seat

Abstract

A seat (vehicular seat S) comprises: a pad (cushion pad 70) having a ventilation pathway (71) that is connected to a blower (BL); and a covering material (80) that covers the pad. The pad comprises: a pad body (100) having a ventilation groove (G) that has an opening formed on a seated person side; and a cover pad (200) that forms the ventilation pathway (71) by covering the opening of the ventilation groove (G) on the seated person side and that has a suspension groove (GR) for suspending the covering material (80). The suspension groove (GR) is disposed so as to overlap the ventilation groove (G) as viewed from the seated person side. The cover pad (200) is configured to have a partition wall (201) that separates the suspension groove (GR) from the ventilation groove (G) so as to prevent the suspension groove (GR) from being connected to the ventilation groove (G).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a seat provided with a pad in which a ventilation passage is formed.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as a seat, one provided with a cushion pad having a ventilation passage to which a blower is connected is known (see Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2018-051151). In this technology, the cushion pad includes a first pad, a second pad laminated on the first pad, and a third pad laminated on the second pad.

[0003] In the second pad, slit-shaped ventilation grooves penetrating vertically are formed. The ventilation passage is formed by covering the upper and lower openings of the ventilation grooves with the first pad and the third pad, respectively.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] By the way, in the conventional structure, for example, it is conceivable to form a suspension groove for suspending the skin as a slit penetrating vertically in the third pad. However, in such a structure, when the suspension groove and the ventilation groove overlap when viewed from the seated person side, there is a risk that the air passing through the ventilation groove leaks out from the suspension groove.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to suppress the air passing through the ventilation groove from leaking out from the suspension groove in a structure where the suspension groove and the ventilation groove overlap when viewed from the seated person side.

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the seat according to the present invention includes a pad having a ventilation passage connected to a blower, and a skin covering the pad. The pad includes a pad body having a ventilation groove opening to the seated person side, and a cover pad that forms the ventilation passage by covering the opening of the ventilation groove on the seated person side, the cover pad having a suspension groove for suspending the skin. The aforementioned suspension groove is positioned so as viewed from the seated person's side, it overlaps with the aforementioned ventilation groove. The cover pad is configured such that the suspension groove does not communicate with the ventilation groove, by having a partition wall that separates the suspension groove from the ventilation groove.

[0007] With this configuration, the partition wall prevents the suspension groove and the ventilation groove from communicating, thus suppressing the leakage of air passing through the ventilation groove from the suspension groove to the outside.

[0008] Furthermore, the pad body may include a first pad body and a second pad body positioned on the seated side of the first pad body and having the ventilation groove.

[0009] Furthermore, the cover pad may have a portion that is thicker than the depth of the ventilation groove.

[0010] This configuration can improve the seating feel.

[0011] Furthermore, the cover pad may have a portion that is thicker than the thinnest portion of the pad body.

[0012] This configuration can improve the seating feel.

[0013] Furthermore, the cover pad may be further provided with an engaging portion that is positioned within the suspension groove and engages with the surface layer.

[0014] With this configuration, since the engaging portion is provided on the cover pad, it is not necessary to form through holes in the suspension groove for the surface material, compared to a structure in which the engaging portion is provided on the pad body, for example, and thus it is possible to suppress a decrease in the rigidity of the cover pad.

[0015] Furthermore, the engaging portion may be a part of the wire member or a part of the clip member, and the other part of the wire member or the other part of the clip member may be embedded in the bottom of the suspension groove.

[0016] Furthermore, the depth of the suspension groove may be less than or equal to half the thickness of the cover pad.

[0017] This configuration allows for a larger thickness at the bottom of the suspension groove, enabling the engagement portion to be firmly fixed to the bottom.

[0018] Furthermore, the pad body may further include an engaging portion that engages with the surface, and the cover pad may have a through hole through which the surface passes, and the through hole may be positioned so as to not overlap with the ventilation groove when viewed from the seated person's side.

[0019] This configuration allows the engaging part to be positioned far from the occupant, thereby improving the seating feel. Furthermore, since the through-hole does not overlap with the ventilation groove, it is possible to suppress air leaking out through the through-hole from the ventilation groove.

[0020] Furthermore, the engaging portion may be positioned so as not to overlap with the ventilation groove when viewed from the seated person's side.

[0021] The seat may further include a frame that supports the pad. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0022] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of a vehicle seat as a seat according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in Figure 5. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view showing a disassembled cushion pad. [Figure 4] This is a top-down view of the pad itself. [Figure 5] This is a top-down view showing the pad with the cover pad placed on top of the main pad. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view showing a partially cut section of the structure around the suspension groove. [Figure 7]Perspective view showing a partially broken cushion pad according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8] Cross-sectional view showing a cushion pad according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] Perspective view showing a partially broken cushion pad according to the third embodiment. [Figure 10] Cross-sectional view showing a cushion pad according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 11] Cross-sectional view showing a cushion pad according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 12] View of the door trim as seen from the passenger compartment side. [[ID=1"]] [Figure 13] Enlarged view of the armrest. [Figure 14] Enlarged view of the display and its surroundings. [Figure 15] (a) Cross-sectional view taken along line X-X in FIG. 14, and (b) view of the mounting member to which the display is fixed. [Figure 16] Cross-sectional view showing an example of the mounting structure of the sensor. [Figure 17] Cross-sectional view showing a third example of the mounting structure of the electronic device. [Figure 18] Cross-sectional view showing a fourth example of the mounting structure of the electronic device. [Figure 19] Cross-sectional view showing a fifth example of the mounting structure of the electronic device. [Figure 20] Cross-sectional view showing a sixth example of the mounting structure of the electronic device.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0023] Hereinafter, the first embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this specification, front and rear, left and right, and up and down are based on the front and rear, left and right, and up and down as seen by a person sitting on the seat (the seated person). As shown in FIG. 1, the seat of this embodiment is configured as a vehicle seat S mounted on an automobile, and includes a seat cushion S1, a seat back S2, and a headrest S3.

