JP2633789B2 - Seat equipment - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a seat apparatus which can be adjusted to a thorax support position which does not impose a burden on the spine of an automobile driver. The present invention relates to a seat device adjustment system for automatically adjusting to a certain thorax support configuration in response to a change in the tilt angle of the back.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Many studies have been made on the shape of a seat for providing a stable seating feeling without imposing a load on the spine of a seated person. As shown in FIG. 16, the back of the person M when standing upright has a so-called S-shape with the upper back of the waist inside. Considering that it is most natural to maintain this posture and that the spine is not overreached, as shown in FIG. 17, it is common to provide a lumbar support 2 for holding the back of the waist forward in the seat 1 as shown in FIG. And it was believed that it alone provided comfort and reduced fatigue.

On the basis of such a concept, attempts have been made to provide the seated person with as much freedom as possible, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Sho 59-168816 and Japanese Utility Model Application Laid-Open No. Sho 62-159768. Various seat devices have been proposed.

[0004]

However, according to the study of the inventors, such a conventional technique is a theory biased to static observation in which the user merely sits, It has been found that it is not always adaptable to dynamic situations, such as a driver driving a car.

[0005] That is, since the driver grasps the steering wheel and operates, it is general that the driver raises his upper body as shown by an arrow in FIG. 18, and then the driver becomes a so-called stoop and fixes his waist. If it becomes stooped, the abdomen will be compressed and it will be painful, so the so-called ass shift phenomenon that brings the buttocks forward will occur, the back of the buttocks will separate from the seat back, and the body will hit too strongly against the lumbar support 2 There was a problem that it would compress the spine.

As described above, according to the above-mentioned theory of keeping the back of the person M in the S-shape when standing upright, in the case of a driver, the body is not supported and becomes unstable, or a conventional lumbar support is used. However, there is a problem that the spine is adversely affected, the spine is supported in a natural state, a stable seating feeling is obtained, and the driver cannot drive the vehicle. That is, even if the spine is not burdened at first and the comfort is not always maintained even if it is comfortable, and under the condition of long-time driving, the driver is not necessarily comfortable according to the old theory, rather an unnatural posture. For a long period of time accumulates fatigue.

[0007] Then, as a result of research and investigation by the present inventors on what kind of posture does not impose a load on the spine, as shown in FIG.
In the position shown in the figure, the upper part raises the upper body as shown in the range A and becomes the stoop, and the lower part shifts out the buttocks forward as shown in the range B without burdening the spine. It was concluded that holding the person M as shown in FIG. 15 in such a comfortable state was the least fatigued posture, and this state was called the thorax support posture. In addition, the curve of the spine shown in FIG. 6 shows the case of the angle D of the entire seatback, which is most likely to be used most commonly.

The applicant has filed Japanese Patent Application No. Hei 4-25554.
No. 1 and Japanese Patent Application No. 4-255542 have proposed a seat apparatus which can be adjusted to the above-mentioned thorax support position. These series of seat devices can be easily and reliably adjusted to the thorax support position, but the relationship between the adjustment operation to the thorax support position and the normal reclining operation, that is, in actual use, the seat by the reclining operation is used. It is not specifically considered that the range of the thorax support posture shown in FIG.

Therefore, when the angle D of the seat back 3 shown in FIG. 19 is changed to the angle E as shown in FIG. 20 by, for example, the backward tilting operation of the seat back 3, the lower portion 3a and the upper portion 3b of the seat back 3 are thorax. The original angles (inclination of the lower portion 3a and the upper portion 3b of the seat back with respect to the vertical line 1) θ1 and θ2 forming the support posture are respectively shown in FIG.
As shown in (2), the angles change to large angles θ3 (> θ1) and θ4 (> θ2) at which the thorax support posture cannot be formed. Conversely, when the seatback 3 is tilted forward, the angle changes to angles smaller than the original angles θ1 and θ2.

It is desirable that the angles θ1 and θ2 forming the thorax support posture do not change even if the angle D of the entire seat back 3 changes due to such reclining operation. It is necessary to readjust the angle of the lower part 3b to θ1 and θ2 again, and a system for automatically and easily performing the adjustment operation to the thorax support posture has been desired.

Further, in the above-described series of seat devices, the relationship between the adjustment operation to the thorax support posture and the walk-in operation of the seat is not particularly considered. Therefore, if the seat back 3 is moved forward while the lower portion 3a of the seat back 3 is tilted forward, the lower portion 3a of the seat back 3 strongly interferes with the seat cushion 4 as shown in FIG. Or wrinkles of the sheet. In order to prevent such a risk, every time the seat is tilted forward, the occupant needs to readjust the lower portion 3a of the seat back 3 each time, which is somewhat troublesome, and improvement is desired. .

Further, the above-mentioned series of seat devices do not particularly consider the relationship between the adjustment operation to the thorax support posture and the full flat operation by tilting the seat backward. Therefore,
If the lower portion 3a of the seat back 3 is tilted forward while the lower portion 3a of the seat back 3 is moved forward, a gap is generated between the lower portion 3a of the seat back 3 and the seat cushion 4, as shown in FIG. There is a risk that the built-in material of the sheet may be seen from the gap to impair the appearance, or small articles may fall into the gap.

