Vibration reduction device and vehicle seat

Abstract

To obtain a vibration reduction device which can facilitate positioning between a weight and a spring and can absorb not only vibration in a seat width direction but also vibration in a seat fore and aft direction, and to obtain a vehicle seat.SOLUTION: A vibration reduction device includes: a weight 28 which is set so as to have a predetermined mass and formed with a spring engagement groove 48; and a spring 30 which supports the weight 28 while partially engaging with the spring engagement groove 48. The spring 30 is elastically deformed to allow displacement of the weight 28 in a first direction and a second direction which is orthogonal to the first direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4B

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vibration reduction device and a vehicle seat. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 below discloses a vibration-damping structure for a vehicle seat that is applied to a vehicle seat. In the vibration-damping structure for a vehicle seat described in this document, a weight is placed inside a bracket and supported by the bracket via a rubber elastic body. The weight is displaced relative to the bracket, thereby making it possible to suppress vibration of the vehicle seat. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-162183 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In a configuration in which a weight is supported by a spring, it is desirable to be able to easily position the weight and the spring. It is also desirable to be able to absorb vibrations not only in the width direction of the seat but also in the front-to-rear direction of the seat.

[0005] In consideration of the above, the present invention aims to provide a vibration reduction device and a vehicle seat that can easily position the weight and spring and absorb not only vibrations in the width direction of the seat but also vibrations in the fore-and-aft direction of the seat. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The vibration reduction device of the first embodiment comprises a weight having a predetermined mass and having a spring engagement groove formed therein, and a spring that supports the weight with a portion of the spring engaged in the spring engagement groove and elastically deforms to allow displacement of the weight in a first direction and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0007] In the vibration reduction device of the first aspect, a portion of the spring engages with the spring engagement groove of the weight. This facilitates positioning of the weight and the spring. Furthermore, elastic deformation of the spring allows displacement of the weight in a first direction and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. As a result, by attaching the vibration reduction device of the first aspect to a vehicle seat, it is possible to absorb not only vibrations in the width direction of the seat but also vibrations in the front-rear direction of the seat.

[0008] The second aspect of the vibration reduction device is the vibration reduction device of the first aspect, wherein the spring is a coil spring formed in a spiral shape with the first direction as its axial direction, the weight is arranged on the inner circumference of the spring, and the inner diameter of the spring before the weight is arranged on the inner circumference is set to be smaller than the outer diameter of the weight.

[0009] In the vibration reduction device of the second aspect, the inner diameter of the spring before the weight is placed on the inner periphery is set to be smaller than the outer diameter of the weight. In this configuration, when the weight is placed on the inner periphery of the spring, the weight is tightened by the spring. This makes it possible to prevent the weight from moving out of position relative to the spring.

[0010] The third aspect of the vibration reduction device is the vibration reduction device of the first aspect, wherein the spring is a coil spring formed in a spiral shape with the first direction as its axial direction, the weight is arranged on the inner circumference of the spring, a rotation-preventing recess that is open on the spring side is formed at the bottom of the spring engagement groove, and a portion of the spring is arranged within the rotation-preventing recess, thereby limiting the rotational displacement of the weight relative to the spring.

[0011] In the vibration reduction device of the third aspect, a portion of the spring is disposed within the anti-rotation recess, which prevents the weight from rotating relative to the spring while the portion of the spring is engaged with the spring engagement groove of the weight.

[0012] A vibration reduction device of a fourth aspect is the vibration reduction device of any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the weight is provided with a retaining portion that prevents the spring from coming out of the spring engaging groove.

[0013] In the vibration reduction device of the fourth aspect, the retaining portion is provided on the weight, so that the spring can be prevented from coming out of the spring engaging groove.

[0014] The vehicle seat of the fifth aspect comprises a seat cushion that supports the buttocks of a seated occupant, a seat back that supports the back of the seated occupant, and a vibration reduction device of any one of the first to fourth aspects provided on at least one of the seat cushion and the seat back.

