JP7633498B2 - Vehicle seat - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a vehicle seat that includes a frame and a motor supported by the frame.

Patent Document 1 discloses a power seat motor unit that adjusts the height of a vehicle seat. The power seat motor unit includes a gear box that is fixed to the frame of the vehicle seat, and a motor that is coupled to the gear box. The driving force of the motor is transmitted to a link member from a gear assembly housed in the gear box. The link member guides the vertical movement of the seat cushion frame relative to the base frame around a horizontal axis.

JP 2017-181968 A

In Patent Document 1, the gearbox is covered with a soundproof cover at the position of the first gear. Low-frequency noise can be reduced depending on the action of the mass embedded in the soundproof cover. However, the soundproof cover covers the outer surface of the gearbox but does not cover the motor. Moreover, the soundproof cover only partially covers the gearbox. The soundproof cover opens towards the metal plate that supports the gearbox.

The present invention aims to provide a vehicle seat that allows a soundproof cover to be attached to a motor supported by a frame through simple assembly work.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a vehicle seat includes a frame, a motor supported by the frame, and a soundproof cover attached to the motor, the soundproof cover having a first half that partially covers the motor, a second half that is hinged to the first half and displaces between an open position away from the first half and a connected position in which the motor is accommodated between the first half and the second half due to the function of the hinge, and an engagement piece that is formed integrally with the second half and engages with the first half in response to an elastic force to hold the second half in the connected position, and when the second half is positioned in the connected position, the first half and the second half form a continuous mating surface other than one opening that allows for the positioning of the drive shaft of the motor .

According to the second aspect, in addition to the configuration of the first aspect, the soundproof cover is formed from a resin molded body that includes the hinge as a living hinge.

According to the third aspect, in addition to the configuration of the first or second aspect, when the second half is positioned in the coupling position, the first half and the second half form a continuous mating surface other than one opening that allows for the placement of the drive shaft of the motor.

According to the fourth aspect, in addition to the configuration of any one of the first to third aspects, the vehicle seat further includes a rib that stands from the inner wall surface of the first half and the second half toward the motor and has a thickness that stores elastic force by contacting the motor at its tip when the second half is positioned at the joining position.

According to the fifth aspect, in addition to the configuration of any one of the first to fourth aspects, the vehicle seat further includes a base that is fixed to the frame and receives the motor on an attachment surface, and a protrusion that is formed on at least one of the first half and the second half and that engages with a specific portion of the base when the second half is located at the joining position to prevent the soundproof cover from coming off in a direction perpendicular to the attachment surface.

According to the sixth aspect, in addition to the configuration of any one of the first to fifth aspects, at least one of the first half and the second half defines a resonance space that is connected to a space adjacent to the motor by a through hole.

According to the first aspect, the second half of the soundproof cover is moved away from the first half in the open position, so that the first half can partially cover the motor without being obstructed by the second half. When the second half is positioned in the coupled position by the function of the hinge, the motor can be housed between the second half and the first half. In this way, the soundproof cover can be attached to the motor. The soundproof cover can be attached to the motor with a simple assembly operation.

According to the second aspect, effective soundproofing can be achieved. In addition, the soundproof cover can be manufactured lightweight and inexpensively.

According to the third aspect, in the motor, the driving force is taken from the drive shaft. Since the mating surfaces of the first half and the second half are continuous except for one opening that allows the arrangement of the drive shaft, the motor can be covered by the first half and the second half except for the opening. The motor can be covered by the soundproof cover over as wide an area as possible. The noise of the motor can be well contained within the soundproof cover.

According to the fourth aspect, when the motor is housed in the soundproof cover, the elastic force of the ribs can prevent the soundproof cover from rattling. The dimensional errors of the soundproof cover or the motor can be absorbed according to the elastic deformation of the ribs. The elastic force of the ribs can strengthen the engagement of the engagement piece with the first half. The soundproof cover can be prevented from coming off the motor even if the vehicle body vibrates.

According to the fifth aspect, when the soundproof cover is attached to the motor fixed to the base, the protrusion can engage with a specific portion of the base. Even if vibrations of the vehicle body are transmitted from the frame to the motor, the soundproof cover can be prevented from coming off in the direction perpendicular to the mounting surface.

