JP7733332B2 - Vehicle seats - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a vehicle seat, and in particular to a vehicle seat that can prevent the occupant from sinking in the event of an impact such as a collision.

When a moving vehicle is involved in a frontal collision, the submarine phenomenon can occur, in which the body of a seated occupant (passenger) restrained by a seat belt slides forward and downward on the surface of the seat. One known measure to prevent the submarine phenomenon is a vehicle seat that has a pipe member attached to the underside of the front part of the seat cushion to prevent sinking, as described in Patent Document 1, for example.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-34797

However, in the event of a frontal collision, compressive loads can be generated on the occupant's spine as they sink, placing strain on the occupant.

The present invention was made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide a vehicle seat that can appropriately absorb the impact on the seated occupant in the event of an impact such as a collision, and prevent compressive loads from being applied to the occupant's spine.

According to the vehicle seat of the present invention, the above problem is solved by a vehicle seat having a seat cushion, the seat cushion having a seat cushion frame and a cushion pad placed on the seat cushion frame, the seat cushion frame having a sinking suppression member that suppresses sinking of a seated occupant, the sinking suppression member being a first sinking suppression member and having a second sinking suppression member different from the first sinking suppression member, the seat cushion frame having a pan frame at its front end, the rear end of the second sinking suppression member being located rearward of the pan frame, the second sinking suppression member extending in the fore-and-aft direction so as to straddle the first sinking suppression member and being positioned higher than the first sinking suppression member .

In the above configuration, it is preferable that a weak portion is formed in the first subsidence suppression member, and the front end surface of the second subsidence suppression member is located forward of the front end of the weak portion.
In the above configuration, it is preferable that a weakened portion is formed in the first subsidence suppression member, and that the rear end surface of the second subsidence suppression member is located rearward of the rear end of the weakened portion.
In the seat cushion of the present invention configured as described above, when the seated occupant sinks in the event of a frontal collision, the sinking suppression member deforms at the weak portion, thereby contributing to absorbing the impact on the seated occupant, and thus suppressing the occurrence of a compressive load on the spine of the seated occupant.

In the above configuration, the seat cushion frame may have a pair of side frames, and the first sinking suppression member may be mounted across the pair of side frames.
In the above configuration, the sinking suppression member is bridged at both ends in the seat width direction between the pair of side frames, thereby improving the mounting rigidity.

In the above configuration, the second sinking suppression member may be provided inside the cushion pad.
With the above configuration, the structure of the seat frame can be made as simple as usual, which contributes to improving workability when assembling the vehicle seat while also contributing to absorbing impact in the event of a frontal collision.

In the above configuration, the first subsidence suppression member may be spaced apart from the second subsidence suppression member in the up-down direction of the vehicle seat .

In the above configuration, the first sinking suppression member may be disposed so as not to overlap with the pan frame in the up-down direction of the vehicle seat .

The above problem is solved by a vehicle seat of the present invention, which includes a seat cushion serving as a seating portion that supports the buttocks of a seated occupant, a seat back serving as a backrest that supports the back of the seated occupant, and a headrest that is disposed on an upper portion of the seat back and supports the head of the seated occupant, the seat cushion including a seat cushion frame, a cushion pad placed on the seat cushion frame, and a trim cover that covers the cushion pad, the seat back including a seat back frame, a cushion pad placed on the seat back frame, and a trim cover that covers the cushion pad, the headrest including a core material, a pad material placed on the core material, and a trim cover that covers the pad material, the seat cushion frame being supported by legs that are provided with: An inner rail is attached and assembled in a sliding manner so that its position can be adjusted in the fore-and-aft direction between an outer rail installed on the vehicle floor, the rear end of the seat cushion frame is connected to the seat back frame via a reclining mechanism, the seat cushion frame is equipped with a sinking suppression member that suppresses sinking of the seat occupant, the sinking suppression member is a first sinking suppression member and is equipped with a second sinking suppression member different from the first sinking suppression member, the seat cushion frame has a pan frame at its front end, the rear end of the second sinking suppression member is located rearward of the pan frame, and the second sinking suppression member extends in the fore-and-aft direction so as to straddle the first sinking suppression member and is positioned higher than the first sinking suppression member, thereby solving the problem.

According to the vehicle seat of the present invention, when the seated occupant sinks in the event of a frontal collision, the sinking suppression member deforms at the weak portion, thereby contributing to absorbing the impact on the seated occupant, and thus suppressing the occurrence of a compressive load on the spine of the seated occupant.
Furthermore, according to the vehicle seat of the present invention, the sinking suppression member is bridged at both ends in the seat width direction between the pair of side frames, thereby improving the mounting rigidity .
Furthermore , according to the vehicle seat of the present invention, the structure of the seat frame can be made as simple as usual, which contributes to improving workability when assembling the vehicle seat while also contributing to absorbing impact in the event of a frontal collision .

1 is an external view of a vehicle seat according to first to fourth embodiments of the present invention; 1 is a perspective view of a seat cushion frame of a vehicle seat according to a first embodiment of the present invention; 1 is a perspective view of a seat cushion frame of a vehicle seat according to a first embodiment of the present invention, with a pan frame removed; 1 is a top view of a seat cushion frame of a vehicle seat according to a first embodiment of the present invention; 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 1, illustrating the positional relationship between the first and second subsidence suppression members according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB in FIG. 1, illustrating the positional relationship between the first and second subsidence suppression members according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a seat cushion frame of a vehicle seat according to a second embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 1, illustrating the positional relationship between the first and second subsidence suppression members according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a seat cushion frame of a vehicle seat according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a top view of a seat cushion frame of a vehicle seat according to a third embodiment of the present invention. 1, and is an explanatory diagram showing the positional relationship between the first and second subsidence suppression members according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a seat cushion frame of a vehicle seat according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a vehicle seat height adjustment mechanism according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams showing a link member of the height adjustment mechanism. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a weakened portion provided in a link member of the height adjustment mechanism. FIG. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a seat frame of a vehicle seat according to a first modified example of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating the arrangement of impact absorbing members in a seat frame of a vehicle seat according to a first modified example of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating the arrangement of impact absorbing members in a seat frame of a vehicle seat according to a first modified example of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating the arrangement of impact absorbing members in a seat frame of a vehicle seat according to a first modified example of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a seat frame of a vehicle seat according to a second modified example of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating the arrangement of impact absorbing members in a seat frame of a vehicle seat according to a second modified example of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating the arrangement of impact absorbing members in a seat frame of a vehicle seat according to a second modified example of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating the arrangement of impact absorbing members in a seat frame of a vehicle seat according to a second modified example of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a seat frame of a vehicle seat according to a third modified example of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating the arrangement of impact absorbing members in a seat frame of a vehicle seat according to a third modified example of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating the arrangement of impact absorbing members in a seat frame of a vehicle seat according to a third modified example of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating the arrangement of impact absorbing members in a seat frame of a vehicle seat according to a third modified example of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a seat frame of a vehicle seat according to a fourth modified example of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating the arrangement of impact absorbing members in a seat frame of a vehicle seat according to a fourth modified example of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating the arrangement of impact absorbing members in a seat frame of a vehicle seat according to a fourth modified example of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating the arrangement of impact absorbing members in a seat frame of a vehicle seat according to a fourth modified example of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a seat frame of a vehicle seat according to a fifth modified example of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating the arrangement of impact absorbing members in a seat frame of a vehicle seat according to a fifth modified example of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating the arrangement of impact absorbing members in a seat frame of a vehicle seat according to a fifth modified example of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating the arrangement of impact absorbing members in a seat frame of a vehicle seat according to a fifth modified example of the present invention.

