Vehicle seats

Abstract

To provide a vehicle seat which can suppress rattling of a seat cushion with a lifting device.SOLUTION: A vehicle seat includes a lifting device of a seat cushion. The lifting device includes: a pinion gear; a sector gear which is engaged with the pinion gear; a link which rotates with the sector gear regarding a cushion frame; and a rubber element which is attached to the cushion frame. The link is deviated between a first position where a position of the seat cushion is the lowest and a second position where a position of the seat cushion is the highest. The rubber element is brought into pressure contact with the sector gear in a direction crossing a rotation axis of the sector gear when the link is positioned at any of the first position, the second position, and a region between the first position and the second position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to vehicle seats. [Background technology]

[0002] A seat installed in an automobile or the like is provided with a lifting device, such as a lifter device, that moves a cushion frame up and down. The lifting device has a pinion gear that is rotated by a power source such as an actuator, a sector gear that meshes with the pinion gear, and a link that rotates together with the sector gear. The rotation of the link causes the cushion frame, to which the link is connected, to rise and fall.

[0003] In such a lifting device, a structure is known that maintains meshing between a pinion gear and a sector gear against an external input (see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2008-87554 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] There is a certain amount of backlash between the pinion gear and the sector gear. In the above-mentioned lifting device, the meshing between the pinion gear and the sector gear is maintained, but the backlash is not reduced. Therefore, there is a risk that the backlash between the pinion gear and the sector gear will cause rattling in the seat cushion.

[0006] An object of one aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a vehicle seat that can suppress rattling of a seat cushion provided with a lifting device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] One aspect of the present disclosure is a vehicle seat (1) including a seat cushion (2), a cushion frame (4) supporting the seat cushion (2), and a lifting device (5) configured to raise and lower at least a portion of the seat cushion (2).

[0008] The lifting device (5) has a power source (53), a pinion gear (541) rotated by the power source (53), a sector gear (542) meshing with the pinion gear (541), a link (543) connected to the cushion frame (4) and rotating together with the sector gear (542) relative to the cushion frame (4), and a rubber member (545) attached to the cushion frame (4).

[0009] The link (543) is configured to be displaced between a first position where the seat cushion (2) is at its lowest position and a second position where the seat cushion (2) is at its highest position by rotation of the sector gear (542). The rubber member (545) is pressed against the sector gear (542) in a direction intersecting the rotation axis of the sector gear (542) when the link (543) is in any of the first position, the second position, and a region between the first position and the second position.

[0010] According to this configuration, the rubber member (545) is pressed against the sector gear (542), thereby suppressing displacement of the sector gear (542) and the link (543) in a direction intersecting the rotation axis, thereby suppressing rattling of the seat cushion (2).

[0011] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the rubber member (545) may be pressed against the sector gear (542) at least when the link (543) is in the second position. With this configuration, it is possible to suppress the displacement of the link (543) in the second position where the amplitude of the swing of the link (543) is the largest. As a result, it is possible to effectively suppress rattling of the seat cushion (2).

[0012] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the rubber member (545) may be separated from the sector gear (542) when the link (543) is in the first position. With this configuration, the rotational resistance of the sector gear (542) can be reduced in the first position where the swing range of the link (543) is small. As a result, the seat cushion (2) can be smoothly raised. In addition, the rubber member (545) can be attached without interfering with the sector gear (542).

[0013] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the sector gear (542) may have an opening (542C) in which a rubber member (545) is disposed. The rubber member (545) may be pressed against the inner surface of the opening (542C). This configuration can increase the degree of freedom in the location of the rubber member (545) in the cushion frame (4).

[0014] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the rubber member (545) may be pressed against a region of the inner surface of the opening (542C) that is farther from the rotation axis of the sector gear (542) than the rubber member (545). According to such a configuration, the rubber member (545) is pressed against a portion of the opening (542C) where a large moment is generated, thereby enhancing the effect of suppressing rattling.

