Reinforcing structure of seat back frame

Abstract

A reinforcing structure of a seat back frame (10) is provided with a panel member (20) and a frame member (30) joined to the panel member (20), the panel member (20) having an outer peripheral flange (25) formed by bending an outer peripheral edge portion of the panel member (20), and a plurality of outer peripheral reinforcing ribs (26) arranged at intervals in a circumferential direction of the panel member (20) being formed on the outer peripheral flange (25). Thus, the rigidity of the outer peripheral edge portion of the panel member (20) can be doubled by both the outer peripheral flange (25) and the plurality of outer peripheral reinforcing ribs (26), and the rigidity of the seat back frame (10) can be improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a reinforcement structure for a seat back frame in a vehicle seat. Background Technology

[0002] Conventionally, it is known that there are seat back frames in vehicle seats that use panel members and frame members, wherein the panel members are made of a generally rectangular metal plate and the frame members are formed in a frame shape and are fitted to the panel frame (for example, see Patent Document 1).

[0003] Furthermore, in areas of the panel where no frame members are provided, multiple reinforcing ribs are formed to make the metal plate bulge outwards, and reinforcement is performed based on these reinforcing ribs.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 4859195.

[0005] However, although the panel in the previous seat back frame was joined to the frame near its outer perimeter, the outer perimeter itself was not reinforced, resulting in insufficient overall rigidity of the seat back frame. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The objective of this invention is to increase the rigidity of the outer periphery of the panel component and to increase the overall rigidity of the seat back frame.

[0007] To address the above-mentioned issues, the invention described in technical solution one is a reinforcing structure for a seat back frame, comprising a panel and a frame member that engages with the panel, characterized in that...

[0008] The aforementioned panel component has an outer peripheral flange formed by bending the outer peripheral edge of the panel component.

[0009] A plurality of peripheral reinforcing ribs are formed on the aforementioned peripheral flange and are arranged at intervals along the circumference of the aforementioned panel member.

[0010] The invention described in technical solution two, in the reinforcing structure of the seat back frame described in technical solution one, is characterized in that:

[0011] The aforementioned peripheral flange is formed continuously at least at the corners of the aforementioned panel member.

[0012] The invention described in technical solution three, in the reinforcing structure of the seat back frame described in technical solutions one or two, is characterized in that...

[0013] The aforementioned outer peripheral flange is formed such that the outer peripheral edge of the aforementioned panel is bent in a stepped manner.

[0014] The invention described in technical solution four, in the reinforcing structure of the seat back frame described in technical solution one, is characterized in that,

[0015] The aforementioned peripheral reinforcing ribs are arranged at approximately equal intervals relative to the aforementioned peripheral flange.

[0016] The invention described in technical solution five, in the reinforced structure of the seat back frame described in technical solution one, is characterized in that,

[0017] The aforementioned frame member is located near and along the aforementioned outer peripheral flange.

[0018] The invention described in technical solution six, in the reinforcing structure of the seat back frame described in technical solution one, is characterized in that,

[0019] The aforementioned frame member and the aforementioned panel member are joined on the surface of the aforementioned outer peripheral flange in the bending direction.

[0020] The invention described in technical solution seven, in the reinforcing structure of the seat back frame described in technical solution one, is characterized in that,

[0021] On the aforementioned panel, a reinforcing rib is formed near and along the aforementioned outer peripheral flange.

[0022] The invention described in technical solution eight, in the reinforcing structure of the seat back frame described in technical solution five, is characterized in that,

[0023] On the aforementioned panel component, reinforcing ribs are formed near and along the aforementioned outer peripheral flange.

[0024] In the case where the aforementioned outer peripheral flange is omitted at any point on the outer periphery of the aforementioned panel member, resulting in a discontinuous portion of the outer peripheral flange, at least one of the aforementioned frame member and the aforementioned reinforcing rib is arranged along the aforementioned discontinuous portion.

[0025] The invention described in technical solution nine, in the reinforcing structure of the seat back frame described in technical solutions seven or eight, is characterized in that,

[0026] The aforementioned frame member is formed from a hat-shaped frame member, which has: a connecting portion configured to form a generally concave cross-section in a manner that creates a closed cross-sectional shape between itself and the aforementioned panel member; and a flange portion integrally formed with the connecting portion and engaging with the aforementioned panel member.

[0027] The aforementioned reinforcing ribs are formed in the aforementioned panel member at the position opposite to the aforementioned frame member.

[0028] The invention described in technical solution ten, in the reinforcing structure of the seat back frame described in technical solution nine, is characterized in that,

[0029] The aforementioned reinforcing rib protrudes towards the aforementioned connection portion of the aforementioned frame member.

[0030] Invention Effects

[0031] According to the invention described in technical solution one, a plurality of peripheral reinforcing ribs are formed on the peripheral flange formed by bending the outer peripheral edge of the panel piece. These ribs are spaced apart along the circumference of the panel piece. Therefore, the rigidity of the outer peripheral edge of the panel piece can be increased many times over by the combination of the peripheral flange and the plurality of peripheral reinforcing ribs, thereby increasing the rigidity of the seat back frame.

[0032] According to the invention described in technical solution 2, the outer peripheral flange is formed continuously at least at the corner of the panel member, thereby further improving the rigidity of the outer peripheral edge of the panel member provided through the corner.

[0033] According to the invention described in technical solution 3, the outer peripheral flange is formed such that the outer peripheral edge of the panel is bent in a stepped manner, thereby further improving the rigidity of the outer peripheral edge of the panel.

