Vehicle seats

Abstract

To provide a vehicle seat that can more properly hold the armrest in a retracted position. [Solution] The vehicle seat 1 includes a seat back 2 and an armrest 4 that can move between a stored state, where it is stored in the seat width direction by rotation relative to the seat back 2, and an extended state, where it is folded forward and stored. The vehicle seat 1 also includes a back pad 2A that forms the pad material of the seat back 2, and undulating parts 5 that give undulations to the adjacent surfaces of the back pad 2A so that it overlaps the front side of the armrest 4 when the back pad 2A is in the stored state.

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle seat. More specifically, the present invention relates to a vehicle seat having a seat back and an armrest that is stored or deployed so as to rotate and align in the seat width direction with respect to the seat back.

Background Art

[0002] [[ID= twelfth]]Patent Document 1 discloses an armrest that can be stored in the central portion of a three-person seat back. The armrest can be switched so as to serve as a backrest when stored in the central portion of the seat back and as an elbow rest when tilted forward from the seat back. When the armrest is stored in the central portion of the seat back, it is held in a fixed position by the elastic force received from the back pad of the adjacent seat back.

Prior Art Document

Patent Document

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the configuration described in Patent Document 1, since the elastic force of the back pad is constantly applied to the stored armrest, the back pad is likely to sag. Therefore, the present invention provides a vehicle seat capable of more appropriately holding the armrest in the storage position.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] As means for solving the above problems, the vehicle seat of the present invention takes the following means.

[0006] In other words, the first invention of the present invention is a vehicle seat having a seat back and an armrest that is movable between a stored state, which is stored relative to the seat back so as to be aligned in the width direction of the seat by rotation, and an extended state, which is folded forward and extended, wherein the vehicle seat has a back pad which forms the pad material of the seat back and undulating portions which give undulations to the adjacent surfaces thereof such that the back pad overlaps the front side of the armrest when the armrest is in the stored state.

[0007] According to the first invention, when the armrest is retracted, the forward-tilting extension movement is restricted by the back pad that extends over its front. Although the back pad protrudes in front of the retracted armrest, it is not configured to constantly apply elastic force, so it is less prone to sagging. Therefore, the armrest can be properly held in the retracted position. Note that the state in which the armrest is retracted so as to be aligned with the seat width direction relative to the seat back refers to a state in which the armrest is provided on the side of the seat back so as to be aligned with the seat width direction, or a state in which the armrest fits into a retraction recess formed in a part of the seat back so as to be aligned with the seat back in the seat width direction.

[0008] The second invention of the present invention is a vehicle seat in which, in the first invention described above, the undulating portion is a stepped portion that brings the back pad and the armrest facing each other in the thickness direction only at the intermediate portion in the thickness direction of each other.

[0009] According to the second invention, compared to a configuration in which the undulating portion forms an inclined surface over the entire thickness direction between the back pad and the armrest, it is possible to more easily adjust the hardness of the protruding portion of the back pad. Furthermore, compared to the above configuration, it is possible to create a configuration in which the back pad can exert a strong restraining force with less protrusion.

[0010] A third aspect of the present invention is a vehicle seat in the first or second invention described above, wherein the seat back has a storage recess that opens forward of the seat so that the armrest can be stored in a portion of the seat width direction.

[0011] According to the third invention, even if the armrest is a relatively heavy configuration that extends from a part of the seat back, the armrest can be properly held in the retracted position without causing sagging of the back pad.

[0012] A fourth aspect of the present invention is a vehicle seat in which, in the first or second invention described above, the portion of the back pad that extends over the front side of the armrest and / or the portion of the armrest that extends over the rear side of the back pad is made of urethane foam.

[0013] According to the fourth invention, the elasticity of the urethane foam allows for proper switching between extending and retracting the armrest, as well as holding the armrest in the retracted position.

[0014] The fifth invention of the present invention is a vehicle seat in the first or second invention described above, wherein the portion of the armrest that extends over the rear side of the back pad has a chamfered portion that curves toward the rear of the seat so as to gradually move away from the surface adjacent to the back pad.

[0015] According to the fifth invention, when the armrest is retracted, the chamfered portion comes into contact with the protruding portion of the back pad, guiding the retraction process and making it easier to retract.

