Seat frame structure

Abstract

In the seat frame structure, interference with the central member of the cross frame is suppressed when a lateral collision occurs. [Solution] A pair of separate seats 12 are provided independently on the left and right sides. The center console 13 is provided between the separate seats 12. Each separate seat 12 comprises a side frame 16 and a cross frame 17. The side frame 16 is provided on the seat surface side and extends in the front-rear direction of the vehicle on both the left and right sides. The cross frame 17 is provided on the seat surface side, extends in the vehicle width direction, has both ends fixed to the side frame 16, and is retractable in the vehicle width direction.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a seat frame structure.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses that a battery, a DC-DC converter, and the like are arranged in a center console located between left and right separate seats.

PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

PATENT DOCUMENTS

[0003]

PATENT DOCUMENT 1

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0004] A cross frame extending in the vehicle width direction is provided on the seat surface side of each separate seat. Therefore, when the vehicle is collided from the side, the cross frame is pushed inward in the vehicle width direction, which may interfere with a central member such as a center console. An object of the present invention is to suppress interference of a cross frame with a central member when a side collision occurs in a seat frame structure.

MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEM

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, a seat frame structure includes a pair of separate seats and a central member. The pair of separate seats are provided independently on the left and right sides. The central member is provided between the separate seats. Each separate seat includes a side frame and a cross frame. The side frame is provided on the seat surface side and extends in the vehicle front-rear direction on both left and right sides. The cross frame is provided on the seat surface side, extends in the vehicle width direction, has both ends fixed to the side frames, and is contractible in the vehicle width direction.

EFFECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0006] According to the present invention, by making the cross frame retractable, interference between the cross frame and the central member can be suppressed when a collision occurs from the side. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This is a diagram showing the seat frame structure. [Figure 2] This diagram shows a retractable cross frame. [Figure 3] This is a diagram showing the pipe and the pipe according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a diagram showing a modified example. [Figure 5] This is a diagram showing the pipe and the pipe according to the second embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a diagram showing the pipe and pipe of the third embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a diagram showing the pipe and the pipe according to the fourth embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the drawings are schematic and may differ from actual examples. Furthermore, the following embodiments are illustrative examples of devices and methods for realizing the technical concept of the present invention, and do not limit the configuration to those described below. In other words, the technical concept of the present invention can be modified in various ways within the technical scope described in the claims.

[0009] 《First Embodiment》 "composition" Figure 1 shows the seat frame structure 11. The seat frame structure 11 is, for example, the front seat of a vehicle and comprises a pair of separate seats 12 and a center console 13 (central member). The pair of separate seats 12 are provided independently on the left and right sides. The center console 13 is provided between the separate seats 12 and houses high-voltage components such as a DC-DC converter, a service disconnect switch, and a battery.

[0010] The separate seat 12 includes a seat cushion on the seat surface side, a side frame 16, and a cross frame 17. Here, the cushion is omitted and only the frame is shown. The side frame 16 is made of metal, extends in the front-rear direction of the vehicle on both the left and right sides, and is formed in a plate shape along the front-rear and up-down directions. The cross frame 17 is made of metal, extends in the vehicle width direction, has both ends fixed to the side frame 16, and is retractable in the vehicle width direction. The method of fixing the side frame 16 and the cross frame 17 is arbitrary. For example, holes may be formed in the side frame 16 that penetrate in the vehicle width direction and the ends of the cross frame 17 may be joined by riveting, or the ends of the cross frame 17 may be welded to the sides of the side frame 16.