[0024] As shown in Figure 2, the seat cushion S1 comprises a cushion frame CF as a frame, a cushion pad 70 as a pad, and a cover 80. The cushion frame CF supports the cushion pad 70. The cover 80 covers the cushion pad 70.

[0025] The cushion pad 70 has a ventilation passage 71. The ventilation passage 71 includes a first ventilation passage 71A, a second ventilation passage 71B, and a plurality of third ventilation passages 71C (see also Figure 3). The first ventilation passage 71A extends downward from the second ventilation passage 71B (opposite side from the seated person) and is provided to connect the second ventilation passage 71B with the space below the cushion pad 70. The third ventilation passages 71C extend upward from the second ventilation passage 71B (towards the seated person) and are provided to connect the second ventilation passage 71B with the space above the cushion pad 70.

[0026] The vehicle seat S further includes a blower BL and a duct DT, and as shown by the arrows in Figure 2, the air blown from the blower BL passes through the duct DT and the ventilation passage 71 and is blown out from the upper surface of the cushion pad 70 toward the occupant. The surface 80 may be made of a breathable material, or it may have holes for air passage formed at positions corresponding to the third ventilation passage 71C.

[0027] The cushion frame CF is composed of left and right side frames (not shown) that are spaced apart from each other, and a pan frame PF that connects the left and right side frames. The pan frame PF is a plate-shaped frame formed by sheet metal processing of a metal plate, and is positioned at the front of the seat cushion S1.

[0028] Blower BL is, for example, a sirocco fan and is attached to the pan frame PF via bracket BR. Blower BL is also connected to the first air passage 71A of the cushion pad 70 via duct DT. Duct DT is a tubular member, one end of which is connected to blower BL and the other end of which is connected to the first air passage 71A.

[0029] As shown in Figure 3, the cushion pad 70 comprises a pad body 100 and a cover pad 200 placed on top of the upper surface (the side facing the seated person) of the pad body 100. The pad body 100 and the cover pad 200 can be made from, for example, urethane foam. The pad body 100 and the cover pad 200 may be made from the same material or from different materials.

[0030] The pad body 100 has a central portion 110 and left and right side portions 120L and 120R provided on both the left and right sides of the central portion 110, which protrude above the central portion 110. When the cover pad 200 is attached to the pad body 100, the left and right side portions 120L and 120R protrude above the cover pad 200 (see Figure 2).

[0031] The central section 110 has a first main body section 111 and a second main body section 112 located behind the first main body section 111.

[0032] The upper surface of the first main body portion 111 is lower than the upper surface of the second main body portion 112. As a result, the front portion of the upper surface of the pad body 100 in the left-right central direction has a shape that is recessed relative to the side portions 120L, 120R and the second main body portion 112, and a cover mounting recess 130 is formed with the front side open. The cover pad 200 is placed in the cover mounting recess 130. The first main body portion 111 is also provided with a ventilation groove G that forms the second ventilation passage 71B and a first ventilation hole H1 that forms the first ventilation passage 71A.

[0033] The ventilation groove G is a groove that opens towards the seated person and is formed on the upper surface of the first main body 111 so as to extend in the front, back, left, and right directions. The ventilation groove G has a first groove G1, a second groove G2, left and right third grooves G3, and left and right fourth grooves G4.

[0034] The first groove G1 is a groove that extends in the front-rear direction and is located in the left-right center of the upper surface of the first main body portion 111 (see Figure 4). The second groove G2 extends to the right from the rear end of the first groove G1. The first ventilation hole H1 is formed at the bottom of the second groove G2.

[0035] The left and right third grooves G3 each extend outward in the lateral direction from an intermediate position between the front and rear ends of the first groove G1, and then extend backward. The left and right fourth grooves G4 each extend outward in the lateral direction from the front end of the first groove G1, and then extend diagonally toward the front and outward in the lateral direction.

[0036] The cover pad 200 is a component that is placed on top of the upper surface of the first main body 111 and covers the opening of the ventilation groove G on the seated side, thereby forming a second ventilation passage 71B between it and the pad body 100. The lower surface of the cover pad 200 (the surface opposite to the seated side) is fixed to the upper surface of the first main body 111 with an adhesive or the like.

[0037] The cover pad 200 has a plurality of second ventilation holes H2 that penetrate vertically, a suspension groove GR for suspending the outer skin 80, and a wire member W. The second ventilation holes H2 are holes that form the third ventilation passage 71C and are located in positions that overlap with the third groove G3 or fourth groove G4 formed in the cover pad 200 when viewed from above (see Figure 5).

[0038] The suspension groove GR is formed on the upper surface of the cover pad 200 and extends substantially in a left-right direction from the left end to the right end of the cover pad 200. As shown in Figure 6, the suspension groove GR has recesses GR1 at each of its left and right ends to expose the engaging portion W1, which is part of the wire member W, to the outside.

[0039] The recess GR1 is formed in the bottom surface F1 of the suspension groove GR. The wire member W extends in the left-right direction, with the engaging portion W1 positioned within the recess GR1, and the remaining portion, excluding the engaging portion W1, embedded in the bottom surface GR2 of the suspension groove GR by insert molding. The outer skin 80 comprises an outer skin material 81 and a hook 82 that engages with the engaging portion W1.

[0040] As shown in Figure 5, the suspension groove GR is positioned so as viewed from the seated person's side, it overlaps with the first groove G1 of the ventilation groove G. More specifically, as viewed from the seated person's side, the suspension groove GR intersects with the first groove G1 and is positioned between the third groove G3 and the fourth groove G4 in the front-to-back direction.

