Seating device

Abstract

To provide a seat device which can provide local vibration to a user while reducing a feeling of a foreign body feld by the user using the seat device.SOLUTION: A seat device 100 includes: a seat cover 2 extending in a lateral direction and an anteroposterior direction; a cushion member 1C disposed below the seat cover 2; and a vibration generator 6 disposed between the cushion member 1C and the seat cover 2. A flexible film member 5 is disposed between the vibration generator 6 and the seat cover 2. The film member 5 is configured so that a dimension as seen in the lateral direction is smaller than or equal to one half of a dimension as seen in the lateral direction of an upper surface of the cushion member 1C or a dimension as seen in the anteroposterior direction is smaller than or equal to one half of a dimension as seen in the anteroposterior direction of the upper surface of the cushion member 1C.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a seating arrangement. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, seat devices having an embedded vibration generating device are known (see Patent Documents 1 and 2). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2006-119840 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2019-166976 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the seat device described in Patent Document 1, the vibration generator is embedded in the cushion so as to contact the underside of the seat cover. Therefore, the vibration generator comes into contact with the body surface of a user using the seat device through the seat cover, with a relatively small contact area, and this may cause the user to feel a foreign body sensation.

[0005] In contrast, in the seat device described in Patent Document 2, the vibration generator is embedded inside the seat cushion so as to contact the lower surface of the vibration plate arranged under the seat cover. In this configuration, the vibration plate contacts the surface of the user's body through the seat cover and a relatively large contact area. Therefore, the vibration generator can prevent the user from feeling a foreign body sensation. However, there is a risk that the vibration generator described in Patent Document 2 will not be able to provide localized vibrations to the user.

[0006] It is therefore desirable to provide a seating device that can impart localized vibrations to a user while reducing the foreign body sensation felt by the user when using the seating device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A seat device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a seat cover extending in the left-right direction and the front-rear direction, a cushion member disposed under the seat cover, and a vibration generating device installed between the cushion member and the seat cover. A flexible film member is disposed between the vibration generating device and the seat cover, and the film member is The central portion to which the vibration generating device is attached is harder than the peripheral portion around the central portion. It is configured to be. Effect of the Invention

[0008] The above-described seating device can impart localized vibrations to a user while reducing the foreign body sensation felt by the user when using the seating device. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a top view of a seating arrangement according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a seating arrangement according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] 10 is a top view of a vibration generating device and a sponge member housed in a recess formed in a cushion member. FIG. [Figure 4] 4 is a top view of a film member fixed to the vibration generating device. FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 is a top view of another configuration example of the film member. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a top view of the seating apparatus showing the position of the film member on the cushion member. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, a seating apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a top view of the seating apparatus 100. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the seating apparatus 100. Specifically, Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the seating apparatus 100 taken on a plane parallel to the XZ plane including the dashed dotted line (cutting line II-II) in Fig. 1, as viewed from the Y1 side as indicated by the arrow. Specifically, the upper view of Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the entire seating apparatus 100, and the lower view of Fig. 2 is an enlarged view of an area R1 in the upper view of Fig. 2.

[0011] In each of Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, X1 represents one direction of the X axis constituting the three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system, and X2 represents the other direction of the X axis. Moreover, Y1 represents one direction of the Y axis constituting the three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system, and Y2 represents the other direction of the Y axis. Similarly, Z1 represents one direction of the Z axis constituting the three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system, and Z2 represents the other direction of the Z axis. In this embodiment, the X1 side of the seating device 100 corresponds to the front side (front side) of the seating device 100, and the X2 side of the seating device 100 corresponds to the rear side (back side) of the seating device 100. Moreover, the Y1 side of the seating device 100 corresponds to the left side of the seating device 100, and the Y2 side of the seating device 100 corresponds to the right side of the seating device 100. Moreover, the Z1 side of the seating device 100 corresponds to the upper side of the seating device 100, and the Z2 side of the seating device 100 corresponds to the lower side of the seating device 100. The same applies to the other figures.

[0012] The seat device 100 is mainly composed of a seat 1, a seat cover 2, a fabric member 3, a control unit 4, a film member 5, a vibration generating device 6, and a sponge member 7.

[0013] The seat 1 is configured to be mounted on a construction machine, a vehicle, a railroad car, a ship, an aircraft, etc. In this embodiment, the seat 1 is a driver's seat of a vehicle, but it may be a passenger seat or a rear seat.

[0014] In the illustrated example, the seat 1 is mainly composed of a backrest 1B, a cushion member 1C, and a headrest 1H. The seat 1 may also include a lumbar support, an armrest, or the like.

[0015] The backrest 1B is configured to support the back of a user, such as a driver, seated in the seat 1. The cushion member 1C is configured to support the buttocks and thighs of a user, such as a driver, seated in the seat 1. The headrest 1H is configured to support the head of a user, such as a driver, seated in the seat 1.

[0016] In the illustrated example, the backrest 1B, the cushion member 1C, and the headrest 1H are all made of polyurethane, but may be made of any other material, such as cotton, feathers, or polyester.

