Vehicle seat cushion and spring assembly

Abstract

To prevent a cover that supports a cushion pad from a seat lower side from deforming due to behaviors of constitution members of the seat cushion.SOLUTION: A seat cushion includes: at least one support member 34 which is arranged between at least one of right and left side frames 16 and a cushion spring 32 and is bridged across a front frame 18 and a rear frame 20; a rotation connection mechanism 34b relatively rotatably connecting the support member and the cushion spring around an axis line 20X of the rear frame; and at least one cover 50 which is bridged across at least one side frame and at least one support member and supports the cushion pad from the seat lower side.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a seat cushion and a spring assembly for a vehicle seat.

Background Art

[0002] In the vehicle seat disclosed in Patent Document 1 below, a cushion pad is attached to a cushion frame that constitutes the skeleton of the seat cushion. The cushion frame has left and right side frames, a front frame that connects the front portions of the left and right side frames in the left - right direction of the seat, and a rear frame that connects the rear portions of the left and right side frames in the left - right direction of the seat. A plurality of cushion springs are spanned between the front frame and the rear frame, and the cushion pad is elastically supported from below the seat by the plurality of cushion springs. Between the left and right side frames and the plurality of cushion springs, left and right second support members (covers) are arranged. The left and right covers have outer ends in the left - right direction of the seat connected to the left and right side frames, and inner ends in the left - right direction of the seat connected to the cushion springs. The cushion pad is supported from below by these left and right covers.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In Patent Document 1 above, since the left and right covers are connected to the cushion springs, depending on the driving environment of the vehicle, the left and right covers may deform following the cushion springs, and there is a risk that the restraining force in the left - right direction of the seat on the cushion pad may decrease.

[0005] In consideration of the above facts, the present invention aims to provide a seat cushion and spring assembly for a vehicle seat that can prevent the cover supporting the cushion pad from the lower side of the seat from deforming due to the behavior of the components of the seat cushion. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The seat cushion of the vehicle seat of the first embodiment comprises a cushion frame having a pair of left and right side frames, a front frame extending in the left-right direction connecting the front parts of the left and right side frames, and a rear frame extending along a left-right axis connecting the rear parts of the left and right side frames; a cushion pad attached to the cushion frame from the upper side of the seat; a cushion spring supporting the cushion pad from the lower side of the seat, with its front part supported by the front frame and its rear part supported by the rear frame so as to be rotatable relative to the axis; at least one support member disposed between at least one of the left and right side frames and the cushion spring, and spanning between the front frame and the rear frame; a rotational connection mechanism connecting the support member and the cushion spring so as to be rotatable relative to the axis; and at least one cover spanning between at least one of the side frames and the at least one support member, and supporting the cushion pad from the lower side of the seat.

[0007] In the seat cushion of the vehicle seat of the first embodiment, a cushion pad attached to the cushion frame from the upper side of the seat is elastically supported from the lower side of the seat by a cushion spring that spans between the front frame and the rear frame of the cushion frame. At least one support member is positioned between at least one of the left and right side frames and the cushion spring. At least one support member spans between the front frame and the rear frame. At least one cover is spanned between at least one side frame and at least one support member, and the cushion pad is supported from the lower side of the seat by this cover. In this embodiment, since the cover is not connected to the cushion spring, deformation of the cover in accordance with the cushion spring is prevented.

[0008] Furthermore, the seat cushion of the first embodiment has a rotational connection mechanism that connects the support member and the cushion spring so that they can rotate relative to each other around the axis of the rear frame. When the cushion spring bends downward due to the force applied to the seat cushion by the occupant, the rotational connection mechanism rotates the support member and the cushion spring relative to each other around the axis of the rear frame. Therefore, there is little risk of the support member deforming at this time. Therefore, there is little risk of the support member exerting force on the cover and deforming the cover.

[0009] The seat cushion of the vehicle seat of the second embodiment has a fixing portion to which the rear portion of the cushion spring is fixed and a connecting portion that is rotatably mounted on the rear frame around the axis, and the rotating connecting mechanism has a support groove provided on the connecting portion that extends in the circumferential direction about the axis and a supported portion provided on the support member that is slidably inserted into the support groove in the circumferential direction.

[0010] In the seat cushion of the vehicle seat according to the second embodiment, a rotating connection mechanism can be realized with a simple configuration.

[0011] The seat cushion of the vehicle seat of the third embodiment, in the first embodiment, has a fixing portion to which the rear portion of the cushion spring is fixed and a connecting portion that is rotatably mounted on the rear frame around the axis, wherein the rotation direction of the connecting portion relative to the rear frame when the cushion spring is elastically deformed by a force from above is a first direction, and the rotational connecting mechanism connects the connecting portion and the support member and has a connecting portion that elastically deforms when the connecting portion rotates relative to the rear frame in the first direction.