[0015] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the lifting device (5) may further include a bracket (547) that sandwiches the sector gear (542) together with the cushion frame (4) and a bolt (548A) that fixes the bracket (547) to the cushion frame (4). The bolt (548A) may be disposed in the opening (542C). The rubber member (545) may be supported by the bolt (548A). With this configuration, the bracket (547) can protect the sector gear (542). Furthermore, the bolt (548A) supports the rubber member (545), thereby enabling the lifting device (5) to be space-saving.

[0016] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the rubber member (545) may be cylindrical and configured to rotate by sliding against the sector gear (542). With such a configuration, the contact surface between the rubber member (545) and the sector gear (542) changes, thereby improving the durability of the rubber member (545).

[0017] Note that the symbols in the above parentheses are examples showing the correspondence with the specific configurations etc. described in the embodiments described below, and the present disclosure is not limited to the specific configurations etc. shown by the symbols in the above parentheses. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a vehicle seat according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] 2A and 2B are schematic perspective views of a cushion frame and a lifting device in the vehicle seat of FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a first link mechanism in the lifting device of FIG. 2A. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a relative trajectory of a rubber member with respect to a sector gear in the first link mechanism of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0019] Hereinafter, embodiments to which the present disclosure is applied will be described with reference to the drawings. [1. First embodiment] [1-1. Configuration] The vehicle seat 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes a seat cushion 2, a seat back 3, a cushion frame 4, and a lifting device 5.

[0020] The vehicle seat 1 of this embodiment is used as a seat for a passenger vehicle. Note that the directions in the following description and in each drawing refer to the directions in a state in which the vehicle seat 1 is assembled to a vehicle (i.e., a passenger vehicle). In this embodiment, the seat width direction coincides with the left-right direction of the vehicle, and the front of the seat coincides with the front of the vehicle.

[0021] The seat cushion 2 is a portion for supporting the buttocks and the like of a seated occupant. The seat back 3 is a portion for supporting the back of the seated occupant. The cushion frame 4 supports the seat cushion 2.

[0022] <Cushion frame> The cushion frame 4 has a first side frame 41, a second side frame 42, a frame rod 43, and a front panel 44.

[0023] The first side frame 41 and the second side frame 42 are panel-shaped members that extend in the front-rear direction of the seat and are spaced apart from each other in the width direction of the seat. The first side frame 41 is disposed on the left side of the second side frame 42.

[0024] The frame rod 43 connects the rear end of the first side frame 41 and the rear end of the second side frame 42 in the seat width direction. The front panel 44 is disposed so as to straddle the front end of the first side frame 41 and the front end of the second side frame 42.

[0025] <Lifting device> The lifting device 5 is a lifter configured to lift and lower the entire seat cushion 2 by moving the cushion frame 4 up and down.

[0026] The lifting device 5 displaces the seat cushion 2 and the cushion frame 4 between a lowest position shown in Fig. 2A and an highest position shown in Fig. 2B. The lifting device 5 has a first leg 51, a second leg 52, a power source 53 (see Fig. 1), a first link mechanism 54, a second link mechanism 55, a third link mechanism 56, a fourth link mechanism 57, a first connecting rod 58, and a second connecting rod 59.

[0027] (Leg) The first leg 51 and the second leg 52 are disposed below the cushion frame 4 and are fixed to the vehicle. The first leg 51 and the second leg 52 are disposed apart from each other in the seat width direction. The first leg 51 is disposed on the left side of the second leg 52.

[0028] (power source) The power source 53 is a device that generates power to drive the first link mechanism 54. The power source 53 is attached to the first side frame 41, and moves up and down together with the first side frame 41. As the power source 53, an electric, hydraulic, or pneumatic actuator can be used.

[0029] (First link mechanism) The first link mechanism 54 connects the first side frame 41 and the first leg 51. As shown in Fig. 3, the first link mechanism 54 has a pinion gear 541, a sector gear 542, a link 543, a connecting portion 544, a rubber member 545, a spoiler 546, a bracket 547, a first bolt 548A, a second bolt 548B, a third bolt 548C, a fourth bolt 548D, a first nut 549A, a second nut 549B, a third nut 549C, and a fourth nut 549D.