[0041] The left and right engaging portions W1 are positioned so as not to overlap with the ventilation grooves G when viewed from the seated side. More specifically, the engaging portions W1 are positioned between the third groove G3 and the fourth groove G4 in the front-rear direction. The first groove G1 is positioned between the left and right engaging portions W1.

[0042] A second suspension groove GV for suspending the outer skin 80 is formed between the second main body portion 112 and the left and right side portions 120L, 120R of the pad body 100 and the rear end and left and right ends of the cover pad 200. As shown in Figure 2, a second wire member Wa, which engages with the outer skin 80 suspended in the second suspension groove GV, is embedded in the pad body 100 by insert molding so that it is partially exposed.

[0043] The cover pad 200 is configured such that the suspension groove GR does not communicate with the ventilation groove G, by having a partition wall 201 that separates the suspension groove GR and the ventilation groove G. Here, the partition wall 201 is part of the bottom GR2 of the suspension groove GR.

[0044] The cover pad 200 has a portion that is thicker than the depth of the ventilation groove G. In this embodiment, the thickness of any portion of the cover pad 200 (the dimension from the top surface to the bottom surface of the cover pad 200) is greater than the depth of the ventilation groove G. Also, the thickness of the partition wall 201 is greater than the depth of the ventilation groove G.

[0045] The cover pad 200 has a portion that is thicker than the thin-walled portion 101, which is the thinnest part of the pad body 100. In this embodiment, the thickness of any portion of the cover pad 200 is greater than the thin-walled portion 101. Also, the thickness of the partition wall 201 is greater than the thin-walled portion 101.

[0046] The suspension groove GR is positioned differently from the thin-walled portion 101 in the front-to-back direction. In other words, the suspension groove GR is positioned so as viewed from the seated person's side, it does not overlap with the thin-walled portion 101.

[0047] The depth of the suspension groove GR is less than half the thickness of the cover pad 200. More specifically, the depth of the suspension groove GR is less than half the dimension from the top surface (the surface including the upper end of the suspension groove GR) to the bottom surface of the portion of the cover pad 200 in which the suspension groove GR is formed. In other words, the depth of the suspension groove GR is less than or equal to the thickness of the partition wall 201.

[0048] Based on the above, the following effects can be obtained in this embodiment. Since the partition wall 201 prevents the suspension groove GR and the ventilation groove G from communicating, it is possible to suppress the leakage of air passing through the ventilation groove G from the suspension groove GR to the outside.

[0049] Since the cover pad 200 has a portion that is thicker than the depth of the ventilation groove G, the seating feel can be improved.

[0050] Since the cover pad 200 has a portion that is thicker than the thin portion 101 of the pad body 100, the seating feel can be improved.

[0051] Because the cover pad 200 is equipped with an engaging portion W1, compared to a structure in which the engaging portion is provided on the pad body, for example, it is not necessary to form a through hole in the suspension groove for the surface material to pass through, thus preventing a decrease in the rigidity of the cover pad 200.

[0052] By making the depth of the suspension groove GR less than half the thickness of the cover pad 200, the thickness of the bottom GR2 (partition wall 201) of the suspension groove GR can be increased, so that the engaging part W1 can be firmly fixed to the bottom GR2.

[0053] Since the suspension groove GR is positioned so as to not overlap with the thin-walled portion 101 when viewed from the seated side, it is possible to prevent the thickness of the thinnest part of the cushion pad 70 from becoming too small.

[0054] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and can be used in various forms as illustrated below. In the following description, components having substantially the same structure as those in the embodiments described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0055] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the pad body 300 according to the second embodiment is obtained by dividing the pad body 100 of the first embodiment into two parts by a plane that includes the bottom surface of the ventilation groove G. Specifically, the pad body 300 has a first pad body 310 and a second pad body 320 which is positioned on the seated side of the first pad body 310.

[0056] The second pad body 320 has a slit-shaped ventilation groove Ga that penetrates vertically. The ventilation groove Ga has a structure in which the bottom of the ventilation groove G of the first embodiment has been removed. In other words, the ventilation groove Ga has bottomless grooves Ga1 to Ga4 that are substantially the same shape as the grooves G1 to G4 of the first embodiment (only the first groove Ga1 is shown). The first pad body 310 covers the opening on the lower side of the ventilation groove Ga (opposite the side facing the seated person) to form a bottomed ventilation groove G as in the first embodiment. The first pad body 310 has a first ventilation hole H1 similar to that of the above embodiment.

[0057] In the second embodiment described above, the partition wall 201 prevents the suspension groove GR and the ventilation groove Ga from communicating, thus suppressing air passing through the ventilation groove Ga from leaking out of the suspension groove GR. In the second embodiment, the ventilation groove Ga formed in the second pad body 320 is slit-shaped, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the ventilation groove formed in the second pad body may be a bottomed ventilation groove as in the first embodiment. In this case, the second pad body may have at least a portion of the first ventilation hole H1.

[0058] As shown in Figure 9, the third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the engaging portion W1, which was provided on the cover pad 200 in the first embodiment, is provided on the pad body 400. Specifically, the pad body 400 has a wire member W extending to the left and right, and left and right recesses 410 for exposing a part of the wire member W to the outside as the engaging portion W1. The recesses 410 open upwards.

[0059] The left and right central portions of the wire member W are positioned within the first groove G1. The portions of the wire member W other than those positioned within the left and right recesses 410 and the first groove G1 are embedded in the pad body 400 by insert molding.

[0060] The cover pad 500 has two through holes H3 that penetrate vertically through the bottom GR2 of the suspension groove GR and communicate with the recess 410. The hooks 82 of the surface 80 can engage with the engaging portion W1 in the recess 410 by passing through the through holes H3. The two through holes H3 and the two recesses 410 are positioned so as viewed from the seated person's side they do not overlap with the ventilation groove G.