[0017] The seat cover 2 is configured to cover the cushion member 1C of the seat 1. In the illustrated example, the seat cover 2 is configured to cover the upper surface, front surface, left side surface, right side surface, and rear surface of the cushion member 1C. Specifically, the seat cover 2 is made of synthetic fibers. However, the seat cover 2 may be made of leather, natural fibers, recycled fibers, or the like. The seat cover 2 is placed over the cushion member 1C so that the upper surface of the seat cover 2 comes into contact with the buttocks and thighs of the user (driver).

[0018] The cloth member 3 is a member disposed between the cushion member 1C and the seat cover 2 in order to improve the feel or touch of the seat cover 2. In the illustrated example, the cloth member 3 is a nonwoven fabric, but it may be a woven fabric, felt, or the like. The cloth member 3 may be replaced with other members such as sponge. In the illustrated example, the cloth member 3 is disposed between the upper surface of the cushion member 1C and the seat cover 2, but it may be additionally disposed between at least one of the front surface, left side surface, and right side surface of the cushion member 1C and the seat cover 2. The cloth member 3 may be omitted.

[0019] The control unit 4 is configured to be able to control the movement of the vibration generator 6. In the illustrated example, the control unit 4 is a device including an electronic circuit and a non-volatile storage device, and is configured to generate a drive signal for vibrating the vibration generator 6 and output the drive signal to the vibration generator 6. The drive signal is, for example, a current signal or a voltage signal. The control unit 4 may be configured to generate the drive signal in response to a control command from an external device such as a computer, or may be configured to generate the drive signal without receiving a control command from an external device. In the illustrated example, the control unit 4 is installed outside the seat 1, but may be installed inside the seat 1.

[0020] The film member 5 is a flexible, thin member disposed between the cushion member 1C and the seat cover 2. The film member 5 is configured so as to be able to hold the vibration generating device 6 below the seat cover 2. In the illustrated example, the film member 5 is made of synthetic resin, and is disposed between the upper surface of the cushion member 1C and the cloth member 3. The film member 5 may be made of a material other than synthetic resin, such as rubber or metal.

[0021] 2, a vibration generator 6 is fixed to the underside of the film member 5 by fastening members SC. That is, the vibration generator 6 is fixed so as to be suspended from the underside of the film member 5 so that its upper end does not protrude above the upper surface of the film member 5. This is to suppress or prevent the upper end of the vibration generator 6 from pressing against the driver's skin, causing the driver to feel a foreign body sensation or a pushing-up sensation.

[0022] In the illustrated example, the fastening member SC is an ultra-low head screw. The ultra-low head screw has the effect of suppressing or preventing the head of the screw from digging into the surface of the driver's body, causing the driver to feel a foreign body sensation or a pushing sensation. However, the fastening member SC may be a combination of a bolt and a nut, a rivet, or the like. Also, the fastening member SC may be omitted. In this case, the vibration generator 6 may be adhesively fixed to the lower surface of the film member 5 with an adhesive.

[0023] The vibration generator 6 is configured to be able to apply vibrations to the driver. In the illustrated example, the vibration generator 6 is configured to be able to attract the driver's attention by applying vibrations to the backs of the driver's thighs.

[0024] Specifically, the vibration generator 6 is configured to vibrate along a vibration axis parallel to the XY plane in response to a control command from the control unit 4. More specifically, the vibration generator 6 is configured to vibrate along a vibration axis parallel to the X axis. However, the vibration generator 6 may be configured to vibrate along a vibration axis parallel to the Y axis. Alternatively, the vibration generator 6 may be configured to vibrate along a vibration axis parallel to the Z axis, or may be configured to vibrate along a vibration axis that is not parallel to any of the X axis, the Y axis, and the Z axis. Alternatively, the vibration generator 6 may be configured to vibrate along two or more vibration axes simultaneously or at different timings.

[0025] In the illustrated example, the housing of the vibration generator 6 is made of metal. However, the housing of the vibration generator 6 may be made of a material other than metal, such as synthetic resin.

[0026] The recess 8 is formed in the cushion member 1C so as to accommodate the vibration generating device 6. The recess 8 may be a through-hole that passes through the cushion member 1C from top to bottom.

[0027] The sponge member 7 is configured to realize the positioning of the vibration generator 6 housed in the recess 8. In this embodiment, the sponge member 7 is disposed between the side wall SW of the recess 8 and the vibration generator 6 so as to surround the vibration generator 6, as shown in the lower diagram of Fig. 2 and Fig. 3.

[0028] 3 and 4, the positional relationship between the vibration generator 6 housed in the recess 8 formed in the cushion member 1C and the film member 5 and sponge member 7 will be described. Fig. 3 is a top view of the vibration generator 6 and the sponge member 7 housed in the recess 8 formed in the cushion member 1C. Fig. 4 is a top view of the film member 5 fixed to the vibration generator 6.

[0029] In this embodiment, the film member 5 includes a left film member 5L and a right film member 5R, the vibration generating device 6 includes a left vibration generating device 6L and a right vibration generating device 6R, the sponge member 7 includes a left sponge member 7L and a right sponge member 7R (not shown), and the recess 8 includes a left recess 8L and a right recess 8R.

