U.S. patent application number 11/178506 was filed with the patent office on 2007-02-01 for acoustic structure of seat back.
This patent application is currently assigned to Tachi-S Co. Ltd.. Invention is credited to Mitsuru Shiraishi.
Application Number | 20070024097 11/178506 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37633393 |
Filed Date | 2007-02-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070024097 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Shiraishi; Mitsuru |
February 1, 2007 |
ACOUSTIC STRUCTURE OF SEAT BACK
Abstract
An acoustic structure of seat back in which speaker units are
provided in a padding of the seat back. The padding includes: a
frontal backrest surface area which is recessed backwardly of the
seat back; and securing holes formed in that frontal backrest
surface area. An enclosure of each speaker unit, in which each
speaker is securely accommodated, is secured in each of the
securing holes. A sound-conductive cushion element is juxtaposed on
the foregoing recessed frontal backrest surface area of padding so
as to lie on a frontal side of each of the speaker units. The
sound-conductive cushion element may be of a network structure to
not only provide an improved back support touch, but also achieve
an improved conductivity of sounds from the speaker units to a
user's back portion. Those padding and sound-conductive cushion
element are covered with a trim cover assembly.
Inventors: |
Shiraishi; Mitsuru;
(Akishima-shi, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BROWDY AND NEIMARK, P.L.L.C.;624 NINTH STREET, NW
SUITE 300
WASHINGTON
DC
20001-5303
US
|
Assignee: |
Tachi-S Co. Ltd.
Akishima-shi
JP
|
Family ID: |
37633393 |
Appl. No.: |
11/178506 |
Filed: |
July 12, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
297/217.4 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60N 2/70 20130101; B60R
2011/0015 20130101; H04R 1/025 20130101; H04R 5/023 20130101; H04R
2499/13 20130101; H04R 1/26 20130101; B60R 11/0217 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
297/217.4 |
International
Class: |
A47C 31/00 20060101
A47C031/00 |
Claims
1. An acoustic structure of seat back comprising: a padding formed
in conformity with a predetermined outer shape of said seat back,
said padding including a frontal backrest surface area defined
forwardly of the seat back, wherein said frontal backrest surface
area is recessed in a direction backwardly of the seat back; a
plurality of securing holes formed in a central portion of a
frontal backrest surface area of said padding; a plurality of
speaker units each comprising: a speaker having a frontal side
facing to a side forwardly of said seat back; and an enclosure in
which said speaker is securely accommodated, with said frontal side
of the speaker being exposed therefrom, said plurality of speaker
units being secured in said frontal central backrest area of said
padding, such that said enclosure is securely fitted in each of
said plurality of securing holes, while said frontal side of said
speaker is exposed from said each of said plurality of securing
holes; a seat back frame provided in said padding; a
sound-conductive cushion having a density lower than a density of
said padding so as to provide high sound conductivity relative to
the padding; said sound-conductive cushion being securely
juxtaposed on said frontal backrest surface area so as to cover
said frontal side of said speaker associated with each of said
plurality of speaker units; wherein said sound-conductive cushion
extends over an area greater than that in which all of the said
plurality of speaker units are located in said central backrest
area; and a trim cover assembly covering said padding and said
sound-conductive cushion.
2. The acoustic structure of seat back as claimed in claim 1,
wherein said sound-conductive cushion is a network of cushiony
elements which is formed by deforming a hollow fiber and fusing a
plurality of points of said hollow fiber to provide a network
cushiony structure therein.
3. The acoustic structure of seat back as claimed in claim 1,
wherein a pair of said sound-conductive cushions are provided
independently of each other and are securely juxtaposed on said
frontal backrest surface area.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a sound system in an
automotive seat, and in particular to an acoustic structure of seat
back provided with speakers, wherein a sound is emitted from
speakers to an occupant on the seat.
