Vehicle seats

Abstract

To provide a vehicular seat capable of efficiently transmititing vibration which occurs on a vibration generation unit to a seated person.SOLUTION: A vehicular seat having a vibration generation unit 50 comprises: side frames 10; a lower frame 13; a seat spring 20 which is extended between the side frames 10; a crosslinkage frame which couples the side frames 10, and is provided at an interval with the seat spring 20; a first support member 31 extended between the seat spring 20 and the crosslinkage frame; and a resistance applying member 70 which is provided so as to contact the lower frame 13 and the vibration generation unit 50, and applies resistance to a movement of the vibration generation unit 50 in a direction of separating from the seated person. The vibration generation unit 50 comprises: a vibration generation member 50A for generating vibration; and a casing 50B for storing the vibration generation member 50A. The resistance applying member 70 is a linear member and has one end and the other end which are each engaged to the casing 50B.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle seat provided with a vibration generating unit that generates vibrations. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, seats have been known that are provided with a vibration generating unit that generates vibrations in the seat back in order to give the occupant a massage effect, an awakening effect, etc. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses such a seat in which a lumbar support plate to which a vibration motor and an unbalanced mass are attached is attached to the left and right seat back frames by an S-shaped spring. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 59-079048 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the conventional technology, there is a problem that the vibration generated by the vibration generating unit is not efficiently transmitted to the seated occupant. Also, it is desirable to be able to release the heat generated in the vibration generating unit to the outside.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle seat that is capable of releasing heat generated within a vibration generating unit to the outside. Another object of the present invention is to efficiently transmit vibrations generated by the vibration generating unit to a seated occupant. Another object is to improve seating comfort. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] RideThe vehicle seat is a vehicle seat having a vibration generating unit that generates vibrations, the vibration generating unit having a vibration generating member that generates vibrations and a casing that houses the vibration generating member, the casing having a heat dissipation hole. It can be configured . Furthermore, the vehicle seat can be a vehicle seat equipped with a vibration generating unit that generates vibrations, and includes a linear member attached to the vibration generating unit, and the linear member can be configured to have a first extension portion attached to the vibration generating unit, the first extension portion extending in a first direction perpendicular to the left-right direction, a second extension portion extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and a bent portion connecting the first extension portion and the second extension portion. The vehicle seat can also be configured to include a seat frame having a first frame, a second frame arranged opposite the first frame with a gap between them, and a third frame connecting the first frame and the second frame, a flexibly deformable hanging member suspended between the first frame and the second frame, a vibration generating unit that generates vibrations and is attached to the hanging member, and a resistance applying member that is provided in contact with the third frame and the vibration generating unit and applies resistance to movement of the vibration generating unit in a direction away from the seated occupant.

[0007] With this configuration, the resistance imparting member can prevent the vibration generating unit from moving in a direction away from the seated occupant, thereby enabling the vibrations generated by the vibration generating unit to be efficiently transmitted to the occupant.

[0008] In the above-mentioned vehicle seat, the resistance imparting member can be configured to have a first support portion that supports an end of the vibration generating unit closer to the first frame, and a second support portion that supports an end of the vibration generating unit closer to the second frame.

[0009] According to this, the resistance applying member can support two ends of the vibration generating unit, one closer to the first frame and the other closer to the second frame, and therefore the vibration generating unit can be effectively prevented from moving away from the seated occupant, thereby enabling the vibrations generated by the vibration generating unit to be transmitted to the seated occupant more efficiently.

[0010] In the vehicle seat described above, the first support portion and the second support portion may be configured to support the vibration generating unit from a side opposite to a seated occupant side.

[0011] With this, the two support parts can efficiently support the vibration generating unit from the side opposite to the seated occupant when the vibration generating unit attempts to move away from the seated occupant, thereby more effectively preventing the vibration generating unit from moving away from the seated occupant, thereby more efficiently transmitting the vibrations generated by the vibration generating unit to the seated occupant.

[0012] In the above-described vehicle seat, the resistance applying member may be made of a linear member and may have a mounting portion attached to the third frame, a first bent portion extending from an end of the mounting portion closer to the first frame, bent so as to be convex toward the first frame, and connected to the first support portion, and a second bent portion extending from an end of the mounting portion closer to the second frame, bent so as to be convex toward the second frame, and connected to the second support portion.

[0013] According to this, the resistance applying member made of a linear member can bend at the bent portion, so that the movement of the vibration generating unit away from the seated occupant can be suppressed while ensuring the amount of penetration of the seated occupant into the seat, thereby improving the seating feeling.

