cushion body

Abstract

To provide a cushion body that allows for the compact attachment of clips for suspending a seat cover to the base material. [Solution] The cushion body 2 is configured to be divided into three dividing elements: a main top plate 4 that forms the central part in the seat width direction, and each top plate side that forms the side parts in the seat width direction. The main top plate 4 has a main base material 4B that serves as a support base, a main cover that covers the main base material 4B from the seat surface side, and a clip CL that is attached to the main base material 4B and suspends a part of the main cover. The clip CL has a clip seat CL1 that is attached to the seat surface B1 of the main base material 4B, and a suspension part CL2 that suspends the main cover. The main base material 4B has a mounting part BA that snap-fits the clip seat CL1 so as to press it between itself and the seat surface B1 by sliding along the seat surface B1.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a cushion body. More specifically, it relates to a cushion body that elastically supports a seated person.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a cushion body composed of a seat pad and a seat cover that wraps around it, where the seat is divided into three parts in the seat width direction. Specifically, the cushion body is divided into a top plate main part that forms the central part in the seat width direction and each top plate side part that forms both side parts in the seat width direction.

[0003] For the top plate main part and each top plate side part, each terminal of the seat cover that wraps around the individual seat pads is fixed to a resin base material laid on the back surface of the pad. The seat cover is further fixed by being suspended and attached to clips attached to the base material through through-holes formed in the seat pad at various locations. Thereby, the top plate main part and each top plate side part are configured such that the individual seat pads are wrapped between the seat cover and the base material.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In the configuration described in Patent Document 1, the clips are snap-fitted to the base material from the back side. Therefore, elastic claws with guides for fitting the clips from the back side into the back surface of the base material protrude significantly on the back side. Thus, the present invention provides a cushion body capable of compactly attaching clips for suspending the seat cover to the base material.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above problems, the cushion body of the present invention employs the following means.

[0007] In other words, the first invention of the present invention is a cushion body that elastically supports a seated person, wherein the cushion body is divided into three dividing elements: a main top plate forming the central part in the seat width direction, and each side top plate forming the side portions on both sides in the seat width direction, and at least one of the dividing elements has a base material that serves as a support base, a seat cover that directly or indirectly covers the base material from the seat surface, and a clip that is attached to the base material and suspends a part of the seat cover, wherein the clip has a clip seat that is attached to the seat surface of the base material and a suspension part that suspends the seat cover, and the base material has a mounting part that snap-fits the clip seat so as to press it between itself and the seat surface by sliding it in a direction along the seat surface.

[0008] According to the first invention, the base material is provided with a mounting portion that can receive a clip seat in a direction along the seating surface and snap-fit ​​it into place, thereby allowing the seating surface of the base material to function as a guide for mounting. This reduces the protrusion of the mounting portion from the base material, making it more compact.

[0009] The second invention of the present invention is a cushion body in which, in the first invention described above, the mounting portion has a pressing portion into which the clip seat can be inserted so as to press it between itself and the seat surface by sliding it in a direction along the seat surface, and a bulging portion into which the clip seat is inserted between itself and the pressing portion by bulging out from the seat surface, and the clip seat is mounted so as to press it between itself and the seat surface by inserting it to a position beyond the bulging portion so as to restore the curvature of the clip seat.

[0010] According to the second invention, by curving the clip seat rather than the mounting portion of the base material, the structural strength of the base material can be ensured and the clip seat can be firmly attached.

[0011] The third invention of the present invention is a cushion body in which the seating surface of the base material to which the clip seat is attached is the surface of the base material, in the second invention described above.