[0003] 2. Description of Prior Arts
[0004] There has been known an automotive seat of the type having
speakers provided therein, which allows a sound, such as music, to
be emitted from the speakers directly to an occupant on the seat,
so that the occupant can fully enjoy the sound with both his or her
ears and body.
[0005] In this kind of seat, as disclosed from the Japanese
Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2002-346476, the speakers are
provided behind a cushion material forming one constituent element
of the seat so as to be in contact with a reverse side of the
cushion material. While not taught in that literature, normally,
the speakers are secured to a spring element typically provided in
the seat.
[0006] The foregoing conventional acoustic structure of seat has,
however, been found defective in that:
[0007] (i) the cushion material used is a foam padding material
formed from urethane foam for optimal cushioning effect, but, is
not suited for imparting the sound therethrough because of its
property of absorbing sound and degrading acoustic effect, and
[0008] (ii) the sound emitted from each speaker is limited to a
region which is substantially compassed by a diameter of the
speaker itself, and such limited range of sound emission is
directed to the back of an occupant on the seat, as a result of
which, the occupant can not enjoy the music satisfactorily, and can
not feel such vivid sound as if the music was performed in a real
concert hall, neither, due to the foregoing sound absorption by the
foam cushion material.
[0009] On the other hand, as known from the Japanese Laid-Open
Patent Publication No 2004-97654, there is a seat having exposed
speakers in its seat back to enable direct emission of sound to an
occupant on the seat. According thereto, a through-bore is formed
in both of foam cushion material and top cover member of the seat
back and a speaker is secured in the through-bore, so that a
frontal side of the speaker is exposed from the frontal surface of
seat back and directly faces toward the seat occupant. However,
such exposed speakers interfere with the occupant's movement, thus
impairing a comfortable seating condition of the seat, and further,
the range of sound emission from such exposed speaker arrangement
is limited to a narrow space around the seat occupant, so that the
occupant can not fully enjoy the sound or music with his or her
body.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] In view of the above-stated drawbacks, it is a purpose of
the present invention to provide an improved acoustic structure of
seat back which allows for wide expansion of a sound emitted from
speakers in seat back to an entire area of back of a seat occupant,
thereby giving the occupant a splendid impression as if the music
was actually and vividly played, while allowing for provision of a
high cushiony effect and a high air permeability.
[0011] In order to achieve such purpose, the acoustic structure of
seat back in accordance with the present invention is basically
comprised of: [0012] a padding formed in conformity with a
predetermined outer shape of the seat back, the elastic padding
including a frontal backrest surface area defined forwardly of the
seat back, wherein the frontal backrest surface area is recessed in
a direction backwardly of the seat back; [0013] a plurality of
securing holes formed in the frontal central backrest area of the
padding; [0014] a plurality of speaker units each comprising a
speaker and an enclosure in which the speaker is securely
accommodated, with a frontal side of the speaker being exposed
therefrom, the plurality of speaker units being secured in the
frontal central backrest area of the seat back, such that the
enclosure is securely fitted in each of the plurality of securing
holes, while the frontal side of the speaker is exposed from the
said each of the plurality of securing holes; [0015] a seat back
frame provided in the padding; [0016] a sound-conductive cushion
means securely juxtaposed on the frontal backrest surface area so
as to cover the frontal side of the speaker associated with each of
the plurality of speaker units; and [0017] a trim cover assembly
covering the padding and the sound-conductive cushion means.
[0018] Preferably, the foregoing sound-conductive cushion means is
a network cushiony element which is formed by deforming a
straw-like fiber and fusing a plurality of points of the straw-like
fiber to provide a network cushiony structure therein.
[0019] Preferably, a pair of the sound-conductive cushion means are
provided independently of each other and are securely juxtaposed on
the frontal backrest surface area.