[0061] For details, the view from the seated side of the cover pad 500 attached to the pad body 400 is the same as in Figure 5. The through hole H3 and recess 410 are located in the same positions as the recess GR1 in the first embodiment and do not overlap with any of the grooves G1 to G4 that constitute the ventilation groove G.

[0062] As described above, according to the third embodiment, by providing the engaging portion W1 on the pad body 400, the engaging portion W1 is positioned far from the occupant, thereby improving the seating feeling. Furthermore, since the through hole H3 does not overlap with the ventilation groove G, it is possible to suppress the leakage of air passing through the ventilation groove G from the through hole H3 to the outside.

[0063] As shown in Figure 10, the fourth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that a backing material 600 is provided on the back surface (the surface facing the pad body 100) of the cover pad 200. The backing material 600 is made of, for example, a nonwoven fabric, a woven fabric, or a film material. The backing material 600 may be provided only on the portion of the back surface of the cover pad 200 that forms the ventilation passage 71, or it may be provided on the entire back surface. In other words, the backing material 600 only needs to be provided on the portion of the back surface of the cover pad 200 that forms the ventilation passage 71.

[0064] The backing material 600 may be molded integrally with the cover pad 200 when the cover pad 200 is formed, or it may be attached to the cover pad 200 with an adhesive or the like. By providing the backing material 600 in this way, it is possible to suppress the collapse of the ventilation passage 71 when an occupant sits on the vehicle seat S.

[0065] As shown in the fifth embodiment in Figure 11, the backing material 600 may be provided in the ventilation groove G formed in the pad body 100. The backing material 600 only needs to be provided on at least one of the bottom, front, rear, left, and right surfaces that constitute the ventilation groove G. Alternatively, the fourth and fifth embodiments may be combined to provide the backing material 600 on both the cover pad 200 and the pad body 100. When the backing material 600 is provided on both the cover pad 200 and the pad body 100, the collapse of the ventilation passage 71 can be further suppressed.

[0066] In the above embodiment, a part of the wire member W was used as the engaging portion W1, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and for example, a part of the clip member may be used as the engaging portion. When a part of the clip member is placed in the suspension groove as in the first embodiment, the other part of the clip member may be embedded in the bottom or side of the suspension groove. Also, when a part of the clip member is placed in a recess of the pad body as in the third embodiment, the other part of the clip member may be embedded in the bottom or side of the recess.

[0067] Furthermore, although a sirocco fan was exemplified as the blower BL in the above embodiment, the invention is not limited to this, and may also be a propeller fan or a turbo fan, for example. Also, although the vehicle seat S was configured to blow out air when the blower BL is operated in the above embodiment, the invention is not limited to this, and may be configured to suck in air when the blower is operated, for example. In addition, the blower may be capable of switching between blowing and sucking air by switching the rotation direction of the blades, for example.

[0068] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the pad was a cushion pad 70, that is, the pad material of the seat cushion S1, but it is not limited to this. For example, the pad may be the pad material of the seat back. In this case, the cover pad will be placed on top of the front surface (the side facing the occupant) of the pad body. Also, in this case, the frame will be the seat back frame that constitutes the seat back.

[0069] Furthermore, although the above embodiment exemplified a vehicle seat S installed in an automobile, the seat is not limited to this, and may also be a vehicle seat installed in vehicles other than automobiles, such as railway cars, ships, or aircraft. Also, the seat is not limited to a vehicle seat, and may be a seat used in a home, for example.

[0070] Furthermore, the elements described in the above-mentioned embodiments and modifications may be combined in any way.

[0071] The following describes interior materials for vehicles that incorporate electronic devices. Electronic devices such as sensors, displays, and switches are sometimes installed in interior vehicle materials such as door trims (Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-35816). When the door trim has a surface material such as synthetic leather, the electronic devices are often fixed by being fitted into the base material through openings provided in the surface material.

[0072] Incidentally, with the increasing sophistication of electronic devices in vehicles and the improvement of vehicle interior design, there is a need for new mounting methods that do not compromise mounting accuracy or design when attaching electronic devices to interior materials.

[0073] Therefore, there is a need to provide vehicle interior materials to which electronic devices are attached using a new mounting structure.

[0074] The interior vehicle material, which is installed inside a vehicle and solves the aforementioned problems, comprises a base material, a surface covering the base material, an electronic device, and a mounting member to which the electronic device is fixed. The mounting member is attached to the base material. The outer layer is fixed to the mounting member.

[0075] With this configuration, the surface is fixed to the mounting member to which the electronic device is attached, so the positional relationship between the electronic device and the surface is not compromised. Furthermore, the new mounting structure allows for the creation of new interior designs.

[0076] The mounting member is a skin mounting surface surrounding the electronic device, and may have a skin mounting surface facing the skin side. In this case, it is desirable that the skin be attached to the skin mounting surface.

[0077] By attaching the skin to the skin mounting surface surrounding the electronic device, the precision of the positional relationship between the electronic device and the skin is not compromised.

[0078] The base material has a recess into which the mounting member is inserted, and the peripheral surface of the base material facing the surface, located around the recess, may protrude more than the surface mounting surface. In this case, the portion of the surface that overlaps the surface mounting surface may be thicker than the portion that overlaps the peripheral surface.

[0079] With this configuration, even if the portion of the surface covering that overlaps with the surface covering mounting surface is thick, the thick portion will fit into the space created by the step difference between the surface covering mounting surface and the surrounding surface, thus improving the appearance.

[0080] The surface of the portion of the skin surrounding the electronic device should preferably protrude more than the surface of the electronic device itself.

[0081] This configuration makes it possible to prevent the surface of electronic devices from being scratched.

[0082] The skin may have openings that expose electronic devices.

[0083] The skin may cover electronic devices. In this case, the portion of the skin covering the electronic devices should preferably be thinner than other parts.

