Vehicle seats

Abstract

To provide a vehicle seat capable of absorbing energy by a link while suppressing sideways falling of the link.SOLUTION: In one aspect of the disclosure, a vehicle seat includes a cushion frame and a lifting device. The cushion frame has side frames, and the lifting device has support members arranged below the cushion frame, connection rods rotatably connected to the side frames, and links for connecting the support members and the connection rods. The link has a body rotatably connected to the support member, and a plate-like flange projecting from the body in a seat width direction, and fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the connection rod. The flange has a recess extending along the seat width direction, and curved or bent in a thickness direction of the flange.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art A seat installed in a vehicle such as an automobile is provided with a lifting device, such as a lifter device, that moves a cushion frame up and down. The lifting device has a link that connects the cushion frame and a support member.

[0003] The link is rotatably connected to the connecting rod of the cushion frame and the support member (see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-206123 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In a vehicle seat provided with the above-described link, when an impact occurs from the rear of the vehicle, a load is input to the link, which may cause the link to tip over in the seat width direction or may cause deformation of a portion of the cushion frame or the like that is less rigid than the link.

[0006] An object of one aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a vehicle seat that can absorb energy with the links while suppressing the links from tipping over sideways. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] One aspect of the present disclosure is a vehicle seat (1) including a seat cushion (2), a cushion frame (4) supporting the seat cushion (2), and a lifting device (5) configured to raise and lower at least a portion of the seat cushion (2). The cushion frame (4) has a first side frame (41) and a second side frame (42) spaced apart from each other in the seat width direction. The lifting device (5) has a support member (51A) arranged below the cushion frame (4), a connecting rod (52) extending in the seat width direction and rotatably connected to the first side frame (41) and the second side frame (42), and a link (55) connecting the support member (51A) and the connecting rod (52).

[0008] The link 55 has a main body 551 rotatably connected to the support member 51A, and a plate-like flange 552 that protrudes from the main body 551 in the seat width direction and is fixed to the outer circumferential surface of the connecting rod 52. The flange 552 extends along the seat width direction and has a recess 5523 that is curved or bent in the thickness direction of the flange 552.

[0009] With this configuration, the flanges (552) can prevent the links (55) from tipping over when an impact occurs, without increasing the thickness of the links (55). Furthermore, when an impact occurs, the flanges (552) deform at the recesses (5523), thereby absorbing energy. As a result, excessive deformation of the vehicle seat (1) can be prevented.

[0010] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the recess (5523) may be disposed in a position closer to the connecting rod (52) than to the connecting portion between the main body (551) and the support member (51A) in the seat front-rear direction. With this configuration, the flange (552) is more likely to deform at the recess (5523) when an impact occurs. This enhances the energy absorption effect of the link (55).

[0011] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the recess (5523) may be curved or bent so as to be convex downward. This configuration allows the flange (552) to more easily absorb the energy of an impact transmitted from above the vehicle seat (1). This enhances the energy absorption effect of the link (55).

[0012] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the link (55) may have an opening (553) provided in the main body (551) in a region aligned with the recess (5523) in the seat width direction. This configuration facilitates energy transmission from the recess (5523) to the main body (551). This enhances the energy absorption effect of the link (55).

[0013] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the opening 553 may be provided across the main body 551 and the flange 552. This configuration allows energy to be transmitted from the recess 5523 to the main body 551 while facilitating deformation of the recess 5523. As a result, the energy absorption function of the entire link 55 can be improved.

[0014] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the main body (551) may be plate-shaped, having a plate surface intersecting the seat width direction. The main body (551) may have a bead (5513) extending in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the main body (551) and protruding in the thickness direction of the main body (551). With this configuration, the main body (551) is more likely to deform together with the flange (552) at the bead (5513). This improves the energy absorption function of the entire link (55).

[0015] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the bead (5513) may have a shape that widens and deepens as it moves away from the flange (552). This configuration makes the bead (5513) more likely to deform due to impact transmitted from the flange (552). This improves the energy absorption function of the entire link (55).

[0016] 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]

[0017] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a vehicle seat according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a cushion frame and an elevator device in the vehicle seat of FIG. [Figure 3] 3 is a schematic perspective view of the periphery of a first link in the lifting device of FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 4] 4 is a schematic perspective view of a first link and a first connecting rod in the lifting device of FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 5] 5 is a schematic bottom view of the first link of the lifting device of FIG. 2. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] 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, a lifting device 5, a first sliding device 6A, and a second sliding device 6B.

