Bush

Abstract

To provide bushing capable of improving working property of an assembly work of a to-be-supported member to a support.SOLUTION: A bushing main body 70 forming bushing 60 has a fitting hole 76 formed at a base body 72. A head part 56 of a damper 50 is fitted from the fitting hole 76, and thereby an insertion hole 58 into which a support pin 64 is inserted on the head part 56 is arranged in a hollow part 72A of the base body 72. In addition, the bushing main body 70 fitted to the head part 56 is inserted between a pair of leg plates 62B, and thereby an arrangement part 82 and the head part 56 are arranged between the pair of leg plates 62B to allow insertion of the support pin 64. Therefore, the bushing main body 70 can facilitate assembly of the damper 50 to a shaft 34L to which the pair of leg plates 62B are fitted, and the working property of the assembly work of the damper 50 can be improved.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a bush.

Background Art

[0002] The air suspension device of the seat in Patent Document 1 includes a link composed of an inner link arm and an outer link arm, and an upper frame on which the seat is placed is attached to a lower frame fixed to a vehicle body or the like via the link so as to be movable up and down. A bracket is attached to the upper frame, a bracket is attached to the inner link arm, and an air spring is disposed between the bracket of the upper frame and the bracket of the inner link arm.

[0003] Further, in the air suspension device, a shock absorber capable of absorbing and damping shocks, vibrations, etc. is interposed between the upper frame and the lower frame. One end of the shock absorber is rotatably screwed to an attachment piece of the bracket of the upper frame by a stepped bolt and a nut, and the other end is rotatably screwed to an attachment piece having a substantially U-shaped cross section attached to the lower frame by a stepped bolt and a nut.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] By the way, if a gap is generated between a damper such as an air suspension and a leg plate such as a pair of attachment pieces, abnormal noises or the like will occur when vibrations or the like occur. As a method of preventing the occurrence of abnormal noises or the like, it is conceivable to dispose a spacer or the like between the damper and the leg plate or the like.

[0006] However, when assembling a damper rotatably between a pair of foot plates or the like, it is not easy to place a spacer or the like between each of the foot plates or the like and the damper and perform operations such as bolt tightening. Therefore, there is room for improvement in workability in the assembly operation of assembling the damper while preventing the occurrence of abnormal noises or the like.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above facts, and an object thereof is to provide a bush capable of improving the workability of an assembly operation of assembling a supported member to a support so as to prevent the occurrence of abnormal noises or the like.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] The bush according to claim 1 of the present invention for achieving the above object has a rectangular outer shape and a hollow portion provided inside, is arranged in pairs with respect to a support for supporting a supported member, and a through hole through which a support pin for rotatably supporting the supported member is inserted is provided between foot plates whose axes are overlapped with each other. A bush body into which the support pin is inserted into the hollow portion, an arrangement portion provided on each of the foot plate sides of the bush body for arranging the support pin, and a fitting port provided on one side surface in a direction intersecting the insertion direction of the support pin in the bush body. The supported member is fitted into the fitting port, so that the supported portion of the supported member is arranged in the hollow portion, and the support pin can be inserted into an insertion hole provided in the supported portion. It includes a fitting portion.

[0009] In the bush according to claim 1, a bush body having a rectangular outer shape and a hollow inside is provided, and the bush body is fitted between foot plates arranged in pairs with respect to a support for supporting a supported member. Further, the support has through holes in which the axes of a pair of foot plates are overlapped with each other, and a support pin for rotatably supporting the supported member is inserted into the through holes. The bush body is provided with an arrangement portion for arranging the support pin on each of the pair of foot plate sides, and the support pin inserted into the hollow portion is arranged in the arrangement portion.

[0010] Here, the bush body is provided with a fitting portion into which the supported portion of the supported member is fitted on one side surface in a direction intersecting the insertion direction of the support pin. By fitting the supported portion of the supported member into the fitting portion and arranging it in the hollow portion, the support pin can be inserted into the insertion hole provided in the supported portion.

[0011] Thereby, by fitting the supported portion of the supported member into the bush body and fitting this bush body between a pair of foot plates, the supported member can be supported by the support body via the support pin, and the assembly of the supported member to the support body can be facilitated. Further, since it is possible to prevent a gap from occurring between the supported portion of the supported member and the foot plate, the generation of abnormal noises and the like can be prevented.

[0012] The bush according to claim 2 is the bush according to claim 1, wherein the bush body is integrally provided with a base body provided with the fitting opening and an overhanging portion protruding from the base body toward each of the foot plates, and each of the overhanging portions is in contact with each of the foot plates.

[0013] In the bush according to claim 2, the base body provided with the fitting portion and the overhanging portions protruding from the base body toward each of the foot plates are integrated. Thereby, the bush body can be easily formed according to a pair of foot plates.

[0014] The bush according to claim 3 is the bush according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the fitting portion includes ribs protruding in pairs with the supported portion inserted from the fitting opening therebetween.