[0030] 2 and 3 show the left vibration generator 6L and the left sponge member 7L housed in the left recess 8L formed in the cushion member 1C, and the left film member 5L fixed to the left vibration generator 6L. FIG. 4 shows the left film member 5L fixed to the left vibration generator 6L housed in the left recess 8L formed in the cushion member 1C. Therefore, the following description with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4 relates to the left vibration generator 6L and the left sponge member 7L housed in the left recess 8L, and the left film member 5L fixed to the left vibration generator 6L, but also applies to the right vibration generator 6R and the right sponge member 7R housed in the right recess 8R, and the right film member 5R fixed to the right vibration generator 6R. In the illustrated example, the left film member 5L and the right film member 5R have the same shape and the same size, the left vibration generating device 6L and the right vibration generating device 6R have the same shape and the same size, the left sponge member 7L and the right sponge member 7R have the same shape and the same size, and the left recess 8L and the right recess 8R have the same shape and the same size.

[0031] In addition, for clarity, in Fig. 3, a rough cross pattern is applied to the surface (upper surface) of the cushion member 1C, and a lattice pattern is applied to the left sponge member 7L. Also, in Fig. 3, the outline of the left film member 5L is shown by a dashed line.

[0032] In the illustrated example, the left vibration generator 6L is configured to have a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and the left recess 8L is configured to provide a substantially rectangular parallelepiped space large enough to completely accommodate the left vibration generator 6L.

[0033] 2 and 3, the left sponge member 7L is configured to contact the side wall SW of the left recess 8L and to contact the side wall of the left vibration generator 6L. The left sponge member 7L is disposed so as to surround the entire periphery of the side wall of the left vibration generator 6L.

[0034] The left vibration generator 6L fixed to the left film member 5L is positioned by the left sponge member 7L at approximately the center of the left recess 8L in top view as shown in Fig. 3. In the illustrated example, the left vibration generator 6L is housed in the left recess 8L such that a gap GP1 (see Figs. 2 and 3) is formed between the rear side wall of the left vibration generator 6L and the side wall SW of the left recess 8L.

[0035] As shown in the lower diagram of Fig. 2, the left recess 8L is configured so that its length (depth) in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) is greater than the length (height) of the left vibration generator 6L in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). That is, the left recess 8L is configured so that when the left vibration generator 6L fixed to the lower surface of the left film member 5L is accommodated in the left recess 8L, the lower surface of the left vibration generator 6L and the bottom wall BW of the left recess 8L do not come into contact with each other. In the example shown in the lower diagram of Fig. 2, the left vibration generator 6L is accommodated in the left recess 8L so that a gap GP2 is formed between the lower surface of the left vibration generator 6L and the bottom wall BW of the left recess 8L.

[0036] This configuration has the effect of suppressing or preventing the vibrations generated by the left vibration generator 6L from being absorbed by the cushion member 1C due to direct contact between the cushion member 1C and the left vibration generator 6L. However, the present invention does not exclude direct contact between the cushion member 1C and the left vibration generator 6L. In other words, the left recess 8L may be configured to have a width and depth such that the left vibration generator 6L and the side wall SW come into contact, or may be configured to have a depth such that the vibration generator 6L and the bottom wall BW come into contact.

[0037] Also, in the illustrated example, the left sponge member 7L is not positioned between the lower surface of the left vibration generator 6L and the bottom wall BW of the left recess 8L, but it may be positioned between the lower surface of the left vibration generator 6L and the bottom wall BW of the left recess 8L.

[0038] 4, the left film member 5L includes a peripheral portion 50 and a central portion 51. In the illustrated example, the peripheral portion 50 includes a rear peripheral portion 50B protruding rearward from the central portion 51, a front peripheral portion 50F protruding forward from the central portion 51, a left peripheral portion 50L protruding leftward from the central portion 51, and a right peripheral portion 50R protruding rightward from the central portion 51.

[0039] In FIG. 4, for clarity, a peripheral portion 50 of the left film member 5L is provided with a coarse dot pattern, and a central portion 51 of the left film member 5L is provided with a fine dot pattern.

[0040] Moreover, the left film member 5L is configured so that the central portion 51 to which the left vibration generator 6L is attached is harder, i.e., less flexible, than the peripheral portion 50 around the central portion 51. In the illustrated example, the peripheral portion 50 has through holes 52 formed therein so as to be softer (more flexible) than the central portion 51.

[0041] Specifically, five oblong rear through holes 52B (first rear through hole 52B1 to fifth rear through hole 52B5) are formed in the rear peripheral portion 50B, five oblong front through holes 52F (first front through hole 52F1 to fifth front through hole 52F5) are formed in the front peripheral portion 50F, five oblong left through holes 52L (first left through hole 52L1 to fifth left through hole 52L5) are formed in the left peripheral portion 50L, and five oblong right through holes 52R (first right through hole 52R1 to fifth right through hole 52R5) are formed in the right peripheral portion 50R.

[0042] However, the shape of the through holes 52 may be a shape other than an oval shape. The number of through holes 52 formed in each of the rear peripheral portion 50B, the front peripheral portion 50F, the left peripheral portion 50L, and the right peripheral portion 50R may be four or less, or six or more. Furthermore, the formation of the through holes 52 may be omitted.

