Vehicle seats

Abstract

To provide a vehicle seat which can increase lifting operation speed of a seat cushion.SOLUTION: A vehicle seat includes a restraining device for lifting a front end of a seat cushion. The restraining device has: a lock plate; an arm for swinging to a first lock position from a first initial position around a first swinging center axis; and a lock unit arranged opposite to the arm across the first swinging center axis, and swinging to a second lock position from a second initial position integrally with the arm. The rock unit has: a case; and a hook held on the case so as to be capable of swinging around a second swinging center axis, and engaged with the first lock plate from outside at the second lock position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] BACKGROUND ART In vehicle seats, restraint devices that lift the front of the seat cushion to prevent a seated occupant from sliding forward during a collision or sudden deceleration are known (see Patent Documents 1 and 2).

[0003] This restraint device lifts the seat cushion by causing an arm disposed below the seat cushion to swing upward by inertial force using an inflator or the like. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 4781109 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-63004 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the above-mentioned restraint device, the swinging parts have a certain mass, so the actuation speed is limited by inertia, and the speed at which the seat cushion is lifted may be insufficient.

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure aims to provide a vehicle seat that can increase the speed at which the seat cushion can be lifted. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] One aspect of the present disclosure is a vehicle seat (1) comprising a seat cushion (2), a cushion frame (4) that supports the seat cushion (2), and a restraint device (5) configured to lift a front end of the seat cushion (2).

[0008] The restraint device (5) includes a first lock plate (52) fixed to the cushion frame (4), an arm (54) configured to swing around a first swing central axis (L1) from a first initial position to a first lock position where the seat cushion (2) is lifted, and a first lock unit (56) arranged on the opposite side of the arm (54) across the first swing central axis (L1) and configured to swing integrally with the arm (54) from a second initial position to a second lock position where the arm engages with the first lock plate (52).

[0009] The first lock unit (56) has a first case (561) connected to the arm (54), and a first hook (562) that is held swingably about a second swing central axis (L2) parallel to the first swing central axis (L1) relative to the first case (561) and that is configured to engage with the first lock plate (52) from the outside in a direction perpendicular to the first swing central axis (L1) at the second lock position. The distance between the first swing central axis (L1) and the center of gravity (G) of the first hook (562) is greater than the distance between the first swing central axis (L1) and the second swing central axis (L2).

[0010] According to this configuration, the first lock unit (56), which is provided on the opposite side of the first swing central axis (L1) from the arm (54), generates an inertial force that urges the arm (54) to swing. Therefore, the inertial force of the arm (54) and the first lock unit (56) increases the swing speed of the arm (54).

[0011] Furthermore, since the center of gravity (G) of the first hook (562) is located farther from the first swing central axis (L1) than the second swing central axis (L2), the inertial force due to the weight of the first hook (562) increases the speed at which the first hook (562) engages with the first lock plate (52), thereby increasing the speed at which the seat cushion (2) is lifted.

[0012] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the distance between the tip end (562A) of the first hook (562) and the center of gravity (G) of the first hook (562) may be greater than the distance between the tip end (562A) and the second swing central axis (L2). This configuration increases the speed at which the tip end (562A) of the first hook (562) engages with the first lock plate (52). As a result, the lifting speed of the seat cushion (2) is improved.

[0013] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the first lock unit (56) may have an elastic body (564) that biases the first hook (562) in a direction that engages with the first lock plate (52). With this configuration, the biasing force of the elastic body (564) increases the speed at which the first hook (562) engages with the first lock plate (52). As a result, the effect of improving the speed at which the seat cushion (2) is lifted is promoted.

[0014] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the first locking plate (52) may have an engaged portion (522) configured to engage with the first hook (562), and an arm stopper (523) configured to come into contact with the arm (54) when the arm (54) swings beyond the first locking position. With this configuration, after the first hook (562) engages with the first locking plate (52), the arm (54) collides with the arm stopper (523) and rotates in the reverse direction toward the first locking position. This tightens the engagement between the first hook (562) and the first locking plate (52), thereby improving the locking strength when the seat cushion (2) is in the raised state.