According to the sixth aspect, the resonant space can effectively attenuate specific frequency components of noise.

1 is a perspective view showing a schematic overall configuration of a vehicle seat according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a schematic structure of a seat frame. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a seat cushion pad and a seat back pad. FIG. 1A is a conceptual diagram showing the configuration of a soundproof cover attached to an electric motor of an electric forward/backward movement device, FIG. 1B is a plan view of an unfolded soundproof cover alone, and FIG. 1C is a side view of an unfolded soundproof cover alone. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an electric motor of the electric forward/backward movement device. 1 is a plan view of a soundproof cover deployed when attached to an electric motor of an electric vertical movement device. FIG. FIG. 2A is a plan view of an unfolded soundproof cover alone, and FIG. 2B is a side view of the unfolded soundproof cover alone. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a soundproof cover according to a modified example.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the attached drawings. In the following description, front/rear, left/right, and up/down refer to directions as seen by an occupant seated in a vehicle seat in a normal seating position (e.g., the basic position when driving).

1 shows a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a vehicle seat according to an embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle seat 11 includes a slide rail 13 coupled to a floor panel 12 that functions as one component of the vehicle's monocoque structure, a seat cushion 14 supported by the slide rail 13 so as to be movable in the front-rear direction and to receive the buttocks and thighs of an occupant, a seat back 15 connected to the seat cushion 14 so as to be swingable in the front-rear direction about a swing axis SX and to receive the back of the occupant, and a headrest 16 supported by the upper end of the seat back 15 and to receive the head of the occupant. The seat cushion 14, the seat back 15, and the headrest 16 each have upholstery materials 14a, 15a, and 16a that encase the internal pads. The upholstery materials 15a and 16a are in close contact with the outer surface of the pad following the depression of the pad due to the action of a hanging thread 17. The details of the pad will be described later. The vehicle seat 11 is configured for a left seat. When the vehicle seat 11 is used as a right-hand seat, the left and right sides of the vehicle seat 11 can be swapped.

The seat cushion 14 includes a side cover (cover member) 18. A first switch (operation member) 19a and a second switch (operation member) 19b are attached to the side cover 18. The first switch 19a is formed as a knob that is long in the front-rear direction. When the first switch 19a is operated forward, the seat cushion 14 and the seat back 15 move forward. When the first switch 19a is operated rearward, the seat cushion 14 and the seat back 15 move rearward. When the first switch 19a is operated upward, the seat cushion 14 and the seat back 15 move upward. When the first switch 19a is operated downward, the seat cushion 14 and the seat back 15 move downward. The second switch 19b is formed as a knob that is long in the up-down direction. When the second switch 19b is operated forward, the seat back 15 swings forward around the swing axis SX. When the second switch 19b is operated rearward, the seat back 15 pivots rearward about the pivot axis SX.

The headrest 16 is fixed to a headrest pillar 21 that extends upward from the upper end of the seat back 15. The headrest pillar 21 is supported by the seat back 15 so that it can be displaced axially in the up and down direction. The height of the headrest 16 can be adjusted according to the displacement of the headrest pillar 21.

As shown in FIG. 2, the vehicle seat 11 includes a seat frame 23 that supports a pad. The seat frame 23 includes a seat cushion frame 24 that supports the pad of the seat cushion 14, a seat back frame 25 that is connected to the seat cushion frame 24 so as to be swingable around a swing axis SX and supports the pad of the seat back 15, and a base frame 26 that is guided by the slide rail 13 so as to be movable back and forth in the longitudinal direction and supports the seat cushion frame 24 on the slide rail 13. The seat cushion frame 24 is connected to the base frame 26 by a link mechanism 27. The link mechanism 27 includes a link member 28 having one end that is connected to the base frame 26 so as to be rotatable around a horizontal axis FH extending in the left-right direction, and the other end that is connected to the seat cushion frame 24 so as to be rotatable around a horizontal axis SH that extends in the left-right direction parallel to the horizontal axis FH. The link member 28 guides the up-down movement of the seat cushion frame 24 relative to the base frame 26 around the horizontal axis FH.

