Vehicle seats

Abstract

To provide a vehicle seat which can streamline component assembly work in manufacturing of the seat.SOLUTION: A vehicle seat includes a seat frame (a cushion frame 20) serving as a skeleton. The cushion frame 20 comprises: a frame-like body frame; and a support member 30 which spans one portion and the other portion of the body frame in a predetermined direction and supports a seated person. The support member 30 has: a support body part 31 which has a mesh shape and supports the seated person; and a shape retaining member 34 which retains the support body part 31 in an enclosing manner and extends in the predetermined direction to span one portion and the other portion of the body frame. The support member 30 is provided with a planar chuck part 38 for allowing a robot arm to chuck.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle seat, and particularly to a vehicle seat provided with a seat frame serving as a skeleton.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a vehicle seat provided with a cushion frame serving as a skeleton is known. The cushion frame includes, for example, side frames disposed on the left and right sides in the seat width direction, a front connecting frame connecting the front portions of the left and right side frames, a rear connecting frame connecting the rear portions of the left and right side frames, and a support member (elastic support member) extending in the front-rear direction of the seat and bridging the front connecting frame and the rear connecting frame to support the seated person from below (for example, see Patent Document 1).

[0003] In the vehicle seat described in Patent Document 1, it includes left and right side frames, a front frame and a rear frame connecting the left and right side frames, and a plate-like support member extending in the front-rear direction of the seat and bridging the front frame and the rear frame to support the seated person. The support member has a plate-like resin member having a support surface for supporting the seated person, and a laying member (laying wire) that holds the resin member and bridges the front frame and the rear frame. The laying member is integrally attached to the bottom surface or inside of the resin member.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Incidentally, in the manufacturing of seats for vehicles, there was a need to automate the assembly process in order to improve the efficiency of the assembly work of the component parts. Consequently, in the vehicle seat structure described in Patent Document 1, for example, when assembling the support member to the main body of the cushion frame, there is no special chuck section provided for the robot arm to grip, which could make it impossible to automate the assembly process.

[0006] This invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and the object of this invention is to provide a vehicle seat that can streamline the assembly work of its components during the manufacturing of the seat. Another object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle seat that can accommodate automation of assembly work more effectively than conventional seats. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The aforementioned problems are solved by the vehicle seat of the present invention, which is a vehicle seat equipped with a seat frame that serves as the skeleton, wherein the seat frame comprises a main frame made of a frame-shaped body, and a support member that spans between one part and the other part in a predetermined direction on the main frame and supports a seated person, wherein the support member has a mesh shape and comprises a support main body part that supports the seated person, and a shape-retaining member that holds the support main body part so as to surround it and extends in the predetermined direction and spans between the one part and the other part of the main frame, and the support member is provided with a planar chuck part for a robot arm to chuck when assembling the support member to the main frame. The above configuration makes it possible to realize a vehicle seat that streamlines the assembly work of its components during manufacturing. More specifically, the support member, which has a mesh-like structure, is equipped with a flat chuck section for a robot arm to grip. This makes it possible to automate the assembly of component parts during the manufacturing of the sheet. Furthermore, if support members (especially those with a mesh structure) are simply chucked, there is a risk of deformation. Therefore, if a chuck section for the robot arm to grip the support members is not provided, automating the assembly process becomes difficult.

[0008] In this case, the seat frame comprises a cushion frame, the cushion frame comprising side frames arranged on the left and right sides in the seat width direction as the main frame, a front connecting frame connecting the front portions of the left and right side frames, and a rear connecting frame connecting the rear portions of the left and right side frames, the support member is spanned between the front connecting frame and the rear connecting frame, and the chuck portion is of a flat plate shape and is preferably provided on the support surface of the support body. The above configuration makes it easier to automate the assembly process of the cushion frame using a robotic arm.

[0009] In this case, the shape-retaining member is a wire-shaped shape-retaining wire, and the thickness of the chuck portion is preferably thinner than the thickness of the shape-retaining member. With the above configuration, the chuck portion for the robot arm to grip can be made smaller.

[0010] In this case, it is preferable that the chuck portion be positioned on the support body portion adjacent to the shape-retaining member. As described above, by positioning the chuck adjacent to the shape-retaining member, the support member can be stably chucked by the robot arm.

[0011] In this case, the shape-retaining member has a mounting portion that is attached to the main frame, and the chuck portion is provided on the support main body portion and is positioned to overlap with the mounting portion in the sheet width direction. With the above configuration, when attaching the support member (mounting part) to the main frame using a robot arm, the load can be applied efficiently to the mounting part, allowing the mounting work to be performed efficiently.

[0012] In this case, the support body has a mesh shape and has a plurality of mesh-like holes that penetrate in a direction perpendicular to the support surface of the support body, and the chuck portion is larger than the plurality of mesh-like holes when viewed from the support direction of the support member. As described above, the chuck portion is formed to be relatively large, allowing the robot arm to grip the chuck portion more stably.

[0013] In this case, the vehicle seat is attached to the support member and includes a detection sensor that detects the occupant's biological signals, and the detection sensor is preferably positioned in a location that does not overlap with the chuck portion in the extending direction of the support member. Furthermore, it is preferable that the detection sensor be positioned in a location that does not overlap with the chuck portion in the sheet width direction. The above configuration makes it possible to suppress unintended interference between the robot arm and the detection sensor.

[0014] In this case, the chuck portion is preferably mounted on the shape-retaining member and extends along the direction of extension of the shape-retaining member. With the above configuration, when the robot arm places the support member (shape-retaining member) on the main frame, the load can be efficiently applied to the bridging portion, allowing the bridging work (assembly work) to be performed efficiently.