[0012] In the seat cushion of the vehicle seat according to the third embodiment, the connecting portion, support member, and connection portion can be manufactured as an integrally molded product. Therefore, the seat cushion of the vehicle seat according to the third embodiment is easy to manufacture.

[0013] In the seat cushion of the vehicle seat of the fourth embodiment, in the third embodiment, the connecting portion has a linear shape, and when no occupant is seated on the seat cushion, the first end of the connecting portion, which is the end on the support member side of the connecting portion, is located on the first direction side of the second end, which is the end on the fixing portion side of the connecting portion, and when the connecting portion is rotated by a predetermined amount in the first direction relative to the rear frame from the position when no occupant is seated on the seat cushion, the second end is located on the first direction side of the first end.

[0014] In the seat cushion of the vehicle seat according to the fourth embodiment, the connection part can be realized with a simple configuration.

[0015] The spring assembly of the fifth embodiment comprises: a pair of support members provided at a distance from each other in a predetermined direction and extending in an orthogonal direction perpendicular to the predetermined direction in a plan view; a plurality of cushion springs located between the pair of support members in a plan view and arranged in the predetermined direction; a first connecting portion connecting parts of the pair of support members and parts of the plurality of cushion springs to each other; a second connecting portion connecting parts of the plurality of cushion springs that are located at a different position in the orthogonal direction from the aforementioned part in the orthogonal direction; and a rotational connecting mechanism connecting the pair of support members and the second connecting portion so as to be rotatable relative to each other around an axis parallel to the predetermined direction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] As described above, in the seat cushion and spring assembly for a vehicle seat according to the present invention, the cover that supports the cushion pad from the lower side of the seat can be prevented from deforming due to the behavior of the components of the seat cushion. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0017] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing a part of the seat cushion of a vehicle seat according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view of the configuration shown in Figure 1, with the left and right inner covers omitted from the illustration. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view showing the configuration shown in Figure 1, but from a different direction than in Figure 1. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view showing a spring assembly according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view showing the rear end of the support member and the side of the second connecting portion separated from the support member. [Figure 6] This is a plan view showing a spring assembly according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a cross-sectional view of a seat cushion, lifter mechanism, and slide rail device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] This is a perspective view showing the inner cover of the seat cushion of a vehicle seat according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] The perspective view shows the inner cover in a state of being viewed from a direction different from that in FIG. 8. [Figure 10] The perspective view shows the end of the rear pipe of the modified example, the end of the second connecting portion, the rear portion of the inner cover, and one support member. [Figure 11] The schematic plan view shows the end of the second connecting portion of the modified example and one support member when the occupant is not seated on the vehicle seat. [Figure 12] The schematic cross-sectional view is taken along the arrow 12-12 in FIG. 11. [Figure 13] The schematic plan view shows the end of the second connecting portion of the modified example and one support member when the cushion spring is deflected. [Figure 14] The plan view corresponds to FIG. 11 of the comparative example. [Figure 15] The plan view corresponds to FIG. 13 of the comparative example. [Figure 16] The plan view corresponds to FIG. 11 of another modified example. [Figure 17] The plan view corresponds to FIG. 13 of another modified example.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0018] Hereinafter, the vehicle seat 10 and the spring assembly 30 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 9. In each figure, some reference numerals may be omitted for ease of viewing the drawings. Also, the arrows FR, LH, and UP appropriately shown in each figure indicate the front, left, and upper directions of the vehicle seat 10, respectively. Hereinafter, when simply explaining the front-rear, left-right, and up-down directions, the directions based on the vehicle seat 10 shall be shown. The front-rear direction corresponds to the "orthogonal direction" in the present invention, and the left-right direction corresponds to the "predetermined direction" in the present invention.

[0019] As shown in Figure 7, the vehicle seat 10 according to this embodiment includes a cushion frame 14 that constitutes the skeleton of the seat cushion 12, a pair of left and right slide rail devices 24 provided below the cushion frame 14, a lifter mechanism 26 that connects the cushion frame 14 and the left and right slide rail devices 24, a spring assembly 30 attached to the cushion frame 14, a pair of left and right inner covers 50 provided between the cushion frame 14 and the spring assembly 30, a pair of left and right outer covers 60 provided on both the left and right sides of the cushion frame 14, and a cushion pad 70 attached to the cushion frame 14 from above. The left and right inner covers 50 each correspond to the "cover" in this invention.

[0020] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the cushion frame 14 comprises a pair of left and right side frames 16 spaced apart in the left-right direction, a front panel 18 extending in the left-right direction that connects the front ends of the left and right side frames 16, and a rear pipe 20 extending in the left-right direction that connects the rear ends of the left and right side frames 16. The front panel 18 corresponds to the "front frame" in this invention, and the rear pipe 20 corresponds to the "rear frame" in this invention.