[0043] The configuration in which the peripheral parts 50 are disposed on the front, rear, left and right sides of the central part 51 has the effect of suppressing or preventing the left vibration generator 6L fixed to the central part 51 from sinking into the cushion member 1C. This is because the contact area between the upper surface of the cushion member 1C and the lower surface of the left film member 5L can be made larger than in a configuration that does not include the peripheral parts 50.

[0044] In addition, the configuration in which the peripheral portion 50 is softer than the central portion 51 has the effect of mitigating the foreign body sensation felt by the driver when the left film member 5L comes into contact with the driver (through the seat cover 2 and the cloth member 3). This is because the peripheral portion 50 can be deformed relatively easily in response to the deformation of the cushion member 1C.

[0045] In the illustrated example, the left film member 5L is configured so that the length (width WD1) of the rear peripheral portion 50B in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) is the same as the length (width WD2) of the front peripheral portion 50F, and the length (depth DP1) of the rear peripheral portion 50B in the front-back direction (X-axis direction) is the same as the length (depth DP2) of the front peripheral portion 50F. The left film member 5L is configured so that the length (width WD3) of the left peripheral portion 50L in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) is the same as the length (width WD4) of the right peripheral portion 50R, and the length (depth DP3) of the left peripheral portion 50L in the front-back direction (X-axis direction) is the same as the length (depth DP4) of the right peripheral portion 50R. The left film member 5L is configured so that the length (width WD5) of the center portion 51 in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) is smaller than any of the widths WD1 to WD4, and the length (depth DP5) of the center portion 51 in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction) is larger than any of the depths DP1 to DP4. However, the left film member 5L may be configured so that each of the widths WD1 to WD5 and the depths DP1 to DP5 is of any size.

[0046] In the illustrated example, the left film member 5L is configured so that the peripheral portion 50 extends in four directions, front, back, left and right, in the XY plane, but the peripheral portion may extend in any four directions in the XY plane. For example, the peripheral portion 50 may extend from the central portion 51 in four directions, diagonally forward to the right, diagonally forward to the left, diagonally backward to the right, and diagonally backward to the left. The left film member 5L may be configured so that the peripheral portion extends radially in five or more directions in the XY plane. Alternatively, the left film member 5L may be configured so that one or more peripheral portions extend in a spiral shape from the central portion 51.

[0047] The left film member 5L may be formed so as to be curved so as to be gently convex upward or downward at the central portion 51. This is to further suppress or prevent the left vibration generator 6L fixed to the central portion 51 from sinking into the cushion member 1C. Also, this is to further reduce the foreign body sensation felt by the driver when the peripheral portion 50 comes into contact with the driver (through the seat cover 2 and the cloth member 3) while realizing reliable contact between the central portion 51 (left vibration generator 6L) and the driver (through the seat cover 2 and the cloth member 3).

[0048] In the illustrated example, the left film member 5L is configured so that the peripheral portion 50 and the central portion 51 have the same thickness, but the peripheral portion 50 and the central portion 51 may be configured so that they are different in thickness. For example, the left film member 5L may be configured so that the peripheral portion 50 is thinner than the central portion 51.

[0049] In the illustrated example, the peripheral portion 50 and the central portion 51 of the left film member 5L are formed of the same material, but the peripheral portion 50 and the central portion 51 may be formed of different materials. For example, the peripheral portion 50 may be formed of a material that is softer than the central portion 51.

[0050] In the illustrated example, the left film member 5L and the left vibration generator 6L are fastened to each other by a fastening member SC. Specifically, an extra-low head screw serving as the fastening member SC (see the lower diagram of FIG. 2) is inserted into a round hole 53 (see FIG. 4) formed in the center portion 51 of the left film member 5L, and is screwed into a screw hole 61 (see FIG. 3) formed in the protruding portion 60 of the left vibration generator 6L.

[0051] More specifically, on the upper surface of the left vibration generator 6L, as shown in Fig. 3, a front screw hole 61F is formed in a front protruding portion 60F protruding forward from the right front corner of the upper surface, and a rear screw hole 61B is formed in a rear protruding portion 60B protruding rearward from the left rear corner of the upper surface. Also, on the central portion 51 of the left film member 5L, as shown in Fig. 4, a front round hole 53F is formed at a position corresponding to the front screw hole 61F, and a rear round hole 53B is formed at a position corresponding to the rear screw hole 61B. Then, one of the ultra-low head screws is inserted into the front round hole 53F (see Fig. 4) formed in the right front corner of the central portion 51 of the left film member 5L, and is screwed into the front screw hole 61F (see Fig. 3) formed in the front protruding portion 60F of the left vibration generator 6L. Similarly, another of the ultra-low head screws is inserted into the rear round hole 53B (see Figure 4) formed in the left rear corner of the central portion 51 of the left film member 5L, and screwed into the rear screw hole 61B (see Figure 3) formed in the rear protrusion 60B of the left vibration generating device 6L.

[0052] The fastening member SC may be a combination of a bolt and a nut, a rivet, etc. Alternatively, the left film member 5L and the left vibration generator 6L may be fixed to each other with an adhesive or by ultrasonic welding. In this case, the fastening member SC may be omitted.