[0015] In this case, the chuck portion is preferably attached to the support member and positioned so as not to overlap with the support surface of the support member when viewed from the support direction of the support member. As described above, by positioning the zipper so that it does not overlap with the support surface, discomfort when a person sits down can be reduced. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to the present invention, it is possible to realize a vehicle seat that can improve the efficiency of assembling component parts in the manufacture of the seat. Further, it becomes possible to accommodate automation of the assembling work of the component parts. Further, according to the present invention, it becomes easier to accommodate automation of the assembling work by a robot arm. Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the size of the chuck portion for the robot arm to chuck. Further, according to the present invention, the support member can be stably chucked by the robot arm. Further, according to the present invention, the attachment work by the robot arm can be efficiently performed. Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the robot arm and the detection sensor from interfering with each other unintentionally. Further, according to the present invention, even when a chuck portion is provided for the seat frame, it is possible to reduce the discomfort when the seated person sits down.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0017] [Figure 1] It is an external perspective view of the vehicle seat of the present embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a perspective view of the padding material of the vehicle seat. [Figure 3] It is a perspective view of the seat frame. [Figure 4] It is a view showing a state where the support member is chucked by the robot arm. [Figure 5] It is a top view of the seat frame, the detection sensor, the vibration device, the blower device, and the control device. [Figure 6] It is a side view of the seat frame, the detection sensor, the vibration device, the blower device, and the control device. [Figure 7A] It is a longitudinal sectional view of the seat frame, showing a state where the detection sensor is attached to the support member. [Figure 7B] It is a view showing a modification of FIG. 7A. [Figure 8] This is a block diagram of the detection sensor, control unit, and power supply. [Figure 9] This is a top view of a seat frame, illustrating the amount of deflection when a seating load is applied to the seat frame. [Figure 10] This is a top view of a seat frame for a vehicle according to a second embodiment. [Figure 11] This is a top view of a seat frame and blower device for a vehicle according to a third embodiment. [Figure 12A] This diagram shows the shape-retaining member with the chuck attached. [Figure 12B] This diagram shows the chuck portion partially fitted into the shape-retaining member. [Figure 13] This is a top view of a seat frame and blower device for a vehicle according to a fourth embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0018] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 13. This embodiment is a vehicle seat equipped with a seat frame, wherein the seat frame comprises a main frame made of a frame-like body and a support member that spans between one portion and the other portion in a predetermined direction on the main frame and supports the occupant, and the support member has a central support portion that supports the occupant, a lateral support portion that is provided at a position outside the seat width direction from the central support portion and extends while inclined outward in the seat width direction, and a shape-retaining member that extends along the outer edge portion of the lateral support portion and spans between one portion and the other portion of the main frame, and is the main feature of this invention of a vehicle seat. In vehicle seats, the side where the occupant sits is considered the front of the seat relative to the seatback.

[0019] <Overall configuration of a vehicle seat> As shown in Figures 1 to 8, the vehicle seat S1 of this embodiment is a vehicle seat comprising: a seat body having a seat back 1 and a seat cushion 2; a detection sensor 40 attached inside the seat body to detect the biological signals of a person sitting on the seat body; a vibration device 45 that applies vibration towards the person sitting on the seat; a blower device 50 that blows air towards the person sitting on the seat; and a control device 60 that receives the biological signals detected by the detection sensor 40 and controls the vibration device 45 and the blower device 50 based on the biological signals. Furthermore, the vehicle seat S1 includes a rail device 70 that supports the seat body so that it can move back and forth relative to the vehicle floor, a height link device 80 that connects the seat body to the vehicle floor (rail device 70) so that it can move up and down, and a reclining device 90 that connects the seat back 1 to the seat cushion 2 so that it can rotate. Furthermore, the control device 60 can also control the rail device 70, the height link device 80, and the reclining device 90 based on the above-mentioned biological signals. It can also transmit the above-mentioned biological signals to an external source.

[0020] As shown in Figure 1, the seat back 1 is a backrest that supports the occupant from behind, and is constructed by placing a pad material 1a on a back frame 10, which is the skeletal structure shown in Figure 3, and covering it with a surface material 1b. As shown in Figure 2, a vibration device 45 (upper vibration member 45a, lower vibration member 45b) and a blower device 50 are arranged inside the seat back 1.

[0021] As shown in Figure 2, the surface of the pad material 1a has a first surface suspension groove 1aa and a second surface suspension groove 1ab for suspending the surface material 1b, an insertion hole 1ac for accommodating the outlet 54 of the blower device 50, a concave ventilation hole 1ad for allowing air blown out from the outlet 54 to pass through, and a bag housing recess 1ae for accommodating the ventilation bag 58 of the blower device 50. Furthermore, the surface of the pad material 1a has a plurality of storage recesses 1af formed within the area surrounded by the first surface suspension groove 1aa and the second surface suspension groove 1ab, spaced apart in the sheet width direction and vertical direction, for housing the vibration device 45.

[0022] Multiple first-side-up-fitting grooves 1aa are formed at intervals in the sheet width direction and extend in the vertical direction. Multiple second-side-up-fitting grooves 1ab are formed at intervals in the vertical direction and extend in the sheet width direction, connecting the left and right first-side-up-fitting grooves 1aa. The insertion hole 1ac is located below the side portion of the pad material 1a and is formed in a position that overlaps with the first surface suspension groove 1aa. The ventilation hole 1ad is formed continuously from the insertion hole 1ac and extends upward while branching outwards. This ventilation hole 1ad allows air to be blown towards the occupant over substantially the entire central part of the seat back 1. The bag-receiving recess 1ae is located above the pad material 1a. A blower nozzle (not shown) of the blower device 50 is connected to the bag-receiving recess 1ae.

[0023] As shown in Figure 1, the seat cushion 2 is a seating portion that supports the occupant from below, and is constructed by placing a pad material 2a on a cushion frame 20, which serves as the skeleton, as shown in Figure 3, and covering it with a surface material 2b. Inside the seat cushion 2, as shown in Figures 2 and 5, a detection sensor 40, a vibration device 45 (front vibration member 45c, rear vibration member 45d), a blower device 50, and a control device 60 are arranged.

[0024] As shown in Figure 2, the central surface of the pad material 2a has a first skin suspension groove 2aa, a second skin suspension groove 2ab, circular insertion holes 2ac and 2ad for inserting the outlet 53 and duct 52 of the blower device 50, and a concave ventilation hole 2ae for passing the air blown out from the outlet 53. Furthermore, a bag-receiving recess 2af for accommodating the ventilation bag 57 of the blower device 50 is formed on the surface of the side portion of the pad material 2a. Furthermore, on the central surface of the pad material 2a, left and right storage recesses 2ag are formed on the left and right sides in the sheet width direction, located within the area surrounded by the first surface suspension groove 2aa and the second surface suspension groove 2ab, to house the vibration device 45.