A vehicle seat according to an embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as the present embodiment) will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 20D. The vehicle seat according to the present embodiment will be described using a vehicle seat mounted on a vehicle as an example. However, the vehicle seat is not limited to vehicle seats mounted on ground-traveling vehicles with wheels, such as automobiles and trains, and may also be a seat mounted on aircraft, ships, and other vehicles that travel other than on land.

The embodiment described below is merely an example intended to facilitate understanding of the present invention and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. In other words, the shape, dimensions, arrangement, etc. of the components described below may be modified or improved without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and the present invention naturally includes equivalents thereof.

In this specification, terms indicating directions are defined as shown in Figure 1. Specifically, in the following description, the "front-rear direction" refers to the front-rear direction as seen from the perspective of a person sitting in the vehicle seat, and is the direction that coincides with the direction in which the vehicle is traveling. The "seat width direction" refers to the width direction of the vehicle seat, and coincides with the left-right direction as seen from the perspective of a person sitting in the vehicle seat. Furthermore, the "up-down direction" refers to the height direction of the vehicle seat, and coincides with the up-down direction when the vehicle seat is viewed from the front.

[1. Configuration of the vehicle seat S]
The vehicle seat S according to this embodiment has the appearance shown in Fig. 1. In Fig. 1, a part of the vehicle seat S (specifically, a front corner of the seat cushion S1) is shown with the trim cover 1a removed for convenience of illustration.

The vehicle seat S has as its main components a seat cushion S1, which serves as the seating portion that supports the buttocks of the seated occupant; a seat back S2, which serves as the backrest that supports the back of the seated occupant; and a headrest S3, which is located on top of the seat back S2 and supports the head of the seated occupant. The seat cushion S1 is constructed by placing a cushion pad 1b on a seat cushion frame 10, which serves as the skeleton shown in Figure 2, and then covering the cushion pad 1b with a trim cover 1a. The seat back S2 is constructed by placing a cushion pad (not shown) on a seat back frame (not shown) and covering it with a trim cover 1a. The headrest S3 is formed by placing a pad material (not shown) on a core material (not shown) and covering it with a trim cover 1a.

The cushion pads of the seat cushion S1 and seat back S2 are made of a urethane base material formed by foam molding using urethane foam material. The trim cover 1a of the seat cushion S1 is provided with a first hanging portion 2a (right-side hanging portion) located on the right side of the seat cushion and extending in the fore-and-aft direction, a second hanging portion 2b (left-side hanging portion) located on the left side of the seat cushion and extending in the fore-and-aft direction, a third hanging portion 2c (front-side hanging portion) located on the front side of the seat cushion and extending in the seat width direction, and a fourth hanging portion 2d (rear-side hanging portion) located on the rear side of the seat cushion and extending in the seat width direction. Furthermore, as described below, the cushion pad 1b is provided with thin-walled portions at positions corresponding to each hanging portion 2a-2d, each of which is thinner than the surrounding area.

[2. Seat cushion frame of the first embodiment]
2 and 3, the configuration of a seat cushion frame 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described. The seat cushion frame 10 is supported by legs (not shown), to which inner rails are attached, and is assembled in a sliding manner between the legs and outer rails installed on the vehicle floor so that the position can be adjusted in the fore-and-aft direction. The rear end of the seat cushion frame 10 is connected to a seat back frame (not shown) via a reclining mechanism (not shown).

In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, the seat cushion frame 10 has an external shape that is roughly a rectangular frame when viewed from above. The main components of the seat cushion frame 10 are a pair of side frames 11 that form the left and right ends of the seat width direction, a pan frame 12 that forms the front end of the seat cushion frame 10, and a connecting pipe 13 (pipe frame) that connects the left and right side frames 11 at their rear ends.

The two (pair) side frames 11 are spaced apart in the left-right direction to define the width of the seat cushion frame 10, and are arranged to extend in the front-to-rear direction. A connecting pipe 13 is attached to the rear of each side frame 11, and the left and right side frames 11 are connected at the rear by the connecting pipe 13.

The pan frame 12 is fixedly joined to the front sides of the pair of side frames 11, connecting the left and right side frames 11 at the front side by the pan frame 12. More specifically, the left and right ends of the pan frame 12 are each fixed to a flange 11a provided on the side frame 11 by a fixing means such as welding.

The pan frame 12 is primarily intended to support the thighs of a seated occupant (passenger) and is a frame formed from a metal plate formed into a generally rectangular shape with a nearly flat upper surface. As shown in Figure 2 and Figure 5 (described below), the pan frame 12 has a forward bent portion 12a bent downward at the front end, and a rear bent portion 12b bent downward at the rear end 12e. Between the forward bent portion 12a and the rear bent portion 12b is a support surface 12c with a nearly flat upper surface. The left and right ends of this support surface 12c are fixed to the flanges 11a of the side frames 11 (Figure 2).

The end of the trim cover 1a is engaged with the lower end of the forward bent portion 12a of the pan frame 12. The trim cover 1a and the forward bent portion 12a are engaged using a known method, such as a trim cord. As shown in Figure 2, a protrusion 12d is provided on the top surface of the pan frame 12.

Next, we will explain the seat cushion frame 10 without the pan frame 12, with reference to Figure 3 and Figure 2. Front springs 14a and rear springs 14b (support members) are disposed rearward of the rear end 12e of the pan frame 12. The front springs 14a and rear springs 14b are mounted horizontally between the left and right side frames 11, with both ends of the front springs 14a and rear springs 14b engaging with engaging portions 11b provided on the side frames 11. The engaging portions 11b are formed as the portion between two holes spaced apart in the fore-and-aft direction, and the portion sandwiched between the holes is configured to bulge toward the inside of the side frame 11. The end of the front spring 14a or rear spring 14b is inserted through one of the holes, and after aligning part of the spring with the bulging portion, the end is inserted through the other hole.

