Vehicle seat and manufacturing method for same

Abstract

[Problem] To enable a vibrator and an air bag to exhibit respective actions in a vehicle seat. [Solution] This vehicle seat 1 includes a seat cushion 3 and a seat back 4 extending upward from a rear part of the seat cushion. The seat back has a frame 21 forming a skeleton, a pad 22 supported by the frame, a skin material 23 covering the pad, and a plurality of air bags 71 and a plurality of vibrators 72 provided on the pad. When viewed from the front, each of the plurality of vibrators and each of the plurality of air bags are arranged so as not to overlap each other.

Description

Vehicle seat and manufacturing method thereof

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a vehicle seat having multiple vibrators. The multiple vibrators are controlled to vibrate based on route guidance information. This allows a driver seated in the vehicle seat to recognize the route guidance information through the vibrations of the vibrators. Patent Document 1 also discloses another vehicle seat having multiple air bladders. The multiple air bladders are inflated by a supply of compressed air. The inflation and deflation of the multiple air bladders kneads the occupant seated in the vehicle seat.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-123159

[0004] When the vibrator and the air bag are placed in the same seat, there is a risk that the vibrator and the air bag may adversely affect each other. For example, there is a risk that the vibrations of the vibrator may be absorbed by the air bag, making it difficult for the vibrations to be transmitted to the seated person.

[0005] In view of the above background, an object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle seat in which a vibrator and an air bag can respectively perform their respective functions.

[0006] In order to solve the above problem, one aspect of the present invention is a vehicle seat (1) comprising a seat cushion (3) and a seat back (4) extending upward from a rear portion of the seat cushion, the seat back comprising a frame (21) forming a skeleton, a pad (22) supported by the frame, a cover material (23) covering the pad, and a plurality of air bags (71) and a plurality of vibrators (72) provided on the pad, the pad having a central portion (22A) in the left-right direction and left and right side support portions (22B) protruding forward from the left and right ends of the central portion, some of the plurality of vibrators and some of the plurality of air bags are arranged on the front surfaces of the left and right side support portions, respectively, and the plurality of vibrators and the plurality of air bags are arranged vertically spaced apart from each other on the front surfaces of the left and right side support portions, respectively.

[0007] According to this aspect, the vibrator and the air bag are disposed in the side support portion. Since the vibrator and the air bag are disposed apart from each other in the side support portion, the vibrator and the air bag can exert their respective functions in the vehicle seat.

[0008] In the above aspect, an electronic control device (81) that controls the plurality of vibrators may be disposed behind a lower end portion of at least one of the left and right side support portions.

[0009] According to this aspect, the electronic control device is disposed at a position away from the back of the seated occupant, which prevents the electronic control device from hitting the back of the seated occupant.

[0010] In the above aspect, a plurality of sensors (601) may be provided between the front surface of the pad and the skin material, at least one of the plurality of sensors may be disposed on each of the front surfaces of the left and right side support parts, and each of the plurality of vibrators, each of the plurality of air bladders, and the sensor may be disposed apart from one another in the vertical direction.

[0011] According to this aspect, the sensor is less susceptible to the influence of the vibrator and the air bag, thereby suppressing a decrease in the detection capability of the sensor.

[0012] In the above aspect, a headrest (5) may be provided at the upper end of the seat back, and at least one of the vibrators, at least one of the air bags, and at least one of the sensors may be provided on a front surface of the headrest.

[0013] According to this aspect, the function of the headrest can be improved.

[0014] In the above aspect, the covering material may be fastened to the front surface of the pad by a plurality of fastening portions (53), and the plurality of sensors may be arranged around the fastening portions.

[0015] According to this aspect, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the detection accuracy of the sensor. Since the movement of the cover material around the locking portion is suppressed by the locking portion, the movement of the cover material is prevented from adversely affecting the sensor.

[0016] In the above aspect, a plurality of locking grooves (52) for suspending the cover material may be formed on the front surface of the pad, the plurality of locking portions may be arranged in the plurality of locking grooves, and the plurality of sensors may be arranged along any of the plurality of locking grooves.

[0017] According to this aspect, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the detection accuracy of the sensor. Since the movement of the cover material around the locking groove is suppressed by the locking portion, the movement of the cover material is prevented from adversely affecting the sensor.

[0018] In the above aspect, the multiple locking grooves include multiple vertical locking grooves (52A) extending in the vertical direction and multiple horizontal locking grooves (52B) extending in the horizontal direction, and some of the multiple sensors may be arranged around the connection portion (52C) ​​between the vertical locking grooves and the horizontal locking grooves.

[0019] According to this aspect, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the detection accuracy of the sensor. Since the movement of the cover material around the locking portion is suppressed by the locking portion, the movement of the cover material is prevented from adversely affecting the sensor.

[0020] In the above aspect, the sensor, the air bag, and the vibrator may be disposed in this order from above along one of the vertical locking grooves below one of the horizontal locking grooves.

[0021] According to this aspect, the sensor, the air bag, and the vibrator can be arranged efficiently.

[0022] In the above aspect, the air bag may be formed in an annular shape and have a central hole (71B), and the vibrator may be disposed in the central hole.