Further, even if the seated person tries to sleep with the seat in a fully flat state, the lower part 3a of the protruding seat back 3 causes the seated person's waist to protrude upward, making it difficult to take a relaxed posture. There is a fear.
In order to prevent such a risk, every time the seat is tilted backward, the occupant needs to readjust the lower portion 3a of the seat back 3 each time, which is somewhat troublesome, and an improvement thereof is desired. .

The present invention has been made in view of the problems of the conventional technology and the results of research and investigations by the inventors with respect to the problems of the conventional technology. Even in the case, there is no burden on the spine, there is a stable seating feeling and it is hard to get tired, and it can be adjusted to automatically maintain a constant thorax support form according to the change in the tilt angle of the seat back due to reclining operation Moreover, even if the seat back is tilted forward, the lower portion does not interfere with the seat cushion, and further, even if the seat back is tilted backward, the lower portion does not protrude above the seating surface of the seat cushion. It is intended to provide a seat device.

[0015]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to achieve the above object, the gist of the present invention is to provide a seat apparatus (10) which can be adjusted to a thorax support position which does not impose a burden on the spine of an automobile driver. Provided, said seat device (10)
A seat device adjusting system for automatically adjusting the form of the seat back (12) to a constant thorax support form in accordance with a change in the tilt angle of the seat back (12) due to the reclining operation, A movable lower part (1) capable of displacing the lower part and the upper part of the cushion body of the seat back (12) into a thorax support form
3) and a movable upper part (14), when the driver takes a thorax support posture, the movable lower part (13) is tilted forward to hold the driver's buttocks from behind, and the movable upper part (14) is A thorax adjusting mechanism (30) provided on the back frame (20) for tilting forward and displacing the upper back of the driver forward from the back position of the back.
A movable lower operation switch (56) for outputting a signal that the movable lower part (13) moves forward or backward and tilts to the thorax adjusting mechanism (30) to adjust the movable lower part (13) to a desired thorax form. , And the movable upper part (1
4) outputs a forward or backward tilt signal to the thorax adjusting mechanism (30), and a movable upper operation switch (38) for adjusting the movable upper part (14) to a desired thorax form; And a reclining mechanism (60) for supporting the rear of the seat cushion (11) so that the tilt angle can be adjusted arbitrarily, and a signal for tilting the seat back (12) forward or backward. 60), and the seat back (1
The reclining operation switch (64) for arbitrarily adjusting the tilt angle in 2) and the tilt angle of the seat back (12) are in the driving angle range (θa) in which the driver can maintain the driving posture.
, Or within a forward tilt angle range (θb) inclined further forward than the driving angle range (θa), or a backward tilt angle range (tilted further backward than the driving angle range (θa)) θc), the tilt angle detecting means (70, 90), and the tilt angle detecting means (70, 9).
A control means (80) for automatically operating the thorax adjusting mechanism (30) based on the determination result of 0) and displacing the movable lower part (13) and the movable upper part (14), When it is determined that the tilt angle of the seat back (12) is within the driving angle range (θa), the control means (80) controls the seat back (12) within the driving angle range (θa). According to the change of the tilt angle of
The movable lower part (13) in the form of a thorax support
In order to keep the inclination (α, β) of at least one of the movable upper part (14) and the vertical line (l) substantially constant, the movable part (12) interlocks with the forward / backward tilting operation of the seat back (12). A first storage unit (84) for moving at least one of the lower part (13) and the movable upper part (14) forward or backward, respectively; and the seat back (12).
When it is determined that the tilt angle of the movable lower part falls within the forward tilt angle range (θb), the movable lower part is moved in conjunction with the forward tilt operation of the seat back (12) within the forward tilt angle range (θb). (1
In order to avoid interference with the seat cushion (11) of (3), the movable lower part (13) is tilted backward while the movable lower part (13) is interlocked with the backward tilting operation of the seat back (12). It is determined that the tilt angle of the second storage unit (85) for tilting the movable lower part (13) forward and the seat back (12) is within the backward tilt angle range (θc) in order to take a thoroughx configuration. The movable lower portion (13) projects upward from the seating surface of the seat cushion (11) in conjunction with the backward tilting operation of the seat back (12) within the backward tilt angle range (θc). In order to avoid
While moving the movable lower part (13) backward and tilting, in conjunction with the forward tilting operation of the seat back (12), the movable lower part (13) takes the thorax support form.
A third storage unit (8) for tilting the movable lower part (13) forward.
6), and a seat device (10).

[0016]

[Function] The driver of the car can use the Thorax adjustment mechanism (3
0), the movable lower part (13) forming the lower part of the seat back (12) and the movable upper part (14) forming the upper part of the seat back (12) are respectively displaced and adjusted to the optimal thorax support form as appropriate. can do. Thereby, the driver can obtain a stable seating feeling that does not burden the spine even when sitting for a long time.

That is, the movable lower operation switch (56)
Is operated, a signal that the movable lower portion (13) moves forward or backward is output to the thorax adjusting mechanism (30). Therefore, by operating the switch so that the movable lower portion (13) of the thorax adjusting mechanism (30) is tilted forward to fill the gap behind the driver's buttocks, the driver's buttocks are reduced. It is held from behind by the movable lower part (13), and the body pressure distribution at the time of sitting is dispersed.