[0020] Other various features and effects of the present invention
will become apparent from reading of the descriptions, hereinafter,
with reference to the annexed drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] FIG. 1 is an exploded schematic perspective view showing a
first exemplary mode of acoustic structure of seat back in
accordance with the present;
[0022] FIG. 2 is a partly broken schematic perspective view of the
acoustic structure of seat back;
[0023] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an exemplary network structure
of a sound-conductive cushion element in the acoustic structure of
seat back;
[0024] FIG. 4 is an exploded schematic perspective view showing a
second exemplary mode of acoustic structure of seat back in
accordance with the present;
[0025] FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along the line V-V in the
FIG. 2; and
[0026] FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the second exemplary mode of
acoustic structure of seat back.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0027] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 6, it should be noted that the
reference numeral (10) indicates a generic mode of acoustic
structure of seat back of automotive seat in accordance with the
present invention, which commonly covers the non-distinctive first
and second exemplary embodiments of the seat-back acoustic
structure which are respectively shown in a set of FIGS. 1 to 3 and
FIG. 5, and another sheet of FIGS. 4 and 6. Designation (SB)
represents an exemplary seat back used in the present
invention.
[0028] As generally shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the acoustic structure
(10) for the seat back (SB) (which shall hereinafter be referred to
as "seat-back acoustic structure (10)") is basically comprised of:
speaker units (at 13 and 14); a seat-back foam padding (at 22)
having securing holes (at 23 and 24) in which the speaker units are
securely accommodated, respectively; a sound-conductive cushion
element (at 19 or 19') provided on a frontal backrest surface area
(at 22) of the foam padding so as to cover a whole of the speaker
units; and a seat back framework (at 11) provided in the foam
padding.
[0029] At first, reference is made to FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 5 which
show a first exemplary mode of the seat-back acoustic structure
(10).
[0030] In the illustrative acoustic structure, a pair of small
speaker units (14) (14) and one large speaker unit (13) are used
for instance. As shown in FIG. 1, each of the two small speaker
units (14) is formed by a small speaker (16) and a square enclosure
(18) of rectangular cross-section in which the small speaker (16)
is securely accommodated, with a frontal side thereof being exposed
from the square enclosure (18). Likewise, the large speaker unit
(13) is formed by a large speaker (15) and a square enclosure (17)
of rectangular cross-section in which the large speaker (15) is
securely accommodated, with a frontal side thereof being exposed
from the square enclosure (17). With such speaker unit arrangement,
a sound is emitted straight from the frontal side of each of the
speakers (16) (15), while being prevented by the enclosure (18 or
17) against unnecessary diffusion or dispersion.
[0031] The foam padding (22) is formed in a typical shape
conforming to a normal outer shape of seat back and has a frontal
backrest surface area (22A), a pair of lateral portions (22B)
(22B), and an upper portion (22C). But, in accordance with the
present invention, as seen from FIGS. 1 and 5, the frontal backrest
surface area (22A) is recessed to a predetermined degree in a
direction backwardly of the padding (22) for a purpose to be set
forth. As shown in FIG. 1, formed in and through that recessed
frontal backrest surface area (22A) are a pair of small square
securing holes (24) (24) and a large square securing hole (23) in
such a fashion that the two small square securing holes (24) are
disposed abreast in the upper half region of the frontal backrest
surface area (22A) and the large square securing hole (23) is
disposed centrally of and in the lower half region of the frontal
backrest surface area (22A).
[0032] As understandable from FIGS. 2 and 5, the two square
enclosures (18) respectively of the two small speaker units (14)
are securely and supportively fitted in the respective two small
square securing holes (24), and the square enclosure (17) of the
large speaker unit (13) securely and supportively fitted in the
large square securing hole (24), whereupon the small speaker units
(14) are situated abreast at a point above the large speaker unit
(13) in the central area (at 22) of seat back, with the frontal
surfaces respectively of the small and large speakers (16) (15)
being exposed to a side forwardly of the foam padding (22).