[0014] The vehicle seat described above may include a first bracket for attaching the vibration generating unit to the hanging member, and the first bracket may be configured to have a first portion and a second portion that sandwiches the hanging member between the first portion and the second portion.

[0015] According to this, the vibration generating unit can be firmly attached to the hanging member via the first bracket, so that the vibrations generated by the vibration generating unit can be transmitted to the seated occupant more efficiently.

[0016] In the above-described vehicle seat, the seat frame has a fourth frame that is positioned at a distance from the hanging member and connects the first frame and the second frame, and is equipped with a first support member that is spanned between the hanging member and the fourth frame and has one end connected to the hanging member by a first connecting portion and the other end connected to the fourth frame, and a second support member that is spanned between the hanging member and the fourth frame and has one end connected to the hanging member by a second connecting portion and the other end connected to the fourth frame, and the vibration generating unit can be configured to be arranged between the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion.

[0017] This allows the vibrations generated by the vibration generating unit to be effectively transmitted to the two support members suspended between the hanging member and the fourth frame, thereby allowing the vibrations generated by the vibration generating unit to be efficiently transmitted to the seated occupant via the two support members.

[0018] In the above-mentioned vehicle seat, the resistance imparting member has a contact portion that contacts the vibration generating unit and is supported by the third frame, and the third frame can be configured to be positioned farther from the seated occupant than the contact portion.

[0019] According to this, the vibration generating unit attempting to move in a direction away from the seated occupant can be efficiently supported by the resistance applying member and the third frame, so that the vibration generating unit can be effectively prevented from moving in a direction away from the seated occupant, thereby enabling the vibrations generated by the vibration generating unit to be transmitted to the seated occupant more efficiently.

[0020] The vehicle seat described above may be configured to include a second bracket for attaching the resistance providing member to the third frame, and the resistance providing member may be attached to the third frame while being sandwiched between the third frame and the second bracket. Effect of the Invention

[0021] According to the present invention, heat generated in the vibration generating unit can be released to the outside. In addition, the vibrations generated by the vibration generating unit can be efficiently transmitted to the seated occupant.

[0022] Furthermore, by configuring the resistance applying member to have the first support portion and the second support portion, the vibrations generated by the vibration generating unit can be transmitted to the seated occupant more efficiently.

[0023] Furthermore, by configuring the first support portion and the second support portion to support the vibration generating unit from the side opposite the seated occupant, the vibrations generated by the vibration generating unit can be transmitted to the seated occupant more efficiently.

[0024] Furthermore, by configuring the resistance applying member to have a first bent portion and a second bent portion, the seating feeling can be improved.

[0025] Furthermore, by configuring the first bracket for attaching the vibration generating unit to the hanging member so as to sandwich the hanging member, the vibrations generated by the vibration generating unit can be transmitted to the seated occupant more efficiently.

[0026] In addition, by placing the vibration generating unit between the first connecting portion that connects the hanging member and the first support member and the second connecting portion that connects the hanging member and the second support member, the vibrations generated by the vibration generating unit can be transmitted more efficiently to the seated occupant via the two support members.

[0027] Furthermore, by arranging the third frame at a position farther from the seated occupant than the contact portion of the resistance applying member, the vibrations generated by the vibration generating unit can be transmitted to the seated occupant more efficiently. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0028] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle seat as a vehicle seat according to an embodiment; [Diagram 2] 2 is a perspective view of the vicinity of a vibration generating unit of a vehicle seat as viewed from the rear. FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the vibration generating unit. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the first casing as viewed from the front side. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of a seat spring and a first bracket. [Figure 6] 4 is a rear view of the vibration generating unit of the vehicle seat. FIG. [Figure 7] 3 is a cross-sectional view of a vibration generating unit and its surroundings of a vehicle seat. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0029] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. 1, the vehicle seat according to the embodiment is configured as a vehicle seat S to be installed in an automobile. The vehicle seat S includes a seat frame F, and is configured by covering the seat frame F with a cushioning material such as urethane foam (not shown) and a covering material such as fabric or leather.

[0030] The seat frame F mainly comprises a seat cushion frame F1 constituting the frame of the seat cushion and a seat back frame F2 constituting the frame of the seat back, and the seat back frame F2 is connected to the rear end of the seat cushion frame F1 via a reclining mechanism. Note that in this specification, front / rear, left / right, and up / down correspond to front / rear, left / right, and up / down as seen by a person sitting in the vehicle seat S.

