Vehicle seat

Abstract

To arrange a radio wave transmitter / receiver at a position which is close to a back part of a seated person and does not give a feeling of foreign matter to the back part of the seated person in a vehicle seat.SOLUTION: A vehicle seat 1 includes a seat back 4 which is connected to a seat cushion 3 and a rear section of the seat cushion. The seat back has a back frame 21 including left and right side frame sections 26 vertically extending and an upper frame section 27 which extends to left and right sides and is connected to each of upper ends of the left and right side frame sections, a pressure receiving member 22 which is a planar member for supporting a back part of a seated person, has permeability of radio waves, and is supported by the back frame through elastic members 43, 44, and a radio wave transmitter / receiver 70 which is supported by a back face of the pressure receiving member, irradiates the seated person with radio waves, and receives reflection waves from the seated person.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle seat.

Background Art

[0002] There is a vehicle seat provided with a sensor for detecting the heartbeat etc. of a seated person on the seat back. For example, there is one in which a helical antenna is provided inside the seat back, radio waves are irradiated from the helical antenna onto the back of the seated person, and a heart sound signal is detected from the reflected wave (for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In order to accurately detect the state of a seated person, a radio wave transmitting and receiving device such as an antenna needs to be arranged at a position close to the back of the seated person. On the other hand, in order to improve the sitting comfort of a vehicle seat, the radio wave transmitting and receiving device needs to be arranged at a position that does not give a foreign body sensation to the back of the seated person.

[0005] In view of the above background, an object of the present invention is to arrange a radio wave transmitting and receiving device in a vehicle seat at a position close to the back of a seated person and that does not give a foreign body sensation to the back of the seated person.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, one aspect of the present invention is a vehicle seat (1) having a seat cushion (3) and a seat back (4) coupled to the rear portion of the seat cushion, wherein the seat back includes a left and right side frame portion (26) extending vertically, and an upper frame portion (27) extending horizontally and coupled to the upper end portion of each of the left and right side frame portions, a back frame (21); a plate-like member that supports the back of the seated person, has radio wave permeability, and a pressure receiving member (22) supported by the back frame via elastic members (43, 44); and a radio wave transmitting and receiving device (70) supported on the back surface of the pressure receiving member, irradiating the seated person with radio waves, and receiving reflected waves from the seated person.

[0007] According to this aspect, the radio wave transmitting and receiving device can be disposed at a position close to the back of the seated person and not giving a foreign body sensation to the back of the seated person. Since the pressure receiving member is supported by the back frame via the elastic member, it is displaced by being pushed by the back of the seated person. Since the radio wave transmitting and receiving device is provided on the back of the pressure receiving member, the radio wave transmitting and receiving device is displaced together with the pressure receiving member and does not give a foreign body sensation to the back of the seated person.

[0008] In the above aspect, one end of a control cable (55) for deforming the pressure receiving member may be coupled to the pressure receiving member, and the radio wave transmitting and receiving device may be disposed at a position that does not overlap the control cable in a front view.

[0009] According to this aspect, it is possible to avoid the radio waves irradiated from the radio wave transmitting and receiving device to the seated person and the reflected waves from the seated person being blocked by the control cable.

[0010] In the above aspect, the elastic members (43, 44) may be metal wires, and the radio wave transmitting and receiving device may be disposed at a position that does not overlap the elastic members in a front view.

[0011] According to this aspect, it is possible to avoid the radio waves irradiated from the radio wave transmitting and receiving device to the seated person and the reflected waves from the seated person being blocked by the elastic members.

[0012] In the above aspect, a plurality of reinforcing ribs (48) are provided on the pressure receiving member, and the radio wave transmitting and receiving device may be arranged at a position that does not overlap with the reinforcing ribs in a front view.

[0013] According to this aspect, it is possible to avoid the radio waves irradiated from the radio wave transmitting and receiving device to the seated person and the reflected waves from the seated person from being attenuated by the reinforcing ribs.

[0014] In the above aspect, a plurality of openings (47) are provided in the pressure receiving member, and the radio wave transmitting and receiving device may be arranged at a position that does not overlap with the openings in a front view.

[0015] According to this aspect, it is possible to avoid the paths of the radio waves irradiated from the radio wave transmitting and receiving device to the seated person and the reflected waves from the seated person from being changed by the openings.

[0016] In the above aspect, the radio wave transmitting and receiving device may be arranged on the pressure receiving member while being displaced left and right from the center of the seat back in a front view.

[0017] According to this aspect, the radio wave transmitting and receiving device can irradiate radio waves to a part of the seated person's back where the body surface is likely to be displaced due to pulsation.

[0018] In the above aspect, the radio wave transmitting and receiving device may be fitted into a pocket (81) provided on the back surface of the pressure receiving member.

[0019] According to this aspect, the coupling structure between the radio wave transmitting and receiving device and the pressure receiving member can be simplified.

[0020] In the above aspect, a locking claw (83) for locking the other of the radio wave transmitting and receiving device and the pressure receiving member may be provided on one of the radio wave transmitting and receiving device and the pressure receiving member.

[0021] According to this aspect, the coupling structure between the radio wave transmitting and receiving device and the pressure receiving member can be simplified.

[0022] In the above aspect, it is preferable that the width of the pressure receiving member in the left - right direction changes in the vertical direction, and the radio wave transmitting and receiving device is provided at the vertical position where the left - right width of the pressure receiving member is the largest.

[0023] According to this aspect, the radio wave transmitting and receiving device can be stably arranged on the pressure receiving member.

[0024] In the above aspect, the upper frame portion is provided with left - and - right support members (35) for supporting the left - and - right pillars (5A) of the headrest (5), and it is preferable that the radio wave transmitting and receiving device is arranged between the left - and - right support members in a front view.