[0012] According to the third invention, since there is no need to provide a hole in the base material for passing the clip's hanging portion through from the back, the mounting part can be constructed more simply. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing the schematic configuration of the cushion body according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a disassembled perspective view showing the cushion removed from the back frame. [Figure 3] This is a disassembled perspective view focusing on the top panel. [Figure 4] This is an enlarged view of section IV in Figure 3. [Figure 5] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view showing the clip detached from the main substrate. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view of the upper half of the main pad, seen from the back of the pad. [Figure 7] This is a cross-sectional view of the main top panel, cut along the line VII-VII in Figure 6. [Figure 8] This is a front view showing the positional relationship between the clip attachment point and the soundproofing material. [Figure 9] This is a cross-sectional view of the main top panel, cut along the line IX-IX in Figure 8. [Figure 10] This is a cross-sectional view of the main top panel, cut along line XX in Figure 8. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0014] The embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0015] 《First Embodiment》 (Outline configuration of cushion body 2) First, the configuration of the cushion body 2 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 10. In the following description, when indicating each direction such as front-back, up-down, left-right, etc., it shall refer to the respective directions shown in each figure.

[0016] Also, when indicating each direction with "sheet" such as "sheet width direction", it shall refer to the direction based on the seat back 1 described later. Further, in the following description, when no specific reference figure is shown, or when there is no reference symbol corresponding to the reference figure, any one of FIGS. 1 to 10 shall be appropriately referred to.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 1, the cushion body 2 according to the present embodiment is applied to the seat back 1 that forms the backrest part of an automotive seat. As shown in FIG. 2, the seat back 1 has a cushion body 2 that elastically supports the back of the seated person, and a back frame 3 that supports the cushion body 2 from the back side (rear side) of the seat.

[0018] The cushion body 2 is configured to be divided into three divided elements: a top plate main part 4 that forms the central part in the seat width direction, and left and right top plate side parts 5 that form both side parts in the seat width direction. The back frame 3 is composed of a metal member assembled in a frame shape when viewed from the front.

[0019] Since the cushion body 2 is divided into the top plate main part 4 and each top plate side part 5 as described above, parts replacement according to the specification can be performed for each divided element. The top plate main part 4 and each top plate side part 5 are individually assembled to the back frame 3 after assembling their respective components into one for each divided element.

[0020] Specifically, each top panel side 5 is integrally fixed to the back frame 3 by fitting with clips (not shown) or fastening with bolts. The top panel main 4 is set to be fitted between each top panel side 5 from the front of the seat after they have been assembled to the back frame 3. Specifically, the top panel main 4 is fixed so that its upper and lower parts hook onto the upper and lower parts of the back frame 3.

[0021] The back frame 3 has a seat ventilator fan SV mounted in the upper area within its frame. The fan SV is configured to draw air from the seat surface through the main top plate 4. This air intake using the fan SV circulates air over the seat surface, reducing stuffiness when seated.

[0022] The main tabletop 4 and each tabletop side 5 are configured to share a common basic structure. Below, the configuration of each divided element of the cushion body 2 will be explained in detail, using the main tabletop 4 as an example.

[0023] As shown in Figure 3, the main top panel 4 comprises a main pad 4A made of foamed urethane and a main base material 4B made of resin that is laid on the back surface of the main pad 4A. The main top panel 4 also has a main cover 4C made of fabric that covers the main pad 4A from the pad surface side. The cover ends of the main cover 4C are pulled in and secured to the back surface of the main base material 4B.

[0024] As a result, the main cover 4C is integrated with the main base material 4B so as to enclose the main pad 4A between the main cover 4C and the main base material 4B. Consequently, the top panel main 4 is assembled to form a single module. Here, the main base material 4B corresponds to the "base material" of the present invention, and the main cover 4C corresponds to the "seat cover" of the present invention.

[0025] The main top panel 4 is integrally fixed by the main base material 4B, which is provided on its underside, being fitted into the upper part of the frame of the back frame 3 shown in Figure 2 from above the sheet. Furthermore, the main top panel 4 is integrally fixed by the lower cover end of its main cover 4C being pulled into the lower part of the frame of the back frame 3 from below and hooked onto the underside of the sheet.