[0015] In a vibration reduction device constituting a part of a vehicle seat of the fifth aspect, a part of the spring engages with a spring engagement groove of the weight. This makes it easy to position the weight and the spring. Furthermore, elastic deformation of the spring allows displacement of the weight in a first direction and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. This makes it possible to absorb not only vibrations in the seat width direction of the vehicle seat but also vibrations in the seat front-rear direction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] The vibration reduction device and vehicle seat according to the present invention have the excellent effect of facilitating the positioning of the weight and the spring, and absorbing not only vibrations in the width direction of the seat but also vibrations in the front-rear direction of the seat. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a frame and the like of a vehicle seat. [Figure 2] 1 is a perspective view schematically showing a vibration reduction device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a perspective view schematically showing a vibration reduction device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 4A] FIG. [Figure 4B] FIG. 10 is a view of the weight and spring viewed from the radial direction. [Figure 4C] 4C is a cross-sectional view showing the weight and spring taken along line 4C-4C shown in FIG. 4B. [Figure 4D] 4D is a cross-sectional view showing the weight and spring taken along line 4D-4D shown in FIG. 4A. [Figure 5A] 4D is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 4C showing a weight and a spring that constitute a part of a vibration reduction device according to a third embodiment, showing the state before the weight is processed. FIG. [Figure 5B] 4D is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 4C showing a weight and a spring that constitute a part of the vibration reduction device of the third embodiment, showing the state after the weight has been processed. FIG. [Figure 6A] 4D is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 4C showing a weight and a spring that constitute a part of a vibration reduction device according to a fourth embodiment, showing the state before the weight is processed. FIG. [Figure 6B] 4D is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 4C showing a weight and a spring that constitute a part of the vibration reduction device of the fourth embodiment, showing the state after the weight has been processed. FIG. [Figure 7A] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view showing a weight and a spring that constitute a part of a vibration reduction device according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 7B] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a process of attaching a weight to a spring. [Figure 7C] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a state in which a weight is attached to a spring. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a view of the weight of the vibration reduction device of the sixth embodiment as viewed from the radial direction. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] A vehicle seat 12 equipped with a vibration reduction device 10 of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4D.

[0019] 1 shows a perspective view of a vehicle seat 12 equipped with a vibration reduction device 10 of the first embodiment, as viewed from the left front side of the seat. In the drawing, arrow FR indicates the front side of the seat, arrow UP indicates the upper side of the seat, arrow RH indicates the right side in the seat width direction, and arrow LH indicates the left side in the seat width direction. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, when the terms "front-rear," "up-down," and "left-right" are used, they refer to front-rear in the front-rear direction of the seat, up-down in the up-down direction of the seat, and left-right in the seat width direction.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 1 , a vehicle seat 12 includes a seat cushion 14 that supports the buttocks of a seated occupant from below, and a seat back 16 that supports the back of the seated occupant from the rear of the seat. The seat cushion 14 is formed by, for example, attaching a seat cushion pad (not shown) covered with a skin material to a seat cushion frame 18. The seat back 16 is formed by, for example, attaching a seat back pad (not shown) covered with a skin material to a seat back frame 20. The seat back frame 20 includes, for example, a pair of left and right side frame portions 22 that are spaced apart in the left-right direction and extend vertically, and an upper frame portion 24 that connects the upper ends of the pair of left and right side frame portions 22 in the left-right direction. The lower ends of the pair of left and right side frame portions 22 are connected to the rear end of the seat cushion frame 18 via a reclining mechanism 26. By operating the reclining mechanism 26, the seat back frame 20 can be tilted in the front-rear direction relative to the seat cushion frame 18. That is, by operating the reclining mechanism 26, the seat back 16 can be tilted in the front-rear direction relative to the seat cushion 14.

[0021] The vibration reduction device 10 of the first embodiment is attached to the lower end of the left side frame portion 22. In addition, the vibration reduction device 10 of the first embodiment is also attached to the upper end of the left side frame portion 22. Note that the vibration reduction device 10 may be provided only on either the lower end or the upper end of the left side frame portion 22. In addition, the vibration reduction device 10 may be attached to the seat cushion frame 18.