[0025] Multiple first-side-up-fitting grooves 2aa are formed at intervals in the sheet width direction and extend in the vertical direction. Multiple second-side-up-fitting grooves 2ab are formed at intervals in the vertical direction and extend in the sheet width direction, connecting the left and right first-side-up-fitting grooves 2aa. The through holes 2ac and 2ad are holes that penetrate the pad material 2a in the vertical direction. The through hole 2ac is located in the central part of the pad material 2a, and the through hole 2ad is located at the rear of the side portion of the pad material 2a. Furthermore, the through hole 2ad is formed in a position that overlaps with the first skin suspension groove 2aa. The ventilation holes 2ae are formed continuously from the insertion holes 2ac and extend while branching toward the front of the seat. These ventilation holes 2ae allow air to be blown toward the occupant across substantially the entire central part of the seat cushion 2. The bag-receiving recess 2af is located at the front of the side portion of the pad material 2a. A blower outlet (not shown) of the blower device 50 is connected to the bag-receiving recess 2af.

[0026] As shown in Figure 3, the back frame 10 consists of a roughly rectangular frame-like body and is mainly composed of back side frames 11 arranged on the left and right sides, an inverted U-shaped upper frame 12 connecting the upper ends of each back side frame 11, a plate-shaped lower frame 13 connecting the lower ends of each back side frame 11, a member frame 14 connecting the left and right side portions of the upper frame 12, a plurality of wire members 15 stretched across the member frame 14 and the lower frame 13, and a plate-shaped holding member 16 held by the plurality of wire members 15 and supporting the seated person from behind. The combination of the left and right backside frames 11, the upper frame 12, and the lower frame 13 constitutes the "main frame."

[0027] The back side frame 11 is a sheet metal member that extends vertically and has a substantially C-shaped cross-section, and its lower end is connected to the rear end of the side frame 21 via a reclining device 90. In the above configuration, the back frame 10 is capable of relative rotation with respect to the cushion frame 20.

[0028] As shown in Figures 3 and 5, the cushion frame 20 is mainly composed of a roughly rectangular frame-like body, side frames 21 arranged on the left and right sides and extending in the front-to-back direction of the seat, plate-shaped pan frames 22 installed on the front end portions of each side frame 21, a front connecting frame 23 connecting the front portions of each side frame 21, a rear connecting frame 24 connecting the rear portions of each side frame 21, and plate-shaped support members 30 that are stretched across the front connecting frame 23 and the rear connecting frame 24 and support the seated person from below. The combination of the left and right side frames 21, the pan frame 22, the front connecting frame 23, and the rear connecting frame 24 constitutes the "main frame."

[0029] The side frame 21 is a long, plate-shaped frame extending in the front-to-back direction of the seat. A reclining device 90 is attached to the rear portion of the side frame 21, and a rail device 70 is attached to its lower portion via a height link device 80.

[0030] The pan frame 22 is a frame that supports the seated person's thighs, and consists of a rectangular plate body, with both ends in the seat width direction resting on the upper surface of the side frame 21. A control device 60 is mounted on the underside of the pan frame 22.

[0031] The front connecting frame 23 and the rear connecting frame 24 are each pipe-shaped frames that connect the left and right side frames 21, and also connect the left and right links of the height link device 80. <Support member> As shown in Figures 3 to 5, the support member 30 is a plate-shaped elastic support member that supports the buttocks of a seated person, and is spanned between the front connecting frame 23 and the rear connecting frame 24, and is capable of bending vertically in response to (following) the movements of the seated person.

[0032] The support member 30 has a mesh-like structure and has a plurality of mesh-like holes 30a and 30b that penetrate perpendicularly to the support surface of the support member 30. Specifically, the support member 30 is a mesh-like planar body formed from an elastic resin material, and is also referred to as an elastomer panel. The mesh-like holes 30a and 30b are each hexagonal (or nearly hexagonal) holes, with hole 30a being larger than hole 30b. More specifically, the mesh of the support member 30 has a honeycomb shape (honeycomb structure), and is formed to partition the hexagonal space without any gaps. As described above, by adopting a honeycomb shape, the support surface of the support member 30 has excellent load distribution and high strength, making it highly rigid and resistant to twisting and torsion. Furthermore, since the volume of the mesh is the smallest when filling three-dimensional space with shapes of the same volume, weight reduction can be achieved. The mesh shape of the support member 30 is not particularly limited to a honeycomb shape; for example, it may be a grid-like mesh.

[0033] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the support member 30 comprises a mesh-shaped support body portion 31, a shape-retaining member 34 that surrounds and holds the support body portion 31 and extends in the front-rear direction of the sheet, spanning between the front connecting frame 23 and the rear connecting frame 24, and a planar chuck portion 38 for the robot arm R to chuck.

[0034] The support member 30 is integrally formed from a resin support body 31 and a metal shape-retaining member 34. The shape-retaining member 34 is attached to the upper surface of the support body 31, but this is not particularly limited, and it may also be attached to the bottom surface or side surface of the support body 31. Alternatively, the shape-retaining member 34 may be insert-molded into the interior of the support body 31.

[0035] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the support body 31 has a central support portion 32 that supports the seated person, and a lateral support portion 33 that is located outside the central support portion 32 in the seat width direction and extends outward while inclined in the seat width direction. Multiple through holes 37 are formed in the support surface of the central support portion 32, penetrating in a direction perpendicular to the support surface.

[0036] The central support section 32 supports the seated person's buttocks and thighs from below, and the lateral support sections 33 support the seated person's buttocks from the sides. Therefore, the support body section 31 can support the seated person in a three-dimensional manner. The central support portion 32 includes a first central support portion 32a positioned in the center of the cushion frame 20, and left and right second central support portions 32b provided in front of the first central support portion 32a and protruding forward from the left and right lateral portions of the first central support portion 32a. The first central support section 32a supports the seated person's buttocks, and the left and right second central support sections 32b support the seated person's thighs.