[0026] As shown in Figure 3, the main base material 4B has resin clips CL attached at various points on it, which pull in and secure a portion of the main cover 4C through through holes A1 formed in the main pad 4A. Each clip CL is snap-fitted into its corresponding mounting portion BA formed on the main base material 4B by being pressed into it.

[0027] Next, the mounting structure of each clip CL to the main base material 4B will be explained in detail using the clips CL shown in Figures 4 and 5 as examples. The clip CL is attached to the mounting portion BA on the seat surface B1, which is the base material surface of the main base material 4B, by inserting it from the outside in the seat width direction. As a result, the clip CL is fixed in a state where it is pressed between the mounting portion BA and the seat surface B1.

[0028] As shown in Figure 5, the clip CL integrally comprises a flat clip seat CL1 that serves as the base when attached, and a suspension portion CL2 that extends forward from the clip seat CL1 towards the seat. The clip seat CL1 is formed in a flat shape that is vertically elongated when viewed from the front.

[0029] The suspension section CL2 is shaped to protrude in a U-shape in plan view from two intermediate points above and below the clip seat CL1 towards the front of the seat. The suspension section CL2 is configured to snap-fit ​​into place by pushing the suspension wire W (see Figure 7), which is pulled in from the main cover 4C, into the U-shape from the front of the seat.

[0030] The mounting portion BA has a pressing portion BA1 that presses the four corners of the clip seat CL1 between itself and the seat surface B1. The pressing portion BA1 protrudes from the seat surface B1 in a hook-like shape so as to press the four corners of the clip seat CL1 from the front of the seat. Between the pressing portion BA1 and the seat surface B1 there is an opening T into which the clip seat CL1 can be inserted by sliding it along the seat surface B1 from the outside in the width direction of the seat.

[0031] The retaining portion BA1 is inserted along the seating surface B1 until the clip seat CL1 is in a position to press down on all four corners, thereby bringing the clip seat CL1 into contact with two corners of the insertion point and locking it in place (see Figures 4 and 10). The mounting portion BA has a bulging portion BA2 that, when the clip seat CL1 is inserted as described above, causes the clip seat CL1 to bend in an arc between itself and the retaining portion BA1 during insertion.

[0032] The bulge portion BA2 is formed to bulge out from the seating surface B1 of the main base material 4B. More specifically, the bulge portion BA2 is formed to bulge out from the seating surface B1 in the central part between the two front corners of the retaining portion BA1 into which the clip seat CL1 is inserted.

[0033] The bulging portion BA2 is shaped to bulge in an inclined manner, allowing the clip seat CL1 to be inserted and mounted on top of the seat surface B1. Furthermore, the bulging portion BA2 is positioned so that when the clip seat CL1 is inserted until it is pressed down by the four corners of the pressing portion BA1, it restores the curvature of the clip seat CL1 (see Figures 5 and 9).

[0034] As shown in Figure 5, the clip seat CL1 has a shape with constrictions CL3 on both sides of its longitudinal center. As a result, when the clip seat CL1 is inserted from the outside in the seat width direction into the opening T between the retaining portion BA1 and the seat surface B1, the constrictions CL3 first prevent interference with the bulging portion BA2, and both the upper and lower ends fit between the two front corners of the retaining portion BA1 and the seat surface B1.

[0035] Next, as the insertion progresses, the clip seat CL1 rides up onto the bulge BA2. As a result, the clip seat CL1 is inserted between the retaining part BA1 and the seating surface B1, bending in an arc due to the two corners on the front side of the retaining part BA1 pressing down on both ends and the central part riding up onto the bulge BA2.