[0015] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the first case (561) may have a hook stopper (561A) that restricts the swing of the tip end (562A) of the first hook (562) in a direction away from the first swing central axis (L1). This configuration improves the stability of the engagement of the first hook (562) with the first lock plate (52).

[0016] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the restraint device (5) may further include a second lock plate (57) that is positioned apart from the first lock plate (52) along the first swing central axis (L1) and fixed to the cushion frame (4), and a second lock unit (58) that is positioned on the opposite side of the arm (54) across the first swing central axis (L1) and configured to swing integrally with the arm (54) from a third initial position to a third lock position where it engages with the second lock plate (57).

[0017] The second lock unit (58) may have a second case (581) connected to the arm (54), and a second hook (582) that is held swingably relative to the second case (581) around a third swing central axis (L3) parallel to the first swing central axis (L1) and that is configured to engage with the second lock plate (57) from the outside in a direction perpendicular to the first swing central axis (L1) at the third lock position.

[0018] With this configuration, the swing speed of the arm (54) is increased by the inertial force of the first lock unit (56) and the second lock unit (58), and the lock strength when the seat cushion (2) is in the raised state is improved.

[0019] Note that the symbols in the parentheses above are examples showing the correspondence with the specific configurations, etc. described in the embodiments described below, and the present disclosure is not limited to the specific configurations, etc. shown by the symbols in the parentheses above. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic side view showing a vehicle seat according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic side view showing an operating state of the restraint device in the vehicle seat of FIG. [Figure 3] 3 is a schematic perspective view of the restraint device of FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 4] 4A is a schematic side view showing the arm and first lock unit in the restraint device of FIG. 2 in an initial position, and FIG. 4B is a schematic side view showing the arm and first lock unit in the restraint device of FIG. 2 in a locked position. [Figure 5] 5 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a first locking unit in the restraint device of FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 6] 6 is a schematic perspective view of a hinge pipe, an arm, a first lock unit, and a second lock unit in the restraint device of FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 7] 7A and 7B are schematic side views showing state changes of the first hook in the restraint device of FIG. 2. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] Hereinafter, embodiments to which the present disclosure is applied will be described with reference to the drawings. [1. First embodiment] [1-1.Configuration] The vehicle seat 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes a seat cushion 2, a seat back 3, a cushion frame 4, and a restraint device 5.

[0022] The vehicle seat 1 is used as a seat for a passenger vehicle. Note that the directions in the following description and in each drawing refer to directions when the vehicle seat 1 is assembled to the vehicle (i.e., the passenger vehicle). In this embodiment, the width direction of the seat coincides with the left-right direction of the vehicle, and the front of the seat coincides with the front of the vehicle.

[0023] The seat cushion 2 is a portion for supporting the buttocks of a seated person. The seat back 3 is a portion for supporting the back of a seated person. The cushion frame 4 supports the seat cushion 2.

[0024] <Restraint Device> Restraint device 5 prevents the seated occupant from sliding forward when a large acceleration occurs in the vehicle in which vehicle seat 1 is installed due to a collision, sudden stop, or the like.

[0025] The restraint device 5 is configured to receive power generated by, for example, an inflator to lift the front end of the seat cushion 2. The inflator applies inertial force to the restraint device 5 to activate it when a certain amount of acceleration is detected in the vehicle.

[0026] The restraint device 5 is displaced by inertial force from the inactive state shown in Fig. 1 to the active state shown in Fig. 2. The restraint device 5 in the active state pushes up the front end of the seat cushion 2.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 3, the restraint device 5 has a fixed portion 51, a first locking plate 52, a hinge pipe 53, an arm 54, an arm pipe 55, a first locking unit 56, a second locking plate 57, and a second locking unit 58.

[0028] <Fixed part> The fixed portion 51 is fixed to the cushion frame 4 by, for example, fastening. The fixed portion 51 does not move relative to the seat cushion 2.