On the other hand, when the movable upper operation switch (38) is operated, a signal for moving the movable upper portion (14) forward or backward is output to the thorax adjusting mechanism (30). Therefore, by operating the switch so that the movable upper portion (14) of the thorax adjusting mechanism (30) is tilted forward and displaced the upper back of the driver forward from the back position of the back portion, the driver can operate the vehicle. The movable lower part (13)
And the movable upper portion (14) described above allows the seat to be held in a thorax support position, and can be comfortably seated and driven.

If the driver of the automatic operation operates the reclining mechanism (60) by operating the reclining operation switch (64), the seat back (12) is provided separately from the aforementioned thorax adjusting mechanism (30). ) Can be appropriately adjusted with respect to the overall tilt angle of the seat cushion (11).

When the seat back (12) is supported within the operating angle range (θa) in which the driving posture can be maintained by such a reclining mechanism (60), it is determined that the seat back (12) is within the operating angle range (θa). ), And based on the result of the determination, the first storage section (84) of the control means (80) stores the movable lower part (13) and the movable upper part (14).
At least one of them is automatically adjusted to a substantially constant thorax support configuration.

That is, when the tilt angle of the seat back (12) changes within the operating angle range (θa), the operation of the first storage unit (84) of the control means (80) causes the movable unit to form a thorax support form. Vertical line (l) of at least one of the lower part (13) and the movable upper part (14)
The movable lower part (13) and the movable upper part (1) are automatically linked with the forward / backward tilting operation of the seat back (12) so as to keep the respective inclinations (α, β) of the movable part substantially constant.
At least one of 4) moves forward or backward, respectively.

Accordingly, even if the tilt angle of the seat back (12) changes due to the reclining operation, the angle at which the movable lower part (13) and the movable upper part (14) form the optimal thorax support posture of the driver ( Vertical line (l)
, The inclination (α, β) of the movable lower part (13) and the movable upper part (14) is kept substantially constant, and therefore, the angle of the movable lower part (13) and the movable lower part (13) every time the reclining operation is performed. There is no need to readjust.

Further, the reclining operation causes the tilt angle of the seat back (12) to be changed to the above-mentioned operating angle range (θ).
a) When the vehicle moves within the forward tilt angle range (θb) further tilted forward, it is determined by the tilt angle detecting means (90) to be within the range, and the control means (80) is determined based on the determination result. The second storage unit (85) automatically adjusts the movement of the movable lower part (13) as follows.

That is, when the seat back (12) is tilted forward within the forward tilt angle range (θb), the seat back (1) is operated by the operation of the second storage section (85) of the control means (80).
The movable lower part (13) automatically retreats backward in conjunction with the forward leaning operation of (2). Thereby, the seat back (12)
It is possible to prevent the movable lower portion (13) from colliding with or strongly interfering with the seat cushion (11) by the forward tilting operation. On the other hand, when the seat back (12) is tilted backward within the forward tilt angle range (θb), the seat back (1) is operated by the operation of the second storage unit (85) of the control means (80).
2) The movable lower part (13) automatically tilts forward in conjunction with the backward tilting operation, and returns to the original thorax support configuration.

Further, when the tilting angle of the seat back (12) moves into the backward tilting angle range (θc) tilted further rearward than the driving angle range (θa) by operating the reclining mechanism (60). It is determined by the tilt angle detecting means (90) that it is within the range, and based on the result of the determination, the third storage section (8) of the control means (80).
6) automatically adjusts the movement of the movable lower part (13) as follows.

That is, when the seat back (12) is tilted backward within the backward tilt angle range (θc), the seat back (1) is operated by the operation of the third storage section (86) of the control means (80).
2) The movable lower part (13) automatically retreats backward in conjunction with the backward leaning operation. Thereby, when the seat is used in a so-called full flat state, lying down,
Since the movable lower part (13) retreats and retracts as the seat back (12) is tilted backward, the occupant's waist is not protruded upward by the movable lower part (13), and the occupant takes a relaxed posture. be able to. On the other hand, when the seat back (12) is tilted forward within the backward tilt angle range (θc), the operation of the third storage unit (86) of the control means (80) causes the seat back (12) to be reversed. The movable lower portion (13) automatically tilts forward in conjunction with the forward tilting operation of (1), and returns to the original thorax support mode.

[0027]

An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. 1 to 13 show one embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in FIGS. 1, 3, and 8, the seat device adjusting system 10 a is provided with a thorax adjusting mechanism 30 on a back frame 20 that holds a cushion body of the seat back 12. The form of the back 12 can be adjusted to a thorax support form (see FIGS. 14 and 15) that does not impose a burden on the spine of the driver sitting.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the seat device adjusting system 10a includes a thorax adjusting mechanism 30 provided on a back frame 20 (see FIG. 8) and a seat back 12 on a rear side of the seat cushion 11. It has a reclining mechanism 60 to be supported, a control means 80 for automatically adjusting the form of the seat back 12 to a fixed thorax support form in accordance with a change in the tilt angle of the seat back 12 due to the reclining operation, and the like. .

As shown in FIG.
Are side plates 24, 24 on both sides, and both side plates 24, 2
4 and an upper pipe 21 connecting the upper ends thereof. A mid-span support panel 25 for holding the middle of the cushion body is fixed to the upper pipe 21. The lower ends of both side plates 24, 24 are interposed via a reclining mechanism 60.
It is supported by the rear end of the seat cushion 11.

