Vehicle seat

Abstract

Provided is a vehicle seat capable of ensuring rigidity of a reclining device and suppressing manufacturing cost. A vehicle seat is provided with a reclining device (30) for rotatably connecting a seat back to a seat cushion. The reclining device (30) is provided with: rotation shafts (32) which are disposed on the left and right sides in the seat width direction and serve as the rotation center of the seat back; and a plate-shaped connection member (40) extending in the seat width direction and connecting the left and right rotation shafts (32). The connecting member (40) has: a connecting body section (41) extending in a long shape in the seat width direction; and a shaft attachment part (42) which is provided at the extension end of the connection body part (41) and to which the rotation shaft (32) is attached. The shaft mounting portion (42) has an open cross-sectional shape in which an opening is formed on the upper side thereof, and supports an extension portion of the rotating shaft (32).

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application entitled "Seat for Vehicles" with application number 202280010009.3 (international application number PCT / JP2022 / 000684), the original application being filed on January 12, 2022. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to a vehicle seat, and more particularly to a vehicle seat including a tilting device that rotatably connects the seat back to the seat cushion. Background Technology

[0003] Conventionally, as described in Patent Document 1, vehicle seats including a tilting device are known. The tilting device mainly comprises: a tilting body driven to rotate the seat cushion; a rotating shaft disposed on the left and right sides, serving as the rotation center of the seat cushion; a tubular connecting rod connecting the left and right rotating shafts; and an operating lever operated to release the seat cushion from its locked state.

[0004] In the structure, the connecting rod is connected in such a way that it rotates together with the rotating shaft as the shaft rotates. Specifically, the connecting rod is connected to the rotating shaft via a cover member, so that it can move synchronously with the rotation of the rotating shaft.

[0005] Existing technical documents

[0006] Patent documents

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2008-136552 Summary of the Invention

[0008] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0009] Furthermore, in a vehicle seat like that in Patent Document 1, it is required to manufacture the constituent parts while ensuring the rigidity necessary for good operation of the tilting device, and also to reduce manufacturing costs compared to the past.

[0010] For example, by using compression molding to manufacture component parts such as connecting rods, manufacturing costs can be reduced compared to manufacturing them by conventional die forming.

[0011] The present invention was made in view of the aforementioned issues, and the object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle seat that can reduce the manufacturing cost of the tilting device while ensuring the rigidity of the tilting device.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle seat that can reduce the manufacturing cost of the tilting device by using compression molding to manufacture the constituent parts.

[0013] [Technical means to solve the problem]

[0014] The aforementioned problem is solved by the following method: according to the present invention, a vehicle seat includes: a seat body having a seat cushion and a seat back; and a tilting device rotatably connecting the seat back to the seat cushion. The tilting device has: a rotation shaft disposed on the left and right sides in the seat width direction, serving as the rotation center of the seat back; and a connecting member extending in the seat width direction and connecting the left and right rotation shafts. The connecting member has: a connecting body portion extending elongated in the seat width direction; and a shaft mounting portion disposed at the extended end of the connecting body portion and used to mount the rotation shaft. The shaft mounting portion has an open cross-sectional shape with an opening on one side in the vertical direction or on one side in the front-rear direction of the seat, and supports the extended portion of the rotation shaft.

[0015] The structure described above enables the creation of vehicle seats that can reduce manufacturing costs while ensuring the rigidity of the tilting mechanism.

[0016] In detail, the shaft mounting section has an open cross-sectional shape with an opening on one side in the vertical direction or on one side in the front-rear direction of the seat, and supports the extension of the rotating shaft. Therefore, while ensuring the assembly rigidity of the connecting component and the rotating shaft with a simple structure, manufacturing costs can be reduced compared to conventional tubular connecting components.

[0017] At this time, it is preferable that the connecting member is formed of a plate-shaped component, the shaft mounting portion has a pair of opposing wall portions arranged at a predetermined interval, and a connecting wall portion connecting the pair of opposing wall portions, and is supported in a manner that surrounds the extension portion of the rotating shaft.

[0018] The connecting component can be manufactured using, for example, compression molding, thanks to this structure. As a result, manufacturing costs can be reduced compared to previous methods.

[0019] At this time, it is preferable that the pair of opposing wall portions are spaced apart at a predetermined interval in the front-rear direction of the seat, the connecting wall portion connects the lower ends of the pair of opposing wall portions, and the connecting member has an open cross-sectional shape in which the opening is formed on the upper side of the connecting member.

[0020] The structure of the connecting member allows for suitable support of the rotating shaft from below. Furthermore, the rotating shaft can be easily assembled to the connecting member.

[0021] At this time, it is advisable to perform welding by means of the shaft mounting part and the rotating shaft abutting each other, so that at least one of the shaft mounting part and the rotating shaft is formed with a weld line, and multiple weld lines are formed at predetermined intervals in the front-back direction or the up-down direction of the seat, and each extends along the rotating shaft.

[0022] The aforementioned structure allows the rotating shaft to be securely assembled to the connecting member. That is, as the rotating shaft rotates, torsional stress is applied to the connecting member, thereby appropriately ensuring the torsional rigidity of the connecting member. Furthermore, the rotating shaft can be easily assembled.

[0023] At this time, it is preferable that the shaft mounting portion has a first flange portion and a second flange portion, the first flange portion and the second flange portion being formed to extend from the extended ends of the pair of opposing walls toward opposite sides, and the extended portion of the rotating shaft is housed in the area surrounded by the pair of opposing walls and the connecting wall portion.

[0024] The structure described above improves the rigidity of the connecting components. Furthermore, by accommodating the rotating shaft at a predetermined location within the connecting components, assembly of the rotating shaft becomes easier.

[0025] At this time, it is preferable that the connecting body has a reinforcing part, which is formed as a convex or concave part on the outer surface of the connecting body and extends along the extending direction of the connecting body or in a direction intersecting the extending direction.

[0026] The structure described above can improve the rigidity of connecting components while reducing manufacturing costs.

[0027] At this time, it is preferable that the connecting body portion has a plurality of reinforcing protrusions and reinforcing recesses arranged alternately in the extending direction of the connecting body portion, and has a serpentine shape by means of the reinforcing protrusions and the reinforcing recesses.

[0028] Alternatively, the connecting body portion may have a reinforcing portion, which is provided as a convex or concave portion on the outer surface of the connecting body portion and is formed in an X-shape.

[0029] Alternatively, the connecting member may be formed by bending a plate-like component, and the connecting body may have an open cross-sectional shape with an opening on one side in the vertical direction or the front-back direction of the seat, and the opening of the connecting body and the opening of the shaft mounting part may be formed to face the same side.

[0030] The structure described above can further improve the rigidity of the connecting components while suppressing their manufacturing costs.

[0031] At this time, it is preferable that the shaft mounting part has a positioning part, which is formed as a protrusion on the outer surface of the shaft mounting part, and the rotating shaft is positioned by abutting the extended end of the rotating shaft.

[0032] With this structure, the rotating shaft can be more easily assembled to the connecting member (shaft mounting part). That is, by abutting the rotating shaft against the positioning part of the connecting member from the outside in the width direction of the seat, the rotating shaft can be easily assembled into the assembly position.

[0033] At this time, it is preferable to include a cushioning frame that serves as the skeleton of the seat cushioning, the cushioning frame having: side frames disposed on the left and right sides in the width direction of the seat and extending in the front-back direction of the seat; and connecting frames that connect the front or rear portions of the left and right side frames, the connecting frames having an open cross-sectional shape with an opening formed on one side in the vertical direction or on one side in the front-back direction of the seat, and extending toward the inner side of the side frames.

[0034] The aforementioned structure enables the creation of vehicle seats that can suppress manufacturing costs while ensuring the rigidity of the seat frame.

[0035] In detail, the connecting frame has an open cross-sectional shape with an opening on one side in the vertical direction or on one side in the front-rear direction of the seat, extending toward the inner side of the side frame. Therefore, the connecting frame can be manufactured, for example, by compression molding. As a result, manufacturing costs can be reduced compared to conventional connecting tubes (which cannot be manufactured by compression molding).

[0036] That is, by setting the connecting frame to an open cross-sectional shape, the manufacturing cost of the connecting frame can be suppressed while ensuring rigidity.

[0037] At this point, it is preferable that the connecting frame is formed of a plate-shaped frame, having a pair of opposing walls spaced apart at a predetermined interval, and a connecting wall connecting the pair of opposing walls.

[0038] The structure described above can improve the rigidity of the connecting frame while reducing its manufacturing cost.

[0039] At this time, it is preferable that the seat cushion includes a seat cushion frame as a skeleton and a connecting member, the seat cushion frame having a pair of side frames separately disposed in the width direction of the vehicle seat, the pair of side frames being connected by the connecting member, the connecting member being formed by joining a first part formed of a first material and a second part formed of a second material different from the first material.