[0053] Next, referring to FIG. 5, another configuration example of the film member 5 will be described. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing another configuration example of the film member 5. Specifically, the upper view of FIG. 5 is a top view of a film member 5P (left film member 5PL) which is another configuration example of the film member 5, and the lower view of FIG. 5 is a top view of a film member 5Q (left film member 5QL) which is yet another configuration example of the film member 5. Note that in FIG. 5, for clarity, a coarse dot pattern is applied to the peripheral portion (peripheral portion 50P and peripheral portion 50Q) and a fine dot pattern is applied to the central portion (central portion 51P and central portion 51Q). Also, in FIG. 5, the portion of the vibration generator 6 (left vibration generator 6L) covered with the film member (left film member 5PL and left film member 5QL) is indicated by a dashed line.

[0054] Similar to film member 5, film member 5P includes a left film member 5PL and a right film member 5PR (not shown), and film member 5Q includes a left film member 5QL and a right film member 5QR (not shown).

[0055] The following description with reference to Fig. 5 relates to the left film member 5PL or the left film member 5QL, but also applies to the right film member 5PR (not shown) and the right film member 5QR (not shown). This is because the left film member 5PL and the right film member 5PR have the same shape and size. Also, the left film member 5QL and the right film member 5QR have the same shape and size.

[0056] The left film member 5PL differs from the left film member 5L having a rectangular central portion 51 and four peripheral portions 50 extending in four directions (front, back, left, right) from the central portion 51 as shown in Fig. 4 in that it has a circular central portion 51P and a circular peripheral portion 50P extending in all directions from the central portion 51P. The left film member 5PL also differs from the left film member 5L having the peripheral portion 50 with a through hole 52 formed therein in that no through hole is formed in the peripheral portion 50P. In other respects, the left film member 5PL is the same as the left film member 5L. Note that the left film member 5PL may have one or more through holes formed therein.

[0057] In addition, as with the left film member 5L, the left film member 5PL is fastened to the left vibration generating device 6L by a fastening member SC (see Figure 2) inserted into two round holes 53P (rear round hole 53PB and front round hole 53PF) formed in the central portion 51P.

[0058] With this configuration, the left film member 5PL can achieve the same effects as the left film member 5L. In addition, since the left film member 5PL has a simple shape, it also has the effect of being easier to manufacture than the left film member 5L.

[0059] The left film member 5QL differs from the left film member 5L, which has a peripheral portion 50 in which through holes 52 are formed and a central portion 51 in which no through holes are formed, in that the left film member 5QL has a peripheral portion 50Q in which no through holes are formed and a central portion 51Q in which through holes 52Q are formed, but is otherwise the same as the left film member 5L.

[0060] Specifically, the peripheral portion 50Q of the left film member 5QL includes a rear peripheral portion 50QB, a front peripheral portion 50QF, a left peripheral portion 50QL, and a right peripheral portion 50QR. Each of the rear peripheral portion 50QB, the front peripheral portion 50QF, the left peripheral portion 50QL, and the right peripheral portion 50QR is configured not to include a through hole.

[0061] Moreover, the central portion 51Q of the left film member 5QL is configured to have a substantially rectangular annular shape. That is, the central portion 51Q is configured to have one substantially rectangular through-hole 52Q. In the illustrated example, the through-hole 52Q is formed in the center of the central portion 51Q, and its width and depth are configured to occupy approximately 70% of the width and depth of the central portion 51Q. However, the through-hole 52Q may be formed at a position away from the center of the central portion 51Q. Moreover, a plurality of through-holes 52Q may be formed in the central portion 51Q.

[0062] In addition, as in the case of the left film member 5L, the left film member 5QL is fastened to the left vibration generating device 6L by a fastening member SC (see Figure 2) inserted into two round holes 53Q (rear round hole 53QB and front round hole 53QF) formed in the central portion 51Q.

[0063] With this configuration, the left film member 5QL can achieve the same effect as the left film member 5L. In addition, the left film member 5QL brings about the effect that the hardness (resistance to bending) of the peripheral portion 50Q can be made greater (less likely to bend) than the hardness (resistance to bending) of the peripheral portion 50 of the left film member 5L, and conversely, the hardness (resistance to bending) of the central portion 51Q can be made smaller (more likely to bend) than the hardness (resistance to bending) of the central portion 51 of the left film member 5L.

[0064] Next, the position of the film member 5 on the cushion member 1C will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a top view of the seat device 100 showing the position of the film member 5 on the cushion member 1C. Note that in Fig. 6, for clarity, the seat cover 2, the cloth member 3, the control unit 4, the vibration generating device 6, the sponge member 7, and the recessed portion 8 are omitted from illustration.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 6, cushion member 1C is configured so that its length (depth) in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction) is depth D1 and its length (width) in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) is width W1.

[0066] The film member 5 includes a left film member 5L having a depth D2 and a width W2, and a right film member 5R having a depth D3 and a width W3.