As shown in FIG. 8, the thorax adjusting mechanism 30 is provided at the back of the movable lower part 13 forming the lower part of the cushion body and at the rear of the movable upper part 14 forming the upper part of the cushion body. And a back adjustment unit 31. The buttocks adjusting portion 50 of the thorax adjusting mechanism 30 has a buttocks adjusting shaft 51 rotatably supported between the side plates 24 and 24 of the back frame 20 and a substantially U-shaped center portion of the buttocks adjusting shaft 51. Swing support 52 formed by bending
And a butt support panel 53 welded to the bottom.

More specifically, a tail drive mechanism for rotating the tail adjustment shaft 51 is provided at one end of the tail adjustment shaft 51. The buttocks driving mechanism includes a gear case 45 fixed to the inner wall of the side plate 24 with bolts 45e, a movable lower operation motor 44 attached to the gear case 45, and a movable lower operation motor 44 extending forward from the gear case 45. And a nut member 47 which is rotatably screwed with the screw member 46 and is moved forward and backward by the rotation of the screw member 46.

As shown in FIG. 1, the movable lower operation switch 44 for adjusting the movable lower portion 13 to a desired thorax support mode by arbitrarily rotating the movable lower operation motor 44 of the tail drive mechanism in both the forward and reverse directions. 56 (not shown in FIG. 8) is connected to control means 80 described later.

As shown in FIG. 8, a pivot pin 54 is implanted in the nut member 47 of the tail drive mechanism.
The arm member 55 is pivotally supported. The lower end of the arm member 55 is fixed to one end of the swing support portion 52,
Accordingly, the hip support panel 53 is tilted in the front-rear direction about both ends of the hip adjustment shaft 51 as the nut member 47 moves in the front-rear direction, and holds the movable lower part 13 in a displaceable manner. That is, the hip support panel 53 is displaced so that the movable lower portion 13 swells relatively forward from the backrest surface at the center of the cushion body with the forward tilt.
It is held in a thorax support configuration.

As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, a positioning projection 4 is provided on the side of the gear case 45 of the tail drive mechanism.
5a, a mounting projection 45b for fitting a bolt 45e,
45b. An elastic body 45c is interposed between the side of the gear case 45 and the washer 45d in contact with the head of the bolt 45e with the side plate 24 therebetween.

As shown in FIG. 8, the back adjustment section 31 constituting the thorax adjustment mechanism 30 includes an upper back support frame 32 supported on the upper portion of the back frame 20 via a link or the like so as to be tiltable. Have. More specifically, first link members 35 and 35a are fixed to both ends of the upper back support frame 32, respectively.
The lower end of one first link member 35 is
1 is attached to a pivot bracket 22 fixed to one end of the
Is rotatably connected via a. Also, the other first
An upper end of the link member 35a is rotatably connected to a second link member 36. A substantially central portion of the second link member 36 is connected to a pivot bracket 22 fixed to the other end of the upper pipe 21. Are rotatably connected to each other via a pivot 23.

The lower end of the second link member 36 is supported by a back drive mechanism so that it can be pushed and pulled in the front-rear direction. By the turning operation of the second link member 36 in the front-rear direction by the back drive mechanism, the upper back support frame 32 is tilted back and forth about the pivots 23 on both sides, and the movable upper part 1 is moved.
4 is displaceably supported. A pair of holder members 34, 34 for holding a headrest 35 are fixed to an upper portion 33 of the upper support frame 32.

The back drive mechanism includes a gear case 41 bolted to the side plate 24, a movable upper operation motor 40 attached to the gear case 41, and a movable upper operation motor 40 extending forward from the gear case 41. , And a nut member 43 which is rotatably screwed to the screw member 42 and moves back and forth by the rotation of the screw member 42. A pivot pin 37 is implanted in the nut member 43, and the lower end of the above-described second link member 36 is pivotally supported by the pivot pin 37.

As the upper back support frame 32 is tilted, the movable upper part 14 is displaced so as to swell relatively forward from the backrest surface at the center of the cushion body, thereby forming a thorax support form. FIG.
8, a movable upper operation switch 38 (shown in FIG. 8) for rotating the movable upper operation motor 40 of the back drive mechanism arbitrarily in both the forward and reverse directions to adjust the movable upper 14 to a desired thorax support configuration. ) Is connected to control means 80 described later, similarly to the movable lower operation switch 56.

The seat back 12 provided with the above-mentioned thorax adjusting mechanism 30 is supported at the rear end of the seat cushion 11 via a reclining mechanism 60 so that the tilt angle can be arbitrarily adjusted. More specifically,
As shown in FIGS. 8 and 11, the reclining mechanism 60
Is composed of a base bracket 61 fixedly mounted on the cushion frame 15 provided in the seat cushion 11, and an arm bracket 62 supported on the base bracket 61 via a reclining shaft 63 so as to be adjustable in tilt.

The reclining mechanism 60 drives the reclining motor 65 by operating the reclining operation switch 64 shown in FIG. 1 to electrically tilt the arm bracket 62 with respect to the base bracket 61 and adjust the tilt angle of the seat cushion 11. Is what you do.

As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, a first tilt angle for determining the tilt angle of the seat back 12 (see FIG. 3) is provided on the upper edge of the base bracket 61 of each reclining mechanism 60 on both sides of the seat. A detecting means 70 and a second tilt angle detecting means 90 are provided respectively. As shown in FIG. 11, the first tilt angle detecting means 70 and the second tilt angle detecting means 90 have switching rods 71, 91 which are mechanically switched ON / OFF.