[0023] According to this aspect, the air bag and the vibrator are arranged compactly without interfering with each other.

[0024] In the above aspect, a manufacturing method for a vehicle seat (1) having a seat cushion (3) and a seat back (4) may include the steps of: supporting a pad (22) on a frame (21) of the seat back; arranging a plurality of air bags (71) and a plurality of vibrators (72) on the front surface of the pad; and covering the pad with a skin material (23) in such a manner that the plurality of vibrators and the plurality of air bags do not overlap each other when viewed from the front.

[0025] According to this aspect, the vehicle seat can be manufactured so that the vibrator and the air bag can perform their respective functions.

[0026] One aspect of the present invention is a vehicle seat (1) comprising a seat cushion (3) and a seat back (4) extending upward from a rear portion of the seat cushion, the seat back comprising a frame (21) forming a skeleton, a pad (22) supported by the frame, a covering material (23) covering the pad, and a plurality of air bags (71) and a plurality of vibrators (72) provided on the pad, the pad having a central portion (22A) in the left-right direction and left and right side support portions (22B) protruding forward from the left and right ends of the central portion, some of the plurality of vibrators and some of the plurality of air bags are arranged on the front surfaces of the left and right side support portions, respectively, and the plurality of vibrators and the plurality of air bags are arranged vertically spaced apart from each other on the front surfaces of the left and right side support portions, respectively.

[0027] According to this aspect, the vibrator and the air bag are disposed in the side support portion. Since the vibrator and the air bag are disposed apart from each other in the side support portion, the vibrator and the air bag can exert their respective functions in the vehicle seat.

[0028] In the above aspect, an electronic control device (81) that controls the plurality of vibrators may be disposed behind a lower end portion of at least one of the left and right side support portions.

[0029] According to this aspect, the electronic control device is disposed at a position away from the back of the seated occupant, which prevents the electronic control device from hitting the back of the seated occupant.

[0030] In the above aspect, a plurality of sensors (601) may be provided between the front surface of the pad and the skin material, at least one of the plurality of sensors may be disposed on each of the front surfaces of the left and right side support parts, and each of the plurality of vibrators, each of the plurality of air bladders, and the sensor may be disposed apart from one another in the vertical direction.

[0031] According to this aspect, the sensor is less susceptible to the influence of the vibrator and the air bag, thereby suppressing a decrease in the detection capability of the sensor.

[0032] In the above aspect, a headrest (5) may be provided at the upper end of the seat back, and at least one of the vibrators, at least one of the air bags, and at least one of the sensors may be provided on a front surface of the headrest.

[0033] According to this aspect, the function of the headrest can be improved.

[0034] In the above aspect, the covering material may be fastened to the front surface of the pad by a plurality of fastening portions (53), and the plurality of sensors may be arranged around the fastening portions.

[0035] According to this aspect, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the detection accuracy of the sensor. Since the movement of the cover material around the locking portion is suppressed by the locking portion, the movement of the cover material is prevented from adversely affecting the sensor.

[0036] In the above aspect, a plurality of locking grooves (52) for suspending the cover material may be formed on the front surface of the pad, the plurality of locking portions may be arranged in the plurality of locking grooves, and the plurality of sensors may be arranged along any of the plurality of locking grooves.

[0037] According to this aspect, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the detection accuracy of the sensor. Since the movement of the cover material around the locking groove is suppressed by the locking portion, the movement of the cover material is prevented from adversely affecting the sensor.

[0038] In the above aspect, the multiple locking grooves include multiple vertical locking grooves (52A) extending in the vertical direction and multiple horizontal locking grooves (52B) extending in the horizontal direction, and some of the multiple sensors may be arranged around the connection portion (52C) ​​between the vertical locking grooves and the horizontal locking grooves.

[0039] According to this aspect, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the detection accuracy of the sensor. Since the movement of the cover material around the locking portion is suppressed by the locking portion, the movement of the cover material is prevented from adversely affecting the sensor.

[0040] In the above aspect, the sensor, the air bag, and the vibrator may be disposed in this order from above along one of the vertical locking grooves below one of the horizontal locking grooves.

[0041] According to this aspect, the sensor, the air bag, and the vibrator can be arranged efficiently.

[0042] In the above aspect, the air bag may be formed in an annular shape and have a central hole (71B), and the vibrator may be disposed in the central hole.

[0043] According to this aspect, the air bag and the vibrator are arranged compactly without interfering with each other.

[0044] In the above aspect, a manufacturing method for a vehicle seat (1) having a seat cushion (3) and a seat back (4) may include the steps of: supporting a pad (22) on a frame (21) of the seat back; arranging a plurality of air bags (71) and a plurality of vibrators (72) on the front surface of the pad; and covering the pad with a skin material (23) in such a manner that the plurality of vibrators and the plurality of air bags do not overlap each other when viewed from the front.

[0045] According to this aspect, the vehicle seat can be manufactured so that the vibrator and the air bag can perform their respective functions.

