JP7553774B2 - Fluid bag device and vehicle seat equipped with fluid bag device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a fluid bag device and a vehicle seat equipped with a fluid bag device.

Patent Document 1 describes a fluid bag device provided inside the seat cushion and seat back of a vehicle seat. The fluid bag device changes the surface shape of the seat cushion and seat back by expanding. The fluid bag device is formed by joining multiple fluid bags together. Each fluid bag is formed by welding the edges of two sheets together. In one fluid bag device, each fluid bag is stacked in the thickness direction and welded to each other at their respective centers. This fluid bag device expands in the thickness direction of the fluid bag. In another fluid bag device, each fluid bag is stacked in the thickness direction and welded to each other at corresponding side edges. This fluid bag device expands in the circumferential direction around the welded side edges.

Utility Model Publication No. 63-5846

There is a demand for diversifying the shape of the fluid bag device when inflated so that it can adapt to the shape of the seated person. For example, there is a demand for the fluid bag device to be able to inflate in multiple directions, or for the direction of expansion to change as the expansion progresses.

In view of the above background, the present invention aims to diversify the shape of a fluid bag device when inflated. It also aims to provide a vehicle seat equipped with a fluid bag device that can diversify the shape when inflated.

In order to solve the above problem, one aspect of the present invention is a fluid bag device (50) that is arranged between a frame (20) and an upholstery material (13, 17) in a vehicle seat (1) and that expands and contracts, the fluid bag device (50) comprising a support member (51) provided on the frame and having a support surface (51A) along a first direction, a fluid bag assembly (52) arranged on the support surface, and a fluid supply device (53) connected to the fluid bag assembly, with one side in the first direction being the first side and the other side being the second side, and the fluid bag assembly comprises a first fluid bag (56) arranged on the support surface and a front fluid bag (57) arranged on the front fluid bag (58). The assembly has a first connecting part (61) at the end of the first side that is connected to the first fluid bag and a second fluid bag (57) that is connected to the first fluid bag, and a third fluid bag (58) that has a second connecting part (62) at the end of the first side that is connected to the second fluid bag and is connected to the second fluid bag, and when the fluid bag assembly is in a contracted state, the first side edge (61A) that is the side edge of the second side of the first connecting part and the second side edge (62A) that is the side edge of the second side of the second connecting part each extend linearly and in different directions from each other when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the support surface.

According to this aspect, since the first side edge and the second side edge extend in different directions, the expansion direction of the second fluid bag and the expansion direction of the third fluid bag can be changed. This makes it possible to diversify the shape of the fluid bag assembly when expanded.

In the above aspect, the second side edge may be disposed closer to the second side than the first side edge.

This aspect allows for a variety of shapes for the fluid bag assembly when inflated.

In the above aspect, the length of the second fluid bag in the first direction may be longer than the length of the third fluid bag in the first direction.

This aspect allows for a variety of shapes for the fluid bag assembly when inflated.

In the above aspect, the fluid supply device is connected to the first fluid bag, the first fluid bag and the second fluid bag are connected by a first communication hole (61B) passing through the first joint, and the second fluid bag and the third fluid bag are connected by a second communication hole (62B) passing through the second joint.

This aspect simplifies the connection structure between the air supply device and the fluid bag assembly.

In the above aspect, the first fluid bag, the second fluid bag, and the third fluid bag may extend in the first direction.

This aspect allows the shape of the fluid bag assembly to be simplified when contracted.

In the above aspect, the first fluid bag may have a tab (56D) protruding laterally, and the tab may be fastened to a side surface of the support member that is perpendicular to the support surface.

According to this aspect, the support member can be made smaller, and the fluid bag device can be made smaller.

Another aspect of the present invention is a vehicle seat (1) having a fluid bag device (50), comprising a seat cushion (3) for supporting the buttocks of an occupant, and a seat back (4) extending upward from the rear of the seat cushion and supporting the back of the occupant, the support members and the fluid bag assemblies are provided in pairs on the left and right, the left and right support members are disposed on the left and right parts of the upper part of the seat back so that the support surfaces of each face forward and the first sides are on the left and right inner sides and downward, and when the fluid bag assembly is in a contracted state, the first side edge and the second side edge each extend at an inclination downward outward to the left and right when viewed from the front.

According to this aspect, the fluid bag device can cause the portion of the seat back that corresponds to the shoulders of the seated occupant to bulge inwardly and downwardly in the left-right direction. This makes it possible to provide a seat back that corresponds to the position and shape of the shoulders of the seated occupant.

In the above embodiment, a blower (35) is provided in the center of the upper part of the seat back, and the left and right support members are preferably arranged on the left and right sides of the blower.

According to this aspect, the fluid bag device and the air blower device can be positioned inside the seat back so that they do not interfere with each other.

In the above aspect, the blower has a blower body (36) equipped with an impeller and a duct (37) extending from the blower body, the blower body is disposed in the center of the upper part of the seat back, the duct extends vertically on the side of the blower body, and one of the left and right support members is disposed on the left or right side of the duct.

According to this aspect, the fluid bag device and the air blower device can be positioned inside the seat back so that they do not interfere with each other.