[0034] According to the invention described in technical solution four, the multiple peripheral reinforcing ribs are arranged at approximately equal intervals relative to the peripheral flange, thereby enabling the rigidity of the portion in the peripheral flange where the multiple peripheral reinforcing ribs are formed to be increased approximately uniformly.

[0035] According to the invention described in technical solution five, the frame member is located near and along the outer peripheral flange, thus the rigidity of the outer peripheral edge of the panel member can be further improved by means of the frame member.

[0036] According to the invention described in technical solution six, the frame member and the panel member are joined on the surface of the outer peripheral flange in the bending direction, thus enabling the rigidity to be improved while suppressing the enlargement of the part of the panel member joined with the frame member.

[0037] According to the invention described in technical solution seven, a reinforcing rib is formed on the panel near and along the outer peripheral flange, so that the rigidity of the seat back frame can be increased many times over by the outer peripheral flange, the frame member and the reinforcing rib.

[0038] According to the invention described in technical solution eight, at least one of the frame member and the reinforcing rib is arranged along the discontinuous portion, so that even if the outer peripheral flange is omitted at any point on the outer peripheral edge of the panel member, thus forming a discontinuous portion of the outer peripheral flange, the necessary rigidity can be ensured at the outer peripheral edge of the panel member.

[0039] According to the invention described in technical solution nine, the panel member can be reinforced by the frame member, and the panel member can be reinforced by the reinforcing rib. Therefore, the rigidity of the seat back frame can be further improved by the outer peripheral flange, the frame member, and the reinforcing rib. Furthermore, since the rigidity of the seat back frame can be improved in this way, noise caused by insufficient rigidity and noise caused by vibration during vehicle movement can be suppressed.

[0040] Furthermore, the frame component is formed from a hat-shaped frame component with a flange, making it easier to join with the panel component and improving the joining accuracy. Therefore, the reliability of joining the frame component and the panel component can be improved.

[0041] According to the invention described in technical solution ten, the reinforcing ribs protrude towards the connecting part of the frame member, thus enabling the rigidity to be increased while miniaturizing the joint of the frame member. Attached Figure Description

[0042] Figure 1 It is a three-dimensional drawing showing a vehicle seat with a seat back frame.

[0043] Figure 2 It is a three-dimensional view showing the front of the seat back frame.

[0044] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional view showing the rear of the seat back frame.

[0045] Figure 4 This is the front view showing the front surface of the panel component.

[0046] Figure 5 This is an enlarged sectional view showing the area near the upper end of the seat back frame.

[0047] Figure 6 It is an enlarged three-dimensional view showing the upper part of the seat back frame.

[0048] Figure 7 It is an enlarged 3D view showing the area near the lower end of the seat back frame.

[0049] Figure 8 It is an enlarged perspective view showing the area near the side end of the seat back frame.

[0050] Figure 9 It is an enlarged three-dimensional view showing the central part of the seat back frame. Detailed Implementation

[0051] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, various limitations that are technically preferred for carrying out the present invention have been incorporated into the embodiments described below, but the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments and illustrations.

[0052] exist Figure 1 Reference numeral 1 in the accompanying drawings indicates a vehicle seat installed inside the interior of a motor vehicle (vehicle). In this embodiment, the vehicle seat 1 is a three-seat rear seat. Furthermore, in Figure 1 In the middle, part of the cushioning portion of the seat back 3 and the cushioning portion of the headrest 4 (4c) located in the center seat are indicated by outlines.

[0053] Furthermore, in this embodiment, various descriptions will be provided based on the orientation of the vehicle seat 1 when it is installed in the vehicle.

[0054] The vehicle seat 1 includes: a seat cushion 2, which supports the buttocks of each passenger when three people are seated; and a seat back 3, which is set in an upright position at the rear end of the seat cushion 2 to serve as the backrest for each passenger.

[0055] The seat cushion 2 and seat back 3 are designed such that the cushioning material on the inner side of the surface has concave and convex features, and the seam of the surface corresponds to the boundary of the concave and convex features, thereby forming a seating area for three people.

[0056] The seat back 3 divides the seating area into: right seat back 3a, left seat back 3b, and central seat back 3c. Headrests 4 (4a, 4b, 4c) are provided on the upper part of each seat back 3a, 3b, and 3c to support the head of each passenger.

[0057] The seat backrest 3 is configured to be able to be angled relative to the seat cushion 2 via a tilting mechanism (not shown). The seat backrest 3 can be tilted backward, stood up forward, or maintained at its angle in a locked state via the tilting mechanism.

[0058] The central seat backrest 3c can tilt forward about a rotation axis located at its lower end, which differs from the tilting mechanism. Thus, the central seat backrest 3c... Figure 1 In the forward-tilting position shown, it functions as an armrest that can be used from the left and right side seat backs 3a and 3b.

[0059] In addition, the seat back 3 forms a skeleton for the seat back frame 10, which includes a panel 20 and a frame member 30 that is joined to the panel 20.

[0060] To explain in more detail, the seat back 3 is constructed by providing a cushioning element to the seat back frame 10 and then covering it with a surface. Furthermore, the aforementioned tilting mechanism is connected to the seat back frame 10. The seat back frame 10 is a component constituting the three rows of seat backs.

[0061] Panel member 20 (also called panel frame) is a metal sheet such as steel or aluminum alloy, etc. Figures 2 to 4 As shown, it is formed as a rectangle in the front view. This panel 20 is fitted to a vehicle seat in a manner that extends horizontally along its long side and vertically along its short side.