[0016] The sixth invention of the present invention is a vehicle seat in which, in the first or second invention described above, the undulating portion is set to a position higher than the center of gravity of the retracted armrest.

[0017] According to the sixth invention, the armrest can be more effectively restricted from collapsing from its stowed position. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0018] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of a vehicle seat according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a front view of the seatback. [Figure 3] It is a perspective view showing the deployed state of the armrest. [Figure 4] It is a perspective view of the armrest alone. [Figure 5] It is a sectional view taken along the line V-V of FIG. 2.

Embodiments for Carrying out the Invention

[0019] Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0020] 《First Embodiment》 (Schematic Configuration of Seat 1) First, the configuration of a seat (vehicle seat) 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5. In the following description, when indicating directions such as front, rear, up, down, left, and right, the respective directions shown in each figure shall be referred to. The directions shown in each figure are the directions as seen from the seated occupant of seat 1. Also, when indicating each direction with "seat" attached, such as "seat width direction", it shall refer to the respective directions based on seat 1.

[0021] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 2, seat 1 according to the present embodiment is configured as a rear-side seat mounted on an automobile. Specifically, seat 1 is configured as a bench seat that can accommodate three people in the same row. Seat 1 has a seat back 2 that serves as a backrest, a seat cushion (not shown) that serves as a seating portion, and a headrest 3 that serves as a headrest.

[0022] Seat back 2 is configured to be divided 6:4 left and right. In FIGS. 1 to 2, the divided seat back 2 on the 6-side is shown. This seat back 2 on the 6-side is configured as a backrest for two seats, the right seat and the center seat.

[0023] Two headrests 3 are mounted on the upper part of the seatback 2, one for the right seat and one for the center seat. The headrest 3 for the center seat has a saddle-like structure. The front part of this headrest 3 is designed to fit into a recess in the cut-out upper front section of the seatback 2.

[0024] The central seat portion of seatback 2 is comprised of an armrest 4 that can be extended to function as an elbow rest. Armrest 4 is considered one of the components of seat 1. Armrest 4 can be stored so as to be adjacent to the right seat portion of seatback 2 in the seat width direction (see Figures 1-2), or it can be extended by folding it forward (see Figure 3).

[0025] Specifically, the armrest 4 is rotatably connected at its left and right base ends to a bracket (not shown) attached to a frame of the seatback 2 via a hinge C extending in the seat width direction. This allows the armrest 4 to be switched between the retracted position shown in Figures 1 and 2 and the extended position shown in Figure 3 by rotation.

[0026] The armrest 4 is tilted forward to the extended position shown in Figure 3, where it comes into contact with a stopper and bracket (not shown) and locks into the extended position. The armrest 4 is also raised to the retracted position shown in Figures 1 and 2, where it engages with the right-hand portion of the adjacent seatback 2, rubbing against it and holding it in the retracted position. As a result, the armrest 4 is held in place so as not to be tilted forward from the seatback 2 even during sudden braking of the vehicle.

[0027] (Seatback 2) The following describes in detail the configuration of the seat back 2 and armrest 4. The seat back 2 has a metal back frame (not shown) that forms its internal skeleton and a urethane foam back pad 2A that forms the cushioning material. The seat back 2 also has a fabric back cover 2B that covers the surface of the back pad 2A.

[0028] A back frame (not shown) forms the skeleton along the top, bottom, left, and right edges of the seat back 2. The back pad 2A is assembled to cover the back frame from the front of the seat. The back pad 2A has a recess in its central seat portion that forms a storage recess 2C from which the armrest 4 can be stored from the front of the seat.

[0029] The recess that forms the storage recess 2C of the back pad 2A is shaped to be deeper towards the rear of the seat than the upper front part into which the saddle-shaped headrest 3's hanging front portion fits. The back cover 2B is constructed by sewing together multiple cover pieces, each cut to match the shape of the various surfaces of the seat back 2, to form a single bag shape.

[0030] The back cover 2B is fitted over and secured to each surface of the back pad 2A, which is assembled to a back frame (not shown), in a manner that is in close contact with it. More specifically, as shown in Figure 3, the back cover 2B is also fitted over and secured to each inner surface of the recess that forms the storage recess 2C of the back pad 2A.