[0021] The side frames 16 and front panel 18 are made of, for example, press-formed metal plates. The rear pipe 20, which is a cylindrical body centered on the axis 20X extending in the left-right direction as shown in Figures 1 to 3, is made of, for example, metal pipe material. The side frames 16 are elongated plate-shaped extending in the front-rear direction. The front panel 18 is elongated plate-shaped extending in the left-right direction. The lower ends of the frame of a seat back (not shown) are connected to the rear ends of the left and right side frames 16 via a reclining mechanism (not shown).

[0022] Below the cushion frame 14 are left and right slide rail devices 24 and a lifter mechanism 26. The left and right slide rail devices 24 can adjust the front-to-back position of the vehicle seat 10 relative to the vehicle floor. The lifter mechanism 26, provided between the left and right side frames 16 and the left and right slide rail devices 24, can adjust the vertical position of the seat cushion 12 relative to the vehicle floor.

[0023] As shown in Figures 1 to 6, the spring assembly 30 attached to the cushion frame 14 comprises a plurality (in this case, four) of cushion springs 32, a pair of left and right support members 34 positioned on both the left and right sides of the plurality of cushion springs 32, a first connecting portion 36 connecting the front parts of the plurality of cushion springs 32 and the left and right support members 34, a second connecting portion (connecting portion) 38 connecting the rear parts of the plurality of cushion springs 32, and a plurality (in this case, five) of spring connecting portions 40 connecting adjacent cushion springs 32.

[0024] The cushion spring 32 is made of, for example, a wire made of metal spring material that has been bent into a corrugated shape. Multiple cushion springs 32 are arranged in the left-right direction and each extends in the front-rear direction between the left and right side frames 16 of the cushion frame 14. The front end of each cushion spring 32 is bent to one side or the other side in the left-right direction.

[0025] The left and right support members 34 are made of wires, for example, made of metal spring material, that have been bent. The left support member 34 extends in the front-rear direction between the multiple cushion springs 32 and the left side frame 16. The right support member 34 extends in the front-rear direction between the multiple cushion springs 32 and the right side frame 16. The front end of each support member 34 is bent into a roughly inverted U shape with the lower side open when viewed from the side. The rear end 34a of each support member 34 is bent into a roughly inverted U shape with the lower side open when viewed from the left or right direction. Furthermore, a part of the rear end 34a is composed of a supported portion 34b that forms a roughly arc shape when viewed from the side. The front-rear intermediate portion of each support member 34 is formed in a straight line along the front-rear direction. Each support member 34 is configured to be less flexible than each cushion spring 32. That is, the bending rigidity of the support member 34 is higher than that of the cushion spring 32.

[0026] The first connecting portion 36, the second connecting portion 38, the multiple spring connecting portions 40, and the retaining plate 39 are made of resin and are integrated with the front ends of the left and right support members 34 and the multiple cushion springs 32 by, for example, insert molding. As shown in Figure 3, the first connecting portion 36 connects the multiple cushion springs 32 and the front ends of the left and right support members 34 in the left-right direction. Front end components 36a, which constitute both the left and right ends of the first connecting portion 36, are fixed to the surface of the front ends of the left and right support members 34. The front end of each front end component 36a is composed of a front insertion portion 36b that extends in a substantially vertical direction.

[0027] The second connecting portion 38 includes a fixed portion 38a extending in the left-right direction that connects the rear ends of a plurality of cushion springs 32, four linear portions 38b extending in the front-rear direction in a plan view, and a pair of left and right side portions 38c connected to the rear ends of both the left and right ends of the fixed portion 38a.

[0028] The four linear sections 38b are integrated with the fixed section 38a. Each linear section 38b has a linear section 38b1 that is fixed to the fixed section 38a and extends linearly, a locking section 38b2 that protrudes rearward from the rear end of the fixed section 38a, and a stopper plate 38b3. Each locking section 38b2 is bent into a substantially inverted U shape with the lower side open when viewed from the left or right. A stopper plate 38b3 is provided at the rear end of each locking section 38b2.

[0029] As shown in Figure 5, each side portion 38c comprises a plate-shaped supported portion 38c1 with a substantially arc-shaped cross-section connected to the locking portions 38b2 at both the left and right ends, and a pair of left and right groove components 38c2 provided at the outer ends of the outer surface of the supported portion 38c1. The side shapes of the left and right groove components 38c2 are substantially arc-shaped, and a support groove 38c3 is formed between the left and right groove components 38c2. Furthermore, retaining claws 38c4 are provided on the upper edges of the opposing surfaces of the left and right groove components 38c2.