[0025] According to this aspect, the radio wave transmitting and receiving device can irradiate radio waves to a portion of the seated person's back where the body surface is likely to be displaced due to pulsation.

[0026] Another aspect of the present invention is a vehicle seat (1) having a seat cushion (3) and a seat back (4) provided at the rear of the seat cushion, wherein the seat back includes a back frame (21) including left - and - right side frame portions (26) extending vertically and an upper frame portion (27) extending horizontally and coupled to upper ends of the left - and - right side frame portions respectively, and a radio wave transmitting and receiving device (70) supported by at least one of the side frame portion and the upper frame portion, irradiating radio waves to a seated person, and receiving reflected waves from the seated person.

[0027] According to this aspect, the radio wave transmitting and receiving device is fixed to at least one of the side frame portion and the upper frame portion that form the skeleton of the seat back. Thereby, in the vehicle seat, the radio wave transmitting and receiving device is stably fixed at an appropriate position of the seat back.

[0028] In the above aspect, the upper end portion of the radio wave transmitting and receiving device may be located below the upper end portion of the upper frame portion.

[0029] According to this aspect, the radio wave transmitting and receiving device can be arranged at a position corresponding to the back of the seated person.

[0030] In the above aspect, a bracket (72) extending downward from the upper frame portion may be coupled to the upper frame portion, and the radio wave transmitting and receiving device may be coupled to the bracket.

[0031] According to this aspect, the radio wave transmitting and receiving device can be arranged at a position close to the heart of the seated person.

[0032] In the above aspect, the back frame extends horizontally below the upper frame portion and has cross members coupled to the respective left and right side frame portions. A bracket is coupled to the cross member, and the radio wave transmitting and receiving device may be coupled to the bracket.

[0033] According to this aspect, since the bracket is coupled to the upper frame portion and the cross member, the position of the bracket is stabilized. Thereby, the position of the radio wave transmitting and receiving device can be stabilized.

[0034] In the above aspect, the bracket may extend vertically and have an upper end portion coupled to the upper frame portion and a lower end portion coupled to the cross member.

[0035] According to this aspect, the position of the bracket can be stabilized, and the position of the radio wave transmitting and receiving device can be stabilized.

[0036] In the above aspect, left and right support members (35) for supporting the left and right pillars (5A) of the headrest (5) may be provided on the upper frame portion, and the radio wave transmitting and receiving device may be arranged between the left and right support members in a front view.

[0037] According to this aspect, the radio wave transmitting and receiving device can be disposed at a position close to the heart of the seated person.

[0038] In the above aspect, each of the support members may be formed in a cylindrical shape and extend vertically, and the upper end portion of the radio wave transmitting and receiving device may be disposed below the upper end portion of the support member and above the lower end portion of the support member.

[0039] According to this aspect, the radio wave transmitting and receiving device can be disposed at a position close to the heart of the seated person.

[0040] In the above aspect, the front edge at the upper end portion of the radio wave transmitting and receiving device may be disposed behind the front edge of the support member.

[0041] According to this aspect, the radio wave transmitting and receiving device is protected by the left and right support members against loads from the front. Further, it becomes difficult for the radio wave transmitting and receiving device to affect the back of the occupant, and it becomes difficult for the occupant to feel a foreign body sensation caused by the radio wave transmitting and receiving device on the back. Further, the radio wave transmitting and receiving device can be disposed in the dead space between the left and right support members.

[0042] In the above aspect, the upper end portion of the radio wave transmitting and receiving device may be disposed in front of the upper frame portion.

[0043] According to this aspect, the radio wave transmitting and receiving device can be disposed at a position close to the heart of the seated person.

[0044] In the above aspect, the front edge at the lower portion of the radio wave transmitting and receiving device may be disposed behind the front edge of the side frame portion at the same height.

[0045] According to this aspect, it becomes difficult for the radio wave transmitting and receiving device to affect the back of the occupant, and it becomes difficult for the occupant to feel a foreign body sensation caused by the radio wave transmitting and receiving device on the back.

[0046] In the above aspect, it is preferable that the seat back has a pad (23) supported by the back frame, and a recess (75) for receiving the radio wave transmitting and receiving device is formed on the back surface of the pad.

[0047] According to this aspect, it becomes difficult for the radio wave transmitting and receiving device to receive a load from the pad.

Advantages of the Invention

[0048] One aspect of the present invention is a vehicle seat (1) having a seat cushion (3) and a seat back (4) coupled to the rear portion of the seat cushion, wherein the seat back includes left and right side frame portions (26) extending vertically, and an upper frame portion (27) extending horizontally and coupled to upper end portions of the left and right side frame portions, a back frame (21), a plate-like member that supports the back of a seated person, has radio wave transmissibility, a pressure receiving member (22) supported by the back frame via elastic members (43, 44), and a radio wave transmitting and receiving device (70) supported on the back surface of the pressure receiving member, irradiating the seated person with radio waves, and receiving reflected waves from the seated person. According to this aspect, the radio wave transmitting and receiving device can be disposed close to the back of the seated person and at a position that does not give a foreign body sensation to the back of the seated person. Since the pressure receiving member is supported by the back frame via the elastic members, it is displaced by being pushed by the back of the seated person. Since the radio wave transmitting and receiving device is provided on the back surface of the pressure receiving member, the radio wave transmitting and receiving device is displaced together with the pressure receiving member and does not give a foreign body sensation to the back of the seated person.