[0040] The structure allows for flexible selection of the materials used in the connecting components of the vehicle seat in both the first and second parts.

[0041] In this case, it is appropriate that the first material is a material with a smaller specific gravity than the second material.

[0042] According to the structure described, by using materials with low specific gravity, vehicle seats can be made lighter.

[0043] At this time, it is appropriate to include a headrest disposed on the back of the seat and a seat back frame forming the skeleton of the back of the seat. The seat back frame has a pair of back side frames, an upper frame connecting the pair of back side frames, and a headrest guide for holding the headrest support rod. The upper frame has a plate-shaped first base frame and a plate-shaped second base frame. The first base frame clamps the headrest guide from the front of the back of the seat to support the headrest guide, and the second base frame clamps the headrest guide from the rear of the back of the seat to support the headrest guide.

[0044] According to the aforementioned vehicle seat, the headrest guide is supported by clamping it in from the front-to-back direction using a first base frame and a second base frame. If the first base frame and the second base frame are joined while the headrest is clamped in from the front-to-back direction, the headrest guide can also be fixed together. Therefore, the headrest guide can be fixed to the seat back frame with a relatively simple structure.

[0045] The effects of the invention

[0046] This invention enables the creation of a vehicle seat that can reduce the manufacturing cost of the tilting device while ensuring its rigidity.

[0047] Furthermore, this invention allows for the manufacture of connecting components using, for example, compression molding. As a result, manufacturing costs can be reduced compared to conventional methods.

[0048] Furthermore, the present invention provides a suitable support for the rotating shaft. Additionally, the rotating shaft can be easily assembled into the connecting structure.

[0049] Furthermore, this invention allows the rotating shaft to be securely assembled to the connecting member. That is, the torsional rigidity of the connecting member relative to the rotating shaft can be appropriately ensured.

[0050] Furthermore, the present invention allows for easy assembly of the rotating shaft to the connecting component. Additionally, the rotating shaft can be easily assembled to the assembly position.

[0051] Furthermore, this invention enables the creation of vehicle seats that can suppress manufacturing costs while ensuring the rigidity of the seat frame.

[0052] Furthermore, the present invention allows for flexible selection of the materials used in the connecting components of the vehicle seat in the first and second parts.

[0053] In addition, the present invention provides a relatively simple structure for fixing the headrest guide to the seat back frame. Attached Figure Description

[0054] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a vehicle seat according to the first embodiment.

[0055] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional diagram of a seat frame, which serves as the skeleton for seats in vehicles.

[0056] Figure 3 These are enlarged views of the main parts of the seat frame and a three-dimensional view of the tilting device.

[0057] Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional view of the tilting device from another angle.

[0058] Figure 5A It is a three-dimensional view of the connecting structural components and rotating shaft.

[0059] Figure 5B This is a three-dimensional view of the connecting components and rotating shaft from another angle.

[0060] Figure 6A This is a three-dimensional view of the connecting component in variation example 1.

[0061] Figure 6B This is a perspective view of the connecting components of modified Example 1 from another angle.

[0062] Figure 7A This is a three-dimensional view of the connecting component in variation example 2.

[0063] Figure 7B This is a perspective view of the connecting components in modified example 2 from another angle.

[0064] Figure 8A This is a three-dimensional view of the connecting component in variation example 3.

[0065] Figure 8B This is a perspective view of the connecting components in variation example 3 from another angle.

[0066] Figure 9A This is a three-dimensional view of the connecting component in variation example 3.

[0067] Figure 9B This is a perspective view of the connecting components in variation example 3 from another angle.

[0068] Figure 10This is a perspective view of a vehicle seat according to the second embodiment.

[0069] Figure 11 This is a three-dimensional diagram of a seat frame, which serves as the skeleton for seats in vehicles.

[0070] Figure 12 It is an enlarged view of the main part of the cushioning frame, and a three-dimensional view of the side frame and connecting frame.

[0071] Figure 13 It is a 3D diagram of the connecting frame.

[0072] Figure 14 This is a 3D view of the base frame.

[0073] Figure 15 yes Figure 14 XV-XV cross-section.

[0074] Figure 16A This is a three-dimensional view of a modified example 1 of the connecting frame.

[0075] Figure 16B This is a three-dimensional view of a modified example 2 of the connecting frame.

[0076] Figure 16C This is a three-dimensional view of variation 3 of the connecting frame.

[0077] Figure 17 This is a three-dimensional view of a modified example 1 of the side frame.

[0078] Figure 18 This is a perspective view of a vehicle seat according to the third embodiment.

[0079] Figure 19 It is a three-dimensional view of the seat frame included in a vehicle seat.

[0080] Figure 20 This is a top view of the seat frame.

[0081] Figure 21 This is an enlarged view illustrating the structure around the rear connecting tube of the seat frame.

[0082] Figure 22 This is a three-dimensional diagram showing the structure of the rear connecting pipe.

[0083] Figure 23 yes Figure 22 AA cross-section view.

[0084] Figure 24 The rear connecting pipe of the modified example and Figure 22 The cross-sectional view corresponding to section AA.

[0085] Figure 25The rear connecting pipe of the modified example and Figure 22 The cross-sectional view corresponding to section AA.

[0086] Figure 26 The rear connecting pipe of the modified example and Figure 22 The cross-sectional view corresponding to section AA.

[0087] Figure 27 This is a perspective view of the seat frame included in a modified vehicle seat.

[0088] Figure 28 This is a side view of the seat frame included in a modified example of a vehicle seat.

[0089] Figure 29 This is a perspective view of the base frame included in a modified vehicle seat.

[0090] Figure 30 yes Figure 29 BB cross-section.

[0091] Figure 31 This is a perspective view of the appearance of the vehicle seat according to the fourth embodiment, viewed from a diagonal front.

[0092] Figure 32 It is a three-dimensional view of the seat frame of a vehicle, viewed from the oblique front.

[0093] Figure 33 This is a diagram showing the upper frame of the seat backrest as viewed from the front.

[0094] Figure 34 This is a view of the upper frame of the seat backrest from the rear.

[0095] Figure 35 This is a three-dimensional view showing the inner side of the first base frame that constitutes the upper frame.

[0096] Figure 36 This is a three-dimensional view showing the inner side of the second base frame that constitutes the upper frame.

[0097] Figure 37 It is along Figure 33 End view of line XXXVII-XXXVII.

[0098] Figure 38 It is along Figure 33 A cross-sectional view of the XXXVIII-XXXVIII line.

[0099] Figure 39 This is a 3D view of another example of the upper frame.

[0100] Figure 40This is a perspective view of the appearance of the vehicle seat according to the fifth embodiment, viewed from a diagonal front.

[0101] Figure 41 It is a three-dimensional view of the seat frame of a vehicle, viewed from the oblique front.

[0102] Figure 42 This is a diagram showing the upper frame of the seat backrest as viewed from the front.

[0103] Figure 43 This is a view of the upper frame of the seat backrest from the rear.

[0104] Figure 44 This is a view from the front showing the upper frame of the headrest guide removed.

[0105] Figure 45 It is along Figure 42 A cross-sectional view of the third component of the XLV-XLV line.

[0106] Figure 46 It is along Figure 42 A cross-sectional view of the third component of the XLVI-XLVI line.

[0107] Figure 47 It is along Figure 42 End view of the first component of the XLVII-XLVII line.

[0108] Figure 48 This is a perspective view of the appearance of the vehicle seat according to the sixth embodiment, viewed from a diagonal front.

[0109] Figure 49 It is a three-dimensional view of the seat frame of a vehicle, viewed from the oblique front.

[0110] Figure 50 This is a diagram showing the upper frame of the seat backrest as viewed from the front.

[0111] Figure 51 This is a view of the upper frame of the seat backrest from the rear.

[0112] Figure 52 It is along Figure 50 A surface view of the LII-LII line.

[0113] Figure 53 It is along Figure 50 A cross-sectional view of the LIII-LIII line.

[0114] Figure 54A It is along Figure 50 A cross-sectional view of the LIV-LIV line.

[0115] Figure 54B This is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the upper frame.

[0116] Figure 54C This is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the upper frame.

[0117] Figure 55 This is a perspective view of a vehicle seat according to the seventh embodiment.

[0118] Figure 56 This is a three-dimensional diagram of a seat frame, which serves as the skeleton for seats in vehicles.

[0119] Figure 57 These are enlarged views of the main parts of the cushioning frame, and three-dimensional views of the side frame and base frame.

[0120] Figure 58 This is a top view of the side frame and the base frame.

