Vehicle seats

Abstract

DEPCT63 What was provided was a vehicle seat with a seat suspension system and a seat backrest. The vehicle will consist of: a pair of side frames, a suspension assembly (11); a tube (D) protruding from The seat suspension assembly follows the rear direction of the suspension frame (F1) towards the rear of the seat and connects. Air passages and blowers, where the air passage is formed in at least one piece. Seat and seat rear suspension assembly; and side frame cover pieces (90) that have been built in A frame to cover at least part of the side frame of the suspension assembly (11) pieces. The side frame (90) will include a pipe cover piece (92) which is built into the frame to enclose the cover. Part of the pipe (D) at the rear of the suspension frame (F1). -----------------------------------------------------------

Description

Vehicle seats

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle seat.

[0002] Conventionally, a vehicle seat has been known that includes a seat cushion and a seat back in which an air outlet and an air passage are formed, a blower attached to the bottom surface of the seat cushion, and a duct that connects the blower to the air passage of the seat back, and the blower is configured to send conditioned air to the air outlet through the air passage and the duct (Patent Document 1).

[0003] Also, a vehicle seat is known that includes a blower provided under the seat cushion, a first duct connecting the blower to an air passage in the seat cushion, and a second duct connecting the blower to an air passage in the seat back (Patent Document 2). In this technology, the duct is connected to the seat cushion or the seat back by inserting a tip portion thereof into a through-hole formed in a urethane pad of the seat cushion or the seat back.

[0004] Also, a vehicle seat is known in which an inlet passage is provided in the urethane pad of the seat cushion or seat back that introduces air blown by an air blowing unit into the interior of the seat, and an air distribution passage is provided that distributes the air supplied from this inlet passage to the seat surface, and the conditioned air supplied from the inlet passage to the air distribution passage is blown out from the seat surface (Patent Document 3).

[0005] JP 2009-023477 A JP 2016-164028 A JP 2000-152849 A

[0006] However, in the technology of Patent Document 1, the duct is arranged in an exposed state behind the seat cushion, so there is a risk that the feet of passengers in the rear seats may hit the duct.

[0007] Furthermore, in the technology of Patent Document 1, there is a risk that the feet of rear seat passengers may hit the duct that connects the air blower device to the air passage of the seat back, so a configuration that can prevent the feet of rear seat passengers from hitting the duct is desired. Also, even in a configuration that includes a duct, it is desirable to be able to make the seat more compact.

[0008] Furthermore, in a technology such as that of Patent Document 2, if a plate-shaped pressure-receiving member that receives the load from the occupant is placed under the urethane pad of the seat cushion or behind the urethane pad of the seat back, the back surface of the pad member such as the urethane pad will be covered by the pressure-receiving member, but even in such a configuration, it is required that the air passage of the pad member can be easily connected to the duct.

[0009] In addition, the technology of Patent Document 3 provides multiple air distribution passages that extend radially from an intake passage so that conditioned air can be blown out over a wide area of ​​the seat surface. However, with this configuration, the air flow in each air distribution passage becomes weak, making it difficult to properly flow the air within the pad, and the force of the air blown out from the seat surface may become weak.

[0010] Furthermore, the air passages provided in the seat pad for allowing air to flow are required to be configured to allow good air flow.

[0011] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle seat that can prevent rear seat passengers' legs from hitting a duct. Another object of the present invention is to reduce the number of parts in a vehicle seat. Another object of the present invention is to prevent deformation of a duct. Another object of the present invention is to improve the rigidity of a duct. Another object of the present invention is to ensure a flow rate of air flowing through the duct. Another object of the present invention is to make a vehicle seat more compact. Another object of the present invention is to prevent movement of the duct. Another object of the present invention is to prevent interference between the duct and other components. Another object of the present invention is to reduce the effects of contact between the duct and other components. Another object of the present invention is to easily connect an air passage and a duct. Another object of the present invention is to ensure good air flow within the duct. Another object of the present invention is to protect the connection between the duct and a pad member. Another object of the present invention is to allow air to pass over a wide area of ​​the seat surface while ensuring good air flow within the pad. Another object of the present invention is to efficiently arrange ventilation holes that communicate with the ventilation passages. Another object of the present invention is to improve seating comfort. Another object of the present invention is to suppress excessive deformation of a pad having an air passage. Another object of the present invention is to easily form a pad having an air passage and ventilation holes. Another object of the present invention is to efficiently flow air. Another object of the present invention is to increase the feeling of coolness. Another object of the present invention is to easily form a pad having an air passage.

[0012] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention provides a vehicle seat having a seat cushion and a seat back, comprising a pair of side frames, a duct that passes behind the frame of the seat cushion and extends from the seat cushion toward the seat back, connecting an air passage formed in at least one of the seat cushion and the seat back to a blower, and a side frame cover that covers at least a portion of the side frames, wherein the side frame cover has a duct cover portion behind the frame of the seat cushion that covers a portion of the duct.

[0013] With this configuration, the duct at the rear of the seat cushion can be protected by the duct cover, preventing rear seat passengers' feet from hitting the duct. Also, since there is no need to provide separate covers for the side frames and the duct, the number of parts in the vehicle seat can be reduced.

[0014] In the vehicle seat described above, the duct may have a flexible portion behind a frame of the seat cushion, and the duct cover portion may be configured to cover at least a portion of the flexible portion.

[0015] This can prevent the feet of rear seat passengers from hitting the flexible portion of the duct.

[0016] The vehicle seat may include a reclining mechanism that rotatably supports the seat back relative to the seat cushion, and the side frame cover may include a reclining mechanism cover portion that covers the reclining mechanism.

[0017] This allows the side frame cover to have the function of protecting not only the duct but also the reclining mechanism, making it possible to further reduce the number of parts in the vehicle seat.

[0018] In the vehicle seat described above, the duct may be arranged behind a frame of the seat cushion and have a narrow portion whose dimension in the left-right direction is smaller than the dimension in a direction perpendicular to the left-right direction.

[0019] According to this, since the narrow portion has a small dimension in the left-right direction, it is possible to prevent the feet of a rear seat passenger from hitting the narrow portion of the duct. Also, since the narrow portion has a shape that is strong against loads from a direction perpendicular to the left-right direction, it is possible to prevent deformation of the duct even if the feet of a rear seat passenger hit the narrow portion.

[0020] In the vehicle seat described above, the duct is arranged below the seat cushion, extends forward and backward, and has a wide portion whose left-right dimension is larger than its up-down dimension, and a connecting portion connecting the narrow portion and the wide portion, and the connecting portion can be configured so that the left-right dimension increases and the up-down dimension decreases as it moves from the narrow portion to the wide portion.

[0021] This allows the cross-sectional shape of the duct to gradually change from the narrow portion to the wide portion, thereby improving the rigidity of the duct compared to a case in which the cross-sectional shape does not change. Furthermore, the cross-sectional area of ​​the duct can be prevented from becoming smaller at the connection portion, ensuring the flow rate of air flowing through the duct. Furthermore, the wide portion located below the seat cushion has a small vertical dimension, allowing it to be made thinner in the vertical direction, thereby enabling the vehicle seat to be made more compact in the vertical direction.

[0022] In the vehicle seat described above, the duct cover portion may have a protrusion that protrudes toward the duct and engages with the duct.

[0023] According to this, the position of the duct can be regulated by the engagement between the duct and the protrusion of the duct cover portion, so that the movement of the duct can be suppressed.

[0024] In the vehicle seat described above, the pair of side frames may include a pair of cushion side frames constituting left and right frames of the seat cushion, the frame of the seat cushion may have the pair of cushion side frames and a rear frame connecting rear portions of the pair of cushion side frames, the duct may have a bellows portion as the flexible portion behind the rear frame, and the bellows portion may be configured to be located above a lower end of the rear frame.

[0025] This can prevent the feet of rear seat passengers from hitting the bellows portion of the duct, compared to when the bellows portion is positioned below the lower end of the rear frame.

[0026] In the vehicle seat described above, the pair of side frames include a pair of cushion side frames that constitute the left and right frames of the seat cushion, the frame of the seat cushion has the pair of cushion side frames, a front frame that connects the front portions of the pair of cushion side frames, and a rear frame that connects the rear portions of the pair of cushion side frames, the vehicle seat further includes a wire member that is stretched across the front frame and the rear frame, the wire member having a hook portion that is hooked onto the rear frame, and the portion of the duct that passes through the rear side of the rear frame is positioned at a different position in the left-right direction relative to the hook portion.

[0027] This can prevent interference between the duct and the wire member.

[0028] The vehicle seat may be configured to include a sensor arranged on the underside of one of the pair of side frames, and the duct may be arranged in a position closer to one of the pair of side frames in the left-right direction than the other.

[0029] This makes it possible to suppress interference between the duct and the sensor and the electric wires extending from the sensor.

[0030] In the vehicle seat described above, the duct can be configured to have a retraction portion located behind the frame of the seat cushion, on the inner side of the pair of side frames in the left-right direction, and closer to one of the side frames than the center of the pair of side frames in the left-right direction.

[0031] With this, the retracted portion of the duct is positioned closer to one of the side frames at the rear of the seat cushion, which prevents the feet of the rear seat passenger from hitting the duct. Also, since the retracted portion is positioned on the inner side of the pair of side frames in the left-right direction, the vehicle seat can be made more compact in the left-right direction than if it were positioned on the outer side in the left-right direction.

[0032] In the vehicle seat described above, the retraction portion may extend downward so as to be positioned forward.

[0033] This allows the retracted portion of the duct to be positioned at the rear of the seat cushion away from the feet of rear seat passengers, thereby further preventing the feet of rear seat passengers from hitting the duct.

[0034] In the vehicle seat described above, the pair of side frames include a pair of cushion side frames that constitute the left and right frames of the seat cushion, and the vehicle seat further includes a support member that is disposed between the pair of cushion side frames and receives a load from an occupant, and the duct can be configured to be disposed below the support member and have a lower inclined portion that extends so as to be positioned lower as it moves toward the rear.

[0035] This makes it possible to suppress interference between the duct and the support member.

[0036] In the vehicle seat described above, the duct may be arranged below the seat cushion, extend in the front-rear direction, and have a wide portion whose left-right dimension is greater than its up-down dimension.

[0037] According to this, the wide portion disposed below the seat cushion has a small vertical dimension, so that the width can be reduced vertically, thereby making the vehicle seat more compact in the vertical direction.

[0038] In the vehicle seat described above, the pair of side frames include a pair of cushion side frames that constitute the left and right frames of the seat cushion, and the vehicle seat further includes a support member that is arranged between the pair of cushion side frames and receives the load from the occupant, and the wide portion can be configured to be arranged below the support member at a position closer to one of the side frames than the center of the pair of side frames in the left-right direction.