[0031] The seatback frame F2 comprises a pair of plate-shaped frames 11 arranged at a distance from each other on the left and right, a pipe frame 12 connected to the upper parts of the pair of plate-shaped frames 11, and a lower frame 13 connecting the lower parts of the plate-shaped frames 11 together.

[0032] The plate-shaped frame 11 is formed by processing a metal plate, and has a cross-sectional shape in which the front end and the rear end extend inwardly to the left and right. As shown in FIG. 2, a concave weak part 11A is formed at the lower part of the part extending inwardly to the left and right at the rear end of each plate-shaped frame 11, which is concave toward the front and has the left and right outer ends open toward the left and right outer sides. The plate-shaped frame 11 is configured so that the part above the weak part 11A can deform backward from the weak part 11A as a starting point in order to absorb the impact when a strong impact is input from behind the vehicle during a rear-end collision. Here, a rear-end collision refers to a rear-end collision of a vehicle from behind or a collision from behind while driving backward.

[0033] Returning to FIG. 1, the pipe frame 12 is formed by bending a metal pipe material into a substantial U-shape, and has an upper side frame 12A and an upper frame 12B.

[0034] The upper side frame 12A is formed such that a lower portion extends substantially vertically in a straight line, and an upper portion bends inwardly to the left and right from the upper end of the lower portion and extends obliquely upward. The left and right upper side frames 12A are connected at their lower portions to the upper portions of the plate-like frames 11 by welding or the like, thereby constituting a pair of side frames 10 together with the left and right plate-like frames 11. In this embodiment, the left side frame 10 is an example of a "first frame," and the right side frame 10 is an example of a "second frame" disposed opposite the first frame with a gap therebetween.

[0035] The upper frame 12B connects the upper ends of the left and right upper side frames 12A to each other, in other words, the upper ends of the left and right side frames 10 to each other.

[0036] The lower frame 13 is an example of a third frame that connects the lower parts of the left and right side frames 10 together, and is formed by sheet metal processing of a metal plate. The lower frame 13 has a cross-sectional shape with an upper end and a lower end extending forward. As shown in FIG. 3, two mounting holes 13A are formed in the center of the lower frame 13, spaced apart from each other on the left and right. In addition, for reinforcement, the lower frame 13 is formed with left and right long beads 13B that protrude forward (concave when viewed from the rear side) on both left and right sides of the mounting hole 13A. The left and right ends of the lower frame 13 are connected to the left and right inner extending portions of the rear end of the plate-like frame 11 by welding or the like.

[0037] Further, an impact absorbing member 15 is fixed to the center of the lower frame 13 by welding or the like. The impact absorbing member 15 is formed by processing a metal plate, and as shown in Fig. 7, mainly includes a rear wall portion 15A fixed to the lower frame 13, an upper wall portion 15B extending forward from an upper end of the rear wall portion 15A, and a front wall portion 15C extending downward from a front end of the upper wall portion 15B with a lower portion bent backward. A gap is formed between the lower frame 13 and the front wall portion 15C, and when a strong impact is input to the vehicle during a rear collision, the front wall portion 15C is deformed to approach the lower frame 13, thereby absorbing the impact.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 1, the seat back frame F2 further includes a bridging frame 14, which is an example of a fourth frame, disposed above a seat spring 20 (described later) with a space therebetween. The bridging frame 14 is formed by processing a metal plate, and has a lower extension portion 14A extending forward at the lower end. Support holes 14B penetrating vertically are formed at the left and right ends of the lower extension portion 14A. The left and right ends of the bridging frame 14 are connected to the top of the upper side frame 12A by welding or the like, thereby connecting the tops of the left and right side frames 10 to each other.

[0039] Arranged inside the seat back frame F2 are a seat spring 20 as an example of a hanging member, a support member 30 formed from a metal wire material, and a vibration generating unit 50 that generates vibrations. The seat spring 20 is formed by bending a metal wire in a zigzag pattern so as to snake up and down, and is provided in a state of being bridged between the lower parts of the left and right side frames 10 at a position above the lower frame 13. The seat spring 20 is flexible and deformable in the front and rear directions. The seat spring 20 is connected to the left and right side frames 10 by inserting the left and right ends from above into engagement pieces 11B fixed to the upper sides of weak parts 11A (see FIG. 2) at the lower parts of the left and right plate-like frames 11.