[0019] The vehicle seat 1 of this embodiment 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 seat width direction coincides with the left-right direction of the vehicle, and the front of the seat coincides with the front of the vehicle.

[0020] The seat cushion 2 is a portion for supporting the buttocks and the like 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.

[0021] <Cushion frame> The cushion frame 4 has a first side frame 41, a second side frame 42, and a front panel 43.

[0022] The first side frame 41 and the second side frame 42 are panel-like members that extend in the front-rear direction of the seat and are spaced apart from each other in the width direction of the seat. The first side frame 41 is disposed on the left side of the second side frame 42. The front panel 43 is disposed so as to straddle the front end portions of the first side frame 41 and the second side frame 42.

[0023] <Slide device> The first sliding device 6A and the second sliding device 6B each slide the cushion frame 4 in the front-rear direction of the seat.

[0024] The first sliding device 6A has a movable rail 61A connected to the first side frame 41 and a fixed rail 62A that slidably supports the movable rail 61A. The second sliding device 6B has a movable rail 61B connected to the second side frame 42 and a fixed rail 62B that slidably supports the movable rail 61B.

[0025] The first sliding device 6A and the second sliding device 6B are disposed apart from each other in the seat width direction. The first sliding device 6A is disposed to the left of the second sliding device 6B. The first sliding device 6A and the second sliding device 6B are disposed below the cushion frame 4 and support the cushion frame 4 via the lifting device 5.

[0026] <Lifting device> The lifting device 5 is configured to move the cushion frame 4 in the up and down direction to lift and lower the entire seat cushion 2. The lifting device 5 is operated by manual operation by the seated occupant or by the driving force of an actuator.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 2, the lifting device 5 has a first support member 51A, a second support member 51B, a third support member 51C, a fourth support member 51D, a first connecting rod 52, a second connecting rod 53, a first link 55, a second link 56, a third link 57, a fourth link 58, and an operating mechanism 59.

[0028] (support member) The first support member 51A, the second support member 51B, the third support member 51C, and the fourth support member 51D are disposed below the cushion frame 4, respectively.

[0029] The first support member 51A is fixed to the movable rail 61A of the first sliding device 6A below the first side frame 41. The second support member 51B is fixed to the movable rail 61A of the first sliding device 6A below the first side frame 41 and further forward of the seat than the first support member 51A.

[0030] The third support member 51C is fixed to the movable rail 61B of the second sliding device 6B below the second side frame 42. The fourth support member 51D is fixed to the movable rail 61B of the second sliding device 6B below the second side frame 42 and further forward of the seat than the third support member 51C.

[0031] (Connecting rod) The first connecting rod 52 and the second connecting rod 53 extend in the seat width direction and are rotatably connected to the first side frame 41 and the second side frame 42, respectively.

[0032] The first connecting rod 52 is disposed behind the seat relative to the second connecting rod 53. The first connecting rod 52 and the second connecting rod 53 are each a circular tube disposed so that the central axis is parallel to the seat width direction.

[0033] (1st link) The first link 55 is a plate-shaped member that connects the first support member 51A and the first connecting rod 52. The first link 55 rotates together with the first connecting rod 52 relative to the cushion frame 4.

[0034] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the first link 55 has a main body 551, a flange 552, and an opening 553.

[0035] The main body 551 is a plate-shaped member having a plate surface that intersects with (specifically, is perpendicular to) the sheet width direction. The main body 551 has a first end 5511, a second end 5512, and a bead 5513.

[0036] The first end 5511 is an end of the main body 551 behind the seat, and is fixed to the first connecting rod 52 by, for example, welding. The first connecting rod 52 penetrates the first end 5511 of the main body 551 in the thickness direction. The second end 5512 is an end of the main body 551 in front of the seat, and is rotatably connected to the first support member 51A.

[0037] The bead 5513 shown in FIG. 4 is a convex portion that extends in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the main body 551 (i.e., the direction from the first end 5511 to the second end 5512) and protrudes in the thickness direction of the main body 551.

[0038] 5, the bead 5513 protrudes on the opposite side of the flange 552 in the seat width direction, that is, outward in the seat width direction. The bead 5513 has a shape that widens and becomes deeper as it goes away from the flange 552 (that is, downward).