In the above embodiment, a lumbar support member (31) for supporting the lumbar region of the occupant is provided at the lower part of the seat back, and the lumbar support member has a support plate (32) and an elastic member (33) that connects the support plate to the frame, and each of the lower ends of the left and right support members is preferably positioned higher than the upper ends of the support plates.

According to this aspect, the fluid bag device and the lumbar support member can be positioned within the seat back so as not to interfere with each other.

In the above aspect, a first side airbag (41) is provided on one of the left and right sides of the seat back, and a second side airbag (42) is provided on the other of the left and right sides of the seat back, the first side airbag and the second side airbag each extend vertically, the upper end of the first side airbag is positioned higher than the upper end of the second side airbag, and the lower ends of the left and right support members each are positioned higher than the upper end of the second side airbag.

According to this aspect, the fluid bag device and the side airbag can be positioned within the seat back so that they do not interfere with each other.

In the above aspect, the left and right fluid bag assemblies may have recesses on the left and right inner side edges that are recessed outwardly to the left and right, and the left and right side portions of the blower may be disposed in the recesses, respectively.

According to this aspect, the fluid bag device and the air blower device can be arranged at high density.

One aspect of the present invention is a fluid bag device (50) that is arranged between a frame (20) and a cover material (13, 17) in a vehicle seat (1) and expands and contracts, the fluid bag device (50) comprising a support member (51) provided on the frame and having a support surface (51A) along a first direction, a fluid bag assembly (52) arranged on the support surface, and a fluid supply device (53) connected to the fluid bag assembly, with one side in the first direction being a first side and the other side being a second side, and the fluid bag assembly comprises a first fluid bag (56) arranged on the support surface and a fluid supply device (53) connected to the fluid bag assembly. The fluid bag assembly has a first connecting portion (61) connected to the first fluid bag at the end of the first side, a second fluid bag (57) connected to the first fluid bag, and a third fluid bag (58) connected to the second fluid bag at the end of the first side, and when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the support surface, the first side edge (61A) which is the side edge of the second side of the first connecting portion and the second side edge (62A) which is the side edge of the second side of the second connecting portion each extend linearly and in different directions. According to this aspect, since the first side edge and the second side edge extend in different directions, the expansion direction of the second fluid bag and the expansion direction of the third fluid bag can be changed. This makes it possible to diversify the shape of the fluid bag assembly when expanded.

In the above aspect, the second side edge may be disposed on the second side of the first side edge. According to this aspect, the shape of the fluid bag assembly when inflated can be diversified.

In the above aspect, the length of the second fluid bag in the first direction may be longer than the length of the third fluid bag in the first direction. According to this aspect, the shape of the fluid bag assembly when inflated can be diversified.

In the above aspect, the fluid supply device is connected to the first fluid bag, the first fluid bag and the second fluid bag are connected by a first communication hole (61B) passing through the first joint, and the second fluid bag and the third fluid bag are connected by a second communication hole (62B) passing through the second joint. According to this aspect, the connection structure between the air supply device and the fluid bag assembly can be simplified.

In the above aspect, the first fluid bag, the second fluid bag, and the third fluid bag may extend in the first direction. According to this aspect, the shape of the fluid bag assembly when contracted can be simplified.

In the above aspect, the first fluid bag may have a tab (56D) protruding laterally, and the tab may be fastened to a side surface of the support member that is perpendicular to the support surface. According to this aspect, the support member can be made smaller, and the fluid bag device can be made smaller.

Another aspect of the present invention is a vehicle seat (1) having a fluid bag device (50), which includes a seat cushion (3) that supports the buttocks of an occupant, and a seat back (4) that extends upward from the rear of the seat cushion and supports the back of the occupant, and the support members and the fluid bag assemblies are provided in pairs on the left and right, and the left and right support members are arranged on the left and right parts of the upper part of the seat back so that the support surfaces of the left and right support members face forward and the first sides are on the left and right inside and below, and when the fluid bag assembly is in a contracted state, the first side edge and the second side edge each extend at an inclination downward toward the left and right outside when viewed from the front. According to this aspect, the fluid bag device can bulge the parts of the seat back that correspond to the shoulders of the seated person in the left and right direction. This makes it possible to provide a seat back that corresponds to the position and shape of the shoulders of the seated person.

In the above embodiment, a blower (35) is provided in the center of the upper part of the seat back, and the left and right support members are disposed on the left and right sides of the blower. According to this embodiment, the fluid bag device and the blower can be disposed within the seat back so as not to interfere with each other.

In the above aspect, the blower has a blower body (36) equipped with an impeller and a duct (37) extending from the blower body, the blower body is disposed in the center of the upper part of the seat back, the duct extends vertically on the side of the blower body, and one of the left and right support members is disposed on the left or right side of the duct. According to this aspect, the fluid bag device and the blower can be disposed within the seat back so as not to interfere with each other.

In the above embodiment, a lumbar support member (31) for supporting the lumbar region of the occupant is provided at the bottom of the seat back, and the lumbar support member has a support plate (32) and an elastic member (33) that connects the support plate to the frame, and each of the lower ends of the left and right support members is preferably positioned higher than the upper ends of the support plates. According to this embodiment, the fluid bag device and the lumbar support member can be positioned within the seat back so as not to interfere with each other.