[0022] FIG. 2 shows a vibration reduction device 10 according to a first embodiment. As shown in this figure, the vibration reduction device 10 includes a weight 28, a spring 30 supporting the weight 28, a pair of spring support members 32, 34 supporting the spring 30, and a connecting member 36 connecting the pair of spring support members 32, 34. In the vibration reduction device 10 according to the first embodiment, the connecting member 36 is formed in a rod shape, so that the weight 28 and the spring 30 are exposed. As in a vibration reduction device 38 according to a second embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the connecting member 36 may be formed in a cylindrical shape, so that the weight 28 and the spring 30 are not exposed. The vibration reduction device 38 according to the second embodiment has the same configuration as the vibration reduction device 10 according to the first embodiment, except that the connecting member 36 is formed in a cylindrical shape. Therefore, the following description will focus on the vibration reduction device 10 according to the first embodiment, and a description of the vibration reduction device 38 according to the second embodiment will be omitted.

[0023] 2, weight 28 is formed into a cylindrical shape using, for example, an iron-based material. The mass of weight 28 is set to a predetermined weight in consideration of the natural frequency of the weight when supported by spring 30, which will be described later.

[0024] The spring 30 is a coil spring formed in a spiral shape with its axial direction in a first direction. Here, one side in the first direction is referred to as the first axial side, and this axial side is indicated by arrow Z. Furthermore, one side in a second direction, which is perpendicular to the first direction, is referred to as the radially outer side, and this radially outer side is indicated by arrow R. The spring 30 is formed by spirally winding a rod-shaped member with a circular cross section. Furthermore, a weight 28 is disposed in the axial center of the inner periphery of the spring 30. Note that in FIG. 2, the portion of the spring 30 disposed on the outer periphery of the weight 28 is not shown.

[0025] One spring support member 32 includes a disk portion 40 formed in a disk shape with its thickness in the axial direction, and a spring engagement protrusion 42 protruding from the radial center of the disk portion 40 toward one axial side. This spring engagement protrusion 42 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The spring engagement protrusion 42 is adapted to be inserted into the inner periphery of the end portion 30B on the other axial side of the spring 30. The one spring support member 32 also includes a tool engagement portion 44 protruding from the radial center of the disk portion 40 toward the other axial side. This tool engagement portion 44 is formed in a hexagonal pillar shape.

[0026] The other spring support member 34 includes a disk portion 40 formed in a disk shape with its thickness in the axial direction, and a spring engagement protrusion 42 protruding from the radial center of the disk portion 40 toward the other axial side. The spring engagement protrusion 42 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The spring engagement protrusion 42 is adapted to be inserted into the inner periphery of the end portion 30A on one axial side of the spring 30. The other spring support member 34 also includes a threaded portion 46 protruding from the radial center of the disk portion 40 toward one axial side. The threaded portion 46 has a threaded outer periphery.

[0027] The disc portion 40 of one spring support member 32 and the disc portion 40 of the other spring support member 34 are connected via a pair of rod-shaped connecting members 36. Furthermore, when the disc portion 40 of one spring support member 32 and the disc portion 40 of the other spring support member 34 are connected via the pair of connecting members 36, the axial distance between the disc portion 40 of one spring support member 32 and the disc portion 40 of the other spring support member 34 is maintained at a predetermined distance. Note that, as an example, the axial distance between the disc portion 40 of one spring support member 32 and the disc portion 40 of the other spring support member 34 is slightly smaller than the free length of the spring 30. The free length of the spring 30 refers to the axial dimension of the spring 30 when no load is applied to the spring 30.

[0028] Next, the detailed configuration of the weight 28 will be described.

[0029] As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, a spring engagement groove 48 is formed on the outer periphery of weight 28, with which a portion of spring 30 engages. This spring engagement groove 48 is formed in a spiral shape on the outer periphery of weight 28 to correspond to spring 30. The bottom surface of spring engagement groove 48 is curved in a U-shape to correspond to the outer periphery of spring 30. A plurality of anti-rotation recesses 50 that are open on the spring 30 side are formed on the bottom of spring engagement groove 48. In the position shown in FIG. 4A, three anti-rotation recesses 50 are formed on the bottom of spring engagement groove 48. These three anti-rotation recesses 50 are arranged side by side along the axial direction.