The seat cushion frame 24 includes side frames 24a extending in parallel with each slide rail 13, a pan frame 24b connecting the side frames 24a at the front end of the seat cushion 14, and a connecting pipe 24c connecting the side frames 24a at the rear end of the seat cushion 14. A number of S springs (not shown) are arranged between the pan frame 24b and the connecting pipe 24c. Each S spring extends forward and backward in a zigzag shape. The zigzag shape is formed by alternating wires extending in the forward and backward directions with wires extending in the left and right directions.

An electric forward/backward movement device 29 is attached to the base frame 26. The electric forward/backward movement device 29 includes an electric motor unit 31 supported by the base frame 26. A connector 32 is connected to the electric motor unit 31, which extends from the electric motor unit 31 in parallel to the swing axis SX and is coupled to the right base frame 26. As described below, the electric motor unit 31 includes an electric motor that generates power in response to the supply of electricity. The power is supplied based on the operation of the first switch 19a. The power of the electric motor unit 31 causes the base frame 26 to move forward/backward along the slide rail 13.

An electric vertical movement device 33 is attached to the side frame 24a of the seat cushion frame 24. The electric vertical movement device 33 includes an actuator 34 supported by the side frame 24a and connected to the link mechanism 27. The actuator 34 includes an electric motor 35 arranged on the outside of the side frame 24a that generates power in response to the supply of electricity, a gear box (base) 36 that is fixed to the side frame 24a and receives the electric motor 35 on a mounting surface 36a and houses a power transmission mechanism, a female coupler 39 that is formed integrally with the gear box 36 and receives a male coupler 38 of a harness 37 used to supply electricity, and a soundproof cover 41 that is attached to the electric motor 35. The transmission mechanism may include, for example, a worm fixed to the drive shaft of the electric motor 35, a worm wheel that cooperates with the worm to form a worm gear, a driven gear fixed to the link member 28 around the horizontal axis SH, and a group of gears that mesh with each other in order to transmit power from the worm wheel to the driven gear. Rotation of the link member 28 relative to the side frame 24a around the horizontal axis SH is caused in response to the power of the electric motor 35. Electricity is supplied based on the operation of the first switch 19a. The power of the electric motor 35 causes the side frame 24a to move up and down around the horizontal axis FH.

A support shaft 44 is incorporated into the seat cushion frame 24 coaxially with the swing axis SX above and behind the connecting pipe 24c. The support shaft 44 is formed, for example, from a hollow metal tube. Metal tubes have high rigidity in the axial direction. The support shaft 44 is sandwiched between the left and right side frames 24a. The seat back frame 25 is supported by the support shaft 44.

The seatback frame 25 comprises a sheet metal frame 25a that is connected to the inside of each side frame 24a by a support shaft 44, and an upper frame 25b that connects the upper ends of the sheet metal frames 25a to each other. The sheet metal frame 25a is formed, for example, from a single metal plate. The upper frame 25b is formed, for example, from a metal tube. A headrest pillar guide 45 that supports the headrest pillar 21 so that it can slide vertically is fixed to the upper frame 25b.

An electric reclining device 46 is attached to the sheet metal frame 25a of the seat back frame 25. The electric reclining device 46 includes an actuator 47 attached to the sheet metal frame 25a of the seat back frame 25 around the swing axis SX. The actuator 47 includes an electric motor 48 that is disposed inside the sheet metal frame 25a and generates power in response to the supply of electric power, a base 49 that is fixed to the sheet metal frame 25a and receives the electric motor 48 on a mounting surface 49a, and a soundproof cover 51 that is attached to the electric motor 48. The power of the electric motor 48 is converted into a driving force around the swing axis SX by the action of a transmission mechanism. The transmission mechanism can include, for example, a worm fixed to the drive shaft of the electric motor 48, and a worm wheel that cooperates with the worm to form a worm gear and is fixed to the support shaft 44 around the swing axis SX. Electric power is supplied based on the operation of the second switch 19b. The power of the electric motor 48 causes the seat back frame 25 to swing back and forth around the swing axis SX relative to the seat cushion frame 24.