In the above aspect, a first side airbag (41) is provided on one of the left and right sides of the seat back, and a second side airbag (42) is provided on the other of the left and right sides of the seat back, the first side airbag and the second side airbag each extend vertically, the upper end of the first side airbag is positioned higher than the upper end of the second side airbag, and the lower ends of the left and right support members are each positioned higher than the upper end of the second side airbag. According to this aspect, the fluid bag device and the side airbag can be positioned within the seat back so as not to interfere with each other.

In the above aspect, the left and right fluid bag assemblies may have recesses on the left and right inner side edges that are recessed outwardly to the left and right, and the left and right side portions of the air blower may be disposed in the recesses. According to this aspect, the fluid bag devices and the air blowers can be disposed at a high density.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a seat according to an embodiment; FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a frame of a seat according to an embodiment; Front view of seat back frame FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a fluid bag assembly and a support plate; Exploded perspective view of the fluid bag assembly 1A is a diagram showing a fluid bag assembly in a contracted state, a diagram showing a partially inflated state, and a diagram showing a partially inflated state; 1 is a cross-sectional view of the fluid bladder assembly in an expanded state; 1 is a cross-sectional view of the fluid bladder assembly in an expanded state; 1 is a cross-sectional view of the fluid bladder assembly in an expanded state; FIG. 1 is a front view of a seat back frame according to a modified embodiment;

Below, with reference to the drawings, an embodiment in which the vehicle seat according to the present invention is applied to an automobile seat will be described. In the following description, the up-down direction is defined as the direction along the vertical direction. The front-rear direction is defined as the direction perpendicular to the vertical direction, and the direction in which the seat back is located is defined as the rear, with the seat cushion as the reference, and the direction opposite to the rear is defined as the front. The left-right direction is defined as the direction perpendicular to the up-down direction and the front-rear direction, and is defined with the front as the reference.

As shown in FIG. 1, the seat 1 has a seat cushion 3 provided on the floor 2 of the vehicle, and a seat back 4 extending upward from the rear of the seat cushion 3. The seat cushion 3 supports the buttocks of the occupant, and the seat back 4 supports the back of the occupant. As shown in FIG. 2, the seat cushion 3 may be provided on the floor 2 via a slide rail 5. The slide rail 5 has left and right lower rails 5A connected to the floor 2, and left and right upper rails 5B supported slidably on the left and right lower rails 5A, respectively. The seat cushion 3 is connected to the left and right upper rails 5B. A lifting device may be provided between the seat cushion 3 and the upper rails 5B.

The seat cushion 3 has a seat cushion frame 11 forming a skeleton, a pad 12 supported by the seat cushion frame 11, and a skin material 13 covering the surface of the pad 12. The seat back 4 has a seat back frame 15 forming a skeleton, a pad 16 supported by the seat back frame 15, and a skin material 17 covering the surface of the pad 16. The seat cushion frame 11 and the seat back frame 15 are connected to each other via a reclining device 19, and form a frame 20 of the seat 1. In the following description, the seat back 4 is disposed in an initial position extending vertically.

As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the seatback frame 15 has left and right back side members 22 that extend vertically, upper members 23 that extend horizontally and are connected to the upper ends of the left and right back side members 22, lower members 24 that extend horizontally and are connected to the lower ends of the left and right back side members 22, and middle members 25 that extend horizontally between the upper members 23 and lower members 24 and are connected to the left and right back side members 22.

The lower parts of the left and right back side members 22 are formed from sheet metal members with surfaces facing left and right. The upper parts of the left and right back side members 22 and the upper member 23 are formed from a continuous pipe material. The pipe material has a central portion that extends left and right, and left and right ends that are bent from the central portion and extend downward. The left and right ends of the pipe material are joined to the surfaces of the left and right sheet metal members that face inward to the left and right.

The upper member 23 is provided with a pair of left and right headrest support members 27. Each headrest support member 27 is formed in a cylindrical shape and extends vertically. Each headrest support member 27 is joined to the front surface of the upper member 23 by welding or the like. Each headrest support member 27 is arranged at a distance on the left and right in the center of the upper member 23 in the left-right direction. A resin collar (not shown) is attached to each headrest support member 27. A pair of left and right pillars 29A (see FIG. 1) extending from the headrest 29 are inserted into and supported by the headrest support members 27 via the collars.

2 and 3, a lumbar support member 31 for supporting the lumbar region of an occupant is provided at the bottom of the seat back 4. The lumbar support member 31 has a plate-shaped support plate 32 and an elastic member 33 that connects the support plate 32 to the seat back frame 15. The elastic member 33 is, for example, a plurality of wire springs, and may be stretched between at least two of the middle member 25, the lower member 24, and the left and right back side members 22. In this embodiment, the elastic member 33 is a pair of left and right wire springs that each extend vertically and are connected to the middle member 25 and the lower member 24. The left and right elastic members 33 are connected to the left and right ends of the middle member 25 and have an upper end 33A extending downward, an upper middle portion 33B extending from the lower end of the upper end 33A at an inward and downward inclination, a lower middle portion 33C extending downward from the lower end of the upper middle portion 33B, and a lower end 33D extending from the lower end of the lower middle portion 33C outward and downward and connected to the lower member 24. The left and right lower end portions 33D may be connected to each other by a connecting portion 33E, and the elastic members 33 may be formed from a single wire spring. The support plate 32 may be connected to the lower middle portion 33C and the lower end portion 33D of the left and right elastic members 33. The support plate 32 is made of resin and has flexibility.