[0039] With this, when the support member receives a load from the occupant, the central part of the seat cushion bends more than the left and right ends, but by positioning the wide part closer to one of the side frames, interference between the duct and the support member can be suppressed.

[0040] In the vehicle seat described above, the retraction section has a narrow section whose left-right dimension is smaller than the dimension in a direction perpendicular to the left-right direction, and the duct has a connection section connecting the narrow section and the wide section, and the connection section can be configured so that the left-right dimension increases and the up-down dimension decreases as it moves from the narrow section to the wide section.

[0041] This allows the cross-sectional shape of the duct to gradually change from the narrow portion to the wide portion, thereby improving the rigidity of the duct compared to when the cross-sectional shape does not change. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent the cross-sectional area of ​​the duct from becoming smaller at the connection portion, thereby ensuring the flow rate of air flowing through the duct. Furthermore, because the narrow portion is shaped to be resistant to loads from directions perpendicular to the left-right direction, it is possible to prevent the duct from deforming even when the feet of a rear seat passenger hit the narrow portion.

[0042] The vehicle seat described above can be configured so that it is disposed between the pair of side frames and includes a support member that receives the load from the occupant, the duct has a portion that is disposed on the opposite side of the support member from the occupant side, the support member has a plurality of arranged wire members and a resin member that connects the wire members, and the resin member is disposed so as to overlap the duct when viewed from the occupant side.

[0043] With this, even if the support member bends and interferes with the duct, the resin member will come into contact with the duct first, thereby reducing the effects of contact between the duct and the support member, such as the generation of noise and impact upon contact.

[0044] In the vehicle seat described above, the duct has a lower pipe portion arranged below the seat cushion, and the lower pipe portion can be configured to have a first portion extending in the front-to-rear direction and having a front end connected to the blower, a second portion extending diagonally rearward from the rear end of the first portion toward the outside in the left-to-right direction, a third portion extending rearward from the rear end of the second portion, and a branch pipe portion extending upward from the third portion and connected to an air passage formed in the seat cushion.

[0045] This allows the branch pipe portion to be provided at a position that avoids, for example, wire members arranged inside the seat cushion, making it easy to connect the duct to the air passage formed in the seat cushion.

[0046] In the vehicle seat described above, the lower tube portion may be configured to have a fourth portion extending diagonally rearward from the rear end of the third portion toward the outside in the left-right direction, and a fifth portion extending rearward from the rear end of the fourth portion.

[0047] This allows the duct to be positioned so that it gradually approaches one of the side frames, thereby preventing abrupt changes in the flow path and allowing air to flow smoothly within the duct.

[0048] The vehicle seat described above comprises a plate-shaped pressure-receiving member that receives the load from the occupant, and a pad member that covers the occupant side of the pressure-receiving member, the air passage being formed in the pad member, the duct being connected to the air passage from the side of the pad member opposite the occupant side, and the pressure-receiving member having an opening for passing the duct.

[0049] This allows the duct to be connected to the air passage formed in the pad member through the opening in the pressure-receiving member, making it easy to connect the air passage in the pad member to the duct even in a configuration that includes a plate-shaped pressure-receiving member.

[0050] The vehicle seat may include a connecting frame that connects the pair of side frames, and the duct may be arranged on the opposite side of the connecting frame from the occupant side, and may have a first flat portion whose dimension in the opposing direction facing the connecting frame is smaller than the dimension in the direction perpendicular to the opposing direction.

[0051] This allows the first flat portion to be thinner in the facing direction, making the vehicle seat more compact in the facing direction. Also, while achieving compactness, a gap can be secured between the first flat portion and the connecting frame, reducing interference between the duct and the connecting frame.

[0052] The vehicle seat may be configured to include a cover member that covers a portion where the duct connects to the air passage from the side opposite to the occupant side.

[0053] This allows the cover member to protect the portion where the duct and the pad member are connected.

[0054] The vehicle seat may be configured to include an S-spring mounted on the pair of side frames, and the opening may be positioned so as not to overlap with the S-spring when viewed from the occupant's side.

[0055] This allows the duct to be easily passed through the opening of the pressure-receiving member, making it easy to connect the duct to the air passage of the pad member.

[0056] The vehicle seat described above includes an S-spring mounted on the pair of side frames, and the duct is positioned on the opposite side of the S-spring from the occupant side, and can be configured to have a second flat portion whose dimension in the opposing direction facing the S-spring is smaller than the dimension in the direction perpendicular to the opposing direction.

[0057] This allows the second flat portion to be thinner in the facing direction, making the vehicle seat more compact in the facing direction. Furthermore, while achieving compactness, a gap can be secured between the second flat portion and the S-spring, reducing interference between the duct and the S-spring.

[0058] The vehicle seat described above may be configured to include a wire member that connects the pressure-receiving member to the frame of the seat, the wire member having a pair of extending portions that extend in a predetermined direction and are arranged side by side in a direction perpendicular to the predetermined direction at a position that overlaps the pressure-receiving member when viewed from the occupant's side, and the opening is arranged between the pair of extending portions.

[0059] In addition, the vehicle seat may be configured to include a wire member that connects the pressure-receiving member to the frame of the seat, the wire member having an extension portion that extends in a predetermined direction at a position that overlaps with the pressure-receiving member when viewed from the occupant's side, and the opening being positioned outside the extension portion in a direction perpendicular to the predetermined direction.

[0060] The vehicle seat described above includes a pad having the air passage and a plurality of first air holes communicating with the air passage from the surface facing the occupant, and the air passage includes, as viewed from the occupant side, a first air passage having one end communicating with the blower, a second air passage extending from the other end of the first air passage in a direction different from the direction in which the first air passage extends, and a third air passage extending from the end of the second air passage opposite the first air passage side toward the one end of the first air passage, and the first air holes can be configured to include at least one first hole communicating with the first air passage and at least one second hole communicating with the third air passage.

[0061] According to this, since the first ventilation hole includes at least one first hole communicating with the first ventilation passage and at least one second hole communicating with the third ventilation passage, air can be passed over a wide area of ​​the seat surface. Meanwhile, since the first ventilation passage, the second ventilation passage, and the third ventilation passage can be formed as a continuous flow path, the number of flow paths communicating with the blower can be reduced. This prevents the air flow in the ventilation passage from weakening, thereby allowing for good air flow within the pad.

[0062] In the vehicle seat described above, the first holes may be formed in multiple locations along the first air passage, and the second holes may be formed in multiple locations along the third air passage, with the rows of the first holes and the rows of the second holes arranged side by side in the direction in which the second air passage extends.

[0063] This allows air to pass through a wider area of ​​the seat surface, and allows the multiple first ventilation holes to be arranged efficiently.

[0064] In the vehicle seat described above, the first air passage extends in a direction intersecting the left-right direction, the second air passage extends inward in the left-right direction from the other end of the first air passage, and the third air passage extends in a direction intersecting the left-right direction from the end of the second air passage opposite to the first air passage, and two flow paths consisting of the first air passage, the second air passage, and the third air passage can be formed symmetrically.

[0065] This allows the occupant to be supported in a balanced manner in the parts of the pad where no air passages are formed, thereby providing a good seating feeling even in a configuration where the air passages include the first air passage, the second air passage, and the third air passage.

[0066] The vehicle seat described above may be configured to include a pad support member that is positioned on the opposite side of the pad from the occupant side and supports the pad, and the pad support member is positioned so as to overlap at least a portion of the first air passage, the second air passage, and the third air passage when viewed from the occupant side.

[0067] With this, the portions of the pad where the first, second and third air passages are formed are prone to deformation, but since these portions can be supported by the pad support member, excessive deformation of the pad can be suppressed.

[0068] In the vehicle seat described above, the pad support member may be configured to be plate-shaped.

[0069] This allows the portions of the pad where the first air passage, second air passage, and third air passage are formed to be supported by the plate-shaped pad support member, thereby further suppressing excessive deformation of the pad.

[0070] In the vehicle seat described above, the pad has a second air vent hole communicating with the air passage from the surface opposite the occupant side, the air passage including a fourth air vent hole extending left and right to connect one ends of the left and right first air vent passages, and a fifth air vent hole connecting the second air vent hole and the fourth air vent passage, the second air vent hole being positioned at a position shifted left or right from the left-right center of the pad, and the fifth air vent passage extending diagonally from the second air vent hole toward the left-right center of the pad and connected to the fourth air vent passage.

[0071] With this, there is no sharp bend in the fifth air passage that connects the second air hole and the fourth air passage, so that air can flow smoothly from the second air hole to the fourth air passage.

[0072] In the vehicle seat described above, the pad can be configured to include a first member having a groove formed therein that constitutes the air passage, and a second member having the first air vent formed therein and positioned over the occupant-side surface of the first member.

[0073] This makes it easier to form the pad compared to when the pad having the ventilation passage and the first ventilation hole communicating with the ventilation passage is integrally formed.

[0074] In the vehicle seat described above, the first member may include a first member main body and a groove-forming member through which the groove is formed and which is positioned overlapping the occupant-side surface of the first member main body.

[0075] This allows the first member having air passages including the first air passage, the second air passage, and the third air passage to be easily formed, making it possible to form the pad more easily.

[0076] The vehicle seat described above includes a pad having the air passage and a first air hole communicating with the air passage from the occupant side surface, the air passage including a first air passage extending along the occupant side surface of the pad, and the first air passage can be configured such that the opposing surface facing the first air hole is inclined so as to approach the occupant side as it approaches the edge of the pad as viewed from the occupant side.

[0077] This allows the air passing through the first ventilation hole to flow along the inclination of the opposing surface, thereby allowing the air to flow smoothly.

[0078] In the vehicle seat described above, the first air passage may be configured to have one end closed, and the opposing surface may be disposed at an end of the first air passage on the one end side.

[0079] This allows the inclination of the opposing surface to be used more effectively to allow air to flow than when the opposing surface is disposed midway through the first air passage, thereby allowing air to flow more efficiently.

[0080] In the vehicle seat described above, the pad has a central portion and a pair of side portions provided on both the left and right sides of the central portion and extending toward the occupant beyond the central portion, the first air vent is positioned at the end of the central portion in the left-right direction, and the vehicle seat can be configured to blow air out from the first air vent.

[0081] This allows the air flowing forcefully along the slope of the opposing surface to be blown out from the first ventilation hole so as to brush against the body of the occupant, thereby increasing the feeling of coolness.

[0082] In the vehicle seat described above, the pad may have a second air vent hole communicating with the air passage from the surface opposite the occupant side, the air passage communicating with the first air passage and the second air vent hole, and may include a second air passage extending from a position connecting to the first air passage to one side in a perpendicular direction perpendicular to the left-right direction, and the first air passage may extend obliquely from the second air passage to the outside in the left-right direction of the pad so as to be positioned on the other side of the perpendicular direction.

[0083] This allows the air that has flowed in through the second ventilation hole to flow smoothly from the second ventilation passage to the first ventilation passage.

