Patent Grant
10259366
The disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2017-017530 filed on Feb. 2, 2017 including the specification, drawings and abstract is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
1. Technical Field
The present disclosure relates to a vehicle seat including a frame-shaped seat frame, a seat pad for elastically supporting a passenger, and a planar body for supporting the seat pad from a backside, the seat pad being placed inside the seat frame.
2. Description of Related Art
In this type of vehicle seat, a planar body is provided in a stretched manner inside a seat frame forming a seat framework, and the planar body supports a seat pad for elastically supporting an occupant. The planar body is a face material having a moderate flexibility, and supports the seat pad from a backside while extending due to its own flexibility. In this type of configuration, the seat pad is pressed by an occupant in a sitting state so that the seat pad sinks downward. At this time, for example, a seat-pad portion that supports occupant buttocks (particularly, occupant hipbones) tends to largely sink by being strongly pressed. On this account, from the viewpoint of improvement of a sitting property of the seat, it is desired that an elongation rate of the planar body be changed partially so that the planar body partially largely extends to support the seat-pad portion thus strongly pressed. That is, it is desired that the planar body be partially made easily extensible, so that a sitting pressure concentrating on the seat-pad portion for supporting the occupant buttocks is dispersed, so as to achieve a more ideal distribution of the sitting pressure.
For example, in a technique described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2005-46355 (JP 2005-46355 A), a seat planar support member for supporting a seat pad is attached within a seat frame. The seat planar support member includes a flexible net material as an example of a planar body of the present disclosure, and a lamination fabric material. The flexible net material is a face material having a moderate flexibility and a generally rectangular shape in a front view, and is constituted by a fabric material or a three-dimensional knit fabric including elastic yarns. Further, the lamination fabric material is a generally rectangular face material having a smaller size than the flexible net material, and its elongation percentage in a surface direction is smaller than that of the flexible net material. In the technique as known in the art, the flexible net material is provided in a stretched manner inside the seat frame and the lamination fabric material is fixed at an appropriate position of the flexible net material. This can provide a difference in elongation rate of the flexible net material between a part where the lamination fabric material is placed and a part where the lamination fabric material is not placed. In view of this, it is conceivable to improve a distribution property of a sitting pressure of a seat by applying the technique as known in the art to fix the lamination fabric material to the appropriate position of the planar body so as to partially change the elongation rate.
However, when the configuration as known in the art is applied, a member such as the lamination fabric material is required in addition to the planar body, and an increase in the number of components of the seat cannot be avoided. Further, a marked difference occurs in the elongation rate of the planar body between a part where the lamination fabric material is placed and a part where the lamination fabric material is not placed, which might decrease the sitting property so that the occupant feels uncomfortable. The present disclosure provides a vehicle seat that can partially change an elongation rate of a planar body with a good performance so as to improve distribution performance of a sitting pressure of the seat.
A vehicle seat according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes: a seat frame; a seat pad; and a planar body configured to support, from a backside, the seat pad placed inside the seat frame, the planar body being provided with a high-elongation part more easily extensible than other planar-body part. In this type of configuration, in order to improve distribution performance of a sitting pressure of the seat, it is desired that an elongation rate of the planar body be partially changed with a good performance (e.g., with a good sitting property).
The planar body is a fabric in which a plurality of constituent yarns is entangled, and includes a low-density region in which the constituent yarns extending in the same direction are placed thinly, a high-density region in which the constituent yarns extending in the same direction are placed more thickly than the low-density region, and a medium-density region in which the constituent yarns extending in the same direction are placed more thickly than the low-density region, but more thinly than the high-density region, the medium-density region being provided between the low-density region and the high-density region adjacent to each other. The low-density region is placed in the high-elongation part so that the high-elongation part is easily extensible. The high-density region and the medium-density region are placed in the other planar-body part so that the other planar-body part is less easily extensible. The medium-density region in the other planar-body part is adjacent to the high-elongation part. In the aspect, by changing an arrangement relationship of the constituent yarns, the low-density region relatively easily extensible is formed in the planar body. The low-density region allows the high-elongation part to be easily extensible without members such as a lamination fabric material. Further, when the medium-density region in the other planar-body part is placed adjacent to the high-elongation part, a marked difference in elongation rate between the other planar-body part and the high-elongation part can be avoided as much as possible.