[0046] 1. Perspective view of a seat according to the first embodiment; Perspective view of a seat frame; Horizontal cross-sectional view of a seat back; Explanatory view of the seat back as seen from the front; Block diagram showing elements of the seat back; Longitudinal cross-sectional view of a seat back; Explanatory view of a seat back according to a modified example of the first embodiment, seen from the front; Explanatory view of a seat back according to the second embodiment, seen from the front; Explanatory view of a seat back according to the third embodiment, seen from the front; Explanatory view of a seat back according to the fourth embodiment, seen from the front; Explanatory view of a seat back according to the fifth embodiment, seen from the front; Explanatory view of a seat back according to the sixth embodiment, seen from the front; Explanatory view of a seat back according to the seventh embodiment, seen from the front; Horizontal cross-sectional view of a seat back according to a modified example of the seventh embodiment, seen from the front; Explanatory view of a seat back according to the eighth embodiment, seen from the front; Explanatory view of a seat back according to the ninth embodiment, seen from the front

[0047] First Embodiment Hereinafter, an embodiment in which a vehicle seat according to the present invention is applied to a vehicle seat will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, front, rear, left, right, top, and bottom are defined based on the vehicle in which the seat is installed.

[0048] As shown in Figure 1, the seat 1 has a seat cushion 3 provided on a floor 2, a seat back 4 extending upward from the rear of the seat cushion 3, and a headrest 5 connected to an upper part of the seat back 4. The seat back 4 is rotatably supported by the seat cushion 3. The seat cushion 3, the seat back 4, and the headrest 5 constitute a seat body 7. The seat cushion 3 supports the buttocks of an occupant, and the seat back 4 supports the back of the occupant.

[0049] As shown in Fig. 2, the seat cushion 3 is mounted on the floor 2 via slide rails 11. The slide rails 11 include left and right lower rails 11A connected to the floor 2 and left and right upper rails 11B slidably supported on the left and right lower rails 11A. The seat cushion 3 is connected to the left and right upper rails 11B. A lifting device 12 may be interposed between the seat cushion 3 and the upper rails 11B. The lifting device 12 supports the seat cushion 3 so that it can be raised and lowered relative to the left and right upper rails 11B.

[0050] The seat cushion 3 has a seat cushion frame 15 forming a skeleton, a seat cushion pad 16 supported by the seat cushion frame 15, and a skin material 17 covering the surface of the seat cushion pad 16. The seat back 4 has a seat back frame 21 forming a skeleton, a seat back pad 22 supported by the seat back frame 21, and a skin material 23 covering the surface of the seat back pad 22. The seat cushion frame 15 and the seat back frame 21 are connected to each other via a reclining device 24.

[0051] The seat cushion frame 15 is formed in a rectangular frame shape. The seat cushion frame 15 includes left and right seat cushion side members 31 extending in the front-rear direction, a front member 32 extending in the left-right direction and connected to the front ends of the left and right seat cushion side members 31, and a rear member 33 extending in the left-right direction and connected to the rear ends of the left and right seat cushion side members 31. The front member 32 is preferably a plate-shaped pan frame. A flexible buttocks pressure receiving portion 36 is bridged between the front member 32 and the rear member 33. The buttocks pressure receiving portion 36 supports the occupant's buttocks from below.

[0052] The seatback frame 21 is formed in a rectangular frame shape. The seatback frame 21 includes left and right seatback side members 41 that extend vertically, upper members 42 that extend horizontally and are connected to the upper ends of the left and right seatback side members 41, and lower members 43 that extend horizontally and are connected to the lower ends of the left and right seatback side members 41. The left and right seatback side members 41 are formed of sheet metal members. The upper member 42 is formed of a metal pipe. The center portion of the upper member 42 in the horizontal direction is curved so that it is convex upward. The left and right ends of the upper member 42 are connected to the upper ends of the corresponding left and right seatback side members 41.

[0053] The seatback frame 21 has cross members 45 that extend laterally below the upper member 42 and are joined to the left and right ends of the upper member 42. The cross members 45 are formed of sheet metal members. In other embodiments, the left and right ends of the cross member 45 may be joined to the left and right seatback side members 41. The cross members 45 support the shoulders of the occupant from behind. A side airbag unit 46 may be provided on the outer surface of at least one of the left and right seatback side members 41.

[0054] The seat back frame 21 is provided with a back pressure receiving portion 47 for supporting the back of the occupant. The back pressure receiving portion 47 is stretched between the cross member 45 and the lower member 43. The back pressure receiving portion 47 includes a metal wire 47A stretched between the cross member 45 and the lower member 43, a resin plate 47B supported by the wire 47A, and multiple air bags 47C supported by the plate 47B. The plate 47B is connected to the lower portions of the left and right wires 47A and faces forward. The multiple air bags 47C are disposed on the front surface of the plate 47B. The multiple air bags 47C are supplied with air and inflate, changing the shape of the back pressure receiving portion 47.

[0055] The seat back pad 22 is supported by the seat back frame 21 and the back pressure receiving portion 47. The seat cushion pad 16 is supported by the seat cushion frame 15 and the buttocks pressure receiving portion .