[0084] In the vehicle seat described above, the pad may include a first member having a groove formed therein that constitutes the air passage, and a second member having the first air vent formed therein and arranged on the occupant-side surface of the first member, and the opposing surface may be configured to be formed on the first member.

[0085] This makes it possible to easily form a pad having an air passage with an inclined opposing surface.

[0086] 15 is a diagram showing a vehicle seat as a vehicle seat according to an embodiment; FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the vehicle seat; FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a seat frame, a support member, and a pressure-receiving member; FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a seat cushion as viewed from above; FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a back frame and a pressure-receiving member as viewed from the front; FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a duct; FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a cushion frame, a support member, an air blower, and a duct as viewed from below; FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the back frame, a pressure-receiving member, and a duct as viewed from the rear; FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the back frame with a cover member attached as viewed from the rear; FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a side frame cover as viewed from the inside in the left-right direction; FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a side frame cover as viewed from the outside in the left-right direction; FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the configuration of a cushion pad; FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the configuration of a back pad; FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line X-X in FIG. 15; FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a modified example of a side frame cover; FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a modified example of a pressure-receiving member and a duct.

[0087] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this specification, the terms "front, back, left, right, top, bottom" refer to the front, back, left, right, top, bottom as seen from the perspective of a person sitting in the seat. As shown in Figure 1, the vehicle seat of this embodiment is configured as a vehicle seat S to be installed in an automobile, and includes a seat cushion S1 and a seat back S2.

[0088] 2, the vehicle seat S is configured by covering a seat frame F (see FIG. 3) that constitutes the frame of the seat with a pad P made of urethane foam or the like and upholstery U1, U2 made of fabric, leather, etc. Although details will be described later, the pad P has air passages A1, A2 formed therein and first air vents H1, H2 formed on the occupant-side surface so as to communicate with the air passages A1, A2, and the vehicle seat S is configured so that air blown from the air blower 70 passes through the duct D and the air passages A1, A2 and is blown out from the first air vents H1, H2 toward the occupant sitting in the seat.

[0089] As shown in FIG. 3 , the seat frame F includes a cushion frame F1 that constitutes the frame of the seat cushion S1 and a back frame F2 that constitutes the frame of the seat back S2. The back frame F2 is connected to the cushion frame F1 via a reclining mechanism RL. The reclining mechanism RL has a known configuration and supports the seat back S2 so that it can rotate relative to the seat cushion S1. In this embodiment, the upper side of the seat cushion S1 corresponds to the "occupant side" and the lower side corresponds to the "opposite side from the occupant side." Furthermore, the front side of the seat back S2, when not reclined by the reclining mechanism RL, corresponds to the "occupant side" and the rear side corresponds to the "opposite side from the occupant side."

[0090] The cushion frame F1 includes a pair of left and right cushion side frames 11, a pan frame 12 as a front frame, a rear pipe 13 as a rear frame, and a front pipe 14 as a connecting pipe (see FIG. 4). The pair of cushion side frames 11 are members that form the left and right frames of the seat cushion S1, and are arranged opposite to each other but spaced apart in the left-right direction. The cushion side frames 11 are made of sheet metal and are formed in an elongated shape that is long in the front-to-rear direction.

[0091] The pan frame 12 is a plate-shaped member made of sheet metal that connects the front portions of the pair of cushion side frames 11. The left and right ends of the pan frame 12 are connected to the front ends of the cushion side frames 11 by welding. As shown in FIG. 4 , the rear pipe 13 and the front pipe 14 are made of metal pipe material, are arranged spaced apart in the front-to-rear direction, and are provided to connect the pair of cushion side frames 11. More specifically, the rear pipe 13 is arranged rearward of the pan frame 12 and spaced apart from the pan frame 12, connecting the rear portions of the pair of cushion side frames 11. The front pipe 14 is arranged forward of the rear pipe 13 and spaced apart from the rear pipe 13, connecting the front portions of the pair of cushion side frames 11. The front pipe 14 is arranged below the pan frame 12.

[0092] A support member 30 is disposed between the pair of cushion side frames 11 of the cushion frame F1. The support member 30 is a member that receives the load from an occupant sitting in the seat, and includes a plurality of wire members 31 and a resin member 32.

[0093] The wire member 31 is made of a metal wire and is installed between the pan frame 12 and the rear pipe 13. The wire member 31 mainly includes a first extension portion 31A, a second extension portion 31B, and a rear hook portion 31C. The first extension portion 31A extends in the front-rear direction while bending alternately left and right. The front end of the first extension portion 31A forms a front hook portion 31D that hooks onto a hook portion 12H formed on the pan frame 12. The front end of the first extension portion 31A, including the front hook portion 31D, is coated with resin, thereby suppressing noise caused by contact between the wire member 31 (support member 30) and the pan frame 12. The second extension portion 31B extends diagonally upward and rearward from the rear end of the first extension portion 31A. The rear hook portion 31C is a portion that is hooked onto the rear pipe 13, and extends from the upper end of the second extension portion 31B and curves to form a substantially arc shape. The support member 30 includes four wire members 31, and the four wire members 31 are arranged in the left-right direction.

[0094] The resin member 32 is a member that connects the wire members 31. The resin member 32 is made of resin and is formed integrally with the wire member 31 by insert molding or the like, covering the entire periphery of a portion of the wire member 31. The resin member 32 is configured to include a first resin member 32A, a second resin member 32B, a third resin member 32C, a fourth resin member 32D, and a fifth resin member 32E.

[0095] The first resin member 32A connects the four wire members 31 near their longitudinal centers. The second resin member 32B is disposed rearward of the first resin member 32A and connects the two wire members 31 located in the center in the left-right direction near their longitudinal centers. The third resin members 32C are disposed on both the left and right sides of the second resin member 32B and connect the left-right extending portions of the first extending portions 31A of the wire members 31 located on the outer left-right sides to the portions extending rearward from the outer left-right ends of the first extending portions 31A. The resin members 32A to 32C are formed with substantially rectangular through-holes (reference numerals omitted) that penetrate vertically. The support member 30 is configured to hold components such as wire harnesses by engaging clips or the like for fastening the wire harnesses in the through-holes.

[0096] The fourth resin member 32D is disposed behind the resin members 32B and 32C and connects the rear ends of the first extending portions 31A of the four wire members 31. The fifth resin member 32E connects the rear ends of two adjacent wire members 31, specifically, the rear hook portions 31C. The fifth resin member 32E covers the rear hook portions 31C, thereby suppressing noise caused by contact between the support member 30 and the rear pipe 13.

[0097] 5, the back frame F2 includes a pair of left and right sheet metal frames 22, a pipe frame 23, a lower frame 24 serving as a connecting frame, and a bridge frame 25. The pair of sheet metal frames 22 are disposed facing each other in the left-right direction but spaced apart from each other. The sheet metal frames 22 are made of sheet metal and are formed into an elongated shape that is long in the vertical direction.

[0098] The pipe frame 23 is made of a metal pipe material and has a pair of left and right upper side frames 23A extending substantially vertically, and an upper frame 23B extending to connect the upper ends of the upper side frames 23A. The pair of upper side frames 23A are connected at their lower portions to the upper portions of the sheet metal frames 22 by welding, thereby constituting a pair of back side frames 21 together with the pair of sheet metal frames 22. The pair of back side frames 21 constitute the left and right frames of the seat back S2. In this embodiment, the "pair of side frames" is composed of the pair of back side frames 21 and the pair of cushion side frames 11 of the cushion frame F1.

[0099] The lower frame 24 is a member made of sheet metal that connects the lower parts of the pair of back side frames 21 together. Left and right ends of the lower frame 24 are connected by welding to portions extending inwardly to the left and right of the rear ends of the sheet metal frames 22 that constitute the back side frames 21. The bridging frame 25 is a member made of sheet metal that connects the upper parts of the pair of back side frames 21 together. Left and right ends of the bridging frame 25 are connected by welding or the like to the upper parts of the upper side frames 23A that constitute the back side frames 21. The bridging frame 25 has a lower extension portion 25A that extends forward at its lower end, and left and right ends of the lower extension portion 25A are formed with support holes 25B (see FIG. 3) that penetrate vertically and into which wire members 60 (described later) are inserted.

[0100] Between the pair of back side frames 21 of the back frame F2, S springs 40, pressure-receiving members 50, and wire members 60 are arranged. The S springs 40 are formed by bending metal wires alternately in the up-down direction. The S springs 40 are arranged above the lower frames 24 and are suspended across the pair of back side frames 21. More specifically, the left and right ends of the S springs 40 are inserted from above into spring engaging portions 22A provided at the bottom of the sheet metal frame 22, thereby connecting the S springs 40 in a suspended state across the pair of back side frames 21.

[0101] The pressure-receiving member 50 is a plate-shaped member made of resin or the like that receives the load from the occupant sitting in the seat. The pressure-receiving member 50 is positioned so as to face the occupant's back. The lower end of the pressure-receiving member 50 is positioned in front of the S-spring 40. The pressure-receiving member 50 has an opening 50A that penetrates from front to rear. The opening 50A is a hole through which the duct D passes and is formed in a generally rectangular shape that is elongated in the left-right direction. The opening 50A is positioned in the left-right center of the lower portion of the pressure-receiving member 50. More specifically, the opening 50A is positioned between a pair of extension portions 61 (described later) of the wire member 60. The opening 50A is positioned so as not to overlap with the S-spring 40 when viewed from the front. Specifically, the opening 50A is positioned above the S-spring 40.

[0102] The wire member 60 connects the pressure-receiving member 50 to the back frame F2 and mainly includes a pair of left and right extending portions 61, an inclined portion 62, an upper connecting portion 63, and a lower connecting portion 64. The extending portions 61 extend in a predetermined direction (a direction perpendicular to the left-right direction) and are arranged side by side in the left-right direction (a direction perpendicular to the predetermined direction). The inclined portion 62 extends diagonally upward from the upper end of the extending portion 61 outward in the left-right direction. The upper connecting portion 63 extends upward from the upper end of the inclined portion 62. The lower connecting portion 64 connects the pair of left and right extending portions 61, the inclined portion 62, and the upper connecting portion 63. More specifically, the lower connecting portion 64 has a lower end that extends in the left-right direction, extends upward from both left and right ends of the lower end, bends, extends inward in the left-right direction, and connects to the lower end of the extending portion 61.

[0103] The wire member 60 is connected to the back frame F2 by fastening the lower connecting portion 64 to the front side of the lower frame 24 and inserting the upper connecting portion 63 into a support hole 25B (see FIG. 3 ) formed in the lower extending portion 25A of the bridge frame 25. The pressure-receiving member 50 is disposed in front of a pair of extending portions 61 of the wire member 60 and is fastened to the extending portions 61 with cable ties or the like (not shown), thereby being connected to the back frame F2 via the wire member 60. The pair of extending portions 61 are disposed in positions overlapping the pressure-receiving member 50 when viewed from the front side.