When the seat cushion frame 10 is viewed from directly above (i.e., in a plan view), the front springs 14a and rear springs 14b are arranged at a predetermined distance from each other and extend in directions that are approximately parallel. Furthermore, the front springs 14a and rear springs 14b are configured to support a position corresponding to the ischial tuberosities of a seated occupant in the space between them (the space separated by the predetermined distance). In other words, the front springs 14a and rear springs 14b are arranged at a distance from each other that is at least such that they are not positioned directly below the ischial tuberosities.

The front springs 14a and rear springs 14b are linear members formed in a wave (zigzag) shape, etc., and primarily support the buttocks of a seated occupant. The ends of the front springs 14a and rear springs 14b are pivotally supported by the left and right side frames 11, respectively, and the cushion pad 1b is placed above the front springs 14a and rear springs 14b. In other words, the front springs 14a and rear springs 14b function as support members that support the cushion pad 1b.

As shown in FIG. 3, the seat cushion frame 10 of this embodiment is provided with a submarine pipe 15 (first sinking suppression member) to suppress the submarine phenomenon, in which the body of an occupant seated in the vehicle seat S slides forward and downward in the event of a frontal vehicle collision. The submarine pipe 15 is provided between the left and right side frames 11, at a position forward of the front spring 14a. The submarine pipe 15 is also located forward of the rear end portion 12e and rear bent portion 12b of the pan frame 12. Furthermore, the submarine pipe 15 is located below the pan frame 12, specifically below the support surface 12c and protrusion 12d of the pan frame 12.

When an impact such as a frontal collision occurs, the seated occupant may sink, causing a compressive load on the occupant's spine. In this embodiment, the seat cushion frame 10 is provided with a weak portion 15a in the submarine pipe 15, which serves as the first sinking suppression member, to suppress the impact caused by the occupant sinking during an impact such as a frontal collision. The weak portion 15a is a portion with a narrow diameter located near the center of the submarine pipe 15. When the occupant sinks during a frontal collision, the submarine pipe 15 deforms at the weak portion 15a, thereby helping to absorb the impact on the occupant. This suppresses the occurrence of a compressive load on the occupant's spine.

In addition, the submarine pipe 15, which is provided with the weak portion 15a, is installed between the left and right side frames 11, providing mounting rigidity and allowing it to appropriately contribute to shock absorption.

[3. Second sinking suppression member provided in seat cushion pad]
The second sinking suppression member provided in the cushion pad 1b of the seat cushion S1 according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 4 to 6. Figure 4 is a top view of the seat cushion frame 10, Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in Figure 1, and Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B in Figure 1.

The plate member 17 will be described as an example of a second sinking suppression member provided in the cushion pad 1b of the seat cushion S1 according to this embodiment. The plate member 17 is a plate-shaped resin molded product provided in the cushion pad 1b. The plate member 17 is injection molded and inserted into the base material (urethane foam, which is a urethane material) that makes up the cushion pad 1b. Because the plate member 17 is molded and integrated with the cushion pad 1b, there is no need to separately attach the plate member 17 to the molded cushion pad 1b, which has the advantage of improving workability.

The plate member 17 has a weak part, such as a hollow structure that collapses when a load is applied due to an impact, or a structure in which air is trapped in cylindrical protrusions provided on bubble cushioning material, and is configured to absorb the shock that occurs when the seated occupant sinks in the event of an impact such as a frontal collision.

As shown in Figure 4, a top view of the seat cushion frame 10, the plate member 17 has a front end surface 17a at the front, a rear end surface 17b at the rear, a right end surface 17c facing the right side frame 11, and a left end surface 17d facing the left side frame 11. As shown in Figure 5, the plate member 17 also has an upper surface portion 17e and a lower surface portion 17f.

In a plan view of the seat cushion frame 10 seen from above, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, the plate member 17 is positioned so that it at least partially overlaps the front springs 14a and rear springs 14b, which are support members that support the cushion pad 1b in the vertical direction. Furthermore, in the seat front-rear direction, the front end surface 17a of the plate member 17 is configured to be located rearward of the rear end of the submarine pipe 15 (first sinking suppression member).

As shown in FIG. 5, the plate member 17 is positioned vertically between the front thin portion 1c of the cushion pad 1b and the additional pipe 16. Also, as shown in FIG. 6, the plate member 17 is positioned in the seat width direction (seat left-right direction) between the left and right thin portions of the cushion pad 1b, i.e., the right thin portion 1e and the left thin portion 1f (closer to the seat center relative to the left and right thin portions). In other words, the plate member 17 is positioned in the seat width direction (seat left-right direction) between the left and right hanging portions of the trim cover 1a, i.e., the first hanging portion 2a and the second hanging portion 2b (closer to the seat center relative to the left and right hanging portions).

In the seat cushion frame 10 of this embodiment, the plate member 17 is positioned in this manner, so when the seated occupant sinks during a frontal collision, the plate member 17 appropriately absorbs the impact on the seated occupant. This prevents compressive loads from being applied to the occupant's spine.

Here, it is preferable that the plate member 17 be configured to transmit the impact to the submarine pipe 15 when it is displaced in the event of a collision, as this effectively absorbs the impact. For example, as shown in Figure 4, the front end surface 17a of the plate member 17 can be configured to be located forward of the submarine pipe 15, so that the plate member 17 straddles the submarine pipe 15. In this case, when the seated occupant sinks in the event of a collision, the impact is absorbed by both the submarine pipe 15 and the plate member 17, making it possible to effectively absorb the impact over a wide area in the fore-and-aft direction of the seat. This makes it possible to suppress the compressive load acting on the occupant's spine.

The relative positions of the submarine pipe 15 (first sinking suppression member) and the plate member 17 (second sinking suppression member) can be changed as appropriate, and if the submarine pipe 15 is positioned so that it at least partially overlaps the plate member 17 in the vertical direction of the seat (in other words, the front end surface 17a of the plate member 17 is positioned forward of the rear end of the submarine pipe 15), it will be possible to increase the amount of impact absorption when the seated occupant sinks during a frontal collision.

Furthermore, if the submarine pipe 15 is positioned so that it does not overlap the plate member 17 in the vertical direction of the seat (in other words, the front end surface 17a of the plate member 17 is positioned rearward of the rear end of the submarine pipe 15), it becomes possible to absorb impacts over a wide range in the longitudinal direction of the seat.

[4. Seat cushion frame of second embodiment]
In the first embodiment, the seat cushion frame of the vehicle seat is described as an example in which a weak portion 15a for impact absorption is provided in the submarine pipe as the first sinking suppression member.In the second embodiment, an example is described in which a weak portion for impact absorption is provided in the pan frame that supports the thighs of the seated occupant and functions as a sinking suppression member.

A seat cushion frame according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to Figures 7 and 8. Only the configuration that differs from the first embodiment will be described; the rest of the configuration is the same as the first embodiment, so a description of it will be omitted.

Figure 7 shows a perspective view of a seat cushion frame 10X for a vehicle seat according to a second embodiment. The pan frame 12 of the seat cushion frame 10X has a box-shaped weakened portion 12f. The weakened portion 12f is formed as a part of a rear bent portion 12b that is bent downward from the rear end portion 12e of the pan frame 12.