[0039] 4, when viewed in the thickness direction of main body 551, bead 5513 has a triangular shape whose base is formed by the lower end of main body 551 and whose apex opposite the base is close to opening 553. In addition, in the extension direction of bead 5513, the entire bead 5513 overlaps with opening 553.

[0040] When a compressive force is applied to the main body 551 due to an impact or the like, the beads 5513 are crushed, thereby inducing compressive deformation of the main body 551. Conversely, when a tensile force is applied to the main body 551, the beads 5513 are stretched, thereby inducing elongation deformation of the main body 551.

[0041] The flange 552 is a plate-shaped portion that protrudes inward in the seat width direction (i.e., in the direction away from the first side frame 41) from the upper end of the main body 551. The plate surface of the flange 552 is parallel to the seat width direction. The flange 552 has a first end 5521, a second end 5522, and a recess 5523.

[0042] The first end 5521 is an end of the flange 552 behind the seat, and is fixed to the outer circumferential surface of the first connecting rod 52 by, for example, welding. The first end 5521 overlaps the first connecting rod 52 from above.

[0043] The first end 5521 of the flange 552 is spaced apart in the sheet width direction from the first end 5511 of the main body 551. Specifically, a slit (i.e., a space) is provided between the first end 5521 of the flange 552 and the first end 5511 of the main body 551.

[0044] The second end 5522 is the end of the flange 552 in front of the seat, and is a portion extending in the seat width direction from the second end 5512 of the main body 551. The second end 5522 is the portion of the flange 552 that is closest to the first support member 51A. The width of the flange 552 increases from the second end 5522 toward the first end 5521.

[0045] The recess 5523 extends along the sheet width direction and is a portion that is curved or bent in the thickness direction of the flange 552. The recess 5523 is curved or bent so as to be convex downward. The recess 5523 extends from the inner end of the flange 552 in the sheet width direction to the opposite end (specifically, the opening 553).

[0046] The recess 5523 is disposed in a position closer to the first connecting rod 52 in the seat front-rear direction than the connecting portion between the main body 551 and the first support member 51A (i.e., the second end 5512 of the main body 551). In other words, the recess 5523 is present in a region of the flange 552 closer to the first end 5521 than to the second end 5522.

[0047] When a load is input from the first connecting rod 52 to the first link 55 due to an impact or the like, the flange 552 is curved or bent at the recess 5523, forming a distortion, thereby absorbing energy.

[0048] The opening 553 is provided in the main body 551 in an area aligned with the recess 5523 in the seat width direction. The opening 553 is provided across the main body 551 and the flange 552. That is, the opening 553 connects a notch in the upper end of the main body 551 and a notch in the left end of the flange 552.

[0049] The opening 553 is disposed between the bead 5513 of the main body 551 and the recess 5523 of the flange 552. One end of the recess 5523 is connected to the opening 553 as described above. The opening 553 makes the bead 5513 and the recess 5523 easy to deform.

[0050] (Link 2, Link 3 and Link 4) 2 connects the second connecting rod 53 and the second support member 51B. The second link 56 cooperates with the first link 55 to move the first side frame 41 up and down.

[0051] The third link 57 connects the first connecting rod 52 and the third support member 51C. The third link 57 is connected to the first link 55 via the first connecting rod 52 and operates in synchronization with the first link 55.

[0052] The fourth link 58 connects the second connecting rod 53 and the fourth support member 51D. The fourth link 58 is connected to the second link 56 via the second connecting rod 53 and operates in synchronization with the second link 56. The fourth link 58 also works in cooperation with the third link 57 to move the second side frame 42 up and down.

[0053] (Operating mechanism) The operating mechanism 59 is attached to the second side frame 42. The operating mechanism 59 includes a gear mechanism and a brake mechanism.

[0054] The gear mechanism rotates the third link 57 by the driving force input from the operating lever or the actuator, which causes the first link 55, the second link 56, and the fourth link 58 to rotate in response. The brake mechanism prevents the gear mechanism from reversing due to the weight of the seated person acting on the seat cushion 2.

[0055] [1-2.Effects] According to the embodiment described above in detail, the following effects can be obtained. (1a) The flange 552 can prevent the first link 55 from tipping over when an impact occurs, without increasing the thickness of the first link 55. Furthermore, when an impact occurs, the flange 552 deforms at the recess 5523, thereby absorbing energy. As a result, excessive deformation of the vehicle seat 1 can be prevented.