[0056] 3, the seatback pad 22 has a central portion 22A in the left-right direction and left and right side support portions 22B that protrude forward from the left and right ends of the central portion 22A. The central portion 22A and the left and right side support portions 22B extend in the up-down direction. The left and right side support portions 22B abut against the left and right sides of the occupant's back, thereby guiding the occupant's back toward the central portion 22A.

[0057] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, a plurality of locking grooves 52 for suspending the upholstery material 23 are formed on the front surface of the seat back pad 22. The plurality of locking grooves 52 include a plurality of vertical locking grooves 52A extending in the up-down direction and a plurality of horizontal locking grooves 52B extending in the horizontal direction. The vertical locking grooves 52A are preferably provided at the boundaries between the central portion 22A and the left and right side support portions 22B. The horizontal locking grooves 52B are preferably arranged at intervals in the up-down direction in the central portion 22A. Each of the horizontal locking grooves 52B is connected to the vertical locking grooves 52A to form a connection portion 52C.

[0058] The upholstery material 23 is fastened to the front surface of the seat back pad 22 by a plurality of fastening portions 53. The plurality of fastening portions 53 fasten to a plurality of fastened portions provided on the back surface of the upholstery material 23. The fastened portions may be trim cords connected to tabs provided on the upholstery material 23. The trim cords may be linearly extending rod-shaped bodies made of resin. The plurality of fastening portions 53 may be resin clips that fasten the trim cords. The plurality of fastening portions 53 may be arranged in a plurality of fastening grooves 52. The plurality of fastening portions 53 may be arranged in a plurality of vertical fastening grooves 52A and a plurality of horizontal fastening grooves 52B. The plurality of fastening portions 53 may be embedded in the plurality of fastening grooves 52 by insert molding. The edges of the upholstery material 23 may be joined to each other at the rear of the seat back 4 by a zipper or the like. In addition, the edge of the covering material 23 may be hooked onto the seat back frame 21 at the rear of the seat back 4 .

[0059] 1, the headrest 5 includes a pillar 61 supported by the upper member 42, a headrest core 62 supported by the pillar 61, a flexible headrest pad 63 supported by the headrest core 62, and a skin material 64 covering the headrest pad 63. The headrest core 62 may be formed from a resin material or a metal plate.

[0060] 4 and 5, the seat back pad 22 is provided with a plurality of air bags 71 and a plurality of vibrators 72. Each air bag 71 is also called an air cell and is connected to an air supply device 74. Each air bag 71 is inflated by receiving compressed air from the air supply device 74. The air supply device 74 includes a compressor that compresses and sends air, and a plurality of control valves that control the compressed air supplied from the compressor to each air bag 71. The air supply device 74 may be provided inside the seat cushion 3 or the seat back 4, or may be provided on the floor 2. For example, the air supply device 74 may be disposed between the floor 2 and the seat cushion 3.

[0061] Each air bag 71 inflates and deflates independently of the other, thereby changing the shape of the front surface of the seat back 4. This allows the posture of the seated occupant to be corrected. Each air bag 71 also kneads the seated occupant by inflating and deflating. Each air bag 71 is also provided with a pressure sensor that measures the internal pressure. Based on the internal pressure of each air bag 71, the pressure distribution applied by the seated occupant to the seat back 4 can be obtained, and the posture of the seated occupant can be detected based on the pressure distribution.

[0062] Each of the plurality of vibrators 72 may include an electric motor and an eccentric weight rotated by the electric motor. Alternatively, each of the plurality of vibrators 72 may include an electromagnet and a magnet as a weight that moves due to the magnetic force generated by the electromagnet. Each of the vibrators 72 vibrates to stimulate the back of the seated occupant and to alert or warn the seated occupant.

[0063] As shown in Fig. 4, the plurality of air bags 71 and the plurality of vibrators 72 are provided between the front surface of the seat back pad 22 and the upholstery material 23. The plurality of air bags 71 and the plurality of vibrators 72 may be housed in a plurality of recesses 78 formed in the front surface of the seat back pad 22. A flexible lid plate 79 that closes the recesses 78 may be provided in front of the plurality of air bags 71 and the plurality of vibrators 72 housed in the plurality of recesses 78. As shown in Fig. 6, the plurality of air bags 71 may be provided on the rear surface of the seat back pad 22. The plurality of air bags 71 may be provided between the rear surface of the seat back pad 22 and the back pressure receiving portion 47.

