Vehicle seats

The vehicle seat design addresses noise issues in clip-connected operation dials by using an elastically deformable clip with retaining portions, ensuring quiet and secure operation.

JP2026064511APending Publication Date: 2026-04-14NHK SPRING CO LTD
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-10-02
Publication Date
2026-04-14

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing vehicle seats with a clip connection between the operation dial and the outer shaft of the operation unit are prone to generate abnormal noise due to elastic deformation of the clip during dial rotation.

Method used

A vehicle seat design that connects the shaft and rotatable dial using an elastically deformable clip, equipped with retaining portions that prevent the dial from falling off and minimize noise by ensuring the clip elastically deforms without colliding with the shaft.

Benefits of technology

The design effectively reduces abnormal noise generation during dial rotation by maintaining contact between the clip and shaft, enhancing mechanical strength, and simplifying the clip structure while preventing detachment.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The objective is to provide a vehicle seat in which a shaft for operating the drive mechanism and a rotatable dial are connected by an elastically deformable clip, while the clip is less likely to generate abnormal noise when the dial is rotated. [Solution] The system includes a shaft 30 that operates a drive mechanism for moving a part of the seat by rotating, a dial 40 connected to the outer end 31 of the shaft and rotatable around the axis of the shaft, and an elastically deformable clip 55 that connects the shaft and the dial while preventing the dial from falling off the outer end, and a retaining part 47 that causes the clip to elastically deform and come into contact with the shaft when the dial comes into contact with the clip.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle seat.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 below discloses a vehicle seat in which when an operation dial is rotated, an outer shaft of an operation unit to which the operation dial is connected rotates around its axis, and thereby a lifter mechanism operates.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] It is conceivable to connect the operation dial and the outer shaft of the operation unit in Patent Document 1 above using a clip, which is an elastic member made of metal, so that the operation dial does not fall off from the outer shaft of the operation unit. However, in a structure in which the operation dial and the outer shaft of the operation unit are connected using a clip, the clip is elastically deformed every time the operation dial is rotated, and there is a possibility that the clip generates abnormal noise due to this elastic deformation.

[0005] In consideration of the above facts, an object of the present invention is to obtain a vehicle seat in which a shaft for operating a drive mechanism and a rotatable dial are connected by an elastically deformable clip, and it is difficult for the clip to generate abnormal noise when the dial is rotated.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A vehicle seat according to the first embodiment includes a shaft that operates a drive mechanism for operating a part of the seat by rotating, a dial connected to the outer end of the shaft and rotatable by the user around the axis of the shaft, and an elastically deformable clip that connects the shaft and the dial while preventing the dial from falling off the outer end, and the dial includes a retaining portion that causes the clip to elastically deform and come into contact with the shaft when the dial comes into contact with the clip.

[0007] In the first embodiment of the vehicle seat, an elastically deformable clip connects the shaft and the dial while preventing the dial from falling off the outer end of the shaft. Therefore, when the user rotates the dial, the drive mechanism is activated.

[0008] Furthermore, the dial is equipped with a retaining portion that, upon contact with the clip, causes the clip to elastically deform while making contact with the shaft. As a result, the clip contacts the retaining portion of the dial while elastically deforming and also contacts the shaft while elastically deforming. Therefore, when the user rotates the dial, the clip does not collide with at least one of the dial or the shaft. Thus, the vehicle seat of the first embodiment has a structure in which a shaft for operating a drive mechanism and a rotatable dial are connected by an elastically deformable clip, yet the clip is less likely to generate abnormal noise when the dial is rotated.

[0009] In the second embodiment of the vehicle seat, a receiving portion is formed on the shaft, and when the pressing portion contacts a first portion which is part of the clip, a second portion which is a different portion of the clip contacts the receiving portion, and the elastically deformed clip exerts a force on the pressing portion and the receiving portion in a direction along the axial direction.

[0010] According to the second embodiment of the vehicle seat, the elastically deformable clip exerts a force on the dial's retaining portion and the shaft's receiving portion in a direction along the shaft's axial direction. Therefore, the clip is less likely to generate abnormal noise when the dial is rotated.