[0084] With this configuration, the thinness of the outer layer covering the electronic device makes it easier to access the electronic device covered by the outer layer. For example, if the electronic device is a display, the display becomes easier to see, and if the electronic device is a switch or sensor, it becomes easier to operate the electronic device.

[0085] The mounting member may have stitch holes through which threads for suturing the skin to the mounting member pass. In this case, the stitch holes are positioned so as not to overlap with the electronic device, and the skin is fixed to the mounting member by sutures, and may have a first stitch consisting of suture threads.

[0086] With this configuration, the outer layer can be securely attached to the mounting member by stitching. In addition, the first stitch enhances the decorative aspect and makes it easier to recognize the position of the electronic device. Furthermore, since the thread forming the first stitch passes through the stitch holes, the positional relationship between the first stitch and the electronic device becomes precise.

[0087] The aforementioned vehicle interior material may further include a lighting device located on the opposite side of the surface of the upholstery, which emits light so that it is visible from the surface side of the upholstery through the stitch holes.

[0088] With this configuration, light can be seen from the surface side of the epidermis through the stitch holes, which enhances the decorative aspect and makes it easier to recognize the location of electronic devices.

[0089] The base material may have through holes in positions that overlap with the stitch holes. In this case, the lighting device may be positioned on the side of the base material opposite to the surface and overlapping with the through holes.

[0090] With this configuration, the light emitted by the lighting device can be made visible from the surface side of the epidermis through the through-holes and stitch holes.

[0091] The first stitch may be positioned to surround the electronic device. The outer layer may further include a second stitch positioned separately from the first stitch.

[0092] The lighting device is provided at a position corresponding to the first stitch, but does not necessarily have to be provided at a position corresponding to the second stitch.

[0093] The base material has through holes in positions that overlap with the stitch holes, and the outer layer may be sewn to the mounting member and the base material by threads passing through the stitch holes and the through holes.

[0094] With this configuration, the outer layer is sewn to the mounting member and the base material, preventing the outer layer from shifting relative to the base material.

[0095] Next, embodiments of vehicle interior materials will be described in detail, with reference to drawings as appropriate. As shown in Figure 12, the interior material for a vehicle in this embodiment is, as an example, a door trim 1 that is attached to the inside of the door panel of a vehicle. The door trim 1 has a door trim body 1A and an armrest 2 that protrudes from the door trim body 1A toward the passenger compartment. The armrest 2 may be formed integrally with the base material that constitutes the door trim body 1A, or it may be constructed as a separate part from the door trim body 1A and attached to the door trim body 1A.

[0096] The armrest 2 has a main body 3 that extends forward and backward so that an arm can be placed on it, and an operation panel 4 that extends diagonally upward from the front end of the main body 3.

[0097] As shown in Figure 13, the operation panel 4 has a display D1 as an example of an electronic device D at its lower part. The display D1 is, for example, a touch panel display. In this embodiment, only the display D1 is shown as an electronic device D for the operation panel 4, but other electronic devices D such as other displays, switches, buttons, dials, etc. may be provided on the upper surface in front of the display D1. As shown in an enlarged view in Figure 14, the upper surface of the operation panel 4 is covered with a skin 20 in the part other than the display D1. The skin 20 has a first stitch S11 made of suture thread arranged to surround the display D1. The skin 20 is made of leather, synthetic leather, fabric, or resin sheet, etc.

[0098] Returning to Figure 13, the main body 3 has an upper surface 3A, a side surface 3B, a front lower surface 3C, and a rear lower surface 3D. The side surface 3B extends downward from the passenger compartment side (inner left and right sides of the vehicle) end of the upper surface 3A. The side surface 3B has an inverted triangular shape with its vertex on the lower side. The front lower surface 3C is located below the front half of the side surface 3B. The front lower surface 3C is connected to the side surface 3B via a ridge line L1. The front lower surface 3C has an inverted triangular shape with the ridge line L1 as its base and its vertex on the lower side of the ridge line L1. The rear lower surface 3D is connected to the side surface 3B and the front lower surface 3C via a ridge line L2. The rear lower surface 3D curves gently outwards to the left and right of the vehicle and connects to the door trim body 1A.

[0099] The main body 3 has a skin 30 on its surface. Beneath the skin 30 are sensors D2 and D3, which are examples of electronic devices D. Sensors D2 and D3 are not particularly limited, but are, for example, pressure sensors. The pressure sensors are connected to a control unit (not shown), and a signal is sent to the control unit when an occupant touches and operates the skin 30 from above. The skin 30 has a first part C1 that covers the top surface 3A and the side surface 3B, a second part C2 that covers the front bottom surface 3C, and a third part C3 that covers the rear bottom surface 3D. The skin 30 is made of leather, synthetic leather, fabric, or a resin sheet, etc.

[0100] Sensor D2 is located beneath the skin 30 of the first part C1 covering the side surface 3B. Sensor D3 is located beneath the skin 30 of the second part C2 covering the front lower surface 3C. The skin 30 has a first stitch S12 made of suture thread around sensor D2, which surrounds sensor D2. The skin 30 also has a first stitch S13 made of suture thread around sensor D3, which surrounds sensor D3. The first stitches S12 and S13 serve to inform the occupants of the positions of sensors D2 and D3 hidden beneath the skin 30.

[0101] The epidermis 30 is formed by joining a first part C1 and a second part C2 by sutures. The transition line between the first part C1 and the second part C2 is located on the ridge line L1. In addition, the epidermis 30 is formed by joining the first part C1 and the second part C2 with the third part C3 by sutures. The transition line between the first part C1 and the second part C2 with the third part C3 is located on the ridge line L2.