When the seated occupant sinks during a frontal collision, the weak portion 12f collapses, appropriately absorbing the impact on the seated occupant. By providing the weak portion 12f with a bellows structure that collapses when subjected to a load from an impact, or a structure in which air is trapped in cylindrical protrusions like those on bubble cushioning, it is possible to effectively absorb the impact. This prevents compressive loads from being applied to the occupant's spine.

[5. Seat cushion frame of the third embodiment]
In the first embodiment, the seat cushion frame of the vehicle seat has been described as an example equipped with a submarine pipe as a first sinking suppression member (for example, a seat cushion frame of a front seat). In the third embodiment, a seat cushion frame (a seat cushion frame of a front seat or a seat cushion frame of a rear seat) that does not have a submarine pipe will be described.

A seat cushion frame according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to Figures 9 to 11. Only the configuration that differs from the first embodiment will be described; the rest of the configuration is the same as the first embodiment, so a description of it will be omitted.

Figure 9 shows a perspective view of a seat cushion frame 10Y of a vehicle seat according to a third embodiment. The seat cushion frame 10Y differs from the first embodiment in that it does not include a component equivalent to a submarine pipe. The seat cushion frame 10Y according to the second embodiment has a plate member 17 with a weak portion provided below the cushion pad 1b. When the plate member 17 is displaced downward during a frontal collision, the plate member 17 comes into contact with a sinking suppression member with a weak portion provided on the seat cushion frame 10Y or the vehicle body, and the impact on the seated occupant is absorbed by the plate member 17 and the sinking suppression member with a weak portion.

An example of a sinking suppression member provided on the seat cushion frame 10Y may be any member that has a weak portion capable of absorbing impact, such as a frame piece 18 provided with a weak portion 18a, but is not limited to this. The frame piece 18 is provided between the left and right side frames 11, at a position forward of the front spring 14a.

As shown in Figure 10, in a plan view of the seat cushion frame 10Y viewed from above in the seat vertical direction, the plate member 17 is positioned above the frame piece 18. In addition, in the seat longitudinal direction, the front end surface 17a of the plate member 17 is configured to be positioned forward of the frame piece 18.

In the seat cushion frame 10Y of the vehicle seat according to the second embodiment, when a seated occupant sinks during a frontal collision, the plate member 17 is displaced downward and comes into contact with the sinking suppression member (frame piece 18), causing the weak portions of the plate member 17 and frame piece 18 to deform and absorb the impact, thereby reducing the impact on the seated occupant. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 11 , the underside 17f of the plate member 17 comes into contact with the sinking suppression member (frame piece 18), causing the weak portions of the plate member 17 and frame piece 18 to deform and absorb the impact, thereby reducing the impact on the seated occupant. This makes it possible to reduce the compressive load on the spine of the seated occupant.

[6. Seat cushion frame of the fourth embodiment]
In addition, in a vehicle seat equipped with a seat cushion height adjustment mechanism, a weakened portion can be provided in part of the height adjustment mechanism to absorb the impact on the seat occupant in the event of a frontal collision. Hereinafter, a seat cushion frame according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, in which a weakened portion is provided in part of the height adjustment mechanism, will be described in detail with reference to Figures 12 to 15.

The seat cushion frame 10Z shown in Figure 12 has a rectangular frame-like outer shape when viewed from above, and its main components are side frames 11 located at the left and right ends in the seat width direction, and a pan frame 12 that forms the front end of the seat cushion frame 10. Furthermore, the upper rear end portions of the side frames 11 are attached to the lower ends of seatback side frames (not shown).

As shown in Figure 12, the lower rear end portions of the side frames 11 are connected by a member extending in the seat width direction. This member is a hollow connecting pipe 24, specifically a round pipe. Both ends of the connecting pipe 24 in the seat width direction are supported by the left and right side frames 11 via end sleeves 28L and 28R, which are cylindrical members.

In addition, multiple springs 25 (S-type springs) serving as support members are arranged in the seat width direction between the left and right side frames 11. These springs 25 extend longitudinally in the seat's fore-and-aft direction. The front ends of the springs 25 are fixed to the upper end surface of the pan frame 12. The rear ends of the springs 25 are fastened to the connecting pipe 24 by an engaging hook 26 and an L-angle-shaped fixing bracket 27, which are positioned between the left and right side frames 11.

The vehicle seat S of this embodiment is equipped with a height adjustment mechanism 40 for adjusting the height of the seat cushion S1. This height adjustment mechanism 40 is disposed between the seat cushion frame 10Z and the upper rail 32L of the slide rail mechanism 30 in the vertical direction. When an occupant performs a height adjustment operation (for example, by pressing a lift button (not shown)), the movable parts of the height adjustment mechanism 40 (more specifically, the drive link 41 and driven link 43, which will be described later) are activated. This adjusts the height of the seat body, including the seat cushion S1.

The configuration of the height adjustment mechanism 40 according to this embodiment will now be described with reference to FIG. 13. As shown in FIG. 13, the height adjustment mechanism 40 has a drive link 41, a pinion gear 42, and a driven link 43. The drive link 41 and the driven link 43 swing in the front-to-rear and up-down directions together with the seat cushion S1.

The drive link 41 is made of a metal plate member and is disposed on the outer side of the side frame 11 constituting the seat cushion frame 10Z in the seat width direction. One longitudinal end of the drive link 41 is pivotally supported via a pivot pin 41b on a link support 32a installed on the upper surface of the upper rail 32L. The other longitudinal end of the drive link 41 has a generally fan-shaped outer shape as shown in FIG. 13. Gear teeth are formed on the front end of the other longitudinal end of the generally fan-shaped drive link 41. In other words, the other longitudinal end of the drive link 41 forms a sector gear 41a, which meshes with a pinion gear 42 as shown in FIG. 13. The pinion gear 42 is rotatably attached to the side frame 11 provided on the seat cushion frame 10Z. The pinion gear 42 is connected to a drive motor attached to the side frame 11. The mechanism portion that primarily operates the height adjustment mechanism 40, including the drive link 41, sector gear 41a, and pinion gear 42, is referred to as the drive unit 40M, and the mechanism portion that adjusts the seat height in response to the operation of the drive unit 40M is referred to as the driven unit.

The driven link 43 (corresponding to the driven portion of the height adjustment mechanism 40) is made of a metal plate member and is a link that swings in response to the swinging movement of the drive link 41. The driven link 43 is supported so as to be able to swing relative to each of the side frame 11 and upper rail 32L of the seat cushion frame 10Z. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 13, one longitudinal end of the driven link 43 is supported so as to be able to swing relative to the link support portion 32b installed on the upper surface of the upper rail 32L via a pivot pin 43a. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 13, the other longitudinal end of the driven link 43 is supported so as to be able to swing relative to the lower end of the side frame 11 via a pivot pin 43b.