[0011] A third embodiment of a vehicle seat is a vehicle seat of the second embodiment in which the dial has a gripping portion that can be rotated by the user and a cylindrical portion that extends from the inner surface of the gripping portion along the axial direction and into which the outer end is inserted, the retaining portion is a pair of ribs protruding from the inner surface of the gripping portion, and the clip is made of a single wire and has a pair of first portions, one of the ribs contacts one of the first portions of the clip and the other rib contacts the other first portion of the clip.

[0012] According to the third embodiment of the vehicle seat, the dial has a knob that can be rotated by the user, and a cylindrical part that extends axially from the inner surface of the knob and into which the outer end of the shaft is inserted. Furthermore, the retaining part is a pair of ribs protruding from the inner surface of the knob. As a result, the mechanical strength of the dial (knob) is increased by the ribs that act as the retaining part. Furthermore, since the retaining part (ribs) and the first part are a pair, the clip is less likely to generate abnormal noise when the dial is rotated compared to the case where there is only one retaining part (rib) and the first part. Furthermore, since the clip is made of a single wire, the structure of the clip is simple.

[0013] The fourth embodiment of the vehicle seat is the vehicle seat of the second or third embodiment, wherein the retaining portion is provided on the dial in a manner that allows for elastic deformation.

[0014] According to the fourth embodiment of the vehicle seat, since the retaining portion is elastically deformable, it is easy to assemble the clip onto the dial and shaft while keeping the retaining portion and the clip in contact.

[0015] A fifth embodiment of a vehicle seat is a vehicle seat of the fourth embodiment in which the dial has a knob that can be rotated by the user and a cylindrical portion that extends from the inner surface of the knob along the axial direction and into which the outer end is inserted, a pair of pressing portions are elastically deformable provided on the cylindrical portion, and the clip is made of a single wire and has a pair of first portions, one of which pressing portions contacts one of which first portions of the clip and the other pressing portion contacts the other of which first portion of the clip.

[0016] According to the fifth embodiment of the vehicle seat, since the retaining portion and the first portion are a pair, the clip is less likely to generate abnormal noise when the dial is rotated compared to the case where there is only one retaining portion and the first portion. Furthermore, since the clip is made of a single wire, the structure of the clip is simple.

[0017] The sixth embodiment of the vehicle seat is a vehicle seat of any of the second to fifth embodiments, wherein the dial is provided with a pair of the pressing portions at equal angular intervals in the circumferential direction of the shaft.

[0018] In the sixth embodiment of the vehicle seat, a pair of retaining parts are provided on the dial at equal angular intervals in the circumferential direction of the shaft. Therefore, the clip is less likely to generate abnormal noise when the dial is rotated. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] As described above, the vehicle seat according to the present invention has a structure in which a shaft for operating the drive mechanism and a rotatable dial are connected by an elastically deformable clip, and yet the clip is less likely to generate abnormal noise when the dial is rotated. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0020] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of a vehicle seat according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is an exploded perspective view of the shaft, clip, and dial, which are part of the lifter mechanism. [Figure 3] A side view of the clip in a free state. [Figure 4] A plan view of the clip in a free state. [Figure 5] A cross-sectional view taken along an axis passing through the centers of the shaft, clip, and dial. [Figure 6] A cross-sectional view taken along the arrow line 6-6 in FIG. 5. [Figure 7] A cross-sectional view taken along the arrow line 7-7 in FIG. 5. [Figure 8] An exploded perspective view of the shaft, clip, and dial of a modified example. [Figure 9] A cross-sectional view taken along the mounting hole of the cylindrical portion. [Figure 10] A cross-sectional view taken along an axis passing through the centers of the shaft, clip, and dial. [Figure 11] A cross-sectional view taken along the arrow line 11-11 in FIG. 10.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0021] Hereinafter, the vehicle seat 15 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7. In each figure, an arrow FR appropriately shown indicates the front direction in the vehicle front-rear direction (seat front-rear direction), an arrow UP indicates the upward direction in the vehicle up-down direction (seat up-down direction), and an arrow LH indicates the left side in the vehicle left-right direction (seat left-right direction). Hereinafter, when simply explaining using the front-rear, left-right, and up-down directions, the front and rear in the seat front-rear direction, the left and right in the seat left-right direction (vehicle width direction), and the up and down in the seat up-down direction are shown.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 1, a vehicle seat 15 is provided on the floor surface 12 of the vehicle compartment 11 of the vehicle 10. The vehicle seat 15 includes a pair of left and right slide rails 20, a lifter mechanism (drive mechanism) 24, a seat cushion 26, a seat back 28, a headrest 29, a dial 40, and a clip 55.