[0037] The lateral support portion 33 is located further outward in the seat width direction than the central support portion 32 and includes a first lateral support portion 33a that extends upward inclined outward in the seat width direction, and a second lateral support portion 33b that extends downward inclined toward the front of the seat from the first lateral support portion 33a and connects to the second central support portion 32b. The first lateral support portion 33a supports the seated person's buttocks from the side.

[0038] As shown in Figure 4, the central support portion 32 has a mesh-like structure of holes 30a throughout, and the lateral support portion 33 has a mesh-like structure of holes 30b throughout. The lateral support portion 33 has a finer mesh structure than the central support portion 32 and is formed to be harder than the central support portion 32. In other words, the support body portion 31 is formed to be soft at the position where the load received from the seated person is greatest (below the buttocks) and hard at the position where the load is smaller than below the buttocks (to the sides of the buttocks). By doing so, the strength of the lateral support portion 33 is improved, and the seated person can be stably supported from the side. In this embodiment, the entire support body 31 is made up of a mesh shape, but it is also possible to have a configuration in which only a part of the support body 31 is made up of a mesh shape.

[0039] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the shape-retaining member 34 is a wire-shaped shape-retaining wire that surrounds and holds the support body portion 31. Specifically, it extends along the outer edges of the central support portion 32 and the lateral support portions 33, respectively. More specifically, the shape-retaining member 34 extends forward from the rear end portion of the left lateral support portion 33 along the outer edge portion of the lateral support portion 33, and extends along the outer edge portion of the left second central support portion 32b. Then, it passes through the outer edge portion (front end portion) of the first central support portion 32a and extends along the outer edge portion of the right second central support portion 32b. Finally, it extends along the outer edge portion of the right lateral support portion 33 to the rear end portion of the lateral support portion 33.

[0040] The shape-retaining member 34 has a front mounting portion 35 that is attached to the front connecting frame 23 and a rear mounting portion 36 that is attached to the rear connecting frame 24. The front mounting portions 35 are provided on the left and right sides of the front connecting frame 23 at predetermined intervals in the extending direction of the front connecting frame 23, and are hooked onto the front connecting frame 23 from above. The rear mounting portions 36 are provided on the left and right sides of the rear connecting frame 24 at predetermined intervals in the extending direction of the rear connecting frame 24, and are hooked onto the rear connecting frame 24 from above. The front mounting portion 35 and the rear mounting portion 36 are formed as part of the shape-retaining member 34. Therefore, there is no need to provide new mounting portions on the support member 30, and the increase in the number of parts can be suppressed.

[0041] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the multiple through holes 37 are provided on the support surface of the support body portion 31 (central support portion 32) in the portion that does not have holes 30a, and they penetrate in a direction perpendicular to the support surface. The through-holes 37 are provided in two locations, left and right, at the central position of the central support portion 32, and are positioned to correspond to the ischial tuberosities of the person sitting. More specifically, the through-hole 37 is positioned to overlap with the lateral support portion 33 in the front-to-rear direction of the seat, and to overlap with the front mounting portion 35 in the left-to-right direction. Furthermore, the through-hole 37 is positioned behind the front end of the first lateral support portion 33a in the front-to-rear direction of the seat.

[0042] As shown in Figure 4, the through-hole 37 is formed to be larger than the mesh-like holes 30a of the central support portion 32. Generally, in the seat cushion 2, the area corresponding to the seated person's ischial tuberosities is where the seating pressure is highest. By forming the through-hole 37 in the corresponding area of ​​the central support portion 32, the support member 30 becomes more flexible. By doing so, the pressure on the part of the support member 30 where the pressure is highest is reduced, resulting in a comfortable seating experience.

[0043] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the chuck portion 38 is a flat plate-shaped member used by the robot arm R to chuck the support member 30 when assembling it to the cushion frame 20. The chuck portion 38 includes left and right front chuck portions 38a provided on the front side of the support surface of the support body portion 31, and left and right rear chuck portions 38b provided on the rear side of the support surface of the support body portion 31.

[0044] As shown in Figure 5, the left and right front chuck portions 38a are provided at the front end portions of the left and right second central support portions 32b, respectively, and are positioned at the center in the left-right direction. The front chuck portion 38a is positioned so as to overlap with the front mounting portion 35 in the left-right direction, and is positioned adjacent to the shape-retaining member 34. The left and right rear chuck portions 38b are provided on the rear portion of the first central support portion 32a, respectively, and are positioned outward in the left-right direction. They are also positioned close to the left and right lateral support portions 33.

[0045] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the chuck portion 38 is formed to be larger than the multiple through holes 37 and thinner than the diameter of the shape-retaining member 34. With the above configuration, the robot arm R can stably grip the chuck portion 38, and the chuck portion 38 can be made smaller. Furthermore, the chuck portion 38 is preferably made of a metal plate having magnetic properties. This allows the robot arm R to chuck the support member 30 not only with a mechanical chuck or an air chuck, but also with an electromagnetic chuck.

[0046] In the above configuration, as shown in Figure 5, the chuck portion 38 has a flat plate shape and is provided on the support surface of the support body portion 31. This makes it easier to automate the assembly process of the cushion frame 20 using a robotic arm R.

[0047] In the above configuration, as shown in Figure 4, the shape-retaining member 34 is a wire-shaped shape-retaining wire, and the thickness of the chuck portion 38 is thinner than the thickness of the shape-retaining member 34. By doing so, the chuck portion 38 for the robot arm R to grip can be made smaller.

[0048] In the above configuration, as shown in Figure 5, the chuck portion 38 is positioned on the support body portion 31 adjacent to the shape-retaining member 34. This allows the robot arm R to stably chuck the support member 30.

[0049] In the above configuration, as shown in Figure 5, the chuck portion 38 is provided on the support body portion 31 and is positioned to overlap with the front mounting portion 35 in the sheet width direction. By doing so, when the robot arm R attaches the support member 30 (front mounting portion 35) to the main frame, the load can be applied efficiently to the front mounting portion 35, allowing the attachment work to be performed efficiently.