In the above aspect, the planar body may be a fabric in which a plurality of first constituent yarns extending in one direction and a plurality of second constituent yarns extending in a direction intersecting with the one direction are entangled; the planar body may include, as the low-density region and the high-density region, a primary low-density region and a primary high-density region each constituted by the plurality of first constituent yarns, and a secondary low-density region and a secondary high-density region each constituted by the plurality of second constituent yarns; the medium-density region may be provided between the primary low-density region and the primary high-density region and between the secondary low-density region and the secondary high-density region; the primary low-density region and the secondary low-density region may be placed in an overlapped manner in the high-elongation part so that the high-elongation part is easily extensible; at least one of the primary high-density region and the secondary high-density region, and the medium-density region may be placed in the other planar-body part so that the other planar-body part is less easily extensible; and the medium-density region in the other planar-body part may be adjacent to the high-elongation part. In this configuration, two types of low-density regions provided in the planar body are placed in an overlapped manner, so that the high-elongation part can be more surely easily extensible. Further, in the present disclosure, the medium-density region is provided between the primary low-density region and the primary high-density region, and another medium-density region is also provided between the secondary low-density region and the secondary high-density region. With those two types of medium-density regions, a marked difference in elongation rate between the other planar-body part and the high-elongation part can be more surely avoided.
In the above aspect, the planar body may be a fabric in which a plurality of first constituent yarns extending in one direction and a plurality of second constituent yarns extending in a direction intersecting with the one direction are entangled; and the high-elongation part may have a restriction structure configured to restrict a relative movement between the first constituent yarns and the second constituent yarns. In this configuration, even if the constituent yarns are placed thinly in the low-density region constituting the high-elongation part, an occurrence of slips (separation between the constituent yarns adjacent to each other) is prevented as much as possible by the restriction structure, so that a decrease in strength of the high-elongation part can be avoided as much as possible.
In the above aspect, the constituent yarns placed in the low-density region may have a higher strength than the constituent yarns placed in the high-density region. In this configuration, even if the constituent yarns are placed thinly in the low-density region constituting the high-elongation part, a decrease in strength of the high-elongation part can be avoided more surely by using high-strength constituent yarns.
In the above aspect, in the medium-density region, the constituent yarns extending in the same direction may be placed to be gradually thinner from the high-density region toward the low-density region. In this configuration, the constituent yarns in the medium-density region are placed appropriately so as to be changed in density gradually (changed in a gradation manner), so that a marked difference in elongation rate between the other planar-body part and the high-elongation part can be further surely avoided.
In the above aspect, the vehicle seat may include a seat cushion configured to support a lower part of a body of an occupant in a sitting state, and a seatback provided in a raised state from a rear part of the seat cushion so as to support an upper body of the occupant in the sitting state; at least one member out of the seat cushion and the seatback may include the seat frame, the seat pad, and the planar body; in a case where the one member is the seat cushion, the high-elongation part may be provided in a rear part of the planar body, the rear part being configured to support a seat-pad portion that supports hipbones of the occupant in the sitting state; and in a case where the one member is the seatback, the high-elongation part may be provided in an upper part of the planar body in the raised state, the upper part being configured to support a seat-pad portion that supports shoulder blades of the occupant in the sitting state. In this configuration, the seat pad of at least one of the seat cushion and the seatback can be supported by the planar body. At this time, in terms of the seat cushion, in consideration that the seat-pad portion for supporting the occupant buttocks largely sinks, the high-elongation part that is easily extensible is provided in the rear part of the planar body, the rear part being configured to support the seat-pad portion. Further, in terms of the seatback, in consideration that the seat-pad portion for supporting the occupant shoulder blades largely sinks, the high-elongation part that is easily extensible is provided in the upper part of the planar body, the upper part being configured to support the seat-pad portion.
In the above aspect, in order to improve distribution performance of a sitting pressure of the seat, the elongation rate of the planar body can be partially changed with a good performance. Further, the elongation rate of the planar body can be partially changed with a good sitting property more surely. Further, the elongation rate of the planar body can be partially changed with a good strength property more surely. Further, the elongation rate of the planar body can be partially changed with a further good strength property. Further, the elongation rate of the planar body can be partially changed with a further good sitting property. In either case of the seat cushion and the seatback, in order to improve the distribution performance of the sitting pressure of the seat, the elongation rate of the planar body can be partially changed with a good performance.