[0029] <First lock plate> The first lock plate 52 is fixed to the cushion frame 4 via a fixing portion 51 .

[0030] The first lock plate 52 is fixed to the fixed portion 51 from the outer side in the seat width direction (specifically, the left side) by, for example, welding. The first lock plate 52 is disposed between the arm 54 and the fixed portion 51 in the seat width direction.

[0031] 4A, the first lock plate 52 has a plate body 521, an engaged portion 522, and an arm stopper 523. The thickness direction of the first lock plate 52 is parallel to the seat width direction.

[0032] The plate main body 521 has an arc-shaped side surface centered on the first swing central axis L1 when viewed in the thickness direction. The side surface of the plate main body 521 guides the tip end 562A of the first hook 562 toward the engaged portion 522 when the restraint device 5 is activated (i.e., when the first lock plate 52 swings). The hinge pipe 53 is inserted through the plate main body 521. The plate main body 521 forms a bearing for the hinge pipe 53.

[0033] Engaged portion 522 is provided at the end (i.e., the front end) of plate main body 521 in swing direction S of first locking unit 56. Engaged portion 522 is configured to be engaged with tip end 562A of first hook 562 when first locking unit 56 is in the second lock position shown in FIG.

[0034] The arm stopper 523 is provided on the end (i.e., rear end) of the plate main body 521 opposite to the engaged portion 522. The arm stopper 523 is configured so that the arm 54 comes into contact with it from above when the arm 54 swings past the first lock position shown in Fig. 4B. When the arm 54 comes into contact with the arm stopper 523, it swings toward the front of the seat due to the reaction force.

[0035] <Hinge pipe> The hinge pipe 53 shown in FIG. 3 connects the arm 54, the first lock unit 56, and the second lock unit 58 to the fixed portion 51 so that the arm 54, the first lock unit 56, and the second lock unit 58 are swingable.

[0036] Specifically, the hinge pipe 53 is inserted through the fixed portion 51, the first lock plate 52, and the second lock plate 57 with its central axis oriented parallel to the seat width direction. The hinge pipe 53 is axially rotatable relative to the fixed portion 51, the first lock plate 52, and the second lock plate 57. In addition, an arm 54, a first lock unit 56, and a second lock unit 58 are fixed to the hinge pipe 53.

[0037] <Arm> The arm 54 is configured to swing about a first swing central axis L1 from a first initial position (see FIG. 4A) to a first lock position (see FIG. 4B) that lifts the seat cushion 2. When power is applied from below by, for example, an inflator, the arm 54 swings upward due to inertial force.

[0038] The arm 54 is joined to the hinge pipe 53 by, for example, welding. The arm 54 extends in a direction away from the central axis of the hinge pipe 53 (i.e., the first swing central axis L1). Specifically, in the first initial position, the arm 54 extends from the hinge pipe 53 toward the front and upper side of the seat.

[0039] <Arm pipe> The arm pipe 55 is fixed to the tip of the arm 54 (i.e., the end opposite to the end connected to the hinge pipe 53). The arm pipe 55 is a reinforcing member that pushes up the seat cushion 2. The central axis of the arm pipe 55 is parallel to the seat width direction.

[0040] <First lock unit> The first lock unit 56 has the function of holding the arm 54 in the first lock position. The first lock unit 56 is disposed on the opposite side of the arm 54 across the first swing central axis L1, and is configured to swing integrally with the arm 54 from a second initial position (see FIG. 4A) to a second lock position (see FIG. 4B) where the first lock unit 56 engages with the first lock plate 52.

[0041] That is, the first locking unit 56 is in the second initial position when the arm 54 is in the first initial position. The first locking unit 56 is in the second locking position when the arm 54 is in the first locking position. The first locking unit 56 swings downward and toward the front of the seat from the second initial position.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 5, the first locking unit 56 has a first case 561, a first hook 562, a hinge pin 563, and an elastic body 564.