[0049] In the above aspect, it is preferable that one end of a control cable (55) for deforming the pressure receiving member is coupled to the pressure receiving member, and the radio wave transmitting and receiving device is disposed at a position that does not overlap with the control cable in a front view. According to this aspect, it is possible to avoid the radio waves irradiated from the radio wave transmitting and receiving device to the seated person and the reflected waves from the seated person being blocked by the control cable.

[0050] In the above aspect, the elastic members (43, 44) are metal wires, and the radio wave transmitting and receiving device is preferably arranged at a position that does not overlap with the elastic members in a front view. According to this aspect, it is possible to avoid the radio waves irradiated from the radio wave transmitting and receiving device to the seated person and the reflected waves from the seated person being blocked by the elastic members.

[0051] In the above aspect, the pressure receiving member is provided with a plurality of reinforcing ribs (48), and the radio wave transmitting and receiving device is preferably arranged at a position that does not overlap with the reinforcing ribs in a front view. According to this aspect, it is possible to avoid the radio waves irradiated from the radio wave transmitting and receiving device to the seated person and the reflected waves from the seated person being attenuated by the reinforcing ribs.

[0052] In the above aspect, the pressure receiving member is provided with a plurality of openings (47), and the radio wave transmitting and receiving device is preferably arranged at a position that does not overlap with the openings in a front view. According to this aspect, it is possible to avoid the paths of the radio waves irradiated from the radio wave transmitting and receiving device to the seated person and the reflected waves from the seated person being changed by the openings.

[0053] In the above aspect, the radio wave transmitting and receiving device is preferably arranged on the pressure receiving member with a lateral displacement from the center of the seat back in a front view. According to this aspect, the radio wave transmitting and receiving device can irradiate radio waves to a part of the back of the seated person where the body surface is easily displaced by pulsation.

[0054] In the above aspect, the radio wave transmitting and receiving device is preferably fitted into a pocket (81) provided on the back surface of the pressure receiving member. According to this aspect, the coupling structure between the radio wave transmitting and receiving device and the pressure receiving member can be simplified.

[0055] In the above aspect, one of the radio wave transmitting and receiving device and the pressure receiving member is preferably provided with a locking claw (83) for locking the other of the radio wave transmitting and receiving device and the pressure receiving member. According to this aspect, the coupling structure between the radio wave transmitting and receiving device and the pressure receiving member can be simplified.

[0056] In the above aspect, the pressure receiving member may have a varying left - right width in the vertical direction, and the radio wave transmitting and receiving device may be provided at a vertical position in the pressure receiving member where the left - right width is the largest. According to this aspect, the radio wave transmitting and receiving device can be stably arranged on the pressure receiving member.

[0057] In the above aspect, the upper frame portion is provided with left and right support members (35) for supporting the left and right pillars (5A) of the headrest (5), and the radio wave transmitting and receiving device may be arranged between the left and right support members in a front view. According to this aspect, the radio wave transmitting and receiving device can irradiate radio waves at a site on the back of the seated person where the body surface is easily displaced by pulsation.

[0058] Another aspect of the present invention is a vehicle seat (1) having a seat cushion (3) and a seat back (4) provided at the rear of the seat cushion, wherein the seat back includes a back frame (21) including left and right side frame portions (26) extending vertically and an upper frame portion (27) extending horizontally and coupled to upper end portions of the left and right side frame portions respectively, and a radio wave transmitting and receiving device (70) supported by at least one of the side frame portion and the upper frame portion, irradiating radio waves to a seated person and receiving reflected waves from the seated person.

[0059] According to this aspect, the radio wave transmitting and receiving device is fixed to at least one of the side frame portion and the upper frame portion that form the skeleton of the seat back. Thereby, in the vehicle seat, the radio wave transmitting and receiving device is stably fixed at an appropriate position on the seat back.

[0060] In the above aspect, the upper end portion of the radio wave transmitting and receiving device may be located below the upper end portion of the upper frame portion.

[0061] According to this aspect, the radio wave transmitting and receiving device can be arranged at a position corresponding to the back of the seated person.

[0062] In the above aspect, a bracket (72) extending downward from the upper frame portion is coupled to the upper frame portion, and the radio wave transmitting and receiving device may be coupled to the bracket.

[0063] According to this aspect, the radio wave transmitting and receiving device can be disposed at a position close to the heart of the seated person.

[0064] In the above aspect, the back frame extends horizontally below the upper frame portion and has cross members coupled to the respective left and right side frame portions. A bracket is coupled to the cross member, and the radio wave transmitting and receiving device may be coupled to the bracket.

[0065] According to this aspect, since the bracket is coupled to the upper frame portion and the cross member, the position of the bracket is stabilized. Thereby, the position of the radio wave transmitting and receiving device can be stabilized.

[0066] In the above aspect, the bracket may extend vertically and have an upper end portion coupled to the upper frame portion and a lower end portion coupled to the cross member.

[0067] According to this aspect, the position of the bracket can be stabilized, and the position of the radio wave transmitting and receiving device can be stabilized.

[0068] In the above aspect, left and right support members (35) for supporting left and right pillars (5A) of a headrest (5) are provided on the upper frame portion, and the radio wave transmitting and receiving device may be disposed between the left and right support members in a front view.

[0069] According to this aspect, the radio wave transmitting and receiving device can be disposed at a position close to the heart of the seated person.

[0070] In the above aspect, each of the support members may be formed in a cylindrical shape and extend vertically, and the upper end portion of the radio wave transmitting and receiving device may be disposed below the upper end portion of the support member and above the lower end portion of the support member.

[0071] According to this aspect, the radio wave transmitting and receiving device can be disposed at a position close to the heart of the seated person.

[0072] In the above aspect, the front edge at the upper end portion of the radio wave transmitting and receiving device may be disposed behind the front edge of the support member.