More specifically, each switching rod 71,
Reference numeral 91 extends so as to be in contact with the front end edge of the arm bracket 62. When the switching rods 71 and 91 come into contact with the arm bracket 62 on the seat back 12 side and swing, the switch rods 91 and 91 are mechanically turned ON or OFF. It is set to switch.

That is, as shown in FIG. 12, the switching rod 71 of the first tilt angle detecting means 70 is
The seat back is turned off when 2 (the angle line M connecting the reclining shaft 63 and the approximate center of the cushion intermediate portion) is within the driving angle range θa that can maintain the driving posture of the driver (the state in the figure). It is set to be turned ON when 12 (angle line M) is within the forward angle range θb inclined further forward than the operation angle range θa.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 13, the switching rod 91 of the second tilt angle detecting means 90 is
When the (angle line M) is in the driving angle range θa (the state in the figure), the switch is turned off, and when the seat back 12 (angle line M) is in the backward angle range θc, the switch is turned on. ing.

In addition to the tilt angle detecting means in this embodiment, for example, a sensor in which internal contacts are activated by a change in a magnetic field caused by rotation of a reclining motor, and a sensor signal output from the sensor are counted. The tilt angle detecting means may be constituted by an angle detecting circuit or the like for determining the angle by using the angle detecting circuit.

As shown in FIG. 1, the first tilt angle detecting means 70 and the second tilt angle detecting means 90 are both connected to the control means 80, and output an ON signal to the control means 80, respectively. Is set. The control means 80
As shown in FIG. 2, when an ON signal is input from the first tilt angle detecting means 70 or the second tilt angle detecting means 90, the reclining operation switch 64 is made operable and the movable lower operation switch 56 is made inoperable. To control. That is, the control means 80 controls each tilt angle detecting means 7
It has a switch operation restricting section (not shown) that restricts the movable lower operation switch 56 from being operable by inputting an ON signal from 0 and 90.

The control means 80 is in a state where no ON signal is input from each of the tilt angle detecting means 70 and 90 (FIG. 3).
Then, based on an operation signal (related to the rotation speed and rotation direction of the reclining motor 65) input from the reclining operation switch 64, the movable lower part 13 and the movable upper part 14 are automatically moved A first storage unit 84 that outputs an angle correction signal to the movable lower operation motor 44 and the movable upper operation motor 40 in order to cause the displacement.
(See FIG. 1).

The control means 80 is receiving an ON signal from the first tilt angle detecting means 70 (see FIG. 6).
Then, when an operation signal for tilting the seat back 12 forward is input from the reclining operation switch 64 within the forward tilt angle range θb, a signal for tilting the movable lower portion 13 backward and backward in conjunction with the forward tilting operation of the seat back 12 is output. When an operation signal for tilting the seat back 12 backward within the forward tilt angle range θb is input from the reclining operation switch 64 while outputting to the operating motor 44, the movable lower portion 13 is tilted forward in conjunction with the backward tilting operation of the seat back 12. A second storage unit 85 (see FIG. 1) for outputting a signal to be driven to the movable lower operation motor 44 is provided.

In this case, by the operation of the second storage unit 85,
The amount of displacement of the movable lower portion 13 to retreat and tilt in conjunction with the forward tilting operation of the seat back 12 is set in advance to an amount necessary to prevent the movable lower portion 13 from interfering with the seat cushion. The amount of displacement by which the movable lower part 13 tilts forward in conjunction with the backward tilting operation of the back 12 is set in advance to an amount necessary for the movable lower part 13 to return to the original thorax configuration.

Further, when the ON signal is input from the second tilt angle detecting means 90 (see FIG. 7), the control means 80 further moves the seat back 12 within the backward tilt angle range θc.
Receiving operation switch 6
4, a signal for tilting the movable lower portion 13 backward is output to the movable lower operation motor 44 in conjunction with the backward tilting operation of the seat back 12, while the seat back 12 is tilted forward within the tilt angle range θc. When a signal is input from the reclining operation switch 64, there is provided a third storage unit 86 (see FIG. 1) that outputs a signal for moving the movable lower portion 13 forward and tilt to the movable lower operation motor 44 in conjunction with the forward tilting operation of the seat back 12. doing.

In this case, by the operation of the third storage unit 86,
The displacement amount at which the movable lower portion 13 retreats in conjunction with the backward tilting operation of the seat back 12 is set in advance to such an amount that no gap is formed between the lower end of the movable lower portion 13 and the seating surface of the seat cushion. Conversely, the amount of displacement by which the movable lower part 13 tilts forward in conjunction with the forward tilting operation of the seat back 12 is set in advance to an amount necessary for the movable lower part 13 to return to the original thorax configuration.

The reclining operation switch 64 for adjusting the tilt angle of the seat back 12 is controlled by the control means 80 so that it can be arbitrarily operated even when the seat back 12 is in any angle range. The control means 80 as described above, as shown in FIG.
It comprises a general microcomputer 83 capable of programming the control functions described above, and an input interface 81 and an output interface 82.

Next, the operation will be described. As shown in FIG.
When the seat back 12 (the angle line M) is within the driving angle range θa, the driver of the car 3
0, the movable lower part 1 forming the lower part of the seat back 12
3, and the movable upper part 14 which forms the upper part of the seat back 12 can be displaced, respectively, and can be appropriately adjusted to the optimal thorax support form. Thereby, the driver can obtain a stable seating feeling that does not burden the spine even when sitting for a long time.