[0062] The frame member 30 includes: side frame members 31, 31, which are respectively installed at the left and right ends of the front surface of the panel member 20 along the vertical direction; middle frame members 32, 32, which are respectively installed at the two central parts of the front surface of the panel member 20 along the vertical direction; upper frame member 33, which is disposed at the upper end of the front surface side of the panel member 20 along the horizontal direction; and lower frame member 34, which is disposed at the lower end of the front surface side of the panel member 20 along the horizontal direction.

[0063] These individual frame components 31 to 34 are metal supports made of steel or aluminum alloy, etc.

[0064] Furthermore, the upper ends of the side frame members 31 and 32 and the middle frame members 32 are joined to the upper frame member 33 by laser welding, and the lower ends of the middle frame members 32 and 32 are joined to the lower frame member 34 by laser welding.

[0065] In addition, the upper ends of the side frame members 31, 31 and the lower ends of the middle frame members 32, 32 overlap with the upper frame member 33 and the lower frame member 34 and are welded together, so the thickness is set to be relatively thin.

[0066] Furthermore, reinforcing panels 28 and 29, which reinforce the corners of the panel 20, are joined to the lower ends of both sides of the panel 20. The lower ends of the side frame members 31 and 31 are joined to the reinforcing panels 28 and 29 by laser welding without reaching the lower frame member 34. Furthermore, the two ends of the lower frame member 34 are also joined to the reinforcing panels 28 and 29 by laser welding.

[0067] In addition, there are jointing spaces at the lower ends of the left and right sides of the panel 20 for joining the reinforcing panels 28 and 29, and the jointing spaces are formed in a shape that approximates the reinforcing panels 28 and 29.

[0068] In this embodiment, laser welding is performed from the rear surface of the panel member 20. Laser welding is also performed from the rear side of the panel member 20 when joining necessary components such as the headrest frame (described later) to the upper frame member 33 and the lower frame member 34.

[0069] Furthermore, the reinforcing panels 28 and 29 are panel members that extend from the corners of the lower ends of the left and right sides of the panel member 20 to the inner sides of the side frame members 31 and 31 and the lower frame member 34, and are designed to be thicker than the panel member 20. Reinforcing brackets 28a and 29a are joined at the extension portions of the reinforcing panels 28 and 29 extending to the inner sides of the side frame members 31 and 31 and the lower frame member 34. These reinforcing brackets 28a and 29a are obliquely arranged and protrude forward along the shape of the outer ends of the reinforcing structures 20D and 20E, which will be described later.

[0070] In addition, holes corresponding to hole 214 are formed on reinforcing panels 28 and 29, and projection weld nuts (not shown) for mounting seat back frame 10 toward the vehicle body are projected welded at the positions of these holes.

[0071] On the upper frame member 33, the headrest frame 11, headrest frame 12, headrest frame 13, latch eye 14, and seat belt mounting part 15 are laser welded together as necessary components.

[0072] The headrest frame 11 is a component that forms the skeleton of the right headrest 4a, which corresponds to the right seat back 3a. The right headrest 4a is constructed by providing a cushioning element relative to the headrest frame 11 and then being covered by a surface.

[0073] The headrest frame 12 is a component that forms the skeleton of the left headrest 4b, which corresponds to the left seat back 3b. The left headrest 4b is formed by providing a cushioning element relative to the headrest frame 12 and then being covered by a surface.

[0074] The headrest frame 13 is a component that forms the skeleton of the central headrest 4c, which corresponds to the central seat back 3c. The central headrest 4c is constructed by providing a cushioning element relative to the headrest frame 13 and then covering it with a surface.

[0075] The latch 14 is a component used to maintain the posture of the seat back 3 by being held by a locking mechanism (not shown) provided on the vehicle body of the motor vehicle. The latch 14 is formed to extend from the upper frame member 33 to the position where the locking mechanism is located. In this embodiment, it extends rearward from the upper frame member 33 above the seat back frame 10.

[0076] The seat belt mounting part 15 is a component for installing seat belts used by passengers seated in the middle row of the vehicle seat 1, and is formed to protrude upward and forward from the upper frame member 33.

[0077] Furthermore, the headrest frames 11, 12, and 13 are designed such that the headrest support at their lower ends is fixed relative to the upper frame member 33, but for example, they could also be designed to be height-adjustable along the headrest support. In such a case, not shown, but configured such that a support portion for supporting a retaining portion is welded onto the upper frame member 33, the retaining portion holding the headrest frame in a height-adjustable manner.

[0078] On the lower frame member 34, as an essential component, a pair of armrest supports 16, 16 are laser-welded together. As described above, the central seat back 3c can tilt forward about a rotation axis located at its lower end, thereby functioning as an armrest accessible from the left and right seat backs 3a, 3b. The pair of armrest supports 16, 16 are components that rotatably support the central seat back 3c (armrests).

[0079] On panel 20, spaces S1 to S4 are provided around the reinforcing blocks 20A to 20G (described later) for joining the various frame members 31 to 34 by laser welding. Specifically, spaces S1 and S1 are provided at the left and right ends of the front surface of panel 20 along the vertical direction for joining the side frame members 31, 31; and spaces S2 and S2 are provided at the two central locations of the front surface of panel 20 along the vertical direction for joining the middle frame members 32, 32. Furthermore, a space S3 is provided at the upper end of the front surface of panel 20 along the left and right direction for joining the upper frame member 33, and a space S4 is provided at the lower end of the front surface of panel 20 along the left and right direction for joining the lower frame member 34.