[0073] According to this aspect, the radio wave transmitting and receiving device is protected by the left and right support members against loads from the front. Also, it becomes difficult for the radio wave transmitting and receiving device to affect the back of the occupant, and the occupant is less likely to feel a foreign body sensation caused by the radio wave transmitting and receiving device on the back. Also, the radio wave transmitting and receiving device can be disposed in the dead space between the left and right support members.

[0074] In the above aspect, the upper end portion of the radio wave transmitting and receiving device may be disposed in front of the upper frame portion.

[0075] According to this aspect, the radio wave transmitting and receiving device can be disposed at a position close to the heart of the seated person.

[0076] In the above aspect, the front edge at the lower portion of the radio wave transmitting and receiving device may be disposed behind the front edge of the side frame portion at the same height.

[0077] According to this aspect, it becomes difficult for the radio wave transmitting and receiving device to affect the back of the occupant, and the occupant is less likely to feel a foreign body sensation caused by the radio wave transmitting and receiving device on the back.

[0078] In the above aspect, the seat back may have a pad (23) supported by the back frame, and a recess (75) for receiving the radio wave transmitting and receiving device may be formed on the back surface of the pad.

[0079] According to this aspect, it becomes difficult for the radio wave transmitting and receiving device to receive a load from the pad.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0080]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Figure 15

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0081] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, a first embodiment in which the vehicle seat according to the present invention is applied to an automobile seat will be described.

[0082] (Overall Configuration) As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the seat 1 includes a seat cushion 3 provided on the floor of the passenger compartment via slide rails 2, a seat back 4 coupled to the rear portion of the seat cushion 3, and a headrest 5 provided above the seat back 4.

[0083] The seat cushion 3 has a seat cushion frame 11 forming a skeleton. A pad is supported on the seat cushion frame 11, and a skin material is covered on the outer surface of the pad. The seat cushion frame 11 includes left and right side frame portions 15 extending in the front-rear direction, a front frame portion 16 extending in the left-right direction and coupled to the front end portions of the left and right side frame portions 15 respectively, and a rear frame portion 17 extending in the left-right direction and coupled to the rear end portions of the left and right side frame portions 15 respectively. The rear end portions of the left and right side frame portions 15 extend obliquely upward. An S-shaped spring 18 extending in the front-rear direction is spanned between the front frame portion 16 and the rear frame portion 17.

[0084] The seat back 4 includes a seat back frame 21 forming a skeleton, a pressure receiving member 22 (lumbar support) supported by the seat back frame 21, a pad 23 (see FIG. 6) supported by the seat back frame 21 and the pressure receiving member 22, and a skin material 24 (see FIG. 6) covered on the outer surface of the pad 23. The seat back frame 21 includes left and right side frame portions 26 extending in the up-down direction, an upper frame portion 27 extending in the left-right direction and coupled to the upper end portions of the left and right side frame portions 26 respectively, and a lower frame portion 28 extending in the left-right direction and coupled to the lower end portions of the left and right side frame portions 26 respectively.

[0085] In this embodiment, most of the upper ends of the left and right side frame portions 26, excluding the upper ends, are formed by sheet metal members whose surfaces face left and right. The upper frame portion 27 and the upper ends of the left and right side frame portions 26 are formed by bending a pipe having a circular cross-section. The pipe has a central portion in the longitudinal direction extending left and right to form the upper frame portion 27, and the left and right end portions in the longitudinal direction are bent downward to form the upper ends of the left and right side frame portions 26. Both ends of the pipe are arranged along the inner surface side of the left and right sheet metal members forming the side frame portion 26 and are welded to the sheet metal members. The lower frame portion 28 is formed from a sheet metal member and is arranged such that its surface faces front and back. The left and right end portions of the lower frame portion 28 are welded to the rear edges of the lower ends of the corresponding side frame portions 26 on the left and right.

[0086] The lower ends of the left and right side frame portions 26 are coupled to the rear ends of the corresponding side frame portions 15 on the left and right via a reclining mechanism 31. By means of the reclining mechanism 31, the left and right side frame portions 26 are supported so as to be angle-adjustable with respect to the left and right side frame portions 15. The left and right reclining mechanisms 31 are connected to each other by a connecting shaft 32.

[0087] Further, the seat back frame 21 has a cross member 33 that extends left and right below the upper frame portion 27 and is coupled to each of the left and right side frame portions 15. The left and right end portions of the cross member 33 are coupled to the left and right side frame portions 26. In this embodiment, the cross member 33 is formed by bending a metal rod (metal wire) having a circular cross-section. The cross member 33 has a plurality of bent portions 33A that are bent so as to protrude upward. The upper end portions of each of the bent portions 33A extend linearly left and right.

[0088] The upper frame portion 27 is provided with left and right support members 35 for supporting the left and right pillars 5A of the headrest 5. The left and right support members 35 are formed in a cylindrical shape with both ends open and are coupled to the upper frame portion 27 so that the axis extends vertically. The left and right support members 35 are arranged at positions symmetric with respect to the center line in the width direction of the seat back 4. A space is formed between the left and right support members 35. Inside each support member 35, a resin guide member 36 is inserted. The guide member 36 is formed in a cylindrical shape, and the pillar 5A is inserted therein.