Features, advantages, and technical and industrial significance of exemplary embodiments of the disclosure will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like numerals denote like elements, and wherein:
The following describes an embodiment for carrying out the present disclosure with reference to
Seat Cushion
The seat cushion 4 is a member that supports a lower part of a body of an occupant in a sitting state, and includes the above basic constituents 4F, 4P, 4S, a plurality of holding bodies 11 to 14, and a planar body 20 (details of each member will be described later) with reference to
Basic Configuration
With reference to
Holding Bodies
With reference to
Further, the third holding body 13 and the fourth holding body 14 have generally the same basic configuration, and are symmetrically placed in a rear end of the planar body 20. For example, the third holding body 13 placed on the right side is a generally rectangular frame body elongated in the seat-width direction, and includes a front frame portion 13a, a rear frame portion 13b, and right and left side frame portions 13c, 13d that connect the front and rear frame portions to each other. The side frame portions 13c, 13d extend in the front-rear direction in a state curved upward to form a generally semicircular shape, so that the side frame portions 13c, 13d are connected to corresponding ends of the front frame portion 13a and corresponding ends of the rear frame portion 13b. Further, in order to be passed through a second insertion portion 22 (described later), a divided part (not shown) is provided in a part of the rear frame portion 13b. In a state where the front frame portion 13a is attached to the after-mentioned planar body 20, respective parts from respective side frame portion 13c, 13d to the rear frame portion 13b are placed at respective positions where they project rearward so as to be hooked to the rear frame 4d from the upper side. Further, the fourth holding body 14 placed on the left side is a generally rectangular frame body elongated in the seat-width direction, and includes a front frame portion 14a, a rear frame portion 14b, and right and left side frame portions 14c, 14d.
Planar Body
With reference to
Insertion Portion
With reference to
Body Portion (High-Elongation Part)
With reference to
Other Planar-Body Parts (Low-Elongation Parts)
Further, with reference to
With reference to
Forming Operation of Body Portion
With reference to
Formation of Respective Regions by First Constituent Yarns (Primary Low-Density Region, Primary High-Density Region)
At the time of warping of the first constituent yarns 31, a distance between the first constituent yarns 31 adjacent to each other is adjusted so as to form respective regions (a pair of front and rear primary high-density regions FH1, FH2, a primary low-density region FL, a pair of front and rear primary medium-density regions FM1, FM2) illustrated in
Here, the primary high-density regions FH1, FH2 and the primary low-density region FL illustrated in
Primary Medium-Density Region
Further, the pair of front and rear primary medium-density regions FM1, FM2 are regions where the first constituent yarns 31 are placed more thickly than the primary low-density region FL, but more thinly than their corresponding primary high-density regions with reference to
Further, in each of the primary medium-density regions FM1, FM2 of the present embodiment, the first constituent yarns 31 are placed to be gradually thinner (placed in a gradation manner) from its corresponding primary high-density region toward the primary low-density region FL. For example, in a case where the fineness of the first constituent yarns 31 is 167 T (dtex), it is assumed that the first constituent yarns 31 are warped by 60 yarns/inch in the front primary high-density region FH1, and the first constituent yarns 31 are warped by 40 yarns/inch in the primary low-density region FL. Under this condition, in the front primary medium-density region FM1, the first constituent yarns 31 can be warped so as to be gradually reduced toward the primary low-density region FL within a range of 59 yarns/inch to 41 yarns/inch. At this time, the first constituent yarns 31 can be reduced continuously or step by step within the range of 59 yarns/inch to 41 yarns/inch. When the first constituent yarns 31 are placed appropriately in each of the primary medium-density regions FM1, FM2 so as to be changed in density gradually as such, a marked difference in elongation rate between the front primary high-density region FH1 and the primary low-density region FL can be more surely avoided. Note that, also in the rear primary medium-density region FM2, the first constituent yarns 31 can be warped so as to be gradually reduced toward the primary low-density region FL under the same condition as the front primary medium-density region FM1.
Formation of Respective Regions by Second Constituent Yarns (Secondary High-Density Regions)
Further, at the time of shooting of the second constituent yarns 32, a distance between the second constituent yarns 32 adjacent to each other is adjusted, so that regions (a set of three secondary high-density regions SH1 to SH3, a pair of right and left secondary low-density regions SL1, SL2, and a plurality of secondary medium-density regions SM1 to SM4) illustrated in
Secondary Low-Density Regions
Further, with reference to
Here, the secondary high-density regions SH1 to SH3 and the secondary low-density regions SL1, SL2 also have different arrangement relationships of the second constituent yarns 32 (a difference in coarseness and minuteness), so as to have different elongations. In consideration of a fineness of the second constituent yarns 32, in each of the secondary high-density regions SH1 to SH3, the second constituent yarns 32 can be shot by not more than 200 yarns/inch, independently. For example, in a case where the fineness of the second constituent yarns 32 is 167 T (dtex), the second constituent yarns 32 can be shot in a range of 55 yarns/inch to 35 yarns/inch independently in each of the secondary high-density regions SH1 to SH3, and in consideration of the strength of the body portion 24, it is preferable to shoot the second constituent yarns 32 in a range of 50 yarns/inch to 40 yarns/inch. Further, in the secondary low-density regions SL1, SL2, the number of second constituent yarns 32 to be shot is reduced as compared to the secondary high-density regions SH1 to SH3. In each of the secondary low-density regions SL1, SL2, the second constituent yarns 32 can be shot in a range of 45 yarns/inch to 25 yarns/inch independently, and in order that the high-elongation part has an appropriate elongation rate, it is preferable to shoot the second constituent yarns 32 in a range of 40 yarns/inch to 30 yarns/inch. Note that, in any of the regions, more second constituent yarns 32 can be shot as the fineness of the second constituent yarns 32 becomes smaller.