[0080] Furthermore, all frame members 31 to 34 are formed of hat-shaped frame members, which have: a connecting portion W configured to form a closed cross-sectional shape between itself and the panel member 20, wherein the cross-section is generally concave (or may be generally gate-shaped, generally U-shaped, or generally U-shaped, etc.); and a flange portion F integrally formed with the connecting portion W and joined to the panel member 20.

[0081] Furthermore, the flanges F of each frame member 31 to 34 are joined relative to each space S1 to S4 of the panel member 20 by laser welding.

[0082] The panel 20 is divided into three areas by the left and right side frame members 31, 31 and the left and right middle frame members 32, 32.

[0083] That is, the panel 20 is divided into the following three regions: the right region A between the right side frame 31 and the right middle frame 32, the left region B between the left side frame 31 and the left middle frame 32, and the central region C between the right middle frame 32 and the left middle frame 32.

[0084] The various areas A, B, and C of the panel 20 correspond to the seating areas of the seat back 3 itself (right seat back 3a, left seat back 3b, and center seat back 3c).

[0085] The right region A of panel 20 has reinforced blocks 20A, 20B, 20C, 20D, and 20E arranged side by side. That is, blocks 20A, 20B, 20C, 20B, 20C, 20B, 20D, and 20E are arranged side by side in sequence from top to bottom.

[0086] The reinforced structural blocks 20A to 20E refer to the parts of the panel member 20 that are formed with concave and convex shapes in the front-rear direction, and each block has multiple concave and convex shaped portions. By forming multiple concave and convex shaped portions in this way, each block forms a reinforcing rib that corresponds to the main view shape of these multiple concave and convex shaped portions, thereby improving its rigidity.

[0087] Furthermore, the so-called reinforcing rib is a raised strip (track-like) structure formed by bulging forward from the front surface of the panel 20. If the metal plate constituting the panel 20 is assumed to be in a flat state, it is prone to deformation such as bending or folding. However, by forming the raised reinforcing rib using plastic processing, rigidity can be improved to make the panel 20 less prone to deformation.

[0088] Strengthened construction of block 20A, such as Figures 2 to 4 As shown, there is a rectangle that is longer on the left and right sides, with three concave and convex shapes that form a rectangle in the front view.

[0089] The reinforced block 20B is a rectangle that is longer on the left and right sides, with two concave and convex shaped parts that are formed as right-angled trapezoids (i.e., trapezoids with two right-angled parts) in the main view and two concave and convex shaped parts that are formed as isosceles trapezoids in the main view.

[0090] The reinforcing block 20C is a rectangle that is longer in the left and right directions, and has concave and convex shapes that are symmetrically formed vertically with respect to the concave and convex shapes formed in the reinforcing block 20B. That is, it has two concave and convex shapes that are formed as right trapezoids in the front view and one concave and convex shape that is formed as an isosceles trapezoid in the front view.

[0091] The reinforced block 20D is a pentagon that is longer on the left and right sides (a pentagon with three right angles), and has concave and convex shapes that are formed as right trapezoids in the main view, concave and convex shapes that are formed as parallelograms in the main view, and concave and convex shapes that are formed as isosceles trapezoids in the main view.

[0092] The reinforced block 20E is a right-angled trapezoid that is longer on the left and right sides, with a concave-convex shape that forms a right-angled trapezoid in the main view and a concave-convex shape that forms a parallelogram in the main view.

[0093] Furthermore, through holes are formed in the center of each of the above-mentioned concave and convex shapes, achieving a lightweight panel 20. In addition, these through holes can also be used for the passage of wires such as electrical wires, and for other applications.

[0094] Left area B of panel component 20 Figures 2 to 4As shown, reinforced blocks 20A, 20B, 20C, 20D, and 20E are formed side-by-side, one above the other. That is, blocks 20A, 20B, 20C, 20B, 20C, 20B, 20D, and 20E are formed sequentially side-by-side, starting from the top.

[0095] Blocks 20A to 20C are the same as blocks 20A to 20C formed in the enhanced structure of the aforementioned right region A.

[0096] Block 20D is a state in which the reinforced structure of the aforementioned right region A is flipped left and right (an axisymmetric state centered on the axis along the vertical direction).

[0097] Block 20E is a state in which the reinforced structure formed in the aforementioned right region A is flipped left and right (an axisymmetric state centered on the axis in the vertical direction).

[0098] The central area C of panel component 20 Figures 2 to 4 As shown, blocks 20F and 20G are formed side by side with reinforced structures.

[0099] The reinforced structure block 20F is a rectangle that is longer on the left and right sides, with two concave and convex shaped parts that are formed as right-angled trapezoids (i.e., trapezoids with two right-angled parts) in the main view and two concave and convex shaped parts that are formed as isosceles trapezoids in the main view.

[0100] The reinforcing block 20G is a rectangle that is longer in the left and right directions, and has concave and convex shapes that are symmetrically formed vertically with respect to the concave and convex shapes formed in the reinforcing block 20F. That is, it has two concave and convex shapes that are formed as right trapezoids in the front view and one concave and convex shape that is formed as an isosceles trapezoid in the front view.

[0101] Panel component 20 Figures 2 to 7 As shown, the outer peripheral edge of the panel member 20 is bent forward to form an outer peripheral flange 25. That is, the panel member 20 is formed into a tray shape by bending its outer peripheral edge in this way.