[0089] The pressure receiving member 22 is a plate-like member that supports the back of the seated person and is supported by the seat back frame 21 via elastic members 43 and 44. The pressure receiving member 22 has a base plate 41 and a movable plate 42 supported by the base plate 41. The base plate 41 and the movable plate 42 preferably have flexibility and are each formed from a resin material. The elastic members 43 and 44 include a first elastic member 43 and a second elastic member 44 that are wire springs. The first elastic member 43 and the second elastic member 44 are elastic metal wires. Each of the first elastic member 43 and the second elastic member 44 extends horizontally and is coupled to the left and right side frame portions 15 at the left and right ends. The base plate 41 is supported at the central portion in the horizontal direction of the first elastic member 43 and the second elastic member 44.

[0090] The base plate 41 is supported by the first elastic member 43 and the second elastic member 44 such that the surface faces front and back. A plurality of hook portions 46 for locking the first elastic member 43 and the second elastic member 44 are formed on the back surface of the base plate 41. By the plurality of hook portions 46 locking the first elastic member 43 and the second elastic member 44, the base plate 41 is disposed in front of the first elastic member 43 and the second elastic member 44.

[0091] As shown in FIG. 3, a plurality of openings 47 are formed at appropriate positions on the base plate 41 and the movable plate 42 for the purpose of enhancing the flexibility of the base plate 41 and the movable plate 42. Further, a plurality of reinforcing ribs 48 are formed at appropriate positions on the base plate 41 and the movable plate 42 for the purpose of partially enhancing the rigidity of the base plate 41 and the movable plate 42.

[0092] Each of the first elastic member 43 and the second elastic member 44 has a plurality of bent portions 43A, 44A. The first elastic member 43 is disposed along the upper rear surface of the base plate 41. The first elastic member 43 has a first bent portion 43A that protrudes downward at the central portion in its left-right direction. The second elastic member 44 is disposed below the first elastic member 43. The second elastic member 44 is disposed along the lower rear surface of the base plate 41. The second elastic member 44 has a second bent portion 44A that protrudes downward at the central portion in its left-right direction. The second bent portion 44A protrudes below the lower edge of the base plate 41 and is coupled to the lower frame portion 28.

[0093] As shown in FIG. 2, the movable plate 42 is provided along the front surface of the base plate 41 and is coupled to the base plate 41 at its upper edge portion. The movable plate 42 is displaceable with respect to the base plate 41 except at its upper edge portion. A plurality of locking holes 51 penetrating in the thickness direction are formed in the base plate 41, and a plurality of locking claws 52 are formed at the upper edge of the movable plate 42. The upper edge of the movable plate 42 is coupled to the base plate 41 by locking the plurality of locking claws 52 to the corresponding locking holes 51. The lower edge of the movable plate 42 extends below the lower edge of the base plate 41. The lower edge of the movable plate 42 may extend below the upper edge of the lower frame portion 28 in front of the lower frame portion 28.

[0094] A control cable 55 is provided to displace the movable plate 42 relative to the base plate 41 or to deform the movable plate 42. The control cable 55 has an inner cable 56 and an outer tube 57 that movably receives the inner cable 56. The first end 57A of the outer tube 57 is coupled to the central portion of the back surface of the base plate 41 so as to open downward. The first end 56A of the inner cable 56 protruding from the first end 57A of the outer tube 57 extends downward, passes through a first insertion hole 59 formed in the base plate 41, and is coupled to the back surface of the lower portion of the movable plate 42. The second end 57B of the outer tube 57 is fixed to the casing 61A of the cable drive device 61. The second end (not shown) of the inner cable 56 protruding from the second end 57B of the outer tube 57 is connected to the output portion (not shown) of the cable drive device 61. The cable drive device 61 displaces the output portion by the driving force of an electric motor and pulls the second end of the inner cable 56 outward with respect to the second end 57B of the outer tube 57. The cable drive device 61 may be provided on either the outer surface or the inner surface of either of the left and right side frame portions 15.

[0095] In the present embodiment, the control cable 55 extends upward from the first end 57A of the outer tube 57, passes through a second insertion hole 63 formed in the base plate 41, and extends to the front side of the base plate 41. The control cable 55 extends upward along the front surface of the base plate 41 from the second insertion hole 63 and extends above the upper edge of the base plate 41. The control cable 55 curves laterally from the upper edge of the base plate 41 and extends to the cable drive device 61.

[0096] When the cable drive device 61 operates, the inner cable 56 is pulled toward the cable drive device 61 side, and the first end 56A of the inner cable 56 moves to the first end 57A side of the outer tube 57, that is, upward. As a result, the lower part of the movable plate 42 is pulled upward with respect to the base plate 41 by the inner cable 56. At this time, since the upper edge of the movable plate 42 is coupled to the base plate 41, the movable plate 42 deforms, and the central portion of the movable plate 42 protrudes forward with respect to the base plate 41. When the movable plate 42 protrudes forward with respect to the base plate 41, the shape of the front surface of the seat back 4 changes. As a result, the pressure exerted by the seat back 4 on the back (waist) of the seated person changes. The amount of deformation of the movable plate 42 can be adjusted by the driving amount of the cable drive device 61, that is, the pulling amount of the inner cable 56. When the cable drive device 61 releases the pulling force on the inner cable 56, the movable plate 42 returns to its initial shape by the restoring force of the movable plate 42.

[0097] As shown in FIG. 1, the seat back 4 is provided with a radio wave transmission and reception device 70 for acquiring the biological information of the seated person seated on the seat 1. The biological information includes a pulse (pulsation) and blood pressure. The radio wave transmission and reception device 70 irradiates the seated person with radio waves and receives the reflected waves from the seated person. The radio waves may be millimeter waves or microwaves. The radio wave transmission and reception device 70 is connected to an electronic control device (not shown) including a demodulation circuit and a signal processing circuit. The electronic control device may be provided on the back surface of the seat back 4 or the lower surface of the seat cushion 3, or may be provided on a vehicle body separated from the seat 1. Further, the electronic control device may be integrally incorporated into a control device that controls other devices of the vehicle.