[0121] Figure 59 This is a side view of the side frame and the base frame.

[0122] Figure 60 This diagram illustrates the state in which the base frame (clamping fixture) engages with the side frame (clamping hole).

[0123] Figure 61 yes Figure 59 LXI-LXI cross-sectional view.

[0124] Figure 62 This is a schematic perspective view of a vehicle seat according to the eighth embodiment.

[0125] Figure 63 It is a schematic three-dimensional drawing of the seat frame for a vehicle.

[0126] Figure 64 It is a diagram showing the state of an occupant sitting in a vehicle seat, and a diagram showing the state of the load from the occupant being applied to the vehicle and the occupant's back being supported by a neck brace or the like.

[0127] Figure 65 This is a frontal view of the neck brace frame.

[0128] Figure 66A This is a side view of the neck brace frame.

[0129] Figure 66B This is a side view of another example of a neck brace frame.

[0130] Figure 67 It is along Figure 65 and Figure 66A A cross-sectional view of the LXVII-LXVII line.

[0131] Figure 68 This is a front view showing the backrest frame of a seat with a neck brace installed.

[0132] Figure 69A This is an explanatory diagram showing the position where the guide component of the neck brace is fixed.

[0133] Figure 69B This is an explanatory diagram showing the position where the guide component of the neck brace is fixed.

[0134] Figure 69C This is an explanatory diagram showing the position where the guide component of the neck brace is fixed.

[0135] Figure 70 It is a three-dimensional image of a vehicle seat that integrates a neck brace and headrest.

[0136] Figure 71 It is along Figure 70 A cross-sectional view of the LXXI-LXXI line.

[0137] Figure 72 This is a perspective view of a vehicle seat according to the ninth embodiment.

[0138] Figure 73 This is a three-dimensional view of the seat frame, which serves as the skeleton of the seat.

[0139] Figure 74 These are enlarged views of the main parts of the cushioning frame, and three-dimensional views of the side frame and base frame.

[0140] Figure 75A This is a perspective view of the side frame and base frame from the back side, showing the frame abutment and the second frame abutment.

[0141] Figure 75B It is a three-dimensional view of the frame abutment and the second frame abutment.

[0142] Figure 76 This is a top view showing the side frame and base frame.

[0143] Figure 77 This is a perspective view of the frame abutment part of modified example 1.

[0144] Figure 78 This is a perspective view of the frame abutment part of variant example 2.

[0145] Figure 79 This is a perspective view of a vehicle seat according to the tenth embodiment.

[0146] Figure 80 This is a three-dimensional view of the seat frame, which serves as the skeleton of the seat.

[0147] Figure 81 yes Figure 80 The enlarged view of the main part is a three-dimensional view of the area surrounding the tilting device.

[0148] Figure 82 It is an exploded perspective view of the tilting device and connecting bracket.

[0149] Figure 83A It is a three-dimensional diagram of the connecting bracket.

[0150] Figure 83B This is a three-dimensional view of the connecting bracket from another angle.

[0151] Figure 84 This is a three-dimensional view of the area surrounding the tilting device from another angle.

[0152] Figure 85 yes Figure 84 The LXXXV-LXXXV cross-sectional view is a diagram illustrating the positional relationship of the connecting bracket, the back side frame, and the connecting rod.

[0153] Explanation of symbols

[0154] S1~S10, SA: Seats for vehicles (vehicle seats)

[0155] Sa, F, FX: Seat frame

[0156] S3a: Seat cushioning pad

[0157] S3b: Seat back

[0158] S3c: Headrest

[0159] T: Decorative cover (cushioning decorative cover)

[0160] P: Pad component (pad)

[0161] 1, 501, 1001, 1101, 1201, 1301, 1401, 1401A, 1501, 1802: Seat backrests

[0162] 1a, 2a, 501a, 502a, 1301a, 1302a, 1501a, 1502a, 1801a, 1802a: Cushioning pad material

[0163] 1b, 2b, 501b, 502b, 1301b, 1302b, 1501b, 1502b, 1801b, 1802b: Skin material

[0164] 1401a: Trunk support surface

[0165] 2. 502, 1002, 1102, 1202, 1302, 1402, 1402A, 1502, 1801: Seat cushioning pads

[0166] 3, 503, 1004, 1104, 1204, 1303, 1405, 1503, 1830: Slide rail device (guide rail device, slide rail)

[0167] 3a, 503a, 1303a, 1503a, 1831: Lower guide rail

[0168] 3b, 503b, 1303b, 1503b, 1832: Upper guide rail

[0169] 3c, 503c, 1303c, 1503c, 1833: Operating levers for guide rails

[0170] 4, 504, 1304, 1504, 1840: Height linkage device

[0171] 4a, 504a, 1304a, 1504a, 1841: First Link

[0172] 4b, 504b, 1504b, 1842: Second Link

[0173] 4c, 504, 1843: Height control lever

[0174] 10, 510: Back frame

[0175] 11, 511: Back side frame

[0176] 11a: Interlocking Cave

[0177] 12, 512: Upper frame

[0178] 13, 513: Lower frame

[0179] 20, 520, 620: Cushioning Pad Frame

[0180] 21, 521, 621: Side frame

[0181] 21a: Interlocking Cave

[0182] 521a, 621a: Main frame section

[0183] 521b, 621b: Upper flange portion

[0184] 521c, 621c: Lower flange portion

[0185] 521d, 621d: Skin hook part

[0186] 621e, 621f: Reinforced Department

[0187] 22, 522: Base frame

[0188] 522a, 522b, 522c: Bending section

[0189] 23: Forward connecting frame

[0190] 24: Rear connection frame

[0191] 30, 130, 230, 330, 505, 1007, 1107, 1207, 1305, 1505, 1850: Tilting device (tilting mechanism)

[0192] 31, 505a, 1305a, 1505a, 1851: Inclined main body (inclined unit)

[0193] 32, 132, 232, 332, 432, 505b, 1305b, 1505b, 1852: Rotating shaft

[0194] 33, 505c, 1305c, 1505c, 1853: Coil springs

[0195] 1853a: One end

[0196] 1853b: The other end

[0197] 34, 505d, 1855: Inclined operating lever

[0198] 35, 1854: Spring-loaded retainer bracket

[0199] 36: Spring-loaded locking component

[0200] 40, 140, 240, 340, 440: Connecting structural components

[0201] 41, 141, 241, 341, 441: Connecting the main body

[0202] 341a, 441a: First opposing wall portion

[0203] 341b, 441b: Second opposing wall portion

[0204] 341c, 441c: Connecting wall portion

[0205] 42, 142, 242, 342, 442: Shaft mounting section

[0206] 42a, 142a, 242a, 342a, 442a: First opposing wall sections

[0207] 42b, 142b, 242b, 342b, 442b: Second opposing wall portion

[0208] 42c, 142c, 242c, 342c, 442c: Connecting wall portion

[0209] 42d, 142d, 242d: First flange portion

[0210] 42e, 142e, 242e: Second flange portion

[0211] 43, 143, 243, 343, 443: Reinforced convex parts (reinforcing parts)

[0212] 44, 144: Reinforced recess (reinforced section)

[0213] 45: Weld line

[0214] 146, 246: Positioning section

[0215] 244: Second reinforcing protrusion

[0216] 245: Reinforced recess

[0217] 444: Through-tunnel

[0218] 523: Elastic Spring

[0219] 530: Forward Link Frame (Link Frame)

[0220] 531: Main Frame Section

[0221] 531a: Opposing wall

[0222] 531b: Connecting wall portion

[0223] 532: Flange portion

[0224] 540, 640, 740, 840: Rear link frame (link frame)

[0225] 541, 641, 741, 841: Main frame section

[0226] 541a, 641a, 741a, 841a: First opposing wall sections

[0227] 541b, 641b, 741b, 841b: Second opposing wall portion

[0228] 541c, 641c, 841c: Connecting wall portion

[0229] 841d: First protruding wall portion

[0230] 841e: Second protruding wall portion

[0231] 542, 642, 742, 842: Flange portion

[0232] 542a, 642a, 742a, 842a: First flange portion

[0233] 542b, 642b, 742b, 842b: Second flange portion

[0234] 542c, 642c, 842c: Third flange portion

[0235] 842d: Fourth flange

[0236] 842e: Fifth flange

[0237] 543: Reinforced recess (reinforced section)

[0238] 544: Reinforced convex part (reinforcement section)

[0239] 545: Weld line

[0240] 910: Seat cushion frame

[0241] 911: Cushioning Pad Side Frame (Side Frame)

[0242] 912: Base Frame

[0243] 913: Front connecting pipe (connecting component)

[0244] 913a: Central Section (First Section)

[0245] 913b: End (Second part)