[0104] 2, the vehicle seat S includes a blower 70 and a duct D. The blower 70 is, for example, a sirocco fan, and is disposed below the pan frame 12. Specifically, the blower 70 is attached to the pan frame 12 via a bracket 71.

[0105] The duct D is a member connecting the air passages A1, A2 formed in the pad P of the seat cushion S1 and the seat back S2 to the air blower 70, and extends from the underside of the seat cushion S1 through the rear side of the cushion frame F1 toward the seat back S2. As shown in FIG. 6 , the duct D is configured to include a first duct D1 and a second duct D2 connected to the rear end of the first duct D1. The first duct D1 mainly includes a lower pipe portion 110, a connecting portion 120, and a first narrow portion 131, while the second duct D2 mainly includes a second narrow portion 132, a bellows portion 140 serving as a flexible portion, a first flat portion 150, a second flat portion 160, and a back connecting portion 170. In this embodiment, the first narrow portion 131 and the second narrow portion 132 correspond to the "narrow portions."

[0106] 7, the lower pipe portion 110 is a portion disposed below the seat cushion S1, more specifically, below the support member 30, and extends substantially in the front-to-rear direction. The lower pipe portion 110 has a blower device connection portion 111 as a first portion, a second portion 112, a third portion 113, a fourth portion 114, a wide portion 115 as a fifth portion, and a cushion connection portion 116 as a branch pipe portion (see also FIG. 6).

[0107] The blower device connection portion 111 is a portion whose front end is connected to the blower device 70 and extends in the front-to-rear direction. The second portion 112 extends diagonally rearward from the rear end of the blower device connection portion 111 outward in the left-to-right direction. The third portion 113 extends rearward from the rear end of the second portion 112. In this embodiment, the left-to-right dimension (width) of the second portion 112 gradually increases from the rear end of the blower device connection portion 111 toward the rear, and the left-to-right dimension of the third portion 113 is larger than that of the blower device connection portion 111.

[0108] As shown in FIG. 6 , the cushion connection portion 116 is connected to the air passage A1 formed in the seat cushion S1 and extends upward from the front end of the third portion 113. The cushion connection portion 116 has a bellows portion (reference numeral omitted) and is flexible and expandable and contractible. As shown in FIG. 4 , the duct D is connected to the cushion pad P1 by inserting the cushion connection portion 116 through the U-shaped portion of the wire member 31, which is the second wire member from the right, into the air passage A1 from the underside of the cushion pad P1 (described later). Because the cushion connection portion 116 extends from the third portion 113, which is positioned to the right of the blower connection portion 111 (see FIG. 7 ), in this embodiment, the cushion connection portion 116 can be positioned to avoid the wire member 31 and other components disposed within the seat cushion S1. This allows the air passage A1 formed in the seat cushion S1 to be easily connected to the duct D.

[0109] In this embodiment, the left-right dimension of the third portion 113 is larger than the left-right dimension of the blower device connection portion 111 (see FIG. 7 ), which allows the left-right dimension of the cushion connection portion 116 extending from the third portion 113 to be larger. This ensures a sufficient flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the cushion connection portion 116, allowing air to flow smoothly between the inside of the duct D and the air passage A1 formed in the seat cushion S1.

[0110] As shown in FIG. 7, the fourth portion 114 extends obliquely rearward from the rear end of the third portion 113 outward in the left-right direction.

[0111] The wide portion 115 extends rearward from the rear end of the fourth section 114. As shown in FIG. 6 , the wide portion 115 has a dimension D11 in the left-right direction that is greater than a dimension D12 in the up-down direction. In other words, the wide portion 115 has a vertically flat cross-sectional shape. In this embodiment, not only the wide portion 115 but also the entire lower pipe portion 110 has a vertically flat cross-sectional shape. The lower pipe portion 110, including the wide portion 115, which is disposed below the seat cushion S1, has such a small vertical dimension that it can be made thinner in the vertical direction. This allows the vehicle seat S to be made more compact in the vertical direction.

[0112] 7 , the wide portion 115 is disposed below the support member 30 at a position closer to one of the cushion side frames 11, specifically the right cushion side frame 11, than the center position (see the dashed line) of the pair of cushion side frames 11 in the left-right direction. In other words, the wide portion 115 is disposed closer to the right cushion side frame 11. When the support member 30 receives a load from an occupant, the center portion of the seat cushion S1 bends more downward than the left and right ends. However, by disposing the wide portion 115 at a position closer to the right, interference between the duct D and the support member 30 can be suppressed.

[0113] 2, in this embodiment, the fourth portion 114 and the wide portion 115 form a lower inclined portion 180. When viewed from the left and right, the lower inclined portion 180 extends at an angle so that it is positioned lower toward the rear. This makes it possible to prevent interference between the duct D and the support member 30 even when an occupant sits in the seat and the support member 30 is bent downward.

[0114] The first narrow portion 131 and the second narrow portion 132 are located rearward of the cushion frame F1 and extend substantially vertically. The inner front-to-rear and left-to-right dimensions of the second narrow portion 132 are slightly larger than the outer front-to-rear and left-to-right dimensions of the first narrow portion 131. The second narrow portion 132 is fitted to the upper end of the first narrow portion 131, thereby connecting the first duct D1 and the second duct D2. As shown in FIG. 6 , the left-to-right dimension D21 of the first narrow portion 131 and the second narrow portion 132 is smaller than the dimension D22 in the approximately front-to-rear direction perpendicular to the left-to-right direction. In other words, the first narrow portion 131 and the second narrow portion 132 have a cross-sectional shape that is flattened horizontally. Note that in this embodiment, not only the narrow portions 131 and 132 but also the bellows portion 140 have a cross-sectional shape that is flattened horizontally.

[0115] The connecting portion 120 is a portion that connects the first narrow portion 131 (narrow portion) and the wide portion 115. The connecting portion 120 has a shape such that the dimension in the left-right direction gradually increases and the dimension in the up-down direction gradually decreases from the first narrow portion 131 toward the wide portion 115. This causes the cross-sectional shape of the duct D to gradually change from the first narrow portion 131 toward the wide portion 115, thereby improving the rigidity of the duct D compared to a case in which the cross-sectional shape does not change. Furthermore, the connecting portion 120 can prevent the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the duct D from becoming smaller, thereby ensuring the flow rate of air flowing through the duct D.

[0116] The bellows portion 140 extends substantially upward from the upper end of the second narrow portion 132. The bellows portion 140 has a shape in which peaks and valleys are alternately formed, and is flexible and expandable. As shown in FIG. 2 , the bellows portion 140 is disposed rearward of the cushion frame F1, specifically, rearward of the rear pipe 13. More specifically, the bellows portion 140 is located higher than the lower end 13A of the rear pipe 13. The upper end of the bellows portion 140 is disposed directly behind the lower frame 24, in other words, at a position overlapping with the lower frame 24 when viewed from the rear.

[0117] In this embodiment, the first narrow portion 131, the second narrow portion 132, and the bellows portion 140 form a retracted portion 190. The retracted portion 190 extends at an angle so as to be positioned forward as it extends downward. As shown in FIG. 8 , the retracted portion 190 is disposed on the inner side of the pair of cushion side frames 11 in the left-right direction. This allows the vehicle seat S to be more compact in the left-right direction than when the retracted portion 190 is disposed on the outer side of the pair of cushion side frames 11 in the left-right direction. Furthermore, the retracted portion 190 is disposed rearward of the cushion frame F1, closer to the right (one) cushion side frame 11 than to the center of the pair of cushion side frames 11 in the left-right direction (see the dashed line). In other words, the retracted portion 190 is disposed closer to the right cushion side frame 11.

[0118] Furthermore, the retracted portion 190 of the duct D, which passes behind the rear pipe 13, is positioned at a different position in the left-right direction relative to the rear hook portion 31C of the wire member 31. Specifically, the retracted portion 190 is positioned to the right of the rightmost rear hook portion 31C. The duct D is also positioned at a different position in the left-right direction relative to the second extending portion 31B of the wire member 31 when viewed from the rear. Specifically, the retracted portion 190 and the wide portion 115 (see FIG. 7 ) are positioned to the right of the rightmost second extending portion 31B when viewed from the rear. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the retracted portion 190 and the wide portion 115 are positioned so as not to overlap with the second extending portion 31B when viewed from any of the front-rear, left-right, and up-down directions. This prevents interference between the duct D and the wire member 31, even when an occupant sits in the seat and the wire member 31 (support member 30) is bent downward.

[0119] The first flat portion 150 extends obliquely upward from the upper end of the retracted portion 190 (the bellows portion 140) toward the center of the pair of back side frames 21 in the left-right direction. The first flat portion 150 is disposed rearward of the lower frame 24. As shown in FIG. 6 , the dimension D41 of the first flat portion 150 in the front-rear direction (the direction facing the lower frame 24) is smaller than the dimension D42 in the approximately up-down direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction. In other words, the first flat portion 150 has a cross-sectional shape that is flat in the front-rear direction. This allows the first flat portion 150 to be made thinner in the front-rear direction, thereby enabling the vehicle seat S to be made more compact in the front-rear direction. Furthermore, since a gap can be secured between the first flat portion 150 and the lower frame 24 while achieving compactness, interference between the duct D and the lower frame 24 can be suppressed.

[0120] Returning to FIG. 8 , the second flat portion 160 extends upward from the upper end of the first flat portion 150. The second flat portion 160 is located at the left-right center of the pair of back side frames 21 and behind the S-spring 40. In this embodiment, the second flat portion 160 and the first flat portion 150 have approximately the same longitudinal dimension. The dimension D41 (see FIG. 6 ) of the second flat portion 160 in the longitudinal direction (the direction facing the S-spring 40) is smaller than the dimension D43 in the lateral direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. In other words, the second flat portion 160 has a cross-sectional shape that is flat in the longitudinal direction. This allows the second flat portion 160 to be made thinner in the longitudinal direction, thereby enabling the vehicle seat S to be made more compact in the longitudinal direction. Furthermore, since a gap can be secured between the second flat portion 160 and the S-spring 40 while achieving compactness, interference between the duct D and the S-spring 40 can be suppressed.

[0121] 2, the back connection portion 170 is a portion that is connected to the air passage A2 formed in the seat back S2, and extends obliquely upward and forward from the upper end of the second flat portion 160. The back connection portion 170 passes through an opening 50A formed in the pressure-receiving member 50 and is inserted into the air passage A2 from the rear side of a back pad P2, which will be described later, thereby connecting the duct D to the back pad P2.