[0102] Outer flange 25 Figure 5 As shown, the outer periphery of the panel member 20 is bent in a stepped manner. That is, the outer peripheral flange 25 is not only formed by bending when the panel member 20 is plastically processed, but also has a stepped portion 25a.

[0103] The outer peripheral flange 25 is formed continuously at least at the corner of the panel member 20. That is, the outer peripheral flange 25 is formed along the outer peripheral edge of the panel member 20, and even if there is a part where the outer peripheral flange 25 is interrupted, for example, in the middle of the outer peripheral edge, the outer peripheral flange 25 is continuous at least at the corner of the panel member 20.

[0104] On the outer peripheral flange 25, such as Figures 2 to 4 As shown, a plurality of peripheral reinforcing ribs 26… are formed on the panel member 20 at circumferential intervals. These plurality of peripheral reinforcing ribs 26… are located near the reinforcing ribs 21 to 24 (described later) formed opposite to the respective frame members 31 to 34, and have a different shape from the respective reinforcing ribs 21 to 24.

[0105] Furthermore, these multiple peripheral reinforcing ribs 26... are arranged at approximately equal intervals relative to the peripheral flange 25 when viewing the panel 20 from each side.

[0106] However, since the latch eye 14 and seat belt mounting portion 15 installed on the upper frame member 33 protrude upwards and backwards as described above, there is a possibility of interference with the outer peripheral flange 25, resulting in malfunctions. Therefore, at the location where the latch eye 14 and seat belt mounting portion 15 are provided, a portion of the outer peripheral flange 25 at the upper edge of the panel member 20 is missing. The missing portion of the outer peripheral flange 25 is a discontinuous portion 25b and 25c, and the latch eye 14 and seat belt mounting portion 15 are provided at these discontinuous portions 25b and 25c.

[0107] Multiple peripheral reinforcing ribs 26 are formed on the peripheral flange 25 in a forward-backward direction. That is, multiple peripheral reinforcing ribs 26 are formed along the bending direction of the peripheral flange 25, which is formed by bending forward.

[0108] In addition, these multiple peripheral reinforcing ribs 26… Figures 5 to 7 As shown, it extends from near the step portion 25a of the outer peripheral flange 25 to the top of the bending direction of the outer peripheral flange 25.

[0109] Each peripheral reinforcing rib 26 is formed in such a way that the portion of the peripheral flange 25 closer to the top of the step portion 25a is recessed toward the center of the panel member 20 in the main view (e.g., U-shaped or V-shaped in the main view).

[0110] In the various frame members 31 to 34 that engage with the panel member 20, the side frame member 31, the upper frame member 33, and the lower frame member 34 are as follows: Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, the side frame members 31, upper frame members 33, and lower frame members 34 are arranged in a frame-like state along the four sides of the rectangular panel member 20.

[0111] Furthermore, the middle frame member 32 engages with the portion of the panel member 20 corresponding to the column-to-column arrangement of the seat back 3. Specifically, the middle frame member 32 is positioned between the right seat back 3a and the center seat back 3c, and between the left seat back 3b and the center seat back 3c. More specifically, the middle frame member 32 engages within the spaces secured between the right region A and the center region C, and between the left region B and the center region C, respectively, of the panel member 20.

[0112] Furthermore, each frame member 31 to 34 engages with the surface of the outer peripheral flange 25 in the bending direction (front surface of the panel member 20) of the panel member 20. That is, the direction in which each frame member 31 to 34 protrudes is consistent with the bending direction of the outer peripheral flange 25, which can suppress the enlargement of the seat back frame 10 in the forward and backward direction.

[0113] In addition, the connecting parts W of each frame member 31 to 34, such as Figure 5 As shown, the outer peripheral flange 25 protrudes further forward in the bending direction. Furthermore, various necessary components, such as the headrest frames 11, 12, and 13 as described above, are mounted on the front surface of the connecting portion W between the upper frame member 33 and the lower frame member 34. Therefore, because the connecting portion W protrudes forward, the necessary components such as the headrest frames 11, 12, and 13 are less likely to interfere with the outer peripheral flange 25 of the panel member 20.

[0114] like Figures 5 to 9 As shown, first to fourth reinforcing ribs 21 to 24 are formed on the panel member 20 at positions opposite to each of the frame members 31 to 34. That is, two first reinforcing ribs 21 are formed corresponding to the left and right side frame members 31, 31, and two second reinforcing ribs 22 are formed corresponding to the left and right middle frame members 32, 32. In addition, one third reinforcing rib 23 is formed corresponding to the upper frame member 33, and one fourth reinforcing rib 24 is formed corresponding to the lower frame member 34.

[0115] In more detail, each of the reinforcing ribs 21 to 24 is formed along the length of each of the frame members 31 to 34.

[0116] Furthermore, the first reinforcing ribs 21, 21, the third reinforcing ribs 23, and the fourth reinforcing ribs 24 are respectively formed in the spaces S1, S3, and S4 along the four sides of the panel member 20, i.e., the outer periphery. That is, the first reinforcing ribs 21, 21, the third reinforcing ribs 23, and the fourth reinforcing ribs 24, together with the side frame member 31, the upper frame member 33, and the lower frame member 34, are arranged near the outer periphery (outer periphery flange 25) of the panel member 20 and along the outer periphery (outer periphery flange 25).

[0117] Furthermore, the second reinforcing ribs 22, 22 are formed in the aforementioned spaces S2, S2, which are respectively secured between the right region A and the central region C of the panel member 20, and between the left region B and the central region C.