[0030] 4B , with weight 28 disposed on the inner periphery of axial center portion 30C of spring 30, axial center portion 30C of spring 30 engages with spring engagement groove 48 of weight 28. In this way, weight 28 is supported by spring 30.

[0031] In addition, in the assembly process of the vibration reduction device 10 in this embodiment, after the axial center portion 30C of the spring 30 is engaged with the spring engagement groove 48 of the weight 28, a part of the axial center portion 30C of the spring 30 is pressed toward the anti-rotation recess 50 via a jig 52, as shown in Fig. 4C. As a result, a part 30D of the axial center portion 30C of the spring 30 opposite the part pressed by the jig 52 is disposed in the anti-rotation recess 50, as shown in Figs. 4C and 4D.

[0032] 1 and 2, the vibration reduction device 10 described above is attached to the seatback frame 20 with its axial direction oriented in the seat width direction (left-right direction). The spring 30 elastically deforms in the axial direction, thereby allowing the weight 28 to be displaced in the axial direction. This makes it possible to absorb vibrations input to the vehicle seat 12 in the seat width direction. The spring 30 elastically deforms in the up-down direction and the front-rear direction, thereby allowing the weight 28 to be displaced in the radial direction (up-down direction and front-rear direction). This makes it possible to absorb vibrations input to the vehicle seat 12 in the up-down direction and the front-rear direction.

[0033] Furthermore, in the vibration reduction device 10 of this embodiment, the axial center portion 30C of the spring 30 engages with the spring engaging groove 48 of the weight 28. This makes it possible to easily position the weight 28 and the spring 30.

[0034] Furthermore, in the vibration reduction device 10 of this embodiment, a portion 30D of the axial center portion 30C of the spring 30 is disposed within the anti-rotation recess 50. This makes it possible to prevent the weight 28 from rotating relative to the spring 30 while the axial center portion 30C of the spring 30 is engaged with the spring engagement groove 48 of the weight 28. This makes it possible to prevent the weight 28 from shifting in the axial direction relative to the spring 30.

[0035] (Vibration reduction device of the third embodiment) Next, a vibration reduction device of a third embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 5A and 5B. In the vibration reduction device of the third embodiment, members and parts corresponding to those of the vibration reduction device 10 of the first embodiment described above will be assigned the same reference numerals as those of the vibration reduction device 10 of the first embodiment, and their description may be omitted.

[0036] 5A, weight 28, which constitutes a part of the vibration reduction device of this embodiment, has crimped protrusions 54 as retaining portions that protrude radially outward from both edge portions of spring engagement groove 48. Note that crimped protrusions 54 may be provided continuously along the entire length of both edges of spring engagement groove 48, or may be provided partially.

[0037] 5A and 5B, in the assembly process of the vibration reduction device, after the axial center portion 30C of the spring 30 is engaged with the spring engaging groove 48 of the weight 28, the crimping protrusion 54 is pressed toward the open end of the spring engaging groove 48 via a jig 56. This causes the crimping protrusion 54 to deform toward the open end of the spring engaging groove 48, as shown in FIG. 5B. As a result, the crimping protrusion 54 prevents or inhibits the axial center portion 30C of the spring 30 from coming out of the spring engaging groove 48 of the weight 28.

[0038] As described above, in this embodiment, the provision of the crimping protrusion 54 on the weight 28 can prevent or suppress the spring 30 from coming out of the spring engaging groove 48.

[0039] (Vibration reduction device of the fourth embodiment) Next, a vibration reduction device of a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 6A and 6B. In the vibration reduction device of the fourth embodiment, members and parts corresponding to those of the vibration reduction device 10 of the first embodiment described above will be given the same reference numerals as those of the vibration reduction device 10 of the first embodiment, and their description may be omitted.

[0040] As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, crushed portions 60 are provided at both axial ends of weight 28, which constitutes part of the vibration reduction device of this embodiment, as stoppers that are crushed by jig 58.

[0041] 6A and 6B, in the assembly process of the vibration reduction device, after the axial center portion 30C of the spring 30 is engaged with the spring engagement groove 48 of the weight 28, the crushed portion 60 is pressed toward the open end of the spring engagement groove 48 using a jig 58. This causes the crushed portion 60 to deform toward the open end of the spring engagement groove 48, as shown in Fig. 6B. As a result, the crushed portion 60 prevents or inhibits the spring 30 from coming out of the spring engagement groove 48.