[0023] The pair of left and right slide rails 20 extending in the front-rear direction comprises a lower rail 21 fixed to the floor surface 12 and an upper rail 22 that can slide in the front-rear direction relative to the lower rail 21.

[0024] A lifting mechanism 24 is provided between the left and right upper rails 22 and the seat cushion 26. In other words, the left and right upper rails 22 and the seat cushion 26 are connected via the lifting mechanism 24. The lower end of the seat back 28 is rotatably connected to the rear end of the seat cushion 26 via a pivot axis extending in the left-right direction. Furthermore, a headrest 29 is provided at the upper end of the seat back 28.

[0025] As shown in Figure 2, the lifter mechanism 24 includes a shaft 30, which is a metal pipe extending linearly to the left. As is well known, when the shaft 30 rotates about its axis 30X, the lifter mechanism 24 is activated, and the height of the seat cushion 26 relative to the upper rail 22 changes. The outer end 31 of the shaft 30 is provided with a pair of mounting holes 32 at equal angular intervals in the circumferential direction of the shaft 30. The cross-sectional shape of the mounting holes 32 when cut in a cross-section perpendicular to the axis 30X is arc-shaped (see Figures 2 and 7). Furthermore, a tapered surface 33 is formed at the left end of the shaft 30, centered on the axis 30X. The tapered surface 33 is an annular surface with a shape that gradually decreases in diameter from the right to the left. As shown in Figure 2, the outer end 31 of the shaft 30 penetrates the left side of the seat cushion 26 and is located to the left of that left side. Furthermore, the shaft 30 is rotatable relative to the seat cushion 26 about the axis 30X.

[0026] A dial 40, a one-piece molded resin part located to the left of the left side surface of the seat cushion 26, is detachably connected to the outer end 31 of the shaft 30. As shown in Figure 2, the dial 40 comprises an outer part 41 that constitutes its left side, an annular wall part 43 connected to the outer peripheral edge of the outer part 41, and a cylindrical part 50 that extends linearly to the right from the center of the inner part of the outer part 41. The side shape of the outer part 41 is substantially polygonal. The central part of the inner surface of the outer part 41 is composed of a thick-walled part 42 that is thicker than its periphery and has a substantially circular side shape. The outer part 41 and the annular wall part 43 form a gripping part 45.

[0027] The left end of the cylindrical portion 50 is connected concentrically to the center of the thick-walled portion 42. The inner end (right end) of the cylindrical portion 50 is open. Furthermore, a pair of mounting holes 51 are provided near the left end of the cylindrical portion 50 at equal angular intervals in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion 50. When the cylindrical portion 50 is cut in a cross section perpendicular to the axis 50X, the cross-sectional shape of the mounting holes 51 is arc-shaped (see Figures 2 and 7). As shown in Figure 5, a tapered surface 51R1 is formed on the outer circumference of the right end face 51R of each mounting hole 51. Furthermore, the left-right dimension of the cylindrical portion 50 is shorter than that of the shaft 30. In addition, the inner diameter 50DM of the cylindrical portion 50 (see Figure 2) is slightly larger than the outer diameter 30DM1 of the shaft 30 excluding the tapered surface 33 (see Figure 2).

[0028] Furthermore, the thickened portion 42 is provided with a pair of ribs (pressure portions) 47 at equal angular intervals in the circumferential direction. Each rib 47 protrudes to the right from the thickened portion 42, and the inner end of each rib 47 is integrated with the cylindrical portion 50. The rib 47 is a plate-like portion that is approximately perpendicular to the circumferential direction centered on the axis 50X. The right end face of the rib 47 is formed by a locking surface 48. As shown in Figure 5, the left-right position of the locking surface 48 is the same as that of the mounting hole 51, and is to the right of the left end face (inner surface) 51L of the mounting hole 51.