[0050] In the above configuration, as shown in Figure 5, the chuck portion 38 is larger than the multiple mesh-like holes 30a when viewed from the support direction of the support member 30. By doing so, the chuck portion 38 is formed to be relatively large, allowing the robot arm R to grip the chuck portion 38 more stably.

[0051] <Detection Sensor> As shown in Figures 5 to 8, the detection sensor 40 is a sheet-shaped pressure sensor that detects the seating pressure applied to the seating surface of the seat cushion 2 when a person sits on the seat, and is attached to the support member 30 via the sensor mounting part 44. Here, "seating pressure" refers to a value that changes periodically in response to the physiological activity of a person sitting on the seat cushion 2, specifically breathing, and is the target value detected by the pressure sensor. In other words, it corresponds to the "biological signal (biological information) of the person sitting." The detection sensor 40 is preferably a seat sensor that turns on or off in response to the seating pressure of the person sitting. Preferably, it is a push-switch type seat sensor. It also detects the seating pressure and outputs a detection signal based on the detected seating pressure.

[0052] The detection sensor 40 includes a sensor detection unit 41 for detecting the seating pressure applied by a person sitting on it, and a transmission line 42 for outputting a detection signal when the sensor detection unit 41 detects the seating pressure. The sensor detection unit 41 is a pressure-sensitive switch that is bonded to the conductive sheet. The transmission line 42 consists of conductive wires that serve as the transmission line, bonded to a conductive sheet. The transmission line 42 extends from the sensor detection unit 41 to the front of the sheet and is electrically connected to the connecting member 43. As shown in Figure 6, the connecting member 43 is a wire harness formed by bundling conductive wires, and connects the detection sensor 40 and the control device 60.

[0053] The detection sensor 40 is attached to the support member 30 (shape-retaining member 34) via the sensor mounting portion 44. The sensor mounting portion 44 is a plate-shaped member and is integrally formed with the shape-retaining member 34. The sensor mounting portion 44 is positioned in front of the first central support portion 32a on the central support portion 32 and is mounted between the left and right second central support portions 32b.

[0054] As shown in Figure 7A, the sensor mounting portion 44 is integrally formed with the shape-retaining member 34 at the vertical center of the shape-retaining member 34. As an example of the above modification, the sensor mounting portion 44 may be integrally attached to the upper surface of the shape-retaining member 34, as shown in Figure 7B.

[0055] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the detection sensor 40 is positioned outside the support member 30 within the area enclosed by the cushion frame 20. Specifically, the detection sensor 40 is positioned between a plurality of through holes 37 in the left-right direction and is located in front of the first central support portion 32a. Furthermore, the detection sensor 40 is positioned between the left and right front mounting sections 35, and is located behind the front mounting sections 35.

[0056] As shown in Figure 5, the front chuck portion 38a is positioned at the front ends of the left and right second central support portions 32b, and at the central end of the seat, respectively. The rear chuck portion 38b is located at the rear end of the first central support portion 32a and is positioned close to the lateral support portions 33. Therefore, the detection sensor 40 is positioned so as not to overlap with the chuck portion 38 in the front-to-back and left-to-right directions.

[0057] In the above configuration, as shown in Figure 5, the detection sensor 40 is positioned in a location that does not overlap with the chuck portion 38 in the extending direction of the support member 30. Furthermore, it is preferable that the detection sensor 40 is positioned so as not to overlap with the chuck portion 38 in the sheet width direction. This prevents unintended interference between the robot arm R and the detection sensor 40.

[0058] <Vibration device> As shown in Figures 2, 5, and 6, the vibration device 45 corresponds to a drive unit that applies physical force to the seated person, and specifically, it is a device equipped with a vibration motor that starts vibrating upon receiving a signal from the control device 60. The vibration device 45 includes an upper vibration member 45a and a lower vibration member 45b provided on the back frame 10, and a front vibration member 45c and a rear vibration member 45d provided on the cushion frame 20. The vibrating members 45a and 45b can provide stimulation to the seated person's back, and the vibrating members 45c and 45d can provide stimulation to the seated person's buttocks.

[0059] As shown in Figure 5, the front vibration member 45c is positioned so as to overlap with the second central support portion 32b in a top view. The rear vibration member 45d is positioned so as to be close to the rear mounting portion 36 of the rear connecting frame 24. The detection sensor 40 is positioned between multiple through holes 37 in the left-right direction. Therefore, the detection sensor 40 is positioned so as not to overlap with the front vibration member 45c and the rear vibration member 45d.

[0060] As shown in Figure 6, the front vibration member 45c is positioned so as to overlap with the second central support portion 32b in the front-rear direction. The rear vibration member 45d is positioned so as to overlap with the rear mounting portion 36 in the front-rear direction. The detection sensor 40 is positioned in front of the first central support portion 32a and behind the front mounting portion 35 in the front-rear direction. Therefore, the detection sensor 40 is positioned to overlap with the front vibrating member 45c and not to overlap with the rear vibrating member 45d.

[0061] <Blower device> The blower device 50 is attached to the cushion frame 20 as shown in Figures 2, 5, and 6. The blower device 50 includes a blower body 51 that blows out air, a duct 52 for passing air through, outlets 53 and 54 that blow air toward the seated person, a heat exchanger 55 that adjusts the temperature of the air, a de-cooling device 56 for reducing heat, vibration, and noise, and ventilation bags 57 and 58 that allow the air whose temperature has been adjusted by the heat exchanger 55 to be brought in and out of the interior.

[0062] The blower unit 51 is configured to blow air from the blower unit 51 through the duct 52 towards the seated person through outlets 53 and 54. The duct 52 is connected to the blower body 51 and allows air from the blower body 51 to pass through. The duct 52 extends rearward from the blower body 51 along the cushion frame 20 and upward along the back frame 10. The air outlets 53 and 54 are vents that blow air towards the seated person and pass through the ventilation holes 1ad and 2ae of the pad materials 1a and 2a.