[0246] 914: Rear connecting pipe (connecting component)

[0247] 914a: Central Section (First Section)

[0248] 914b: End (Second part)

[0249] 914c: Boundary section

[0250] 914d: Abutment section

[0251] 920: Seat back frame

[0252] 921: Back Side Frame

[0253] 922: Upper Frame

[0254] 923: Lower Frame

[0255] 930: Slide rail

[0256] 931: Lower guide rail

[0257] 932: Upper guide rail

[0258] 940: Height Adjustment Mechanism

[0259] 941: Front Linkage (Linkage Component)

[0260] 941a: Lower end

[0261] 941b: Upper end

[0262] 942: Rear Linkage (Linkage Component)

[0263] 942a: Lower end

[0264] 942b: Upper end

[0265] 943: Linkage Support Bracket

[0266] 943a: Front end

[0267] 943b: Rear end

[0268] 9910X: Seat cushion frame

[0269] 911X: Cushioning Pad Side Frame (Side Frame)

[0270] 911Xa: Through hole

[0271] 911Xb: Through hole

[0272] 920X: Seat back frame

[0273] 912X: Base Frame

[0274] 912Xa: Front end

[0275] 912Xb: Side end

[0276] 912Xc: Gap

[0277] 1003, 1103, 1203: Headrest

[0278] 1010: Seat back frame

[0279] 1011: Back Side Frame

[0280] 1012, 1012A: Upper frame

[0281] 1013, 1013A: First base frame

[0282] 1013a, 1013Aa: Drum-shaped part

[0283] 1013b, 1013Ab: Flanged portion

[0284] 1013c, 1013Ac: concave part

[0285] 1013d: Opening

[0286] 1013g: Hook and hook section

[0287] 1014, 1014A: Second base frame

[0288] 1014Aa: Drum section

[0289] 1014Ab: Flanged portion

[0290] 1014c, 1014Ac: concave part

[0291] 1014d: Opening

[0292] 1014e: Flange portion

[0293] 1014f: Welding hole

[0294] 1014g: Hook and hook section

[0295] 1014h: Cave

[0296] 1014i: Incision

[0297] 1015, 1015A: Retainer section

[0298] 1015a: Upper opening

[0299] 1015b: Lower opening

[0300] 1016: Lower Frame

[0301] 1017: Headrest Guide

[0302] 1017a: Insertion port

[0303] 1017b: Head

[0304] 1020: Seat cushion frame

[0305] 1021: Cushion Pad Side Frame

[0306] 1022: Forward Link Frame

[0307] 1023: Back Link Frame

[0308] 1024: Cushion base frame

[0309] 1030: Headrest Frame

[0310] 1031: Headrest Support Rod

[0311] 1110: Seat back frame

[0312] 1111: Back Side Frame

[0313] 1112: Upper Frame

[0314] 1113: First component

[0315] 1113a: Second slice

[0316] 1113b: Drum section (second drum section)

[0317] 1113c: Flange (Second Flange)

[0318] 1114: Second component

[0319] 1114a: Second slice

[0320] 1114b: Drum section (second drum section)

[0321] 1114c: Flange (Second Flange)

[0322] 1115: Third component

[0323] 1115a: First slice

[0324] 1115b: Drum section (first drum section)

[0325] 1115c: Flange (First Flange)

[0326] 1115d: Upper surface

[0327] 1115e: Lower surface

[0328] 1115f: Through hole

[0329] 1115g: Through hole

[0330] 1116: Lower Frame

[0331] 1117: Headrest Guide

[0332] 1117a: Insertion port

[0333] 1117b: Head

[0334] 1118: Retainer section

[0335] 1118a: Upper opening

[0336] 1118b: Lower opening

[0337] 1119: Slit

[0338] 1120: Seat cushion frame

[0339] 1121: Cushion Pad Side Frame

[0340] 1122: Forward connecting frame

[0341] 1123: Rear Link Frame

[0342] 1124: Cushion base frame

[0343] 1130: Headrest Frame

[0344] 1131: Headrest Support

[0345] 1210: Seat back frame

[0346] 1211: Back Side Frame

[0347] 1212: Upper Frame

[0348] 1213: First base frame

[0349] 1213a: First drum section

[0350] 1213b: First flange

[0351] 1213c: First recess

[0352] 1213d: Upper opening

[0353] 1213e: Lower opening

[0354] 1214: Second base frame

[0355] 1214a: Second drum section

[0356] 1214b: Second flange

[0357] 1214c: Second recess

[0358] 1214d: Upper opening

[0359] 1214e: Lower opening

[0360] 1214f: Window

[0361] 1215: Retainer section

[0362] 1215a: Upper opening

[0363] 1215b: Lower opening

[0364] 1215c: Cover section

[0365] 1216: Lower Frame

[0366] 1217: Headrest Guide

[0367] 1217a: Insertion port

[0368] 1217b: Head

[0369] 1217c: Main body

[0370] 1220: Seat cushion frame

[0371] 1221: Cushion Pad Side Frame

[0372] 1222: Forward connecting frame

[0373] 1223: Rear Link Frame

[0374] 1224: Cushion base frame

[0375] 1230: Headrest Frame

[0376] 1231: Headrest support

[0377] 1231a: Lower end

[0378] 1310: Back Frame

[0379] 1311: Back Side Frame

[0380] 1312: Upper Frame

[0381] 1313: Lower Frame

[0382] 1320: Cushioning Pad Frame

[0383] 1321: Side frame

[0384] 1321a: Main frame section

[0385] 1321b: Upper flange portion

[0386] 1321c: Lower flange portion

[0387] 1321d: Skin hook part

[0388] 1321e: Kahe Cave (Bei Kahe Section)

[0389] 1322: Forward connecting frame

[0390] 1323: Rear Link Frame

[0391] 1324: Elastic spring (elastic component)

[0392] 1330: Base frame (frame erection)

[0393] 1331: Central section of the frame (first frame section)

[0394] 1331a, 1331b: Protruding flange

[0395] 1332: Side section of the frame (second frame section)

[0396] 1332a, 1332b: Protruding flange

[0397] 1333: Rear Reinforcement Unit (Reinforcement Unit)

[0398] 1334: Front reinforcement section (reinforcement section, reinforcement recess)

[0399] 1335: Spring hook part

[0400] 1336: Skin hook part

[0401] 1337: Clamping clamp (clamping part)

[0402] 1337a: Fixture body

[0403] 1337b: Card Section

[0404] 1337c: concave part

[0405] 1403, 1403A: Headrest

[0406] 1404, 1404A: Neck brace

[0407] 4a: Neck support surface

[0408] 1410: Seat back frame

[0409] 1411: Back Side Frame

[0410] 1412, 1412A: Upper frame

[0411] 1413: Crossbeam

[0412] 1415: Compression member

[0413] 1416: Lower Frame

[0414] 1417: Headrest Guide

[0415] 1418: Mounting screw

[0416] 1419: Torso Support Plate

[0417] 1420: Seat cushion frame

[0418] 1421: Cushion Pad Side Frame

[0419] 1422: Cushion base frame

[0420] 1423: Rear Link Frame

[0421] 1424: S-spring

[0422] 1426: Hook and Loop

[0423] 1430: Headrest Frame

[0424] 1431, 1431A: Headrest support

[0425] 1433: Head support plate

[0426] 1440: Neck brace frame

[0427] 1441: Guiding Component

[0428] 1441a: slot

[0429] 1442: Neck support plate (supporting component)

[0430] 1443: Position-holding component

[0431] 1443A: First position holding member

[0432] 1443B: Second position holding member

[0433] 1444: Upper mounting frame

[0434] 1445: Spring (force-applying component)

[0435] 1446: Stopping plate

[0436] 1447: concave part

[0437] 1448: Shape-maintaining component

[0438] 1449: Maintaining Department

[0439] 1450: Main Body

[0440] 1451: Upper mounting section

[0441] 1452: Adjustment of the organization

[0442] 1453: Prominent Adjustment Section

[0443] 1454: Vertical Position Adjustment Section

[0444] 1455: Locking Unit

[0445] 1456: Protrusion

[0446] 1510: Back Frame

[0447] 1511: Back side frame (side frame)

[0448] 1512: Upper frame (connecting frame)

[0449] 1513: Lower frame (connecting frame)

[0450] 1514: Member Frame (Connecting Frame)

[0451] 1520, 1620, 1720: Cushioning Pad Frame

[0452] 1521: Side frame (buffer pad side frame)

[0453] 1521a: Main frame section

[0454] 1521b: Upper flange portion

[0455] 1521c: Lower flange portion

[0456] 1521d: Skin hook part

[0457] 1521e: Mounting hole (installed part)