[0011] Figure 2 shows a retractable cross frame 17. Figure (a) shows the uncontracted cross frame 17 in the separate seat 12 of the left seat of the vehicle, viewed from above. The cross frame 17 is equipped with a two-tiered pipe 21 (cylindrical member) and pipe 22 (cylindrical member). Pipes 21 and 22 are cylindrical pipes. Pipe 21 is on the inside in the vehicle width direction, and pipe 22 is on the outside in the vehicle width direction. Pipe 21 is thicker than pipe 22, and the inner diameter of pipe 21 corresponds to the outer diameter of pipe 22. The inner side of pipe 22 in the vehicle width direction fits into the outer side of pipe 21 in the vehicle width direction. Figure (b) shows the contracted cross frame 17, viewed from above. When the vehicle is hit from the side (in this case, the left side), the outer side frame 16 is pushed inward. At this time, pipe 22 is pushed more deeply than pipe 21, and the cross frame 17 contracts.

[0012] Figure 3 shows pipes 21 and 22 of the first embodiment. Here, the pipes 21 and 22 of the separate seat 12 in the left seat of the vehicle are shown as viewed from above. The cross frame 17 is equipped with a pin 31 (first pin). The pin 31 penetrates the pipes 21 and 22 in the longitudinal direction in the area where they overlap, and connects them with a bolt and nut. The pin 31 breaks when the pipes 21 and 22 are subjected to a load in the direction of contraction. In order to ensure that the cross frame 17 contracts when the vehicle is hit from the side, the breaking load (shear force) of the pin 31 is set to be smaller than the breaking load at the joint between the side frame 16 and the cross frame 17. In the normal state when the cross frame 17 is not contracted, the overlapping length Lo of the pipes 21 and 22 is set to be larger than the inner diameter di of the pipe 21 and smaller than the length Lt in the vehicle width direction of the pipe 21.

[0013] Effects and Benefits Next, the main effects and advantages of the first embodiment will be described. (1) The seat frame structure 11 comprises a pair of separate seats 12 and a center console 13. The pair of separate seats 12 are provided independently on the left and right sides. The center console 13 is provided between the separate seats 12. Each separate seat 12 comprises a side frame 16 and a cross frame 17. The side frame 16 is provided on the seat surface side and extends in the front-rear direction of the vehicle on both the left and right sides. The cross frame 17 is provided on the seat surface side, extends in the vehicle width direction, has both ends fixed to the side frame 16, and is retractable in the vehicle width direction. By making the cross frame 17 retractable in this way, interference between the cross frame 17 and the center console 13 can be suppressed when a collision occurs from the side.

[0014] (2) The cross frame 17 comprises pipes 21 and 22 and a pin 31. Pipes 21 and 22 extend in the vehicle width direction and are fitted together in a retractable state. The pin 31 passes through pipes 21 and 22 in a direction perpendicular to the vehicle width direction in the area where pipes 21 and 22 overlap, connecting them together, and breaks when pipes 21 and 22 are subjected to a load in the contraction direction. This ensures that the cross frame 17 remains extended when not subjected to a load in the vehicle width direction, thereby ensuring the rigidity of the seat cushion. When subjected to a load in the vehicle width direction, the pin 31 can be broken to contract the cross frame 17. The breaking load can be easily controlled by the thickness and material of the pin 31, so that the cross frame 17 does not penetrate the inner side frame 16.

[0015] (3) Pipes 21 and 22 are cylindrical. The overlapping length Lo of pipes 21 and 22 is greater than the inner diameter di of the wider of the two pipes 21 and 22. When subjected to a load in the width direction of the vehicle, the cross frame 17 is subjected to a moment around the axis of the pin 31, but by ensuring a sufficient overlapping length Lo of pipes 21 and 22, the rigidity of the cross frame 17 can be increased, and it is possible to suppress it from breaking or coming apart. (4) The pipe 21 located on the inner side in the vehicle width direction is thicker than the pipe 22 located on the outer side in the vehicle width direction. As a result, the pressure per unit area input to the inner side frame 16 is reduced, and the pipe 21 can be prevented from penetrating through the inner side frame 16.