That is, when the movable lower operation switch 56 shown in FIG. 1 is operated, a signal for moving the movable lower portion 13 forward or backward is output to the movable lower operation motor 44 of the thorax adjusting mechanism 30. Accordingly, by operating the switch to operate the movable lower part 13 to tilt forward and fill the gap behind the driver's hip, the driver's hip is held from behind by the movable lower part 13 and the driver can sit down. When the body pressure distribution is dispersed.

On the other hand, when the movable upper operation switch 38 is operated, a signal for moving the movable upper portion 14 forward or backward is output to the movable upper operation motor 40 of the thorax adjusting mechanism 30. Therefore, by operating the switch so that the movable upper portion 14 is tilted forward and the driver's back upper portion is displaced forward from the back position of the back portion, the driver can move the movable lower portion 13 and the movable portion described above. The upper part 14 allows the seat to be held in a thorax support position and to be comfortably seated for driving.

When the reclining mechanism 60 is operated by operating the reclining operation switch 64, the driver of the automatic operator can operate the aforementioned thorax adjusting mechanism 30.
Apart from that, the overall tilt angle of the seat back 12 with respect to the seat cushion 11 can be adjusted appropriately.

When the seat back 12 is supported by the reclining mechanism 60 within the operation angle range θa in which the driving posture can be maintained (see FIG. 3), as shown in FIG. The second tilt angle detecting means 90 is both OFF, and therefore, the control means 80
The ON signal is not input from each of the tilt angle detecting means 70 and 90.

In such a state, as shown in FIG. 1, as the tilt angle of the seat back 12 is adjusted by operating the reclining operation switch 64, the reclining operation switch 64 stores the reclining motor 65 in the first storage unit 84. And outputs an operation signal relating to the number of rotations and the direction of rotation of. Based on the operation signal, the first storage unit 84 determines the direction in which the seat back 12 is tilted (front or rear), and counts and stores an angle value corresponding to the tilted angle.

Subsequently, the first storage unit 84 rotates the movable lower operation motor 44 and the movable upper operation motor 40 in either of the front and rear directions by the counted angle value, thereby storing the movable lower 13 and the movable upper 14. Is output directly to each of the motors 44 and 40.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the seat back 1 is moved in the direction of arrow A within the driving angle range θa.
When the vehicle 2 is tilted forward, an operation signal corresponding thereto is input to the first storage unit 84, and the angle numerical value corresponding to the angle at which the seat back 12 (the angle line M) actually leans forward is counted and stored. The movable lower operation motor 44 and the movable upper motor 40 are operated by the angle value.

Accordingly, the movable lower part 13 is tilted forward in the direction of arrow B by a predetermined angle (an angle corresponding to the numerical value of the angle), thereby forming the movable lower part 13 in a thorax support form.
Is kept constant with respect to the vertical line l.
For example, when the seat back 12 (the angle line M) in FIG. 4 tilts forward by 10 degrees, the movable lower portion 13 tilts forward by 10 degrees about both ends of the buttocks adjusting shaft 51 shown in FIG. Similarly,
The movable upper part 13 is inclined backward by a predetermined angle in the direction of arrow C, and the angle (tilt) β of the movable upper part 13 forming the thorax support form with respect to the vertical line 1 is kept constant.

On the other hand, in the operation angle range θa, FIG.
When the seat back 12 is tilted backward in the direction of the arrow D, the first storage unit 84 inputs an operation signal corresponding to the tilt, and the seat back 12 (the angle line M) is tilted backward by the actual angle. Is counted and stored, and the movable lower operation motor 44 and the movable upper motor 40 are operated by the angle value.

Thus, the movable lower part 13 is tilted backward in the direction of the arrow E by a predetermined angle, and the angle (tilt) α of the movable lower part 13 in the thorax support form with respect to the vertical line 1 is kept constant. . On the other hand, the movable upper part 13 has an arrow F
, The angle (tilt) β of the movable upper part 13 with respect to the vertical line 1 in the thorax support form is kept constant.

As described above, even if the tilt angle of the seat back 12 is changed by the reclining operation, the movable lower part 13 and the movable upper part 14 are controlled by the first storage unit 84 of the control means 80 so that the optimal thorax support for the driver can be obtained. Angle of forming posture (movable lower part 13 and movable upper part 1 with respect to vertical line l)
(Tilt of 4) α, β are kept substantially constant, so that it is not necessary to readjust the angle of the movable lower part 13 or the movable lower part 13 every time the reclining operation is performed.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 1, when the tilting angle of the seat back 12 is moved within the forward tilting angle range θb by operating the reclining operation switch 64 of the reclining mechanism 60, the first tilting angle detecting means is provided. 70 is ON and ON in the second storage unit 85 of the control means 80
Output a signal. On the other hand, the second tilt angle detecting means 90
The state becomes FF. As shown in FIG. 2, when the ON signal is input only from the first tilt angle detecting means 70, the second storage unit 85 controls the reclining operation switch 64 to operate and the movable lower operation switch 56 to be inoperable. I do.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 1, when the seat back 12 is within the forward tilt angle range θb, the second storage unit 85 inputs an ON signal from the first tilt angle detecting means 70. In this state, when the operation signal for further tilting the seat back 12 forward within the forward tilt angle range θb is input from the reclining operation switch 64, the seat back 12
A signal to cause the movable lower portion 13 to tilt backward in conjunction with the forward tilting operation is output to the movable lower operation motor 44.