The operation of the height adjustment mechanism 40 configured as described above will be explained below. When a seat occupant performs a height adjustment operation (e.g., by pressing a lift button, not shown), the drive motor connected to the pinion gear 42 is activated, causing the pinion gear 42 to rotate. As the pinion gear 42 rotates, the meshing position between the pinion gear 42 and the sector gear 41a changes. This causes the drive link 41 and the driven link 43 to swing. At this time, the end sleeves 28L, 28R welded to the drive link 41 and the connecting pipe 24 fitted into the end sleeves 28L, 28R swing together. This causes the side frame 11 of the seat cushion frame 10Z to rotate relative to the connecting pipe 24 and the end sleeves 28L and 28R, with their central axes as the rotation center. As a result, the seat cushion frame 10Z rises and falls, adjusting the height of the seat body.

As shown in Figures 14 and 15, a weak portion 33 is provided in the link support portion 32b that constitutes the link portion that maintains the height position of the height adjustment mechanism 40 for adjusting the height position of a vehicle seat. The weak portion 33 is formed by providing an elongated hole in the link support portion 32b, and in the event of a frontal collision, the pivot pin 43a breaks the weak portion 33 and enters the elongated hole, thereby absorbing the impact. The method of providing a weak portion in the link portion is not limited to this, and any method can be used as long as it can absorb the impact on the seat occupant when they sink during a frontal collision.

7. Modifications
The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. Modifications of the seat cushion frame and seat cushion according to the present embodiment will be described below.

In the above embodiment, the submarine pipe 15 (first sinking suppression member) is formed as a straight pipe member with a weakened portion 15a formed by reducing the diameter of a portion of the pipe member. However, the weakened portion may also be formed by forming a cut, recess, or notch in a portion of the pipe member, by reducing the wall thickness, or by making the material of the central portion of the pipe member in the seat width direction softer than the surrounding area. Furthermore, the cross-sectional shape of the submarine pipe 15 may be configured so that one side of the cross-sectional shape is inclined relative to the other side as it moves rearward or forward in the seat fore-and-aft direction. Furthermore, the weakened portion may be formed by joining two members together, or by joining two half-shaped members with different strengths.

In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the cushion pad and plate member were integrated by integral molding, but this is not limited to this. A recess may be formed in the cushion pad and the plate member may be housed in the recess. Furthermore, while using a plate member is preferable from the perspective of reducing weight, it is also possible to use a plate member made of metal with a fragile portion instead of resin, or a hard urethane molded into a plate shape, or other materials other than resin.

In the above embodiment, the plate member 17 is integrated with the cushion pad 1b by being molded integrally with it, but the method of attachment to the cushion pad is not limited to this. The plate may also be attached to a coarse blanket that serves as a backing material attached to the underside of the cushion pad. In this case, providing fine irregularities on the surface of the plate that comes into contact with the cushion pad (top surface) or on the edges thereof prevents the plate from falling off the underside of the cushion pad.

The shape of the plate member 17 is not limited to being flat, and may be curved in the left-right direction (seat width direction). Specifically, the right end surface 17c and the left end surface 17d of the plate member 17 may be curved so that they are positioned below or above the center of the plate member 17. The plate member 17 may also be curved in the front-to-rear direction. Specifically, the front end surface 17a and the rear end surface 17b of the plate member 17 may be curved so that they are positioned below or above the center of the plate member 17. Furthermore, it is possible to thin the left and right side portions (right end surface 17c and left end surface 17d) of the plate member 17, or to thin the center portion.

In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the plate member 17 was attached to the cushion pad 1b, but the plate member may also be attached to a location other than the cushion pad. Specifically, the left and right ends of the plate member may be attached by hooking them onto the left and right side frames 11, respectively, and the underside of the plate may be supported by the front springs 14a and rear springs 14b, thereby installing it on the seat cushion.

In the above embodiment, an example was described in which a plate member was used as the second subsidence suppression member provided on the cushion pad, but the form of the second subsidence suppression member is not limited to this. For example, the second subsidence suppression member may be a coarse blanket attached to the underside of the cushion pad as a backing material with a harder material than the urethane base material. Furthermore, a weak portion may be provided in the portion of the second subsidence suppression member that comes into contact with the frame member, vehicle body, etc. when it is displaced downward; specifically, in the portion of the backing material, such as the coarse blanket, that faces the frame member, vehicle body, etc. The backing material may be coarse blanket, felt, pressed felt, or nonwoven fabric, and the weak portion may be provided by appropriately processing a portion of the backing material.

In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which a plate member was applied to the seat cushion frame shown in Figure 2, but it is also possible to apply plate members (sinking suppression members, high-hardness portions, impact absorbing members) to other seat frames. Below, seat frames for vehicle seats according to modified examples (Modified Examples 1 to 5) will be described with reference to Figures 16A to 20D. Note that in Figures 16A to 20D, the thickness of the plate member is omitted.

(Seat frame of vehicle seat according to first modified example)
First, an outline of the configuration of the seat frame will be described with reference to Fig. 16A. As shown in Fig. 16A, the seat frame S100 is mainly composed of a seat cushion frame 110 and a seat back frame 120. The seat cushion frame 110 forms the framework of the seating portion of the vehicle seat, and the seat back frame 120 forms the framework of the backrest portion of the vehicle seat.

The seat cushion frame 110 has a rectangular frame-like outer shape when viewed from above. Its main components are side frames 111, 112 that form the ends in the seat width direction, a pan frame 113 that forms the front end of the seat cushion frame 110, and a connecting pipe 114 that connects the rear ends of the right side frame 111 and left side frame 112.

As shown in FIG. 16A, a submarine pipe 115 is provided between the left and right side frames 111, 112, at a position rearward of the pan frame 113. A spring 116 serving as a support member is arranged to extend in the fore-and-aft direction of the seat. Specifically, the front end of the spring 116 is attached to the submarine pipe 115, and the rear end of the spring 116 is attached to the connecting pipe 114, thereby positioning the spring 116 (support member) in the fore-and-aft direction of the seat.

As shown in FIG. 16A, the seatback frame 120 is configured in a frame-like shape by right and left side frames 121 and 122 that are spaced apart from each other and extend longitudinally (vertically), a plate-shaped upper frame 123 that connects the upper ends of the side frames 121, 122, a connecting pipe 124 that rotatably connects the seat cushion frame 110 and the seatback frame 120, and a lower frame 125 (lower member) that connects the lower ends of the side frames 121, 122. The upper frame 123 is provided with pillar support portions into which headrest pillars are inserted and to which headrests are attached.

A pressure-receiving member 126 is positioned inside the frame-shaped seatback frame 120 to support the occupant's upper body and prevent it from sinking. The pressure-receiving member 126 is a plate-shaped member made of resin or other material. As shown in Figure 16A, the pressure-receiving member 126 is connected to the upper frame 123 and lower frame 125 by connecting wires 127.