Secondary Medium-Density Region
Further, the plurality of secondary medium-density regions (a first secondary medium-density region SM1 to a fourth secondary medium-density region SM4) are regions where the second constituent yarns 32 are placed more thickly than their corresponding secondary low-density regions, but more thinly than their corresponding secondary high-density regions with reference to
Further, in each of the secondary medium-density regions SM1 to SM4 of the present embodiment, the second constituent yarns 32 are placed to be gradually thinner (placed in a gradation manner) from its corresponding secondary high-density region toward its corresponding secondary low-density region. For example, in a case where the fineness of the second constituent yarns 32 is 167 T (dtex), the second constituent yarns 32 are shot by 44 yarns/inch in the right secondary high-density region SH1, and the second constituent yarns 32 are shot by 37 yarns/inch in the right secondary low-density region SL1. Under this condition, in the first secondary medium-density region SM1, the second constituent yarns 32 can be shot so as to be gradually reduced toward the right secondary low-density region SL1 within a range of 43 yarns/inch to 38 yarns/inch. At this time, the second constituent yarns 32 can be reduced continuously or step by step within a range of 44 yarns/inch to 38 yarns/inch. When the second constituent yarns 32 are placed appropriately in each of the secondary medium-density regions SM1 to SM4 so as to be changed in density gradually as such, a marked difference in elongation rate between the right secondary low-density region SL1 and the secondary high-density region SH1 can be more surely avoided. Note that, also in each of the other secondary medium-density regions SM2 to SM4, the second constituent yarns 32 can be shot so as to be gradually reduced toward its corresponding secondary low-density region under the same condition as the first secondary medium-density region SM1.
Constituent Yarns
Here, as the constituent yarns 31, 32, natural fiber derived from animal or plant, synthetic fiber, or yarns (ordinary yarns) of mixed spinning fiber thereof can be used appropriately. As the synthetic fiber, polyester fiber, polyamide fiber, polyvinylalcohol fiber, cellulosic fiber, or filaments of mixed spinning fiber thereof can be exemplified. Especially, filaments of polyester fiber (polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polytrimethylene terephthalate (PTT), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polylactic acid, and the like), and filaments of polyamide fiber (nylon 6, nylon 66, and the like) can be preferably used as the ordinary yarns because they are excellent in durability at the time of use. A fineness (thickness) of the ordinary yarns is not particularly limited, but can be set to, for example, around 30 dtex to 3000 dtex. Further, as the constituent yarns 31, 32, high-strength yarns excellent in strength as compared to the ordinary yarns can be used. As this type of high-strength yarns, yarns excellent in tensile strength can be exemplified, and for example, yarns made of para-aramid fiber, polyparaphenylene benzobis oxazole (PBO) fiber, polyarylate fiber, and polyethylene fiber can be used. A fineness of the high-strength yarns is also not particularly limited, but can be typically set to around 30 T (dtex) to 3000 T (dtex).
Difference in Constituent Yarns Between Respective Regions
The ordinary yarns can be used as the constituent yarns 31, 32 in all the regions, but different types of the constituent yarns 31, 32 can be used for the high-density region (and the medium-density region) and for the low-density region. For example, by using the high-strength yarns only for the constituent yarns 31, 32 in the low-density region, even if the constituent yarns 31, 32 are placed thinly, a decrease in strength of the low-density region can be avoided more surely. Further, from the viewpoint of giving an appropriate elongation to the low-density region, at least either the first constituent yarns 31 or the second constituent yarns 32 placed in the low-density region can have a relatively low fineness. When the fineness of the constituent yarns 31, 32 in the low-density region is made lower than the constituent yarns 31, 32 in the high-density region as such, a desired elongation can be more surely given to the low-density region. Here, the fineness of the constituent yarns 31, 32 in the low-density region can be set depending on an elongation to be given to the low-density region, and can be set to a fineness in a range of ¼ to ¾ (preferably generally ½) of the fineness of the constituent yarns 31, 32 in the high-density region, for example. When the fineness of the constituent yarns 31, 32 in the low-density region is set to be generally a half of the fineness of the constituent yarns 31, 32 in the high-density region, a relatively high elongation can be further surely given to the low-density region.