[0063] The heat exchanger 55 is a device that cools or heats the air circulating in the duct 52 to adjust the temperature of the support surface for the seated person, and is installed below the support member 30. The de-heating device 56 is a device that reduces the generation of high heat, vibration, and noise by the heat exchanger 55, and is mounted above the heat exchanger 55.

[0064] The ventilation bags 57 and 58 inflate when air is sealed inside, warming or cooling the body of the seated person, and are connected to the heat exchanger 55. The ventilation bag 57 is housed in a bag-receiving recess 2af provided on the side of the pad material 2a, and heats or cools the buttocks and thighs of the seated person. The ventilation bag 58 is housed in a bag-receiving recess 1ae provided on the surface of the central part of the pad material 1a, and warms or cools the back of the seated person.

[0065] As shown in Figure 5, the blower body 51 is positioned in front of the first central support 32a. The outlet 53 of the duct 52 is positioned so as to overlap with the second central support 32b on the left side when viewed from above. The heat exchanger 55 and the defroster 56 are positioned so as to overlap with the through hole 37 when viewed from above. The ventilation bag 57 is positioned outside the first central support 32a. The detection sensor 40 is positioned between multiple through-holes 37 in the left-right direction. Therefore, the detection sensor 40 is positioned so as to overlap with the blower body 51, heat exchanger 55, and de-cooling device 56 in the left-right direction, but not overlap with the outlet 53 of the duct 52 and the ventilation bag 57.

[0066] As shown in Figure 6, the blower body 51 is positioned in front of the front mounting portion 35. The outlet 53 of the duct 52 is positioned so as to overlap with the second central support portion 32b in the front-rear direction. The heat exchanger 55 and the defroster 56 are positioned so as to overlap with the lateral support portion 33 in the front-rear direction. The ventilation bag 57 is positioned so as to overlap with the second central support portion 32b in the front-rear direction. The detection sensor 40 is positioned in front of the first central support portion 32a and behind the front mounting portion 35 in the front-rear direction. Therefore, the detection sensor 40 is positioned in a location that overlaps with the outlet 53 and ventilation bag 57 of the duct 52 in the front-rear direction, but does not overlap with the blower body 51, heat exchanger 55, and defroster 56.

[0067] <Control device> As shown in Figures 5, 6, and 8, the control device 60 is a device that processes biological signals detected by the detection sensor 40, and is mounted on the bottom surface of the pan frame 22 via a holder (not shown). The control device 60 is electrically connected to the detection sensor 40 by a connecting member 43 extending from the detection sensor 40. Note that the connection between the control device 60 and the detection sensor 40 is not limited to wired communication via the connecting member 43, but may also be wireless communication. The control device 60 includes a communication unit 61 for receiving and wirelessly transmitting biological signals detected by the detection sensor 40, and a control unit 62 for processing based on the biological signals detected by the detection sensor 40.

[0068] The communication unit 61 uses wireless communication technology to connect to external terminals, such as tablet devices, smartphones, PCs, and other computers and electrical equipment, and to send and receive electrical signals (data signals). The control unit 62 is equivalent to a microcomputer and comprehensively performs electrical control. The control device 60 is designed to receive power from a power source P installed inside the vehicle. The control device 60 may be installed inside the vehicle seat S, or it may be installed outside the vehicle seat S.

[0069] In the above configuration, the control device 60 is connected to the vibration device 45 via a network and controls the vibration device 45 to vibrate based on the biological signal detected by the detection sensor 40, thereby notifying the seated person to fasten their seat belt. Furthermore, the control device 60 is connected via a network to safety devices such as seat belt devices (not shown) and movable devices that move part or all of the seat body, thereby enabling it to transmit operating signals to these devices.

[0070] In the above configuration, for example, by connecting the control device 60 to a known heart rate measurement device (not shown) via a network, the heart rate measurement device can measure the seated person's heart rate based on the seated person's heart rate signal (heart rate information) and respiratory signal (respiratory information), and quickly notify the seated person if an abnormality occurs in the change in heart rate.

[0071] In addition, the type of detection sensor can be changed according to the user's request, and the output function can be changed based on the biometric information detected by the detection sensor. Specifically, in addition to pressure sensors, capacitive sensors, temperature sensors, sound sensors, light sensors, odor sensors, etc., may also be used. Furthermore, the "output function" is envisioned to include measuring changes in the seated person's heart rate and notifying them of any abnormalities in their heart rate (such as drowsiness), measuring the seated person's sitting posture and controlling the seat's movement to create relaxation or skeletal correction modes, and providing games or videos to the seated person based on their biometric information (e.g., electrocardiogram, blood pressure, body temperature, respiration, etc.). In that case, it would be ideal if the biometric information obtained from the detection sensor were used by a dedicated app downloaded to the seated person's mobile device.

[0072] As shown in Figure 9, when a seating load is applied to the cushion frame 20, the relationship between the deflection amounts of the support areas A1 to A3 is A1 > A2 > A3. The support member 30 is formed so that each support area A1 to A3 has a different deflection amount, thereby stably supporting the seated person. Therefore, it is possible to realize a vehicle seat that can suitably support the weight of the occupant.

[0073] <Second Embodiment> Next, the vehicle seat S2 of the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 10. Note that explanations that overlap with the vehicle seat S1 described above will be omitted. In the vehicle seat S2 of the second embodiment, the configuration of the mounting parts 135, 136 and the chuck part 138 of the support member 130 differs mainly from that of the vehicle seat S1.

[0074] As shown in Figure 10, the support member 130 comprises a mesh-shaped support body portion 131, a shape-retaining member 134 that surrounds and holds the support body portion 131 and extends in the left-right direction of the sheet, spanning between the left and right side frames 121, and a planar chuck portion 138 for the robot arm R to chuck.

[0075] The shape-retaining member 134 has a front mounting portion 135 that is attached to the front connecting frame 123 and a rear mounting portion 136 that is attached to the rear connecting frame 124. The front mounting portions 135 are provided on the left and right sides of the support body portion 131, and are inserted from above into through holes formed on the front side of the upper end flange of the side frame 121, and are hooked onto the side frame 121. The rear mounting portions 136 are provided on the left and right sides of the support body portion 131, and are inserted from above into through holes formed on the rear side of the upper end flange of the side frame 121, and are hooked onto the side frame 121.