[0040] The support member 30 mainly comprises a first support member 31 and a second support member 32 which are arranged spaced apart on the left and right and extend vertically, and a third support member 33 which is bridged between the first support member 31 and the second support member 32 and extends horizontally.

[0041] The first support member 31 and the second support member 32 are provided in a state of being bridged between the seat spring 20 and the bridging frame 14. More specifically, the first support member 31 has a lower end as one end connected to the left end of the seat spring 20 by a first connecting portion 31A, and an upper end as the other end connected to the left end of the bridging frame 14. The second support member 32 has a lower end as one end connected to the right end of the seat spring 20 by a second connecting portion 32A, and an upper end as the other end connected to the right end of the bridging frame 14. More specifically, the first connecting portion 31A and the second connecting portion 32A are formed by crimping a metal plate so as to be wrapped around the lower ends of the first support member 31 and the second support member 32 and the seat spring 20. In addition, the upper ends of the first support member 31 and the second support member 32 are connected to the bridging frame 14 by inserting and engaging the upper ends of the first support member 31 and the second support member 32 from below into support holes 14B formed in the lower extension portion 14A of the bridging frame 14.

[0042] 3, a plurality of third support members 33 are provided vertically lined up between the first support member 31 and the second support member 32. Each third support member 33 is connected to the first support member 31 and the second support member 32 by engaging the left and right ends of the third support member 33 with the first support member 31 or the second support member 32 so as to be wrapped around the third support member 33.

[0043] The vibration generating unit 50 mainly comprises a vibration generating member 50A and a resin casing 50B that houses the vibration generating member 50A. The vibration generating member 50A mainly includes a motor 51 and an unbalanced mass 52, and is configured such that the unbalanced mass 52 rotates as a result of the rotation of a rotating shaft 51A of the motor 51 by being driven, thereby generating vibration. The unbalanced mass 52 is fixed to the rotating shaft 51A of the motor 51, and is formed in a substantially semicircular shape centered on the rotating shaft 51A of the motor 51 when viewed from the left-right direction.

[0044] The casing 50B is mainly composed of a first casing 53 and a second casing . As shown in FIG. 4, the first casing 53 has a concave accommodation portion 53A that is open toward the front and that accommodates the vibration generating member 50A. A pair of left and right engagement holes 53B and a pair of bracket engagement holes 53D arranged on both the left and right sides of the engagement hole 53B are formed in the lower wall of the accommodation portion 53A. A substantially cylindrical engagement portion 53C that penetrates from the front to the rear and a fixed wall 53E that extends upward from the front end of the upper wall of the accommodation portion 53A are formed in the upper wall of the accommodation portion 53A. A through hole 53F that penetrates from the front to the rear is formed in the fixed wall 53E. A plurality of heat dissipation holes 53G that penetrate from the front to the rear are formed in the rear wall of the accommodation portion 53A, so that heat generated by the motor 51 can be dissipated to the outside. A connector engagement portion 53H that engages with a connector 55 (see FIG. 3) is formed between the engagement portion 53C and the fixed wall 53E. A cable (not shown) for supplying power to the motor 51 is connected to the connector 55.

[0045] The first casing 53 has a first supported portion 50L and a second supported portion 50R. The first supported portion 50L is formed so as to protrude leftward from the left wall of the housing portion 53A, and the second supported portion 50R is formed so as to protrude rightward from the right wall of the housing portion 53A. In this embodiment, the first supported portion 50L corresponds to the end portion (left end portion) of the vibration generating unit 50 closer to the left side frame 10, and the second supported portion 50R corresponds to the end portion (right end portion) of the vibration generating unit 50 closer to the right side frame 10. As shown in FIG. 3, a bottomed supported hole 50H having a shape recessed toward the front is formed on the rear surface of each of the first supported portion 50L and the second supported portion 50R.

[0046] The second casing 54 has a main body 54A that covers the front side of the vibration generating member 50A housed in the first casing 53, left and right lower engagement claws 54B that protrude rearward from the lower end of the main body 54A and extend downward, and an upper engagement claw 54C that extends rearward from the upper part of the main body 54A. The main body 54A is generally L-shaped with the left side portion of the upper part cut out, so that when the first casing 53 and the second casing 54 are assembled, the through hole 53F of the first casing 53 can be seen from the front side.