[0033] The seat-back frame (11) itself is a known frame and is
composed of an upper frame section (11A), a pair of lateral frame
sections (11B) (11B) and a lower frame section (11C). Designations
(21) denote sinuous springs extended between the two lateral frame
sections (11B). The illustrated seat-back frame (11) is of the type
wherein a pair of headrest stay holders (11H) (11H) are provided on
the upper frame section (11A).
[0034] As can be seen from FIGS. 2 and 5, the seat back frame (11)
is provided in the foam padding (12), such that the sinuous springs
(21) contact the reverse side of the frontal backrest surface area
(22A) of foam padding (22), thereby resiliently supporting that
particular area (22A).
[0035] In the present embodiment, the sound-conductive cushion
element, designated by (19), is basically a cushiony plate material
of network structure which is formed by securely knitting or
entangling together a continuous hollow fiber. Specifically for
example, as best shown in FIG. 3, the sound-conductive cushion
element (19) is a network cushiony plate material which uses a
hollow or straw-like fiber (F) formed from PET resin material (i.e.
polyethylene terephthalate). More specifically, such straw-like
fiber (F) is for example bent to provide a plurality of bent
portions, and those bent portions of straw-like fiber (F) are
entangled with one another, after which, a plurality points of the
bent portions are adhered to one another by means of thermal
fusing, as indicated by (P), with many spaces (S) given in the
thus-fabricated network structure of fiber (F). In that way, a
network cushiony plate member (19) is formed, which has a high
sound conductivity and a high cushiony effect.
[0036] It is noted here that the network cushiony plate member (19)
has a depth generally equal to the afore-stated backwardly recessed
degree of the frontal backrest surface area (22A). In other words,
the network cushionny plate member (19) is generally equal in
dimensions to the aforementioned recessed frontal backrest surface
area (22A) of foam padding (22).
[0037] As shown in FIG. 5, the network cushiony plate member (19)
is juxtaposed on and secured to a whole area of the foregoing
recessed frontal backrest surface area (22A) so as to cover and
dose all the speaker units (14) (18).
[0038] Designation (20) denotes a trim cover assembly which is
preformed in substantially the same configuration as the outer
shape of the foregoing foam padding (22).
[0039] As understandable from FIGS. 2 and 5, the trim cover
assembly (20) is affixed on and secured, as by a faster means, to a
whole of the foam padding (22) to which have been securely attached
the afore-stated speaker units (13) (14), seat back frame (11) and
network cushiony plate member (19). Hence, it is observed that the
central cover section (20A) of the trim cover assembly (20) is
juxtaposed on the network cushiony plate member (19), while two
lateral cover sections (20B) (20B) cover the respective two lateral
sections (22B) (22B) of foam padding (22) and other cover sections
cover all remaining sections of the foam padding (22).
[0040] With the above-described structure, it is to be appreciated
that the following effects are attained: [0041] (i) The provision
of enclosures (17) (18) prevents unnecessary diffusion of a sound
emitted from the speakers (15) (16) and insures to direct the sound
straight toward the network cushiony plate member (19). [0042] (ii)
The network cushiony plate member (19) has many spaces (S) given
therein, which allows a sound emitted from the speakers to expand
freely and widely, and the continuous straw-like fiber (F)
effectively increases the sound conductivity therethrough in
contrast to a normal fiber having no hollow therein. Those
effective points provide a high sound conductivity. This network
cushiony plate member (19) expands wider than an area where all the
three speakers (15) (16) are located, so that a sound emitted from
the speakers is diffused wider than the outer size of each of the
speaker and therefore the sound can smoothly be expanded in the
entirety of the network cushiony plate member (19). Hence, the
sound from the speakers (15) (16) is imparted to an entirety of
back of a seat occupant who rests his or her back onto the seat
back (SB), without being limited to a localized area of the seat
occupant's back. Such wide sound expansion even reaches the bones
of the seat occupant, so that a great depth of the expanded sound
gives the seat occupant such a splendid impression as if a music
was played in a real concert hall for instance. [0043] (iii) The
network cushiony plate member (19) lies on the speakers (15) (16)
and thus prevents the seat occupant from feeling an unpleasant
projection of the speakers, thereby providing an excellent cushion
effect. Further, the network plate member (19) provides a high air
permeability. Hence, a high-quality seating touch and condition are
achieved in the seat back. [0044] (iv) Even when a known active
headrest support mechanism (see the designation (30) in FIG. 4) is
provided in the seat back (SB), the network cushiony plate member
(19) can serve to absorb movement of the active headrest support
mechanism (at 30), so that the seat occupant dot not feel such
movement on his or her back.