[0064] As shown in Fig. 4, a plurality of air bladders 71 and a plurality of vibrators 72 may be provided in the headrest 5. The plurality of air bladders 71 and a plurality of vibrators 72 are provided between the front surface of the headrest pad 63 and the upholstery material 64. In another embodiment, the plurality of air bladders 71 and a plurality of vibrators 72 may be housed in a plurality of recesses formed in the front surface of the headrest pad 63. Also, a flexible lid plate that closes the recesses may be provided in front of the plurality of air bladders 71 and the plurality of vibrators 72 housed in the recesses. The plurality of air bladders 71 and a plurality of vibrators 72 may be provided between the headrest pad 63 and the headrest core 62.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 5 , the multiple vibrators 72 and the air supply device 74 are connected to a control device 81. The control device 81 is an electronic control device having a processor and a memory communicatively connected to the processor. The processor may include at least one of a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), or a reduced instruction set computer (RISC) as a core. The memory may include at least one of a volatile memory and a nonvolatile memory. The volatile memory may be, for example, a dynamic random access memory (DRAM) or a static random access memory (SRAM). The nonvolatile memory may be a solid state drive (SSD), a flash memory, a magnetic disk storage device, or an optical disk storage device. At least a portion of the control device 81 may be implemented by hardware such as an LSI, an ASIC, or an FPGA, or by a combination of software and hardware. The processor implements various applications by executing programs stored in the memory. The program may be stored in memory or in a removable storage medium such as a DVD or CD-ROM, and may be installed in memory by loading the storage medium into a reading device. Alternatively, the program may be downloaded to memory and installed via a communication network such as the Internet. The control device 81 may be configured by a single piece of hardware, or may be configured by multiple pieces of hardware that can communicate with each other.

[0066] The control device 81 controls the air supply device 74 to control the inflation and deflation of the plurality of air bladders 71. This allows the plurality of air bladders 71 to massage the seat occupant and correct their posture. The control device 81 also determines the posture of the occupant based on the internal pressure of the plurality of air bladders 71. The control device 81 also vibrates the plurality of vibrators 72 to notify the seat occupant of various information.

[0067] 4, when viewed from the front, the plurality of vibrators 72 and the plurality of air bags 71 are arranged so as not to overlap each other. Some of the plurality of vibrators 72 and some of the plurality of air bags 71 are arranged on the front surface of each of the left and right side support parts 22B. Also, some of the plurality of vibrators 72 and some of the plurality of air bags 71 are arranged on the front surface of the central part 22A.

[0068] On the front surfaces of the left and right side support parts 22B, the plurality of vibrators 72 and the plurality of air bags 71 are arranged vertically spaced apart from each other. On the front surfaces of the left and right side support parts 22B, the plurality of vibrators 72 and the plurality of air bags 71 are arranged in a row in the vertical direction. Furthermore, on the front surfaces of the left and right side support parts 22B, the plurality of vibrators 72 and the plurality of air bags 71 are arranged alternately. On the front surface of the central part 22A, the plurality of vibrators 72 and the plurality of air bags 71 are arranged in two rows in the vertical direction. Furthermore, on the front surface of the central part 22A, the plurality of vibrators 72 and the plurality of air bags 71 are arranged alternately in the vertical direction.

[0069] When viewed from the front, the plurality of vibrators 72 and the plurality of air bags 71 are arranged so as not to overlap one another on the headrest 5. On the front surface of the headrest 5, the plurality of vibrators 72 and the plurality of air bags 71 are arranged in two rows in the vertical direction. Furthermore, on the headrest 5, the plurality of vibrators 72 and the plurality of air bags 71 are arranged alternately in the vertical direction.

[0070] 7, the length of vibrator 72 in the left-right direction may be longer than the length of air bag 71. Also, the length of vibrator 72 in the up-down direction may be longer than the length of air bag 71. This makes it easier for the vibration of vibrator 72 to be transmitted to the seated occupant.

[0071] The length of air bag 71 in the left-right direction may be longer than the length of vibrator 72 in the left-right direction. Also, the length of air bag 71 in the up-down direction may be longer than the length of vibrator 72 in the up-down direction. This makes posture detection and posture correction by air bag 71 more stable. Also, air bag 71 can knead the seated occupant more effectively.

[0072] In the above-described seat 1, the plurality of vibrators 72 and the plurality of air bags 71 are arranged so as not to overlap each other when viewed from the front, which prevents each air bag 71 from absorbing the vibrations of each vibrator 72. This allows the vibrators 72 and the air bags 71 to exert their respective functions. In other words, the vibrators 72 and the air bags 71 can be prevented from adversely affecting each other.

[0073] The manufacturing method of the seat 1 includes a step of supporting the seat back pad 22 on the seat back frame 21 of the seat back 4, a step of arranging the plurality of air bladders 71 and the plurality of vibrators 72 on the front surface of the seat back pad 22, and a step of covering the seat back pad 22 with the upholstery material 23. In the step of arranging the plurality of air bladders 71 and the plurality of vibrators 72, the plurality of vibrators 72 and the plurality of air bladders 71 are arranged so that they do not overlap each other when viewed from the front.

[0074] Second Embodiment A seat 200 according to a second embodiment differs from the seat 1 according to the first embodiment in the shape of the plurality of air bladders 71 and the positions of the plurality of air bladders 71 and the plurality of vibrators 72. The other configurations of the seat 200 according to the second embodiment are the same as those of the seat 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0075] As shown in Fig. 8, the multiple air bladders 71 include an annular air bladders 71A formed in a ring shape. The central hole 71B of the annular air bladders 71A preferably opens toward the front and rear. The annular air bladders 71A are preferably disposed in the central portion 22A, the left and right side support portions 22B, and the headrest 5. A vibrator 72 is preferably disposed in the central hole 71B of the annular air bladders 71A.