[0056] (1b) By arranging the recess 5523 in a position close to the first connecting rod 52, when an impact occurs, the flange 552 is more likely to deform at the recess 5523. Therefore, the energy absorption effect of the first link 55 is enhanced.

[0057] (1c) The recess 5523 is downwardly convex, which makes it easier for the flange 552 to absorb the energy of an impact transmitted from above the vehicle seat 1. This enhances the energy absorption effect of the first link 55.

[0058] (1d) Providing the opening 553 in the main body 551 facilitates the transmission of energy from the recess 5523 to the main body 551. This enhances the energy absorption effect of the first link 55.

[0059] (1e) By providing opening 553 across main body 551 and flange 552, it is possible to easily deform recess 5523 while transmitting energy from recess 5523 to main body 551. As a result, it is possible to improve the energy absorption function of first link 55 as a whole.

[0060] (1f) Since the main body 551 has the bead 5513, the main body 551 is more likely to deform together with the flange 552 at the bead 5513. Therefore, the energy absorption function of the entire first link 55 can be improved.

[0061] (1g) The bead 5513 has a shape that widens and deepens as it moves away from the flange 552, which makes the bead 5513 more likely to deform due to an impact transmitted from the flange 552. This improves the energy absorption function of the entire first link 55.

[0062] 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.

[0063] (2a) In the vehicle seat of the above embodiment, the recess in the flange of the first link may be curved or bent so as to be convex upward. Furthermore, the recess does not necessarily have to be located closer to the first connecting rod than the connection between the main body and the support member.

[0064] (2b) In the vehicle seat of the above embodiment, the opening of the first link may be provided only in the main body, not in the flange. Also, the first link does not necessarily have to have an opening.

[0065] (2c) In the vehicle seat of the above embodiment, the shape of the bead on the main body of the first link is not limited to that described above. The bead may protrude toward the inside in the seat width direction. Furthermore, the main body of the first link does not necessarily have to have a bead.

[0066] (2d) In the vehicle seat of the above embodiment, the flange of the first link may be placed on the first connecting rod from below. However, if the flange is placed above the first connecting rod (i.e., if the flange protrudes from the upper end of the main body), a compressive force will be generated in the main body of the first link upon impact.

[0067] On the other hand, if the flange is located below the first connecting rod (i.e., if the flange protrudes from the bottom end of the body), a stretching force will be generated in the body of the first link due to the impact. Therefore, in the latter case, the shape of the bead is upside down compared to Figure 4.

[0068] (2e) The first link in the vehicle seat of the above embodiment can also be applied to a tilt device that swings a part of the seat cushion (for example, the front end) up and down. In other words, the present disclosure can also be applied to a vehicle seat equipped with a tilt device.

[0069] (2f) 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.

[0070] (2g) 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]

[0071] 1...vehicle seat, 2...seat cushion, 3...seat back, 4... cushion frame, 5... lifting device, 6A, 6B... slide device, 41...first side frame, 42...second side frame, 43...front panel, 51A...first support member, 51B...second support member, 51C...third support member, 51D...fourth support member, 52...first connecting rod, 53...second connecting rod, 55...first link, 56...second link, 57...third link, 58...fourth link, 59...operating mechanism, 61A, 61B...movable rails, 62A, 62B...fixed rails, 551...main body, 552...flange, 553...opening, 5511...first end, 5512...second end portion, 5513...bead, 5521...first end portion, 5522...second end portion, 5523...recess.

Claims

1. Seat cushion and a cushion frame supporting the seat cushion; a lifting device configured to lift and lower at least a portion of the seat cushion; Equipped with The cushion frame includes a first side frame and a second side frame that are spaced apart from each other in the seat width direction, The lifting device is a support member disposed below the cushion frame; a connecting rod extending in the seat width direction and rotatably connected to the first side frame and the second side frame; a link connecting the support member and the connecting rod; and The link is: a body rotatably coupled to the support member; a plate-shaped flange that protrudes from the main body in the seat width direction, has a rear end in the seat front-rear direction spaced apart from the main body in the seat width direction, and is fixed to an outer circumferential surface of the connecting rod; and The vehicle seat, wherein the flange extends along the seat width direction and has a recess that is curved or bent in the thickness direction of the flange.