[0016] <<Modified Example>> In the first embodiment, the configuration in which the cross frame 17 is of a two-stage type has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. That is, the cross frame 17 may be of a three-stage type. Figure 4 is a diagram showing a modified example. (a) in the drawing shows a state where the unshrunk cross frame 17 is viewed from above. The cross frame 17 includes a three-stage type pipe 21 (cylindrical member), a pipe 22 (cylindrical member), and a pipe 23 (cylindrical member). The pipe 21, the pipe 22, and the pipe 23 are thicker toward the inner side in the vehicle width direction. (b) in the drawing shows a state where the shrunk cross frame 17 is viewed from above. The three-stage type has a higher shrinkage rate than the two-stage type. Therefore, interference of the cross frame 17 with the center console 13 can be effectively suppressed.

[0017] In the first embodiment, the center console 13 in which high-voltage components are stored is taken as an example of the central member disposed between the separate seats 12, but the present invention is not limited to this. That is, the center console 13 in which no high-voltage components are stored may be used. Furthermore, any member such as a seat belt buckle may be used. In the first embodiment, the configuration in which the pipe 21 and the pipe 22 are connected by the pin 31 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. That is, the pipe 21 and the pipe 22 may be connected by press-fitting. In the first embodiment, the cross frame 17 is configured by a plurality of cylindrical members, but the present invention is not limited to this. As long as it can shrink in the vehicle width direction, it may be configured by a plurality of frames that have a U-shaped cross section and are fitted to each other.

[0018] <<Second Embodiment>> <<Configuration>> The second embodiment shows another configuration for connecting pipes 21 and 22. Since the other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment described above, common parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed explanations are omitted. Figure 5 shows pipes 21 and 22 of the second embodiment. Here, the pipes 21 and 22 of the separate seat 12 in the left seat of the vehicle are shown as viewed from the front. The cross frame 17 is equipped with a pin 32 (second pin). Pin 32 penetrates pipes 21 and 22 vertically in the area where they overlap, and connects them with a bolt and nut. Both pins 31 and 32 break when pipes 21 and 22 are subjected to a load in the direction of contraction. In order to ensure that the cross frame 17 contracts when the vehicle is hit from the side, the sum of the breaking loads (shear forces) of pins 31 and 32 is set to be less than the breaking load at the joint between the side frame 16 and the cross frame 17.

[0019] Effects and Benefits Next, the main effects and advantages of the second embodiment will be described. (1) The cross frame 17 is equipped with a pin 32. The pin 32 penetrates the pipes 21 and 22 in a direction perpendicular to the vehicle width direction and perpendicular to the pin 31 in the area where the pipes 21 and 22 overlap, connecting them together, and breaks when subjected to a load in the vehicle width direction. This allows the cross frame 17 to maintain an extended state under normal conditions when no load is being subjected to a load in the vehicle width direction, ensuring the rigidity of the seat cushion. When subjected to a load in the vehicle width direction, both the pin 31 and the pin 32 can break, causing the cross frame 17 to contract. The breaking load can be easily controlled by the thickness and material of the pins 31 and 32, thus preventing the cross frame 17 from penetrating the inner side frame 16. Since the connection is made by two pins, the pin 31 and the pin 32, the pin can be made thinner than if it were connected by only one pin 31. Therefore, the through holes formed in the pipes 21 and 22 can be made smaller, and a decrease in the strength and rigidity of the pipes 21 and 22 can be prevented. Other effects and benefits resulting from the common configuration are the same as those of the first embodiment described above.

[0020] Third Embodiment "composition" The third embodiment shows another aspect of the cross frame 17, and the other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment described above. Therefore, common parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions are omitted. Figure 6 shows pipes 21 and 22 of the third embodiment. Here, the pipes 21 and 22 of the separate seat 12 in the left seat of the vehicle are shown as viewed from above. The cross frame 17 is equipped with a cushioning material 36. The cushioning material 36 is made of, for example, rubber, foaming agent, nonwoven fabric, etc., is formed in a sheet shape, and is interposed between the pipes 21 and 22 in the area where they overlap. The cushioning material 36 may be provided over the entire circumference, or it may be provided in part or in multiple locations in the circumference.