[0015] In the bush according to claim 3, ribs protruding in pairs with the supported portion inserted from the fitting opening therebetween are provided. Thereby, the bush body and the supported portion can be brought into close contact, and it is possible to prevent the bush body from coming off the supported portion, so that the assembly of the supported member to the support body becomes easy. Further, it is possible to prevent abnormal noises from occurring between the supported portion and the bush body.

[0016] The bush according to claim 4 is the bush of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein each of the hollow portion and the arrangement portion of the bush body is open toward the side opposite to the fitting side of the supported portion.

[0017] In the bush according to claim 4, in the bush body, each of the hollow portion and the arrangement portion is open toward the side opposite to the fitting hole. Thereby, when the bush body is formed by resin molding, the mold release becomes easy, so that the creation of the mold, the resin molding of the bush body, and the amount of resin used for molding can be suppressed, and the manufacturing cost of the bush body can be suppressed. Further, by suppressing the amount of resin, the bush body can be made lightweight, and the workability of the assembling work can be improved.

[0018] The bush according to claim 5 is the bush of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a cylindrical shaft portion and an annular flange portion are provided at one axial end of the shaft portion in the through hole of the foot plate, and a bearing member for rotatably supporting the support pin inserted through the shaft portion is disposed, and a stepped portion capable of accommodating the flange portion of the bearing member is provided on the surface of the bush body on the side of the foot plate.

[0019] In the bush according to claim 5, in the bearing member for the support pin, an annular flange portion is provided at one axial end of the cylindrical shaft portion, and the shaft portion of the bearing member is inserted and disposed in the through hole of the foot plate. The bush body is provided with a stepped portion capable of accommodating the flange portion of the bearing member on the surface on the side of the foot plate.

[0020] Thereby, even when the flange portion of the bearing member is disposed on the surface of the foot plate on the side of the bush body, the flange portion is accommodated in the stepped portion, so that a gap can be prevented from being generated between the bush body and the foot plate, and the generation of abnormal noise and the like can be effectively prevented.

[0021] The bush according to claim 6 is the bush of claim 5, wherein the stepped portion is extended so as to be open toward the side opposite to the fitting side of the supported portion in the bush body.

[0022] In the bush according to claim 6, the stepped portion provided on the surface of the bush body on the foot plate side extends so as to be open toward the side opposite to the fitting hole. As a result, the bush body can be inserted between the pair of foot plates with the bearing member disposed in the through hole of the foot plate, so that the assembly of the supported member to the support can be made even easier, the assemblability of the supported member to the support can be improved, and the weight of the bush body can be suppressed and the product cost can be reduced.

Effect of the Invention

[0023] According to the present invention, the bush body into which the supported portion of the supported member is inserted is inserted between a pair of foot plates and attached to the support. As a result, it is possible to suppress the generation of abnormal noise between the supported portion of the supported member and the pair of foot plates, and it has the effect of improving the workability of the assembling operation of assembling the supported member to the support.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0024]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0025] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the appearance of the vehicle seat 10 according to the present embodiment. In the drawings, the front side in the longitudinal direction of the seat is indicated by the arrow FR, the upper side in the vertical direction of the seat is indicated by the arrow UP, and the left side in the width direction of the seat is indicated by the arrow HL. The vehicle seat 10 has its front side, upper side, and left side aligned with the front side, upper side, and left side of the vehicle, respectively. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, front-back, up-down, and left-right refer to the front-back, up-down, and left-right of the vehicle seat 10. Also, in the following, some reference numerals are omitted and their descriptions are omitted for easier viewing of the drawings.

[0026] The vehicle seat 10 according to the present embodiment is installed in a vehicle (not shown) and is for an occupant who gets into the vehicle to sit on. As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle seat 10 includes a seat cushion 12 that supports the thighs and buttocks of the sitting occupant, a seat back 14 that supports the back of the occupant, and a headrest 16 that supports the head of the occupant.

[0027] The seat cushion 12 has a cushion pad 12A attached to the upper side of a seat frame (not shown) as a skeletal member. Also, the seat back 14 has a back pad 14A attached to the front side of a back frame (not shown) as a skeletal member, and a headrest 16 is attached to the upper part of the seat back 14.

[0028] In the vehicle seat 10, the lower end of the back frame is rotatably connected to the rear end of the seat frame. In the vehicle seat 10, the seat back 14 is tiltable with respect to the seat cushion 12 (reclining mechanism). Also, the vehicle seat 10 is provided with a slide mechanism that enables it to move back and forth with respect to the vehicle body, and a lifting mechanism (lift mechanism) that enables the seat back 14 and the headrest 16 to move up and down integrally together with the seat cushion 12. Such a basic configuration of the vehicle seat 10 can apply a known configuration.

