cushion body

Abstract

To provide a cushion that can appropriately distribute the seating load. [Solution] The cushion body 2, which elastically supports the seated person, 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 base material 4B that serves as a support base assembled to the cushion frame 3 from the seat surface, and a seat cover that directly or indirectly covers the base material 4B from the seat surface. The base material 4B has a pair of frame side parts B1 that extend along the inside of each lower arm 3A of the cushion frame 3, and a pair of bellows parts B4 that make a part of each frame side part B1 expandable and contractible.

Description

Technical Field

[0006] ,

[0007] , ,

[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 it, and a seat that is divided into three parts in the seat width direction. Specifically, the cushion body is divided into a top plate main body that forms the central part in the seat width direction and each top plate side that forms both side parts in the seat width direction.

[0003] The top plate main body and each top plate side are configured such that each terminal of the seat cover that wraps the individual seat pads is fixed to a resin base material laid on the back surface of the pad. Thereby, the top plate main body and each top plate side 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 base material has a shape that extends with a substantially constant cross-section. Therefore, when a seating load is input to the cushion body, stress tends to concentrate on a part of the base material. Thus, the present invention provides a cushion body capable of appropriately dispersing the seating load.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] As means for solving the above problems, the cushion body of the present invention takes 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 that forms the central part in the seat width direction, and each side top plate that forms the side portions in the seat width direction, and the main top plate has a base material that serves as a support base assembled to the seat frame from the seat surface side, and a seat cover that directly or indirectly covers the base material from the seat surface side, and the base material has a pair of frame side portions that extend along the inside of each frame side portion of the seat frame, and a pair of bellows portions that make a part of the pair of frame side portions expandable and contractible.

[0008] According to the first invention, the pair of frame sides of the base material can be flexed by extending or bending the bellows section in response to the input of a seating load. This allows the seating load to be properly distributed without being concentrated on a part of the base material.

[0009] The second invention of the present invention is the cushion body in the first invention described above, wherein the cushion body is applied to a seat cushion, and the pair of bellows sections are formed in the region between a front panel which is bridged between each of the frame sides and a front pipe which is bridged between each of the frame sides further back from the front panel.

[0010] According to the second invention, in the region in front of the seat from the front pipe, the pair of frame sides of the base material can be flexibly bent by the bellows. Furthermore, in the region behind the seat from the front pipe, the surface rigidity of the pair of frame sides of the base material can be ensured. Therefore, the seating load can be appropriately distributed while suppressing the collapse of the support form of the cushion body in the region behind the seat from the front pipe.

[0011] The third invention of the present invention is a cushion body in which the front panel is a tilt panel that is moved to adjust the tilt angle, in the second invention described above.

[0012] According to the third invention, the base material can be made to flex in a way that appropriately follows the tilting motion of the sheet frame.

[0013] The fourth invention of the present invention is a cushion body in which, in any of the first to third inventions, a pair of bellows sections are formed in a position where they are retracted inward from the outer edges of the corresponding pair of frame sides, and the wavy fold lines are oriented to extend in the sheet width direction.

[0014] According to the fourth invention, the pair of bellows sections can be configured to be less likely to interfere with surrounding components located on the outside of the corresponding pair of frame sides. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [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 cushion frame. [Figure 3] This is a disassembled perspective view showing the main sheet pad on the top panel removed from the base material. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view showing the base material assembled onto the cushion frame. [Figure 5] This is a plan view of Figure 4. [Figure 6] This is an enlarged view of section VI in Figure 4. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0016] The embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0017] 《First Embodiment》 First, the configuration of the cushion body 2 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 6. In the following description, when directions such as front, back, up, down, left, and right are indicated, they refer to the respective directions shown in each figure.

[0018] In addition, when indicating the "sheet" in each direction such as the "sheet width direction", it shall refer to the direction based on the seat cushion 1 described later. Also, in the following description, when no specific reference diagram is shown or there is no reference sign corresponding to the reference diagram, any one of FIGS. 1 to 6 shall be appropriately referred to.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 1, the cushion body 2 according to the present embodiment is applied to the seat cushion 1 that forms the seating portion of an automotive seat. As shown in FIG. 2, the seat cushion 1 has a cushion body 2 that elastically supports the buttocks of the seated person, and a cushion frame 3 that supports the cushion body 2 from the back side (lower side) of the seat.