[0067] The left film member 5L is disposed at a position separated by a depth D4 from the front end of the cushion member 1C and a width W4 from the left end of the cushion member 1C. Similarly, the right film member 5R is disposed at a position separated by a depth D5 from the front end of the cushion member 1C and a width W5 from the right end of the cushion member 1C. The left film member 5L and the right film member 5R are disposed at an interval of a width W6. The left film member 5L is disposed at a position separated by a depth D6 from the rear end of the cushion member 1C, and the right film member 5R is disposed at a position separated by a depth D7 from the rear end of the cushion member 1C.

[0068] In the illustrated example, the depth D2 of the left film member 5L is the same as the depth D3 of the right film member 5R, and the width W2 of the left film member 5L is the same as the width W3 of the right film member 5R. Furthermore, the width W4 is the same as the width W5, the depth D4 is the same as the depth D5, and the depth D6 is the same as the depth D7.

[0069] Specifically, the left film member 5L is positioned so that the left vibration generating device 6L attached to the left film member 5L contacts the back of the driver's left thigh, and the right film member 5R is positioned so that the right vibration generating device 6R attached to the right film member 5R contacts the back of the driver's right thigh.

[0070] Therefore, both the left film member 5L and the right film member 5R are disposed in front of the center CP of the cushion member 1C. Specifically, the left film member 5L is disposed so that the depth D6 is greater than the depth D4, and the right film member 5R is disposed so that the depth D7 is greater than the depth D5. The left film member 5L and the right film member 5R are disposed so that they are symmetrical with respect to a line LN1 that passes through the center CP and is parallel to the X-axis. The left film member 5L and the right film member 5R are disposed so that the widths W4 and W5 are smaller than the width W6.

[0071] With this arrangement, the seat device 100 can impart vibrations separately to the left and right thighs of the driver, and therefore various information based on the vibrations of the vibration generating device 6 can be conveyed to the driver.

[0072] As described above, the seat device 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes, as shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, a seat cover 2 extending in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) and the front-rear direction (X-axis direction), a cushion member 1C arranged on the lower side (Z2 side) of the seat cover 2, and a vibration generator 6 installed between the cushion member 1C and the seat cover 2. A flexible film member 5 is arranged between the vibration generator 6 and the seat cover 2. The film member 5 is configured so that the dimension in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) is 1 / 2 or less of the dimension in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) of the upper surface (surface on the Z1 side) of the cushion member 1C, or so that the dimension in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction) is 1 / 2 or less of the dimension in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction) of the upper surface (surface on the Z1 side) of the cushion member 1C.

[0073] In the example shown in Fig. 6, the left film member 5L is configured such that the width W2, which is the dimension in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction), is less than 1 / 2 of the width W1, which is the dimension in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) of the upper surface (surface on the Z1 side) of the cushion member 1C, and the depth D2, which is the dimension in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction), is less than 1 / 2 of the depth D1, which is the dimension in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction) of the upper surface (surface on the Z1 side) of the cushion member 1C. Similarly, the right film member 5R is configured such that the width W3, which is the dimension in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction), is less than 1 / 2 of the width W1, which is the dimension in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) of the upper surface (surface on the Z1 side) of the cushion member 1C, and the depth D3, which is the dimension in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction), is less than 1 / 2 of the depth D1, which is the dimension in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction) of the upper surface (surface on the Z1 side) of the cushion member 1C.

[0074] Alternatively, the left film member 5L may be configured so that the width W2 is smaller than the width of the human body contact surface, or the depth D2 is smaller than the depth of the human body contact surface. The human body contact surface is a region that is preset as a portion of the upper surface of the seat cover 2 (cushion member 1C) that the body surface of the user of the seat device 100 contacts. The body surface of the user is, for example, the surface of the user's thighs and buttocks. For example, the left film member 5L may be configured so that the width W2 is 1 / 2 or less of the width of the human body contact surface, or the depth D2 is 1 / 2 or less of the depth of the human body contact surface. Similarly, the right film member 5R may be configured so that the width W3 is smaller than the width of the human body contact surface, or the depth D3 is smaller than the depth of the human body contact surface. For example, the right film member 5R may be configured so that the width W3 is ½ or less of the width of the human body contact surface, or the depth D3 is ½ or less of the depth of the human body contact surface.

[0075] Alternatively, the left film member 5L may be configured so that the width W2 is smaller than the width of the left thigh contact surface, or the depth D2 is smaller than the depth of the left thigh contact surface. The left thigh contact surface is a region that is preset as a portion on the upper surface of the seat cover 2 (cushion member 1C) that the left thigh of the user of the seat device 100 contacts. For example, the left film member 5L may be configured so that the width W2 is 1 / 2 or less of the width of the left thigh contact surface, or the depth D2 is 1 / 2 or less of the depth of the left thigh contact surface. Similarly, the right film member 5R may be configured so that the width W3 is smaller than the width of the right thigh contact surface, or the depth D3 is smaller than the depth of the right thigh contact surface. The right thigh contact surface is a region that is preset as a portion on the upper surface of the seat cover 2 (cushion member 1C) that the right thigh of the user of the seat device 100 contacts. For example, the right film member 5R may be configured so that the width W3 is 1 / 2 or less of the width of the right thigh contact surface, or the depth D3 is 1 / 2 or less of the depth of the right thigh contact surface.