[0029] On the one hand, the vehicle seat 10 is a so-called suspension seat, and a suspension frame 20 constituting a suspension mechanism is arranged on the vehicle seat 10. The suspension frame 20 is arranged below the seat cushion 12, and a seat frame is supported on the suspension frame 20 via a slide mechanism. In FIG. 2, an outline of the suspension frame 20 is shown in a perspective view.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 2, in the suspension frame 20, a lower frame 22 is arranged at the lower part (vehicle body side), an upper frame 24 is arranged above the lower frame 22, and a suspension mechanism 26 is arranged between the lower frame 22 and the upper frame 24. In the suspension frame 20, the lower frame 22 is attached to the vehicle body, and the seat frame of the seat cushion 12 is attached to the upper frame 24 (not shown).

[0031] The lower frame 22 includes a front frame 22F at the front side, a rear frame 22R at the rear side, and side frames 22S arranged on both sides in the width direction. In the lower frame 22, both ends in the longitudinal direction (seat width direction) of the front frame 22F are respectively connected to the front end portions of the side frames 22S, and both ends in the longitudinal direction (seat width direction) of the rear frame 22R are respectively connected to the rear end portions of the side frames 22S, and it is framed in a substantially rectangular shape.

[0032] The upper frame 24 includes a front frame 24F at the front side and side frames 24S arranged on both sides in the seat width direction. In the upper frame 24, both ends in the longitudinal direction (seat width direction) of the front frame 24F are respectively connected to the front end portions of the side frames 24S, and it is framed in a substantially U shape.

[0033] Further, each of the side frames 22S and 24S has a substantially U-shaped cross section along a direction (sheet width direction) intersecting the longitudinal direction, and the open (release) side of each of the side frames 22S and 24S is directed inward in the sheet width direction. As a result, the side frame 22S of the lower frame 22 and the side frame 24S of the upper frame 24 can each function as a guide rail in the suspension mechanism 26.

[0034] The suspension mechanism 26 is provided with X-links 28 on both sides in the sheet width direction. Each of the X-links 28 is disposed adjacent to the inner side in the sheet width direction of the side frames 22S and 24S. In the drawing, the left side in the sheet width direction is the X-link 28L, and the right side in the sheet width direction is the X-link 28R. However, the basic configurations of the X-links 28L and 28R are the same. When the X-links 28L and 28R are not distinguished, they will be described as the X-link 28.

[0035] For each of the X-links 28 (28L, 28R), outer links (outer link arms) 30A and inner links (inner link arms) 30B, each being in the form of a long and substantially plate shape, are used in pairs. The longitudinal directions of the outer link 30A and the inner link 30B are each the front-rear direction. The outer link 30A is disposed on the side of the side frames 22S and 24S (outer side in the sheet width direction), and the inner link 30B is disposed on the inner side in the sheet width direction of the outer link 30A. Further, the outer link 30A and the inner link 30B are connected by a link shaft 32 (not shown on the X-link 28R side) so as to be relatively rotatable at an intermediate portion in the front-rear direction of the sheet.

[0036] In the suspension mechanism 26, shafts 34L and 34H are arranged vertically on the front side of the sheet, and shafts 36L and 36H are arranged vertically on the rear side of the sheet. The longitudinal directions (axial directions) of the shafts 34L, 34H, 36L, and 36H are each the sheet width direction, and they are arranged substantially parallel to each other.

[0037] The shaft 34L on the front and lower side of the seat has its axial ends rotatably locked and connected to the front ends of the outer links 30A of the X-link 28, respectively. Also, the shaft 34H on the front and upper side of the seat has its axial ends rotatably locked and connected to the front ends of the inner links 30B of the X-link 28, respectively.

[0038] On the shaft 34L, guide rollers 38 (partial illustration omitted) are rotatably attached to the protruding tip ends from the outer links 30A. Each of the guide rollers 38 is inserted and arranged in the side frame 22S of the lower frame 22 and is capable of rolling and moving in the front-rear direction within the side frame 22S. Also, on the shaft 34H, guide rollers 38 (partial illustration omitted) are rotatably attached to the protruding tip ends from the inner links 30B. Each of the guide rollers 38 is inserted and arranged in the side frame 24S of the upper frame 24 and is capable of rolling and moving in the front-rear direction within the side frame 24S.

[0039] The shaft 36L on the rear and lower side of the seat has its axial ends rotatably locked and connected to the rear ends of the inner links 30B of the X-link 28, respectively. Also, the shaft 36H on the rear and upper side of the seat has its axial ends rotatably locked and connected to the rear ends of the outer links 30A of the X-link 28, respectively.

[0040] On the shaft 36H, guide members 40 (only one is shown) are connected to the protruding tip ends from the outer links 30A. Each of the guide members 40 is inserted and fixed in the side frame 24S of the upper frame 24. Also, on the shaft 36L, guide members 40 (illustration omitted, refer to the shaft 36H side) are connected to the protruding tip ends from the inner links 30B. Each of the guide members 40 is inserted and fixed in the side frame 22S of the lower frame 22.