[0118] The first to fourth reinforcing ribs 21 to 24 protrude to the W side (i.e. front) of the connection portion of each frame member 31 to 34, which serves as a hat-shaped frame member.

[0119] Furthermore, the first to fourth reinforcing ribs 21 to 24 are formed along the length direction of their respective corresponding frame members 31 to 34. However, they are not limited to this; the first to fourth reinforcing ribs 21 to 24 may be formed along the surface direction of the panel member 20, or they may be formed in a shorter direction orthogonal to the length direction of their respective corresponding frame members 31 to 34, and may also be formed in a meandering shape.

[0120] Panel component 20 Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 As shown, there are non-joining portions 201, 202, and 204, which are recessed relative to the middle frame member 31, the middle frame member 32, and the lower frame member 34 of each frame member 31 to 34, and the flange portion F of the frame member 31, 32, and 34 is not joined.

[0121] Non-joining portions 201 are formed at two locations near the center of the space S1 where the side frame members 31 are joined, spaced apart vertically. That is, there are two non-joining portions 201 at each of the left and right ends of the panel member 20.

[0122] The non-joining portion 202 is formed in the space S2 joined by the middle frame member 32, which is lower than the center portion in the vertical direction. That is, the non-joining portion 202 is respectively provided on the left and right sides of the central region C of the panel member 20.

[0123] Non-joining portions 204 are formed in the space S4 where the lower frame member 34 is joined, specifically one portion on the lower side of the right region A, one portion on the lower side of the left region B, and two portions on the lower side of the central region C. The two non-joining portions 204 formed on the lower side of the central region C are configured to be of different sizes.

[0124] The portions 201, 202, and 204 that are not joined to the frame members 31, 32, and 34 are not connected, so the rigidity of these locations is set lower than that of other portions joined to the frame members 31, 32, and 34. These non-jointed portions 201, 202, and 204 become the starting point for deformation in the panel member 20 when an item such as luggage impacts the seat back frame 10, applying an impact load. Therefore, the impact of, for example, luggage stored in a suitcase strongly impacting the seat back 3 can be easily absorbed.

[0125] Furthermore, the first reinforcing rib 21, the second reinforcing rib 22, and the fourth reinforcing rib 24, which are formed at positions opposite to the side frame member 31, the middle frame member 32, and the lower frame member 34, are respectively formed to pass through the non-joint portions 201, 202, and 204.

[0126] In other words, the non-joint portions 201, 202, and 204 can be considered as being disposed on both sides with the first reinforcing rib 21, the second reinforcing rib 22, and the fourth reinforcing rib 24 formed in each of the spaces S1, S2, and S4 sandwiched between them.

[0127] Near the second reinforcing ribs 22, 22 in the panel member 20, other reinforcing ribs 27 with different shapes are formed.

[0128] Other reinforcing ribs 27 are arranged around the reinforcing blocks 20F and 20G in the central region C of the panel member 20, and are bent in a wavy shape relative to the reinforcing blocks 20F and 20G.

[0129] This formation is part of other wavy reinforcing ribs (wavy reinforcing ribs) 27, such as Figure 3 , Figure 4 As shown, the non-joining portions 202, 202 extend toward the left and right sides of the central region C of the panel member 20, respectively, and become integrated with these non-joining portions 202, 202.

[0130] Panel component 20 Figure 3 , Figure 4 As shown, it has a plurality of holes 213, 214 formed at positions corresponding to the respective frame members 31 to 34.

[0131] Multiple holes 213... are holes formed at intervals in the left-right direction at the upper end of the panel 20, including multiple round holes and multiple elongated holes.

[0132] Multiple holes 214... are holes formed at intervals in the left-right direction at the lower end of the panel 20, including multiple round holes and multiple elongated holes.

[0133] These multiple holes 213 and 214 are formed for laser welding from the rear of the panel member 20 when joining components such as the headrest frame with the upper frame member 33 and the lower frame member 34. Therefore, components such as the headrest frame are provided at the locations where the multiple holes 213 and 214 are formed.

[0134] Multiple holes 213 and 214 are formed to be necessary components for joining the headrest frames 11, 12, 13, etc. from the rear of the panel piece 20 by laser welding relative to the upper frame piece 33 and the lower frame piece 34.

[0135] In the multiple holes 213, 214, the multiple elongated holes can ensure a wide range of joints that can be joined by laser welding, so they are preferred.

[0136] The third reinforcing rib 23 and the fourth reinforcing rib 24 are formed by bridging adjacent holes 213, 213, 214 among the plurality of holes 213, 214. In other words, even when the plurality of holes 213, 214 for connecting necessary components of the headrest frames 11, 12, 13, etc. are formed on the panel member 20, it is possible to connect these plurality of holes 213, 214 through the respective reinforcing ribs 23, 24.

[0137] Furthermore, even though multiple holes 213 and 214 are formed in this way, the upper frame member 33 and the lower frame member 34 are joined in the spaces S3 and S4 where the multiple holes 213 and 214 are formed, so the necessary rigidity of the panel member 20 can be maintained.

[0138] Furthermore, an outer peripheral flange 25 is present at the outer peripheral edge of the panel member 20, and a plurality of outer peripheral reinforcing ribs 26 are formed on the outer peripheral flange 25, so as to contribute to maintaining the necessary rigidity of the panel member 20.

[0139] Similarly, in the outer peripheral flange 25 at the upper edge of the panel member 20, the positions where the latch eye 14 and the seat belt mounting portion 15 are located are discontinuous portions 25b and 25c, which are in a state of partial loss of the outer peripheral flange 25 itself. Even though there are discontinuous portions 25b and 25c on the outer peripheral flange 25, the upper frame member 33 and the third reinforcing rib 23 are provided along the outer peripheral flange 25 at the upper edge of the panel member 20, thus contributing to maintaining the necessary rigidity of the panel member 20.