[0047] The vibration generating unit 50 is assembled by accommodating the vibration generating member 50A in the accommodating section 53A of the first casing 53, engaging the lower engagement claw 54B of the second casing 54 with the engagement hole 53B of the first casing 53 (see Figure 4), and engaging the upper engagement claw 54C of the second casing 54 with the engagement section 53C of the first casing 53 (see Figure 4).

[0048] The first bracket 60 is a member for attaching the vibration generating unit 50 to the seat spring 20, and is formed by sheet metal processing of a metal plate. As shown in Fig. 5, the first bracket 60 integrally includes a first portion 61, a second portion 62, and a third portion 63 that connects the first portion 61 and the second portion 62.

[0049] The first part 61 mainly includes a first part body 61A, a fixed part 61B, engaging claws 61C, 61D, and locking parts 61E, 61F. The fixed part 61B is formed so as to extend rearward from the left end of the upper part of the first part body 61A and bend outward to the left and right. The fixed part 61B is formed with an attachment hole 61H penetrating from the front to the rear. The engaging claws 61C, 61D are formed so as to extend rearward from the left and right ends of the lower part of the first part body 61A and have a generally hook-like shape with their tips bent downward. The locking part 61E is formed so as to extend upward from the upper end of the first part body 61A and bend backward, and the locking part 61F is formed so as to extend downward from the lower part of the first part body 61A and bend backward. The second portion 62 is substantially L-shaped and is disposed rearward of the first portion main body 61A with a gap therebetween. The third part 63 connects the right ends of the first part 61 and the second part 62 to each other.

[0050] The first bracket 60 is attached to the seat spring 20 in a state in which the seat spring 20 is sandwiched from the front and rear between a first portion main body 61A of the first portion 61 and a second portion 62. The first bracket 60 is prevented from falling off the seat spring 20 by the locking portions 61E, 61F being caught on the seat spring 20.

[0051] As shown in Fig. 3, in an assembled state, the vibration generating unit 50 is attached to the first bracket 60 by engaging the engagement claws 61C, 61D of the first bracket 60 with the left and right bracket engagement holes 53D (see Fig. 4) and fastening a screw 56 through a through hole 53F in the fixed wall 53E into a mounting hole 61H of the first bracket 60. As shown in Fig. 6, the vibration generating unit 50 attached to the first bracket 60 is disposed between the first connecting portion 31A and the second connecting portion 32A. The vibration generating unit 50 is also disposed between the left and right weak portions 11A formed in the left and right plate-like frames 11.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 2, a resistance applying member 70 is further disposed inside the seat back frame F2. The resistance applying member 70 applies resistance to the movement of the vibration generating unit 50 in a direction away from the seated occupant, i.e., to the rearward movement of the vibration generating unit 50, and is provided in contact with both the lower frame 13 and the vibration generating unit 50. The resistance applying member 70 is made of a linear member, specifically, a metal wire, and has a first support portion 71, a second support portion 72, a mounting portion 73 that is attached to the lower frame 13 via a second bracket 80, a first bent portion 74 that connects the first support portion 71 and the mounting portion 73, and a second bent portion 75 that connects the second support portion 72 and the mounting portion 73.

[0053] The first support part 71 is a part that supports the first supported part 50L of the vibration generating unit 50, and extends straight from approximately front to rear with its rear end bent downward. The second support part 72 is a part that supports the second supported part 50R (see FIG. 6) of the vibration generating unit 50, and extends straight from approximately front to rear with its rear end bent downward like the first support part 71. The first support part 71 and the second support part 72 have their tips engaged with the bottomed supported holes 50H formed in the supported parts 50L, 50R of the vibration generating unit 50 from the rear side with a certain degree of friction. As a result, the first support part 71 and the second support part 72 support the vibration generating unit 50 from the rear side, which is the side opposite to the seated person side. The tips of the first support part 71 and the second support part 72 engage with the supported hole 50H and come into contact with the inner circumferential surface and the bottom surface of the supported hole 50H. In other words, the tips of the first support portion 71 and the second support portion 72 form contact portions 76 (see FIG. 7) that come into contact with the vibration generating unit 50.

[0054] 6, the first bent portion 74 extends from a left end (end closer to the left side frame 10) 73L of the mounting portion 73 extending laterally, bends in a generally U-shape convex toward the left side frame 10, and is formed so as to connect to the lower end of the rear end of the first support portion 71. The second bent portion 75 extends from a right end (end closer to the right side frame 10) 73R of the mounting portion 73, bends in a generally U-shape convex toward the right side frame 10, and is formed so as to connect to the lower end of the rear end of the second support portion 72.