[0041] As a result, in the suspension mechanism 26, the shaft 34L on the front and lower side of the seat is moved in the longitudinal direction of the seat within the side frame 22S, so that the outer link 30A and the inner link 30B are rotated about the link shaft 32, and the shaft 34H on the front and upper side of the seat is moved in the longitudinal direction of the seat within the side frame 24S, causing the upper frame 24 to move up and down.

[0042] On the other hand, in the suspension mechanism 26, a damper (air damper, air suspension) 50 and an air spring (not shown) are arranged as lifting means and buffering means. In this embodiment, the damper 50 functions as an example of a supported member.

[0043] For example, the air spring biases the upper frame 24 upward and generates a reaction force against the load received by the upper frame 24 from the seat frame. Further, the air spring bulges upward by air being supplied by a supply means (not shown) and raises the seat cushion 12 together with the upper frame 24. Also, the air spring contracts by air being discharged and lowers the seat cushion 12 together with the upper frame 24. As a result, the vehicle seat 10 is lifted and lowered (moved up and down).

[0044] Further, the damper 50 absorbs, for example, the vibration (vertical vibration) of the upper frame 24 and the rapid displacement in the vertical direction due to the vibration of the air spring. As a result, together with the upper frame 24 when the air cylinder bulges and contracts, the vehicle seat 10 can be lifted and lowered gently. Also, the damper 50 acts to absorb the up and down movement of the upper frame 24 by gently expanding and contracting according to the load received by the upper frame 24 from the occupant sitting on the vehicle seat 10 and the change in load received during vehicle running.

[0045] The suspension frame 20 is provided with a connecting frame 52. The connecting frame 52 is spanned between the outer links 30A of the X-link 28L and the outer links 30A of the X-link 28R on the rear side of the seat with respect to the link shaft 32, and is connected to each of the outer links 30A.

[0046] A bracket 54 is attached to the middle part in the seat width direction of the connecting frame 52. The bracket 54 has a substantially U-shaped cross section in which a pair of leg plates 54A are formed, and the pair of leg plates 54A are directed downward and attached to the connecting frame 52.

[0047] The damper 50 is arranged such that its longitudinal direction, which is the expansion and contraction direction, is substantially in the front-rear direction of the seat. One side in the longitudinal direction of the damper 50 is arranged between the pair of leg plates 54A of the bracket 54 and is rotatably supported. Also, the other side in the longitudinal direction of the damper 50 is rotatably attached to the shaft 34L as a support.

[0048] A bush 60 is used for attaching the damper 50 to the shaft 34L. In FIGS. 3(A) and 3(B), the bush 60 is shown in a perspective view. In FIG. 4, the main part of the damper 50 to which the bush 60 is attached is shown in a perspective view. Also, in FIG. 5, the schematic of the attachment of the damper 50 to the shaft 34L is shown in an exploded perspective view. In this embodiment, as an example, the longitudinal direction of the damper 50 is inclined and arranged along the vehicle front-rear direction and the front side of the seat is on the lower side, and the longitudinal direction of the damper 50 is arranged along the substantially front-rear direction of the seat. From here, hereinafter, for the sake of simplifying the explanation, the longitudinal direction of the damper 50 is regarded as the front-rear direction of the seat, and it is described that the bush 60 is attached to the front side end of the damper 50.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 5 (also refer to FIG. 2), a bracket 62 is attached to a shaft 34L as a support. The bracket 62 includes a substrate 62A whose upper end is fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the shaft 34L and hangs downward, and a pair of leg plates 62B extending rearward from the substrate 62A. The leg plates 62B extend parallel to each other from the tip of the substrate 62A in the sheet width direction toward the rear of the sheet, and the distance between the inner surfaces of the leg plates 62B is set to a predetermined distance dimension w0.

[0050] Further, through holes 62C are formed through each of the pair of leg plates 62B of the bracket 62, and the through holes 62C are formed such that their axes overlap each other. A support pin 64 is inserted and disposed in the through hole 62C of the bracket 62. The support pin 64 has a head 64B with a diameter larger than that of the pin body 64A formed at one axial end of the columnar pin body 64A, and a groove 64C is engraved along the circumferential direction on the outer peripheral portion of the end opposite to the head 64B. The support pin 64 is inserted into the through hole 62C of one leg plate 62B from the groove 64C side of the pin body 64A and protrudes from the through hole 62C of the other leg plate 62B. Also, an E-ring 66 is attached to the groove 64C of the pin body 64A protruding outside the leg plate 62B from the other through hole 62C to prevent it from coming off.

[0051] In addition, a metal bush 68 as a bearing member functioning as a sliding bearing is attached to each of the through holes 62C of the foot plate 62B into which the support pin 64 is inserted. The metal bush 68 has an annular flange 68B formed at at least one end in the axial direction of a cylindrical shaft portion 68A, and the flange 68B extends radially outward from the shaft portion 68A. The shaft portion 68A of the metal bush 68 has an outer diameter that can be inserted and disposed in the through hole 62C of the foot plate 62B and an inner diameter that can be inserted and disposed with the pin body 64A of the support pin 64. Further, the metal bush 68 has a length dimension along the axial direction of the shaft portion 68A that is the same as the thickness dimension of the foot plate 62B (the depth dimension of the through hole 62C). The metal bush 68 rotatably supports the pin body 64A of the support pin 64 inserted and disposed in the shaft portion 68A by inserting and disposing the shaft portion 68A in the through hole 62C of the foot plate 62B.