As shown in FIG. 3, the seat cushion 14 further includes a seat cushion pad 53 supported by the seat cushion frame 24 and wrapped in a skin material 14a. The seat back 15 further includes a seat back pad 54 supported by the seat back frame 25 and wrapped in a skin material 15a. The seat cushion pad 53 and the seat back pad 54 are made of a resilient material such as urethane foam.

As shown in FIG. 4, the electric motor unit 31 of the electric forward/backward movement device 29 includes a soundproof cover 56 attached to the electric motor 55. The soundproof cover 56 is made of, for example, a resin molded body. The soundproof cover 56 includes a first half 56a that partially covers the electric motor 55, and a second half 56b that is connected to the first half 56a and houses the electric motor 55 between the first half 56a and the second half 56b. An opening (hereinafter, "first opening") 57 that allows the connector 32 to be disposed is defined at the right end of the soundproof cover 56. The connector 32 can house a drive shaft extending from the electric motor 55 toward the right base frame 26. The drive shaft may be arranged in parallel to the connector 32. At the left end of the soundproof cover 56, an opening (hereinafter, "second opening") 59 is defined, which allows for the placement of a support leg 58 that extends from the electric motor 55 toward the left base frame 26 and secures the electric motor 55 to the left base frame 26. A drive shaft extending from the electric motor 55 toward the left base frame 26 can be placed within the second opening 59. The drive shaft may be placed in parallel with the support leg 58. The second opening 59 is continuous with an opening 62 that allows for the placement of a male coupler 61 protruding from the electric motor 55.

When the first half 56a and the second half 56b are connected, a living hinge 63 is formed between the first half 56a and the second half 56b. The living hinge 63 allows the second half 56b to move between an open position in which it is moved away from the first half 56a, and a connected position in which the electric motor 55 is housed between the second half 56b and the first half 56a. The second half 56b is integrally formed with an engagement piece 64 that engages with the first half 56a in response to an elastic force to hold the second half 56b in the connected position.

Here, the engagement piece 64 extends from the edge of the second half 56b along the outer surface of the first half 56a and is formed of a frame surrounding a specified space 64a. A protrusion 65 is formed on the outer surface of the first half 56a in correspondence with the space 64a within the frame. When the second half 56b is positioned at the joining position, the protrusion 65 enters the space 64a within the frame. The protrusion 65 may be formed with a contact surface that restrains the frame at the joining position of the second half 56b. The protrusion 65 may be formed with a sliding surface that promotes elastic deformation of the frame in a direction away from the outer surface of the first half 56a when the second half 56b is displaced from the release position to the joining position. The displacement of the frame may be restricted in the centrifugal direction from the rotation axis 66 of the living hinge 63.

When the second half 56b is in the combined position, the first half 56a and the second half 56b form a continuous mating surface 67 other than the first opening 57 and the second opening 59. The first half 56a and the second half 56b are overlapped with each other at the mating surface 67. The overlapping position can be regulated by the living hinge 63. The engagement piece 64 and the protrusion 65 may be positioned on the opposite side of the living hinge 63 across the space that houses the electric motor 55.

The first half 56a and the second half 56b have a peripheral wall 68a that surrounds the storage space for the electric motor 55, and an end wall 68b that continues from the right end of the peripheral wall 68a and closes one end of the storage space. The left end of the peripheral wall 68a is discontinued. In other words, the other end of the storage space is open. The open end of the storage space forms a second opening 59. A first notch 69a that forms the first opening 57 when the second half 56b is in the combined position is formed in the mating surface 67 of the end wall 68b. A second notch 69b that forms the opening 62 when the second half 56b is in the combined position is formed in the mating surface 67 of the peripheral wall 68a. The second notch 69b continues from the left end of the peripheral wall.

Ribs 71 are formed on the inner wall surfaces of the first half 56a and the second half 56b, facing the electric motor 55 and contacting the electric motor 55 at their tips when the second half 56b is placed in the combined position. The ribs 71 extend, for example, parallel to the rotation axis 66 of the living hinge 63. The ribs 71 have a thickness that allows them to store elastic force by contacting the electric motor 55 at their tips when the second half 56b is placed in the combined position. Depending on the elastic force of the ribs 71, a repulsive force that moves the first half 56a and the second half 56b away from the outer surface of the electric motor 55 can be generated.