[0042] As described above, in this embodiment, the crushed portion 60 is provided on the weight 28, so that the spring 30 can be prevented or suppressed from coming out of the spring engagement groove 48.

[0043] (Vibration reduction device of the fifth embodiment) Next, a vibration reduction device according to a fifth embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 7A to 7C. In the vibration reduction device according to the fifth embodiment, members and parts corresponding to those of the vibration reduction device 10 of the first embodiment described above will be given the same reference numerals as those of the vibration reduction device 10 of the first embodiment, and their description may be omitted.

[0044] 7A shows weight 28 and spring 30 before weight 28 is placed on the inner periphery. As shown in this figure, the inner diameter D1 of spring 30 before weight 28 is placed on the inner periphery is set to be smaller than the outer diameter D2 of weight 28.

[0045] 7B, the spring 30 is twisted, etc., to expand the inner diameter of the spring 30. In this state, the weight 28 is inserted into the inner periphery of the spring 30.

[0046] 7C shows a state in which weight 28 is disposed on the inner periphery of axial center portion 30C of spring 30. As shown in this figure, weight 28 is tightened by spring 30 as spring 30 returns to its original inner diameter D1. As a result, in this embodiment, the frictional force at the contact point between spring 30 and weight 28 increases, making it possible to suppress slippage of weight 28 relative to spring 30.

[0047] (Vibration reduction device of the sixth embodiment) Next, a vibration reduction device of a sixth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 8. In the vibration reduction device of the sixth embodiment, members and parts corresponding to those of the vibration reduction device 10 of the first embodiment described above will be given the same reference numerals as those of the vibration reduction device 10 of the first embodiment, and their description may be omitted.

[0048] 8, weight 28, which constitutes part of the vibration reduction device of this embodiment, has an outer diameter at both axial end portions 28A that is smaller than the outer diameter of axial center portion 28B. In this configuration, the area over which spring engagement groove 48 is formed can be reduced compared to a configuration in which the outer diameter of weight 28 is set to a constant dimension at each axial end portion. This reduces the processing costs for forming spring engagement groove 48. Furthermore, in the configuration of this embodiment, both axial end portions 28A of weight 28 can also be used as processed portions for adjusting mass.

[0049] While one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above and can be implemented in various other modified forms without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, although not shown, the vibration damping device 10 can also be used in other industrial equipment such as washing machines. [Explanation of symbols]

[0050] 10 Vibration reduction device 12 Vehicle seats 14 seat cushion 16 Seat back 28 weight 30 Spring 38 Vibration reduction device 48 Spring engagement groove 50-turn stop recess 54 Crimping protrusion (retaining part) 60 Crushed part (retaining part)

Claims

1. a weight having a predetermined mass and having a spring engagement groove formed therein; a spring that supports the weight with a portion thereof engaged with the spring engagement groove and that elastically deforms to allow displacement of the weight in a first direction and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; Equipped with the spring is a coil spring formed in a spiral shape with its axial direction aligned in the first direction, The weight is disposed on the inner periphery of the spring, A rotation prevention recess is formed at the bottom of the spring engagement groove, and the spring side is open. A portion of the spring is disposed within the rotation-stop recess, thereby limiting rotational displacement of the weight relative to the spring. Vibration reduction device.

2. the spring is a coil spring formed in a spiral shape with its axial direction aligned in the first direction, The weight is disposed on the inner periphery of the spring, 2. The vibration reduction device according to claim 1, wherein the inner diameter of the spring before the weight is disposed on the inner periphery thereof is set to be smaller than the outer diameter of the weight.

3. 3. The vibration reduction device according to claim 1, wherein the weight is provided with a retaining portion that prevents the spring from coming out of the spring engagement groove.

4. a seat cushion that supports the buttocks of a seated occupant; a seat back that supports the back of a seated occupant; The vibration reduction device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, which is provided on at least one of the seat cushion and the seat back; A vehicle seat comprising:

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