[0036] At this time, the suspension portion CL2 extending from the clip seat CL1 passes through the space between the two front corners of the pressing portion BA1, and therefore does not interfere with the pressing portion BA1. Then, as shown in Figure 4, the clip seat CL1 is inserted until its four corners are pressed down by the pressing portion BA1, causing it to descend from the bulging portion BA2 and restore its curvature. As a result, the bulging portion BA2 acts as a stopper that restricts the clip seat CL1 from coming outward in the seat width direction, and the clip seat CL1 is mounted in a state where it is pressed between the mounting portion BA and the seat surface B1 (see Figure 10).

[0037] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the main cover 4C is pulled in to the back of the seat through the corresponding through-holes A1 formed in the main pad 4A. When such through-holes A1 are formed in the main pad 4A, a gap is created between the main base material 4B and the main pad 4A, making it easier for the operating sound of the blower SV, as described in Figure 2, to be transmitted to the seated person through the through-holes A1.

[0038] Therefore, in order to suppress such sound leakage, a sponge sound-insulating member SM is provided on the back surface of the main pad 4A so as to individually surround each through-hole A1. Each sound-insulating member SM is attached to the back surface of the main pad 4A with double-sided tape. Alternatively, each sound-insulating member SM may be attached to the back surface of the main pad 4A with adhesive.

[0039] As shown in Figure 7, each soundproofing member SM is assembled so that the top plate main 4 forms a single module, and is pressed against the front surface of the main base material 4B. Specifically, as shown in Figure 8, each soundproofing member SM is provided so as to surround each through-hole A1, and is pressed against the pressing parts BA1 and their surroundings so as to pass over the pressing parts BA1 at the four corners of the main base material 4B.

[0040] As a result, each soundproofing member SM is compressed to match the uneven shape formed by the bulge extending from the seating surface B1 of the pressing part BA1 and the recesses between the four corners of the pressing part BA1. Consequently, as shown in Figure 7, the gap between the main pad 4A and the main base material 4B is filled by each soundproofing member SM.

[0041] Each soundproofing component SM is designed to be attached to the back surface of the main pad 4A, making it easy to properly align it to surround each through-hole A1. Furthermore, by using a porous sponge as each soundproofing component SM, sound leakage can be effectively suppressed. In addition, each soundproofing component SM can be appropriately compressed to match the shape of the gap between the main pad 4A and the main base material 4B, thereby effectively suppressing sound leakage regardless of the shape of the gap.

[0042] In summary, the cushion body 2 according to this embodiment has the following configuration. The reference numerals in parentheses below correspond to the respective configurations shown in the above embodiment.

[0043] In other words, the cushion body (2) is configured to be divided into three dividing elements: a main top plate (4) that forms the central part in the width direction of the seat, and each top plate side (5) that forms the sides in the width direction of the seat. At least one of the dividing elements has a base material (4B) that serves as the support base, a seat cover (4C) that directly or indirectly covers the base material (4B) from the front side of the seat, and a clip (CL) that is attached to the base material (4B) and suspends a part of the seat cover (4C).

[0044] The clip (CL) has a clip base (CL1) that is attached to the seat surface (B1) of the base material (4B), and a suspension part (CL2) that suspends the seat cover (4C). The base material (4B) has a mounting part (BA) that snap-fits the clip base (CL1) into place by sliding it in a direction along the seat surface (B1) and pressing it between itself and the seat surface (B1).

[0045] In this way, by providing a mounting portion (BA) on the base material (4B) that can receive the clip seat (CL1) in a direction along the seat surface (B1) and snap-fit ​​it into place, the seat surface (B1) of the base material (4B) can function as a guide for mounting. As a result, the protrusion of the mounting portion (BA) from the base material (4B) can be reduced, making it more compact.

[0046] Furthermore, the mounting portion (BA) includes a pressing portion (BA1) into which the clip seat (CL1) can be inserted by sliding it along the seat surface (B1) and pressing it between the seat surface (B1), and a bulging portion (BA2) that causes the clip seat (CL1) to bend between the pressing portion (BA1) and the seat surface (B1) by bulging from the seat surface (B1) as it is inserted. The mounting portion (BA) is attached by inserting it to a position beyond the bulging portion (BA2) and restoring the curvature of the clip seat (CL1) so that it is pressed between the pressing portion (BA1) and the seat surface (B1). In this way, by making the clip seat (CL1) bend rather than the mounting portion (BA) of the base material (4B), the structural strength of the base material (4B) can be ensured and the clip seat (CL1) can be firmly attached.