[0098] The radio wave transmitting and receiving device 70 and the electronic control device constitute a Doppler radar. The radio wave transmitting and receiving device 70 transmits a transmission wave toward the body surface of the back of the seated person, and receives the reflected wave reflected from the body surface of the back of the seated person as a received wave. The electronic control device detects the relative speed of the body surface of the back of the seated person with respect to the radio wave transmitting and receiving device 70 based on the frequency of the transmission wave and the frequency of the received wave (reflected wave) using the Doppler effect. Then, the electronic control device detects the pulse of the seated person based on the relationship between the change in the relative speed of the body surface of the back of the seated person with respect to the radio wave transmitting and receiving device 70 and the pulse of the seated person within a predetermined period, based on the change in the relative speed of the body surface of the back of the seated person with respect to the radio wave transmitting and receiving device 70.

[0099] The radio wave transmitting and receiving device 70 has a casing 70A formed of a material that transmits the transmission wave and the reflected wave. When the transmission wave and the reflected wave are millimeter waves, the casing 70A is preferably formed of polycarbonate, syndiotactic polystyrene, polypropylene, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) resin, or the like. The outer shape of the casing 70A may be a bowl shape, a rectangular shape, or the like.

[0100] As shown in FIGS. 3 to 6, a bracket 72 is coupled to the upper frame portion 27. The bracket 72 is formed of a sheet metal member and has a flat plate-like main body portion 72A whose surface faces front and back. The main body portion 72A is formed in a substantially rectangular shape, and a pair of opposing sides extend left and right. The bracket 72 is welded to the upper frame portion 27 at the upper end portion of the main body portion 72A. At least one coupling piece 72B welded to the upper frame portion 27 may be provided at the upper end portion of the main body portion 72A. The main body portion 72A of the bracket 72 extends downward from the upper frame portion 27.

[0101] The bracket 72 is welded to the cross member 33 at the lower end portion of the main body portion 72A. Thereby, the position of the bracket 72 can be stabilized, and the position of the radio wave transmitting and receiving device 70 can be stabilized. The bracket 72 is preferably welded to the upper end of the bent portion 33A located at the center of the cross member 33.

[0102] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the bracket 72 may be disposed between the left and right support members 35 in a front view. The upper end portion of the bracket 72 may be welded between the left and right support members 35 in the upper frame portion 27.

[0103] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, on the left and right side edges of the main body portion 72A of the bracket 72, there are provided edge walls 72C that are bent forward substantially perpendicular to the main body portion 72A. The edge walls 72C enhance the rigidity of the bracket 72. Also, by providing the edge walls 72C, it is possible to prevent an occupant sitting behind the seat 1 from contacting the side edges of the bracket 72 even when the occupant collides with the back surface of the seat back 4 due to a vehicle collision.

[0104] A radio wave transmitting and receiving device 70 is coupled to the front surface of the main body portion 72A of the bracket 72. The radio wave transmitting and receiving device 70 may be fastened to the main body portion 72A by, for example, screws or the like. In this embodiment, the casing 70A of the radio wave transmitting and receiving device 70 is formed in a bowl shape and is arranged such that the radio wave transmission direction faces forward. The orientation of the radio wave transmitting and receiving device 70 may be appropriately changed according to the measurement position. The radio wave irradiated from the radio wave transmitting and receiving device 70 passes through the casing 70A, the pad 23, the skin material 24, and the clothing of the seated person. The radio wave transmitting and receiving device 70 detects the reflected wave reflected from the body surface of the back of the seated person with respect to the irradiated radio wave as a received wave.

[0105] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, it is preferable that the upper end portion of the radio wave transmitting and receiving device 70 is located below the upper end portion of the upper frame portion 27. Thereby, the radio wave transmitting and receiving device 70 can be arranged at a position corresponding to the back of the seated person. Also, it is preferable that the upper end portion of the radio wave transmitting and receiving device 70 is arranged below the upper end portion of the support member 35 and above the lower end portion of the support member 35. Thereby, the radio wave transmitting and receiving device 70 can be arranged at a position close to the heart of the seated person.

[0106] As shown in FIG. 6, when viewed from the left and right sides, it is preferable that the front edge at the upper end of the radio wave transmitting and receiving device 70 is disposed behind the front edge of the support member 35. Thereby, the radio wave transmitting and receiving device 70 is protected by the left and right support members 35 against a load from the front. Further, it becomes difficult for the radio wave transmitting and receiving device 70 to affect the back of the occupant, and the occupant hardly feels a foreign body sensation caused by the radio wave transmitting and receiving device 70 on the back. Further, the radio wave transmitting and receiving device 70 can be disposed in the dead space between the left and right support members 35.

[0107] Further, when viewed from the left and right sides, it is preferable that the front edge at the lower part of the radio wave transmitting and receiving device 70 is disposed behind the front edge of the side frame portion 15 at the same height. Thereby, it becomes difficult for the radio wave transmitting and receiving device 70 to affect the back of the occupant, and the occupant hardly feels a foreign body sensation caused by the radio wave transmitting and receiving device 70 on the back.

[0108] Further, it is preferable that the upper end portion of the radio wave transmitting and receiving device 70 is disposed in front of the upper frame portion 27. Thereby, the radio wave transmitting and receiving device 70 can be disposed at a position close to the heart of the seated person.

[0109] A recess 75 for receiving the radio wave transmitting and receiving device 70 is formed on the back surface of the upper part of the pad 23. When the pad 23 is attached to the seat back frame 21, it is preferable that the radio wave transmitting and receiving device 70 is received in the recess 75 and does not receive a load from the pad 23. That is, the recess 75 is provided to avoid interference between the pad 23 and the radio wave transmitting and receiving device 70.