[0052] On the damper 50, a head portion 56 as a supported portion is formed at the end on the side of the shaft 34L to which the bush 60 is attached. The head portion 56 has a substantially plate shape with a predetermined thickness (thickness dimension t) and protrudes outward in the longitudinal direction from the damper 50 (damper main body), and the protruding tip portion of the head portion 56 is rounded in a semicircular shape. Further, an insertion hole 58 through which the pin body 64A of the support pin 64 is inserted is formed to penetrate in the thickness direction in the head portion 56.

[0053] The damper 50 is rotatably supported on the shaft 34L via the bracket 62 on the head portion 56 side by inserting and disposing the support pin 64 in the insertion hole 58 of the head portion 56 between the pair of foot plates 62B of the bracket 62. Note that a metal bush or the like (not shown) that functions as a sliding shaft with respect to the support pin 64 inserted and disposed in the insertion hole 58 is pre-mounted in the insertion hole 58 of the head portion 56.

[0054] On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 3(A), 3(B), 4, and 5, the bush 60 is constituted by a bush body 70, and the bush body 70 is disposed between the pair of foot plates 62B of the bracket 62. The bush body 70 is made of resin and has a substantially rectangular block shape in an external view as a whole.

[0055] The bush body 70 (bush 60) is formed with a base body 72 and a pair of protruding portions 74. The base body 72 has a hollow portion 72A formed inside thereof and is shaped like a substantially rectangular block when viewed from the outside. The protruding portions 74 are shaped like substantially blocks with a size that is reduced compared to the base body 72 when viewed from the outside, and the protruding portions 74 protrude from the base body 72 toward the respective leg plates 62B of the bracket 62. The length dimension w1 of the bush body 70 from the outer surface of one protruding portion 74 (the surface on the side of the leg plate 62B) to the outer surface of the other protruding portion 74 is slightly larger (it may be substantially the same) than the interval dimension w0 between the inner surfaces of the pair of leg plates 62B. As a result, the bush body 70 is fitted between the pair of leg plates 62B, and the protruding portions 74 are in close contact with the inner side surfaces of the leg plates 62B (arranged without gaps).

[0056] Further, in the bush body 70, an insertion port 76 as an insertion portion is opened on the surface of the base body 72 that is opposite to the substrate 62A of the bracket 62, and the insertion port 76 communicates with the hollow portion 72A of the base body 72. The insertion port 76 is sized such that the head portion 56 of the damper 50 can be fitted (inserted may also be acceptable). By inserting the head portion 56 of the damper 50 into the base body 72 from the insertion port 76, the insertion hole 58 is arranged inside the hollow portion 72A of the base body 72.

[0057] Also, on the base body 72, a pair of ribs 78 protrude oppositely from the inner peripheral surface of the insertion port 76 to the inner surface of the hollow portion 72A. The ribs 78 protrude from the side of the protruding portion 74 near the lower side of the inner surface of the hollow portion 72A from the inner peripheral surface of the insertion port 76, and the ribs 78 are formed in a pair and each extends from the insertion port 76 into the hollow portion 72A.

[0058] Also, the interval dimension D between the protruding tip ends of the pair of ribs 78 is made narrower (smaller) than the thickness dimension t of the head portion 56. As a result, when inserting the head portion 56 of the damper 50 from the insertion port 76 into the base body 72, the ribs 78 serve as a resistance, and the ribs 78 are in close contact with the head portion 56 so as to sandwich the head portion 56.

[0059] Further, a slit (cut) 80 is formed in a wall portion 72B adjacent to the fitting opening 76 of the base body 72. The slit 80 is formed by cutting from the lower end portion of the fitting opening 76 into the hollow portion 72A in the wall portion 72B of the base body 72. Thereby, the base body 72 is easily elastically deformed in a direction of expanding toward the overhanging portion 74 side.

[0060] The bush body 70 is opened so that the side opposite to the fitting opening 76 of the base body 72 opens the inside of the hollow portion 72A. Further, in the bush body 70, a placement portion 82 is formed in each of the overhanging portions 74.

[0061] The placement portion 82 is formed to penetrate so as to communicate the outside on the foot plate 62B side of the overhanging portion 74 and the inside of the hollow portion 72A of the base body 72 in each of the overhanging portions 74. Further, the placement portion 82 is cut from the side opposite to the fitting opening 76 of the base body 72 in the overhanging portion 74, and the bottom surface on the fitting opening 76 side is curved in a semicircular shape. That is, the placement portion 82 is formed in a semicircular shape on the fitting opening 76 side when viewed from the foot plate 62B side of the bracket 62, and extends toward the side opposite to the fitting opening 76. Further, the opening width of the placement portion 82 when the overhanging portion 74 is viewed from the foot plate 62B side of the bracket 62 is made larger than the diameter dimension of the pin body 64A of the support pin 64, and the pin body 64A of the support pin 64 can be arranged in the placement portion 82.