[0030] At the completion of the manufacturing of the spring assembly 30, the rear ends 34a of the left and right support members 34 and the second connecting portion 38 are separated from each other. After the manufacturing of the spring assembly 30 is complete, the supported portions 34b of the rear ends 34a of the left and right support members 34 are inserted into the support grooves 38c3 provided on the corresponding side portions 38c. For example, the supported portion 34b is inserted into the support groove 38c3 from above while elastically deforming the retaining claws 38c4 of the corresponding left and right groove components 38c2. The supported portion 34b and the support groove 38c3 correspond to the "rotational connection mechanism" in the present invention. Thus, in this embodiment, the rotational connection mechanism is realized with a simple configuration having a support portion 34b and a support groove 38c3.

[0031] When the supported portion 34b is inserted into the support groove 38c3, each retaining claw 38c4 returns to its initial shape, and each retaining claw 38c4 faces the upper surface of the supported portion 34b. Therefore, unless the rear end portion 34a is intentionally moved upward relative to the support groove 38c3, there is little risk of the rear end portion 34a elastically deforming the retaining claws 38c4 and escaping upward from the support groove 38c3. When the rear ends 34a of the left and right support members 34 are connected to the left and right sides 38c in this way, each rear end portion 34a becomes rotatable relative to the corresponding side 38c along the support groove 38c3. Furthermore, a retaining plate 39 is fixed to the rear end of each rear end portion 34a. The area of ​​the retaining plate 39 when viewed from the front and rear directions is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the support groove 38c3. Therefore, even if a load is applied to the support member 34 from above, causing the rear end portion 34a to rotate significantly forward (downward) relative to the support groove 38c3, the retaining plate 39 contacts the rear end surfaces of the pair of groove components 38c2, preventing the rear end portion 34a from falling forward out of the support groove 38c3.

[0032] The assembled assembly 30 is then placed between the front panel 18 and the rear pipe 20. Specifically, the left and right front insertion portions 36b are inserted into the through holes 18B (see Figures 1-3) formed at the rear end of the front panel 18, the bent front ends of the cushion springs 32 are locked into the cut-out portions 18A (see Figures 1-3) formed at the rear end of the front panel 18, and each locking portion 38b2 is hooked onto the rear pipe 20 from above. As a result, the left and right support grooves 38c3 of the second connecting portion extend along the circumference centered on the axis 20X.

[0033] As shown in Figures 1, 3, and 7, the left and right inner covers 50 are provided between the left and right support members 34 and the left and right side frames 16. The left and right inner covers 50 are elongated resin members with their longitudinal side in the front-to-back direction, manufactured, for example, by injection molding. The left and right inner covers 50 are set to be shorter in the front-to-back direction than the cushion frame 14 and are positioned corresponding to the rear of the left and right side frames 16. Figures 8 and 9 illustrate the right inner cover 50. The right inner cover 50 and the left inner cover 50 are symmetrical.

[0034] The upper ends of the left and right inner covers 50 are supported by the upper ends of the left and right side frames 16. Furthermore, locking portions (not shown) provided on the inner covers 50 are locked to the corresponding side frames 16. The front portions of the left and right inner covers 50 are inclined portions 50A that are inclined in the vertical direction, and the rear portions of the left and right inner covers 50 are vertical portions 50B that extend along the vertical direction. The vertical portions 50B of each inner cover 50 cover the rear ends of each side frame 16 from the inside in the left-right direction. The vertical portions 50B of each inner cover 50 have semicircular notches 52 (reference numerals omitted except in Figures 8 and 9) that fit onto the outer circumferential surface of the rear pipe 20.

[0035] Each inner cover 50 has an inclined portion 50A that slopes downward as it moves inward in the left-right direction. The width dimension (dimension in the inclination direction) of each inner cover 50 is longer as it moves towards the rear. Multiple (three in this case) locking portions 50C are formed at the lower end of the inclined portion 52A. The multiple locking portions 50C are arranged in a row in the front-rear direction. Each locking portion 50C has a notch 51 (see Figures 7 to 9) that is open on the lower side when viewed from the front-rear direction. A support member 34 is fitted into the notch 51 of each locking portion 50C from below. A retaining claw 50C1 is provided at the lower end of each locking portion 50C to prevent the support member 34 from falling out of the notch 51 (see Figure 7). When the support member 34 is fitted into the notch 51 of each locking portion 50C from below, each retaining claw 50C1 is elastically deformed and then elastically returns to its original position.

[0036] The left and right outer covers 60 shown in Figure 7 are positioned outward in the left-right direction relative to the left and right side frames 16. The left and right outer covers 60 are elongated resin members with their longitudinal side in the front-rear direction, manufactured, for example, by injection molding. The right outer cover 60 (in this case, the outer side in the vehicle width direction) has a length in the front-rear direction equal to that of the cushion frame 14 and covers the cushion frame 14 from the right side. The left outer cover 60 has a shorter length in the front-rear direction than the cushion frame 14 and is positioned on the rear side of the left side frame 16.