[0055] The second bracket 80 is a member for attaching the resistance applying member 70 to the lower frame 13, and is formed by sheet metal processing of a metal plate. Two through holes 81 (see FIG. 3) are formed in the second bracket 80 at a distance from each other on the left and right, corresponding to the attachment holes 13A of the lower frame 13. The second bracket 80 is fixed to the lower frame 13 by fastening screws 82 that have been passed through the through holes 81 to the attachment holes 13A (see FIG. 3) of the lower frame 13. The second bracket 80 is disposed between two beads 13B of the lower frame 13.

[0056] As shown in Fig. 7, the resistance applying member 70 is attached to the lower frame 13 with the mounting portion 73 sandwiched between the lower frame 13 and a second bracket 80 fixed to the lower frame 13 via the rear wall portion 15A of the impact absorbing member 15, and is thereby supported by the lower frame 13. The mounting portion 73 is sandwiched between the lower frame 13 and the second bracket 80 in a state in which there is a degree of friction that allows the mounting portion 73 to rotate relative to the lower frame 13 and the second bracket 80. The surface of the portion of the mounting portion 73 sandwiched between the lower frame 13 and the second bracket 80 is coated with a resin such as nylon. This makes it possible to reduce noise generated when the resistance applying member 70 rotates relative to the second bracket 80 or the like.

[0057] The lower frame 13 is disposed at a position farther from the seated occupant P than the contact portions 76 of the resistance applying member 70 when viewed from the left-right direction. More specifically, the lower frame 13 is disposed such that, based on a plane PL2 that is perpendicular to the direction in which the left and right contact portions 76 (front portions of the support portions 71, 72) extend and intersects with the center of the left and right contact portions 76 in the front-rear direction, the seated occupant P is located in front of the plane PL2 and the lower frame 13 is located behind the plane PL2. More specifically, the lower frame 13 is disposed at a position farther from the seated occupant P than the contact portions 76 in the direction in which the front portions of the support portions 71, 72 extend (the direction in which the support portions 71, 72 support the vibration generating unit 50).

[0058] As shown in FIG. 6, the resistance applying member 70 is disposed at a position where the left-right center of the mounting portion 73 substantially coincides with the plane PL1 passing through the left-right center of the seat frame F. On the other hand, the vibration generating unit 50 is disposed near the left-right center of the seat frame F, but the left-right center is disposed at a position shifted to the left with respect to the plane PL1. Therefore, when viewed from the rear side, the second support portion 72 supporting the second supported portion 50R is disposed at a position close to the plane PL1 and substantially directly above the right end 73R of the mounting portion 73, while the first support portion 71 supporting the first supported portion 50L is disposed at a position far from the plane PL1 and shifted to the left of the left end 73L of the mounting portion 73. As a result, the shape of the first bent portion 74 connecting the first support portion 71 and the mounting portion 73 and the shape of the second bent portion 75 connecting the second support portion 72 and the mounting portion 73 are different from each other. Specifically, when viewed from the rear side, the second bent portion 75 is generally U-shaped, while the first bent portion 74 is generally J-shaped. Also, a length L4 from the left end 73L of the mounting portion 73 to the left and right outer ends of the first bent portion 74 in the left and right direction is greater than a length L5 from the right end 73R of the mounting portion 73 to the left and right outer ends of the second bent portion 75.

[0059] The resistance applying member 70 is provided so as not to exert a force on the vibration generating unit 50 when no one is seated in the vehicle seat S. Therefore, when no one is seated in the vehicle seat S, no force pushing the vibration generating unit 50 forward or pulling it backward is applied from the resistance applying member 70 to the vibration generating unit 50.

[0060] According to the present embodiment described above, as shown in Fig. 7, when the vibration generating unit 50 tries to move rearward due to the generation of force or vibration from the front side, the resistance imparting member 70 attached to the lower frame 13 supports the vibration generating unit 50, thereby preventing the vibration generating unit 50 from moving rearward. Since the resistance imparting member 70 can prevent the vibration generating unit 50 from moving rearward in this manner, the vibration generated by the vibration generating unit 50 can be efficiently transmitted to the seated occupant P. This makes it possible to effectively provide the seated occupant P with a massage effect, an awakening effect, a warning effect, or the like, due to the vibration generated by the vibration generating unit 50.