[0062] Further, a stepped portion 84 is formed on the outside (foot plate 62B side) of the overhanging portion 74 of the bush body 70. The stepped portion 84 is formed along the opening periphery of the placement portion 82 in the overhanging portion 74. The stepped portion 84 is opened on the side opposite to the fitting opening 76 when viewed from the foot plate 62B side of the bracket 62, like the placement portion 82. The stepped portion 84 is curved in a semicircular shape on the fitting opening 76 side and extends toward the side opposite to the fitting opening 76. Further, the opening width of the stepped portion 84 when the overhanging portion 74 is viewed from the foot plate 62B side of the bracket 62 is set to a dimension capable of accommodating the flange 68B of the metal bush 68, and the depth (step dimension) of the stepped portion 84 is made larger than the thickness dimension of the flange 68B of the metal bush 68.

[0063] Thus, when the bush body 70 is inserted between the pair of leg plates 62B, even when the metal bush 68 with the flange 68B facing inward (towards the other leg plate 62B) is disposed within the through-hole 62C, interference between the metal bush 68 and the bush body 70 is prevented. The bush body 70 has a hollow portion 74A formed inside the protruding portion 74, and the hollow portion 74A is open to the insertion port 76 side.

[0064] In the vehicle seat 10 configured as described above, the provision of the suspension frame 20 equipped with the suspension mechanism 26 enables the up-and-down movement of the seat cushion 12 and allows the damper 50 to absorb vibrations during ascending / descending and vehicle travel, thereby providing a comfortable seating posture and seating feeling for the occupant.

[0065] That is, one side of the damper 50 in the expansion / contraction direction (longitudinal direction) is rotatably attached to the connection frame 52 of the suspension mechanism 26 via the bracket 54. Also, the other side of the damper 50 in the expansion / contraction direction is rotatably attached to the shaft 34L of the suspension mechanism 26 via the bracket 62. Thereby, the damper 50 absorbs the vertical vibrations of the upper frame 24 via the suspension mechanism 26.

[0066] Next, the assembly of the damper 50 to the shaft 34L will be described. A bracket 62 is attached to the shaft 34L. In the bracket 62, prior to the insertion of the support pins 64 into the respective through-holes 62C of the pair of leg plates 62B, metal bushes 68 are inserted and disposed in the respective through-holes 62C. When inserting and disposing the metal bushes 68 into the through-holes 62C, they may be inserted and disposed from the outside of the leg plates 62B or from the inside of the leg plates 62B. In the present embodiment, as an example, the metal bushes 68 are inserted into the through-holes 62C in accordance with the insertion direction of the support pins 64 into the through-holes 62C of the leg plates 62B (the same as the insertion direction).

[0067] For example, when inserting the support pin 64 into the through-hole 62C of the foot plate 62B from the right side in the sheet width direction, the metal bush 68 is inserted into the through-hole 62C of the foot plate 62B from the right side in the sheet width direction. Thereby, for the metal bush 68 disposed on the left foot plate 62B in the sheet width direction, the flange 68B is disposed on the right side surface in the sheet width direction of the left foot plate 62B in the sheet width direction.

[0068] On the other hand, for the damper 50, the bush body 70 (bush 60) is attached to the head portion 56. For attaching the bush body 70 to the head portion 56, the head portion 56 is inserted (fitted) through the fitting opening 76 formed in the base body 72 of the bush body 70, and the head portion 56 is disposed inside the hollow portion 72A of the base body 72.

[0069] After this, with the overhanging portion 74 of the bush body 70 facing the foot plate 62B side, the bush body 70 attached to the head portion 56 is disposed between the pair of foot plates 62B. Thereby, the head portion 56 of the damper 50 is disposed between the pair of foot plates 62B.

[0070] Next, the support pin 64 is inserted into the through-hole 62C from one foot plate 62B side, inserted into the insertion hole 58 of the head portion 56 of the damper 50, and an E-ring 66 is attached to the tip of the support pin 64 protruding from the through-hole 62C of the other foot plate 62B. Thereby, the support pin 64 spanned between the pair of foot plates 62B rotatably supports the head portion 56 of the damper 50, and the damper 50 is supported by the shaft 34L.

[0071] In this way, the bush body 70 is attached to the damper 50 when the head portion 56 of the damper 50 is fitted into the base body 72, and the head portion 56 of the damper 50 is disposed between the pair of foot plates 62B when it is fitted between the pair of foot plates 62B.

[0072] At this time, the head portion 56 of the damper 50 is inserted (press-fitted) into the base body 72 from the fitting hole 76, thereby preventing a gap from occurring between the head portion 56 and the base body 72. Further, the bush main body 70 is inserted (press-fitted) between the pair of leg portions 62B, thereby preventing a gap from occurring between the bush main body 70 and each of the pair of leg portions 62B.