[0029] The clip 55 shown in Figures 2 and 3 is made of a single metal wire. The clip 55 has a base 57, a pair of first straight sections 58, a pair of second straight sections 59, a pair of arc-shaped sections 61, and a pair of tip sections 62. As shown in Figure 3, the base 57 is substantially arc-shaped when the clip 55 is in a free state. The pair of first straight sections 58 extend from both ends of the base 57 in a direction approaching each other. One end of a second straight section 59 is connected to the end of each first straight section 58 opposite to the base 57. Furthermore, a corner section 60 is formed between the first straight section 58 and the second straight section 59. Furthermore, one end of an arc-shaped section 61 is connected to the other end of each second straight section 59. Furthermore, a straight tip section 62 is connected to the end of each arc-shaped section 61 opposite to the second straight section 59. As shown in Figure 4, when the clip 55 is in a free state, the entire clip 55 lies on a single virtual plane PL. Furthermore, when the clip 55 is in a free state, it is symmetrical with respect to the center line 57X ​​shown in Figure 3. Moreover, when the clip 55 is in a free state, the distance 55L between the pair of corners 60 (see Figure 3) is smaller than the inner diameter 30DM2 of the shaft 30 and the inner diameter 50DM of the cylindrical portion 50.

[0030] The clip 55 is used to connect the shaft 30 and the dial 40. That is, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, the outer end 31 of the shaft 30 is inserted into the cylindrical portion 50 of the dial 40, and the pair of corners 60 of the clip 55 are inserted into the respective mounting holes 51 and 32 from the outer circumference side, with the positions of the pair of mounting holes 32 of the shaft 30 and the pair of mounting holes 51 of the cylindrical portion 50 aligned along the axes 30X and 50X and in the circumferential direction centered on the axes 30X and 50X. That is, as shown in Figures 5 and 7, the pair of corners 60 are located on the inner circumference side of each mounting hole 32. Therefore, the clip 55 prevents the dial 40 from falling out to the left from the outer end 31 of the shaft 30. Furthermore, since a tapered surface 51R1 is formed on the right end face 51R of each mounting hole 51, it is easy to insert the pair of corners 60 into each mounting hole 51. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7, a portion of each first linear section 58 elastically deforms and contacts one circumferential end face of the corresponding mounting holes 32 and 51, and a portion of each second linear section 59 elastically deforms and contacts the other circumferential end face of the corresponding mounting holes 32 and 51. As a result, the clip 55 eliminates circumferential play in the shaft 30 and the dial 40.

[0031] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, the locking surfaces 48 of the pair of ribs 47 of the dial 40 contact the first portion 64, which is part of the pair of tip portions 62 of the clip 55, from the left side. As a result, each tip portion 62 is elastically deformed to the right. That is, the clip 55 is twisted. In other words, a part of the clip 55 is no longer located on the virtual plane PL. As a result, a part of the first straight portion 58 and a part of the second straight portion 59 are pressed against at least one of the right end face 51R and the left end face 51L of the mounting hole 51. Furthermore, the second portion 66, which is part of the first straight portion 58 and a part of the second straight portion 59, is pressed against at least one of the right end face 32R and the left end face 32L (receiving portion) of the corresponding mounting hole 32. In this way, the clip 55, which is elastically deformed by twisting, eliminates the play in the direction along the axes 30X and 50X between the dial 40 and the shaft 30.