Formation Technique of Low-Elongation Parts
With reference to
The front low-elongation part 51 is constituted by the front primary high-density region FH1 and the front primary medium-density region FM1, and front-side parts of respective regions of the second constituent yarns 32, the front-side parts overlapping therewith. The front primary medium-density region FM1 overlaps with the right and left secondary low-density regions SL1, SL2, so as to have a relatively high elongation on the right side and the left side of a rear part of the front low-elongation part 51. Further, the high-density regions (FH1 and SH1 to SH3) overlap with each other in a center of the front low-elongation part 51 and right and left edges thereof, so that the elongation is made lowest. Further, the rear low-elongation part 52 is constituted by the rear primary high-density region FH2 and the rear primary medium-density region FM2, and rear-side parts of respective regions of the second constituent yarns 32, the rear-side parts overlapping therewith. The rear primary medium-density region FM2 overlaps with the right and left secondary low-density regions SL1, SL2, so as to have a relatively high elongation on the right side and the left side of a front part of the rear low-elongation part 52. Further, the high-density regions (FH2 and SH1 to SH3) overlap with each other in a center of the rear low-elongation part 52 and right and left edges thereof, so that the elongation is made lowest.
Further, the right low-elongation part 53 is formed such that the primary low-density region FL overlaps with the right secondary high-density region SH1 and the first secondary medium-density region SM1. A left edge of the right low-elongation part 53 has a relatively high elongation such that the primary low-density region FL and the first secondary medium-density region SM1 overlap with each other. Further, the left low-elongation part 54 is formed such that the primary low-density region FL overlaps with the left secondary high-density region SH2 and the fourth secondary medium-density region SM4. A right edge of the left low-elongation part 54 has a relatively high elongation such that the primary low-density region FL and the fourth secondary medium-density region SM4 overlap with each other. Further, the central low-elongation part 55 is formed such that the primary low-density region FL overlaps with the central secondary high-density region SH3, the second secondary medium-density region SM2, and the third secondary medium-density region SM3. Right and left edges of the central low-elongation part 55 have a relatively high elongation such that the primary low-density region FL and the secondary medium-density regions SM2, SM3 overlap with each other.
Formation Technique of High-Elongation Parts
The right high-elongation part 41 is formed such that the primary low-density region FL and the right secondary low-density region SL1 overlap with each other. Further, the left high-elongation part 42 is formed such that the primary low-density region FL and the left secondary low-density region SL2 overlap with each other. Since the right and left high-elongation parts 41, 42 are formed such that the low-density regions (FL and SL1, FL and SL2) overlap with each other, the right and left high-elongation parts 41, 42 become relatively easily extensible parts in the body portion 24, and become most easily extensible parts in the present embodiment.
Furthermore, relatively highly extensible parts (parts where corresponding medium-density regions are placed) of adjacent low-elongation parts 51 to 55 are further placed around the high-elongation parts 41, 42. Since corresponding medium-density regions of the low-elongation parts 51 to 55 are placed adjacent to the high-elongation parts 41, 42 as such, a marked difference in elongation rate between the low-elongation parts 51 to 55 and the high-elongation parts 41, 42 can be avoided as much as possible. That is, the right side of the rear part (the front primary medium-density region FM1) of the front low-elongation part 51 is adjacent to the front side of the right high-elongation part 41, and the right side of the front part (the rear primary medium-density region FM2) of the rear low-elongation part 52 is adjacent to the rear side of the right high-elongation part 41. Further, the left edge (the first secondary medium-density region SM1) of the right low-elongation part 53 is adjacent to the right side of the right high-elongation part 41, and the right edge (the second secondary medium-density region SM2) of the central low-elongation part 55 is adjacent to the left side of the right high-elongation part 41. Further, the left side of the rear part (the front primary medium-density region FM1) of the front low-elongation part 51 is adjacent to the front side of the left high-elongation part 42, and the left side of the front part (the rear primary medium-density region FM2) of the rear low-elongation part 52 is adjacent to the rear side of the left high-elongation part 42. Further, the left edge (the third secondary medium-density region SM3) of the central low-elongation part 55 is adjacent to the right side of the left high-elongation part 42, and the right edge (the fourth secondary medium-density region SM4) of the left low-elongation part 54 is adjacent to the left side of the left high-elongation part 42.
