensor 443 can detect the pressure and sliding of the occupant's finger by detecting a change in capacitance when the insulating elastic body elastically deforms.

[0082] The thin film actuator 444 has a plurality of temperature-sensitive microactuators regularly arranged in a grid pattern, and by driving the microactuators, it generates embossed-like unevenness on the surface of the variable embossed switch 44. More specifically, the thin film actuator 444 has a plurality of shape memory alloy thin films arranged in a grid pattern. Shape memory alloy thin films have the property of recovering to their original shape before plastic deformation when heated after plastic deformation. Therefore, by heating the shape memory alloy thin films arranged in positions corresponding to the power button 434C, volume button 435C, and song selection button 436C, the power button 434C, volume button 435C, and song selection button 436C, the power button 434C, volume button 435C, and song selection button 436C can be raised.

[0083] The heating film 445 has a plurality of Peltier elements arranged in a grid pattern, and the Peltier elements arranged at specific positions can be selectively energized to heat or cool them, thereby making it possible to heat or cool the microactuator located above the energized Peltier element and displace it in the thickness direction.

[0084] The heat dissipation sheet 446 is a resin sheet having thermal conductivity. More specifically, the heat dissipation sheet 446 is a resin sheet containing a filler (metal or ceramic) having high thermal conductivity. By cooling the heat dissipation sheet 446 with a cooling component, it is possible to prevent the above-mentioned microactuator from malfunctioning when the temperature inside the vehicle cabin becomes high. In other words, the heat dissipation sheet 446 abuts against the Peltier element and serves to maintain the Peltier element within a predetermined temperature range in order to suppress malfunction of the microactuator. However, a heat sink may be provided instead of the heat dissipation sheet 446, and the Peltier element may be maintained within the predetermined temperature range by the heat sink. The heat dissipation sheet 446 corresponds to the thermal conductor of the present invention.

[0085] As a result, the variable embossed switch 44 can function as a power button 434C, a volume button 435C, and a song selection button 436C, while also allowing the input device 43C to have a simple design. Furthermore, the variable embossed switch 44 can detect the pressing and sliding of the fingers of the seated person using the film-like force sensor 443, allowing it to accept flexible operational inputs. The variable embossed switch 44 corresponds to the electrical equipment operation switch of the present invention.

[0086] 10, the variable embossed switch 44 is provided on the upper surface of the armrest 4 in the deployed position, but the variable embossed switch 44 may also be provided on the lower surface of the armrest 4. As described above, the positions of the variable embossed switch 44 corresponding to the power button 434C, volume button 435C, and song selection button 436C are raised by the thin film actuator 444. This allows the seat occupant to operate the variable embossed switch 44 without visually recognizing the power button 434C, volume button 435C, and song selection button 436C. In this case, the variable embossed switch 44 does not need to have the light-guiding fiber sheet 442.

[0087] Although the input device 43C has been described as being operated to control a video playback device installed in a vehicle, the input device 43C is not limited to this and can be used to control electrical equipment including an air conditioner and power windows of the vehicle.

[0088] The fourth modified example described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 12 will be further noted below. An electrical equipment operation switch for use in the interior of a vehicle, the switch comprising a laminate having a light-conducting fiber sheet, a film-like force sensor, a thin-film actuator, and a thermal conductor; the film-type force sensor has a force sensor capable of detecting operation input in three axial directions, the thin film actuator has a plurality of regularly arranged microactuators and Peltier elements arranged at positions corresponding to the microactuators; the microactuators are heated or cooled by the Peltier elements arranged at corresponding positions, and displaced in a thickness direction; the light-guiding fiber sheet has light-guiding fibers woven therein that guide light from a light source, and outputs the light from the light source in response to the displacement of the microactuator in a thickness direction; The thermal conductor abuts against the Peltier element and maintains the Peltier element within a predetermined temperature range. [Explanation of symbols]