A blower 35 is provided in the center of the upper part of the seat back 4. The blower 35 has a blower body 36 equipped with an impeller and a duct 37 extending from the blower body 36. The blower 35 is connected to a bracket 38 connected to at least one of the upper member 23 and the middle member 25. In this embodiment, the bracket 38 extends vertically and has an upper end connected to the center of the upper member 23 in the left-right direction and a lower end connected to the center of the middle member 25 in the left-right direction. The blower body 36 may be, for example, a centrifugal fan. The blower body 36 is formed in a flat cylindrical shape and is fixed to the front of the bracket 38 so that its axis faces forward and backward. The blower body 36 is disposed in the center of the upper part of the seat back 4. More specifically, the blower body 36 is disposed between the upper member 23 and the middle member 25. The blower body 36 may be disposed between the left and right headrest support members 27 in the left-right direction. The duct 37 has one end connected to the center of the rear surface of the blower body 36 and the other end forming the air intake 37A. The duct 37 has a horizontal portion 37B extending rightward from one end behind the bracket 38 and the right headrest support member 27, and a vertical portion 37C extending downward and forward from the right end of the horizontal portion 37B. That is, the duct 37 extends vertically on the side of the blower body 36. The air intake 37A is provided at the lower end of the vertical portion 37C. The vertical portion 37C extends vertically to the right of the blower body 36, and the air intake 37A is disposed below the lower end of the blower body 36. In another embodiment, the horizontal portion 37B may extend leftward from one end, and the vertical portion 37C may be disposed to the left of the blower body 36. In this embodiment, the blower body 36 draws in air from the center through the duct 37 and expels it from the outer periphery. A duct (not shown) through which the expelled air flows may be connected to the outer periphery of the blower body 36. In other embodiments, the duct 37 may be omitted, and the blower body 36 may draw in air directly.

A first side airbag 41 is provided on one of the left and right sides of the seat back 4, and a second side airbag 42 is provided on the other of the left and right sides of the seat back 4. In this embodiment, the first side airbag 41 is provided on the right side surface of the right back side member 22, and the second side airbag 42 is provided on the left side surface of the left back side member 22. The first side airbag 41 and the second side airbag 42 each extend vertically. The upper end of the first side airbag 41 is disposed higher than the upper end of the second side airbag 42. The first side airbag 41 is formed longer vertically than the second side airbag 42. In this embodiment, the seat 1 is the left seat of the vehicle, the first side airbag 41 is a far side airbag away from the side wall of the vehicle, and the second side airbag 42 is a near side airbag close to the side wall of the vehicle.

In the seat 1, an inflatable and deflated fluid bag device 50 is disposed between the frame 20 and the skin materials 13, 17. The fluid bag device 50 has a support member 51 having a support surface 51A, a fluid bag assembly 52 supported on the support surface 51A, and a fluid supply device 53 connected to the fluid bag assembly 52. In this embodiment, the fluid bag device 50 has a pair of left and right support members 51 and fluid bag assemblies 52, and one fluid supply device 53 connected to the left and right fluid bag assemblies 52. The left and right support members 51 and fluid bag assemblies 52 are disposed between the support member 51 and the pad 12. In this embodiment, the fluid supplied to the fluid bag assembly 52 is air, and the fluid supply device 53 includes an air pump. In other embodiments, the fluid may be a liquid such as water or oil. The fluid supply device 53 may be provided on one of the inner surfaces of the left and right back side members 22. A drive device 19A that drives the reclining device 19 may be provided on the other inner surface of the left and right back side members 22. That is, the fluid supply device 53 and the drive device 19A are provided on the inner surfaces of different back side members 22. The drive device 19A may include an electric motor and a reduction mechanism.

The support member 51 is formed, for example, from resin and is formed in a plate shape. The left and right support members 51 are provided on the frame 20. The left and right support members 51 are provided, for example, on at least one of the middle member 25 and the back side member 22. The left and right support members 51 may also be provided on the frame 20 via the elastic member 33. The support member 51 is, for example, connected to the elastic member 33, and is fixed in position by abutting against the middle member 25 and the back side member 22. Parts of the left and right support members 51 are disposed on the upper end 33A of the corresponding elastic member 33 on the left and right, the left and right ends of the middle member 25, and in front of the back side member 22. Parts of the support members 51 may also be disposed in front of the joint between the left and right back side members 22 and the middle member 25.

The support surface 51A of the support member 51 faces forward along the first direction. Here, one side in the first direction is the first side, and the other side is the second side. In this embodiment, the left and right support members 51 are arranged on the left and right parts of the upper part of the seat back 4 so that the respective support surfaces 51A face forward and the first sides are on the left and right inner sides and downward. The support member 51 has a side surface 51B that is perpendicular to the support surface 51A. In this embodiment, the support member 51 extends in the first direction.