Here, in the present embodiment, various finishing processes can be performed on the planar body 20 after weaving. As this type of finishing processes, a refinement step, a dyeing step, a heat set step, a texture adjustment step, a post processing agent application step, and a finishing set step can be exemplified. All those steps can be performed, or one or more steps can be omitted. In those steps, heat treatment (a dry heat process or a wet heat process) is often performed on the planar body 20, and heat treatment at about 90° C. to 185° C. is often performed, for example. When the constituent yarns 31, 32 are shrunk in a surface direction of the planar body 20 by performing the heat treatment, it is possible to give an appropriate extensibility to the planar body 20, to provide a thick feeling to the planar body 20, and to improve a good sewing result of the planar body 20. Particularly, the planar body 20 made of fabric can be shrunk sufficiently by heating (can have a desired set rate), so that the finished planar body 20 can be prevented as much as possible from wearing out to be loosened.
Attachment Operation of Seat Cushion
With reference to
Further, with reference to
Subsequently, the planar body 20 is tensioned in the surface direction, so that the holding bodies 11 to 14 are attached to respective appropriate positions of the seat frame 4F. At this time, the latching portions 11a, 11b of the first holding body 11 and the latching portions 12a, 12b of the second holding body 12 are hooked to the reinforcing frame 4c from the upper side. Further, the side frame portions 13c, 13d of the third holding body 13 and the side frame portions 14c, 14d of the fourth holding body 14 are hooked to the rear frame 4d from the upper side. Since the holding bodies 11 to 14 are attached inside the seat frame 4F as such, the planar body 20 can be placed at a position at which the seat pad 4P can be supported with a moderate tension. With reference to
Behavior of Planar Body when Occupant Sits (Role of High-Elongation Parts)
With reference to
Role of Medium-Density Regions
In the meantime, in the above configuration, with reference to
That is, the medium-density regions (the front primary medium-density region FM1, the rear primary medium-density region FM2, the first secondary medium-density region SM1, the second secondary medium-density region SM2) of corresponding low-elongation parts 51 to 53, 55 are placed around the right high-elongation part 41. When relatively easily extensible parts of the low-elongation parts 51 to 53, 55 are placed adjacent to the right high-elongation part 41 as such, a marked difference in elongation rate between the low-elongation parts 51 to 53, 55 and the high-elongation part 41 can be avoided as much as possible. Further, similarly, the medium-density regions (the front primary medium-density region FM1, the rear primary medium-density region FM2, the third secondary medium-density region SM3, the fourth secondary medium-density region SM4) of corresponding low-elongation parts 51, 52, 54, 55 are placed around the left high-elongation part 42. When relatively easily extensible parts of the low-elongation parts 51, 52, 54, 55 are placed adjacent to the left high-elongation part 42 as such, a marked difference in elongation rate between the low-elongation parts 51, 52, 54, 55 and the left high-elongation part 42 can be avoided as much as possible. Particularly, in the medium-density region FM1, FM2, SM1 to SM4 of the present embodiment, the constituent yarns are placed so as to be gradually reduced toward a corresponding low-density region. On this account, a marked difference in elongation rate between the right and left high-elongation parts 41, 42 and their adjacent low-elongation part 51 to 55 can be further surely avoided.
Role of Other Planar-Body Parts (Low-Elongation Parts)
Further, in the present embodiment, with reference to
According to the present embodiment described above, by changing the arrangement relationship of the constituent yarns 31(32), the low-density region FL (SL1, SL2) relatively easily extensible is formed in the planar body 20. The low-density region FL (SL1, SL2) allows the high-elongation parts 41, 42 to be easily extensible without members such as a lamination fabric material. Particularly, when two types of low-density regions (the primary low-density region FL and the secondary low-density regions SL1, SL2) provided in the planar body 20 are placed in an overlapped manner, the high-elongation parts 41, 42 can be made more surely easily extensible. Further, when the medium-density regions FM1, FM2, SM1 to SM4 of the other planar-body parts 51 to 55 are placed adjacent to the high-elongation parts 41, 42, a marked difference in elongation rate between the other planar-body parts 51 to 55 and the high-elongation parts 41, 42 can be avoided as much as possible. At this time, in the present embodiment, the primary medium-density region FM1, FM2 is provided between the primary low-density region FL and the primary high-density region FH1, FH2, and another secondary medium-density region SM1 to SM4 is provided between the secondary low-density region SL1, SL2 and the secondary high-density region SH1 to SH3. With those two types of medium-density regions, a marked difference in elongation rate between the other planar-body parts 51 to 55 and the high-elongation parts 41, 42 can be more surely avoided.