[0020] The cushion body 2 is configured to be divided into three divided elements: a top plate main body 4 that forms the central portion in the sheet width direction, and left and right top plate sides 5 that form both side portions in the sheet width direction. The cushion frame 3 is composed of metal members assembled in a frame shape in plan view. Here, the cushion frame 3 corresponds to the "seat frame" of the present invention.

[0021] Specifically, the cushion frame 3 has a pair of left and right lower arms 3A that form a skeleton along each side portion of the left and right of the seat cushion 1. The cushion frame 3 also has a front pipe 3B integrally bridged between the front portions of the respective lower arms 3A. The cushion frame 3 further has a rear pipe 3C integrally bridged between the rear portions of the respective lower arms 3A. Here, each lower arm 3A corresponds to the "frame side portion" of the present invention.

[0022] The cushion frame 3 also has a tilt panel 3D that forms a skeleton along the front portion of the seat cushion 1. The cushion frame 3 further has a pair of left and right tilt arms 3E that extend rearward from each side portion of the left and right of the tilt panel iced to the corresponding lower arms 3A rotatably. Here, the tilt panel 3D corresponds to the "front panel" of the present invention.

[0023] Each tilt arm 3E is connected at its rear end to the corresponding lower arm 3A so as to be rotatable around an axis (rotation center 3R) extending in the seat width direction. Each tilt arm 3E rotates around the rotation center 3R by a rotational driving force transmitted from a drive unit (not shown). This adjusts the tilt angle of the tilt panel 3D relative to each lower arm 3A.

[0024] As described above, the cushion body 2 is divided into the main top panel 4 and each top panel side panel 5, allowing for the replacement of parts according to the specifications for each divided element. The main top panel 4 and each top panel side panel 5 are assembled into separate components for each divided element, and then individually attached to the cushion frame 3.

[0025] Specifically, each tabletop side 5 is integrally fixed to the cushion frame 3 by fitting with clips (not shown) or fastening with bolts. The main tabletop 4 is snap-fitted into place from above between each tabletop side 5 after they have been assembled to the cushion frame 3.

[0026] The main top panel 4 and each top panel side panel 5 share a common basic structure. The main top panel 4 and each top panel side panel 5 are configured to flex in order to appropriately follow the tilt movement that adjusts the tilt angle of the cushion frame 3 described above. The configuration of each divided element of the cushion body 2 will be explained in detail below, using the configuration of the main top panel 4 as an example.

[0027] As shown in Figure 3, the main top panel 4 has a foamed urethane sheet pad 4A and a resin base material 4B laid on the back surface of the sheet pad 4A. The main top panel 4 also has a fabric sheet cover 4C that covers the sheet pad 4A from the pad surface side. The cover ends of the sheet cover 4C are pulled in and secured to the back surface of the base material 4B.

[0028] As a result, the seat cover 4C is integrated with the base material 4B so as to enclose the seat pad 4A between the seat cover 4C and the base material 4B. Consequently, the main top panel 4 is assembled to form a single module.

[0029] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the base material 4B of the main top plate 4 is formed in a frame shape in plan view that extends along the frame shape of the cushion frame 3. Specifically, the base material 4B has a pair of left and right frame sides B1 that extend in the front-rear direction of the seat along each lower arm 3A and within their inner regions.

[0030] Furthermore, the base material 4B has a front frame portion B2 that extends in the sheet width direction along the upper surface of the tilt panel 3D. The front frame portion B2 is shaped to bend downwards towards the front so as to overlap the upper surface and front of the tilt panel 3D.

[0031] Furthermore, the base material 4B has a rear frame portion B3 that extends in the seat width direction along the upper surface of the rear pipe 3C. The rear frame portion B3 is shaped to bend downwards towards the rear so as to extend over the area from the upper surface to the rear surface of the rear pipe 3C.