The left and right support members 51 are disposed on the left and right sides of the blower 35. One of the left and right support members 51 is disposed on the left and right sides of the duct 37. The right support member 51 is disposed on the right side of the duct 37, and the left support member 51 is disposed on the left side of the duct 37. The lower ends of the left and right support members 51 are preferably disposed above the upper end of the support plate 32. The lower ends of the left and right support members 51 are preferably disposed above the upper end of the second side airbag 42.

4 and 5, the fluid bag assembly 52 has a first fluid bag 56, a second fluid bag 57, and a third fluid bag 58. The first fluid bag 56 is disposed on the support surface 51A. The second fluid bag 57 has a first connecting portion 61 connected to the first fluid bag 56 at the end of the first side, and is connected to the first fluid bag 56. The third fluid bag 58 has a second connecting portion 62 connected to the second fluid bag 57 at the end of the first side, and is connected to the second fluid bag 57. Each of the first to third fluid bags 56 to 58 is formed by welding the edges of stacked sheet materials. For example, two sheets of sheet materials may be stacked on top of each other and their edges may be joined to each other to form a fluid bag. Also, a single sheet material may be folded back to form the stacked fluid bags, and the edges may be joined to each other to form the fluid bag.

The first fluid bag 56 has a first sheet 56A and a second sheet 56B that are stacked together. The first sheet 56A and the second sheet 56B are joined to each other by a third joint 56C that extends from each edge and forms a closed ring. The third joint 56C may be a portion where the first sheet 56A and the second sheet 56B are welded or glued to each other. An introduction pipe 63, which is a pipe with both ends open, is interposed between the edges of the first sheet 56A and the second sheet 56B so as to cross the third joint 56C. The outer circumferential surface of the introduction pipe 63 and the first sheet 56A and the second sheet 56B are airtightly sealed.

The first fluid bag 56 contacts the support surface 51A at the first sheet 56A and extends in the first direction. At least one of the first sheet 56A and the second sheet 56B has a tab 56D protruding laterally at the middle part in the first direction. In this embodiment, the tab 56D is provided on the inner side edge in the left-right direction of the middle part in the first direction of the first sheet 56A and the second sheet 56B. The tabs 56D of the first sheet 56A and the second sheet 56B may be connected to each other. The tab 56D is bent so as to follow the side surface 51B of the support member 51 and is fastened to the side surface 51B by a fastening member 65 such as a clip or a rivet. The first fluid bag 56 is fixed to the support member 51 by the tab 56D. When viewed from a direction perpendicular to the support surface 51A, the first end of the first fluid bag 56 is positioned to coincide with the first end of the support member 51, and the second end of the first fluid bag 56 is positioned to coincide with the second end of the support member 51.

The second fluid bag 57 has a third sheet 57A and a fourth sheet 57B stacked together. The third sheet 57A and the fourth sheet 57B extend along their respective edges and are joined together by a fourth joint 57C that forms a closed ring. The fourth joint 57C may be a portion where the third sheet 57A and the fourth sheet 57B are welded or glued together. The second fluid bag 57 extends in the first direction and is arranged overlapping the first fluid bag 56. The third sheet 57A of the second fluid bag 57 contacts the second sheet 56B of the first fluid bag 56. When viewed from a direction perpendicular to the support surface 51A, the first side end of the second fluid bag 57 is arranged at a position that coincides with the first side end of the first fluid bag 56, and the second side end of the second fluid bag 57 is arranged at a position that coincides with the second side end of the first fluid bag 56.

The first side end of the third sheet 57A and the first side end of the second sheet 56B are joined to each other by a first joint 61. The first joint 61 may be a portion where the third sheet 57A and the second sheet 56B are welded or glued to each other. The first joint 61 has a first side edge 61A which is the side edge of the second side. The first side edge 61A extends in a straight line. The first fluid bag 56 and the second fluid bag 57 are connected by a first communication hole 61B which passes through the first joint 61. The first communication hole 61B is formed in the second sheet 56B and the third sheet 57A.

The third fluid bag 58 has a fifth sheet 58A and a sixth sheet 58B stacked together. The fifth sheet 58A and the sixth sheet 58B extend along their respective edges and are joined together by a fifth joint 58C that forms a closed ring. The fifth joint 58C may be a portion where the fifth sheet 58A and the sixth sheet 58B are welded or glued together. The third fluid bag 58 extends in the first direction and is arranged overlapping the second fluid bag 57. The fifth sheet 58A of the third fluid bag 58 contacts the fourth sheet 57B of the second fluid bag 57. When viewed from a direction perpendicular to the support surface 51A, the first side end of the third fluid bag 58 is offset to the second side with respect to the first side end of the second fluid bag 57, and the second side end of the third fluid bag 58 is arranged at a position that coincides with the second side end of the second fluid bag 57. That is, the length of the second fluid bag 57 in the first direction is longer than the length of the third fluid bag 58 in the first direction.

The end of the fifth sheet 58A on the first side and the middle part of the fourth sheet 57B in the first direction are joined to each other by a second joining part 62. The second joining part 62 may be a part where the fourth sheet 57B and the fifth sheet 58A are welded or glued to each other. The second joining part 62 has a second side edge 62A which is the side edge of the second side. The second side edge 62A extends in a straight line. The second fluid bag 57 and the third fluid bag 58 are connected by a second communication hole 62B which passes through the second joining part 62. The second communication hole 62B is formed in the fourth sheet 57B and the fifth sheet 58A.