Further, in the present embodiment, by using high-strength constituent yarns 31 (32), even if the constituent yarns 31 (32) for the low-density region FL (SL1, SL2) are placed thinly, a decrease in strength of the high-elongation parts 41, 42 can be avoided more surely. In the present embodiment, the constituent yarns in the medium-density regions FM1, FM2, SM1 to SM4 are placed appropriately so as to be changed in density gradually (changed in a gradation manner), so that a marked difference in elongation rate between the other planar-body parts 51 to 55 and the high-elongation parts 41, 42 can be further surely avoided. Hereby, according to the present embodiment, in order to improve distribution performance of the sitting pressure of the seat, the elongation rate of the planar body 20 can be partially changed with a good performance.
Modification 1 (Example of Restriction Structure)
Here, various configurations can be employed as the configuration of the body portion, in addition to the above configuration. For example, with reference to
In view of this, the right high-elongation part 41 of the present modification has a restriction structure 60 that restricts a relative movement between the first constituent yarns 31 and the second constituent yarns 32. The restriction structure 60 is constituted by a leno weave of the first constituent yarns 31. That is, in the present modification, as the first constituent yarn 31, a twisted yarn in which two ordinary yarns (or high-strength yarns) Ya, Yb are twisted is used (in
Modification 2 (Another Example of Restriction Structure)
Further, a fixed portion (not shown) for adhering and fixing first constituent yarn to second constituent yarns can be used as the restriction structure. The fixed portion as the restriction structure can be formed such that welding yarns that can be solidified after being melted by heating are used as at least either the first constituent yarns or the second constituent yarns. As the welding yarn, it is desirable to use a yarn having a melting point lower than a melting point of an ordinary yarn (a high-strength yarn), and it is further preferable to use a yarn having a melting point that is lower, by 20° C. or less, than the melting point of the ordinary yarn (the high-strength yarn). For example, in a case of using an ordinary yarn made of polyethylene terephthalate, a welding yarn (for example, a welding yarn made of polyamide, polyester, polyethylene, nylon) having a melting point of not more than 240° C. can be used. Further, the welding yarn should be partially melted and solidified, and as a welding yarn of this type, a welding yarn of a fully-melted type, a mixed-fiber type, or a sheath-core type can be exemplified. The welding yarn of the mixed fiber type is a synthetic-fiber yarn in which a fiber having a relatively high melting point is mixed with a fiber (a welding part) having a relatively low melting point. Further, the welding yarn of the sheath-core-type is a synthetic-fiber yarn having a core part having a relatively high melting point and a sheath part (a welding part) having a relatively low melting point. At the time of weaving of a high-elongation part, the welding yarns are used as at least part of the first constituent yarns or the second constituent yarns. Subsequently, the welding yarns are melted and solidified by heating at a finishing step of the planar body so as to form fixed portions integrated with counterpart constituent yarns intersecting therewith. The fixed portions (restriction structures) also allow the first constituent yarns to be partially integrated with the second constituent yarns, thereby preferably making it possible to prevent the constituent yarns from having openings.
Modification 3
Further, the configuration of the present embodiment can be also applied to the seatback 6 illustrated in
The vehicle seat of the present embodiment is not limited to the above embodiment, and other various embodiments can be employed. For example, the present embodiment exemplifies a configuration (a shape, a dimension, a configuration of the insertion portions, and the like) of the planar body 20, but is not intended to limit the configuration of the planar body. For example, the planar body can take various shapes and dimensions as long as the planar body can support the seat pad placed inside the seat frame. Further, depending on a configuration of the holding bodies, the insertion portion can be provided in at least one of the front edge, the rear edge, the right edge, and the left edge. Further, a plurality of openings can be provided in the insertion portion, and the openings may be omitted. Further, the insertion portion should be a part through which the holding body can be passed, and can be formed by an appropriate technique as well as the hollow weave fabric. Further, the holding bodies can be omitted, and the planar body can be attached to the seat frame directly.
Further, the present embodiment exemplifies configurations (shapes, dimensions, formation positions, forming numbers, and the like) of the high-elongation parts 41, 42 and the low-elongation parts 51 to 55 as the other planar-body parts, but is not intended to limit the configurations of those parts. For example, a plurality of high-elongation parts or a single high-elongation part can be provided at an appropriate position(s) of the planar body depending on the configuration of the seat pad, other than the planar-body parts for supporting the seat-pad portions that support the occupant buttocks or the occupant shoulder blades (shoulders). For example, a single high-elongation part or three or more high-elongation parts can be provided to fully cover the occupant buttocks, and the like. Further, the configuration of the low-elongation part can be changed appropriately in accordance with the configuration of the high-elongation part.