[0037] The cushion pad 70 shown in Figure 7 is made of a foam material such as urethane foam and constitutes the cushioning material of the seat cushion 12. The cushion pad 70 is placed over the cushion frame 14 from above. The front part of the cushion pad 70 is supported from below by the front panel 18. The central part of the cushion pad 70 is supported from below by a plurality of cushion springs 32. The rear end of the cushion pad 70 is supported from below by the rear pipe 20 and the second connecting part 38. The left and right rear sides of the cushion pad 70 are supported from below by the inclined parts 50A of the left and right inner covers 50.

[0038] (Mechanism of Action and Effects) Next, the operation and effects of this embodiment will be described.

[0039] In the vehicle seat 10 according to this embodiment, a cushion pad 70 attached to the cushion frame 14 from above is elastically supported from below by a plurality of cushion springs 32 that are stretched between the front panel 18 and the rear pipe 20 of the cushion frame 14. Left and right support members 34 are positioned between the left and right side frames 16 and the plurality of cushion springs 32. The left and right support members 34 are stretched between the front panel 18 and the rear pipe 20. Left and right inner covers 50 are stretched between the left and right side frames 16 and the left and right support members 34, and the cushion pad 70 is supported from below by these inner covers 50.

[0040] In this embodiment, when vibration occurs in the vehicle while an occupant is seated on the seat cushion 12, the cushion spring 32 bends downward due to the force applied to the seat cushion 12 by the occupant. Furthermore, at this time, the second connecting portion 38 rotates relative to the rear pipe 20 in the first direction R1 indicated by the arrows in Figures 1 and 2, and the left and right side portions 38c (support grooves 38c3) rotate relative to the supported portion 34b of the corresponding support member 34 in the first direction R1. Therefore, the left and right support members 34 hardly deform at this time. Furthermore, the left and right inner covers 50 are not connected to the cushion spring 32, but are connected to the support members 34 which operate independently of the cushion spring 32. In other words, when vibration occurs in the vehicle, the left and right support members 34 do not deform in accordance with the cushion spring 32, and there is little risk of the left and right support members 34 exerting force on the left and right inner covers 50. Therefore, the restraining force on the cushion pad 70 by the left and right inner covers 50 is maintained. Moreover, since it is not necessary to take into account the behavior of the assembly of multiple cushion springs 32 and the support members 34 when designing the left and right inner covers 50, the design of the left and right inner covers 50 becomes easier.

[0041] When the vibrations occurring in the vehicle disappear, the cushion spring 32 returns to the state shown in Figures 1 and 2, and the second connecting portion 38 rotates in the second direction R2 indicated by the arrow relative to the rear pipe 20, returning to the state shown in Figures 1 and 2.

[0042] Furthermore, the left and right support members 34 are spanned between the front panel 18 and the rear pipe 20. Therefore, compared to a case where the left and right inner covers 50 are supported by support members fixed in a cantilevered manner to the left and right side frames 16, for example, the strength and rigidity against loads applied to each inner cover 50 from above are higher. Moreover, since the support members 34 only need to be spanned between the front panel 18 and the rear pipe 20, welding is unnecessary, making manufacturing easier.

[0043] Furthermore, the left and right support members 34, which are spanned between the front panel 18 and the rear pipe 20, are less prone to bending than the cushion springs 32, and can therefore support the occupants (seated persons) via the left and right inner covers 50.

[0044] Furthermore, compared to a case where ribs or the like protrude from the left and right inner covers 50 toward the left and right side frames 16, and the left and right inner covers 50 are supported by the left and right side frames 16, the left and right inner covers 50 can be made into a shape with fewer protrusions and indentations. As a result, the feeling of foreign objects that the occupant experiences from the seat cushion 12 when getting out of the vehicle can be reduced.

[0045] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the width dimension of the inclined portion 50A of the left and right inner covers 50 increases towards the rear, and the inclined portion 50A expands towards the rear. As a result, the rear side of the inclined portion 50A can provide good support for the occupant's buttocks and suppress the wobbling of the buttocks. Moreover, since the width dimension of the front side of the inclined portion 50A is smaller, the ease of entry and exit for the occupant can be improved, and the aforementioned feeling of foreign body can be further reduced.

[0046] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the left and right support members 34 that are stretched between the front panel 18 and the rear pipe 20 of the cushion frame 14 are made of wire, which simplifies the structure of the support members 34.

[0047] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the front and rear ends of the multiple cushion springs 32 and the left and right support members 34 that constitute the cushion spring are connected in the left-right direction by the front and rear first connecting parts 36 and second connecting parts 38. As a result, the multiple cushion springs 32 and the left and right support members 34 can be treated as a single spring assembly 30, which facilitates the manufacturing of the seat cushion 12.

[0048] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments.

[0049] For example, the seat cushion 12 may be implemented in the modified form shown in Figures 10 to 13.