[0140] In addition, such as Figure 4 As shown, the plurality of holes 213, 214 include holes 213, 214 formed at locations where the extensions of the reinforcing ribs 21 to 24 arranged in orthogonal directions intersect each other.

[0141] Specifically, holes 213 and 214 are formed at the locations where the extension lines of the first reinforcing ribs 21, 21 intersect with the extension lines of the third reinforcing ribs 23 and the fourth reinforcing ribs 24, and at the locations where the extension lines of the second reinforcing ribs 22, 22 intersect with the extension lines of the third reinforcing ribs 23 and the fourth reinforcing ribs 24. At these locations where the extension lines of the reinforcing ribs 21 to 24 intersect, there are overlapping sections of the frame members 31 to 34, or projection-welded nuts are provided on the reinforcing panels 28 and 29. To explain in more detail, the locations where the extension lines of the reinforcing ribs 21 to 24 intersect are where the components need to be welded together, and corresponding to the holes 213 and 214 formed for welding, it is necessary to improve the rigidity of these sections. Therefore, the extension lines of the reinforcing ribs 21 to 24 are formed to intersect.

[0142] Furthermore, while the seat back frame 10 in this embodiment is a component constituting multiple rows of seat backs 3a, 3b, and 3c, it is not limited to this. For example, a seat back frame divided in a 6:4 ratio on the left and right sides can be used, or a seat back divided in a 5:5 ratio can be used. Moreover, the seat back frame 10 can be used not only for rear seats but also for front seats.

[0143] According to the above embodiment, a plurality of peripheral reinforcing ribs 26... are formed on the peripheral flange 25 formed by bending the outer peripheral edge of the panel member 20, and are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction of the panel member 20. Therefore, the rigidity of the outer peripheral edge of the panel member 20 can be increased by multiple times through the peripheral flange 25 and the plurality of peripheral reinforcing ribs 26..., thereby increasing the rigidity of the seat back frame 10.

[0144] Furthermore, the outer peripheral flange 25 is formed continuously at least at the corner of the panel member 20, thereby enabling the rigidity of the outer peripheral portion of the panel member 20 to be further improved with respect to the corner of the panel member 20.

[0145] Furthermore, the outer peripheral flange 25 has a stepped portion 25a, thereby forming the outer peripheral edge of the panel member 20 in a stepped bending state, which can further improve the rigidity of the outer peripheral edge of the panel member 20.

[0146] Furthermore, the multiple peripheral reinforcing ribs 26... are arranged at approximately equal intervals relative to the peripheral flange 50, thereby enabling the rigidity of the portion of the peripheral flange 25 in which the multiple peripheral reinforcing ribs 26... are formed to be increased substantially uniformly.

[0147] Furthermore, each of the frame members 31 to 34 is arranged near and along the outer peripheral flange 25, so the rigidity of the outer peripheral edge of the panel member 20 can be further improved by each of the frame members 31 to 34.

[0148] Furthermore, each of the frame members 31 to 34 engages with the surface (front surface) on the bending direction side of the outer peripheral flange 25 in the panel member 20, thereby enabling the rigidity to be improved while suppressing the enlargement of the portion in the panel member 20 where each of the frame members 31 to 34 is engaged.

[0149] Furthermore, on the panel 20, a first reinforcing rib 21, a third reinforcing rib 23, and a fourth reinforcing rib 24 are formed near and along the outer peripheral flange 25. Therefore, the rigidity of the seat back frame 10 can be increased several times through the outer peripheral flange 25, the various frame members 31 to 34, and the reinforcing ribs 21, 23, and 24.

[0150] Furthermore, at least one of the upper frame member 33 and the third reinforcing rib 23 is arranged along the discontinuities 25b and 25c, so that even if the outer peripheral flange 25 is omitted at a certain point on the outer peripheral edge of the panel member 20, thus forming the discontinuities 25b and 25c of the outer peripheral flange 25, the necessary rigidity can be ensured on the outer peripheral edge of the panel member 20.

[0151] Furthermore, the panel member 20 can be reinforced by the various frame members 31 to 34, and the panel member 20 can be reinforced by the various reinforcing ribs 21 to 24. Therefore, the rigidity of the seat back frame 10 can be further improved by the outer peripheral flange 25, the various frame members 31 to 34, and the various reinforcing ribs 21 to 24. Moreover, since the rigidity of the seat back frame 10 can be improved in this way, noise caused by insufficient rigidity and noise caused by vibration during vehicle movement can be suppressed.

[0152] Furthermore, each frame member 31 to 34 is formed of a hat-shaped frame member with a flange portion F, which facilitates engagement with the panel member 20 and improves engagement accuracy. Therefore, the reliability of engaging each frame member 31 to 34 with the panel member 20 can be improved.

[0153] Furthermore, each of the reinforcing ribs 21 to 24 protrudes toward the W side of the connection portion of each of the frame members 31 to 34, thereby enabling the rigidity to be increased while miniaturizing the portion where each of the frame members 31 to 34 is joined.

[0154] The reinforced structure of the seat back frame of the present invention increases the rigidity of the outer periphery of the panel piece and the overall rigidity of the seat back frame, thus making it highly applicable in industry.