[0076] Alternatively, the left film member 5L may be configured so that the width W2 is smaller than the width of the left buttock contact surface, or the depth D2 is smaller than the depth of the left buttock contact surface. The left buttock contact surface is a region that is preset as a portion of the upper surface of the seat cover 2 (cushion member 1C) that the left buttock of the user of the seat device 100 contacts. For example, the left film member 5L may be configured so that the width W2 is 1 / 2 or less of the width of the left buttock contact surface, or the depth D2 is 1 / 2 or less of the depth of the left buttock contact surface. Similarly, the right film member 5R may be configured so that the width W3 is smaller than the width of the right buttock contact surface, or the depth D3 is smaller than the depth of the right buttock contact surface. The right buttock contact surface is a region that is preset as a portion on the upper surface of the seat cover 2 (cushion member 1C) that comes into contact with the right buttock of a user of the seat device 100. For example, the right film member 5R may be configured so that the width W3 is ½ or less of the width of the right buttock contact surface, or the depth D3 is ½ or less of the depth of the right buttock contact surface.

[0077] The above-mentioned configuration brings about an effect of providing localized vibration to the user while reducing the foreign body sensation felt by the user. By setting the contact areas between the film member 5 and each of the cushion member 1C and the seat cover 2 to be appropriately sized, it is possible to prevent the upper end of the vibration generator 6 (a portion having a smaller surface area than the surface area of ​​the film member 5) from protruding upward from the upper surface of the seat cover 2 when the user is sitting on the cushion member 1C. In other words, the smaller the contact areas between the film member 5 and each of the cushion member 1C and the seat cover 2, the more likely the upper end of the vibration generator 6 is to protrude upward from the upper surface of the seat cover 2 when the user is sitting on the cushion member 1C. In addition, by setting the contact areas between the film member 5 and each of the cushion member 1C and the seat cover 2 to be appropriately sized, it is possible to reliably bring the upper end of the vibration generator 6 into contact with a part of the user's body (for example, the back of the thigh, etc.).

[0078] 4, the film member 5 may be configured so that a central portion 51 to which the vibration generator 6 is attached is harder than a peripheral portion 50 around the central portion 51. In other words, the film member 5 may be configured so that the peripheral portion 50 is softer (more flexible) than the central portion 51.

[0079] In order to make the peripheral portion 50 softer (more flexible) than the central portion 51, the film member 5 may be configured such that through-holes 52 are formed in the peripheral portion 50, while no through-holes are formed in the central portion 51. Alternatively, the film member 5 may be configured such that the thickness of the central portion 51 is greater than the thickness of the peripheral portion 50. Alternatively, the portion constituting the peripheral portion 50 may be formed of a material softer than the material of the portion constituting the central portion 51.

[0080] The configuration in which the peripheral portion 50 is disposed around the central portion 51 has the effect of suppressing or preventing the vibration generator 6 fixed to the central portion 51 from sinking into the cushion member 1C. This is because the contact area between the upper surface of the cushion member 1C and the lower surface of the film member 5 can be made larger than in a configuration in which the peripheral portion 50 is not disposed around the central portion 51.

[0081] The configuration in which the peripheral portion 50 is disposed around the central portion 51 has the effect of reducing the foreign body sensation felt by the driver when the film member 5 comes into contact with the driver (through the seat cover 2 and the cloth member 3). This is because the contact area between the lower surface of the seat cover 2 and the upper surface of the film member 5 can be made larger than in a configuration in which the peripheral portion 50 is not disposed around the central portion 51.

[0082] In addition, the configuration in which the peripheral portion 50 is softer than the central portion 51 has the effect of mitigating the foreign body sensation felt by the driver when the film member 5 comes into contact with the driver (through the seat cover 2 and the cloth member 3). This is because the peripheral portion 50 can be deformed relatively easily in response to the deformation of the cushion member 1C.

[0083] 2 and 3, a recess 8 may be formed on the upper surface side (Z1 side) of the cushion member 1C. In this case, the vibration generator 6 may be housed in the recess 8.

[0084] This configuration has the effect of further reducing the foreign body sensation felt by the driver when the film member 5 comes into contact with the driver (through the seat cover 2 and the cloth member 3). This is because the vibration generator 6 can be suppressed or prevented from being directly pushed up by the cushion member 1C.

[0085] The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above in detail. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Various modifications or substitutions may be applied to the above-described embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, each of the features described with reference to the above-described embodiments may be appropriately combined as long as there is no technical contradiction.

[0086] For example, in the above embodiment, the seat device 100 is configured to have a left vibration generator 6L arranged to contact the driver's left thigh and a right vibration generator 6R arranged to contact the driver's right thigh. However, either one of the left vibration generator 6L and the right vibration generator 6R may be omitted. The seat device 100 may also have a third vibration generator arranged to contact the driver's buttocks. In this case, the seat device 100 is configured to include three film members 5 and three vibration generators 6. Alternatively, the seat device 100 may have a third vibration generator arranged to contact the driver's left buttocks and a fourth vibration generator arranged to contact the driver's right buttocks. In this case, the seat device 100 is configured to include four film members 5 and four vibration generators 6.