[0047] Furthermore, the seating surface (B1) of the base material (4B) to which the clip seat (CL1) is attached is the surface of the base material. With the above configuration, there is no need to provide a hole in the base material (4B) for passing the hanging part (CL2) of the clip (CL) from the back side, so the mounting part (BA) can be made simpler.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 1. The cushioning material of the present invention can be applied to seats of vehicles other than automobiles, such as trains, aircraft, and ships. Furthermore, the cushioning material can be applied to seats for non-vehicle use installed in various facilities such as sports facilities, theaters, concert venues, and event venues. In addition, the cushioning material can be applied to seat structures other than seat cushions, such as seat cushions, headrests, ottomans, and armrests.

[0050] 2. The cushioning body may not have a seat pad, and the seat cover may directly cover the base material. Alternatively, instead of a seat pad, the cushioning body may have a thin under-surface cushion made of elastomer or urethane on the surface of the base material.

[0051] The dividing element of the cushion body to which the clips for suspending the seat cover from the base material are attached may be on the side of the top panel. The attachment part formed on the base material may be one in which the clip base is inserted while being bent and then restored, or it may be one in which the clip base is snap-fitted in with the bending of the retaining part.

[0052] Furthermore, the mounting part only needs to be designed to snap-fit ​​into place by sliding the clip base along the seat surface and pressing it against the seat surface. Specifically, the mounting part may snap-fit ​​into place by sliding the clip base not only in the seat width direction on the seat back but also in the seat height direction. The same applies when applied to other seat structures.

[0053] Furthermore, the mounting portion may be formed so that the clip base is attached to the back surface (seat surface) of the base material. However, in that case, a hole must be provided in the base material for passing the hanging portion of the clip from the back side to the front side. In addition, the hole must be such that the hanging portion of the clip can slide through in order to slide the clip base along the seat surface and snap-fit ​​it into the mounting portion. [Explanation of symbols]

[0054] 1 seat back 2 cushion body 3 Backframe 4. Main top panel 4A Main Pad A1 through hole 4B Main substrate (substrate) B1 Seat 4C Main Cover (Seat Cover) 5. Side of the tabletop CL Clip CL1 Clip Seat CL2 suspension section CL3 Waist BA mounting area BA1 Retaining part BA2 bulge SM soundproofing material SV blower T opening W suspension wire

Claims

1. A cushion body that elastically supports the seated person, The cushion body is divided into three dividing elements: a main top plate that forms the central part in the width direction of the seat, and two side top plate sections that form the sides in the width direction of the seat. At least one of the dividing elements comprises a base material that serves as a support base, a sheet cover that directly or indirectly covers the base material from the front side of the sheet, and a clip that is attached to the base material and suspends a part of the sheet cover. The clip has a clip base that is attached to the seat surface of the base material and a suspension part that suspends the seat cover, The cushion body has a mounting portion which snap-fits the clip seat between itself and the seat surface by sliding the clip seat in a direction along the seat surface.

2. A cushion body according to claim 1, The mounting portion includes a pressing portion into which the clip seat can be inserted so as to press it between itself and the seat surface by sliding it in a direction along the seat surface, and a bulging portion that causes the clip seat to bend between itself and the pressing portion as it is inserted due to a bulge from the seat surface, and the cushion body is mounted so as to press the clip seat between itself and the seat surface by inserting it to a position beyond the bulging portion, thereby restoring the curvature of the clip seat.

3. The cushion body according to claim 2, The cushion body whose seating surface is the surface of the base material to which the clip seat is attached.

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