[0155] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0156] 1. Vehicle seats

[0157] 2. Seat cushion

[0158] 3. Seat backrest

[0159] 3a Right side seat back

[0160] 3b Left side seat back

[0161] 3C central seat backrest

[0162] 4a Right side headrest

[0163] 4b Left side headrest

[0164] 4c Central headrest

[0165] 10 Seat backrest frame

[0166] 11, 12, 13 Headrest Frame

[0167] 14. Bolt eye

[0168] 15. Seat Belt Installation Section

[0169] 16 Handrail supports

[0170] 20 panel components

[0171] Blocks 20A, 20B, 20C, 20D, 20E, 20F, and 20G are reinforced constructions.

[0172] 21 First reinforcing rib

[0173] 22 Second reinforcing rib

[0174] 23 Third reinforcing rib

[0175] 24 Fourth reinforcing rib

[0176] 25. Outer peripheral flange

[0177] 25a Step section

[0178] Discontinuous parts 25b and 25c

[0179] 26 Peripheral reinforcing ribs

[0180] 27. Wavy reinforcing ribs

[0181] 28, 29 Enhanced Panels

[0182] 201, 202, 204 Non-jointing parts

[0183] Holes 213 and 214

[0184] 30 Frame Components

[0185] 31 Side frame components

[0186] 32 Frame Components

[0187] 33 Upper frame components

[0188] 34 Lower frame components

[0189] W Connection Part

[0190] F flange

[0191] A right area

[0192] B Left Region

[0193] C Central Area

[0194] Spaces S1, S2, S3, and S4.

Claims

1. A reinforcing structure of a seat back frame, provided with a panel member, and a frame member joined to the panel member, characterized in that, the panel member has an outer peripheral flange formed by bending an outer peripheral edge portion of the panel member, a plurality of outer peripheral reinforcing ribs are formed on the outer peripheral flange at intervals in a circumferential direction of the panel member, the frame member is provided with side frame members respectively installed at left and right end portions of a front surface of the panel member in an up-down direction, middle frame members respectively installed at two central portions of the front surface of the panel member in the up-down direction, and a lower frame member provided at a lower end portion of the front surface of the panel member in a left-right direction, the panel member has a non-joining portion formed in a recessed manner with respect to each of the frame members and not joined to a joining portion of each of the frame members, a first reinforcing rib is formed at a position opposed to each of the side frame members, a second reinforcing rib is formed at a position opposed to each of the middle frame members, and a fourth reinforcing rib is formed at a position opposed to the lower frame member, and the first reinforcing rib, the second reinforcing rib, and the fourth reinforcing rib formed at the positions opposed to each of the frame members are formed so as to pass through the non-joining portion, respectively.

2. The reinforcing structure of a seat back frame according to claim 1, characterized in that, a block having a reinforcing structure is provided, and the block having a reinforcing structure has a concave-convex shape portion formed in a right-angled trapezoidal shape in a front view.

3. The reinforcing structure of a seat back frame according to claim 1, characterized in that, the panel member has a block having a reinforcing structure, and the block having a reinforcing structure has a concave-convex shape portion formed in an isosceles trapezoidal shape in a front view.

4. The reinforcing structure of a seat back frame according to claim 1, characterized in that, the panel member has a block having a reinforcing structure, and the block having a reinforcing structure has a concave-convex shape portion formed in a parallelogram shape in a front view.

5. The reinforcing structure of a seat back frame according to claim 1, characterized in that, the panel member has a block having a reinforcing structure, and the block having a reinforcing structure is a rectangle longer in the left-right direction, and has two concave-convex shape portions formed in a right-angled trapezoidal shape in a front view and a concave-convex shape portion formed in an isosceles trapezoidal shape in a front view.

6. The reinforcing structure of a seat back frame according to claim 1, characterized in that, the panel member has a block having a reinforcing structure, and the block having a reinforcing structure is a pentagon longer in the left-right direction, and has a concave-convex shape portion formed in a right-angled trapezoidal shape in a front view, a concave-convex shape portion formed in a parallelogram shape in a front view, and a concave-convex shape portion formed in an isosceles trapezoidal shape in a front view.

7. The reinforcing structure of a seat back frame according to claim 1, characterized in that, the panel member has a block having a reinforcing structure, and the block having a reinforcing structure is a right-angled trapezoid longer in the left-right direction, and has a concave-convex shape portion formed in a right-angled trapezoidal shape in a front view, a concave-convex shape portion formed in a parallelogram shape in a front view, and a concave-convex shape portion formed in an isosceles trapezoidal shape in a front view.

8. The reinforcing structure of a seat back frame according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ A through-hole is formed in a central portion of each of the foregoing protrusions and depressions.

9. The reinforcing structure of a seat back frame according to claim 1, wherein A reinforcing panel that reinforces the corner portion of the panel member is joined to the lower end portions of the left and right sides of the panel member, A joining space for joining the reinforcing panel exists at the lower end portions of the left and right sides of the panel member, The joining space is formed to approximate the shape of the reinforcing panel.

10. The reinforcing structure of a seat back frame according to claim 1, wherein A reinforcing panel that reinforces the corner portion of the panel member is joined to the lower end portions of the left and right sides of the panel member, The frame member includes side frame members that are respectively mounted to the left and right end portions of the front surface of the panel member along the vertical direction, and a lower frame member that is provided to the lower end portion of the front surface side of the panel member along the horizontal direction, The lower end portions of the side frame members are joined with respect to the reinforcing panel without reaching the lower frame member, The both end portions of the lower frame member are joined with respect to the reinforcing panel.

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