[0050] In this modified example, the second connecting portion 38 comprises a connecting portion (rotating connecting mechanism) 38d connected to two locking portions 38b2 on both the left and right sides, and a locking portion 38e connected to the end of the connecting portion 38d opposite to the locking portion 38b2. Both the left and right connecting portions 38d consist of three pieces. The locking portion 38e is provided on the surface of the supported portion 34b and is substantially the same shape as the locking portion 38b2.

[0051] When the occupant is not seated on the seat cushion 12, each connecting portion 38d has a straight shape, as shown in Figures 10 and 11. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 11, when viewed along the radial direction of the rear pipe 20, the extension direction of each connecting portion 38d is inclined at an angle θ1 with respect to a reference line SL parallel to the axis 20X. Moreover, at this time, the first end portion 38d1, which is the end of each connecting portion 38d on the locking portion 38e side, is located on the first direction R1 side of the second end portion 38d2, which is the end of each connecting portion 38d on the locking portion 38b2 side.

[0052] Furthermore, when vibration occurs in the vehicle while an occupant is seated on the seat cushion 12, the force applied to the seat cushion 12 by the occupant causes the fixing part 38a and the locking part 38b2 to rotate relative to the rear pipe 20 in the first direction R1 from the state shown in Figures 10 and 11. As a result, each connecting part 38d elastically deforms to reduce the angle θ1, and when the amount of rotation of the fixing part 38a and the locking part 38b2 reaches a predetermined amount, each connecting part 38d becomes approximately parallel to the reference line SL (not shown).

[0053] When the force applied to the seat cushion 12 by the occupant causes the fixing portion 38a and the locking portion 38b2 to rotate further in the first direction R1, the second end portion 38d2 of each connecting portion 38d is positioned on the R1 side of the first end portion 38d1. Then, when each cushion spring 32 is substantially deflected to its maximum extent, the extension direction of each connecting portion 38d is inclined at an angle θ1 with respect to the reference line SL, as shown in Figure 13.

[0054] As each cushion spring 32 flexes, the fixing portion 38a and the locking portion 38b2 rotate in the first direction R1, causing the left and right connecting portions 38d to elastically deform while changing the angle they make with the reference line SL. In other words, the force of movement of the fixing portion 38a and the locking portion 38b2 in the first direction R1 is substantially absorbed by the connecting portions 38d. Therefore, this force is hardly transmitted to the left and right locking portions 38e. Consequently, the left and right support members 34 hardly deform at this time.

[0055] Furthermore, when the occupant is not seated on the seat cushion 12 and when each cushion spring 32 is substantially deflected to its maximum extent, the extension direction of each connecting portion 38d is inclined at an angle θ1 with respect to the reference line SL, as shown in Figures 11 and 13. Therefore, when the occupant is not seated on the seat cushion 12 and when each cushion spring 32 is substantially deflected to its maximum extent, the lateral distance between the opposing surfaces of the locking portion 38b2 and the locking portion 38e is both L1. That is, even when each cushion spring 32 is substantially deflected to its maximum extent, the left and right support members 34 are substantially parallel to the front-rear direction in a plan view.

[0056] In this way, when vibration occurs in the vehicle, the left and right support members 34 hardly deform and maintain a parallel state in the front-rear direction, so there is little risk of the left and right support members 34 exerting force on the left and right inner covers 50.

[0057] On the other hand, Figures 14 and 15 show comparative examples of this modified example. This modified example differs from the modified example in that the locking portions 38b2 and locking portion 38e on both the left and right sides are connected by three connecting portions 38f. When the occupant is not seated on the seat cushion 12, as shown in Figure 14, each connecting portion 38f has a straight shape, and the extension direction of each connecting portion 38f is parallel to the reference line SL. That is, at this time, the position in the first direction R1 of the first end portion 38f1, which is the end portion of each connecting portion 38f on the locking portion 38e side, is substantially the same as the position in the first direction R1 of the second end portion 38f2, which is the end portion of each connecting portion 38d on the locking portion 38b2 side.

[0058] When the vehicle vibrates while the occupant is seated on the seat cushion 12, the fixing part 38a and the locking part 38b2 rotate relative to the rear pipe 20 in the first direction R1 from the state shown in Figure 14. As a result, the angle between each connecting part 38f and the reference line SL increases, and when each cushion spring 32 is substantially deflected to its maximum extent, the extension direction of each connecting part 38f is inclined at an angle θ2 with respect to the reference line SL, as shown in Figure 15. This angle θ2 is approximately twice the size of angle θ1.