[0458] 1522: Forward connecting frame

[0459] 1523: Rear Link Frame

[0460] 1524: Elastic spring (elastic component)

[0461] 1530, 1630, 1730: Base frame (connecting frame)

[0462] 1531: Main Frame Section

[0463] 1532: Front wall of the frame

[0464] 1532a, 1533a: Bending section

[0465] 1533: Frame sidewall

[0466] 1534: First reinforcing recess (reinforcing part)

[0467] 1535: Second reinforcing recess (reinforcing section)

[0468] 1536: Skin hook part (hook part)

[0469] 1537: Spring hook part (hook part)

[0470] 1538: Installation hole (installation section)

[0471] 1539: Mounting bolts (mounting components)

[0472] 1540, 1640, 1740: Frame abutment part

[0473] 1540A: Left side frame abutment (one side frame abutment)

[0474] 1540B: ​​Right side frame abutment (other side frame abutment)

[0475] 1550: Second frame abutment part

[0476] 1641: Outer wall portion

[0477] 1810: Cushioning Pad Frame

[0478] 1811: Cushion Pad Side Frame

[0479] 1811a: Main wall section

[0480] 1811b: Outer wall portion

[0481] 1811c: Connecting wall portion

[0482] 1811d: Upper flange

[0483] 1811e: Lower flange

[0484] 1812: Base Frame

[0485] 1812a: Spring hook part

[0486] 1813: Forward connecting frame

[0487] 1814: Rear Link Frame

[0488] 1815: Elastic Spring

[0489] 1186: Secured Hole

[0490] 1820: Back Frame

[0491] 1821: Back Side Frame

[0492] 1821a: Shaft Hole

[0493] 1822: Upper Frame

[0494] 1823: Lower frame

[0495] 1860: Connecting bracket

[0496] 1861: Axle Hole

[0497] 1862: Chimera hole

[0498] 1863: Spring-loaded locking part

[0499] 1864: Forward Restriction Section

[0500] 1865: Rear Restriction Section

[0501] 1866: Fastening Hole

[0502] 1867: Second Secured Hole

[0503] 1868: Incision site

[0504] 1870: Fastening components (fastening bolts)

[0505] 1871: First fastening component

[0506] 1872: Second fastening component

[0507] H: Crew

[0508] H1: Head

[0509] H2: Neck

[0510] H3: Trunk Detailed Implementation

[0511] The following is for reference Figures 1 to 85 The embodiments of the present invention will be described below.

[0512] Furthermore, the side where the occupant sits is called the front side of the seat, relative to the back of the seat in a vehicle.

[0513] <First Implementation>

[0514] based on Figures 1 to 9B Let me explain the vehicle seat S1 according to the first embodiment.

[0515] The vehicle seat S1 mainly includes: the seat body, such as Figure 1 As shown, it includes a seat backrest 1 and a seat cushion 2; as well as a slide rail device 3, a height linkage device 4, and a tilting device 30, such as Figure 2 As shown, the slide rail device 3 supports the seat body to the vehicle floor in a way that allows it to move back and forth, the height linkage device 4 connects the seat body to the vehicle floor in a way that allows it to be raised and lowered, and the tilting device 30 connects the seat back 1 to the seat cushion 2 in a way that allows it to rotate.

[0516] like Figure 1 As shown, the seat back 1 supports the back of the seated person from behind, forming a frame. Figure 2 The back frame 10 shown is supported by cushioning material 1a and covered with skin material 1b.

[0517] The seat cushion 2 supports the seat portion of the occupant from below, forming a framework. Figure 2The cushioning frame 20 shown carries the cushioning material 2a and is covered with the skin material 2b.

[0518] like Figure 2 As shown, the slide rail device 3 is disposed between the seat body and the vehicle floor in the vertical direction, and mainly includes: left and right lower guide rails 3a, which are fixed to the vehicle floor and extend in the front-rear direction of the seat; left and right upper guide rails 3b, which are supported so that they can slide along the lower guide rails 3a; a locking member (not shown) that locks the upper guide rails 3b so that they cannot slide relative to the lower guide rails 3a; and a guide rail operating rod 3c for releasing the locking member.

[0519] A buffer pad frame 20 is mounted on the upper surface of the left and right upper guide rails 3b via a height linkage device 4.

[0520] like Figure 2 As shown, the height linkage device 4 is installed between the slide rail device 3 and the buffer pad frame 20, and mainly includes: left and right first linkages 4a, disposed on the front side of the seat; left and right second linkages 4b, disposed on the rear side of the seat; a locking member (not shown) that locks the seat body to prevent it from being raised or lowered; and a height operating lever 4c for releasing the locking member from its locked state. Furthermore, the second linkage 4b ​​serves as a drive linkage, enabling the adjustment of the seat body's height.

[0521] like Figure 2 As shown, the back frame 10 comprises a generally rectangular frame, mainly including: back side frames 11, disposed on the left and right sides; upper frame 12, connecting the upper portions of each back side frame 11 and forming an inverted U-shape; lower frame 13, connecting the lower portions of each back side frame 11 and forming a plate shape; and elastic springs (not shown), hooked onto each back side frame 11 and extending in a serpentine manner.

[0522] The back side frame 11 extends in the vertical direction and includes a sheet metal member with a cross-section of approximately C-shaped, the lower part of which is connected to the rear end of the side frame 21 via an inclined device 30.

[0523] A fitting hole 11a for embedding the inclined body 31 and the rotating shaft 32 is formed on the outer side of the back side frame 11 in the seat width direction.

[0524] like Figure 2As shown, the cushioning frame 20 comprises a generally rectangular frame, mainly including: side frames 21, disposed on the left and right sides and extending in the fore-and-aft direction of the seat; a base frame 22, connecting the front ends of each side frame 21 and in a plate-like shape; a front connecting frame 23, connecting the front ends of each side frame 21; a rear connecting frame 24, connecting the rear ends of each side frame 21; and an elastic spring (not shown), hooked to the base frame 22 and the rear connecting frame 24 and extending in a serpentine manner in the fore-and-aft direction of the seat.

[0525] The side frame 21 is a long, plate-like frame in the front-to-back direction of the seat, and a tilting device 30 is installed at the rear end of the side frame 21.

[0526] A fitting hole 21a for embedding the inclined body 31 and the rotating shaft 32 is formed on the outer side of the side frame 21 in the seat width direction.

[0527] The front connecting frame 23 and the rear connecting frame 24 are tubular frames that connect the left and right side frames 21 respectively, and connect the left and right connecting rods (first connecting rod 4a and second connecting rod 4b).

[0528] like Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, the tilting device 30 is a device that can switch between a locked state and a unlocked state when the back frame 10 is locked in a rotational motion, and can be operated from the state where the back frame 10 is locked in a predetermined upright posture. Figure 1 The tilt is unlocked by the lever 34, which allows the upright posture of the back frame 10 to be adjusted.

[0529] like Figures 2-4 As shown, the tilting device 30 includes: a tilting body 31, disposed on the left side in the seat width direction, which is driven when the back frame 10 is rotated; a rotation shaft 32, disposed on the left and right sides in the seat width direction, which serves as the rotation center of the back frame; and a connecting member 40, which extends in the seat width direction and connects the left and right rotation shafts 32.

[0530] Additionally, the tilting device 30 also includes: a coil spring 33, disposed on the left side in the seat width direction, which applies force to the backrest frame 10 to rotate it forward; and Figure 1 The tilting lever 34 shown is operated to release the locked state of the back frame 10.

[0531] The tilting body 31 has a known locking mechanism that can switch the state of the back frame 10 between a locked state that is fixed relative to the cushion frame 20 and a unlocked state that is rotatable relative to the cushion frame 20.

[0532] The rotating shaft 32 is axially supported on the backrest frame 10 and the cushion frame 20 in the seat width direction, and the extended end (inner end) of the rotating shaft 32 is mounted on the connecting member 40.

[0533] The coil spring 33 is a force-applying spring that applies force to the backrest frame 10 towards the front of the seat. It is configured such that one end is locked to a spring locking bracket 35 installed on the outer side of the backrest side frame 11, and the other end is locked to a spring locking member 36 installed on the outer side of the side frame 21.

[0534] like Figures 3 to 5A , Figure 5B As shown, the connecting member 40 is formed, for example, by pressing a plate-shaped component, and mainly includes: a connecting body 41 that extends in a long strip in the width direction of the seat; and a shaft mounting part 42 that is provided at the extended end of the connecting body 41 and is used to mount the rotating shaft 32.

[0535] The connecting body 41 has a plurality of reinforcing protrusions 43 and reinforcing recesses 44 arranged alternately adjacent to each other in its extending direction, and has a serpentine shape by means of the reinforcing protrusions 43 and reinforcing recesses 44.