[0061] Furthermore, since the resistance imparting member 70 has the first supporting portion 71 and the second supporting portion 72, it is possible to support two locations, the first supported portion 50L and the second supported portion 50R, of the vibration generating unit 50 by the resistance imparting member 70. As a result, compared to a configuration in which only one location is supported, for example, the vibration generating unit 50 can be supported more stably, and the vibration generating unit 50 can be effectively prevented from moving backward, and the vibrations generated by the vibration generating unit 50 can be transmitted to the seated person P more efficiently.

[0062] Furthermore, since the first support part 71 and the second support part 72 support the vibration generating unit 50 from the rear side, the vibration generating unit 50 attempting to move rearward can be efficiently supported by the two support parts 71, 72. This makes it possible to more effectively prevent the vibration generating unit 50 from moving rearward, so that the vibrations generated by the vibration generating unit 50 can be transmitted to the seated occupant P more efficiently.

[0063] Furthermore, since the resistance applying member 70 made of a linear member has the first bent portion 74 and the second bent portion 75, it can bend at the bent portions 74, 75. This makes it possible to ensure that the occupant P can penetrate into the seat back even in a configuration in which the vibration generating unit 50 is disposed inside the seat back frame F2, while suppressing rearward movement of the vibration generating unit 50. As a result, the seating feeling of the vehicle seat S can be improved.

[0064] Furthermore, since the first bracket 60 for attaching the vibration generating unit 50 to the seat spring 20 sandwiches the seat spring 20 between the first part main body 61A of the first part 61 and the second part 62, the vibration generating unit 50 can be firmly attached to the seat spring 20 via the first bracket 60. This allows the vibrations generated by the vibration generating unit 50 to be transmitted to the seated occupant P more efficiently.

[0065] In addition, since the seatback frame F2 has the first support member 31 and the second support member 32 bridged between the seat spring 20 and the bridging frame 14, and the vibration generating unit 50 is disposed between the first connecting portion 31A and the second connecting portion 32A, the vibration generated by the vibration generating unit 50 can be transmitted well to the first support member 31 and the second support member 32. As a result, the vibration generated by the vibration generating unit 50 can be transmitted more efficiently to the seated occupant P via the first support member 31, the second support member 32, and the third support member 33.

[0066] In addition, since the resistance applying member 70 has the contact portion 76 and is supported by the lower frame 13, and the lower frame 13 is disposed at a position farther away from the seated occupant P than the contact portion 76, the vibration generating unit 50 attempting to move rearward can be efficiently supported by the resistance applying member 70 and the lower frame 13. This effectively prevents the vibration generating unit 50 from moving rearward, and allows the vibrations generated by the vibration generating unit 50 to be transmitted to the seated occupant P more efficiently.

[0067] Although the embodiment has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. The specific configuration can be appropriately changed as described below without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, in the above embodiment, the resistance imparting member 70 is attached to the lower frame 13 in a state where it is sandwiched between the lower frame 13 and the second bracket 80, but this is not limited to this, and for example, the resistance imparting member may be attached to the lower frame by screwing, welding, etc.

[0068] The configuration of the resistance imparting member 70 described in the embodiment is an example, and the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, in the embodiment, the resistance imparting member 70 has the first support portion 71 and the second support portion 72, and is configured to support two points of the vibration generating unit 50, but may be configured to support three or more points, or may be configured to support only one point. Also, for example, a wall or the like may be provided behind the vibration generating unit, and a spring such as a coil spring disposed between the wall and the vibration generating unit may be used as the resistance imparting member. In this case, the spring as the resistance imparting member may be provided so as to provide resistance to the backward movement of the vibration generating unit only when the vibration generating unit tries to move backward, or may be provided so as to constantly bias the vibration generating unit forward. The resistance imparting member may be a wall or the like provided behind the vibration generating unit. Note that, when the resistance imparting member has spring properties, such as the resistance imparting member 70 in the embodiment or the spring as the resistance imparting member described above, the occupant sitting in the vehicle seat S is less likely to feel the impact of the vibration generating unit, and the seating feeling can be improved.

[0069] The configuration of the vibration generating unit 50 described in the above embodiment is merely an example, and the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, in the above embodiment, the vibration generating unit 50 includes a vibration generating member 50A and a resin casing 50B, and the vibration generating member 50A is attached to the first bracket 60 while being housed in the casing 50B. However, the vibration generating member 50A may be directly attached to the first bracket without including the casing 50B. Also, in the above embodiment, the vibration generating unit 50 is attached to the seat spring 20 via the first bracket 60, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the vibration generating unit may be attached directly to the seat spring without the first bracket.