As a result, the movable lower operation motor 44 automatically operates in one direction to move the movable lower portion 13 backward and in conjunction with the forward tilt operation of the seat back 12, so that the movable lower operation motor 44 is movable by the forward tilt operation of the seat back 12. The collision or strong interference of the lower portion 13 with the seat cushion 11 can be avoided.

On the other hand, while the ON signal is being input only from the first tilt angle detecting means 70, the second storage unit 85 reclines the operation signal for tilting the seat back 12 backward within the forward tilt angle range θb. When input from the operation switch 64, a signal to move the movable lower portion 13 forward and tilt in conjunction with the backward tilting operation of the seat back 12 is transmitted to the movable lower operation motor 44.
Output to Thereby, in conjunction with the backward tilting operation of the seat back 12, the movable lower operation motor 44 automatically operates in the reverse direction to tilt the movable lower portion 13 forward, so that the seat back 12 returns to the original thorax support form. Return.

Further, by operating the reclining motor 65 by operating the reclining operation switch 64 of the reclining mechanism 60, as shown in FIG. The second tilt angle detecting means 90 is turned on and outputs an ON signal to the third storage section 86 of the control means 80.
On the other hand, the first tilt angle detecting means 70 is turned off. Third
As shown in FIG. 2, when an ON signal is input only from the second tilt angle detecting means 90, the storage unit 86 controls the reclining operation switch 64 to operate and the movable lower operation switch 56 to disable operation. .

Further, as shown in FIG.
2 is within the backward tilt angle range θc, the third storage unit 86
Receives an ON signal from the second tilt angle detecting means 90, and in this state, when an operation signal for tilting the seat back 12 backward within the backward tilt angle range θc is input from the reclining operation switch 64, the seat back 12 The movable lower portion 13 outputs a signal to the movable lower portion operating motor 44 to cause the movable lower portion 13 to tilt backward in conjunction with the backward tilting operation.

As a result, the movable lower operation motor 44 automatically operates in one direction in conjunction with the backward tilting operation of the seat back 12, and the movable lower portion 13 tilts backward and retracts.
The movable lower portion 13 does not protrude above the seating surface of the seat back 12 when the seat is used while lying down in a so-called full flat state. Therefore, the seated person can take a relaxed posture without protruding the waist upward. Further, even if the seat back 12 is tilted backward, no gap is generated between the movable lower portion 13 and the seat cushion 11, so that the built-in components of the seat can be seen from the gap to impair the appearance, and small objects, etc. There is no danger that it will fall.

On the other hand, while the ON signal is being input from the second tilt angle detecting means 90, the third storage section 86 reclines the operation signal for tilting the seat back 12 forward within the backward tilt angle range θc. When input from the switch 64, the movable lower part 1 is linked with the forward tilting operation of the seat back 12.
3 is output to the movable lower operation motor 44. Thereby, in conjunction with the forward tilting operation of the seat back 12, the movable lower operation motor 44 automatically operates in the reverse direction to tilt the movable lower portion 13 forward, so that the seat back 12 returns to the original thorax support configuration. Return.

If a sensor or the like that can objectively judge that the movable lower part and the movable upper part of the seat back have moved to the position forming the thorax support form is provided, the driver may be unfamiliar with the illusion, etc. The disadvantage of not being adjusted to the lux support mode is eliminated, and the adjustment to the thorax support mode is reliably performed.

In this embodiment, both the movable lower part and the movable upper part are adjusted by the first storage unit of the control means in accordance with the change in the tilt angle of the seat back within the operating angle range. A mode in which only one of the movable upper portions is adjusted may be used.

[0075]

According to the seat device adjusting system of the present invention, the movable lower portion and the upper movable portion of the seat back are tilted forward by the thorax adjusting mechanism, thereby holding the driver's hips from behind and driving. The upper back of the driver can be displaced forward from the back position of the back, so it can be adjusted to the optimal thorax support configuration as appropriate. The driver can drive in a stable posture without imposing a burden on the spine.

Moreover, in accordance with the change in the tilt angle of the seat back caused by the reclining mechanism, the inclination of at least one of the movable lower portion and the movable upper portion forming the thorax support form can be automatically kept substantially constant. It is not necessary to readjust the angle of the movable lower part and the angle of the movable lower part each time the reclining operation is performed, and it is possible to more easily and reliably adjust to the thorax support mode.

When the seat back is tilted forward by more than a predetermined angle, the movable lower portion is automatically adjusted to retreat backward, so that the movable lower portion does not interfere with the seat cushion when the seat back is tilted forward. In addition, it is possible to prevent a malfunction and a sheet from being wrinkled. Furthermore, when the seat back is tilted backward from a predetermined angle, the movable lower part is automatically adjusted to be receded and tilted.
The movable lower part does not protrude above the seating surface of the seat back, and the occupant can take a relaxed posture without protruding the waist upward, and there is a gap between the movable lower part and the seat cushion. Since it does not occur, the internal parts of the sheet can be seen from the gap and the appearance may be damaged,
There is no fear that small articles or the like fall into the gap.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a seat device adjusting system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an operation of a control unit of the seat device adjusting system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an operation explanatory view showing a state in which a seat back controlled by a seat device adjusting system according to one embodiment of the present invention is within a driving angle range.