[0032] The base material 4B is assembled to the cushion frame 3 as follows: First, the rear frame B3 of the base material 4B is set so as to fit over the top of the rear pipe 3C. Next, the front frame B2 of the base material 4B is set so as to fit over the top of the tilt panel 3D. Then, a claw (not shown) formed on the lower edge of the front frame B2 is snapped into place on the lower surface of the front edge of the tilt panel 3D.

[0033] As a result, when viewed as the main top panel 4 shown in Figure 1, its rear end tucks under the seat back (not shown) and is supported from below by the rear pipe 3C. In addition, the front part of the main top panel 4 is integrally connected to the tilt panel 3D.

[0034] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, each frame side B1 of the base material 4B has a corrugated bellows section B4 formed in the middle of the sheet in the front-to-back direction, allowing each section to expand and contract in the front-to-back direction. As shown in Figure 5, each bellows section B4 is formed in the region between the tilt panel 3D and the front pipe 3B located behind it when viewed in plan.

[0035] As shown in Figure 6, each bellows section B4 is formed in a position that is retracted inward in the sheet width direction from the outer edge of the corresponding frame side section B1. This configuration makes it less likely for each bellows section B4 to interfere with surrounding components (not shown) located outside each frame side section B1.

[0036] Each bellows section B4 has a bellows shape in which its wavy folds extend in the direction of the sheet width. In addition, each bellows section B4 is shaped to taper upwards of the sheet due to the draft angle set during resin molding of the base material 4B.

[0037] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the base material 4B is able to flex in a way that allows it to appropriately follow the tilting motion of the cushion frame 3, due to the formation of such bellows sections B4 on each frame side B1. Specifically, the base material 4B flexes in a way that extends and bends each bellows section B4 in accordance with the movement of the tilt panel 3D being pulled up around the rotation center 3R.

[0038] Furthermore, the base material 4B is restored to its original shape by adjusting the extension and bending of each bellows section B4 in accordance with the movement of the tilt panel 3D being lowered from the raised position. This flexibility of the base material 4B allows it to appropriately follow the tilt movement of the cushion frame 3 without hindering its movement.

[0039] The base material 4B is elastically supported from the underside (bottom) of the seat by a cushion spring (not shown) that spans between the front pipe 3B and the rear pipe 3C. With respect to this base material 4B, each bellows section B4 is formed in a region in front of the front pipe 3B, allowing each bellows section B4 to flex in a region in front of the front pipe 3B.

[0040] This ensures surface rigidity of each frame side B1 of the base material 4B in the region behind the front pipe 3B. As a result, it is possible to suppress the collapse of the support configuration of the base material 4B due to cushion springs (not shown).

[0041] In other words, if each bellows section B4 is formed in a region behind the front pipe 3B on each frame side B1, there is a risk that it will deflect too much due to the input of a seating load, creating a difference in circumference between it and a cushion spring (not shown). However, by forming each bellows section B4 in a region in front of the front pipe 3B, each frame side B1 can be deflected together with the cushion spring without creating a large difference in circumference between them.

[0042] Because the base material 4B has bellows sections B4 formed on it, when a seating load is applied, it can bend and flex while stretching each bellows section B4. This allows the seating load to be properly distributed without concentrating it on a part of the base material 4B.

[0043] 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.

[0044] In other words, the cushion body (2) that elastically supports the seated person 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 side top plate (5) that forms the side parts in the seat width direction. The main top plate (4) has a base material (4B) that serves as a support base assembled to the seat frame (3) from the seat surface, and a seat cover (4C) that directly or indirectly covers the base material (4B) from the seat surface.

[0045] The base material (4B) has a pair of frame side portions (B1) that extend along the inside of each frame side portion (3A) of the seat frame (3), and a pair of bellows portions (B4) that make a part of the pair of frame side portions (B1) expandable and contractible. With the above configuration, the pair of frame side portions (B1) of the base material (4B) can be flexed in response to the input of a seating load so as to extend or bend the bellows portions (B4). This allows the seating load to be properly distributed without concentrating it on a part of the base material (4B).