[0076] Even in the above embodiment, there is no need to provide a separate mounting member for attaching the support member 130 to the side frame 121, thereby suppressing an increase in the number of parts. Furthermore, since the support member 130 can be attached to the cushion frame 120 not only in the front-to-back direction but also in the left-to-right direction, it can be attached to various types of cushion frames 120.

[0077] As shown in Figure 10, the chuck portion 138 is provided on the shape-retaining members 134 located on the outer sides of the left and right lateral support portions 133, and is positioned to overlap with a plurality of through holes 137 in the front-rear direction. Even in the above embodiment, the robot arm R can stably chuck the chuck portion 138.

[0078] <Third Embodiment> Next, the vehicle seat S3 of the third embodiment will be described based on Figures 11, 12A, and 12B. Note that explanations that overlap with the vehicle seats S1-S2 mentioned above will be omitted. In the third embodiment of the vehicle seat S3, the configuration of the chuck portion 238 and the compression spring 239 of the support member 230 differs mainly from that of the vehicle seats S1 and S2.

[0079] As shown in Figure 11, the chuck portion 238 includes left and right front chuck portions 238a provided on the shape-retaining member 234 of the support member 230, left and right rear chuck portions 238b provided on the rear side of the support surface of the support member 230, and a central chuck portion 238c provided in front of the support surface of the support member 230.

[0080] As shown in Figure 11, the front chuck portion 238a is provided on the left and right front mounting portions 235, respectively. The rear chuck portions 238b are provided at the rear end portions of the first central support portion 232a and are positioned at predetermined distances from the left and right lateral support portions 233. The central chuck portion 238c is positioned in front of the first central support portion 232a and the detection sensor 240, and is mounted between the left and right second central support portions 232b. The front chuck portion 238a and the central chuck portion 238c are positioned so as not to overlap with the support surface of the support member 230 in the vertical direction.

[0081] As shown in Figure 12A, the front chuck portion 238a is a flat plate shape that is thinner than the diameter of the shape-retaining member 234. The front chuck portion 238a extends along the extension direction of the shape-retaining member 234 and is attached to both the upper and lower surfaces of the shape-retaining member 234. As shown in Figure 12B, the central chuck portion 238c is a flat plate shape that is thinner than the diameter of the shape-retaining member 234. The central chuck portion 238c is installed with a portion of it fitted into the shape-retaining member 234.

[0082] Even in the above embodiment, the robot arm R can stably chuck the chuck portion 238, and the chuck portion 238 can be miniaturized.

[0083] As shown in Figure 11, the compression springs 239 elastically restrain the horizontal movement of the support surface of the support member 230 and are provided at the four corners of the cushion frame 220, front, back, left, and right. The compression spring 239 is positioned so as not to overlap with the support member 230 (shape-retaining member 234, chuck portion 238), the detection sensor 240, and the blower device 250 in the vertical direction. The support member 230 is assembled to the cushion frame 220 while being elastically supported from below via four compression springs 239.

[0084] As described above, the presence of multiple compression springs 239 allows for appropriate suppression of lateral head movement of the occupant and stabilizes their line of sight, even when lateral inertial forces act on the occupant while the vehicle is in motion.

[0085] With the above configuration, the compression spring 239 is positioned to avoid the shape-retaining member 234 and contacts the flat support surface of the support body 231, thereby stably supporting the support member 230. Furthermore, by positioning the compression spring 239 at a distance from the detection sensor 240, malfunctions of the detection sensor 240 can be suppressed.

[0086] With the above configuration, the compression spring 239 is positioned to avoid the duct 252, thereby preventing the compression spring 239 from interfering with the duct 252. Furthermore, by positioning the compression spring 239 at a distance from the chuck portion 238, interference between the compression spring 239 and the chuck portion 238 can be suppressed when the robot arm R chucks the support member 230.

[0087] In the above configuration, as shown in Figure 11, the chuck portion 238 is mounted on the shape-retaining member 234 and extends along the extension direction of the shape-retaining member 234. By doing so, when the robot arm R places the support member 230 (shape-retaining member 234) over the main frame, the load can be efficiently applied to the placement portion, allowing the placement work (assembly work) to be performed efficiently.

[0088] In the above configuration, as shown in Figure 11, the chuck portion 238 is attached to the support member 230 and is positioned so as not to overlap with the support surface of the support member 230 when viewed from the support direction of the support member 230. By doing so, the chuck portion 238 is positioned so as not to overlap with the support surface, thereby reducing discomfort when a person sits down.

[0089] <Fourth Embodiment> Next, the vehicle seat S4 of the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 13. Note that explanations that overlap with the vehicle seats S1-S3 mentioned above will be omitted. In the fourth embodiment of the vehicle seat S4, the configuration of the compression spring 339 is mainly different compared to the vehicle seats S1 to S3. As shown in Figure 13, the compression spring 339 is positioned so as to overlap with the support member 330 (shape-retaining member 334) in the vertical direction, but not so as to overlap with the detection sensor 340 and the blower device 350 (duct 352). The support member 330 is assembled to the cushion frame 320 while being elastically supported from below via four compression springs 339.

[0090] With the above configuration, the cushion frame 320, equipped with multiple compression springs 339, can appropriately suppress the lateral movement of the occupant's head and stabilize their line of sight, even when lateral inertial forces act on the occupant while the vehicle is in motion.

[0091] In the above configuration, the compression spring 339 is positioned to overlap the shape-retaining member 334 in the vertical direction and is in contact with the shape-retaining member 334, which has higher rigidity than the support body 331. This allows the support member 330 to be supported stably. Furthermore, the compression spring 339 is positioned away from the detection sensor 340. This helps to suppress malfunctions of the detection sensor 340. Furthermore, the compression spring 339 is positioned to avoid the duct 352. This prevents the compression spring 339 from interfering with the duct 352.

[0092] <Other embodiments> In the above embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, the vehicle seat S1 includes a rail device 70, a height link device 80, and a reclining device 90, but is not particularly limited. In other words, the vehicle seat S1 does not need to be equipped with a rail device 70, a height link device 80, and a reclining device 90.