[0032] The shaft 30, dial 40, and clip 55 can be integrated with each other in the following manner. First, the clip 55 is elastically deformed so that the distance 55L increases, bringing the pair of corners 60 closer to the cylindrical portion 50 of the dial 40, which is separated from the shaft 30, from the outer circumference. Then, the clip 55 is elastically deformed in the direction that returns it to its free state, and each corner 60 is inserted into the corresponding mounting hole 51 from the outer circumference. This causes each corner 60 to pass through the mounting hole 51 to the inner circumference. Furthermore, the locking surfaces 48 of the pair of ribs 47 of the dial 40 come into contact with the first portion 64, which is part of the pair of tip portions 62 of the clip 55, from the left side. When the outer end 31 of the shaft 30 is inserted into the cylindrical portion 50 of the dial 40, which is integrated with the clip 55 in this state, the tapered surface 33 of the shaft 30 enters the internal space of the cylindrical portion 50 and the tapered surface 33 comes into contact with the pair of corners 60. In this state, if the dial 40 is moved further to the right relative to the outer end 31, the tapered surface 33 elastically deforms the pair of corners 60 so that they move away from each other, and each corner 60 comes into contact with the outer circumferential surface of the outer end 31. In this state, if the dial 40 is moved further to the right relative to the outer end 31, the clip 55 deforms so that the pair of corners 60 move closer to each other when the pair of mounting holes 32 of the shaft 30 are in the same left-right and circumferential positions as each corner 60. As a result, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, each corner 60 is inserted into the corresponding mounting hole 32 from the outer circumferential side. This integrates the shaft 30, dial 40, and clip 55.

[0033] (Mechanism of Action and Effects) Next, the operation and effects of this embodiment will be described.

[0034] As described above, the elastically deformable clip 55 connects the shaft 30 and the dial 40 while substantially restricting the detachment of the dial 40 from the outer end 31 of the shaft 30 and the relative rotation of the shaft 30 and the dial 40 in the circumferential direction. Therefore, when the occupant (user) of the vehicle 10 rotates the dial 40 around the axis 50X while gripping the handle 45 with their hand, the lifter mechanism 24 is activated, and the height of the seat cushion 26 relative to the upper rail 22 changes as a result of the action of the lifter mechanism 24.

[0035] Furthermore, the dial 40 is equipped with a rib 47 that elastically deforms the clip 55 by contacting the first portion 64 of the clip 55. As a result, the elastically deforming clip 55 exerts a force in the direction along the axis 30X of the shaft 30 on the rib 47 (pressing portion) of the dial 40 and at least one of the right end face 32R (receiving portion) and left end face 32L (receiving portion) of the mounting hole 32 of the shaft 30. That is, the clip 55 maintains contact between the rib 47 and at least one of the right end face 32R and left end face 32L of the mounting hole 32. This eliminates the play between the dial 40 and the shaft 30 in the directions along the axes 30X and 50X. In this way, since this contact state is maintained, when the occupant rotates the dial 40, the clip 55 does not collide with the shaft 30 and at least one of the dial 40 while moving relative to them in the direction of the axes 30X and 50X. Therefore, the vehicle seat 15 has a structure in which the shaft 30 for operating the lifter mechanism 24 and the dial 40 are connected by an elastically deformable clip 55, and yet the clip 55 is less likely to generate abnormal noise when the dial 40 is rotated.

[0036] Furthermore, the part that causes the clip 55 provided on the dial 40 to elastically deform is a pair of ribs 47 protruding from the inner surface of the outer part 41 (pinch part 45). Therefore, the ribs 47, which are the part (pressure part) that causes the clip 55 to elastically deform, can increase the mechanical strength of the dial 40 (pinch part 45).

[0037] Furthermore, a pair of ribs 47 are provided on the dial 40 at equal angular intervals in the circumferential direction, and a pair of first parts 64 are provided on the clip 55 that engage with the ribs 47. Therefore, compared to the case where there is only one rib 47 and one first part 64, the clip 55 is less likely to generate abnormal noise when the dial 40 is rotated.

[0038] Furthermore, since clip 55 is made from a single wire, the structure of clip 55 is simple.

[0039] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above.

[0040] For example, the present invention may be implemented in modified forms shown in Figures 8 to 11.

[0041] In this modified vehicle seat 15A, the shaft 30A is a solid member. Furthermore, instead of mounting holes 32, an annular groove 36 centered on the axis 30X is formed on the shaft 30A. In addition, a number of serration grooves 37 extending in a direction parallel to the axis 30X are formed circumferentially near the tip of the outer surface of the shaft 30A.