[0536] The reinforcing protrusion 43 and the reinforcing recess 44 are formed on the outer surface of the connecting body part 41 as a protrusion and a recess in a generally semi-circular shape, respectively, and extend in a long strip in a direction that intersects (orthogonal direction) with the extension direction of the connecting body part 41.

[0537] Furthermore, the reinforcing protrusion 43 is formed such that the central portion of the seat in the fore-and-aft direction is deeper than its front and rear ends. The same applies to the reinforcing recess 44. Therefore, the rigidity of the connecting member 40 is improved, and on the other hand, interference between the connecting member 40 and other constituent parts is suppressed when the connecting member 40 rotates together with the rotating shaft 32.

[0538] The shaft mounting portion 42 has an open cross-sectional shape with an opening formed on its upper side and is supported in a manner that surrounds the extension of the rotating shaft 32.

[0539] Specifically, the shaft mounting portion 42 has: a pair of opposing wall portions 42a and 42b, which are provided at a predetermined interval in the front-rear direction of the seat; a connecting wall portion 42c, which connects the lower ends of the pair of opposing wall portions 42a and 42b; and a first flange portion 42d and a second flange portion 42e, which are formed to extend from the extended ends of the pair of opposing wall portions 42a and 42b toward opposite sides.

[0540] In the structure, such as Figure 5A , Figure 5BAs shown, the extension of the rotating shaft 32 is housed in a region surrounded by a pair of opposing walls 42a, 42b and a connecting wall 42c.

[0541] Therefore, the rotating shaft 32 can be easily assembled to the connecting member 40 (shaft mounting part 42). In addition, the connecting member 40 can suitably hold the rotating shaft 32.

[0542] Additionally, in the aforementioned structure, such as Figure 4 , Figure 5A , Figure 5B As shown, welding is performed while the shaft mounting portion 42 and the rotating shaft 32 are in contact, forming a weld line 45 on the shaft mounting portion 42. Multiple weld lines 45 are formed at predetermined intervals in the seat's fore-and-aft direction, each extending along the rotating shaft 32. In other words, multiple weld lines 45 are arranged to sandwich the extension portion of the rotating shaft 32 in the seat's fore-and-aft direction.

[0543] Therefore, the rotating shaft 32 can be securely assembled to the connecting member 40. In particular, the torsional rigidity of the connecting member 40 can be improved. In addition, the rotating shaft 32 can be easily assembled.

[0544] Additionally, in the aforementioned structure, such as Figure 5A , Figure 5B As shown, the connecting body portion 41 has a serpentine shape by forming the reinforcing protrusion 43 and the reinforcing recess 44 in its extending direction.

[0545] Therefore, the connecting component 40 can be manufactured using compression molding. This allows for an increase in the rigidity of the connecting component 40.

[0546] Furthermore, considering that the rigidity of the connecting member 40 should be increased without making the connecting member 40 too large, interference between the connecting member 40 and other components can be suppressed when the seat back 1 rotates.

[0547] With the above structure, a vehicle seat S can be realized that can suppress the manufacturing cost of the tilting device 30 while ensuring the rigidity of the tilting device 30 (connecting structural member 40).

[0548] <<Examples 1-4 of variations of connecting structural components>>

[0549] Next, based on Figure 6A , Figures 6B to 9A , Figure 9B Examples 1 to 4 of the modified structural components are used to illustrate the modifications.

[0550] Furthermore, details that overlap with the aforementioned connecting component 40 are omitted. Additionally, regarding... Figure 6A , Figures 6B to 9A , Figure 9B The diagram of the weld line is omitted.

[0551] like Figure 6A , Figure 6B As shown, the connecting member 140 of Modified Example 1 is formed by pressing, for example, and mainly includes: a connecting body 141 that is elongated in the width direction of the seat, and a shaft mounting part 142.

[0552] The connecting body portion 141 has a reinforcing protrusion 143, which is formed as a generally semi-circular protrusion on the outer surface of the connecting body portion 141 and extends along the extending direction of the connecting member 140. Multiple reinforcing protrusions 143 are formed at predetermined intervals in the seat's fore-and-aft direction.

[0553] The shaft mounting portion 142 has an open cross-sectional shape with an opening formed on its upper side and is supported in a manner that surrounds the extension of the rotating shaft 132.

[0554] Specifically, the shaft mounting portion 142 has a pair of opposing wall portions 142a and 142b, a connecting wall portion 142c, and a first flange portion 142d and a second flange portion 142e.

[0555] A concave reinforcing recess 144 extending along the extending direction of the connecting member 140 is formed on the outer surface of the first flange portion 142d. A reinforcing recess 144 is also formed on the outer surface of the second flange portion 142e.

[0556] In addition, the shaft mounting portion 142 has a positioning portion 146, which is formed as a protrusion on the outer surface of the shaft mounting portion 142, and positions the rotating shaft 132 by abutting the extended end of the rotating shaft 132.

[0557] The positioning part 146 is formed on the inner end of the shaft mounting part 142 in the seat width direction and extends in a direction (orthogonal direction) that intersects with the extending direction of the connecting member 140.

[0558] Therefore, the rotating shaft 132 can be easily assembled by abutting the positioning part 146 from the outside of the seat width direction.

[0559] Even with the aforementioned structure, a vehicle seat can be achieved that ensures the rigidity of the connecting structural member 140 while suppressing manufacturing costs.

[0560] like Figure 7A , Figure 7B As shown, the connecting member 240 of Modified Example 2 is formed by pressing, for example, and mainly includes: a connecting body 241 that is elongated in the width direction of the seat, and a shaft mounting part 242.

[0561] The connecting body portion 241 has a reinforcing protrusion 243, which is formed as a protrusion on the outer surface of the connecting body portion 241 and extends along the extending direction of the connecting member 240. Multiple reinforcing protrusions 243 are formed at intervals in the front-rear direction of the seat.

[0562] Additionally, the connecting body portion 241 has a second reinforcing protrusion 244, which is formed as a protrusion on the outer surface of the connecting body portion 241 and is formed in an X-shape. Multiple second reinforcing protrusions 244 are formed adjacently in the seat's front-to-back direction and multiple are also formed at intervals in the seat's width direction.

[0563] The shaft mounting portion 242 has an open cross-sectional shape with an opening formed on its upper side and is held in a manner that surrounds the extension of the rotating shaft 232.

[0564] The shaft mounting portion 242 has a pair of opposing wall portions 242a and 242b, a connecting wall portion 242c, and a first flange portion 242d and a second flange portion 242e.

[0565] Concave reinforcing recesses 245 are formed on the outer surfaces of the first flange portion 242d and the second flange portion 242e, respectively.

[0566] In addition, the shaft mounting portion 242 has a positioning portion 246, which is formed as a protrusion on the outer surface of the shaft mounting portion 242, and positions the rotating shaft 232 by abutting the extended end of the rotating shaft 132.

[0567] Even with the aforementioned structure, a vehicle seat can be achieved that ensures the rigidity of the connecting structural member 240 while suppressing manufacturing costs.

[0568] like Figure 8A , Figure 8B As shown, the connecting member 340 of the modified example 3 is formed, for example, by using a pressed and bent plate-shaped member, and mainly includes: a connecting body 341 that is elongated in the width direction of the seat, and a shaft mounting part 342.

[0569] The connecting body 341 has an open cross-sectional shape with an opening formed on its upper side, and has a generally triangular cross-sectional shape.

[0570] Specifically, the connecting body 341 has a pair of opposing wall portions 341a and 341b, and a connecting wall portion 341c that connects the lower ends of the pair of opposing wall portions 341a and 341b.

[0571] A pair of opposing wall portions 341a and 341b are inclined upwards as they approach each other from the lower side toward the upper side.

[0572] On the outer surfaces of each of the pair of opposing wall portions 341a, 341b and the connecting wall portion 341c, a convex reinforcing protrusion 343 extending along the extending direction of the connecting member 340 is formed.

[0573] The shaft mounting portion 342 has an open cross-sectional shape with an opening formed on its upper side and is supported in a manner that surrounds the extension of the rotating shaft 332.

[0574] Specifically, the shaft mounting portion 342 has a pair of opposing wall portions 342a and 342b, and a connecting wall portion 342c.

[0575] In the aforementioned structure, the opening of the connecting body 341 and the opening of the shaft mounting portion 342 are formed to face the same side. Therefore, by making the connecting member 340 into a simple shape, manufacturing costs can be reduced.

[0576] Even with the aforementioned structure, a vehicle seat can be achieved that ensures the rigidity of the connecting structural member 340 while suppressing manufacturing costs.