[0093] In the above embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, the support member 30 is attached to the cushion frame 20, but this is not particularly limited, and the support member 30 may also be attached to the back frame 10.

[0094] In the above embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, the lateral support portion 33 extends while inclined toward the seated person, but it is not particularly limited and may be inclined toward the opposite side of the seated person's support surface. Alternatively, the lateral support portion 33 may not be inclined when no seated person is seated, but may be inclined when the support surface of the support member 30 flexes when a seated person is seated.

[0095] In the above embodiment, as shown in Figure 5, the hardness of the peripheral portion of the shape-retaining member 34 where the detection sensor 40 is attached is lower than that of the left and right ends and the front end of the shape-retaining member 34. However, this is not particularly limited, and the entire shape-retaining member 34 may be formed with the same hardness.

[0096] In the above embodiment, as shown in Figure 6, the outlet 53 of the duct 52 is positioned so as not to protrude upward from the support surface of the support member 30, but this is not particularly limited. For example, the air outlet 53 may protrude upward from the through-hole of the support member 30.

[0097] In the above embodiment, a vehicle seat used in an automobile was described as a specific example, but it is not particularly limited and can be used for various types of seats, including motorcycle seats, seats in trains and buses, seats in airplanes and ships, as well as office chairs for work, wheelchairs, and children's seats in shopping carts.

[0098] In this embodiment, the vehicle seat according to the present invention was described primarily. However, the embodiments described above are merely examples to facilitate understanding of the present invention and do not limit it. The present invention can be modified and improved without departing from its spirit, and of course, equivalents thereof are included. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0099] S1-S4 Vehicle Seats Sa seat frame 1 seat back 1a Pad material 1aa First epidermal suspension groove 1ab Second epidermal suspension groove 1AC blower housing recess 1ad ventilation holes 1e bag storage recess 1af storage recess 1b Skin material 2 seat cushions 2a Pad material 2aa 1st skin suspension groove 2ab Second epidermal suspension groove 2ac, 2ad insertion holes 2ae ventilation holes 2af bag storage recess 2ag storage recess 2b Skin material 10 Backframe 11. Backside frame (side frame) 12. Upper frame 13 Lower frame 14 connecting frames 15 Wire members 16 Retaining member 20, 120, 220, 320 Cushion Frame 21, 121 Cushion side frame (side frame) 22 Pan Frames 23, 123 Front connecting frame 24, 124 Rear connecting frame 30, 130, 230, 330 Support members 30a, 30b holes 31, 131, 231, 331 Support body part 32 Central support part 32a, 232a 1st central support part 32b, 232b 2nd central support part 33, 133 Lateral support part 33a First lateral support part 33b Second lateral support part 34, 134, 234, 334 Shape-retaining members (shape-retaining wires) 35, 135, 235 Front mounting section 36, 136 Rear mounting section 37, 137 through holes 38, 138, 238 Chuck section 38a, 238a Front chuck section 38b, 238b Rear chuck section 239, 339 Compression springs 40, 240, 340 detection sensors (seat sensors) 41 Sensor detection unit 42 Transmission lines (conductive wires) 43. Connecting components (harness) 44 Sensor mounting section 45 Vibration device 45a Upper vibrating member 45b Downward vibrating member 45c Forward vibrating member 45d Rear vibration member 50, 250, 350 blower unit 51 Blower unit 52, 252, 352 ducts 53, 54 Air outlet (vent) 55 Heat exchange equipment 56 Defrosting device 57, 58 Ventilation bag 60 Control device 61 Control Unit 62 Communications Department 70 Rail device 80 Height Link Device 90 Reclining device P power supply R Robot Arm

Claims

1. A vehicle seat equipped with a seat frame that forms the skeleton, The aforementioned seat frame is The main frame consists of a frame-like structure, The main frame comprises a support member that spans between one portion and the other portion in a predetermined direction and supports a seated person, The aforementioned support member is A support body having a mesh shape that supports the seated person, It has a shape-retaining member that holds the support body portion so as to surround it and extends in the predetermined direction, spanning between the one portion and the other portion of the main frame, A vehicle seat characterized in that the support member is provided with a flat chuck portion for a robot arm to chuck when assembling the support member to the main frame.

2. The aforementioned seat frame includes a cushion frame, The cushion frame comprises side frames arranged on the left and right sides in the seat width direction as the main frame, a front connecting frame connecting the front portions of the left and right side frames, and a rear connecting frame connecting the rear portions of the left and right side frames. The support member is spanned between the front connecting frame and the rear connecting frame. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, characterized in that the chuck portion has a flat plate shape and is provided on the support surface of the support body portion.

3. The shape-retaining member is a wire-shaped shape-retaining wire, The vehicle seat according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the thickness of the chuck portion is thinner than the thickness of the shape-retaining member.

4. The vehicle seat according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the chuck portion is positioned on the support body portion adjacent to the shape-retaining member.

5. The shape-retaining member has a mounting portion that is attached to the main frame, The aforementioned chuck portion is, Provided on the aforementioned support body, A vehicle seat according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it is positioned to overlap with the mounting portion in the seat width direction.

6. The support body has a mesh-like structure and has a plurality of mesh-like holes that penetrate perpendicularly to the support surface of the support body. The vehicle seat according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the chuck portion is larger than the plurality of mesh-like holes when viewed from the support direction of the support member.

7. The vehicle seat is attached to the support member and includes a detection sensor that detects the occupant's biosignals, The vehicle seat according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the detection sensor is positioned in a location that does not overlap with the chuck portion in the extending direction of the support member.

8. The vehicle seat according to claim 7, characterized in that the detection sensor is positioned in a location that does not overlap with the chuck portion in the width direction of the seat.

9. The vehicle seat according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the chuck portion is attached to the shape-retaining member and extends along the direction of extension of the shape-retaining member.

10. The aforementioned chuck portion is, Attached to the aforementioned support member, A vehicle seat according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it is positioned so as not to overlap with the support surface of the support member when viewed from the support direction of the support member.

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