[0030] (Pinion gear) The pinion gear 541 is drivingly connected to the power source 53 and is rotated by the power source 53. The rotation axis of the pinion gear 541 is parallel to the sheet width direction.

[0031] The pinion gear 541 is rotatably attached to the first side frame 41. Specifically, the pinion gear 541 is disposed on the inner side in the seat width direction (i.e., on the right side) than the first side frame 41. The pinion gear 541 does not move relative to the first side frame 41.

[0032] (Sector Gear) The sector gear 542 meshes with the pinion gear 541. The sector gear 542 rotates (i.e. oscillates) in the vertical direction due to the rotation of the pinion gear 541 (i.e., the power transmitted from the pinion gear 541). A certain amount of backlash is provided between the pinion gear 541 and the sector gear 542.

[0033] The sector gear 542 has a main body 542A, gear teeth 542B, and an opening 542C. A connecting portion 544 is inserted and fixed to the main body 542A. The gear teeth 542B are provided on the outer circumferential surface of the main body 542A, and engage with the pinion gear 541 from the rear of the seat. The opening 542C is provided between a fixed portion of the connecting portion 544 in the main body 542A and the gear teeth 542B.

[0034] The sector gear 542 is rotatably attached to the first side frame 41 via a connecting portion 544. The sector gear 542 is located on the inner side in the seat width direction than the first side frame 41. The rotation axis of the sector gear 542 is parallel to the rotation axis of the pinion gear 541.

[0035] (link) The link 543 is a strip-shaped member that rotates together with the sector gear 542 relative to the cushion frame 4 (that is, the first side frame 41).

[0036] A connecting portion 544 is fixed to one end of the link 543. The link 543 is connected to the first side frame 41 via the connecting portion 544, and is integrated with the sector gear 542 by the connecting portion 544. The link 543 is located outside the first side frame 41 in the seat width direction.

[0037] The other end of the link 543 is rotatably attached to the first leg 51 by a fourth bolt 548D and a fourth nut 549D. The link 543 rotates about the fourth bolt 548D as the sector gear 542 rotates. The rotation axis of the link 543 is parallel to the seat width direction.

[0038] Specifically, when the sector gear 542 rotates upward, the link 543 rotates so as to stand up while moving the connecting portion 544 upward. This causes the cushion frame 4 to rise. On the other hand, when the sector gear 542 rotates downward, the link 543 rotates so as to fall down while moving the connecting portion 544 downward. This causes the cushion frame 4 to descend.

[0039] The link 543 is configured to be displaced between a first position (see FIG. 1) where the position of the seat cushion 2 is the lowest and a second position (see FIG. 2B) where the position of the seat cushion 2 is the highest, by rotation of the sector gear 542. The angle of the central axis of the link 543 in the second position with respect to the horizontal direction is larger than the angle of the central axis of the link 543 in the first position with respect to the horizontal direction.

[0040] (Connection part) The connecting portion 544 is a pipe-shaped member that connects the sector gear 542 and the link 543 in the seat width direction. The connecting portion 544 penetrates the first side frame 41 in the seat width direction. An end portion of the connecting portion 544 on the inner side in the seat width direction is fixed to a first connecting rod 58 (see FIG. 2A).

[0041] (Rubber parts and spoilers) The rubber member 545 is a member for applying rotational resistance to the sector gear 542. The rubber member 545 is attached to the first side frame 41, and is disposed inside the opening 542C of the sector gear 542. The rubber member 545 does not move relative to the first side frame 41.

[0042] The rubber member 545 is a cylindrical roller. The rubber member 545 is elastically deformable at least in the radial direction. The rubber member 545 is pressed against the inner surface of the opening 542C according to the position of the sector gear 542.