[0059] In this comparative example as well, when the fixed portion 38a and the locking portion 38b2 rotate in the first direction R1 due to the deflection of each cushion spring 32, the left and right connecting portions 38f undergo elastic deformation while changing the angle they make with the reference line SL. However, the magnitude (amount) of the force of movement of the fixed portion 38a and the locking portion 38b2 in the first direction R1 absorbed by each connecting portion 38f is smaller than the magnitude absorbed by each connecting portion 38d. Therefore, in the comparative example, the force of movement of the fixed portion 38a and the locking portion 38b2 is transmitted to the left and right locking portions 38e, and there is a greater risk that the locking portions 38e will rotate around the axis 20X. In other words, in the comparative example, when vibration occurs in the vehicle, there is a greater risk than in the modified example that the left and right support members 34 will deform and exert force on the left and right inner covers 50.

[0060] Furthermore, in the comparative example, when the occupant is not seated on the seat cushion 12, the lateral distance between the opposing surfaces of the locking portion 38b2 and the locking portion 38e is L1, as shown in Figure 14. On the other hand, when each cushion spring 32 is substantially deflected to its maximum extent, the lateral distance between the opposing surfaces of the locking portion 38b2 and the locking portion 38e becomes L2, which is smaller than L1, as shown in Figure 15. In other words, in the comparative example, when vibration occurs in the vehicle, the left and right locking portions 38e are pulled towards the fixed portion 38a, which may cause the left and right support members 34 to become non-parallel to the front-rear direction in a plan view.

[0061] In this comparative example, when vibration occurs in the vehicle, the left and right support members 34 may deform and become non-parallel to the front-rear direction, and therefore the left and right support members 34 are more likely to exert force on the left and right inner covers 50.

[0062] Furthermore, in this modified example, the second connecting portion 38 and the support member 34 can be manufactured as a single molded product by using, for example, insert molding, thus facilitating the manufacture of the assembly 30. Moreover, a rotary connection mechanism can be realized with the simple configuration of the connecting portion 38d.

[0063] Furthermore, for example, the seat cushion 12 may be implemented in the modified forms shown in Figures 16 and 17.

[0064] The second connecting portion 38 in this modified example comprises a connecting portion (rotating connecting mechanism) 38g connected to two locking portions 38b2 on both the left and right sides, and a locking portion 38e connected to the end of the connecting portion 38d opposite to the locking portion 38b2. Both the left and right connecting portions 38g consist of three pieces. The planar shape of each connecting portion 38g is a wavy shape. That is, the connecting portion 38g has a structure that is more elastically deformable than the connecting portion 38d.

[0065] When the occupant is not seated on the seat cushion 12, each connecting portion 38g extends along a direction substantially parallel to the axis 20X, as shown in Figure 16. At this time, the position of the first end portion 38g1, which is the end portion of each connecting portion 38g on the locking portion 38e side, in the first direction R1 is the same as the position of the second end portion 38g2, which is the end portion of each connecting portion 38g on the locking portion 38b2 side.

[0066] Furthermore, when vibration occurs in the vehicle while an occupant is seated on the seat cushion 12, the force applied to the seat cushion 12 by the occupant causes the fixing portion 38a and the locking portion 38b2 to rotate relative to the rear pipe 20 in the first direction R1 from the state shown in Figure 16. As a result, each connecting portion 38g elastically deforms so that the second end portion 38g2 is positioned on the side of the first direction R1 than the first end portion 38g1. When each cushion spring 32 is substantially deflected to its maximum extent, each connecting portion 38g takes on the shape shown in Figure 17.

[0067] As each cushion spring 32 flexes, when the fixed portion 38a and the locking portion 38b2 rotate in the first direction R1, the left and right connecting portions 38g undergo significant elastic deformation. That is, the force of movement of the fixed portion 38a and the locking portion 38b2 in the first direction R1 is substantially absorbed by the connecting portions 38g. Therefore, in this modified example, the force of movement of the fixed portion 38a and the locking portion 38b2 in the first direction R1 is hardly transmitted to the left and right locking portions 38e. Consequently, the left and right support members 34 hardly deform at this time.

[0068] Furthermore, when the occupant is not seated on the seat cushion 12 and when each cushion spring 32 is substantially deflected to its maximum extent, the lateral distance between the opposing surfaces of the locking portion 38b2 and the locking portion 38e is L1. That is, even when each cushion spring 32 is substantially deflected to its maximum extent, the left and right support members 34 are substantially parallel to the front-rear direction in a plan view.

[0069] Since the left and right support members 34 hardly deform and maintain a parallel state in the front-rear direction, there is little risk that the left and right support members 34 will exert force on the left and right inner covers 50 when vibrations occur in the vehicle.

[0070] Note that the number of connection parts 38d in the modified examples in Figures 10 to 13 and the number of connection parts 38g in the modified examples in Figures 16 and 17 may be other than three. However, it is preferable that there be multiple connection parts 38d and connection parts 38g.

[0071] The cushion spring can be made of sheet metal or resin.