[0577] like Figure 9A , Figure 9B As shown, the connecting member 440 of the modified example 4 is formed, for example, by using a pressed and bent plate-shaped member, and mainly includes: a connecting body part 441 that is elongated in the width direction of the seat, and a shaft mounting part 442.

[0578] The connecting body 441 has an open cross-sectional shape with an opening formed on its upper side, and has a roughly U-shaped cross-section.

[0579] Specifically, the connecting body portion 441 has a pair of opposing wall portions 441a and 441b, and a connecting wall portion 441c that connects the lower ends of the pair of opposing wall portions 441a and 441b.

[0580] A pair of opposing wall portions 441a and 441b extend vertically. In other words, they rise directly upwards from the connecting wall portion 441c.

[0581] A convex reinforcing protrusion 443 extending along the extension direction of the connecting member 440 is formed on the outer surface of the connecting wall portion 441c.

[0582] Multiple reinforcing protrusions 443 are formed at intervals in the extending direction. Furthermore, through holes 444 are formed between the multiple reinforcing protrusions 443 to achieve weight reduction of the connecting member 440.

[0583] The shaft mounting portion 442 has an open cross-sectional shape with an opening formed on its upper side and is supported in a manner that surrounds the extension of the rotating shaft 432.

[0584] Specifically, the shaft mounting portion 442 has a pair of opposing wall portions 442a and 442b, and a connecting wall portion 442c.

[0585] In the aforementioned structure, when the rotating shaft 432 is mounted to the connecting member 440, the extended end of the rotating shaft 432 abuts against the reinforcing protrusion 443. That is, the reinforcing protrusion 443 functions as a positioning part for positioning the rotating shaft 432.

[0586] Therefore, the rotating shaft 432 can be easily assembled.

[0587] Even with the aforementioned structure, a vehicle seat can be achieved that ensures the rigidity of the connecting structural member 440 while suppressing manufacturing costs.

[0588] <<Other Implementation Methods>>

[0589] In the described embodiment, such as Figure 3 As shown, the connecting structural member 40 is a component of the tilting device 30, but it is not particularly limited and can be modified.

[0590] For example, the connecting member 40 may be a component of the height linkage device 4, which is used as a connecting member in the height linkage device 4 to connect the left and right rotation shafts (not shown).

[0591] Alternatively, the connecting member 40 may be a component of the slide rail device 3, and may be used as a connecting member connecting the left and right upper guide rails 3b.

[0592] In addition, it can also be a component of a foot pedal device.

[0593] In the described embodiment, such as Figure 3 , Figure 4 As shown, the shaft mounting portion 42 has an open cross-sectional shape with an opening formed on its upper side, but it is not particularly limited and can be changed.

[0594] For example, the shaft mounting portion 42 may also have an open cross-sectional shape with an opening formed on its lower side, front side or rear side.

[0595] Alternatively, for example, the shaft mounting portion 42 may also have an open cross-sectional shape with an opening formed on its front lower side, front upper side, rear lower side, or rear upper side.

[0596] That is, the shaft mounting portion 42 can be configured to "have an open cross-sectional shape with an opening on one side in the vertical direction or on one side in the seat front-back direction". This includes all the structures described above.

[0597] In the described embodiment, such as Figure 5BAs shown, the rotating shaft 32 is installed on the shaft mounting part 42 by welding, but the installation method is not limited to welding and can be modified.

[0598] For example, an adhesive can be used to mount the rotating shaft 32 to the shaft mounting part 42.

[0599] <Second Implementation>

[0600] Next, based on Figures 10-17 The second embodiment of the vehicle seat S2 will be explained.

[0601] Furthermore, details regarding content that overlaps with the seat S1 for the aforementioned vehicle are omitted.

[0602] The vehicle seat S2 can reduce the manufacturing cost of the seat frame while ensuring the rigidity of the seat frame as a skeleton.

[0603] In addition, by using compression molding to manufacture the frame components, the manufacturing cost of the seat frame can be reduced.

[0604] Vehicle Seats S2, etc. Figure 10 The image shows a vehicle seat, which mainly includes: a seat body, including a seat back 501 and a seat cushion 502; and a guide rail device 503, a height linkage device 504, and a tilting device 505, as shown. Figure 11 As shown, the guide rail device 503 supports the seat body to move back and forth on the vehicle floor, the height linkage device 504 connects the seat body to the vehicle floor to be raised and lowered, and the tilting device 505 connects the seat back 501 to the seat cushion 502 to be rotated.

[0605] like Figure 10 As shown, the seat back 501 supports the back of the seated person from behind, forming a frame. Figure 11 The back frame 510 shown carries cushioning material 501a and is covered with skin material 501b.

[0606] The seat cushion 502 supports the occupant's seating area from below, forming a framework within the seat. Figure 11 The cushioning frame 520 shown carries cushioning material 502a and is covered with skin material 502b.

[0607] like Figure 11As shown, the guide rail device 503 is disposed between the seat body and the vehicle floor in the vertical direction, and mainly includes: left and right lower guide rails 503a, fixed to the vehicle floor and extending in the front-rear direction of the seat; left and right upper guide rails 503b, supported so as to be able to slide along the lower guide rails 503a; a locking member (not shown) that locks the upper guide rails 503b so as not to slide relative to the lower guide rails 503a; and a guide rail operating lever 503c for releasing the locking member from its locked state.

[0608] A buffer pad frame 520 is mounted on the upper surface of the left and right upper guide rails 503b via a height linkage device 504.

[0609] like Figure 11 As shown, the height linkage device 504 is installed between the guide rail device 503 and the buffer pad frame 520, and mainly includes: left and right first linkages 504a, disposed on the front side of the seat; left and right second linkages 504b, disposed on the rear side of the seat; a locking member (not shown) that locks the seat body to prevent it from being raised or lowered; and a height operating lever 504c for releasing the locking member from its locked state. Furthermore, the second linkage 504b serves as a drive linkage, enabling the adjustment of the seat body's height.

[0610] like Figure 11 As shown, the tilting device 505 mainly includes: a tilting body 505a, which is driven when the back frame 510 is rotated; a rotation shaft 505b; a coil spring 505c, which applies force to the back frame 510 to make it rotate forward about the rotation shaft 505b; and Figure 1 The tilting lever 505d shown is operated to release the locked state of the back frame 510.

[0611] The tilting body 505a has a known locking mechanism that can switch the state of the back frame 510 between a locked state that is fixed relative to the cushion frame 520 and a unlocked state that is rotatable relative to the cushion frame 520.

[0612] The rotating shaft 505b is axially supported on the backrest frame 510 side and the cushioning frame 520 side in the seat width direction. One end of the coil spring 505c is locked on the backrest frame 510 side and the other end is locked on the cushioning frame 520 side.

[0613] like Figure 11As shown, the back frame 510 comprises a generally rectangular frame, mainly including: back side frames 511, disposed on the left and right sides; upper frame 512, connecting the upper portions of each back side frame 511 and forming an inverted U-shape; lower frame 513, connecting the lower portions of each back side frame 511 and forming a plate shape; and elastic springs (not shown), hooked onto each back side frame 511 and extending in a serpentine manner.

[0614] The back side frame 511 extends in the vertical direction and includes a sheet metal member with a cross-section of approximately C-shaped. Its lower end is connected to the rear end of the side frame 521 via an inclined device 505.

[0615] like Figures 11-14 As shown, the cushioning frame 520 comprises a generally rectangular frame, mainly including: side frames 521, disposed on the left and right sides and extending in the fore-and-aft direction of the seat; a base frame 522, connecting the front ends of each side frame 521 and in a plate-like shape; a front connecting frame 530, connecting the front ends of each side frame 521; a rear connecting frame 540, connecting the rear ends of each side frame 521; and a plurality of elastic springs 523, hooked to the base frame 22 and the rear connecting frame 540 and extending in a serpentine manner in the fore-and-aft direction of the seat.

[0616] like Figures 11-13 As shown, the side frame 521 is a long strip-shaped plate frame in the front-back direction of the seat, and has: a frame body 521a, and an upper flange 521b and a lower flange 521c that bend inward in the width direction of the seat from the upper end and lower end of the frame body 521a, respectively.

[0617] Additionally, the side frame 521 has a skin hook portion 521d, which is formed by cutting and erecting a portion of the side surface of the side frame 521, for hooking the end portion of the skin material 502b.

[0618] The leather hook portion 521d has multiple portions spaced at predetermined intervals in the front-to-back direction of the seat.

[0619] Furthermore, a tilting device 505 is installed at the rear end of the side frame 521.

[0620] like Figure 11 , Figure 14 , Figure 15 As shown, the base frame 522 is a frame that supports the thighs of the person sitting, and includes a generally rectangular plate body, with the two ends of the plate body in the width direction of the seat mounted on the upper surface of the side frame 521.