[0122] As shown in Fig. 4, a known weight sensor WS is disposed on the underside of one of the pair of cushion side frames 11, specifically the left cushion side frame 11. In this embodiment, the duct D is disposed in a position in the left-right direction closer to the right cushion side frame 11, which is the other of the pair of cushion side frames 11, than to the left cushion side frame 11, which is one of the pair of cushion side frames 11. In other words, the duct D is disposed in a position in the left-right direction closer to the cushion side frame 11 on which the weight sensor WS is not disposed. This makes it possible to suppress interference between the duct D and the weight sensor WS and wires (not shown) extending from the weight sensor WS.

[0123] Furthermore, the resin member 32 constituting the support member 30 is disposed so as to overlap the duct D when viewed from above. Specifically, the first resin member 32A is disposed above the third portion 113 of the duct D so that a right portion thereof overlaps the third portion 113 when viewed from above. The right third resin member 32C is disposed above the wide portion 115 of the duct D so that it overlaps the wide portion 115 when viewed from above. Furthermore, the fourth resin member 32D is disposed above the wide portion 115 so that a right end thereof overlaps the wide portion 115 when viewed from above. As a result, even if the support member 30 bends downward when an occupant sits in the seat and interferes with the duct D, the resin members 32A, 32C, and 32D will first come into contact with the duct D. This reduces the effects of contact between the duct D and the support member 30, such as noise generation and impact upon contact.

[0124] 7 , in this embodiment, the lower pipe portion 110 is provided so that the second portion 112 extends diagonally rearward to the right and approaches the right cushion side frame 11, the third portion 113 extends substantially straight rearward, and then the fourth portion 114 extends diagonally rearward to the right and approaches the right cushion side frame 11 even further, thereby enabling the duct D to be positioned so as to gradually approach the right cushion side frame 11. This makes it possible to suppress a sudden change in the flow path within the duct D, thereby enabling the air to flow smoothly within the duct D.

[0125] As shown in FIG. 9 , a cover member 80 is disposed on the back frame F2. The cover member 80 is a member that covers, from the rear, the back connection portion 170, which is the portion where the duct D connects to the air passage A2 of the seat back S2. The cover member 80 is formed from a resin or the like into a long plate extending in the left-right direction. The left and right ends of the cover member 80 are fixed by bolts or the like to portions that extend inwardly to the left and right of the rear ends of the pair of back side frames 21. By providing such a cover member 80, it is possible to protect the portion where the duct D connects to the pad P (back pad P2) of the seat back S2.

[0126] As shown in Figures 10 and 11, the vehicle seat S further includes a side frame cover 90. The side frame cover 90 is a member that covers the rear end of the right cushion side frame 11. The side frame cover 90 is made of resin and includes a side frame cover portion 91, a duct cover portion 92, and a reclining mechanism cover portion 93. The side frame cover portion 91 is a portion that covers the inside of the rear end of the right cushion side frame 11 in the left-right direction. The side frame cover portion 91 is arranged to extend over the front, bottom, and rear sides of the lower end of the back side frame 21.

[0127] The duct cover portion 92 is a portion located rearward of the cushion frame F1 and covers the retracted portion 190, which is part of the duct D. Specifically, the duct cover portion 92 is disposed rearward of the rear pipe 13 and covers the first narrow portion 131, the second narrow portion 132, and the bellows portion 140. The duct cover portion 92 includes a first side cover portion 92A that extends rearward from the rear end of the side frame cover portion 91 to a position rearward of the retracted portion 190, and a rear cover portion 92B that extends inward in the left-right direction from the rear end of the first side cover portion 92A to cover the retracted portion 190 from the rear. The rear cover portion 92B has an arch-shaped cross section that is convex diagonally downward and rearward, and extends downward along the retracted portion 190 to be positioned forward.

[0128] The reclining mechanism cover 93 is a portion that covers the reclining mechanism RL and is formed in a generally cup shape with open inner and lower sides in the left-right direction. The reclining mechanism cover 93 is formed to extend from the side frame cover 91 along the periphery of the reclining mechanism RL and mainly includes a periphery cover 93A that covers the rear, upper, and front sides of the reclining mechanism RL, and a second side cover 93B that covers the outer side of the reclining mechanism RL in the left-right direction.

[0129] The side frame cover portion 91, the duct cover portion 92, and the reclining mechanism cover portion 93 may be integrally formed as a single component, or may be partially formed as separate components. As an example, the duct cover portion 92 may be integrally formed with the side frame cover portion 91, and the reclining mechanism cover portion 93 may be formed separately, and the reclining mechanism cover portion 93 may be attached to the side frame cover portion 91 by engaging a claw provided on the reclining mechanism cover portion 93 with a hole provided on the rear end portion of the side frame cover portion 91.

[0130] By integrating the duct cover portion 92 and the side frame cover portion 91, it is no longer necessary to provide separate covers for the cushion side frame 11 and the duct D, thereby reducing the number of parts in the vehicle seat S. Furthermore, when the side frame cover portion 91, the duct cover portion 92, and the reclining mechanism cover portion 93 are integrated, the side frame cover 90 can be given the function of protecting not only the duct D but also the reclining mechanism RL, making it possible to further reduce the number of parts in the vehicle seat S.

[0131] 2, the pad P includes a cushion pad P1 constituting the pad of the seat cushion S1 and a back pad P2 constituting the pad of the seat back S2. As shown in Fig. 1, the cushion pad P1 has a central portion P11 and a pair of left and right side portions P12 provided on both left and right sides of the central portion P11 and protruding upward from the central portion P11, and the back pad P2 has a central portion P21 and a pair of left and right side portions P22 provided on both left and right sides of the central portion P21 and protruding forward from the central portion P21.

[0132] 12 , the cushion pad P1 includes a first member 210 having a groove 211 that forms the air passage A1, and a plate-like second member 220 having a first air vent hole H1 that penetrates vertically. The first member 210 also includes a first member main body 230 and a plate-like groove-forming member 240 having the groove 211 that penetrates vertically. The groove-forming member 240 is disposed so as to overlap the upper surface of the first member main body 230, and the second member 220 is disposed so as to overlap the upper surface of the groove-forming member 240 (first member 210).

[0133] The first member main body 230 has a main body central portion 231 that, together with the groove-forming member 240 and the second member 220, constitutes a central portion P11. A pair of side portions P12 are formed on both the left and right sides of the main body central portion 231. The main body central portion 231 has a recess 232 in its front portion, where the groove-forming member 240 and the second member 220 are arranged to overlap. A second air vent 250 is formed at the rear end of the bottom surface of the recess 232, penetrating vertically. The second air vent 250 communicates with the air passage A1 from the lower surface of the first member main body 230 (cushion pad P1). The duct D is connected to the cushion pad P1 by inserting the cushion connecting portion 116 (see FIG. 6) into the second air vent 250 from below. As shown in FIG. 13 , the second air vent 250 is positioned to the right of the center (see the dashed line) of the cushion pad P1 in the left-right direction.

[0134] The groove forming member 240 has a groove 211 that penetrates vertically and forms the air passage A1. The air passage A1 of the cushion pad P1 is formed by arranging the groove forming member 240 and the second member 220 in this order on top of the recess 232 of the first member main body 230, and blocking the top and bottom of the groove 211 with the second member 220 and the first member main body 230. When viewed from above, the air passage A1 includes a first air passage 261, a second air passage 262, a third air passage 263, a fourth air passage 264, and a fifth air passage 265.

[0135] The first air passage 261 extends in a direction intersecting the left-right direction, specifically in the front-rear direction. One rear end of the first air passage 261 is connected to the blower 70 via the fourth air passage 264, the fifth air passage 265, the second air hole 250, and the duct D. The second air passage 262 extends from the other front end of the first air passage 261 in a direction different from the direction in which the first air passage 261 extends, specifically toward the inside in the left-right direction. The third air passage 263 extends from the inside end of the second air passage 262 opposite the first air passage 261 side in a direction intersecting the left-right direction, specifically toward the rear end of the first air passage 261, generally parallel to the first air passage 261.

[0136] In the present embodiment, two substantially U-shaped flow paths each consisting of the first air passage 261, the second air passage 262, and the third air passage 263 are formed symmetrically with respect to the center of the cushion pad P1 in the left-right direction. This allows the occupant to be supported in a well-balanced manner in the portion of the cushion pad P1 where the air passage A1 is not formed, so that even in a configuration in which the air passage A1 includes the first air passage 261, the second air passage 262, and the third air passage 263, it is possible to improve the seating feeling when sitting in the seat.

[0137] The fourth air passage 264 is a flow path connecting the rear ends of the left and right first air passages 261 and extends substantially in the left-right direction. The fifth air passage 265 is a flow path connecting the second air vent hole 250 and the fourth air passage 264 and extends substantially in the front-to-rear direction. More specifically, the fifth air passage 265 extends diagonally forward from the second air vent hole 250, which is disposed at a position shifted to the right from the center of the cushion pad P1 in the left-right direction, toward the center of the cushion pad P1 in the left-right direction, and is connected to the center of the fourth air passage 264 in the left-right direction. The groove forming member 240 is fixed to the first member main body 230 with an adhesive or the like.

[0138] The second member 220 has a plurality of first ventilation holes H1 communicating with the ventilation passage A1. The first ventilation holes H1 of the cushion pad P1 include a first hole 271, a second hole 272, a third hole 273, and a fourth hole 274.

[0139] The first holes 271 are holes that communicate with the first air passage 261, and a plurality of first holes 271 are formed along the first air passage 261, which extends substantially in the front-to-rear direction. Specifically, the first holes 271 include two first holes 271A arranged side by side in the front-to-rear direction along the first air passage 261, and one first hole 271B arranged side by side in the left-to-right direction outside the first hole 271A located at the rear. The second holes 272 are holes that communicate with the third air passage 263, and a plurality of second holes 272 are formed along the third air passage 263, which extends substantially in the front-to-rear direction. Specifically, there are two second holes 272 arranged side by side in the front-to-rear direction along the third air passage 263. The row of first holes 271A and the row of second holes 272 arranged side by side in the front-to-rear direction are arranged side by side in the direction in which the second air passage 262 extends, specifically in the left-to-right direction.

[0140] The third hole 273 is a hole that communicates with the rear end of the first air passage 261, and the fourth hole 274 is a hole that communicates with the left and right ends of the fourth air passage 264. The second member 220 is fixed to the groove forming member 240 and the first member main body 230 (first member 210) with an adhesive or the like.

[0141] 4, when the cushion pad P1 covers the cushion frame F1, the front pipe 14 is disposed below the cushion pad P1. In this state, the front pipe 14 is disposed at a position different from the first air passage 261, the second air passage 262, and the third air passage 263 when viewed from above. Specifically, the front pipe 14 is disposed behind the first air passage 261, the second air passage 262, and the third air passage 263 when viewed from above.