2. Seat cushion and a cushion frame supporting the seat cushion; a lifting device configured to lift and lower at least a portion of the seat cushion; Equipped with The cushion frame includes a first side frame and a second side frame that are spaced apart from each other in the seat width direction, The lifting device is a support member disposed below the cushion frame; a connecting rod extending in the seat width direction and rotatably connected to the first side frame and the second side frame; a link connecting the support member and the connecting rod; and The link is: a body rotatably coupled to the support member; a plate-shaped flange that protrudes from the main body in the seat width direction, that increases in width from a front end toward a rear end in the seat front-rear direction, and that is fixed to an outer circumferential surface of the connecting rod; and The vehicle seat, wherein the flange extends along the seat width direction and has a recess that is curved or bent in the thickness direction of the flange.

3. Seat cushion and a cushion frame supporting the seat cushion; a lifting device configured to lift and lower at least a portion of the seat cushion; Equipped with The cushion frame includes a first side frame and a second side frame that are spaced apart from each other in the seat width direction, The lifting device is a support member disposed below the cushion frame; a connecting rod extending in the seat width direction and rotatably connected to the first side frame and the second side frame; a link connecting the support member and the connecting rod; and The link is: a body rotatably coupled to the support member; a plate-shaped flange protruding from the main body in the seat width direction and fixed to an outer circumferential surface of the connecting rod; and The main body is a plate-like body having a plate surface intersecting the sheet width direction, The main body has a bead extending along a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the main body and protruding in a thickness direction of the main body, The bead has a shape that widens and deepens as it goes away from the flange, The vehicle seat, wherein the flange extends along the seat width direction and has a recess that is curved or bent in the thickness direction of the flange.

4. The vehicle seat according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The vehicle seat, wherein the recess is disposed at a position closer to the connecting rod than a connecting portion between the main body and the support member in the seat front-rear direction.

5. The vehicle seat according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The vehicle seat, wherein the recess is curved or bent so as to be convex downward.

6. The vehicle seat according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The link has an opening provided in the main body in a region aligned with the recess in the seat width direction.

7. 7. The vehicle seat according to claim 6, The vehicle seat, wherein the opening is provided across the main body and the flange.

8. Seat cushion and a cushion frame supporting the seat cushion; a lifting device configured to lift and lower at least a portion of the seat cushion; Equipped with The cushion frame includes a first side frame and a second side frame that are spaced apart from each other in the seat width direction, The lifting device is a support member disposed below the cushion frame; a connecting rod extending in the seat width direction and rotatably connected to the first side frame and the second side frame; a link connecting the support member and the connecting rod; and The link is: a body rotatably coupled to the support member; a plate-shaped flange protruding from the main body in the seat width direction and fixed to an outer circumferential surface of the connecting rod; and The main body is a plate-like body having a plate surface intersecting the sheet width direction, The main body has a bead extending along a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the main body and protruding in a thickness direction of the main body, The flange extends along the sheet width direction and has a recess that is curved or bent in the thickness direction of the flange, The vehicle seat, wherein the bead and the recess are disposed at a position closer to the connecting rod in the seat front-rear direction than to a connecting portion between the main body and the support member.

9. Seat cushion and a cushion frame supporting the seat cushion; a lifting device configured to lift and lower at least a portion of the seat cushion; Equipped with The cushion frame includes a first side frame and a second side frame that are spaced apart from each other in the seat width direction, The lifting device is a support member disposed below the cushion frame; a connecting rod extending in the seat width direction and rotatably connected to the first side frame and the second side frame; a link connecting the support member and the connecting rod; and The link is: a body rotatably coupled to the support member; a plate-shaped flange protruding from the main body in the seat width direction and fixed to an outer circumferential surface of the connecting rod; and The flange extends along the sheet width direction and has a recess that is curved or bent in the thickness direction of the flange, the link has an opening provided in the main body in a region aligned with the recess in the seat width direction, A vehicle seat, wherein the length of the opening in the seat front-rear direction is shorter than the length of the recess in the seat front-rear direction.

10. 10. The vehicle seat according to claim 9, The vehicle seat, wherein the opening is provided across the main body and the flange.

11. The vehicle seat according to any one of claims 8 to 11, The vehicle seat, wherein the recess is curved or bent so as to be convex downward.

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