[0076] The multiple air bags 71 include a C-shaped air bag 71C. An inner hole 71D of the air bag 71C may be open in the front and rear directions. The annular air bags 71A may be disposed in the central portion 22A, the left and right side support portions 22B, and the headrest 5. A vibrator 72 may be disposed in the inner hole 71D of the air bag 71C. A portion of the vibrator 72 may protrude to the outside from the inner hole 71D of the air bag 71C.

[0077] Some of the plurality of air bags 71 and some of the plurality of vibrators 72 may be arranged side by side.

[0078] In the seat 1 according to the second embodiment, the plurality of vibrators 72 and the plurality of air bags 71 are arranged so as not to overlap each other when viewed from the front, which prevents each air bag 71 from absorbing the vibrations of each vibrator 72. This allows the vibrators 72 and the air bags 71 to exert their respective functions.

[0079] (Third embodiment) A seat 300 according to a third embodiment differs from the seat 1 according to the first embodiment in that it is provided with a plurality of heaters 301 and a plurality of speakers 302. The other configurations of the seat 300 according to the third embodiment are the same as those of the seat 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0080] 9 , the multiple speakers 302 and the multiple heaters 301 are arranged so as not to overlap the multiple vibrators 72 and the multiple air bags 71, as viewed from the front. The multiple speakers 302 may be provided at the upper end of the front surface of the central portion 22A and at the upper end of the front surfaces of the left and right side support portions 22B. The multiple speakers 302 as acoustic devices may also be provided at the center in the up-down direction of the front surfaces of the left and right side support portions 22B. The speakers 302 may be arranged in recesses 78 formed in the front surfaces of the central portion 22A and the left and right side support portions 22B.

[0081] Each heater 301 is formed in a sheet shape. Each heater 301 has a sheet-like member such as nonwoven fabric and a heating wire bonded to the surface of the sheet-like member. Each heater 301 is disposed between the front surface of the seatback pad 22 and the cover material 23. The left-right length of the heater 301 may be longer than both the left-right length of the air bag 71 and the left-right length of the vibrator 72. The multiple heaters 301 are provided in the central portion 22A and the left and right side support portions 22B.

[0082] The control device 81 controls the heaters 301 and the speakers 302. The control device 81 may be disposed behind the lower end portion of at least one of the left and right side support parts 22B. When viewed from the front, each of the control devices 81 is preferably disposed so as not to overlap with each of the plurality of vibrators 72 and each of the plurality of air bladders 71.

[0083] On the front surface of each of the left and right side support parts 22B, the vibrator 72, the air bag 71, the speaker 302, and the heater 301 are arranged in a line at intervals in the vertical direction.

[0084] Fourth Embodiment A seat 400 according to a fourth embodiment differs from the seat 300 according to the third embodiment in that it is provided with an air conditioning device 401. Other configurations of the seat 400 according to the fourth embodiment are the same as those of the seat 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0085] As shown in Fig. 10, a plurality of heaters 301 may be arranged in the central portion 22A. The plurality of heaters 301 arranged in the central portion 22A may include heaters 301 having different lengths in the left-right direction. A plurality of heaters 301 are arranged in each of the left and right side support portions 22B. A plurality of speakers 302 are arranged at the upper end portions of the left and right side supports, respectively. In addition, air conditioners 401 are provided above the left and right side support portions 22B. The air conditioners 401 may be blowers.

[0086] Fifth Embodiment A seat 500 according to a fifth embodiment differs from the seat 1 according to the first embodiment in that it is provided with an air conditioning device 501. Other configurations of the seat 500 according to the fifth embodiment are the same as those of the seat 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0087] As shown in FIG. 11 , the air conditioning device 501 includes at least one blower 502, a plurality of air passages 503, and a plurality of air openings 504. The blower 502 may be provided on the rear surface of the seat back pad 22. The plurality of air passages 503 may be formed inside the seat back pad 22. For example, a plurality of air grooves may be formed on the front surface of the seat back pad 22, and a plurality of cover pads may be arranged to cover the plurality of air grooves, thereby forming the plurality of air passages 503. The plurality of air passages 503 are connected to the blower 502. The plurality of air openings 504 are connected to the plurality of air passages 503 and open to the front surface of the seat back 4. When the blower 502 is driven, air is discharged from the plurality of air openings 504 via the plurality of air passages 503. In another embodiment, when the blower 502 is driven, air may be drawn in through the plurality of air openings 504 via the plurality of air passages 503.

[0088] When viewed from the front, the air conditioning device 501 is preferably arranged so as not to overlap the plurality of vibrators 72 and the plurality of air bags 71. That is, at least one blower 502, the plurality of air passages 503, and the plurality of air openings 504 are preferably arranged so as not to overlap the plurality of vibrators 72 and the plurality of air bags 71. When viewed from the front, the blower 502 is preferably arranged in the center of the central portion 22A. The blower 502 is also preferably provided in the headrest 5. When the seatback pad 22 and the headrest pad 63 are integrally formed, the air passage 503 preferably extends from the seatback pad 22 to the headrest pad 63.