[0043] Spoiler 546 is a bearing inserted into rubber member 545. First bolt 548A is inserted into the center of spoiler 546. Spoiler 546 is rotatable with respect to first bolt 548A. That is, rubber member 545 is supported by first bolt 548A via spoiler 546 and rotates about first bolt 548A.

[0044] Fig. 4 shows a change in the relative position of the rubber member 545 with respect to the sector gear 542 when the sector gear 542 rotates. Fig. 4 shows a locus T that the rubber member 545 forms with respect to the sector gear 542 when the sector gear 542 rotates.

[0045] When the cushion frame 4 is in the lowest position (that is, when the link 543 is in the first position), the rubber member 545 is located at a first position L1 on the path T. The first position L1 is the uppermost position on the path T within the opening 542C.

[0046] When the sector gear 542 rotates in a direction to raise the cushion frame 4 from a state in which the rubber member 545 is in the first position L1, the rubber member 545 relatively moves toward the second position L2 on the trajectory T. The second position L2 is the lowest position on the trajectory T within the opening 542C.

[0047] Conversely, when the sector gear 542 rotates in a direction to lower the cushion frame 4 from a state in which the rubber member 545 is in the second position L2, the rubber member 545 moves relatively toward the first position L1 on the trajectory T.

[0048] The rubber member 545 is pressed against the sector gear 542 in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the sector gear 542 (that is, the seat front-rear and up-down directions) over a range from a third position L3 away from the first position L1 to the second position L2.

[0049] That is, when the link 543 is in the second position and in the region between the first position and the second position, the rubber member 545 is pressed against the sector gear 542. Also, when the link 543 is in the first position, the rubber member 545 is separated from the sector gear 542.

[0050] Specifically, the rubber member 545 is pressed against an area of ​​the inner surface of the opening 542C of the sector gear 542 that is farther from the rotation axis P1 of the sector gear 542 than the rubber member 545 (that is, the radially outer surface of the sector gear 542).

[0051] The portion of rubber member 545 that is in pressure contact with the inner surface of opening 542C is compressed in the radial direction of rubber member 545. Therefore, the outer shape of rubber member 545 that is in pressure contact becomes an asymmetric shape with a part of a perfect circle being recessed.

[0052] The rubber member 545 is configured to rotate by sliding (i.e., frictional force) with the inner surface of the opening 542C of the sector gear 542. That is, the rubber member 545 rotates along with the rotation of the sector gear 542 in the range from the third position L3 to the second position L2. Therefore, the portion of the rubber member 545 that is pressed against the inner surface of the opening 542C changes along with the rotation of the sector gear 542.

[0053] In addition, the rubber member 545 moves along an arc centered on the pivot axis P2 relative to the sector gear 542. The pivot axis P2 of the rubber member 545 does not coincide with the rotation axis P1 of the sector gear 542, and is located radially outward of the sector gear 542 (specifically, in front of the seat) relative to the rotation axis P1 of the sector gear 542.

[0054] Thereby, as the rubber member 545 moves from the third position L3 toward the second position L2, the pressure applied from the rubber member 545 to the sector gear 542 (that is, the amount of pressure of the rubber member 545 against the inner surface of the opening 542C) increases.

[0055] That is, as the link 543 rises from the first position to the second position, the frictional force that the rubber member 545 applies to the sector gear 542 increases. Therefore, the rotational resistance of the sector gear 542 can be increased to follow the magnitude of the wobble.

[0056] (bracket) The bracket 547 shown in FIG. 3 is a plate-shaped member that, together with the first side frame 41, sandwiches the sector gear 542 in the seat width direction.

[0057] The bracket 547 covers the entire pinion gear 541 and a portion of the sector gear 542 that meshes with the pinion gear 541 from the inside in the seat width direction. The bracket 547 is fastened to the first side frame 41 by a first bolt 548A, a second bolt 548B, a third bolt 548C, a first nut 549A, a second nut 549B, and a third nut 549C.