[0043] The first case 561 houses the first hook 562. The first case 561 has a first member 5611 and a second member 5612 that sandwich the first hook 562 in the seat width direction. The first member 5611 is disposed on the outer side of the first hook 562 in the seat width direction. The second member 5612 is disposed on the inner side of the first hook 562 in the seat width direction.

[0044] 6, the first member 5611 is connected to the hinge pipe 53 by, for example, welding. Also, as shown in Fig. 5, the first member 5611 has a hook stopper 561A that restricts the swing of the tip end 562A of the first hook 562 in a direction away from the first swing central axis L1.

[0045] The hook stopper 561A is formed by a portion of the side wall of the first member 5611 that covers the tip end portion 562A from the outside in a direction perpendicular to the first swing central axis L1 (that is, in the radial direction of the hinge pipe 53).

[0046] When the first case 561 swings, even if the first hook 562 swings in a direction in which the tip end 562A moves away from the first swing central axis L1, the swing of the first hook 562 stops when the tip end 562A comes into contact with the hook stopper 561A.

[0047] The first hook 562 is a plate-shaped member held so as to be swingable around a second swing central axis L2 parallel to the first swing central axis L1 relative to the first case 561. The thickness direction of the first hook 562 is parallel to the first swing central axis L1.

[0048] The first hook 562 is configured to engage with the first lock plate 52 from the outside in a direction perpendicular to the first swing central axis L1 at the second lock position (see FIG. 4B). The first hook 562 further swings relative to the first case 561 inside the first case 561, which swings relative to the first lock plate 52.

[0049] The hinge pin 563 swingably connects the first hook 562 to the first case 561. The central axis of the hinge pin 563 (that is, the second swing central axis L2) is parallel to the seat width direction.

[0050] The elastic body 564 is a coil spring that biases the first hook 562 in a direction to engage with the first lock plate 52. The elastic body 564 is arranged inside the first case 561 in a state where it is wound around the hinge pin 563.

[0051] A first end of the elastic body 564 is fixed to the first hook 562. A second end of the elastic body 564 is fixed to the first case 561. The elastic body 564 biases the tip end 562A of the first hook 562 toward the first oscillation central axis L1.

[0052] 7 is a diagram illustrating the displacement of the first hook 562. Of the lines representing the first hook 562, the solid line indicates the position of the first hook 562 when the first lock unit 56 is in the second initial position.

[0053] The two-dot chain line indicates the position of the first hook 562 when it is engaged with the first lock plate 52 with the first lock unit 56 in the second lock position. The dashed line indicates the position of the first hook 562 before it engages with the first lock plate 52 with the first lock unit 56 reaching the second lock position.

[0054] The distance between the first swing central axis L1 and the center of gravity G of the first hook 562 is greater than the distance between the first swing central axis L1 and the second swing central axis L2. This relationship holds regardless of the positions of the first lock unit 56 and the first hook 562.

[0055] Therefore, when the first locking unit 56 swings from the second initial position toward the second locking position, the first locking unit 56 is biased by the mass inertia force I generated at the center of gravity G of the first hook 562. As a result, the arm 54 is also biased to swing.

[0056] Furthermore, the distance between the tip 562A of the first hook 562 and the center of gravity G of the first hook 562 is greater than the distance between the tip 562A and the second swing central axis L2. Therefore, when the first lock unit 56 swings from the second initial position toward the second lock position, the tip 562A is urged toward the first swing central axis L1 by inertial force (i.e., centrifugal force).

[0057] While the first locking unit 56 swings from the second initial position toward the second locking position, the tip 562A of the first hook 562 swings while being pressed against the side of the plate main body 521 of the first locking plate 52 due to the above-mentioned inertial force and the biasing force of the elastic body 564.

[0058] When the first lock unit 56 swings to the second lock position, the tip end 562A swings around the second swing central axis L2 from the position indicated by the dashed line to the position indicated by the two-dot chain line in Fig. 7. As a result, the tip end 562A engages with the engaged portion 522 of the first lock plate 52.