[0089] Sixth Embodiment A seat 600 according to a sixth embodiment differs from the seat 300 according to the third embodiment in that it is provided with a plurality of sensors 601. Other configurations of the seat 600 according to the sixth embodiment are the same as those of the seat 300 according to the third embodiment.

[0090] The multiple sensors 601 may be a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, an alertness sensor, a fatigue sensor, a seating sensor, a heart rate sensor, an electroencephalogram sensor, etc. The multiple sensors 601 may be disposed between the front surface of the seatback pad 22 and the covering material 23. The multiple sensors 601 may also be disposed between the front surface of the headrest pad 63 and the covering material 64.

[0091] 12 , when viewed from the front, the multiple sensors 601 are arranged so as not to overlap the multiple vibrators 72 or the multiple air bags 71. At least one of the multiple sensors 601 is arranged on the front surface of each of the left and right side support parts 22B. The multiple vibrators 72, the multiple air bags 71, and the sensor 601 are arranged spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction.

[0092] The plurality of sensors 601 may be arranged around the locking portion 53. The plurality of sensors 601 may be arranged along any one of the plurality of locking grooves 52. Some of the plurality of sensors 601 may be arranged around a connection portion 52C between the vertical locking groove 52A and the horizontal locking groove 52B. The sensor 601, the air bag 71, and the vibrator 72 may be arranged in this order from above below one of the horizontal locking grooves 52B and along one of the vertical locking grooves 52A.

[0093] A side airbag unit 605 may be provided on a side member of the seat back 4. In this case, the plurality of sensors 601, the plurality of vibrators 72, and the plurality of air bags 71 may be arranged so as not to overlap the side airbag unit 605 when viewed from the front. In other embodiments, the plurality of sensors 601, the plurality of vibrators 72, and the plurality of air bags 71 may overlap the side airbag unit 605 when viewed from the front.

[0094] In another embodiment, the plurality of sensors 601 may be arranged to overlap at least one of the plurality of vibrators 72 and the plurality of air bladders 71 when viewed from the front.

[0095] Seventh Embodiment A seat 700 according to a seventh embodiment differs from the seat 1 according to the first embodiment in the arrangement of the plurality of vibrators 72 and the plurality of air bladders 71. The other configuration of the seat 700 according to the seventh embodiment is the same as that of the seat 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0096] As shown in Fig. 13, when viewed from the front, each vibrator 72 overlaps with each air bag 71. Specifically, when viewed from the front, all portions of each vibrator 72 are arranged to overlap with the corresponding air bag 71. That is, when viewed from the front, each vibrator 72 is preferably arranged in the center of the corresponding air bag 71. Also, when viewed from the front, the center of the vibrator 72 and the center of the air bag 71 are preferably overlapped. According to this aspect, when the air bag 71 is inflated, the vibrator 72 is pressed against the seat occupant by the air bag 71. This makes it easier for the vibration of the vibrator 72 to be transmitted to the seat occupant.

[0097] As shown in Figure 14, the air bag 71 and the vibrator 72 are preferably disposed in a recess 78 formed in the front surface of the seat back pad 22. A plurality of recesses 78 are preferably formed in the central portion 22A and the left and right side support portions 22B. The air bag 71 is disposed on the bottom surface of the recess 78, and the vibrator 72 is disposed on the front surface of the air bag 71. A lid plate 79 that closes the opening of the recess 78 is preferably provided at the opening of the recess 78. The lid plate 79 is flexible.

[0098] The plurality of recesses 78 may form part of the plurality of air passages 503. In other words, the plurality of recesses 78 are connected to one another by the plurality of air passages 503. As a result, it can be said that the air bag 71 and the vibrator 72 are provided in the air passages 503.

[0099] 15 , in another embodiment, the vibrator 72 may be disposed on the bottom surface of the recess 78, and the air bag 71 may be disposed in front of the vibrator 72. According to this embodiment, the vibration of the vibrator 72 is transmitted to the seated occupant via the air bag 71. Therefore, the strength of the vibration transmitted to the seated occupant can be changed by changing the inflation mode of the air bag 71.

[0100] Eighth Embodiment A seat 800 according to an eighth embodiment differs from the seat 700 according to the seventh embodiment in the arrangement of the plurality of vibrators 72 and the plurality of air bladders 71. The other configuration of the seat 800 according to the eighth embodiment is the same as that of the seat 700 according to the seventh embodiment.

[0101] 16 , when viewed from the front, a portion of vibrator 72 may protrude outward relative to the corresponding air bag 71. That is, when viewed from the front, a portion of vibrator 72 does not overlap with the corresponding air bag 71. The length of vibrator 72 in the left-right direction may be longer than the length of the corresponding air bag 71 in the left-right direction. The length of vibrator 72 in the up-down direction may be longer than the length of the corresponding air bag 71 in the up-down direction. According to these embodiments, vibrator 72 can be made larger, making it easier for the vibration of vibrator 72 to be transmitted to the seated occupant.

[0102] Ninth Embodiment A seat 900 according to the ninth embodiment differs from the seat 700 according to the seventh embodiment in that it includes an air conditioning device 501. Other configurations of the seat 900 according to the ninth embodiment are the same as those of the seat 700 according to the seventh embodiment.