[0102] The first part C1 of the skin 30 has a second stitch S21 along the rear of the ridges L1 and L2. The second part C2 of the skin 30 has a V-shaped second stitch S22 along the front of the ridges L1 and L2. The third part C3 of the skin 30 has a second stitch S23 along the ridge L2. The second stitches S21, S22, and S23 are stitches positioned separately from the first stitches S11, S12, and S13 that surround the electronic device D. The first stitches S11, S12, and S13 may have a different color from the second stitches S21, S22, and S23. This makes it easier for the occupants to recognize the electronic device D.

[0103] Next, the mounting structure of electronic device D will be described in detail. First, with reference to Figure 15, the mounting structure of the display D1 as an electronic device D will be described. As shown in Figure 15(a), the door trim 1 comprises a base material 10, a mounting member 40, and a lighting device 50.

[0104] The base material 10 is a structure that determines the shape of the door trim 1 and is made of, for example, plastic. The base material 10 has a recess 11 in the part where the electronic device D is attached. The mounting member 40 fits into the recess 11. Due to the presence of the recess 11, the base material 10 has a thin-walled portion 12 corresponding to the recess 11 and a thick-walled portion 13 located around the recess 11. The base material 10 has a through hole 18 and a wire passage hole 19 for passing the harness 92 through in the thin-walled portion 12. The depth of the recess 11 is greater than the thickness of the mounting member 40.

[0105] The aforementioned surface layer 20 covers the base material 10.

[0106] The mounting member 40 has a plate shape. The mounting member 40 may be an electronic circuit board or a plate without an electrical configuration. The display D1 is attached to the mounting member 40. The display D1 may be fixed to the mounting member 40 by adhesive. Alternatively, if the mounting member 40 is a circuit board, the display D1 may be fixed to the mounting member 40 by soldering the electrical terminals of the display D1 to the circuit board. The harness 92 passes through the wiring hole 19 and is electrically connected to the display D1 via an appropriate part of the mounting member 40. If the mounting member 40 is a circuit board, the harness 92 may be connected to the terminals of the circuit board and electrically connected to the display D1 via wiring on the circuit board. If the mounting member 40 is not a circuit board, the mounting member 40 may have a hole for passing the harness 92 through.

[0107] As shown in Figure 15(b), the mounting member 40 is slightly larger than the display D1. The mounting member 40 has a surface mounting surface 43 on the side facing the vehicle interior that surrounds the display D1. The mounting member 40 has multiple stitch holes 48 arranged along the contour of the display D1 on the surface mounting surface 43. The stitch holes 48 are holes through which threads pass for sewing the surface 20 to the mounting member 40. The stitch holes 48 are positioned so as not to overlap with the display D1.

[0108] As shown in Figure 15(a), the base material 10 has through holes 18 positioned to overlap with the stitch holes 48. Multiple through holes 18 are provided so as to overlap with each stitch hole 48 (see Figure 15(b)). Furthermore, the skin 20 has an opening 25 that exposes the electronic device D. In the portion of the skin 20 that forms the opening 25, the edge is folded back to the back side (the base material 10 side), making the area around the opening 25 thicker than other parts. The skin 20 has a second stitch hole 28 formed in this folded portion 21 and in the portion that overlaps with the folded portion 21. The second stitch hole 28 is positioned in a location corresponding to the stitch hole 48. The second stitch hole 28 is a hole made before suturing to facilitate suturing.

[0109] The mounting member 40 and the display D1 are positioned in the recess 11 of the base material 10. Of the surface of the base material 10 on the surface of the skin 20, the peripheral surface 15 located around the recess 11 protrudes more than the skin mounting surface 43. The folded portion 21 overlaps the skin mounting surface 43. As a result, the portion of the skin 20 that overlaps the skin mounting surface 43 is thicker than the portion that overlaps the peripheral surface 15. However, by fitting this thicker portion into the space created by the step difference between the skin mounting surface 43 and the peripheral surface 15, distortion of the shape of the skin 20 caused by the folded portion 21 can be suppressed.

[0110] The surface 27 of the outer layer 20 surrounding the display D1 protrudes more than the surface 95 of the display D1. This makes it less likely for objects to hit the display D1, thus preventing damage to the surface 95 of the display D1.

[0111] The outer layer 20 is sutured to the mounting member 40 and the base material 10 by thread 91 passing through the second stitch hole 28, stitch hole 48, and through hole 18. This attaches the outer layer 20 to the outer layer mounting surface 43. The mounting member 40 is also attached to the base material 10 by sutures.

[0112] The lighting device 50 is located on the side of the substrate 10 opposite to the surface 27 of the skin 20. Specifically, the lighting device 50 is positioned on the side of the substrate 10 opposite to the skin 20, and overlaps with the through-hole 18. In other words, the lighting device 50 is provided at positions corresponding to the first stitch S11, stitch hole 48, second stitch hole 28, and through-hole 18. The lighting device 50 may have multiple light-emitting elements corresponding to each stitch hole 48, or it may have a long, ring-shaped light-emitting element that covers each stitch hole 48. As a result, when the lighting device 50 emits light, light becomes visible from the surface side of the skin through the through-hole 18, stitch hole 48, and second stitch hole 28. Here, it is assumed that the skin 20 has a second stitch hole 28, and that light becomes visible from the surface 27 side of the skin 20 when light passes through the second stitch hole 28, but the second stitch hole 28 is not required. The thread 91 may be made to allow light to pass through the microscopic pores created when the thread 91 is passed through the epidermis 20 with a needle, or the thread 91 may be made of transparent or translucent plastic or the like so that light can pass through the inside of the thread 91.

[0113] Although not shown in the diagram, the lighting device 50 is not provided in the positions corresponding to the second stitches S21, S22, and S23. As a result, the areas of the second stitches S21, S22, and S23 are not illuminated.