[0059] In the locked state, the tip end 562A comes into contact with the engaged portion 522 so as to overlap it from above. The angle formed by the input direction D1 of the locking load at the engagement point between the tip end 562A and the engaged portion 522 and the input direction D2 of the tilting load that causes the arm 54 to return to the first initial position under its own weight (i.e., to tip over) is 45° or less. Therefore, release of the lock due to the input of the tilting load is suppressed.

[0060] <Second lock plate> The second lock plate 57 shown in FIG. 3 is disposed apart from the first lock plate 52 along the first swing central axis L1, and is fixed to the cushion frame 4 via a fixing portion 51.

[0061] The second lock plate 57 is fixed to the fixed portion 51 by welding, for example, from the outer side in the seat width direction (specifically, the right side), opposite the first lock plate 52. The second lock plate 57 is disposed between the arm 54 and the fixed portion 51 in the seat width direction. The shape of the second lock plate 57 is the same as that of the first lock plate 52.

[0062] <Second lock unit> The second lock unit 58 has the function of holding the arm 54 in the first lock position together with the first lock unit 56 .

[0063] The second lock unit 58 is positioned on the opposite side of the arm 54 across the first swing center axis L1, and is configured to swing integrally with the arm 54 from the third initial position to the third lock position where it engages with the second lock plate 57.

[0064] That is, the second locking unit 58 is in the third initial position when the arm 54 is in the first initial position, and the second locking unit 58 is in the third locking position when the arm 54 is in the first locking position.

[0065] 6, second lock unit 58 has a second case 581, a second hook 582, and a hinge pin 583. Second lock unit 58 is obtained by flipping first lock unit 56 left and right.

[0066] Therefore, the second case 581 is connected to the arm 54 via the hinge pipe 53, similar to the first case 561. The second hook 582 is held swingably around a third swing central axis L3 parallel to the first swing central axis L1 relative to the second case 581, and is configured to engage with the second lock plate 57 from the outside in a direction perpendicular to the first swing central axis L1 at the third lock position.

[0067] [1-2.Effects] According to the embodiment described above in detail, the following effects can be obtained. (1a) The first lock unit 56, which is provided on the opposite side of the first swing central axis L1 from the arm 54, generates an inertial force that urges the swing of the arm 54. Therefore, the inertial force of the arm 54 and the first lock unit 56 increases the swing speed of the arm 54.

[0068] Furthermore, since the center of gravity G of the first hook 562 is located farther from the first swing central axis L1 than the second swing central axis L2, the inertial force due to the weight of the first hook 562 increases the speed at which the first hook 562 engages with the first lock plate 52. As a result, the speed at which the seat cushion 2 is lifted is increased.

[0069] (1b) The center of gravity G of the first hook 562 is located farther from the tip 562A of the first hook 562 than the second swing central axis L2, thereby increasing the speed at which the tip 562A of the first hook 562 engages with the first lock plate 52. As a result, the speed at which the seat cushion 2 is lifted is improved.

[0070] (1c) The speed at which the first hook 562 engages with the first lock plate 52 is increased by the biasing force of the elastic body 564. As a result, the effect of improving the speed at which the seat cushion 2 is lifted is promoted.

[0071] (1d) Since the first locking plate 52 has the arm stopper 523, after the first hook 562 engages with the first locking plate 52, the arm 54 collides with the arm stopper 523 and rotates in the reverse direction toward the first locking position. This tightens the engagement between the first hook 562 and the first locking plate 52, improving the locking strength when the seat cushion 2 is raised.

[0072] (1e) The first case 561 has the hook stopper 561A, which increases the stability of engagement of the first hook 562 with the first lock plate 52.

[0073] (1f) The restraint device 5 has the second lock unit 58 in addition to the first lock unit 56, and therefore the swing speed of the arm 54 is increased by the inertial forces of the first lock unit 56 and the second lock unit 58. In addition, the locking strength is improved when the seat cushion 2 is in the raised state.

[0074] 2. Other Embodiments Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, it goes without saying that the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can take on various forms.