[0110] Next, a second embodiment in which the radio wave transmitting and receiving device 70 is supported by the pressure receiving member 22 will be described. As shown in FIGS. 7 to 11, in the second embodiment, the radio wave transmitting and receiving device 70 is supported on the back surface of the pressure receiving member 22. The pressure receiving member 22 according to the second embodiment is formed of a material having permeability to radio waves such as millimeter waves or microwaves. When the radio wave transmitted or received by the radio wave transmitting and receiving device 70 is a millimeter wave, the base plate 41 and the movable plate 42 constituting the pressure receiving member 22 are preferably formed of, for example, polycarbonate, syndiotactic polystyrene, polypropylene, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) resin, or the like. In the second embodiment, the casing 70A of the radio wave transmitting and receiving device 70 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape.

[0111] As shown in FIGS. 7 to 11, the radio wave transmitting and receiving device 70 is attached to the back surface of the upper part of the base plate 41 and irradiates radio waves forward through the base plate 41. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the radio wave transmitting and receiving device 70 is preferably disposed at a position that does not overlap the movable plate 42 in a front view. In the present embodiment, the lower edge of the radio wave transmitting and receiving device 70 is disposed above the upper edge of the movable plate 42. Also, the upper edge of the radio wave transmitting and receiving device 70 is disposed below the upper edge of the base plate 41.

[0112] The radio wave transmitting and receiving device 70 is disposed at a position that does not overlap the control cable 55 in a front view. Also, the radio wave transmitting and receiving device 70 is disposed at a position that does not overlap the first elastic member 43 and the second elastic member 44 in a front view. Thereby, it is possible to avoid the transmitted wave transmitted by the radio wave transmitting and receiving device 70 and the reflected wave from the seated person being blocked by the control cable 55, the first elastic member 43, and the second elastic member 44.

[0113] Also, the radio wave transmitting and receiving device 70 is disposed at a position that does not overlap the reinforcing rib 48 in a front view. Thereby, it is possible to avoid the transmitted wave transmitted by the radio wave transmitting and receiving device 70 and the reflected wave from the seated person being attenuated by the reinforcing rib 48.

[0114] The radio wave transmitting and receiving device 70 may be arranged on the base plate 41 of the pressure receiving member 22, shifted left and right from the center of the seat back 4 in a front view. Further, the radio wave transmitting and receiving device 70 may be arranged on the base plate 41 at a position shifted left and right from the center of the base plate 41 in a front view. Thereby, the radio wave transmitting and receiving device 70 can irradiate radio waves to a portion on the back of the seated person where the body surface is likely to be displaced by pulsation. The surface of the human back is displaced more greatly by pulsation in a portion shifted left and right from the central portion where the backbone is located.

[0115] In the present embodiment, the radio wave transmitting and receiving device 70 is arranged so as not to overlap with the control cable 55 arranged along the center in the left - right direction of the base plate 41 in a front view, and is arranged shifted left and right.

[0116] An example of the attachment structure of the radio wave transmitting and receiving device 70 to the base plate 41 will be described below. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, a pocket 81 that protrudes rearward and opens upward may be provided on the back surface of the base plate 41. The pocket 81 may be integrally formed with the base plate 41. Further, as shown in FIG. 10, the pocket 81 may be formed as a separate member with respect to the base plate 41. The pocket 81 may be coupled to the base plate 41 by a fastening member 82 such as a clip or a screw or an adhesive. Further, the pocket 81 may be coupled to the base plate 41 by a locking claw or the like. The radio wave transmitting and receiving device 70 is supported by the base plate 41 by being fitted into the pocket 81. Thereby, the coupling structure between the radio wave transmitting and receiving device 70 and the pressure receiving member 22 can be simplified.

[0117] In another example, a locking claw for locking the other of the radio wave transmitting and receiving device 70 and the pressure receiving member 22 may be provided on one of the radio wave transmitting and receiving device 70 and the pressure receiving member 22. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, a plurality of locking claws 83 may project from the back surface of the base plate 41. The plurality of locking claws 83 may lock the corners of the casing 70A of the radio wave transmitting and receiving device 70 or the recesses and holes formed in the casing 70A.

[0118] In other examples, the radio transceiver 70 may be fastened to the base plate 41 by fastening members such as screws and clips.

[0119] Although the description of the specific embodiments has been completed above, the present invention can be widely modified and implemented without being limited to the above embodiments. For example, the shape of the seat back frame 21 may be changed according to the purpose. For example, as shown in FIG. 12, the upper frame portion 27 may be formed of a sheet metal member instead of a pipe. In this example, the upper frame portion 27 is formed of a groove-shaped member that opens rearward. The vertical width of the upper frame portion 27 is formed to be approximately equal to the vertical length of the support member 35. The support member 35 penetrates the upper frame portion 27 vertically. In this example, the cross member 33 is omitted by forming the vertical width of the upper frame portion 27 wide.

[0120] The bracket 72 is provided so as to extend downward from the lower surface of the upper frame portion 27. The lower end of the bracket 72 is a free end. The radio transceiver 70 is provided on the front surface of the bracket 72 so as to irradiate radio waves forward.