[0021] Effects and Benefits Next, the main effects and advantages of the third embodiment will be described. (1) The cross frame 17 is equipped with a cushioning material 36. The cushioning material 36 is interposed between the pipes 21 and 22 in the area where they overlap. This suppresses rattling of the pipes 21 and 22. Other effects and benefits resulting from the common configuration are the same as those of the first embodiment described above.

[0022] 《Fourth Embodiment》 "composition" The fourth embodiment shows another aspect of the cross frame 17, and the other configurations are the same as those of the third embodiment described above. Therefore, common parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions are omitted. Figure 7 shows pipes 21 and 22 of the fourth embodiment. Here, the pipes 21 and 22 of the separate seat 12 in the left seat of the vehicle body are shown as viewed from above. The cross frame 17 is equipped with a cushioning material 41. The cushioning material 41 is a piezoelectric element, formed in a sheet shape, and interposed between pipes 21 and 22 in the area where they overlap. The cushioning material 41 may be provided over the entire circumference, or it may be provided on at least one of the upper and lower parts of the circumference.

[0023] Effects and Benefits Next, the main effects and advantages of the fourth embodiment will be described. (1) The cross frame 17 is equipped with a cushioning material 41. The cushioning material 41 is a piezoelectric element interposed between the pipes 21 and 22 to detect when an occupant is seated. This allows the sensor to suppress rattling of the pipes 21 and 22 and to detect when an occupant is seated. Generally, the seat cushion of a separate seat 12 is provided with a sensor to detect when an occupant is seated. Therefore, the function of suppressing rattling of the pipes 21 and 22 and the function of detecting when an occupant is seated can be realized with a single cushioning material 41. Other effects and benefits resulting from the common configuration are the same as those of the first embodiment described above.

[0024] Although the above description has been made with reference to a limited number of embodiments, the scope of the rights is not limited to these, and modifications of the embodiments based on the above disclosure will be obvious to those skilled in the art. Furthermore, each embodiment and modification can be adopted in any combination. [Explanation of symbols]

[0025] 11...Seat frame structure, 12...Separate seats, 13...Center console, 16...Side frame, 17...Cross frame, 21...Pipe, 22...Pipe, 23...Pipe, 31...Pin, 32...Pin, 36...Cushioning material, 41...Cushioning material

Claims

1. A pair of separate seats, independently provided on the left and right sides, It comprises a central member provided between the aforementioned separate sheets, The aforementioned separate sheet is, Side frames are provided on the seat side and extend in the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle on both the left and right sides, A seat frame structure characterized by comprising a cross frame provided on the seat surface side, extending in the vehicle width direction, with both ends fixed to the side frame, and being retractable in the vehicle width direction.

2. The aforementioned cross frame is Multiple cylindrical members that extend in the width direction of the vehicle and are fitted together in a retractable state, The seat frame structure according to claim 1, further comprising: a first pin that penetrates the pair of cylindrical members in a direction perpendicular to the vehicle width direction, connecting them in the area where the pair of cylindrical members overlap, and which breaks when the pair of cylindrical members are subjected to a load in the contraction direction.

3. The aforementioned cylindrical member is cylindrical, The sheet frame structure according to claim 2, characterized in that the length over which the pair of cylindrical members overlap is greater than the inner diameter of the thicker of the cylindrical members.

4. The aforementioned cross frame is The seat frame structure according to claim 2, characterized in that a second pin is provided which passes through the cylindrical members in a direction perpendicular to the vehicle width direction and perpendicular to the first pin in the area where the pair of cylindrical members overlap, and which breaks when subjected to a load in the vehicle width direction.

5. The seat frame structure according to claim 2, characterized in that the cylindrical member located on the inside in the vehicle width direction is thicker than the cylindrical member located on the outside in the vehicle width direction.

6. The aforementioned cross frame is The seat frame structure according to claim 2, characterized in that a cushioning material is interposed between the pair of cylindrical members in the area where they overlap.

7. The seat frame structure according to claim 6, characterized in that the cushioning material is a piezoelectric element for detecting the presence of an occupant.

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