[0042] Furthermore, the dial 40A of the vehicle seat 15A does not have a rib 47. Instead, the cylindrical portion 50 of the dial 40A is provided with a pair of elastic pressing portions (pressing portions) 52 at equal angular intervals in the circumferential direction. The right end of the base end 52A of each elastic pressing portion 52 is supported by the cylindrical portion 50, and a notch 53 is formed in the cylindrical portion 50 located around the base end 52A. Therefore, the base end 52A is elastically deformable relative to the cylindrical portion 50 in the radial direction of the cylindrical portion 50. In addition, the elastic pressing portion 52 has a pressing portion 52B that extends radially outward and to the right from the left end of the base end 52A. As shown in Figure 8, when the elastic pressing portion 52 is in a free state, the right end of each pressing portion 52B is located to the right of the left end face 51L of the pair of mounting holes 51A provided in the cylindrical portion 50. As shown in Figure 9, the circumferential length of the mounting hole 51A in the modified example is longer than that of the mounting hole 51 in the embodiment. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 10, near the left end of the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 50, the same number of protrusions 54 as the serration grooves 37 are formed in the circumferential direction, extending in a direction parallel to the axis 50X.

[0043] The modified clip 55 is also used to connect the shaft 30A and the dial 40A. That is, as shown in Figures 10 and 11, with the pair of first straight sections 58 and second straight sections 59 of the clip 55 positioned inside the cylindrical section 50 (mounting holes 51A) using the mounting holes 51A, the outer end 31 of the shaft 30A is inserted into the cylindrical section 50 of the dial 40A while engaging the serration groove 37 and the protrusion 54. As a result, the relative rotation of the cylindrical section 50 and the shaft 30A around the axis 30X is restricted by the serration groove 37 and the protrusion 54. Furthermore, a part (corner section 60) of the pair of first straight sections 58, which are elastically deformed to be further apart from each other than in their free state, fits into the annular groove 36 from the outer circumference side of the shaft 30A, and the inner surface of the annular groove 36 is sandwiched by the pair of first straight sections 58 (corner section 60). Furthermore, the first portion 64 of the pair of tip portions 62 contacts the right end surface of the pressing portion 52B of each elastic pressing portion 52 from the right side, pushing each pressing portion 52B to the left. As a result, the base end portion 52A of each elastic pressing portion 52 is elastically deformed toward the internal space side (inward circumferential direction) of the cylindrical portion 50, and the connection portion 52C between the base end portion 52A and the pressing portion 52B of each elastic pressing portion 52 is pressed against the outer circumferential surface of the shaft 30A within the internal space of the cylindrical portion 50.

[0044] As shown in Figures 10 and 11, a pair of corners 60 are positioned on the inner circumference side of each mounting hole 51 and fit into the annular groove 36 of the shaft 30A. Therefore, the clip 55 prevents the dial 40A from falling out to the left from the outer end 31 of the shaft 30A.

[0045] Furthermore, the pressing portion 52B of each elastic pressing portion 52, which is in an elastically deformed state, presses the pair of first portions 64 of the clip 55 to the right. As a result, the clip 55 is twisted. Consequently, a part of the first straight portion 58 and a part of the second straight portion 59 are pressed against at least one of the right end face 51R and the left end face 51L of the mounting hole 51A. Furthermore, the second portion 66, which is a part of the first straight portion 58, is pressed against the receiving portion, which is at least one of the left end face 36L and the right end face 36R (see Figure 10) of the annular groove 36 of the shaft 30A. In this way, the elastically deformed clip 55, twisted, exerts a force in the direction along the axis 30X of the shaft 30 against the elastic pressing portion 52 (pressing portion) of the dial 40 and at least one of the left end face 36L and the right end face 36R (receiving portion) of the annular groove 36 of the shaft 30. Furthermore, the clip 55 maintains contact between the elastic pressing portion 52 and the annular groove 36. Therefore, even though the modified vehicle seat 15A also has a structure in which the shaft 30A for operating the lifter mechanism 24 and the dial 40A are connected by an elastically deformable clip 55, the clip 55 is less likely to generate abnormal noise when the dial 40A is rotated.