[0142] Furthermore, with the cushion pad P1 covering the cushion frame F1, the pan frame 12 is disposed below the front end of the cushion pad P1 and supports the cushion pad P1 from below. In this state, the pan frame 12 is disposed so as to overlap the first air passage 261, the second air passage 262, and the third air passage 263 when viewed from above. In other words, the pan frame 12 is disposed below the portions where the first air passage 261, the second air passage 262, and the third air passage 263 are formed. Note that in this embodiment, the pan frame 12 corresponds to the "pad support member." The portions of the cushion pad P1 where the air passages 261 to 265 are formed are more susceptible to deformation than the portions where the air passages 261 to 265 are not formed. However, in this embodiment, the pan frame 12 can support the portions where the air passages 261 to 263 are formed, thereby suppressing excessive deformation of the cushion pad P1. In particular, in this embodiment, the easily deformed portions of the cushion pad P1 where the air passages 261 to 263 are formed can be supported by the surface of the plate-shaped pan frame 12, thereby further suppressing excessive deformation of the cushion pad P1.

[0143] 14, the back pad P2 includes a first member 310 having a groove 311 that forms the air passage A2, and a plate-like second member 320 and a plate-like third member 330 having a first air vent hole H2 that penetrates the first member 310 from front to rear. The second member 320 and the third member 330 are disposed so as to overlap the front surface of the first member 310. In this embodiment, the back pad P2 corresponds to the "pad member that covers the occupant side of the pressure-receiving member."

[0144] The first member 310 has a bottomed groove 311 that is recessed toward the rear, and a second ventilation hole 350 that penetrates from front to rear. The ventilation path A2 of the back pad P2 is formed by overlapping the second member 320 and the third member 330 in front of the first member 310 and blocking the front side of the groove 311 with the second member 320 and the third member 330. The ventilation path A2 includes a first path 361, a pair of second paths 362, a pair of third paths 363 as a pair of third ventilation paths, a pair of fourth paths 364 and two fifth paths 365 as fourth ventilation paths, a sixth path 366, a seventh path 367, and a pair of branch paths 368 as first ventilation paths.

[0145] The first passage 361, the second passage 362, the third passage 363, the fourth passage 364, and the fifth passage 365 are formed near the center of the central portion P21 in the up-down direction. The first passage 361 extends in the left-right direction. The second ventilation hole 350 communicates with the first passage 361 constituting the ventilation path A2 from the rear surface of the first member 310 (back pad P2). The duct D is connected to the back pad P2 by inserting the back connection part 170 (see FIG. 6) into the second ventilation hole 350 from the rear side.

[0146] The second path 362 extends obliquely upward from the left and right ends of the first path 361 outward in the left-right direction. The third path 363 extends from the upper end of the second path 362 in the up-down direction (a direction perpendicular to the left-right direction), specifically upward. The pair of third paths 363 are arranged side by side in the left-right direction. The fourth path 364 extends obliquely upward from the upper end of the third path 363 inward in the left-right direction, with their upper ends connected to each other. In other words, the pair of fourth paths 364 connect the upper ends of the pair of third paths 363 to each other.

[0147] The fifth path 365 is disposed inside the pair of third paths 363 in the left-right direction and extends in the left-right direction to connect the pair of third paths 363. The two fifth paths 365 are disposed side by side in the up-down direction. The first path 361, the second path 362, the third path 363, and the fourth path 364 have approximately the same dimension (depth) of the groove in the front-rear direction, but the dimension of the groove in the front-rear direction of the fifth path 365 is smaller (shallower) than these.

[0148] The sixth path 366 and the seventh path 367 are formed in an upper portion of the central portion P21. The seventh path 367 extends in the left-right direction. The sixth path 366 is a flow path connecting the upper ends of the pair of fourth paths 364 and the left-right central portion of the seventh path 367, and extends substantially vertically.

[0149] The branch path 368 extends from near the vertical center of the third path 363 toward the left-right outer side along the front surface of the back pad P2. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 15 , the branch path 368 extends obliquely with respect to the vertical direction from near the vertical center of the third path 363 toward the left-right outer side of the back pad P2, so as to be positioned upward (on the other side in the perpendicular direction). In other words, the branch path 368 extends obliquely upward from near the vertical center of the third path 363 toward the left-right outer side. In this embodiment, the portion of the third path 363 extending downward (to one side in the perpendicular direction) from the position where it connects to the branch path 368, the second path 362, and the first path 361 correspond to a "second air passage" that connects the branch path 368 and the second ventilation hole 350.

[0150] The second member 320 and the third member 330 have a plurality of first ventilation holes H2 (see FIG. 14 ) that communicate with the ventilation path A2. The first ventilation holes H2 of the back pad P2 include a first hole 371, a second hole 372, a third hole 373, a fourth hole 374, and a fifth hole 375 formed in the second member 320, and a sixth hole 376 formed in the third member 330.

[0151] The first hole 371 is a hole that communicates with the vicinity of the lower end of the third path 363. The second hole 372 is a hole that communicates with the vicinity of the vertical center of the third path 363, in other words, a hole that communicates with the position where the branch path 368 of the third path 363 connects. The third hole 373 is a hole that communicates with the vicinity of the lower end of the fourth path 364. The fourth hole 374 is a hole that communicates with the fifth path 365, and six fourth holes 374 are formed in total, one at the center and one at each end of each fifth path 365 in the left-right direction. The fifth hole 375 is a hole that communicates with the branch path 368. The fifth hole 375 is located at the end of the center portion P21 in the left-right direction, more specifically, at the left and right ends of the second member 320. The sixth hole 376 is a hole that communicates with the seventh path 367, and one is formed in each position facing the left and right ends of the seventh path 367.

[0152] The back pad P2 has a generally U-shaped hanging groove 380 on both the left and right sides and on the upper side (one side in the direction perpendicular to the left-right direction) of the second member 320 serving as an air vent forming portion. A hanging wire (not shown) for hanging the upholstery U2 (see FIG. 16 ) into the hanging groove 380 is embedded in the back pad P2 by insert molding so as to extend along the hanging groove 380, and the hanging wire is partially exposed from a plurality of holes 381 formed in the bottom of the hanging groove 380. The upholstery U2 of the seat back S2 is fastened to the back pad P2 by engaging a hook or the like provided on the upholstery U2 with the portion of the hanging wire exposed from the hole 381.

[0153] As shown in FIG. 16 , the branch path 368 has one end, the outer lateral end, closed by the skin U2 by hanging the skin U2 into the hanging groove 380. The branch path 368 has an opposing surface 368A facing the fifth hole 375. The opposing surface 368A is located at the outer lateral end of the branch path 368. Specifically, the opposing surface 368A is located outward in the lateral direction from the center of the branch path 368 in the lateral direction. The opposing surface 368A is inclined toward the front as it approaches the edge of the back pad P2 when viewed from the front, specifically the outer lateral edge. The opposing surface 368A is formed on the first member 310. The second member 320 and the third member 330 (see FIG. 14 ) are fixed to the first member 310 with adhesive or the like.

[0154] Returning to FIG. 15 , the air passage A2 is disposed so as to intersect with the wire member 60 when viewed from the front. Specifically, the second passage 362 and the fourth passage 364, which extend diagonally, are disposed so as to intersect with the extending portion 61 of the wire member 60 when viewed from the front. Furthermore, the fifth passage 365 is disposed so that its left and right ends intersect with the extending portion 61. Meanwhile, the first passage 361 and the third passage 363 are disposed at positions different from the extending portion 61 when viewed from the front. Specifically, the first passage 361 is disposed on the inner side of the extending portion 61 in the left-right direction, and the third passage 363 is disposed on the outer side of the extending portion 61 in the left-right direction. Furthermore, the sixth passage 366 is disposed on the inner side of the lower end of the inclined portion 62 and the upper connecting portion 63 of the wire member 60 in the left-right direction, and the seventh passage 367 is disposed on the inner side of the upper end of the upper connecting portion 63 in the left-right direction.

[0155] The cushion pad P1 and the back pad P2 are configured to include the first member 210, 310 having the air passages A1, A2 formed therein and the second member 220, 320 having the first ventilation holes H1, H2 formed therein. Therefore, the pad P can be formed more easily than when a pad having the air passages A1, A2 and the first ventilation holes H1, H2 is integrally formed. Furthermore, the cushion pad P1 having the air passage A1 including the air passages 261-263 and the back pad P2 having the air passage A2 with the inclined opposing surface 368A formed therein can be easily formed. Furthermore, for the cushion pad P1, the first member 210 is configured from the first member main body 230 and the groove-forming member 240. Therefore, the first member 210 having the air passage A1 with a complex shape including the air passages 261-263 can be easily formed. This makes it easier to form the cushion pad P1.

[0156] According to the present embodiment described above, as shown in FIG. 2, the duct D (retraction portion 190) can be protected by the duct cover portion 92 of the side frame cover 90 at the rear of the seat cushion S1, thereby preventing the feet of rear seat passengers from hitting the duct D.

[0157] Furthermore, since the duct cover portion 92 covers the bellows portion 140, it is possible to prevent the feet of the passengers in the rear seats from hitting the bellows portion 140, which is a soft portion of the duct D.

[0158] In addition, since the bellows portion 140 is located above the lower end 13A of the rear pipe 13, the feet of the passengers in the rear seats can be more effectively prevented from hitting the bellows portion 140 of the duct D compared to when the bellows portion is located below the lower end 13A of the rear pipe 13.

[0159] Furthermore, because the narrow width portions 131, 132 have a small dimension (width) in the left-right direction, it is possible to prevent the feet of a rear seat passenger from hitting the narrow width portions 131, 132 of the duct D. Furthermore, the narrow width portions 131, 132 have a small left-right dimension and a large approximately front-to-rear dimension, and are shaped to be strong against loads from approximately the front-to-rear direction. Therefore, even if the feet of a rear seat passenger hit the narrow width portions 131, 132, it is possible to prevent deformation of the duct D.

[0160] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, at the rear of the seat cushion S1, as shown in FIG. 8, the retraction portion 190 of the duct D is positioned close to the right cushion side frame 11, thereby preventing the feet of rear seat passengers from hitting the duct D.

[0161] In addition, since the retracted portion 190 extends at an angle so as to be positioned forward as it goes downward, the retracted portion 190 of the duct D is positioned at the rear of the seat cushion S1 so as to be away from the feet of the rear seat passengers. This makes it possible to further prevent the feet of the rear seat passengers from hitting the duct D.

[0162] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the back connection portion 170 of the duct D can be connected to the air passage A2 formed in the back pad P2 through the opening 50A of the pressure-receiving member 50, so that the air passage A2 of the back pad P2 can be easily connected to the duct D even in a configuration in which the vehicle seat S is equipped with a plate-shaped pressure-receiving member 50.

[0163] Furthermore, since the opening 50A is positioned so as not to overlap the S-spring 40 when viewed from the rear, the back connection portion 170 of the duct D can be easily passed through the opening 50A of the pressure-receiving member 50. This makes it easier to connect the air passage A2 of the back pad P2 and the duct D.