[0114] Next, the mounting structure of sensor D2 as electronic device D will be described with reference to Figure 16. Note that parts similar to those in the mounting structure of display D1 are denoted by the same reference numerals in the drawing, and their explanations are omitted as appropriate. The base material 10 to which the sensor D2 is attached has a recess 11B into which the mounting member 40 is inserted. Due to the presence of the recess 11B, the base material 10 has a thin-walled portion 12 corresponding to the recess 11B and a thick-walled portion 13B located around the recess 11B. The depth of the recess 11B is approximately equal to the thickness of the mounting member 40. Therefore, among the surfaces of the base material 10 facing the surface 30, the peripheral surface 15B located around the recess 11B is flush with the surface mounting surface 43.

[0115] The outer skin 30 covers the sensor D2. The portion of the outer skin 30 covering the sensor D2 is thinner than the other portions. Specifically, the outer skin 30 has a recess 31 in the portion corresponding to the sensor D2. The outer skin 30 has a thin portion 32 corresponding to the recess 31 and a thick portion 33 located around the recess 31. The depth of the recess 31 is equal to the thickness of the sensor D2. As a result, the sensor D2 fits perfectly into the depth of the recess 31, and the surface 37 of the outer skin 30 is less prone to distortion, resulting in a clean appearance. The outer skin 30 has a second stitch hole 38 located in a position overlapping the stitch hole 48. The outer skin 30 is sewn to the mounting member 40 and the base material 10 by thread 91 passing through the second stitch hole 38, the stitch hole 48, and the through hole 18. In this way, the outer skin 30 is attached to the outer skin mounting surface 43. The mounting member 40 is attached to the base material 10 by stitching.

[0116] The door trim 1 of this embodiment, as described above, provides the following effects. Since the outer layers 20 and 30 are fixed to the mounting member 40 to which the electronic device D is attached, the positional relationship between the electronic device D and the outer layers 20 and 30 is not compromised. By adopting such a new mounting structure, it is possible to accommodate new interior designs.

[0117] Furthermore, by attaching the skins 20 and 30 to the skin mounting surface 43 surrounding the electronic device D, the precision of the positional relationship between the electronic device D and the skins 20 and 30 is not compromised.

[0118] Furthermore, if a folded portion 21 is provided around the opening 25 of the skin 20 to improve the appearance, that portion will become thicker than the surrounding area. However, in this embodiment, since the folded portion 21 overlaps the skin mounting surface 43, the thicker portion fits into the space created by the step difference between the skin mounting surface 43 and the surrounding surface 15, so that the skin 20 is less likely to distort and the appearance can be improved.

[0119] Furthermore, since the surface 27 of the outer layer 20 surrounding the display D1 protrudes more than the surface 95 of the display D1, it is possible to prevent the surface 95 of the display D1 from being scratched.

[0120] Furthermore, the thinness of the portion of the skin 30 that covers the sensor D2 makes it easier to access the sensor D2 covered by the skin 30. In other words, the responsiveness of the sensor D2 can be improved.

[0121] Furthermore, since the mounting member 40 has stitch holes 48 and the outer skins 20 and 30 are fixed to the mounting member 40 by threads 91 passing through the stitch holes 48, the outer skins 20 and 30 can be securely attached to the mounting member 40 by stitching. In addition, the first stitches S11, S12, and S13 enhance the decorative aspect and make it easier to recognize the position of the electronic device D. Moreover, since the threads 91 forming the first stitches S11, S12, and S13 pass through the stitch holes 48, the positional relationship between the first stitches S11, S12, and S13 and the position of the electronic device D becomes accurate.

[0122] Furthermore, when the lighting device 50 illuminates, light can be seen from the surface 27, 37 side of the epidermis 20, 30 through the stitch holes 48, which enhances the decorative effect and makes it easier to recognize the position of the electronic device D.

[0123] Furthermore, since the base material 10 has through holes 18 in positions that overlap with the stitch holes 48, the light emitted by the lighting device 50 can be seen from the surface 27, 37 side of the epidermis 20, 30 through the through holes 18 and the stitch holes 48.

[0124] Furthermore, since the epidermis 20 and 30 are sutured to the mounting member 40 by thread 91 passing through the stitch holes 48 and through holes 18, the epidermis 20 and 30 are sutured to the mounting member 40 and the base material 10, so that the epidermis 20 and 30 do not shift relative to the base material 10.

[0125] Although one embodiment of the interior material for a vehicle has been described above, the mounting structure for the electronic device D to the door trim 1 is not limited to the two examples described above, and the following configurations can also be adopted.

[0126] As shown in Figure 17, the third example of the mounting structure for the electronic device D differs from the sensor D2 mounting structure shown in Figure 16 in that the surface 30 has a two-layer structure consisting of a surface body 30A and a slab 30B. The surface body 30A is made of leather or synthetic leather of a certain thickness. The slab 30B is made of a cushioning sheet made of sponge or the like. The slab 30B is attached to the back surface of the surface body 30A. The slab 30B is not provided in the area where the sensor D2 is placed, and as a result, the surface 30 has a recess 31B in which the sensor D2 fits. The thickness of the slab 30B is the same as the thickness of the sensor D2. Even with this configuration, the sensor D2 fits neatly into the recess 31B of the surface 30, and the appearance of the door trim 1 can be improved.

[0127] As shown in Figure 18, in the fourth example of the mounting structure for the electronic device D, the outer skin 20 is pre-fixed to the mounting member 40 by stitching, and the outer skin 20 is not stitched to the base material 10. The base material 10 has a recess 11 into which the mounting member 40 and the electronic device D are inserted. The mounting member 40 is attached to the bottom surface of the recess 11 of the base material 10 with an adhesive or the like. Alternatively, if the recess 11 has a shape that fits with the mounting member 40, the mounting member 40 may be simply fitted into the recess 11. With this configuration, the electronic device D becomes part of the outer skin 20, so the mounting of the electronic device D is completed simultaneously by the process of covering the base material 10 with the outer skin 20, thus simplifying the assembly process. Alternatively, instead of assembling the outer skin 20 to the base material 10, the outer skin 20 may be inserted into a mold, and the material of the base material 10 may be injection molded onto the back side of the outer skin 20 to integrally mold the base material 10 with the outer skin 20.