[0045] FIGS. 4 and 6 show a second mode of acoustic structure (10)
which is suggested in connection with the effect given at the item
(iv) above. This particular second embodiment is basically
identical in structure to the above-described firsts mode, except
that a second mode of sound-conductive cushiony plate element (19)
is provided, which comprises a pair of first and second
sound-conductive cushiony plate elements (19A) (19B) and that a
known active headrest support mechanism (30) is mounted on the
upper frame section (11A) of seat back frame (11), the active
headrest support mechanism (30) being operable to cause vertical
movement of a headrest (not shown). Hence, all like designations to
be used hereinafter correspond to all like designations given in
the foregoing first mode, and any specific description is omitted
on common elements and parts between the first and second modes for
the sake of simplicity.
[0046] As shown in FIG. 4, the sound-conductive cushiony plate
element (19) may comprise the above-stated two separate elements;
namely, the pair of first and second sound-conductive cushiony
plate elements (19A) (19B) in order to improve the cushion effect
in the case of the known active headrest unit (30) is provided in
the seat back (SB).
[0047] Briefly stated, the active headrest unit (30) has a motor
(not shown) and a movable element (30A) adapted to support a pair
of headrest stays (not shown), with such an arrangement that the
movable element (30A) is moved vertically by the motor so as to
cause adjustable vertical movement of a headrest (not shown).
Designations (30H) (30H) denote a pair of headrest stay holes in
which the pair of headrest stays are respectively inserted, though
not shown.
[0048] Likewise in the first embodiment, both two network cushiony
plate members (19A) (19B) are formed from the straw-like fiber (F)
bent and tangled, with a plurality points thereof are adhered to
one another by means of thermal fusing, as indicated by (P), with
spaces (S) given among the thus-tangled and adhered fiber (F), so
as to form a network cushiony plate member having a high sound
conductivity. Also, a whole of the two network cushiony plate
members (19A) (19B) has a depth generally equal to the afore-stated
backwardly recessed degree of the central portion (22A), and, in
other words, a whole of those two members (19A) (19B) are generally
equal in dimensions to the recessed central frontal backrest
surface area (22A) of foam padding (22).
[0049] As shown in FIG. 6, the first and second network cushiony
plate members (19A) (19B) are juxtaposed on and secured to a whole
area of the central portion (22A) of foam padding (22) so as to
overlie all the speaker units (14) (18). In this embodiment, the
first network cushiony plate member (19A) is disposed at a point
where the active headrest support mechanism (30) is located.
[0050] In addition to the effects stated from the items (i) to (iv)
above, the present second embodiment further attains the following
effects: the two separate network cushiony plate members (19A)
(19B) are easily bendable and deformable in conformity with the
back of a seat occupant, and in particular, the first network
cushiony plate member (19A) serves as an effective buffer to absorb
the vertical movement of the active headrest support mechanism (30)
so that the seat occupant can always enjoy a comfortable back
support touch.
[0051] In both the first and second embodiment, preferably, the
trim cover assembly (20) is performed by permeable materials to
improve the sound conductivity and air permeability.
[0052] While having described the present invention so far, it
should be understood that the invention is not limited to the
illustrated embodiments, but any modification, replacement and
addition may be applied thereto without departing from the scopes
of the appended claims.
* * * * *