Examples of the arrangement of plate members relative to the seat frame S100 will be described with reference to Figures 16B to 16D. In the example shown in Figure 16B, plate member 117a is arranged so as to overlap with spring 116 (support member) in the seat front-rear direction and seat width direction of the seat cushion frame 110. Furthermore, plate member 117b is arranged so as to overlap with pressure-receiving member 126 in the seat up-down direction and seat width direction of the seat back frame 120.

In the example shown in Figure 16C, the plate member 117a is arranged so as to overlap the spring 116 (support member) and the submarine pipe 115 in the seat front-rear direction and seat width direction of the seat cushion frame 110. Furthermore, the plate member 117b is arranged so as to overlap the pressure-receiving member 126 in the seat up-down direction and seat width direction of the seat back frame 120.

In the example shown in Figure 16D, the plate member 117a is arranged so as to overlap the spring 116 (support member), submarine pipe 115, and pan frame 113 in the seat front-rear direction and seat width direction of the seat cushion frame 110. Furthermore, the plate member 117b is arranged so as to overlap the lower frame 125 (lower member) and pressure-receiving member 126 in the seat up-down direction and seat width direction of the seat back frame 120.

(Seat frame of vehicle seat according to second modified example)
First, an outline of the configuration of the seat frame according to the second modified example will be described with reference to Fig. 17A. As shown in Fig. 17A, the seat frame S200 is mainly composed of a seat cushion frame 210 and a seat back frame 220. The seat cushion frame 210 forms the framework of the seating portion of the vehicle seat, and the seat back frame 220 forms the framework of the backrest portion of the vehicle seat.

The seat cushion frame 210 has a rectangular outer shape when viewed from above. The main components of the seat cushion frame 210 are side frames 211, 212 that form the ends in the seat width direction, and a pan frame 213 that forms the front and rear ends of the seat cushion frame 210. As shown in Figure 17A, the pan frame 213 has a bottom surface 214.

As shown in FIG. 17A, the seatback frame 220 is configured in a frame shape by a right side frame 221 and a left side frame 222 that are spaced apart on the left and right and extend in the longitudinal direction (vertical direction), an upper frame 223 that connects the upper ends of the side frames 221, 222, and a connecting pipe 224 that rotatably connects the seat cushion frame 210 and the seatback frame 220. The upper frame 223 is provided with pillar support portions into which headrest pillars are inserted and to which headrests are attached.

Pressure-receiving members 225, 226 are positioned inside the frame-shaped seatback frame 220 to support the occupant's upper body and prevent it from sinking. The pressure-receiving member 225 is a plate-shaped member made of resin or other material. The pressure-receiving member 226 is made of a planar spring (Plumaflex) and is held suspended by a wire or other means on the upper frame 223.

Examples of the arrangement of plate members relative to the seat frame S200 will be described with reference to Figures 17B to 17D. In the example shown in Figure 17B, plate member 217a is arranged so as to overlap the bottom surface 214 of the pan frame 213 in the seat front-rear direction and seat width direction of the seat cushion frame 210. Furthermore, plate member 217b is arranged so as to overlap the pressure-receiving member 226 in the seat up-down direction and seat width direction of the seat back frame 220.

In the example shown in Figure 17C, plate member 217a is arranged so as to overlap the bottom surface 214 and front portion of pan frame 213 in the seat front-rear direction of seat cushion frame 210. Furthermore, plate member 217b is arranged so as to overlap both pressure-receiving member 225 and pressure-receiving member 226 in the seat up-down direction and seat width direction of seat back frame 220.

In the example shown in Figure 17D, plate member 217a is arranged so as to overlap the entire seat cushion frame 210, including the bottom surface 214 of the pan frame 213, in the seat front-rear direction and seat width direction. Furthermore, plate member 217b is arranged so as to overlap both pressure-receiving member 225 and pressure-receiving member 226 in the seat up-down direction and seat width direction of the seat back frame 220.

(Seat frame of vehicle seat according to third modified example)
First, an outline of the configuration of the seat frame according to the third modified example will be described with reference to Fig. 18A. As shown in Fig. 18A, the seat frame S300 is mainly composed of a seat cushion frame 310 and a seat back frame 320. The seat cushion frame 310 forms the framework of the seating portion of the vehicle seat, and the seat back frame 320 forms the framework of the backrest portion of the vehicle seat.

The seat cushion frame 310 has a rectangular outer shape when viewed from above. Its main components are side frames 311, 312 that form the ends in the seat width direction, a pan frame 313 that forms the front end of the seat cushion frame 310, and a connecting pipe 314 that connects the rear ends of the right side frame 311 and left side frame 312.

As shown in Figure 18A, four springs 315 serving as support members are arranged to extend in the fore-and-aft direction of the seat. Specifically, the front ends of the springs 315 are attached to the pan frame 313, and the rear ends of the springs 315 are attached to the connecting pipe 314, thereby positioning the springs 315 (support members) in the fore-and-aft direction of the seat.

As shown in Figure 18A, the seatback frame 320 is configured in a frame shape by a right side frame 321 and a left side frame 322 that are spaced apart on the left and right and extend in the longitudinal direction (vertical direction), an upper frame 323 that connects the upper ends of the side frames 321, 322, and a connecting pipe 324 that rotatably connects the seat cushion frame 310 and the seatback frame 320. The upper frame 323 is provided with pillar support portions into which headrest pillars are inserted and into which headrests are attached.

A lower bracket 325 that connects the left and right side frames at a lower position, and an upper bracket 326 that connects the left and right side frames at an upper position are provided inside the frame-shaped seatback frame 320 in the seat width direction. Also, pressure-receiving members 327, 328 that support the upper body of the occupant and prevent sinking are arranged inside the frame-shaped seatback frame 320. Pressure-receiving member 327 is a plate-shaped member made of resin or the like. Pressure-receiving member 328 is made of a planar spring (Plumaflex) and is held suspended by a wire or the like from the upper bracket 326.

Examples of the arrangement of plate members relative to the seat frame S300 will be described with reference to Figures 18B to 18D. In the example shown in Figure 18B, plate member 317a is arranged so as to overlap the inner two of the four springs 315 in the seat front-rear direction and seat width direction of the seat cushion frame 310. Furthermore, plate member 317b is arranged so as to overlap the pressure-receiving member 328 in the seat up-down direction and seat width direction of the seat back frame 320.

In the example shown in Figure 18C, plate member 317a is arranged so as to overlap four springs 315 in the seat front-rear direction and seat width direction of the seat cushion frame 310. Furthermore, plate member 317b is arranged so as to overlap both pressure-receiving member 327 and pressure-receiving member 328 in the seat up-down direction and seat width direction of the seat back frame 320.