[0046] Furthermore, the elastic pressing portion 52 provided on the dial 40A and engaging with the clip 55 is elastically deformable. Therefore, in this modified example, it is easier to attach the clip 55 to the dial 40A while engaging it with the elastic pressing portion 52, compared to the embodiment in which the rib 47 is difficult to deform.

[0047] The number of ribs 47 provided on the dial 40 of the embodiment and the number of elastic pressing portions 52 provided on the dial 40A of the modified example may each be one. In this case, one rib 47 or elastic pressing portion 52 contacts one end portion 62 (first portion 64) of the clip 55.

[0048] In this embodiment, the shaft 30 may be provided with serrated grooves 37 and the cylindrical portion 50 of the dial 40 may be provided with protrusions 54. In this case, the first straight portion 58 and the second straight portion 59 of the clip 55 may be separated from both end faces in the circumferential direction of the mounting holes 32 and 51.

[0049] The positions of the first and second parts of the clip 55 may be different from the positions described above.

[0050] Furthermore, the locking surface 48 on the rib 47 and the right end surface of the pressing portion 52B of the elastic pressing portion 52 may be formed by surfaces that form an arc shape in a side view. In this case, the engagement state between the rib 47 and the clip 55, and the engagement state between the right end surface of the pressing portion 52B and the clip 55 are easier to maintain compared to the case where the locking surface 48 and the right end surface of the pressing portion 52B of the elastic pressing portion 52 are flat.

[0051] Vehicle seats 15 and 15A may be equipped with a drive mechanism different from the lifter mechanism 24 and comprising shafts 30 and 30A. This drive mechanism is a mechanism that generates driving force to operate a part of the seat (seat cushion, seat back, and headrest). [Explanation of Symbols]

[0052] 15 15A Vehicle Seat 24. Lifter mechanism (drive mechanism) 26 Seat cushions (seats) 28 Seat back (seat) 29 Headrest (seat) 30 30A Shaft 30X axis 31 Outer edge 32L Left end face (receiving part) 32R Right end face (receiving part) 36L Left end face (receiving part) 36R Right end face (receiving part) 40 40A Dial 45. Pinching part 47 Ribs (holding part) 50 Cylindrical part 52 Elastic pressing part (pressing part) 55 clips 64 Part 1 66 Part 2

Claims

1. A shaft that activates a drive mechanism to move a part of the seat by rotating, A dial connected to the outer end of the shaft, which can be rotated by the user around the axis of the shaft, An elastically deformable clip connects the shaft and the dial, while preventing the dial from falling off the outer end. Equipped with, A vehicle seat comprising a pressing portion which, when the dial contacts the clip, causes the clip to elastically deform while contacting the shaft.

2. A receiving portion is formed on the shaft, The vehicle seat according to claim 1, wherein when the pressing portion contacts a first portion which is part of the clip, a second portion which is a different portion of the clip from the first portion contacts the receiving portion, and the elastically deformed clip exerts a force on the pressing portion and the receiving portion in a direction along the axial direction.

3. The dial has a knob that can be rotated by the user, and a cylindrical portion that extends from the inner surface of the knob along the axial direction and into which the outer end is inserted. The aforementioned holding portion is a pair of ribs protruding from the inner surface of the gripping portion, The clip is made of a single wire and comprises a pair of the first parts, One of the ribs contacts the first portion of one of the clips, The vehicle seat according to claim 2, wherein the other rib contacts the first portion of the other clip.

4. The vehicle seat according to claim 2, wherein the pressing portion is provided on the dial in a manner that allows for elastic deformation.

5. The dial has a knob that can be rotated by the user, and a cylindrical portion that extends from the inner surface of the knob along the axial direction and into which the outer end is inserted. A pair of the aforementioned pressing portions are provided on the cylindrical portion so as to be elastically deformable, The clip is made of a single wire and comprises a pair of the first parts, One of the pressing portions contacts the first portion of the clip, The vehicle seat according to claim 4, wherein the other pressing portion of the clip contacts the first portion of the other clip.

6. The vehicle seat according to claim 3 or claim 5, wherein the dial is provided with a pair of the pressing portions at equal angular intervals in the circumferential direction of the shaft.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Seat lifter and seat

    JP2019077336A