[0031] (Armrest 4) As shown in Figure 4, the armrest 4 has an armrest frame (not shown) that forms its internal skeleton and an armrest pad 4A made of urethane foam that forms the cushioning material. The armrest 4 also has a fabric armrest cover 4B that covers the surface of the armrest pad 4A.

[0032] Furthermore, the armrest 4 has a resin cup holder 4C at the upper front portion when it is folded forward. Accordingly, as shown in Figure 2, the armrest 4 is configured such that when it is stored in its storage recess 2C (in the vertical position), the position of its center of gravity G is higher than the center of the armrest 4.

[0033] As shown in Figure 5, when the armrest 4 is retracted, a raised portion 5 is formed on each adjacent side of the seat back 2 that is adjacent to the right seat portion of the seat back 2, in order to restrict the forward tilting of the armrest 4. The raised portion 5 is formed by a front protrusion A1 that extends from the front of the left side of the back pad 2A, and a front recess A3 that is recessed from the front of the right side of the armrest pad 4A to receive the front protrusion A1.

[0034] Furthermore, the undulating portion 5 is also formed by a rear recess A2 that recesses from the rear of the left side of the back pad 2A, and a rear protrusion A4 that extends from the rear of the right side of the armrest pad 4A so as to fit into the rear recess A2. The left side of the back pad 2A is formed in a stepped shape in the middle of its thickness direction by the front protrusion A1 and the rear recess A2. Similarly, the right side of the armrest pad 4A is formed in a stepped shape in the middle of its thickness direction by the front recess A3 and the rear protrusion A4.

[0035] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the front protrusion A1 and rear recess A2 of the back pad 2A are formed to extend continuously in the seat height direction at a position higher than the center of gravity G of the retracted armrest 4. As shown in Figure 5, the front protrusion A1 protrudes to the left of the general surface on the left side of the back pad 2A (the position shown by the dashed line in the same figure). The rear recess A2 is formed to be recessed to the right of the general surface on the left side of the back pad 2A.

[0036] As shown in Figure 4, the front recess A3 and rear protrusion A4 of the armrest pad 4A are formed to extend continuously from the front end of the armrest pad 4A when it is tilted forward toward the rear. As shown in Figure 5, the rear protrusion A4 of the armrest pad 4A protrudes to the right of the general surface on the left side of the back pad 2A (the position shown by the dashed line in the same figure).

[0037] As a result, both the front protrusion A1 of the back pad 2A and the rear protrusion A4 of the armrest pad 4A extend alternately beyond the general surface on the left side of the back pad 2A (the position shown by the dashed line in the figure). Consequently, without increasing the amount of extension from the general surface of each, it is possible to secure a longer overlap in the seat width direction between the front protrusion A1 of the back pad 2A and the rear protrusion A4 of the armrest pad 4A that extends behind it.

[0038] As the armrest 4 is retracted, the rear protrusion A4 of the armrest pad 4A interferes with the front protrusion A1 of the back pad 2A and moves to the rear, causing it to fit into the rear recess A2 of the back pad 2A. Consequently, the front protrusion A1 of the back pad 2A fits into the front recess A3 of the armrest pad 4A.

[0039] As a result, the front protrusion A1 of the back pad 2A rests on the front of the rear protrusion A4 of the armrest pad 4A, restricting the forward tilting of the armrest 4. Here, the front protrusion A1 of the back pad 2A corresponds to the "part that rests on the front of the armrest" of the present invention. Also, the rear protrusion A4 of the armrest pad 4A corresponds to the "part that rests on the rear of the back pad" of the present invention.

[0040] At that time, the front protrusion A1 of the back pad 2A fits into the front recess A3 of the armrest pad 4A with almost no elastic pressure. Similarly, the rear protrusion A4 of the armrest pad 4A fits into the rear recess A2 of the back pad 2A with almost no elastic pressure.

[0041] As a result, instead of the back pad 2A constantly applying elastic force to the armrest 4 to stop its movement, the back pad 2A protrudes forward from the front of the armrest 4 and stops its forward movement by contact. Therefore, even if the back cover 2B is made of a slippery material, it is possible to appropriately restrict the armrest 4 from falling from its stored position.

[0042] More specifically, as mentioned earlier in Figure 2, the raised portion 5 is set at a position higher than the center of gravity G of the retracted armrest 4. Therefore, it is possible to more effectively restrict the armrest 4 from collapsing from its retracted position.