As shown in FIG. 5, the electric motor 55 includes a housing 72 that extends parallel to the swing axis SX and houses a stator, a rotor, and other components, and a female coupler 75 that protrudes from the outer periphery of the housing 72 and receives a male coupler 74 of a harness 73 used to supply power. The connector 32 extends from the right end of the housing 72 toward the right base frame 26. The support leg 58 extends from the left end of the housing 72 toward the left base frame 26.

As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the soundproof cover 41 of the actuator 34 is made of, for example, a resin molded body. The soundproof cover 41 has a first half 41a that partially covers the electric motor 35, and a second half 41b that is connected to the first half 41a and houses the electric motor 35 between the first half 41a and the second half 41b. An opening 77 is defined at the rear end of the soundproof cover 41 to allow placement of the drive shaft that enters the gearbox 36 from the electric motor 35.

When the first half 41a and the second half 41b are connected, a living hinge 78 is formed between the first half 41a and the second half 41b. The living hinge 78 allows the second half 41b to be displaced between an open position in which it is moved away from the first half 41a, and a connected position in which the electric motor 35 is housed between the second half 41b and the first half 41a. The second half 41b is integrally formed with an engagement piece 79 that engages with the first half 41a in response to an elastic force to hold the second half 41b in the connected position.

Here, the engagement piece 79 extends from the edge of the second half 41b along the outer surface of the first half 41a and is formed of a frame surrounding a specified space 79a. A protrusion 81 is formed on the outer surface of the first half 41a in correspondence with the space 79a inside the frame. When the second half 41b is positioned at the joining position, the protrusion 81 enters the space 79a inside the frame. The protrusion 81 may be formed with a contact surface that restrains the frame at the joining position of the second half 41b. The protrusion 81 may be formed with a sliding surface that promotes elastic deformation of the frame in a direction away from the outer surface of the first half 41a when the second half 41b is displaced from the release position to the joining position. The displacement of the frame may be restricted in the centrifugal direction from the rotation axis 82 of the living hinge 78.

When the second half 41b is in the joining position, the first half 41a and the second half 41b form a continuous mating surface 83 other than at the opening 77. The first half 41a and the second half 41b are overlapped with each other at the mating surface 83. The overlapping position can be regulated by the living hinge 78. The engagement piece 79 and the protrusion 81 may be positioned on the opposite side of the living hinge 78 across the space that houses the electric motor 35.

The first half 41a and the second half 41b have a peripheral wall 84a that surrounds the storage space for the electric motor 35, and an end wall 84b that is continuous with the front end of the peripheral wall 84a and closes one end of the storage space. The rear end of the peripheral wall 84a is discontinued. In other words, the other end of the storage space is open. The open end of the storage space forms an opening 77.

Ribs 85 are formed on the inner wall surfaces of the first half 41a and the second half 41b, facing the electric motor 35 and contacting the electric motor 35 at their tips when the second half 41b is placed in the combined position. The ribs 85 extend, for example, parallel to the rotation axis 82 of the living hinge 78. The ribs 85 have a thickness that allows them to store elastic force by contacting the electric motor 35 at their tips when the second half 41b is placed in the combined position. Depending on the elastic force of the ribs 85, a repulsive force that moves the first half 41a and the second half 41b away from the outer surface of the electric motor 35 can be generated.

The second half 41b is formed with a hook piece 86 that protrudes rearward from the rear end of the peripheral wall 84a. A claw 86a is formed at the tip of the hook piece 86, which faces the gear box 36 when the second half 41b is placed in the coupling position when the soundproof cover 41 is attached to the electric motor 35. The claw 86a meshes with a specific portion of the gear box 36 to prevent the soundproof cover 41 from coming off in the vertical direction of the mounting surface 36a. A meshing surface 87 is formed at the specific portion of the gear box 36, facing rearward on the back side of the mounting surface 36a and receiving the meshing of the claw 86a. The electric motor 35 is fixed to the mounting surface 36a of the gear box 36 with a screw 88. The soundproof cover 51 of the actuator 47 may be configured in the same manner as the soundproof cover 41.