Further, the present embodiment exemplifies configurations (shapes, dimensions, formation positions, forming numbers, densities of the constituent yarns, and the like) of the low-density regions FL, SL1, SL2, the high-density regions FH1, FH2, SH1 to SH3, and the medium-density regions FM1, FM2, SM1 to SM4, but is not intended to limit the configurations of those regions. For example, each region can be formed only by use of the first constituent yarns, and the second constituent yarns can be placed on an entire surface of the planar body at the same density. Reversely, each region can be formed only by use of the second constituent yarns, and the first constituent yarns can be placed on the entire surface of the planar body at the same density. Further, the medium-density region can be formed such that the constituent yarns are placed appropriately so as to be changed in density gradually, or can be also formed such that the constituent yarns are formed at the same density. Further, like the present embodiment, in a case where a plurality of low-density regions (or high-density regions or medium-density regions) is formed, the low-density regions (or the high-density regions or the medium-density regions) can have different configurations. Further, the configuration of the embodiment and the configurations of the modifications can be used in combination appropriately.
Further, the above description deals with an example in which the high-density region, the low-density region, and the medium-density region of the present embodiment have different arrangement relationships of the first constituent yarns or the second constituent yarns (a difference in coarseness and minuteness) so as to have different elongations. Differently from this, in the high-density region, the low-density region, and the medium-density region, the first constituent yarns or the second constituent yarns may be changed in sectional area, so as to form a difference in coarseness and minuteness. That is, even if the number of constituent yarns to be placed is the same in respective regions, the constituent yarns are placed thickly in a part where the constituent yarns having a relatively large sectional area are placed. On this account, in a case where the first constituent yarns or the second constituent yarns are changed in sectional area, respective arrangement relationship of the first constituent yarns or the second constituent yarns in the high-density region, the low-density region, and the medium-density region can be made generally the same or different from each other.
Further, the present embodiment exemplifies configurations (shapes, dimensions, arrangement positions, disposition numbers, and the like) of the holding bodies 11 to 14, but is not intended to limit the configurations of the holding bodies. For example, a single long holding body can be passed through each of the first insertion portion and the second insertion portion. Further, the holding body can be provided to border a peripheral edge of the planar body. In this case, a single frame-shaped holding body can be used, and a plurality of holding bodies can be used in parallel with each other. Further, as a mounting technique of the holding body to the seat frame, the following techniques can be exemplified: direct mounting techniques such as latching, locking, fitting, and fastening; and indirect mounting techniques using other members such as a spring. Further, the holding body can be attached to at least one of the front frame, the side frame, the reinforcing frame, and the rear frame, and can be also attached to another frame (omitted in the present application) forming one side in the frame. As long as the holding body has rigidity that allows the holding body to hold the planar body, the holding body can be made of various components such as a bar, a wire material, a pipe material, and a plate material. Note that the present embodiment describes an example in which the holding body is attached to a corresponding seat frame with an outer shape of the planar body being maintained (a state where the constituent yarns intersect with each other generally at right angles is maintained). Alternatively, the holding body can be attached to the corresponding seat frame such that the planar body having a generally rectangular shape is deformed into a parallelogram (placed such that the constituent yarns diagonally intersect with each other).
Further, the present embodiment exemplifies a configuration (a shape, a dimension, constituent components, and the like) of the vehicle seat 2, but is not intended to limit the configuration of the vehicle seat. Further, the configuration of the present embodiment is also applicable to various seat constituent components other than the seat cushion 4 and the seatback 6. The configuration of the present embodiment is applicable to general vehicle seats for a vehicle, an aircraft, a train, and the like.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017-017530 | Feb 2017 | JP | national |
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| 6035901 | Stumpf | Mar 2000 | A |
| 6854805 | Fujita | Feb 2005 | B2 |
| 8991931 | Narita | Mar 2015 | B2 |
| 20040124689 | Numa | Jul 2004 | A1 |
| 20070170759 | Nolan | Jul 2007 | A1 |
| Number | Date | Country |
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| 1547488 | Jun 2005 | EP |
| 2003-342859 | Dec 2003 | JP |
| 2005-46355 | Feb 2005 | JP |
| 2011-255762 | Dec 2011 | JP |
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| Entry |
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| Extended European Search Report for EP 18154056.8 dated Jun. 22, 2018. |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20180215297 A1 | Aug 2018 | US |