[0121] As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, any shape can be applied to the shape of the pressure receiving member 22. Further, the elastic member for supporting the pressure receiving member 22 may be coupled to any part of the seat back frame 21. As shown in FIG. 12, the base plate 41 has an upper portion 41A, an intermediate portion 41B, and a lower portion 41C from above. The left and right width of the upper portion 41A is larger than the left and right width of the lower portion 41C, and the left and right width of the lower portion 41C is larger than the left and right width of the intermediate portion 41B. That is, the left and right width of the base plate 41 changes in the vertical direction. The left and right ends of the upper portion 41A protrude upward from the central portion of the upper portion 41A. The central portion of the lower portion 41C protrudes downward from the left and right ends of the lower portion 41C.

[0122] In FIG. 12, a pair of left and right elastic members 87 and 88 that support the pressure receiving member 22 are coupled to the upper frame portion 27 at the upper end and are coupled to the lower frame portion 28 at the lower end. The elastic members 87 and 88 are arranged along the back surface of the base plate 41 and are locked to hook portions 46 provided on the back surface of the base plate 41.

[0123] As shown in FIG. 13, the radio wave transmitting and receiving device 70 may be provided at the vertical position with the largest left-right width on the base plate 41, that is, on the back surface of the upper portion 41A. Thereby, the radio wave transmitting and receiving device 70 can be stably arranged on the pressure receiving member 22.

[0124] As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the pressure receiving member 92 may be formed of one plate member. The pressure receiving member 92 is supported by the seat back frame 21 via elastic members 93 and 94. The pressure receiving member 92 has flexibility and is preferably formed of a resin material. The pressure receiving member 92 is formed of a material having permeability to radio waves such as millimeter waves or microwaves. The pressure receiving member 92 is preferably formed of, for example, polycarbonate, syndiotactic polystyrene, polypropylene, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) resin, or the like.

[0125] The elastic members 93 and 94 are preferably elastic metal wires such as wire springs. The elastic members 43 and 44 extend left and right and are coupled to the left and right side frame portions 15 at the left and right ends. A plurality of hook portions 96 for locking the elastic members 93 and 94 are formed on the back surface of the pressure receiving member 92. A plurality of openings 97 may be formed at appropriate positions of the pressure receiving member 92 for the purpose of enhancing flexibility. Further, a plurality of reinforcing ribs 98 may be formed at appropriate positions of the pressure receiving member 92 for the purpose of partially enhancing rigidity.

[0126] The radio wave transmitting and receiving device 70 is supported at the lower part of the back surface of the pressure receiving member 92. The radio wave transmitting and receiving device 70 is supported by the pressure receiving member 92 such that the transmitting and receiving directions of radio waves face forward. The radio wave transmitting and receiving device 70 irradiates radio waves forward through the pressure receiving member 92, reflects them on the surface of the back of the seated person, and receives the radio waves that pass through the pressure receiving member 92 and travel from the front to the back. The radio wave transmitting and receiving device 70 may be supported by the pressure receiving member 92 by the pocket 81 and the locking claw 83 of the second embodiment.

Explanation of Signs

[0127] 1: Seat 3: Seat cushion 4: Seat back 5: Headrest 5A: Pillar 21: Seat back frame 22: Pressure receiving member 23: Pad 24: Skin material 26: Side frame part 27: Upper frame part 28: Lower frame part 33: Cross member 35: Support member 41: Base plate 41A: Upper part 41B: Intermediate part 41C: Lower part 42: Movable plate 43: First elastic member 44: Second elastic member 47: Opening 48: Reinforcing rib 51: Locking hole 52: Locking claw 55: Control cable 61A: Casing 70: Radio wave transmitting and receiving device 70A: Casing 72: Bracket 72A: Main body part 72B: Connecting piece 72C: Edge wall 75: Recess 81: Pocket 82: Fastening member 83: Locking claw

Claims

1. A vehicle seat having a seat cushion and a seat back coupled to the rear of the seat cushion, wherein the seat back includes a back frame including left and right side frame portions extending vertically and an upper frame portion extending horizontally and coupled to upper ends of the left and right side frame portions respectively, left and right support members provided on the upper frame portion for supporting left and right pillars of a headrest, a radio wave transmission / reception device disposed between the left and right support members in a front view, irradiating a seated person with radio waves and receiving reflected waves from the seated person.

2. The vehicle seat according to Claim 1, wherein an upper end portion of the radio wave transmission / reception device is disposed below upper ends of the respective support members and above lower ends of the respective support members.

3. A bracket is coupled to the upper frame portion, the bracket having a flat plate-shaped main body portion with a front-rear facing surface and edge walls bent forward from left and right side edges of the main body portion, the vehicle seat according to Claim 1, wherein the radio wave transmission / reception device is coupled to a front surface of the main body portion.

4. The back frame has a cross member extending horizontally below the upper frame portion and coupled to each of the left and right side frame portions, the vehicle seat according to Claim 3, wherein a lower end portion of the main body portion is welded to the cross member.

5. The cross member has a plurality of bent portions bent to protrude upward, the vehicle seat according to Claim 4, wherein the bracket is welded to an upper end of the bent portion located at the center of the cross member.

6. The vehicle seat according to Claim 1, wherein an upper end portion of the radio wave transmission / reception device is located below an upper end portion of the upper frame portion.

7. The vehicle seat according to Claim 1, wherein a front edge at the upper end portion of the radio wave transmission / reception device is disposed behind a front edge of the support member when viewed from left and right sides.

8. The vehicle seat according to Claim 1, wherein a front edge at a lower portion of the radio wave transmission / reception device is disposed behind a front edge of the side frame portion at the same height when viewed from left and right sides.

9. The vehicle seat according to Claim 1, wherein an upper end portion of the radio wave transmission / reception device is disposed in front of the upper frame portion.

10. A pad is supported on the back frame, The vehicle seat according to claim 1, wherein a recess for receiving the radio transceiver is formed on the back surface of the upper portion of the pad.

Images