[0072] Furthermore, although the above embodiment includes a left and right pair of inner covers 50 and a left and right pair of support members 34, the configuration is not limited to this. For example, each inner cover 50 may be divided into multiple front and rear sections, or each inner cover 50 may be supported by multiple support members 34.

[0073] Furthermore, although the above embodiment is configured with a pair of left and right support members 34, the configuration is not limited to this, and a configuration without either the left or right support member 34 is also possible. Also, the left and right support members 34 are not limited to being made of wire, but may be made of sheet metal, for example.

[0074] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the multiple cushion springs 32 and the left and right support members 34 are connected by a first connecting portion 36 and a second connecting portion 38. However, the configuration is not limited to this, and a configuration without connecting portions connecting the cushion springs and support members is also possible.

[0075] When manufacturing the assembly 30 of the above embodiment by insert molding, a resin collar (not shown) may be attached to the supported portion 34b of each support member 34, having a shape that conforms to the supported portion 34b and through which the supported portion 34b slides. When insert molding is performed in this manner, the collars attached to each support member 34 form a pair of groove components 38c2 at the completion of molding. When vibration occurs in a vehicle equipped with a seat cushion 12 fitted with the assembly 30 configured in this way, the second connecting portion 38 rotates relative to the rear pipe 20 in the first direction R1 in Figures 1 and 2, and the left and right collars rotate relative to the supported portion 34b in the first direction R1. Therefore, this modified assembly 30 can also exhibit the same effects as the assembly 30 of the embodiment. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0076] 10 Vehicle seats 12 seat cushions 14 Cushion Frame 16 Side Frames 18. Front Panel (Front Frame) 20 Rear pipe (rear frame) 20X axis 32 cushion springs 34 Support Member 34b Supported part (rotating connection mechanism) 36 1st connection part 38 2nd connection part (connection part) 38a Fixed part 38c2 Groove component 38c3 Support groove (rotating connection mechanism) 38d Connection part (rotating connection mechanism) 38d1 1st end 38d2 2nd end 38g connection part (rotating connection mechanism) 50 Inner Cover (Cover) 70 Cushion Pads R1 1st direction

Claims

1. A cushion frame having a pair of left and right side frames, a front frame extending in the left-right direction connecting the front parts of the left and right side frames, and a rear frame extending along the left-right axis connecting the rear parts of the left and right side frames, A cushion pad attached to the cushion frame from the upper side of the seat, A cushion spring that supports the cushion pad from below the seat, with its front portion supported by the front frame and its rear portion supported by the rear frame so as to be rotatable relative to the axis, A support member is positioned between at least one of the left and right side frames and the cushion spring, and spans between the front frame and the rear frame, A rotational connection mechanism connects the support member and the cushion spring so that they can rotate relative to each other around the axis, A cover is provided that spans between at least one side frame and at least one support member, and supports the cushion pad from the lower side of the seat. A seat cushion for a vehicle seat equipped with [feature / feature].

2. The rear portion of the cushion spring has a fixing portion to which it is secured, and the rear frame has a connecting portion that is rotatably mounted around the axis, The aforementioned rotary connection mechanism A support groove extending in the circumferential direction with respect to the axis is provided in the connecting portion, A supported portion is provided in the support member, and is inserted into the support groove so as to be slidable in the circumferential direction, A seat cushion for a vehicle seat according to claim 1, having the following:

3. The rear portion of the cushion spring has a fixing portion to which it is secured, and the rear frame has a connecting portion that is rotatably mounted around the axis, When the cushion spring is elastically deformed by receiving a force from above, the rotational direction of the connecting portion relative to the rear frame is the first direction. The aforementioned rotary connection mechanism A seat cushion for a vehicle seat according to claim 1, having a connecting portion that connects the connecting portion and the support member, and which elastically deforms when the connecting portion rotates relative to the rear frame in a first direction.

4. The aforementioned connecting portion has a straight shape, When no occupant is seated on the seat cushion, the first end of the connecting portion, which is the end on the support member side, is located on the first direction side of the second end of the connecting portion, which is the end on the fixing portion side. The seat cushion for a vehicle seat according to claim 3, wherein when the connecting portion is rotated by a predetermined amount in the first direction relative to the rear frame from the position when the occupant is not seated on the seat cushion, the second end is positioned on the first direction side of the first end.

5. A pair of support members are provided at a distance from each other in a predetermined direction and extend in a direction perpendicular to the predetermined direction in a plan view, A plurality of cushion springs are located between the pair of support members in a plan view and arranged in the predetermined direction, The pair of support members and the first connecting portion that connects parts of the plurality of cushion springs, A second connecting portion connects parts of the plurality of cushion springs that are located at positions in the orthogonal direction that are different from the aforementioned part in the orthogonal direction, A rotational connection mechanism connects the pair of support members and the second connecting portion so that they can rotate relative to each other around an axis parallel to the predetermined direction, A spring assembly equipped with a spring.

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