The inlet pipes 63 of the left and right fluid bag assemblies 52 are connected to the fluid supply device 53 via tubes 67. The fluid bag assemblies 52 expand when supplied with fluid and contract when the fluid is discharged.

As shown in Figures 3 and 6(A), when the fluid bag assembly 52 is in a contracted state, the first side edge 61A and the second side edge 62A extend in different directions when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the support surface 51A. That is, when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the support surface 51A, the angle between the first side edge 61A and the first direction is different from the angle between the second side edge 62A and the first direction. In addition, the second side edge 62A is positioned on the second side of the first side edge 61A.

The first side edge 61A and the second side edge 62A are preferably positioned below the central axis of the blower body 36. The first side edge 61A and the second side edge 62A are preferably positioned below the upper end of the first side airbag 41. The upper end of the fluid bag assembly 52 is preferably positioned below the central axis of the blower body 36. The upper end of the fluid bag assembly 52 is preferably positioned below the upper end of the first side airbag 41.

The first to third fluid bags 56 to 58 are each flat in a contracted state and are stacked on top of each other. When the fluid supply device 53 is driven and air is supplied to the fluid bag assembly 52, the fluid bag assembly 52 expands. Air supplied from the fluid supply device 53 via the tube 67 flows through the introduction pipe 63 into the first fluid bag 56, from the first fluid bag 56 through the first communication hole 61B into the second fluid bag 57, and from the second fluid bag 57 through the second communication hole 62B into the third fluid bag 58. This causes the fluid bag assembly 52 to expand.

In the expanded state, the thickness of each of the first to third fluid bags 56 to 58 gradually increases from the edge to the center. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7, in the expanded state, the second fluid bag 57 bends about the first side edge 61A, and the second side end of the second fluid bag 57 moves away from the second side end of the first fluid bag 56. In addition, the third fluid bag 58 bends about the second side edge 62A, and the second side end of the third fluid bag 58 moves away from the second side end of the second fluid bag 57. As a result, the second side end of the fluid bag assembly 52 is wider in the direction perpendicular to the support surface 51A than the first side end.

When the left and right fluid bag assemblies 52 are contracted, the first side edge 61A and the second side edge 62A extend downwardly and outwardly as viewed from the front. As a result, the second side end of the second fluid bag 57 moves or rotates left and right inward and downward around the first side edge 61A when inflated. Similarly, the second side end of the third fluid bag 58 moves or rotates left and right inward and downward around the second side edge 62A when inflated. Since the first side edge 61A and the second side edge 62A extend in different directions, the second side end of the second fluid bag 57 and the second side end of the third fluid bag 58 move in different directions. In this embodiment, each of the second side ends of the second fluid bag 57 moves forward, left and right inward and downward when inflated, and each of the second side ends of the third fluid bag 58 moves forward and left and right inward. This causes the fluid bag assembly 52 to expand as shown in Figures 6(A) to (C).

According to the fluid bag device 50 of this embodiment, the first side edge 61A and the second side edge 62A extend in different directions, so that the expansion direction of the second fluid bag 57 and the expansion direction of the third fluid bag 58 can be changed. This allows the shape of the fluid bag assembly 52 to be diversified when inflated. The first to third fluid bags 56 to 58 are joined at the first joining portion 61 and the second joining portion 62, and the first communication hole 61B and the second communication hole 62B are formed in the first joining portion 61 and the second joining portion 62, so that the structure is simple. The tab 56D of the first fluid bag 56 is bent and fastened to the side surface 51B perpendicular to the support surface 51A, so that the support member 51 can be made smaller.

The fluid bag device 50 can expand the portion of the seat back 4 that corresponds to the shoulders of the seated occupant inwardly and downwardly in the left-right direction. This makes it possible to provide a seat back 4 that corresponds to the position and shape of the seated occupant's shoulders. Since the left and right fluid bag assemblies each expand forward, inwardly and downwardly to the left and right, the fluid bag device 50 is positioned in a position that does not interfere with other devices such as the blower device, lumbar support member 31, and near-side airbag according to the occupant's physique.

As shown in FIG. 2, the seat cushion frame 11 has left and right cushion side members 71 extending in the front-rear direction, a front member 72 extending in the left-right direction and connecting the front ends of the left and right cushion side members 71, a rear member 73 extending in the left-right direction and connecting the rear ends of the left and right cushion side members 71, and a movable frame 74 supported on the front member 72 so as to be movable in the front-rear direction. A support member 75 that supports the buttocks of the occupant is suspended between the front member 72 and the rear member 73. The support member 75 may include a plate-shaped member formed from resin and a plurality of wire springs connected to the plate-shaped member.

The movable frame 74 has an upper plate 74A that is provided on the upper surface of the front member 72 and is supported so as to be movable forward and backward relative to the front member 72, and a front plate 74B that extends downward from the front end of the upper plate 74A and is disposed in front of the front member 72. The left and right ends of the rear part of the upper plate 74A extend rearward from the center part. The front plate 74B is formed in an arc shape that is convex toward the front when viewed from the left and right sides.