FIG. 4 is an operation explanatory view showing a state in which the seat back controlled by the seat device adjusting system according to one embodiment of the present invention is within a driving angle range.

FIG. 5 is an operation explanatory view showing a state in which a seat back controlled by the seat device adjusting system according to one embodiment of the present invention is within a driving angle range.

FIG. 6 is an operation explanatory view showing a state in which the seat back controlled by the seat device adjusting system according to one embodiment of the present invention is within the forward tilt angle range.

FIG. 7 is an operation explanatory view showing a state in which the seat back controlled by the seat device adjusting system according to one embodiment of the present invention is within a backward tilt angle range.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a thorax adjustment mechanism of the seat device adjustment system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a side view showing a state in which a gear case of a hip drive mechanism constituting a thorax adjustment mechanism of the seat apparatus adjustment system according to one embodiment of the present invention is mounted on a back frame.

FIG. 10 is a sectional view taken along line XX of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a side view showing a reclining mechanism of the seat device adjusting system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is an operation explanatory view showing a reclining mechanism and first tilt detection means of the seat device adjusting system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is an operation explanatory view showing a reclining mechanism and a second tilt detecting means of the seat device adjusting system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining a thorax support mode.

FIG. 15 is a view for explaining a thorax support mode.

FIG. 16 is a view for explaining a state of a spine of a human body in an upright posture.

FIG. 17 is a view for explaining a support posture in a conventional seat device adjustment system.

FIG. 18 is a view for explaining a support posture in a conventional seat device adjustment system.

FIG. 19 is a side view for explaining the seat device before the improvement.

FIG. 20 is a side view for explaining the seat device before the improvement.

FIG. 21 is a side view for explaining a forward leaning posture of the seat device before the improvement.

FIG. 22 is a side view for explaining the backward posture of the seat device before the improvement.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 10a ... Seat device adjustment system 10 ... Seat device 11 ... Seat cushion 12 ... Seat back 13 ... Movable lower portion 14 ... Movable upper portion 30 ... Solux adjustment mechanism 31 ... Back adjustment unit 38 ... Movable upper operation switch 50 ... Bottom adjustment unit 56 ... Movable lower part operation switch 60 Reclining mechanism 64 Reclining operation switch 70 First tilt angle detecting means 90 Second tilt angle detecting means 80 Control means 84 First storage unit 85 Second storage unit 86 Third storage Department

Claims (1)

(57) [Claims] 1. A seat device which is adjustable to a thorax support position which does not impose a load on a spine of a driver of a vehicle, wherein the seat back of the seat device is changed in tilt angle by a reclining operation. A seat device adjusting system for automatically adjusting to a certain thorax support configuration in accordance with a lower portion and an upper portion of a cushion body of the seat back, wherein a movable lower portion and a lower portion displaceable to a thorax support configuration, respectively. When the driver takes a thorax support position, the movable lower portion is tilted forward to hold the driver's buttocks from behind, and the movable upper portion is tilted forward to move the driver's back to the back. A thorax adjusting mechanism provided on the back frame so as to be displaced forward from the rear position of the Outputs a signal for tilting backward to the thorax adjusting mechanism, a movable lower operation switch for adjusting the movable lower part to a desired thorax form, and a signal for moving the upper movable part forward or backward to the thorax adjusting mechanism. A movable upper operation switch that outputs and adjusts the movable upper portion to a desired thorax configuration; a reclining mechanism that supports the seat back on a rear side of a seat cushion so that a tilt angle thereof can be arbitrarily adjusted; A reclining operation switch for outputting a signal for tilting forward or backward to the reclining mechanism and arbitrarily adjusting the tilt angle of the seat back; and a driving angle range in which the tilt angle of the seat back can maintain a driving posture by a driver. Or within a forward angle range inclined further forward than the driving angle range, and Automatically tilts the thorax adjusting mechanism based on the determination result of the tilt angle detecting means for determining whether the tilt angle is in the backward tilt angle range further tilted backward from the driving angle range. A control means for displacing the movable lower part and the movable upper part, wherein the control means determines that the tilt angle of the seat back is within the operation angle range when the tilt angle is within the operation angle range. In accordance with the change in the tilt angle of the seat back at the time, the front and rear inclination of the seat back is adjusted so as to keep the inclination of at least one of the movable lower part and the movable upper part of the thorax support form substantially constant with respect to the vertical line. A first storage unit for moving at least one of the movable lower part and the movable upper part forward or backward in conjunction with an operation, and a tilt of the seat back. When it is determined that the moving angle is within the forward leaning angle range, in order to avoid interference with the seat cushion of the movable lower part in conjunction with the forward tilting operation of the seat back within the forward leaning angle range. , While moving the movable lower portion backward and backward, in conjunction with the backward tilting operation of the seat back,
A second storage unit for tilting the movable lower part forward so that the movable lower part takes a thorax form; and when the tilt angle of the seat back is determined to be within the range of the tilting angle, the tilting angle is determined. In conjunction with the backward tilting operation of the seat back within the range, the movable lower portion is tilted backward to prevent the movable lower portion from projecting above the seating surface of the seat cushion, while the movable lower portion is tilted backward. A third storage unit for moving the movable lower part forward and tilting so that the movable lower part takes the thorax support form in conjunction with the tilting operation.