[0070] In addition, in the above embodiment, only one seat spring 20 is arranged inside the seatback frame F2, but this is not limited thereto. For example, a plurality of seat springs may be arranged inside the seatback frame. In this case, the vibration generating unit can be attached to any seat spring. Also, a plurality of vibration generating units may be provided. In addition, in the above embodiment, the seat spring 20 (a so-called S-spring) is exemplified as the hanging member, but this is not limited thereto. For example, the hanging member may be a wire material that is not bent in a zigzag pattern but is configured to be flexible.

[0071] In addition, in the above embodiment, the left and right side frames 10 of the seatback frame F2 are exemplified as the first frame and the second frame, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the first frame and the second frame may be upper and lower frames of the seatback frame. Furthermore, the first frame and the second frame may be left and right frames of the seat cushion frame, or may be front and rear frames of the seat cushion frame. When the first frame and the second frame are part of the seat cushion frame, the vibration generating unit is provided in the seat cushion. In addition, in the above embodiment, the lower frame 13 is exemplified as the third frame, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the third frame may be the upper frame 12B or the bridging frame 14 of the above embodiment. Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the bridging frame 14 is exemplified as the fourth frame, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the fourth frame may be the upper frame 12B of the above embodiment.

[0072] In addition, in the above embodiment, a vehicle seat S installed in an automobile was given as an example of a vehicle seat, but the vehicle seat is not limited to this and may be a vehicle seat installed in a vehicle other than an automobile, such as a railway car, a ship, an aircraft, etc. [Explanation of symbols]

[0073] 10 Side frame 13 Lower frame 14 Bridge Frame 20 Seat spring 31 First support member 31A 1st connection part 32 Second support member 32A 2nd connection part 50 Vibration generating unit 50L 1st supported part 50R 2nd supported part 60 First Bracket 61 Part 1 62 Part 2 70 Resistance imparting member 71 1st support part 72 Second support part 73 Mounting part 73L left end 73R Right end 74 1st bending part 75 2nd bending part 76 Contact Part 80 Second Bracket Seat frame, front S Vehicle seat

Claims

1. a vibration generating unit that generates vibrations; A first frame; a second frame disposed opposite the first frame with a gap therebetween; A vehicle seat including a suspension member extending between the first frame and the second frame, The vibration generating unit includes a motor and a casing that houses the motor. a connector engaging portion for engaging with a connector for supplying electric power to the motor is formed in the casing; the casing includes a first casing in which the motor is housed, and a second casing that covers the motor housed in the first casing, The connector engaging portion is formed on the first casing, the first casing has an engagement portion with which the second casing engages, and a fixing wall for attaching the vibration generating unit to the hanging member, The vehicle seat, wherein the connector engaging portion is formed between the engaging portion and the fixed wall.

2. a vibration generating unit that generates vibrations; A first frame; a second frame disposed opposite the first frame with a gap therebetween; a third frame connecting the first frame and the second frame; and a resistance applying member provided in contact with the third frame and the vibration generating unit and applying resistance to movement of the vibration generating unit in a direction away from a seated occupant, The vibration generating unit includes a motor and a casing that houses the motor. a connector engaging portion for engaging with a connector for supplying electric power to the motor is formed in the casing; the casing has a supported portion with which the resistance applying member engages, A vehicle seat, wherein the connector engaging portion is disposed above the supported portion.

3. a vibration generating unit that generates vibrations; A first frame; a second frame disposed opposite the first frame with a gap therebetween; a third frame connecting the first frame and the second frame; and a resistance applying member provided in contact with the third frame and the vibration generating unit and applying resistance to movement of the vibration generating unit in a direction away from a seated occupant, The vibration generating unit includes a motor and a casing that houses the motor. a connector engaging portion for engaging with a connector for supplying electric power to the motor is formed in the casing; the casing has two supported portions with which the resistance applying member engages, The vehicle seat, wherein the connector engaging portion is disposed between two supported portions in a direction in which the first frame and the second frame face each other.

4. the casing includes a first casing in which the motor is housed, and a second casing that covers the motor housed in the first casing, 4. The vehicle seat according to claim 2, wherein the connector engaging portion is formed on the first casing.

5. A vehicle seat as described in claim 1, characterized in that the connector engagement portion is arranged on the rear side of the hanging member.

6. A suspension member is provided between the first frame and the second frame, 5. The vehicle seat according to claim 2, wherein the connector engaging portion is disposed on a rear side of the hanging member.

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