[0046] Furthermore, the cushion body (2) is applied to the seat cushion (1). A pair of bellows sections (B4) are formed in the region between the front panel (3D), which is bridged between each frame side (3A), and the front pipe (3B), which is bridged between each frame side (3A) further back than the front panel (3D) and the seat.

[0047] According to the above configuration, in the area in front of the seat from the front pipe (3B), the pair of frame side portions (B1) of the base material (4B) can be flexibly bent by the bellows portion (B4). In addition, in the area behind the seat from the front pipe (3B), the surface rigidity of the pair of frame side portions (B1) of the base material (4B) can be ensured. Therefore, the seating load can be appropriately distributed while suppressing the collapse of the support form of the cushion body (2) in the area behind the seat from the front pipe (3B).

[0048] Furthermore, the front panel (3D) is a tilt panel (3D) that can be moved to adjust the tilt angle. With the above configuration, the base material (4B) can be flexed to appropriately follow the tilt movement of the seat frame (3).

[0049] Furthermore, a pair of bellows sections (B4) are formed in a position where they are retracted inward from the outer edges of the corresponding pair of frame sides (B1). Moreover, the pair of bellows sections (B4) are oriented so that the wavy folds extend in the sheet width direction. With the above configuration, it is possible to make it difficult for the pair of bellows sections (B4) to interfere with surrounding parts that are positioned outside the corresponding pair of frame sides (B1).

[0050] 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.

[0051] The cushioning material of the present invention can be applied to seats in 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.

[0052] Furthermore, the cushioning material can be applied to seat structures other than seat cushions, such as seat backs, headrests, ottomans, and armrests. The cushioning material may not have a seat pad, and the seat cover may directly cover the base material. Alternatively, instead of a seat pad, the cushioning material may have a thin under-surface cushion made of elastomer or urethane on the surface of the base material.

[0053] The cushioning body may be applied to a seat cushion that does not have a mechanism for adjusting the tilt angle. Even with such a configuration, by forming bellows sections on each frame side of the base material, each frame side can be flexed by bending while extending the bellows sections in response to the input of a seating load. This allows the seating load to be properly distributed without concentrating it on a part of the base material.

[0054] When the cushioning material is applied to a seat back with an adjustable folding angle, the formation of bellows sections on each frame side of the base material allows the base material to flex appropriately to follow the folding motion. When the cushioning material is applied to a seat cushion, the bellows sections formed on each frame side of the base material may be formed in the area behind the seat, rather than in the front pipe. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0055] 1 seat cushion 2 cushion body 3. Cushion frame (seat frame) 3A Lower arm (frame side) 3B Front Pipe 3C Rear Pipe 3D tilt panel (front panel) 3E Tilt Arm 3R Rotation Center 4. Main top panel 4A Seat Pad 4B Base material B1 Frame side B2 Front of frame B3 Rear of frame B4 bellows section 4C Seat Covers 5. Side of the tabletop

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. The main top panel comprises a base material that serves as a support base assembled to the seat frame from the front side of the seat, and a seat cover that directly or indirectly covers the base material from the front side of the seat. The cushion body comprises a base material having a pair of frame side portions extending along the inside of each frame side portion of the sheet frame, and a pair of bellows portions that make a part of the pair of frame side portions expandable and contractible.

2. A cushion body according to claim 1, The cushion body is applied to the seat cushion, A pair of bellows sections form a cushion in the region between a front panel that bridges each of the frame sides and a front pipe that bridges each of the frame sides further back than the front panel.

3. The cushion body according to claim 2, The aforementioned front panel is a cushion body that acts as a tilt panel, which is moved to adjust the tilt angle.

4. A cushion body according to any one of claims 1 to 3, A cushion body in which a pair of bellows sections are formed in a position where they are drawn inward from the outer edges of the corresponding pair of frame sides, and the wavy folds are oriented to extend in the sheet width direction.

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