[0087] The seat device 100 may be configured to have two or more left vibration generators 6L arranged to contact the driver's left thigh and two or more right vibration generators 6R arranged to contact the driver's right thigh. In this case, the seat device 100 is configured to include four or more film members 5 and four or more vibration generators 6.

[0088] The seat device 100 may be configured to have two or more left vibration generators 6L arranged to contact the left buttock of the driver and two or more right vibration generators 6R arranged to contact the right buttock of the driver. In this case, the seat device 100 is configured to include four or more film members 5 and four or more vibration generators 6.

[0089] The seat device 100 may be configured to have only one vibration generating device arranged to come into contact with the driver's buttocks. In this case, the seat device 100 is configured to include one film member 5 and one vibration generating device 6. [Explanation of symbols]

[0090] 1 seat 1B backrest 1C cushion member 1H headrest 2 seat cover 3 cloth member 4 control section 5, 5P, 5Q film member 5L, 5PL, 5QL left film member 5R right film member 6 vibration generator 6L left vibration generator 6R right vibration generator 7 sponge member 7L left sponge member 7R right sponge member 8 recess 8L left recess 8R right recess 50, 50P, 50Q peripheral portion 50B, 50QB rear peripheral portion 50F, 50QF front peripheral portion 50L, 50QL left peripheral portion 50R, 50QR right peripheral portion 51, 51P, 51Q...Central part 52...Through hole 52B...Rear through hole 52B1...1st rear through hole 52B2...2nd rear through hole 52B3...3rd rear through hole 52B4...4th rear through hole 52B5...5th rear through hole 52F...Front through hole 52F1...1st front through hole 52F2...2nd front through hole 52F3...3rd front through hole 52F4...4th front through hole 52F5...5th front through hole 52L...Left through hole 52L1...1st left through hole 52L2...2nd left through hole 52L3...3rd left through hole 52L4...4th left through hole 52L5...5th left through hole 52Q...Through hole 52R...Right through hole 52R1...1st right through hole 52R2...2nd right through hole 52R3...3rd right through hole 52R4...4th right through hole 52R5...5th right through hole 53, 53Q...Round hole 53B, 53QB...Rear round hole 53F, 53QF...Front round hole 60...Protrusion 60B...Rear protrusion 60F...Front protrusion 61...Screw hole 61B...Rear screw hole 61F...Front screw hole 100...Seat device SC...Fastening member

Claims

1. A seat cover extending in the left-right direction and the front-rear direction; A cushion member disposed under the seat cover; a vibration generating device disposed between the cushion member and the seat cover, a flexible film member is disposed between the vibration generating device and the seat cover, The film member is configured so that a central portion to which the vibration generating device is attached is harder than a peripheral portion around the central portion. A seating arrangement comprising:

2. A seat cover extending in the left-right direction and the front-rear direction; A cushion member disposed under the seat cover; a vibration generating device disposed between the cushion member and the seat cover, a flexible film member is disposed between the vibration generating device and the seat cover, the film member has a central portion to which the vibration generating device is attached and a peripheral portion located around the central portion, No through hole is formed in the central portion, A through hole is formed in the peripheral portion. A seating arrangement comprising:

3. A seat cover extending in the left-right direction and the front-rear direction; A cushion member disposed under the seat cover; a vibration generating device disposed between the cushion member and the seat cover, a flexible film member is disposed between the vibration generating device and the seat cover, The film member is configured such that a thickness of a peripheral portion around the central portion is thinner than a thickness of a central portion to which the vibration generator is attached. A seating arrangement comprising:

4. A seat cover extending in the left-right direction and the front-rear direction; A cushion member disposed under the seat cover; a vibration generating device disposed between the cushion member and the seat cover, a flexible film member is disposed between the vibration generating device and the seat cover, The film member has a central portion to which the vibration generating device is attached and a peripheral portion around the central portion, the central portion being made of different materials, and The peripheral portion is formed of a material that is softer than the material of the central portion. A seating arrangement comprising:

5. The film member is configured so that the left-right dimension is 1 / 2 or less of the left-right dimension of the upper surface of the cushion member, or the front-to-back dimension is 1 / 2 or less of the front-to-back dimension of the upper surface of the cushion member. A seating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. A seat cover extending in the left-right direction and the front-rear direction; A cushion member disposed under the seat cover; a vibration generating device disposed between the cushion member and the seat cover, a flexible film member is disposed between the vibration generating device and the seat cover, A recess or a through hole that is deeper than the vertical height of the vibration generator is formed on the upper surface side of the cushion member, the film member has a central portion to which the vibration generating device is attached and a peripheral portion located around the central portion, The vibration generating device is fixed to the lower surface of the film member, When the vibration generating device is stored in the recess, the peripheral portion of the film member is positioned on an upper surface of a portion of the cushion member that is outside the recess or the portion in which the through hole is formed. A seating arrangement comprising:

7. A seat cover extending in the left-right direction and the front-rear direction; A cushion member disposed under the seat cover; a vibration generating device disposed between the cushion member and the seat cover, a flexible film member is disposed between the vibration generating device and the seat cover, The film member has a central portion to which the vibration generating device is attached, and a peripheral portion located around the central portion and configured to be more flexible than the central portion. A seating arrangement comprising:

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