[0164] 13 , the first air passage H1 of the cushion pad P1 includes the first hole 271 communicating with the first air passage 261 and the second hole 272 communicating with the third air passage 263, allowing air to pass over a wide area of ​​the seat surface. Meanwhile, the first air passage 261, the second air passage 262, and the third air passage 263 can be formed as a continuous flow path, allowing the number of flow paths communicating with the blower device 70 to be reduced. This makes it possible to prevent the air flow in the air passage A1 from weakening, allowing air to flow smoothly within the cushion pad P1.

[0165] Furthermore, since the rows of the first holes 271A and the rows of the second holes 272 are arranged side by side in the left-right direction, air can be passed over a wider area of ​​the seat surface and multiple first ventilation holes H1 can be arranged efficiently.

[0166] Furthermore, because the fifth air passage 265 extends diagonally forward from the second air vent hole 250 toward the center in the left-right direction and connects to the fourth air passage 264, there are no sharp bends in the fifth air passage 265 connecting the second air vent hole 250 and the fourth air passage 264. This allows air to flow smoothly from the second air vent hole 250 through the fifth air passage 265 to the fourth air passage 264, and further through the first air passage 261, the second air passage 262, and the third air passage 263 to the first air hole H1.

[0167] 16, the opposing surface 368A of the branch path 368 of the back pad P2 is inclined so as to approach the front side as it approaches the outer edge in the left-right direction, so that the air passing through the fifth hole 375 can flow along the inclination of the opposing surface 368A, thereby allowing the air to flow smoothly.

[0168] Furthermore, because the opposing surface 368A is located at the outer end of the branch passage 368 in the left-right direction, the inclination of the opposing surface 368A can be used more effectively to allow the air to flow, compared to when the opposing surface is located midway along the long branch passage 368. This allows the air to flow more efficiently.

[0169] Furthermore, because the fifth hole 375 is located at the end of the center portion P21 in the left-right direction, when air (see dashed line) is blown out from the fifth hole 375, the air that flows forcefully along the slope of the opposing surface 368A can be blown out from the fifth hole 375 so as to graze the body of the occupant, thereby increasing the feeling of coolness.

[0170] Furthermore, since the branch passage 368 extends diagonally upward outward in the left-right direction away from the second ventilation hole 350, the air flowing in from the second ventilation hole 350 can be smoothly flowed from the third passage 363 through the first passage 361 and the second passage 362 to the branch passage 368.

[0171] Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. The specific configuration can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the invention, as described below. Note that, below, the same components as those in the above embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and their description is omitted where appropriate, and only differences from the above embodiment will be described in detail. For example, as shown in FIG. 17 , the side frame cover 90 may be configured such that the duct cover portion 92 has a rib-like convex portion 95 that protrudes from the inner surface toward the duct D, and the convex portion 95 fits into and engages with the valley portion of the bellows portion 140. In this configuration, the position of the duct D can be restricted by the engagement between the duct D and the convex portion 95 of the duct cover portion 92, thereby suppressing movement of the duct D.

[0172] 17, the opening 50A of the pressure-receiving member 50 may be provided so that the duct D can be held by the opening edge. With such a configuration, the duct D can be held by the pressure-receiving member 50, eliminating the need to provide a separate member for holding the duct D and reducing the number of parts of the vehicle seat S. Also, as shown in FIG. 8, in a configuration in which the opening 50A is disposed between a pair of extension portions 61 of the wire member 60, when the duct D is held by the pressure-receiving member 50, the duct D can be held by the highly rigid portion between the pair of extension portions 61 of the pressure-receiving member 50, and therefore the duct D can be firmly held by the pressure-receiving member 50.

[0173] In the above embodiment, the opening 50A of the pressure-receiving member 50 is disposed between the pair of extension portions 61. However, this is not limiting. For example, the opening may be disposed outside the extension portions 61 in the left-right direction (the direction perpendicular to the predetermined direction). As an example, as shown in FIG. 18 , the opening 50B for passing the duct D is disposed on the outside of the extension portions 61 in the left-right direction, specifically, on the right side of the right extension portion 61. The outside portions of the pair of extension portions 61 of the pressure-receiving member 50 in the left-right direction are more flexible than the portion between the pair of extension portions 61. Therefore, by locating the opening 50B in the flexible portion, the duct D can be easily connected to the opening 50B. The opening 50B may also be disposed on the left side of the left extension portion 61.

[0174] In addition, in the above embodiment, the pressure-receiving member 50 is connected to the back frame F2 by one wire member 60, but this is not limited thereto, and the pressure-receiving member 50 may be connected to the back frame F2 by two wire members. In addition, in the above embodiment, one wire member 60 has a pair of extending portions 61, but when the pressure-receiving member 50 is connected to the back frame F2 by two wire members, each wire member may have one extending portion.

[0175] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the pressure-receiving member 50 is configured to be inert. However, this is not limiting. For example, the pressure-receiving member 50 may be configured to move forward and backward or bend forward in a bow shape to change the shape of the portion of the pressure-receiving member 50 that contacts the occupant's lower back, thereby changing the support state for the occupant's lower back. In this case, a pressure-receiving member drive device such as an actuator for moving the pressure-receiving member 50 is preferably disposed in one of the pair of back side frames 21, specifically, the left back side frame 21, as described with reference to FIG. 8 . The duct D is disposed closer to the right (other) back side frame 21 than to the left (one) back side frame 21 in the left-right direction, thereby suppressing interference between the duct D and the pressure-receiving member drive device and the electric wires extending from the pressure-receiving member drive device. Furthermore, the pressure-receiving member drive device is preferably disposed on the inner side of the pair of side frames in the left-right direction. This allows the vehicle seat to be made more compact in the left and right directions.

[0176] Furthermore, when the pressure-receiving member drive device is disposed on the right back side frame 21 or the cushion side frame 11 and overlaps with the duct D in the left-right direction, it is desirable that the pressure-receiving member drive device be positioned differently from the duct D in the front-rear direction or the up-down direction. For example, it is desirable to dispose the pressure-receiving member drive device in front and behind the duct D. This can prevent interference between the duct D and the pressure-receiving member drive device. Furthermore, by disposing the duct in the seat cushion below the pressure-receiving member drive device and disposing the duct in the seat back behind the pressure-receiving member drive device, it is possible to prevent interference between the duct and the pad. Note that, when the pressure-receiving member 50 moves forward and backward, it is desirable to provide a bellows portion 171 that expands and contracts forward and backward at the rear end of the back connection portion 170, as shown in FIG. 17 . This can prevent the duct D from coming off the back pad P2 when the pressure-receiving member 50 moves. Furthermore, the pressure-receiving member drive device is not limited to an actuator and may be, for example, a control unit that controls an actuator.

[0177] In addition, in the above embodiment, the side frame cover 90 is configured to cover the rear end portion, which is a part of the cushion side frame 11, but this is not limited thereto, and for example, it may be configured to cover the entire cushion side frame 11. In addition, for example, the duct cover portion 92 may be configured to cover only a part of the bellows portion 140, which serves as a flexible portion, or may be configured to cover the entire portion.

[0178] In the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the pan frame 12 serving as the pad support member is arranged to overlap the entire air passages 261 to 263. However, this is not limited to this. For example, referring to FIG. 4, the pan frame 12 may be arranged to overlap the entire second air passage 262 and the front portions of the first air passage 261 and the third air passage 263, as viewed from above. In other words, the pad support member may be arranged to overlap at least a portion of the first air passage, the second air passage, and the third air passage. Furthermore, the pad support member is not limited to a plate-shaped member such as the pan frame 12, and may be, for example, a member made of a pipe material.

[0179] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the cushion pad P1 is formed with a plurality of first holes 271 and a plurality of second holes 272 as the first ventilation holes H1. However, this is not limited thereto. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which a plurality of first holes are formed and only one second hole is formed, or vice versa. In other words, it is sufficient that at least one first hole and one second hole are formed. Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the second ventilation hole 250 of the cushion pad P1 is disposed in a position shifted to the right from the center in the left-right direction. However, this is not limited thereto. For example, the second ventilation hole 250 may be disposed in a position shifted to the left from the center in the left-right direction of the cushion pad P1, or may be disposed in the center in the left-right direction. Furthermore, in the above embodiment, two flow paths each consisting of the ventilation paths 261 to 263 are formed. However, this is not limited thereto. There may be three or more flow paths, or there may be only one.

[0180] In the above embodiment, one end of the branch passage 368 (first air passage) is closed, but this is not limiting and the branch passage 368 may be open. In addition, a plurality of fifth holes 375 (first air vent holes) communicating with the first air passage may be provided for each first air passage.

[0181] In addition, in the above embodiment, the cushion pad P1 and the back pad P2 are configured to include a plurality of members, but this is not limited thereto, and for example, each pad may be configured from a single member.

[0182] In addition, in the above embodiment, the duct D has the bellows portion 140 as the flexible portion, but this is not limitative, and the flexible portion may have any configuration as long as it has flexibility.

[0183] In the above embodiment, the support member includes a plurality of wire members 31 and a resin member 32 connecting the wire members 31, but is not limited to this. For example, the support member may be configured such that a plurality of wire members are connected by being covered almost entirely with a resin member (resin). Furthermore, the support member may be configured solely with a wire-shaped member such as an S-spring.

[0184] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a sirocco fan was used as an example of the blower device 70, but this is not limited thereto and may be, for example, a propeller fan or a turbo fan. Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the vehicle seat S is configured to blow air out through the first air vents H1 and H2, but this is not limited thereto and may be configured to draw air in through the first air vents, for example. Furthermore, the blower device may be capable of switching between blowing and suction by, for example, switching the rotation direction of an impeller. Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the vehicle seat S is equipped with the blower device 70, but the vehicle seat itself may not be equipped with a blower device. In other words, the blower device may be provided in the vehicle body on which the vehicle seat is mounted. In this case, the vehicle seat may be configured such that a duct is connected to, for example, an air outlet or suction port provided in the vehicle body.

[0185] In addition, in the above embodiment, a weight sensor WS that detects the weight of the seat is exemplified as a sensor to be placed on the underside of the cushion side frame 11, but this is not limited to this and may be, for example, a position sensor that detects the fore-and-aft position of the seat.

[0186] In addition, the same configuration as the frame, pad, etc. of the seat cushion S1 described in the above embodiment may be applied to the seat back, or the same configuration as the frame, pad, etc. of the seat back S2 may be applied to the seat cushion. In addition, in the above embodiment, the air passage is formed in both the seat cushion and the seat back, but this is not limited thereto, and the air passage may be formed in only one of the seat cushion and the seat back.

[0187] In addition, in the above embodiment, a vehicle seat S mounted on a motor vehicle is used as an example of a vehicle seat, but this is not limited to this and the vehicle seat may also be a seat mounted on a vehicle other than a motor vehicle, such as a railway vehicle, a ship, or an aircraft.