[0073] As a result, compared with the case where a spacer or the like is arranged and assembled between each of the pair of leg portions 62B and the head portion 56 of the damper 50, the work becomes easier, and the workability of the assembling work for assembling the damper 50 to the shaft 34L or the like can be improved. Further, even if vibration or the like occurs in the damper 50, the leg portion 62B (bracket 62), or the shaft 34L, generation of abnormal noise or the like can be prevented.

[0074] Further, since the rib 78 is formed in a pair in the base body 72 on the bush main body 70, the head portion 56 of the damper 50 can be sandwiched by the rib 78, so that a gap between the head portion 56 and the base body 72 can be effectively prevented, and generation of abnormal noise or the like due to the gap can be effectively prevented. Further, when the bush main body 70 attached to the head portion 56 of the damper 50 is inserted between the pair of leg portions 62B, it is possible to suppress the bush main body 70 from coming off from the head portion 56, and the assembling work for assembling the damper 50 to the shaft 34L or the like can be made smooth.

[0075] Further, a slit 80 is formed in the wall portion 72B of the base body 72. Thereby, when the head portion 56 of the damper 50 is inserted into the base body 72, elastic deformation of the base body 72 can be facilitated, and insertion of the head portion 56 into the base body 72 can be facilitated, so that the assemblability of the damper 50 to the shaft 34L can be improved.

[0076] Furthermore, the bush main body 70 is formed with an overhanging portion 74 protruding from the base body 72 toward the leg portion 62B side. Thereby, the bush main body 70 can be brought into contact with each of the pair of leg portions 62B without a gap (can be brought into close contact).

[0077] Further, although the size of the base 72 is preferably adjusted according to the size of the head portion 56, when the base 72 is formed to match the interval between the pair of leg plates 62B without providing the overhanging portion 74, the base 72 into which the head portion 56 is inserted may become too large or, conversely, may be too small. In these cases, since the overhanging portion 74 can be formed according to the interval between the pair of leg plates 62B or the area of the leg plates 62B, the bush body 70 can be made an appropriate size. Thereby, waste of materials due to the base 72 being too large can be suppressed, and a decrease in workability due to the base 72 being too small compared to the size of the leg plates 62B can be suppressed.

[0078] Also, a placement portion 82 is formed in the bush body 70, and a support pin 64 to be inserted into the insertion hole 58 of the head portion 56 is placed in the placement portion 82. Thereby, when the bush body 70 is mounted, the support pin 64 can be easily inserted into the insertion hole 58 of the head portion 56 where the pair of leg plates 62B are arranged. Moreover, since the support pin 64 is only placed in the placement portion 82, it is possible to suppress the bush body 70 from receiving a load from the support pin 64.

[0079] Furthermore, in the bush body 70, the placement portion 82 and the base 72 are opened toward the side opposite to the fitting port 76. For this reason, demolding when resin-molding the bush body 70 can be facilitated, the manufacturing cost of the mold can be suppressed, and the molding operation becomes easier. Also, by opening the placement portion 82 and the base 72, the amount of resin used can be suppressed and the weight of the bush body 70 can be reduced compared to the case where they are not opened. Thereby, miniaturization of the bush, suppression of product cost, and improvement of workability can be achieved.

[0080] Further, the bush body 70 is provided with a stepped portion 84 on the surface on the side of the foot plate 62B, and the stepped portion 84 is open on the side opposite to the fitting hole 76 in the same manner as the placement portion 82. Thereby, even when the metal bush 68 is mounted in the through hole 62C of the foot plate 62B such that the flange 68B is on the side of the bush body 70 of the foot plate 62B, it is possible to prevent the flange 68B of the metal bush 68 from interfering with the bush body 70 that is fitted between the pair of foot plates 62B, and the fitting operation of the bush body 70 between the pair of foot plates 62B can be made smooth.

[0081] Furthermore, by providing the bush body 70 with the stepped portion 84 capable of accommodating the flange 68B of the metal bush 68, the metal bush 68 can also be attached to the foot plate 62B with the flange 68B on the side of the bush body 70.

[0082] Therefore, for example, the metal bush 68 can be inserted into each through hole 62C of the foot plate 62B from the right side in the sheet width direction, and the support pin 64 can be inserted into the through hole 62C of the foot plate 62B from the same direction as the metal bush 68 (the right side in the sheet width direction) and then inserted into the insertion hole 58 of the head portion 56 of the damper 50.

[0083] By using the bush body 70 formed with the stepped portion 84 in this way, when assembling the damper 50 to the pair of foot plates 62B, the work can be carried out from the same direction side (the right side in the sheet width direction in this example) with respect to the foot plate 62B, so the workability is improved. Moreover, even if the metal bush 68 is pushed by the support pin 64 inserted into the through hole 62C of the foot plate 62B, the metal bush 68 will not come out of the through hole 62C, so a smoother assembly work is possible and the workability of the assembly work can be further improved.