[0128] As shown in Figure 19, in a fifth example of the mounting structure for the electronic device D, the heater 60 is provided beneath the skin 30. In the mounting structure of Figure 19, the heater 60 is provided between the skin 30 and the base material 10, compared to the example in Figure 17. The heater 60 is attached to the thickened portion 13B of the base material 10 with adhesive 67. The heater 60 is positioned opposite the slab 30B. The heater harness 92A for supplying power to the heater 60 extends from one side to the other of the base material 10 through a common wiring hole 19 shared with the harness 92 of the electronic device D. Furthermore, the mounting member 40B is thicker than the mounting member 40 in the above embodiment and has a wire passage hole 49. The harness 92 is connected to the electronic device D through the wire passage hole 49. In addition, it is preferable that the base material 10 or the mounting member 40 has a groove 47 for passing the heater harness 92A through. With this configuration, the heater 60, the mounting member 40 and the electronic device D do not overlap in the thickness direction of the base material 10, so the heater 60 can be arranged compactly. This makes it possible to provide the heater 60 while suppressing the thickness of the base material 10.

[0129] As shown in Figure 20, in the sixth example of the mounting structure for the electronic device D, a thin sheet-like heater 60B is provided beneath the outer layer 30, unlike the example in Figure 17. The heater 60B has a structure in which heating wires are laid on a sheet-like material such as nonwoven fabric. The outer layer 30 and the heater 60B are sewn together with thread 91B. Thread 91B becomes part of the first stitch S12 surrounding the sensor D2. The mounting member 40D is placed on top of the heater 60B, and the outer layer 30, heater 60B, and mounting member 40 are sewn together with thread 91 using stitch holes 48. The heater harness 92A for supplying power to the heater 60B extends from one side of the base material 10 and mounting member 40D to the other side through common wiring holes 19, 49 shared with the harness 92 of the electronic device D. With this configuration, the heater 60B and the outer skin 30 are sewn together, and the mounting member 40D and the outer skin 30 are fixed together, so the positional relationship between the heater 60B and the sensor D2 does not shift.

[0130] In addition to the forms described above, vehicle interior materials can be modified as appropriate. For example, in the above embodiment, a door trim was given as an example of a vehicle interior material, but the vehicle interior material may also be a dashboard, ceiling lining, interior material on the inside of a pillar, etc.

[0131] The electronic device D positioned at the location of sensor D2 may be a display. Because the skin 30 covering the electronic device D is thin, the display can be viewed even if the skin 30 covers the display. Furthermore, if the portion of the skin 30 covering the electronic device D is transparent, translucent, or mesh-like, the display can be made more visible. Also, when the skin covers the electronic device, the portion of the skin covering the electronic device may be the same thickness as the surrounding area.

[0132] In the above embodiment, the lighting device 50 was provided on the side of the base material 10 opposite to the surface layer 20, 30, but the lighting device may be provided between the base material and the surface layer. For example, the lighting device may be positioned between the base material and the mounting member, or between the surface layer and the mounting member. Furthermore, the lighting device only needs to be positioned so that light is visible from the first stitch area, and may be positioned so as not to overlap with the stitch holes. For example, if the suture thread is translucent, the light may be directed onto the side of the thread between the surface layer and the base material. Alternatively, a light guide member or a space that allows light to pass through may be provided adjacent to the suture thread, so that light is visible from the first stitch area through the light guide member or space.

[0133] Furthermore, the elements described in each embodiment and each modification described herein can be combined as appropriate.

Claims

1. A sheet comprising a pad having a ventilation passage connected to a blower, and a surface covering the pad, The aforementioned pad is A pad body having a ventilation groove that opens towards the seated person, A cover pad that forms the ventilation passage by covering the opening on the seated side of the ventilation groove, comprising a cover pad having a suspension groove for suspending the surface material, The aforementioned suspension groove is positioned so as viewed from the seated person's side, it overlaps with the aforementioned ventilation groove. The sheet is characterized in that the cover pad has a partition wall separating the suspension groove and the ventilation groove, so that the suspension groove does not communicate with the ventilation groove.

2. The aforementioned pad body is The first pad body and The seat according to claim 1, further comprising a second pad body having the ventilation grooves and positioned on the seated side of the first pad body.

3. The sheet according to claim 1, characterized in that the cover pad has a portion that is thicker than the depth of the ventilation groove.

4. The sheet according to claim 1, characterized in that the cover pad has a portion that is thicker than the portion of the pad body with the smallest thickness.

5. The aforementioned cover pad is The suspension groove is further provided with an engaging portion that engages with the surface, The seat according to claim 1, characterized in that the engaging portion is located on the side of the seated person relative to the ventilation groove.

6. The engaging portion is part of the wire member or part of the clip member. The sheet according to claim 5, characterized in that the other part of the wire member or the other part of the clip member is embedded in the bottom of the suspension groove.

7. The sheet according to claim 5, characterized in that the depth of the suspension groove is less than or equal to half the thickness of the cover pad.

8. The pad body further comprises an engaging portion that engages with the surface, The cover pad has through holes through which the surface material passes, The seat according to claim 1, characterized in that the through-hole is positioned so as viewed from the seated person's side, it does not overlap with the ventilation groove.

9. The seat according to claim 5, characterized in that the engaging portion is positioned so as viewed from the seated person's side that it does not overlap with the ventilation groove.

10. The sheet according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising a frame that supports the aforementioned pad.

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