[0058] The first bolt 548A is disposed in the opening 542C of the sector gear 542. As described above, the first bolt 548A constitutes the shaft portion of the rubber member 545. A first nut 549A is screwed into the first bolt 548A from the inner side in the seat width direction.

[0059] The second bolt 548B is disposed above the first bolt 548A. A second nut 549B is screwed into the second bolt 548B from the inner side in the seat width direction. The third bolt 548C is disposed below the first bolt 548A. A third nut 549C is screwed into the third bolt 548C from the inner side in the seat width direction.

[0060] (Second link mechanism) The second link mechanism 55 shown in FIG. 1 connects the first side frame 41 and the first leg 51 at a position further forward of the seat than the first link mechanism .

[0061] The second link mechanism 55 rotates a link by a power source (not shown) in the same manner as the first link mechanism 54. The second link mechanism 55 cooperates with the first link mechanism 54 to move the first side frame 41 up and down.

[0062] (Third link mechanism and fourth link mechanism) The third link mechanism 56 and the fourth link mechanism 57 connect the second side frame 42 and the second leg 52 together.

[0063] The third link mechanism 56 is connected to the first link mechanism 54 by a first connecting rod 58. The third link mechanism 56 operates in synchronization with the first link mechanism 54. The fourth link mechanism 57 is connected to the second link mechanism 55 by a second connecting rod 59. The fourth link mechanism 57 operates in synchronization with the second link mechanism 55.

[0064] The first link mechanism 54, the second link mechanism 55, the third link mechanism 56, and the fourth link mechanism 57 are simultaneously actuated, whereby the seat cushion 2 and the cushion frame 4 are raised and lowered.

[0065] [1-2. Effects] According to the embodiment described above in detail, the following effects can be obtained. (1a) The rubber member 545 is pressed against the sector gear 542, thereby suppressing displacement of the sector gear 542 and the link 543 in a direction intersecting the rotation axis (that is, the seat front-rear direction). As a result, rattling of the seat cushion 2 is suppressed.

[0066] (1b) When the link 543 is in the second position, the rubber member 545 is pressed against the sector gear 542, thereby suppressing the displacement of the link 543 in the second position where the amplitude of the link 543 is the largest. As a result, rattling of the seat cushion 2 can be effectively suppressed.

[0067] (1c) When the link 543 is in the first position, the rubber member 545 is separated from the sector gear 542, so that the rotational resistance of the sector gear 542 can be reduced in the first position where the swing range of the link 543 is small. As a result, the seat cushion 2 can be smoothly raised. In addition, the rubber member 545 can be attached without interfering with the sector gear 542.

[0068] (1d) The rubber member 545 is pressed against the inner surface of the opening 542C in a region farther from the rotation axis of the sector gear 542 than the rubber member 545, thereby increasing the degree of freedom in the location of the rubber member 545 on the cushion frame 4. In addition, the rubber member 545 is pressed against the portion of the opening 542C where the generated moment is large, which enhances the effect of suppressing rattling.

[0069] (1e) The sector gear 542 can be protected by the bracket 547. Furthermore, the first bolt 548A supports the rubber member 545, so that the lifting device 5 can be made more compact.

[0070] (1f) When the rubber member 545 rotates by sliding against the sector gear 542, the contact surface between the rubber member 545 and the sector gear 542 changes, so that the durability of the rubber member 545 can be improved.

[0071] 2. Other embodiments Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, it goes without saying that the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can take various forms.

[0072] (2a) In the vehicle seat of the above embodiment, the rubber member may be constantly pressed against the sector gear while the link is displaced from the first position to the second position. Also, the rubber member may be separated from the sector gear when the link is in a position other than the first position.

[0073] (2b) In the vehicle seat of the above embodiment, the rubber member may be pressed against an area of ​​the inner surface of the opening of the sector gear other than an area farther from the rotation axis of the sector gear than the rubber member (for example, an area radially inward of the sector gear).