[0084] In addition, in the present embodiment described above, each of the placement portion 82 and the stepped portion 84 is formed in a substantially semicircular shape open to one side in the radial direction. However, the placement portion may be a circular opening (through hole) into which the support pin can be inserted and arranged, and the stepped portion may be a step formed substantially circularly around the placement portion.

[0085] In addition, in the present embodiment, the shaft portion 68A of the metal bush 68 is inserted and disposed in the through hole 62C of the foot plate 62B. However, the metal bush 68 (bearing member) is not only inserted into the through hole 62C of the foot plate 62B, but also caulked on one side in the axial direction of the shaft portion 68A (the side opposite to the flange 68B) or on both sides in the axial direction (both sides when no flange is formed in advance) to be fixed to the foot plate 62B. Thereby, the fitting tolerance (gap) between the foot plate 62B and the metal bush 68 can be reduced, and it is possible to prevent looseness from occurring in the damper 50 (member to be supported) due to the fitting tolerance between the foot plate 62B and the metal bush 68, and effectively prevent the occurrence of abnormal noises and the like.

[0086] Further, the bearing member may be fixed to the foot plate by caulking in advance and integrated with the foot plate as a component (assembly) rather than caulking and fixing it to the through hole of the foot plate when assembling the member to be supported to the support body. Thereby, the dimensional tolerance (fitting tolerance) between the bearing member and the foot plate (the through hole thereof) managed as components can be made stricter (smaller) compared to the case where they are not integrated, and it is possible to effectively prevent looseness from occurring in the member to be supported due to the fitting tolerance between the foot plate and the bearing member, and more effectively prevent the occurrence of abnormal noises and the like. At this time, the bush body may be provided with a stepped portion so as to be able to accommodate the end portion (corresponding to the flange) of the shaft portion that becomes flange-shaped by caulking.

[0087] In addition, in the present embodiment, the bush body 70 is made of resin. However, hard rubber (resin rubber, natural rubber) or the like may be used for the bush body.

[0088] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the assembly of the damper 50 to the shaft 34L has been described as an example. However, the bush may be applied to the assembly of the damper 50 to the connecting frame 52. In this case, the shape of the bush body of the bush and the shape of the fitting port and the like may be determined according to the bracket 54 attached to the connecting frame 52 and the shape of the bracket 54 side of the damper 50 (the shape of the member to be supported).

[0089] In addition, in the present embodiment, the assembly to the shaft 34L via the bracket 62 of the damper 50 has been described as an example. However, the supported member is not limited to the damper 50, and the support is not limited to the shaft 34L. The present invention can be applied to any supported member attached to the support using a pair of leg plates provided on the support and a support pin inserted and disposed across the pair of leg plates.

Explanation of Signs

[0090] 10 Vehicle seat 20 Suspension frame 26 Suspension mechanism 34L Shaft (support) 50 Damper (supported member) 56 Head portion (supported portion) 58 Insertion hole 60 Bush 62B Leg plate 64 Support pin 68 Metal bush (bearing member) 70 Bush body 72 Base 72A Hollow portion 74 Overhanging portion 76 Fitting port (fitting portion) 78 Rib 80 Slit 82 Arrangement portion 84 Step portion

Claims

1. A support body having a rectangular outer shape and provided with a hollow portion inside, disposed opposite to a support body for supporting a supported member, and having through holes through which support pins for rotatably supporting the supported member are inserted, the through holes being provided such that their axes are aligned with each other, and being fitted between base plates, a bush body having the support pins inserted into the hollow portion, arrangement portions provided on each of the bush body on the side of the base plates and in which the support pins are arranged, a fitting portion in which a supported portion of the supported member is disposed in the hollow portion and the support pins can be inserted into insertion holes provided in the supported portion by fitting the supported member into a fitting opening provided on one side surface of the bush body in a direction intersecting the insertion direction of the support pins, and a bush including the same.

2. The bush body is integrally provided with a base body provided with the fitting opening and overhanging portions protruding from the base body toward each of the base plates, and each of the overhanging portions is in contact with each of the base plates. The bush according to claim 1.

3. The fitting portion includes ribs protruding in pairs with the supported portion inserted from the fitting opening therebetween, the bush according to claim 1 or claim 2.

4. The bush body, wherein each of the hollow portion and the arrangement portion is open toward the side opposite to the insertion side of the supported portion, the bush according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. In the through holes of the base plates, a cylindrical shaft portion and an annular flange portion are provided at one axial end of the shaft portion, and a bearing member for rotatably supporting the support pins inserted through the shaft portion is disposed, and the bush body is provided with a stepped portion on the surface on the side of the base plates capable of accommodating the flange portion of the bearing member. The bush according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The bush according to claim 5, wherein the stepped portion is extended so as to be open toward the side opposite to the insertion side of the supported portion in the bush body.

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