[0043] Referring to Figure 5, in order to extend the armrest 4 forward from its stowed position, the armrest 4 should be pulled forward against the elastic force of the front protrusion A1 of the back pad 2A. As a result, the armrest 4 is pulled forward with flexing of both the front protrusion A1 of the back pad 2A and the rear protrusion A4 of the armrest pad 4A that contacts it from behind.

[0044] Similarly, when retracting the armrest 4 from the extended position, the armrest 4 should be pushed backward against the elastic force of the front protrusion A1 of the back pad 2A. As a result, the armrest 4 is pushed backward with flexing of both the front protrusion A1 of the back pad 2A and the rear protrusion A4 of the armrest pad 4A that contacts it from the front.

[0045] The rear protrusion A4 of the armrest pad 4A has a chamfered portion 4D formed on its right rear corner, which is beveled at an angle. The chamfered portion 4D is shaped so that the right side of the rear protrusion A4 is beveled so that it gradually moves away from the left side of the back pad 2A towards the rear of the seat.

[0046] This chamfered portion 4D allows the armrest 4 to extend smoothly when it is moved forward from its stowed position. As the rear protrusion A4 of the armrest pad 4A is pulled out past the front protrusion A1 of the back pad 2A, the resilient force received from the front protrusion A1 of the back pad 2A is reduced, allowing for smoother extension. Furthermore, when the armrest 4 is moved from its extended position to its stowed position, the chamfered portion 4D of the rear protrusion A4 of the armrest pad 4A acts as a guide against the front protrusion A1 of the back pad 2A, preventing obstruction and allowing for smoother stowage.

[0047] In summary, Sheet 1 according to this embodiment has the following configuration. The reference numerals in parentheses below correspond to the respective configurations shown in the above embodiment.

[0048] In other words, the vehicle seat (1) has a seat back (2) and an armrest (4) that can move between a stored state, where it is stored so as to be aligned in the width direction of the seat by rotation relative to the seat back (2), and an extended state, where it is folded forward and extended. The vehicle seat (1) has a back pad (2A) that forms the pad material of the seat back (2) and undulating parts (5) that give undulations to the adjacent surfaces of the back pad (2A) so that it overlaps the front side of the armrest (4) when it is in the stored state.

[0049] According to the above configuration, when the armrest (4) is in the retracted position, the back pad (2A) that extends in front of it restricts its forward deployment. Although the back pad (2A) protrudes in front of the retracted armrest (4), it is not designed to constantly apply elastic force, so it is less prone to sagging. Therefore, the armrest (4) can be properly held in the retracted position.

[0050] Furthermore, the raised portion (5) is a stepped portion that brings the back pad (2A) and the armrest (4) facing each other in the thickness direction only at the midpoint of their respective thickness directions. With the above configuration, compared to a configuration in which the raised portion (5) forms an inclined surface over the entire thickness direction of the back pad (2A) and the armrest (4), it becomes easier to adjust the hardness of the protruding portion of the back pad (2A). Also, compared to the above configuration, it is possible to create a configuration in which the back pad (2A) can exert a strong restraining force with less protrusion.

[0051] Furthermore, the seat back (2) has a storage recess (2C) that opens forward of the seat in a portion of the seat width direction, allowing the armrest (4) to be stored. With this configuration, even if the armrest (4) is a relatively heavy structure that extends from a portion of the seat back (2), the armrest (4) can be properly held in the stored position without causing the back pad (2A) to sag.

[0052] Furthermore, the portion (A1) of the back pad (2A) that extends over the front side of the armrest (4), and / or the portion (A4) of the armrest (4) that extends over the rear side of the back pad (2A), are made of urethane foam. With the above configuration, the elasticity of the urethane foam allows for proper switching between extending and retracting the armrest (4) and holding the armrest (4) in the retracted position.

[0053] Furthermore, the portion (A4) of the armrest (4) that rests on the rear side of the back pad (2A) has a chamfered portion (4D) that curves toward the rear of the seat, gradually moving away from the surface adjacent to the back pad (2A). With the above configuration, when storing the armrest (4), the chamfered portion (4D) comes into contact with the protruding portion of the back pad (2A), guiding the storage process, making it easier to store.