When the first switch 19a is operated forward or backward, power is supplied to the electric motor 55. The electric motor 55 operates. Driving force is taken from the drive shaft of the electric motor 55. The driving force can be used to move the seat cushion 14 and the seat back 15 forward and backward. At this time, the operating noise of the electric motor 55 is contained within the soundproof cover 56. This can increase the quietness inside the vehicle cabin.

When the first switch 19a is operated upward or downward, power is supplied to the electric motor 35. The electric motor 35 operates. Driving force is taken from the drive shaft of the electric motor 35. The driving force is transmitted to the link member 28 from the transmission mechanism. The seat cushion 14 and the seat back 15 can be moved up and down. At this time, the operating noise of the electric motor 35 is contained within the soundproof cover 41. The quietness inside the vehicle cabin can be increased.

When the second switch 19b is operated forward or backward, power is supplied to the electric motor 48. The electric motor 48 operates. Driving force is taken from the drive shaft of the electric motor 48. The driving force can be used to move the seat back 15 forward and backward. At this time, the operating noise of the electric motor 48 is contained within the soundproof cover 51. This can increase the quietness inside the vehicle cabin.

In the actuator 34 of the vehicle seat 11 according to this embodiment, the first half 41a and the second half 41b form a mating surface 83 that is continuous except for one opening 77 that allows the arrangement of the drive shaft of the electric motor 35. Since the mating surface 83 of the first half 41a and the second half 41b is continuous except for one opening 77 that allows the arrangement of the drive shaft, the electric motor 35 can be covered by the first half 41a and the second half 41b except for the opening 77. The electric motor 35 can be covered by the soundproof cover 41 over as wide an area as possible. The noise of the electric motor 35 can be well contained within the soundproof cover 41.

Similarly, in the electric motor unit 31 of the vehicle seat 11 according to this embodiment, the first half 56a and the second half 56b form a mating surface 67 that is continuous except at the first opening 57 and the second opening 59. Since the mating surface 67 of the first half 56a and the second half 56b is continuous except at the first opening 57 and the second opening 59, the electric motor 55 can be covered by the first half 56a and the second half 56b except at the first opening 57 and the second opening 59. The electric motor 55 can be covered by the soundproof cover 56 over as wide an area as possible. The noise of the electric motor 55 can be well contained within the soundproof cover 56.

The soundproof covers 41, 56 further include ribs 85, 71 that stand from the inner wall surfaces of the first half 41a, 56a and the second half 41b, 56b toward the electric motor 35, 55 and have a thickness that stores elastic force by contacting the electric motor 35, 55 at their tips when the second half 41b, 56b is placed in the joining position. The elastic force of the ribs 85, 71 can prevent the soundproof covers 41, 56 from rattling. The dimensional error of the soundproof covers 41, 56 or the electric motor 35, 55 can be absorbed by the elastic deformation of the ribs 85, 71. The elastic force of the ribs 85, 71 can strengthen the engagement of the engagement pieces 79, 64 with the first half 41a, 56a. Even if the vehicle body vibrates, the soundproof covers 41, 56 can be effectively prevented from coming off the electric motor 35, 55. Similarly, the formation of ribs on the soundproof cover 51 can prevent the soundproof cover 51 from rattling.

In the actuator 34 according to this embodiment, a hook piece 86 is formed on the second half 41b to engage with a specific portion of the gear box 36 to prevent the soundproof cover 41 from coming off in the vertical direction of the mounting surface 36a. When the soundproof cover 41 is attached to the electric motor 35 fixed to the gear box 36, the hook piece 86 can engage with the meshing surface 87 of the gear box 36. Even if the vibration of the vehicle body is transmitted from the seat frame 23 to the electric motor 35, the soundproof cover 41 can be prevented from coming off in the vertical direction of the mounting surface 36a. Similarly, in the actuator 47, the soundproof cover 51 can be prevented from coming off in the vertical direction of the mounting surface 49a depending on the formation of the protrusion. When the protrusion engages, for example, a recess that accepts the entry of the protrusion may be formed in the base 49.