In the example shown in Figure 18D, plate member 317a is arranged so as to overlap with pan frame 313 and four springs 315 in the seat front-rear direction and seat width direction of seat cushion frame 310. Furthermore, plate member 317b is arranged so as to overlap with upper bracket 326, pressure-receiving member 327, and pressure-receiving member 328 in the seat up-down direction and seat width direction of seat back frame 320.

(Seat frame of vehicle seat according to fourth modified example)
First, an outline of the configuration of the seat frame according to the fourth modified example will be described with reference to Fig. 19A. As shown in Fig. 19A, the seat frame S400 is mainly composed of a seat cushion frame 410 and a seat back frame 420. The seat cushion frame 410 forms the framework of the seating portion of the vehicle seat, and the seat back frame 420 forms the framework of the backrest portion of the vehicle seat.

The seat cushion frame 410 has a rectangular outer shape when viewed from above. Its main components are side frames 411, 412 that form the ends in the seat width direction, a pan frame 413 that forms the front end of the seat cushion frame 310, and a connecting pipe 414 that connects the rear ends of the right side frame 411 and left side frame 412.

As shown in Figure 19A, four springs 415 serving as support members are arranged to extend in the fore-and-aft direction of the seat. Specifically, the front ends of the springs 415 are attached to the pan frame 413, and the rear ends of the springs 415 are attached to the connecting pipe 414, thereby positioning the springs 415 (support members) in the fore-and-aft direction of the seat.

As shown in Figure 19A, the seatback frame 420 is configured in a frame shape by a right side frame 421 and a left side frame 422 that are spaced apart on the left and right and extend in the longitudinal direction (vertical direction), an upper frame 423 that connects the upper ends of the side frames 421, 422, and a connecting pipe 424 that rotatably connects the seat cushion frame 410 and the seatback frame 420. The upper frame 423 is provided with pillar support portions into which headrest pillars are inserted and to which headrests are attached.

A lower bracket 425 that connects the left and right side frames at a lower position and an upper bracket 426 that connects the left and right side frames at an upper position are provided inside the frame-shaped seatback frame 420 in the seat width direction. A pressure-receiving member 427 that supports the upper body of the occupant and prevents sinking is also provided inside the frame-shaped seatback frame 420. The pressure-receiving member 427 is provided between the lower bracket 425 and the upper bracket 426 in the vertical direction of the seatback frame 420, and is spanned between the left and right side frames 421, 422.

Examples of the arrangement of plate members relative to the seat frame S400 will be described with reference to Figures 19B to 19D. In the example shown in Figure 19B, plate member 417a is arranged so as to overlap four springs 415 in the seat front-rear direction and seat width direction of the seat cushion frame 410. Furthermore, plate member 417b is arranged so as to overlap pressure-receiving member 427 in the seat up-down direction and seat width direction of the seat back frame 420.

In the example shown in Figure 19C, the plate member 417a is arranged so as to overlap the four springs 415 in the seat front-rear direction and seat width direction of the seat cushion frame 410. Furthermore, the plate member 417b is arranged so as to overlap both the upper bracket 426 and the pressure-receiving member 427 in the seat up-down direction and seat width direction of the seat back frame 420.

In the example shown in Figure 19D, the plate member 417a is arranged so as to overlap the pan frame 413 and four springs 415 in the seat front-rear direction and seat width direction of the seat cushion frame 410. Furthermore, the plate member 417b is arranged so as to overlap the lower bracket 425, upper bracket 426, and pressure-receiving member 427 in the seat up-down direction and seat width direction of the seat back frame 420.

(Seat frame of vehicle seat according to fifth modified example)
First, an outline of the configuration of the seat frame according to the fifth modified example will be described with reference to Fig. 20A. As shown in Fig. 20A, the seat frame S500 is mainly composed of a seat cushion frame 510 and a seat back frame 520. The seat cushion frame 510 forms the framework of the seating portion of the vehicle seat, and the seat back frame 520 forms the framework of the backrest portion of the vehicle seat.

The seat cushion frame 510 has a rectangular outer shape when viewed from above. Its main components are side frames 511, 512 that form the ends in the seat width direction, a pan frame 513 that forms the front end of the seat cushion frame 510, and a connecting pipe 514 that connects the rear ends of the right side frame 511 and left side frame 512.

As shown in Figure 20A, four springs 515 serving as support members are arranged to extend in the fore-and-aft direction of the seat. Specifically, the front ends of the springs 515 are attached to the pan frame 513, and the rear ends of the springs 515 are attached to the connecting pipe 514, thereby positioning the springs 515 (support members) in the fore-and-aft direction of the seat.

As shown in Figure 20A, the seatback frame 520 is configured in a frame shape by a right side frame 521 and a left side frame 522 that are spaced apart on the left and right and extend in the longitudinal direction (vertical direction), an upper frame 523 that connects the upper ends of the side frames 521, 522, and a connecting pipe 524 that rotatably connects the seat cushion frame 510 and the seatback frame 520. The upper frame 523 is provided with pillar support portions into which headrest pillars are inserted and to which headrests are attached.

Lower brackets 525 are provided inside the frame-shaped seatback frame 520 in the seat width direction, connecting the left and right side frames at their lower positions. Also, a pressure-receiving member 526 is located inside the frame-shaped seatback frame 520 to support the occupant's upper body and prevent it from sinking. The pressure-receiving member 526 is made of a planar spring (Plumaflex) and is held suspended by a wire or the like, such as a wire member 527 attached to the upper frame 523.

Examples of the arrangement of plate members relative to the seat frame S500 will be described with reference to Figures 20B to 20D. In the example shown in Figure 20B, plate member 517a is arranged so as to overlap the inner two of the four springs 515 in the seat front-rear direction and seat width direction of the seat cushion frame 510. Furthermore, plate member 517b is arranged so as to overlap the pressure-receiving member 526 in the seat up-down direction and seat width direction of the seat back frame 520.

In the example shown in Figure 20C, plate member 517a is arranged so as to overlap four springs 515 in the seat front-rear direction and seat width direction of the seat cushion frame 510. Furthermore, plate member 517b is arranged so as to overlap both pressure-receiving member 526 and wire member 527 in the seat up-down direction and seat width direction of the seat back frame 520.

In the example shown in Figure 20D, the plate member 517a is arranged so as to overlap the pan frame 513 and four springs 515 in the seat front-rear direction and seat width direction of the seat cushion frame 510. Furthermore, the plate member 517b is arranged so as to overlap the lower bracket 525, pressure-receiving member 526, and wire member 527 in the seat up-down direction and seat width direction of the seat back frame 520.

The seat frames of vehicle seats according to the first to fifth modified examples have been described above with reference to Figures 16A to 20D. In the seat frames of vehicle seats according to the first to fifth modified examples, if the plate member is arranged only in an area that overlaps with a pressure-receiving member made of a spring (a planar spring or a spring) or a plate-shaped pressure-receiving member, a decrease in the seating comfort of the seated occupant (passenger) during normal seating is suppressed.