[0074] (2c) In the vehicle seat of the above embodiment, the rubber member does not necessarily have to be disposed inside the opening of the sector gear. For example, the rubber member may be disposed outside the sector gear and pressed against the outer circumferential surface of the sector gear.

[0075] (2d) In the vehicle seat of the above embodiment, the rubber member does not necessarily have to rotate by sliding against the sector gear. Furthermore, the rubber member does not necessarily have to be cylindrical.

[0076] (2e) The configuration of the first link mechanism in the vehicle seat of the above embodiment can also be applied to a tilt device that rocks a part of the seat cushion (for example, the front end) up and down. In other words, the present disclosure can also be applied to a vehicle seat equipped with a tilt device.

[0077] (2f) The vehicle seat of the above embodiment can also be applied to seats used in automobiles other than passenger cars, and seats used in vehicles other than automobiles, such as railroad cars, ships, and aircraft.

[0078] (2g) The function of one component in the above embodiments may be distributed among multiple components, or the functions of multiple components may be integrated into one component. In addition, a part of the configuration of the above embodiments may be omitted. In addition, at least a part of the configuration of the above embodiments may be added to or substituted for the configuration of another of the above embodiments. Note that all aspects included in the technical idea identified from the wording of the claims are embodiments of the present disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0079] 1...vehicle seat, 2...seat cushion, 3...seat back, 4... cushion frame, 5... lifting device, 41... first side frame, 42...second side frame, 51...first leg, 52...second leg, 53...power source, 54...first link mechanism, 55...second link mechanism, 56...third link mechanism, 57...fourth link mechanism, 58...first connecting rod, 59...second connecting rod, 541: pinion gear; 542: sector gear; 542A: main body; 542B: gear teeth; 542C: opening; 543: link; 544: connecting portion; 545: rubber member; 546…Spoiler, 547…Bracket, 548A, 548B, 548C, 548D...Bolts, 549A, 549B, 549C, 549D... Nuts.

Claims

1. Seat cushion and A cushion frame supporting the seat cushion; a lifting device configured to lift and lower at least a portion of the seat cushion; Equipped with The lifting device is A power source; a pinion gear rotated by the power source; a sector gear meshed with the pinion gear; a link connected to the cushion frame and rotating with the sector gear relative to the cushion frame; A rubber member attached to the cushion frame; having the link is configured to be displaced between a first position where the seat cushion is at its lowest position and a second position where the seat cushion is at its highest position by rotation of the sector gear, The rubber member is pressed against the sector gear in a direction intersecting the rotation axis of the sector gear when the link is in any of the first position, the second position, and the region between the first position and the second position, and moves relatively to the sector gear along an arc centered on a swing axis that does not coincide with the rotation axis of the sector gear.

2. 2. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, The rubber member is pressed against the sector gear at least when the link is in the second position.

3. The vehicle seat according to claim 1 or 2, The rubber member is separated from the sector gear when the link is in the first position.

4. The vehicle seat according to any one of claims 1 to 3, the sector gear has an opening in which the rubber member is disposed, The rubber member is pressed against the inner surface of the opening.

5. The vehicle seat according to claim 4, The rubber member is pressed against an inner surface of the opening in a region farther from a rotation shaft of the sector gear than the rubber member.

6. The vehicle seat according to claim 4 or 5, The lifting device is a bracket that sandwiches the sector gear together with the cushion frame; A bolt for fixing the bracket to the cushion frame; and The bolt is disposed within the opening, The rubber member is supported by the bolt.

7. The vehicle seat according to any one of claims 1 to 6, The rubber member has a cylindrical shape and is configured to rotate by sliding against the sector gear.

8. A vehicle seat according to any one of claims 1 to 7, The lifting device further includes a support member that supports the rubber member, The rubber member is attached to the cushion frame via the support member.

9. A vehicle seat according to any one of claims 1 to 8, The rubber member is configured such that the pressure applied from the rubber member to the sector gear increases as the link approaches the second position.

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