[0075] (2a) In the vehicle seat of the above embodiment, if the first hook can be engaged with the first lock plate by inertial force, the first lock unit does not necessarily have to include an elastic body that biases the first hook.

[0076] (2b) In the vehicle seat of the above embodiment, the first lock plate does not necessarily have to have an arm stopper. Also, the arm stopper may be provided on a member other than the first lock plate.

[0077] (2c) In the vehicle seat of the above embodiment, the hook stopper of the first case does not necessarily have to be configured on the side wall of the first case. For example, the hook stopper may be configured as a pin protruding from the wall of the first case. Furthermore, the first case does not necessarily have to have a hook stopper.

[0078] (2d) In the vehicle seat of the above embodiment, the restraint device does not necessarily have to include the second lock plate and the second lock unit.

[0079] (2e) The vehicle seat of the above embodiment can also be applied to seats used in automobiles other than passenger cars, and seats used in vehicles other than automobiles, such as railway cars, ships, and aircraft.

[0080] (2f) The function of one component in the above embodiments may be distributed among multiple components, or the functions of multiple components may be integrated into one component. Also, part of the configuration of the above embodiments may be omitted. Furthermore, at least part of the configuration of the above embodiments may be added to or substituted for the configuration of another of the above embodiments. All aspects included in the technical idea identified by the wording of the claims are embodiments of the present disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0081] 1...vehicle seat, 2...seat cushion, 3...seat back, 4... cushion frame, 5... restraint device, 51... fixing part, 52...first lock plate, 53...hinge pipe, 54...arm, 55...arm pipe, 56...first lock unit, 57...second lock plate, 58... second lock unit, 521... plate body, 522... engaged portion, 523...arm stopper, 561...first case, 561A...hook stopper, 562...first hook, 562A...tip portion, 563...hinge pin, 564...elastic body, 581...second case, 582...second hook, 583...hinge pin, 5611...first member, 5612...second member.

Claims

1. Seat cushion and a cushion frame supporting the seat cushion; a restraint device configured to lift a front end of the seat cushion; Equipped with The restraint device a first lock plate fixed to the cushion frame; an arm configured to swing about a first swing center axis from a first initial position to a first lock position that lifts the seat cushion; a first lock unit disposed on the opposite side of the arm across the first swing central axis and configured to swing integrally with the arm from a second initial position to a second lock position where the first lock plate engages with the first lock plate; and The first lock unit is a first case connected to the arm; a first hook that is held to be swingable about a second swing central axis parallel to the first swing central axis with respect to the first case and that is configured to engage with the first lock plate from outside in a direction perpendicular to the first swing central axis at the second lock position; and A vehicle seat, wherein a distance between the first swing central axis and a center of gravity of the first hook is greater than a distance between the first swing central axis and the second swing central axis.

2. 2. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, A vehicle seat, wherein a distance between a tip end of the first hook and a center of gravity of the first hook is greater than a distance between the tip end and the second swing central axis.

3. The vehicle seat according to claim 1 or 2, The first locking unit has an elastic body that biases the first hook in a direction that engages with the first locking plate.

4. The vehicle seat according to claim 1 or 2, The first lock plate is an engaged portion configured to be engaged with the first hook; an arm stopper configured to come into contact with the arm when the arm swings beyond the first lock position; A vehicle seat having:

5. The vehicle seat according to claim 1 or 2, The first case has a hook stopper that restricts the tip of the first hook from swinging in a direction away from the first swing central axis.

6. The vehicle seat according to claim 1 or 2, The restraint device a second lock plate disposed apart from the first lock plate along the first swing central axis and fixed to the cushion frame; a second lock unit disposed on the opposite side of the arm across the first swing central axis and configured to swing integrally with the arm from a third initial position to a third lock position where the second lock unit engages with the second lock plate; and The second lock unit is a second case connected to the arm; a second hook that is held swingably about a third swing central axis parallel to the first swing central axis relative to the second case and that is configured to engage with the second lock plate from outside in a direction perpendicular to the first swing central axis at the third lock position; A vehicle seat having:

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