8 and 9, a storage recess 72A recessed downward is formed in the center of the upper surface of the front member 72 in the left-right direction. The front and rear ends of the storage recess 72A may reach the front and rear ends of the front member 72. A pair of left and right rails 77A extending forward and backward are provided on the left and right sides of the storage recess 72A on the upper surface of the front member 72. A slider 77B is provided on each of the left and right rails 77A so as to be movable forward and backward relative to the rail 77A. The upper plate 74A of the front member 72 is connected to the left and right sliders 77B by bolts 78. As a result, the movable frame 74 is provided on the front member 72 so as to be movable forward and backward via the slider 77B and the rail 77A. The storage recess 72A is disposed below the upper plate 74A of the front member 72.

By displacing the upper plate 74A back and forth, the movable frame 74 moves between the initial position and the protruding position relative to the front member 72. The movable frame 74 reaches the protruding position by moving forward from the initial position. The movable frame 74 also returns to the initial position by moving rearward from the protruding position.

The pad 12 of the seat cushion 3 is positioned to cover the upper and front surfaces of the movable frame 74. When the movable frame 74 moves from the initial position to the protruding position, the movable frame 74 slides against the pad 12. The pad 12 has a sufficient length so that it can cover the front plate 74B of the movable frame 74 even when the movable frame 74 is in the protruding position. When the movable frame 74 is in the initial position, it is preferable that the front edge of the pad 12 extends downward beyond the lower edge of the front plate 74B of the movable frame 74.

The seat 1 further has an actuator 80 that moves the movable frame 74 forward and rearward relative to the front member 72. The actuator 80 has a first actuator 81 that urges the movable frame 74 forward, a second actuator 82 that urges the movable frame 74 rearward, a case 85 that houses the first actuator 81 and the second actuator 82, and a control device (not shown) that controls the urging forces generated by each of the first actuator 81 and the second actuator 82.

As shown in FIG. 8, each of the first actuator 81 and the second actuator 82 is formed by a fluid bag assembly that expands when compressed air is supplied and contracts when the compressed air is discharged. The control device may include a compressor that generates compressed air, a connecting pipe that connects the compressor and the first actuator 81, a connecting pipe that connects the compressor and the second actuator 82, control valves provided in each connecting pipe, an electronic control unit (ECU) that controls the compressor and the control valve, and an operation switch that inputs a signal to the electronic control unit.

The case 85 is disposed in the storage recess 72A and has a bottom wall 85A extending forward and backward, a front wall 85B extending upward from the front end of the bottom wall 85A, and a rear wall 85C extending upward from the rear end of the bottom wall 85A. The bottom wall 85A is fastened to the bottom of the storage recess 72A. The case 85 may also have left and right end walls 85D extending forward and backward along the left and right side edges of the bottom wall 85A and joined to the front wall 85B and rear wall 85C, respectively. The bottom wall 85A, the front wall 85B, the rear wall 85C, and the left and right end walls 85D cooperate with each other to form a box structure that opens upward.

A pressure plate 74C extending downward is provided at the center of the rear end of the upper plate 74A of the movable frame 74. The pressure plate 74C is disposed between the front wall 85B and the rear wall 85C. The pressure plate 74C is also disposed between the left and right end walls 85D. The first actuator 81 is disposed between the front wall 85B and the pressure plate 74C, and the second actuator 82 is disposed between the pressure plate 74C and the rear wall 85C.

When the first actuator 81 and the second actuator 82 expand and contract, the pressure plate 74C moves relative to the front wall 85B and the rear wall 85C, and the movable frame 74 moves back and forth relative to the front member 72.

When compressed air is supplied to the corresponding first actuator 81 and second actuator 82, the first actuator 81 and second actuator 82 expand. When the control valve is in the holding state, the flow of air to the corresponding first actuator 81 and second actuator 82 is blocked, and the first actuator 81 and second actuator 82 maintain their size. When the control valve is in the exhaust state, the compressed air in the corresponding first actuator 81 and second actuator 82 is exhausted to the outside, and the first actuator 81 and second actuator 82 contract.

The rear end of the cover member 86 is connected to the rear of the storage recess 72A. The cover member 86 has a flange 86A fastened to a portion of the storage recess 72A rearward of the rear wall 85C of the case 85, a vertical plate portion 86B extending upward from the front edge of the flange 86A behind the rear wall 85C, and a horizontal plate portion 86C extending forward from the upper end of the vertical plate portion 86B and positioned above the upper plate 74A of the movable frame 74. The horizontal plate portion 86C covers the rear of the upper plate 74A. The horizontal plate portion 86C supports the pad 12 from below.

This concludes the explanation of the specific embodiment, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment and can be modified in a wide range of ways. The fluid bag device 50 may be provided in the seat cushion 3 or the headrest 29. Furthermore, the fluid bag device 50 is not limited to three fluid bags 56-58, and may include four or more fluid bags. For example, the fluid bag device 50 may include a fourth fluid bag connected to the third fluid bag 58, and a fifth fluid bag connected to the fourth fluid bag.