[0054] Furthermore, the raised portion (5) is set to a position higher than the center of gravity (G) of the retracted armrest (4). With the above configuration, the armrest (4) can be more effectively prevented from collapsing from its retracted position.

[0055] Regarding other embodiments: Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above using one embodiment, the present invention can be implemented in various forms other than those described above.

[0056] 1. The vehicle seat of the present invention may be used not only as a seat for automobiles, but also as a seat for other vehicles such as trains, aircraft, and ships. Furthermore, the seat back may be configured as a bench seat that can accommodate three people in the same row, or as separate seats for one person.

[0057] 2. If the seat back is configured as a three-seat bench seat, the armrest may be provided in the center of the seat back so as to be stored as a backrest or extended as an elbow rest. If the seat back is configured as a single-seat separate seat, the armrest may be externally attached to the side so as to be stored in line with the width of the seat or extended by folding forward.

[0058] 3. The back cover and / or armrest cover may be made of leather in addition to fabric.

[0059] 4. The raised sections that create undulations on each adjacent surface between the back pad and the retracted armrest may be formed on adjacent surfaces in the seat width direction as well as on adjacent surfaces in the seat height direction. The raised sections only need to be shaped in such a way that the back pad extends in front of the armrest when it is retracted, and their specific shape is not limited to any particular shape.

[0060] For example, the undulating portion may form an inclined surface over the entire thickness of the back pad and armrest. Alternatively, the undulating portion may form a recess at the front of the armrest and a protruding portion at the front of the back pad that extends into the recess, or it may form a recess at the rear of the back pad and a protruding portion at the rear of the armrest that extends into the recess.

[0061] In other words, in the above embodiment, the back pad and the armrest are configured with protrusions and indentations between the front and rear portions, respectively. However, it is also possible to have a configuration where protrusions and indentations are formed only between the front or rear portions. In any case, the shape of the raised portion should be such that the back pad rests on the front side of the armrest when it is retracted.

[0062] 5. The portion of the back pad that rests on the rear side when the armrest is retracted may be made of a foamed resin material other than urethane foam, such as polystyrene foam, polypropylene foam, or polyethylene foam, or a non-foamed resin material. The portion of the back pad that rests on the front side of the armrest may also be made of a foamed resin material other than urethane foam. However, if the portion of the back pad that rests on the front side of the armrest constitutes the top plate that receives the backrest load of the seated occupant, it is preferable that it be made of a relatively soft foamed resin material such as urethane foam. [Explanation of symbols]

[0063] 1 seat (vehicle seat) 2 seatbacks 2A Backpad A1 Front protrusion (the part that extends to the front of the armrest) A2 Rear recess 2B Back Cover 2C Storage recess 3 Headrests 4 Armrests 4A Armrest Pad A3 Front recess A4 Rear protrusion (the part that extends to the rear of the back pad) 4B Armrest Cover 4C Cup Holder 4D chamfered section 5 undulations G center of gravity C Hinge

Claims

1. A vehicle seat having a seat back and an armrest that can move between a stored state, where it is stored so as to be aligned in the width direction of the seat by rotation relative to the seat back, and an extended state, where it is folded forward and extended, The back pad forming the pad material of the aforementioned seat back, A vehicle seat having a back pad with raised sections on each of its adjacent surfaces such that the back pad extends over the front of the armrest when the armrest is retracted.

2. A vehicle seat according to claim 1, A vehicle seat in which the aforementioned undulating portion is a stepped portion that brings the back pad and the armrest facing each other in the thickness direction only at the midpoint of their respective thickness directions.

3. A vehicle seat according to claim 1 or claim 2, A seat for a vehicle, wherein the seat back has a storage recess that opens forward of the seat so that the armrest can be stored in a portion of the seat width direction.

4. A vehicle seat according to claim 1 or claim 2, A vehicle seat having a portion of the back pad that extends over the front side of the armrest, and / or a portion of the armrest that extends over the rear side of the back pad, made of urethane foam.

5. A vehicle seat according to claim 1 or claim 2, A vehicle seat having a chamfered portion in which the part of the armrest that extends over the rear side of the back pad curves toward the rear of the seat, gradually moving away from the surface adjacent to the back pad.

6. A vehicle seat according to claim 1 or claim 2, A vehicle seat in which the aforementioned undulating portion is set to a position higher than the center of gravity of the retracted armrest.

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