[0103] 17 , when viewed from the front, air conditioner 501 may overlap with at least one of vibrator 72 and air bag 71. In particular, blower 502 of air conditioner 501 may overlap with at least one of vibrator 72 and air bag 71 when viewed from the front.

[0104] Although the description of the specific embodiment has been completed above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment and can be widely modified and implemented. In the above embodiment, an example of the seat back 4 has been described, but the seat cushion 3 can also be configured in a similar manner. As with the seat back 4, the seat cushion 3 may be provided with a vibrator 72, an air bag 71, a sensor 601, and an air conditioning unit 501. The arrangement of the vibrator 72, the air bag 71, the sensor 601, and the air conditioning unit 501 in the seat cushion 3 may be the same as in the seat back 4. The front-to-rear direction of the seat back 4 corresponds to the up-and-down direction of the seat cushion 3.

[0105] Sensor 601 may function as an input device that receives input operations from the seat occupant. Seat 1 may be configured to move forward and backward, rotate about a vertical axis, recline, and the like in response to input from sensor 601. If there is a possibility that seat 1 may come into contact with another object during operation of seat 1, operation of vibrator 72, air bag 71, and air conditioner 501 may be restricted.

[0106] A table may be provided in the seat 1. The table may be movable between a storage position and a use position with respect to the seat cushion 3. When the table is in the use position, the operation of the vibrator 72, the air bag 71, and the air conditioner 501 may be restricted.

[0107] When a child car seat is attached to the seat 1, the operation of the vibrator 72, the air bag 71, and the air conditioning device 501 may be restricted. Whether or not a child car seat is attached to the seat 1 may be determined by a signal from the sensor 601.

[0108] DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE NUMERALS 1, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900: Seat 2: Floor 3: Seat cushion 4: Seat back 5: Headrest 1: Seat back frame 22: Seat back pad 22A: Central portion 22B: Side support portion 23: Upholstery material 46: Side airbag unit 52: Locking groove 52A: Vertical locking groove 52B: Horizontal locking groove 52C: Connection portion 53: Locking portion 71: Air bag 72: Vibrator 78: Recess 81: Control device 301: Heater 302: Speaker 501: Air conditioner 502: Blower 503: Air passage 504: Air opening 601: Sensor 605 : Side airbag unit

Claims

1. A vehicle seat comprising: a seat cushion; and a seat back extending upward from a rear of the seat cushion, wherein the seat back has a frame forming a skeleton, a pad supported by the frame, a covering material covering the pad, and a plurality of air bags and a plurality of vibrators provided on the pad, wherein the pad has a central portion in the left-right direction and left and right side support portions protruding forward from left and right ends of the central portion, wherein some of the plurality of vibrators and some of the plurality of air bags are disposed on each of the front surfaces of the left and right side support portions, and wherein each of the plurality of vibrators and each of the plurality of air bags are disposed vertically apart from each other on each of the front surfaces of the left and right side support portions.

2. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, wherein an electronic control device for controlling the plurality of vibrators is disposed behind a lower end portion of at least one of the left and right side support portions.

3. A vehicle seat as claimed in claim 1, wherein a plurality of sensors are provided between the front surface of the pad and the covering material, at least one of the plurality of sensors is disposed on each of the front surfaces of the left and right side support parts, and each of the plurality of vibrators, each of the plurality of air bags and the sensor are disposed vertically apart from one another.

4. The vehicle seat according to claim 3, wherein a headrest is provided at an upper end of the seat back, and at least one of the vibrators, at least one of the air bags, and at least one of the sensors are provided on a front surface of the headrest.

5. The vehicle seat according to claim 3, wherein the cover material is fastened to the front surface of the pad by a plurality of fastening portions, and the plurality of sensors are arranged around the fastening portions.

6. A vehicle seat as described in claim 5, wherein a plurality of locking grooves for suspending the cover material are formed on the front surface of the pad, the plurality of locking portions are disposed within the plurality of locking grooves, and the plurality of sensors are disposed along any one of the plurality of locking grooves.

7. A vehicle seat as described in claim 6, wherein the plurality of locking grooves include a plurality of vertical locking grooves extending in the up-down direction and a plurality of horizontal locking grooves extending in the horizontal direction, and some of the plurality of sensors are disposed around the periphery of the connection between the vertical locking grooves and the horizontal locking grooves.

8. The vehicle seat according to claim 7, wherein the sensor, the air bag, and the vibrator are disposed in this order from above along one of the vertical engagement grooves below one of the horizontal engagement grooves.

9. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, wherein the air bag is formed in an annular shape and has a central hole, and the vibrator is disposed in the central hole.

10. A method for manufacturing a vehicle seat having a seat cushion and a seat back, comprising the steps of: supporting a pad on a frame of the seat back; arranging a plurality of air bags and a plurality of vibrators on the front surface of the pad, wherein the vibrators and the air bags are arranged so that they do not overlap each other when viewed from the front; and covering the pad with a covering material.

Images