In an embodiment in which a part of the embodiment is modified, the fluid bag assembly 52 may be disposed close to the periphery of the blower 35 as shown in FIG. 10. In this case, the fluid bag assembly 52 may have a recess 101 recessed outwardly to the left and right on the inner left and right side edges, and the left and right sides of the blower 35 may be disposed in each of the recesses 101. The recess 101 may be formed in a shape that follows the outer edge of the blower 35. For example, the blower 100 may be formed in a cylindrical shape, and the recess 101 may be formed in an arc shape having a radius equal to that of the blower 100. This allows the fluid bag assembly 52 to be enlarged while avoiding interference between the fluid bag assembly 52 and the blower 35. In addition, the support plate 102 of the lumbar support member 31 may extend left and right, and the left and right ends may reach the left and right back side members 22. The blower 35 may be supported by the support plate 102. Also, the support plate 102 of the lumbar support member 31 may constitute a support member of the fluid bag device 50. In this case, the fluid bag assembly 52 may be connected to the support plate 102.

1: Seat 3: Seat cushion 4: Seat back 15: Seat back frame 20: Frame 22: Back side member 23: Upper member 24: Lower member 25: Middle member 31: Lumbar support member 32: Support plate 33: Elastic member 35: Blower device 36: Blower device main body 37: Duct 41: First side airbag 42: Second side airbag 50: Fluid bag device 51: Support member 51A: Support surface 51B: Side surface 52: Fluid bag assembly 53: Fluid supply device 56: First fluid bag 56D: Tab 57: Second fluid bag 58: Third fluid bag 61: First joint portion 61A: First side edge 61B: First communication hole 62: Second joint portion 62A: Second side edge 62B: Second communication hole 63: Inlet pipe 65 : Fastening member 67 : Tube

Claims (12)

A fluid bag device that is arranged between a frame and a cover material in a vehicle seat and that expands and contracts,
A support member provided on the frame and having a support surface along a first direction;
a fluid bladder assembly disposed on the support surface;
a fluid supply device connected to the fluid bag assembly;
One side in the first direction is defined as a first side, and the other side is defined as a second side,
The fluid bag assembly includes:
a first fluid bladder disposed on the support surface;
a second fluid bag having a first connecting portion connected to the first fluid bag at an end portion of the first side and communicating with the first fluid bag;
a third fluid bag having a second connecting portion connected to the second fluid bag at an end of the first side and communicating with the second fluid bag;
When the fluid bag assembly is in a contracted state, when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the support surface, a first side edge which is the side edge of the second side of the first connection portion and a second side edge which is the side edge of the second side of the second connection portion each extend in a straight line and in different directions from each other. The fluid bag device according to claim 1, wherein the second side edge is disposed on the second side of the first side edge. The fluid bag device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the length of the second fluid bag in the first direction is longer than the length of the third fluid bag in the first direction. the fluid supply is connected to the first fluid bag;
the first fluid bag and the second fluid bag are connected by a first communication hole passing through the first joint portion,
4. The fluid bag device according to claim 1, wherein the second fluid bag and the third fluid bag are connected by a second communication hole passing through the second joint portion. The fluid bag device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first fluid bag, the second fluid bag, and the third fluid bag extend in the first direction. The first fluid bag has a laterally protruding tab,
6. The fluid bag device according to claim 1, wherein the tab is fastened to a side surface of the support member that is perpendicular to the support surface. A vehicle seat having the fluid bag device according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
A seat cushion that supports the buttocks of an occupant;
a seat back extending upward from a rear portion of the seat cushion and supporting a back of an occupant;
The support members and the fluid bag assemblies are provided in pairs on the left and right sides,
The left and right support members are disposed at the left and right portions of the upper portion of the seat back such that the support surfaces of the left and right support members face forward and the first sides are located on the left and right inner sides and downward;
When the fluid bag assembly is in a contracted state, the first side edge and the second side edge each extend obliquely downwardly outwardly to the left and right when viewed from the front. A blower is provided in the center of the upper portion of the seat back,
The vehicle seat according to claim 7, wherein the left and right support members are disposed on the left and right sides of the air blower device. The air blower includes an air blower body including an impeller and a duct extending from the air blower body,
The air blower body is disposed in a central portion of an upper portion of the seat back,
The duct extends vertically along the side of the blower body,
9. The vehicle seat according to claim 8, wherein one of the left and right support members is disposed on the left or right side of the duct. A lumbar support member is provided at the lower part of the seat back to support the lumbar region of the occupant.
The lumbar support member includes a support plate and an elastic member that connects the support plate to the frame.
The vehicle seat according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein lower ends of the left and right support members are disposed higher than upper ends of the support plates. A first side airbag is provided on one of the left and right sides of the seat back,
A second side airbag is provided on the other of the left and right sides of the seat back,
Each of the first side airbag and the second side airbag extends vertically,
An upper end of the first side airbag is disposed higher than an upper end of the second side airbag,
The vehicle seat according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein lower ends of the left and right support members are disposed higher than an upper end of the second side airbag. The left and right fluid bag assemblies each have a recessed portion recessed outwardly to the left and right on the left and right inner side edges,
The vehicle seat according to claim 8 , wherein left and right side portions of the air blower are disposed in the recesses, respectively.

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