Furthermore, in the seat frames of the vehicle seats according to the first to fifth variants, if the plate member is positioned so as to extend to an area overlapping with the pressure-receiving member (planar spring or spring), bracket (upper bracket or lower bracket provided on the seatback frame), and pan frame of the seat cushion, when an impact such as a collision occurs and the seated occupant (passenger) sinks toward the seat frame of the vehicle seat, the resin plate is supported by the pressure-receiving member, bracket, and pan frame, thereby improving the energy absorption effect.

The seat cushion according to this embodiment has been described above as a seat cushion for a vehicle seat installed in a vehicle. The seat cushion according to this embodiment is not limited to vehicle seats, and there are no particular restrictions on its use as long as it is a seat cushion for a seat in which an impact may be applied to the seated occupant, particularly a seat in which the lumbar region of the seated occupant may sink in upon impact. For example, the seat cushion of the present invention can also be used as a seat cushion for a vehicle seat used in vehicles other than a vehicle.

S Vehicle seat (vehicle seat)
S1 Seat cushion 1a Trim cover 1b Cushion pad 1c Front thin portion 1d Rear thin portion 1e Right thin portion 1f Left thin portion 2a First hanging portion (right hanging portion)
2b Second hanging part (left hanging part)
2c Third hanging part (front hanging part)
2d Fourth hanging part (rear hanging part)
S2 Seat back S3 Headrest 10, 10X, 10Y, 10Z Seat cushion frame 11 Side frame 11a Flange 11b Locking portion 12 Pan frame 12a Front bent portion 12b Rear bent portion 12c Support surface 12d Convex portion 12e Rear end portion 12f Weak portion 12X Front frame 13, 24 Connecting pipe (pipe frame)
14a Front spring (support member)
14b Rear spring (support member)
15 Submarine pipe (first subsidence suppression member)
15a: Weak portion 17: Plate member (second sinking suppression member)
17a Front end surface (front end)
17b Rear end surface (rear end part)
17c Right end surface (right end part)
17d Left end surface (left end)
17e Upper surface part (upper end part)
17f Lower surface part (lower end part)
18 Frame piece (first sinking suppression member)
18a: Weakened portion 25: Spring (support member)
26 Engagement hook 27 Fixed bracket 28L, 28R End sleeve 30 Slide rail mechanism 32L Upper rail 32a, 32b Link support portion 33 Weakened portion 40 Height adjustment mechanism 40M Driving portion 41 Driving link 41a Sector gear 41b, 43a, 43b Pivot pin 42 Pinion gear 43, 44 Driven link S100 Seat frame 110 Seat cushion frame 111, 112 Side frame 113 Pan frame 114 Connecting pipe 115 Submarine pipe 116 Spring (support member)
120 Seat back frame 121, 122 Side frame 123 Upper frame 124 Connecting pipe 125 Lower frame 126 Pressure receiving member 127 Connecting wire 117a, 117b Plate member S200 Seat frame 210 Seat cushion frame 211, 212 Side frame 213 Pan frame 214 Bottom surface 220 Seat back frame 221, 222 Side frame 223 Upper frame 224 Connecting pipe 225, 226 Pressure receiving member 217a, 217b Plate member S300 Seat frame 310 Seat cushion frame 311, 312 Side frame 313 Pan frame 314 Connecting pipe 315 Spring (support member)
320 Seat back frame 321 Side frame 322 Side frame 323 Upper frame 324 Connecting pipe 325 Lower bracket 326 Upper bracket 327, 328 Pressure receiving member 317a, 317b Plate member S400 Seat frame 410 Seat cushion frame 411, 412 Side frame 413 Pan frame 414 Connecting pipe 415 Spring (support member)
420 Seat back frame 421, 422 Side frame 423 Upper frame 424 Connecting pipe 425 Lower bracket 426 Upper bracket 427 Pressure receiving member 417a, 417b Plate member S500 Seat frame 510 Seat cushion frame 511, 512 Side frame 513 Pan frame 514 Connecting pipe 515 Spring (support member)
520 Seat back frame 521, 522 Side frame 523 Upper frame 524 Connecting pipe 525 Lower bracket 526 Pressure receiving member 527 Wire members 517a, 517b Plate member

Claims (8)

A vehicle seat having a seat cushion,
The seat cushion includes a seat cushion frame and
a cushion pad placed on the seat cushion frame,
The seat cushion frame includes a sinking suppression member that suppresses sinking of a seated occupant,
the subsidence suppression member is a first subsidence suppression member,
a second subsidence suppression member different from the first subsidence suppression member;
The seat cushion frame has a pan frame at a front end thereof,
The rear end of the second sinking suppression member is provided rearward of the pan frame,
A vehicle seat characterized in that the second sinking suppression member extends in the front-to-rear direction so as to straddle the first sinking suppression member and is positioned higher than the first sinking suppression member . a weakened portion is formed in the first sinking suppression member,
The vehicle seat according to claim 1, wherein a front end surface of the second sinking suppression member is located forward of a front end of the weakened portion. a weakened portion is formed in the first sinking suppression member,
3. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, wherein a rear end surface of the second sinking suppression member is located rearward of a rear end of the weakened portion. The seat cushion frame has a pair of side frames,
4. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, wherein the first sinking suppression member is mounted across the pair of side frames. 5. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, wherein the second sinking suppression member is provided inside the cushion pad. The vehicle seat according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first subsidence suppression member is provided spaced apart from the second subsidence suppression member in the up-down direction of the vehicle seat. The vehicle seat according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first sinking suppression member is arranged so as not to overlap with the pan frame in the up-down direction of the vehicle seat. A seat cushion that supports the seated person's buttocks,
The seat back serves as the backrest that supports the occupant's back, and
a headrest disposed on an upper portion of the seat back and supporting the head of a seated occupant;
The seat cushion includes a seat cushion frame, a cushion pad placed on the seat cushion frame, and a trim cover covering the cushion pad.
The seat back includes a seat back frame, a cushion pad placed on the seat back frame, and a trim cover that covers the cushion pad.
The headrest includes a core material, a pad material disposed on the core material, and a trim cover that covers the pad material,
The seat cushion frame is supported by legs,
An inner rail is attached to the leg portion, and the leg portion is assembled in a sliding manner between the inner rail and an outer rail installed on the vehicle body floor so that the position can be adjusted in the front-rear direction.
a rear end portion of the seat cushion frame connected to the seat back frame via a reclining mechanism;
The seat cushion frame includes a sinking suppression member that suppresses sinking of a seated occupant,
the subsidence suppression member is a first subsidence suppression member,
a second subsidence suppression member different from the first subsidence suppression member;
The seat cushion frame has a pan frame at a front end thereof,
The rear end of the second sinking suppression member is provided rearward of the pan frame,
A vehicle seat characterized in that the second sinking suppression member extends in the front-to-rear direction so as to straddle the first sinking suppression member and is positioned higher than the first sinking suppression member.