[0188] Furthermore, the elements described in the above-described embodiment and modified examples may be combined in any desired manner.

Claims

DEPCT631. A vehicle seat with a seat suspension assembly and seat back shall be comprised of: a pair of side frames; a tube extending from the seat suspension assembly along the rear end of the seat suspension assembly frame toward the seat back and connecting the air passage and blower, where the air passage shall be formed in at least one piece of the seat suspension assembly and seat back; and a side frame cover piece formed in the form to enclose at least part of the side frame, where the side frame cover piece shall include a tube cover piece formed in the form to enclose part of the tube at the rear end of the seat suspension assembly frame.

2. A vehicle seat according to claim 1, where the tube shall include a flexible section with bendability at the rear end of the seat suspension assembly frame, and where a tube cover piece shall be formed in the form to enclose at least part of the flexible section.3.

4. Any vehicle seat under Claim 1 through 3 in which the tube includes a narrower section provided at the rear end of the seat suspension frame and in which the lateral dimension is less than the dimension perpendicular to the lateral dimension. 5.

6. Any vehicle seat under Claim 1 through 5 where the pipe cover includes a protruding section that is positioned beneath the seat suspension and extends in the forward-rear direction, and where the lateral dimensions are greater than the vertical dimensions, and the connecting section that connects the narrower and wider sections, and where the connecting section has an increased lateral dimension by increasing distance from the narrower section to the wider section, and a decreased vertical dimension by increasing distance from the narrower section to the wider section. 7.The vehicle seat under claim 2, where a pair of side frames shall include a pair of side frame suspension assemblies that make up the left and right side frames of the seat suspension assembly, where the seat suspension assembly frame shall include, in addition to, a pair of side frame suspension assemblies, a rear frame that connects the rear end of the pair of side frame suspension assemblies, where the tube shall include an extension fold that has been built into the frame as a flexible section at the rear end of the rear frame, and where the extension fold shall be positioned above the lower end of the rear frame. 8.Any of the claims 1 through 7 of the vehicle seat in which a pair of side frames includes a pair of side frame suspension assemblies that make up the left and right side frames of the seat suspension assembly; where the seat suspension assembly includes, in addition to, a pair of side frame suspension assemblies, a front frame that connects the front portion of the pair of side frame suspension assemblies and a rear frame that connects the rear portion of the pair of side frame suspension assemblies; where the vehicle seat is further incorporated with wire assemblies arranged to connect the front and rear frames; where the wire assemblies include hooks that are attached to the rear frame; and where a portion of the tube protruding at the rear of the rear frame is positioned differently from the position of the hooks in the lateral direction. 9.

10. Any vehicle seat under claims 1 in which the sensor is positioned beneath one piece of the side frame pair, where the tube in the lateral direction is positioned closer to one piece of the side frame pair than to one piece of the side frame pair.

11. Any vehicle seat under claim 1 in which the tube, including the retracted portion, is positioned at the rear end of the suspension frame, in an inward lateral position between the side frame pair and closer to one piece of the side frame than at the center lateral position between the side frame pair.

12. Any vehicle seat under claim 1 in which the retracted portion extends obliquely in the downward and forward directions.

13. Any vehicle seat under Allegations 10 through 12 where the tube includes a wider section provided beneath the seat suspension and extends in the forward-rear direction, and where the dimensions in the lateral direction are greater than the dimensions in the vertical direction. 14.

15. Vehicle seats under claim 13 or 14 where the retracted section includes a narrower section where the dimension in the lateral direction is less than the dimension in the direction perpendicular to the lateral direction, where the tube includes a connecting section that connects the narrower and wider sections, and where the connecting section has a dimension in the lateral direction that is increased by an increased distance from the narrower section to the wider section, and a dimension in the vertical direction that is decreased by an increased distance from the narrower section to the wider section.Any vehicle seat under claims 10 through 15 that includes a support assembly provided between a pair of side frames to bear the load from the driver, where the tubing shall include a portion provided on the opposite side from the driver's side of the support assembly, where the support assembly shall include a number of wire assemblies arranged in a row and plastic assemblies connecting the wire assemblies, and where the plastic assemblies shall be provided to overlap the tubing when viewed from the driver's side. 17.In any of the vehicle seats under claims 10 to 16, where the tubular section includes the lower tubular section provided beneath the seat suspension, the lower tubular section comprises: the first section protruding in the forward-rear direction; the first section whose forward end is connected to the blower; the second section protruding diagonally from the rear end of the first section in an outward, lateral, and rear direction; the third section protruding from the rear end of the second section to the rear; and the branching tubular section protruding from the third section upward and connected to the air passages formed in the seat suspension.

18. In any of the vehicle seats under claim 17, where the lower tubular section comprises: the fourth section protruding diagonally from the rear end of the third section in an outward, lateral, and rear direction; and the fifth section protruding from the rear end of the fourth section to the rear. 19.The vehicle seat under claim 19 is composed of: a plate-shaped pressure assembly formed in a structure to support the driver's load; and a padding assembly formed in a structure to enclose the driver's side of the pressure assembly, where an air passage is formed in the padding assembly, where a pipe is connected to the air passage from the opposite side of the driver's side of the padding assembly, and where the pressure assembly has an opening in which the pipe is positioned.

20. The vehicle seat under claim 19 is composed of a connecting frame that connects a pair of side frames, where the pipe includes a flat section arranged on the opposite side of the connecting frame, and where the dimension in the opposite direction where the flat section is opposite the connecting frame is less than the dimension in the perpendicular direction to the opposite direction.21.

22. Any vehicle seat under claims 19 to 21 that incorporates a cover assembly constructed in a manner to enclose a portion where a tube is connected to the air passage from the driver's side.

23. Any vehicle seat under claims 19 to 22 that incorporates a spring S that is positioned to connect a pair of side frames where the opening is positioned so that it does not overlap with the spring S when viewed from the driver's side.

24. Any vehicle seat under claims 19 to 22 that incorporates a spring S that is positioned to connect a pair of side frames where the tube includes a second flat section positioned opposite the driver's side of the spring S, and where the dimension in the opposite direction to which the second flat section is opposite the spring S is less than the dimension in the perpendicular direction to the opposite direction.Any vehicle seat under claims 19 to 23 that includes a wire assembly connecting the pressure assembly to the seat frame, where the wire assembly includes a pair of projections extending in a predetermined direction and arranged side-by-side in a direction perpendicular to the predetermined direction, at a position where the wire assembly overlaps the pressure assembly when viewed from the driver's side, and where an opening is provided between the pair of projections.

25. Any vehicle seat under claims 19 to 23 that includes a wire assembly connecting the pressure assembly to the seat frame, where the wire assembly includes a projection extending in a predetermined direction and arranged at a position where the wire assembly overlaps the pressure assembly when viewed from the driver's side, and where an opening is provided on the outside of the projections in a direction perpendicular to the predetermined direction.26.The vehicle seat under claim 1 shall consist of a seat cushion in which the air passages are included and a number of vent holes, the first vent hole extending from the driver's side surface to the air passage in which the air passage shall be included when viewed from the driver's side, the first air passage at one end of which is connected to a blower, the second air passage extending from the opposite end of the first air passage in a direction different from the direction in which the first air passage extends, and the third air passage extending from the opposite end of the second air passage opposite the end of the second air passage connected to the first air passage towards one end of the first air passage and in which the first vent hole shall be included at least one vent hole connected to the first air passage and at least one vent hole connected to the third air passage.27.

28. The vehicle seat under claim 26 or claim 27 where the first air passage is formed to a certain number of positions along the first air passage, where the second air passage is formed to a certain number of positions along the third air passage, and where the rows of the first and second air passages are arranged side-by-side in the direction of the projection of the second air passage.

29. The vehicle seat under claim 26 or claim 27 where the first air passage is projected in a direction not parallel to the lateral direction, where the second air passage is projected inward laterally from the opposite end of the first air passage, where the third air passage is projected from the opposite end of the second air passage opposite to the end of the second air passage connected to the first air passage in a direction not parallel to the lateral direction, and where two flow passages, each comprising the first, second and third air passages, are formed symmetrically in two planes on the left and right sides.Any vehicle seat under claims 26 to 28 that includes a support assembly for the seat cushion provided on the opposite side of the driver's side of the seat cushion in which the support assembly is arranged in such a way that it overlaps at least partly with the first, second and third air passages when viewed from the driver's side.

30. Any vehicle seat under claim 29 in which the support assembly for the seat cushion is in the shape of a plate. 31.

32. Any vehicle seat under claims 26 to 31 where the seat pad includes a second ventilation hole protruding from the surface on the opposite side to the driver's side to the air passage, where the air passage includes a fourth air passage protruding laterally and connecting one end of the first air passage on the left and one end of the first air passage on the right, and a fifth air passage connecting the second and fourth ventilation holes, where the second ventilation hole is positioned shifted upward from the center lateral position of the seat to the left or right, and where the fifth air passage protrudes from the second ventilation hole obliquely toward the center lateral position of the seat and is connected to the fourth air passage. 33.

34. A vehicle seat under claim 1, in which the first assembly includes the first body assembly and a groove-forming assembly which is placed on the driver's side surface of the first body assembly, and a groove-forming assembly which has a long, narrow channel that penetrates to form a groove.

35. A vehicle seat under claim 1, in which the first assembly includes an air passage and a first vent hole which is formed within it, and the first vent hole which protrudes from the driver's side surface of the assembly to the air passage, in which the air passage includes an air passage first which protrudes along the driver's side surface of the assembly, and in which the air passage first has an opposite surface facing the first vent hole and an opposite surface protruding toward the edge of the assembly when viewed from the driver's side which is angled toward the driver's side.

36. A vehicle seat under claim 34 or claim 35 where the seat pad includes a center section and a pair of lateral sections provided to the left and right of the center section, a pair of lateral sections inflated towards the driver's side further than the center section, and where a first vent hole is provided at the end of the center section in the lateral direction and where air is expelled through the first vent hole.Vehicle seats under claim 36 where the padding includes a second vent hole protruding from the surface on the opposite side to the driver's side to the air passage where the air passage includes a second air passage connecting the first air passage and the second vent hole and protruding from the position of connection to the first air passage in one direction perpendicular to the lateral direction, and where the first air passage protrudes obliquely relative to the perpendicular direction, deviating in one direction opposite to one direction of the perpendicular direction, increasing with increasing distance from the second air passage toward the outer lateral end of the padding. 38.Any vehicle seat under claims 34 to 37 where the seat pad includes a first assembly with grooves formed within the grooves forming the air passages and a second assembly with a first ventilation hole formed within it, where the second assembly is placed on the driver's side surface of the first assembly and where the opposite surface is formed in the first assembly.