[0089] S vehicle seat Front seat frame P pad material Tr skin material 1 seat cushion 2 seat backs 3 Headrest 4 Armrest (supporting member) 41 Proximal end 42 Tip 43, 43B, 43C Input devices (electrical components) 431 Directional input button 431B Joystick 432 First Selection Button 433 Second selection button 434C Power button 435C Volume button 436C Song selection button 44 Variable embossed switch 441 Translucent top sheet 442 Light-guiding fiber sheet 443 Film-type Force Sensor 444 Thin Film Actuator 445 Heating Film 446 Heat dissipation sheet 447 Spacer 5 Back Frame 51 Side frame part 52 Upper frame section 521 Headrest support 53 Lower frame part 54 Side connecting frame 6 Headrest pillar 7 Armrest frame 71 Proximal end 72 Tip 73 Tapered section 74 Side wall 75 Bend 76 Rotating shaft member insertion hole 77 Lightening hole 10 Rotation support mechanism 11 Rotating shaft member 111 Tip 111a Engagement protrusion 112 Fastened part 113 Cylindrical shaft 1131 Spring locking groove 114 Extension shaft 115 Cap 12, 12A power receiving connection 121, 121A Ground terminal 122, 122A power terminal 123, 123A signal terminal 124 Insulator 13 Connection cable 131 Grand Line 132 Power line 133 Signal Line 15 Rotating shaft member connecting unit 151 Connecting bracket 1511 Outer connecting bracket 1512 Inner connecting bracket 152 Spring 153 Fastening members 154 Outer shaft support member 155 Inner shaft support member 20 Power supply cable 21 Connection end 211 Engagement groove 22 Power supply connection 221 Ground terminal 222 Power terminal 223 signal terminal 224 Insulator

Claims

1. A seat comprising a seat body and a support member connected to the seat body to support a seated person, the seat body has a power supply connection portion for supplying power to the support member, the support member has a rotation shaft member rotatably connected to the seat main body, The seat is characterized in that the rotating shaft member has a power receiving connection portion that abuts against the power supply connection portion to receive the power supplied from the seat body.

2. the power receiving connection portion is provided at a tip end portion of the rotating shaft member and protrudes in an axial direction of the rotating shaft member, 2. The seat according to claim 1, wherein the power supply connection portion is provided in a fitting recess that fits with the rotary shaft member.

3. The support member is an electrical component that operates using the power supplied by the power supply connection portion; a connection cable that connects the electrical component and the power receiving connection part, The rotary shaft member has a hollow cylindrical shaft portion, 2. The seat according to claim 1, wherein the connection cable extends through the inside of the cylindrical shaft portion.

4. the connection cable includes a ground line, a power line, and one or more signal lines; 4. The seat according to claim 3, wherein the ground wire is electrically connected to the cylindrical shaft portion, which is conductive.

5. The power receiving connection portion is a ground terminal connected to the ground line; a power supply terminal connected to the power supply line; a signal terminal connected to the signal line; an insulator that electrically insulates the ground terminal, the power supply terminal, and the signal terminal; 5. The seat according to claim 4, wherein the ground terminal, the power terminal, and the signal terminal are arranged in an axial direction of the rotating shaft member and cover at least an outer circumferential surface of the rotating shaft member.

6. The sheet body includes: The left and right side frames form the framework of the seatback, a box-shaped connecting bracket fixed to the side frame, the cylindrical shaft portion penetrates the connecting bracket in the seat width direction, 4. The seat according to claim 3, wherein the power receiving connection portion provided at the tip of the rotary shaft member protrudes inward in the seat width direction beyond the connecting bracket.

7. 7. The seat according to claim 6, wherein the seat body has shaft support members at both ends in the seat width direction for rotatably supporting the cylindrical shaft portion.

8. The seat according to claim 7, wherein the shaft support member is positioned outward of the power receiving connection portion in the seat width direction.

9. The shaft support member has a fastening member, the rotating shaft member has a fastened portion between the tip end portion and the cylindrical shaft portion, the fastening member being threadedly engaged with the fastening member; 8. The seat according to claim 7, wherein the fastened portion has an outer diameter larger than that of the tip portion and smaller than that of the cylindrical shaft portion.

10. 2. The seat according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the power supply connection portion and the power receiving connection portion has a permanent magnet that is attracted to the other.

Images