When manufacturing the vehicle seat 11, the electric motor 55 is attached to the seat frame 23. Then, the soundproof cover 56 is attached to the electric motor 55. Since the second half 56b of the soundproof cover 56 is away from the first half 56a in the open position, the first half 56a can partially cover the electric motor 55 without being obstructed by the second half 56b. When the second half 56b is positioned in the coupled position by the function of the living hinge 63, the electric motor 55 can be accommodated between the second half 56b and the first half 56a. In this way, the soundproof cover 56 can be attached to the electric motor 55. The soundproof cover 56 can be attached to the electric motor 55 with a simple assembly process.

Similarly, the electric motor 35 is attached to the seat frame 23. Then, the soundproof cover 41 is attached to the electric motor 35. Since the second half 41b of the soundproof cover 41 is away from the first half 41a in the open position, the first half 41a can partially cover the electric motor 35 without being obstructed by the second half 41b. When the second half 41b is positioned in the coupled position by the function of the living hinge 78, the electric motor 35 can be accommodated between the second half 41b and the first half 41a. In this way, the soundproof cover 41 can be attached to the electric motor 35. The soundproof cover 41 can be attached to the electric motor 35 with a simple assembly process. Since the soundproof cover 51 has a structure similar to that of the soundproof cover 41, the soundproof cover 51 can be similarly attached to the electric motor 48 with a simple assembly process.

As shown in FIG. 8, in the soundproof cover 56, the first half 56a and the second half 56b may define a resonance space 92 connected to the space adjacent to the electric motor 55 by a through hole 91. The resonance space 92 can efficiently attenuate specific frequency components of noise based on the principle of Helmholtz resonance. Similarly, a resonance space can be defined in the soundproof covers 41 and 51.

11...vehicle seat, 23...frame (seat frame), 35...motor (electric motor), 36...base (gearbox), 36a...mounting surface, 41...soundproof cover, 41a...first half, 41b...second half, 48...motor (electric motor), 49...base, 49a...mounting surface, 51...soundproof cover, 55...motor (electric motor), 56...soundproof cover, 56a...first half, 56b...second half, 63...hinge (living hinge), 64...engagement piece, 71...rib, 77...opening, 78...hinge (living hinge), 79...engagement piece, 83...mating surface, 85...rib, 86...projection piece (hook piece), 91...through hole, 92...resonance space.

Claims (5)

A frame,
A motor supported by the frame;
A soundproof cover attached to the motor,
The soundproof cover is
a first half that partially covers the motor;
a second half hingedly connected to the first half and adapted to move between an open position away from the first half and an engaged position housing the motor between the second half and the first half;
an engagement piece that is integrally formed with the second half and engages with the first half in response to an elastic force to hold the second half at the coupling position ;
When the second half is positioned in the coupled position, the first half and the second half form a continuous mating surface except for one opening that allows for the placement of the drive shaft of the motor . A frame,
A motor supported by the frame;
A soundproof cover attached to the motor,
The soundproof cover is
a first half that partially covers the motor;
a second half hingedly connected to the first half and adapted to move by the hinge between an open position in which the second half is moved away from the first half and an engaged position in which the second half accommodates the motor between the first half and the open position;
an engagement piece that is integrally formed with the second half and engages with the first half in response to an elastic force to hold the second half at the coupling position;
a base fixed to the frame and configured to receive the motor on a mounting surface;
a protrusion formed on at least one of the first half and the second half, which engages with a specific portion of the base when the second half is located at the joining position to prevent the soundproof cover from coming off in a direction perpendicular to the mounting surface;
The vehicle seat further comprises: A frame,
A motor supported by the frame;
A soundproof cover attached to the motor,
The soundproof cover is
a first half that partially covers the motor;
a second half hingedly connected to the first half and adapted to move by the hinge between an open position in which the second half is moved away from the first half and an engaged position in which the second half accommodates the motor between the first half and the open position;
an engagement piece that is integrally formed with the second half and engages with the first half in response to an elastic force to hold the second half at the coupling position;
At least one of the first half and the second half defines a resonance space that is connected to a space in contact with the motor via a through hole. The vehicle seat according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The vehicle seat, wherein the soundproof cover is formed from a resin molded body including the hinge as a living hinge. The vehicle seat according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
A vehicle seat further comprising a rib that stands from the inner wall surfaces of the first half and the second half toward the motor and has a thickness such that the rib stores elastic force by contacting the motor at its tip when the second half is positioned at the connecting position.