[0621] A bent portion 522a is formed at the front end of the base frame 522 by bending the front end of the front end upward.

[0622] In addition, bending portions 522b and 522c are also formed at both ends of the base frame 22 in the seat width direction.

[0623] The bent portion 522a is formed continuously in a manner that extends along the width direction of the seat, specifically by a curling process.

[0624] In addition, the bending portions 522b and 522c are formed continuously in a manner that extends along the front-back direction of the seat.

[0625] Therefore, compared with the previous folding or deep drawing processes, manufacturing costs (mold costs) can be reduced.

[0626] like Figure 11 As shown, the elastic spring 523 is an elastic support member that supports the buttocks of the seated person, and multiple springs are provided at predetermined intervals in the width direction of the seat.

[0627] The front end of the elastic spring 523 is hooked onto the edge of a hook hole (not shown) formed on the upper surface of the base frame 522. The rear end of the elastic spring 523 is mounted to the rear connecting frame 540 via a hook member.

[0628] like Figure 12 , Figure 13 As shown, the front connecting frame 530 and the rear connecting frame 540 have an open cross-sectional shape with an opening formed on their lower side, and are elongated frames in the seat width direction.

[0629] The connecting frames 530 and 540 are formed, for example, by pressing and forming from a plate-shaped frame.

[0630] The connecting frames 530 and 540 connect the left and right side frames 521 and connect the left and right connecting rods (first connecting rod 504a and second connecting rod 504b).

[0631] Specifically, the front connecting frame 530 extends in a long strip in the seat width direction and has: a frame body portion 531 having an open cross-sectional shape; and a flange portion 532 provided at the extended end of the frame body portion 531 to form a cutout by extending outward from the extended end.

[0632] Furthermore, the rear connecting frame 540 also has the same structure, having a frame body 541 and a flange 542.

[0633] The following is based on Figure 12 , Figure 13The details of the rear connecting frame 540 are described in detail, while the details of the front connecting frame 530 are omitted.

[0634] The frame body 541 has a pair of opposing wall portions 541a and 541b arranged at a predetermined interval in the front-back direction of the seat, and a connecting wall portion 541c connecting the upper ends of the pair of opposing wall portions 541a and 541b.

[0635] A reinforcing recess 543 is formed on the outer surface of the opposing wall portions 541a and 541b. The reinforcing recess 543 is formed as a recess and extends along the extension direction of the rear connecting frame 540.

[0636] Additionally, a reinforcing protrusion 544 is formed on the outer surface of the connecting wall portion 541c. The reinforcing protrusion 544 is formed as a protrusion and extends along the extension direction of the rear connecting frame 540.

[0637] The flange portion 542 is formed along the inner side surface of the side frame 521 and abuts against the inner side surface of the side frame 521.

[0638] Specifically, the flange portion 542 has: a first flange portion 542a and a second flange portion 542b, which are formed to extend toward opposite sides from the extended ends of a pair of opposing wall portions 541a and 541b; and a third flange portion 542c, which is formed to extend toward the outside (upper side) from the extended end of the connecting wall portion 541c.

[0639] In the structure, such as Figure 13 As shown, welding (e.g., laser welding) is performed while the flange portion 542 is in contact with the side frame 521, and weld lines 545 are formed on the flange portion 542a, flange portion 542b, and flange portion 542c.

[0640] Therefore, the rear connecting frame 540 can be securely assembled to the inner side of the side frame 521.

[0641] Furthermore, the installation method is not limited to welding; appropriate modifications can be made. For example, the rear connecting frame 540 (flange 542) can be mounted on the side frame 521 using mounting components.

[0642] Additionally, in the aforementioned structure, such as Figure 12 As shown, the front connecting frame 530 is positioned on the side of the side frame 521 between a plurality of skin hooks 521d. Furthermore, it is mounted abutting against the flat portion of the side frame 521.

[0643] Therefore, the front connecting frame 530 can be securely mounted to the side of the side frame 521 while suppressing interference with the skin hook portion 521d.

[0644] In addition, it can also improve the rigidity of the skin hook part 521d and its surrounding parts.

[0645] Additionally, in the aforementioned structure, such as Figure 11 , Figure 12 As shown, the front connecting frame 530 is formed such that its upper surface is flat, and it is positioned further back than the base frame 522 and further down than the plurality of elastic springs 523.

[0646] Therefore, when the elastic spring 523 flexes in the vertical direction due to the seating load from the occupant, the front connecting frame 530 can bear the elastic spring 523 through its surface. As a result, compared with the conventional connecting tube, the occupant's seating comfort can be appropriately maintained even when the occupant is deeply seated in the vehicle seat S2.

[0647] <<Examples 1-3 of the connecting frame>>

[0648] Next, based on Figure 16A , Figure 16B , Figure 16C Examples 1 to 3 illustrate variations of the connecting frame.

[0649] Furthermore, the content that is repeated with the aforementioned connecting frame 530 and connecting frame 540 is omitted from the description.

[0650] In the connecting frames of variations 1 to 3, the open cross-sectional shapes are different compared to connecting frame 530 and connecting frame 540.

[0651] The following details the rear link frame 640, rear link frame 740, and rear link frame 840, while omitting details of the front link frame.

[0652] like Figure 16A As shown, the rear connecting frame 640 of Modified Example 1 has: a frame body portion 641 having an open cross-sectional shape; and a flange portion 642 formed to extend outward from the extended end of the frame body portion 641.

[0653] The main frame 641 has a generally U-shaped longitudinal section, and has a pair of opposing wall portions 641a and 641b, and a connecting wall portion 641c that connects the upper ends of the pair of opposing wall portions 641a and 641b.

[0654] Furthermore, the connecting portions of the opposing wall portions 641a, 641b and the connecting wall portion 641c are chamfered.

[0655] The flange 642 abuts against the inner side of the side frame 521.

[0656] The flange portion 642 has: a first flange portion 642a and a second flange portion 642b, which are formed to extend toward opposite sides from the extended ends of a pair of opposing wall portions 641a and 641b; and a third flange portion 642c, which is formed to extend toward the outside (upper side) from the extended end of the connecting wall portion 641c.

[0657] Even with the aforementioned structure, the frame components can be manufactured using compression molding, thereby enabling vehicle seats that can suppress the manufacturing cost of the seat frame.

[0658] like Figure 16B As shown, the rear connecting frame 740 of Modified Example 2 has: a frame body portion 741 having an open cross-sectional shape; and a flange portion 742.

[0659] The main frame 741 has an inverted V-shaped longitudinal section and a pair of opposing wall sections 741a and 741b.

[0660] Furthermore, the upper end of the first opposing wall portion 741a is connected to the upper end of the second opposing wall portion 741b.

[0661] The flange portion 742 has a first flange portion 742a and a second flange portion 742b, which are formed to extend from the extended ends of a pair of opposing wall portions 741a, 741b toward opposite sides.

[0662] The first flange portion 742a extends in a direction orthogonal to the extending direction of the first opposing wall portion 741a and is formed along the inner surface of the side frame 521. The second flange portion 742b is formed in the same way.

[0663] Even with the aforementioned structure, the frame components can be manufactured using compression molding, thereby enabling vehicle seats that can suppress the manufacturing cost of the seat frame.

[0664] like Figure 16C As shown, the rear connecting frame 840 of modified example 3 has: a frame body portion 841 having an open cross-sectional shape; and a flange portion 842.

[0665] The frame body 841 has a generally hat-shaped longitudinal section and includes: a pair of opposing wall portions 841a and 841b; a connecting wall portion 841c that connects the upper ends of the pair of opposing wall portions 841a and 841b; a first protruding wall portion 841d that protrudes outward from the extended end of the first opposing wall portion 841a; and a second protruding wall portion 841e that protrudes outward from the extended end of the second opposing wall portion 841b.

[0666] The first protruding wall portion 841d and the second protruding wall portion 841e protrude toward opposite sides.

[0667] The flange 842 abuts against the inner side of the side frame 521.

[0668] The flange portion 842 has: a first flange portion 842a and a second flange portion 842b, which are formed to extend toward opposite sides from the extended ends of a pair of opposing wall portions 841a and 841b; a third flange portion 842c, which is formed to extend toward the outside (upper side) from the extended end of the connecting wall portion 841c; and a fourth flange portion 842d and a fifth flange portion 842e, which are formed to extend toward the outside (lower side) from the extended ends of the first protruding wall portion 841d and the second protruding wall portion 841e, respectively.

[0669] Even with the aforementioned structure, the frame components can be manufactured using compression molding, thereby enabling vehicle seats that can suppress the manufacturing cost of the seat frame.

[0670] <<Example 1 of the variation of the side frame>>

[0671] Next, based on Figure 17 Example 1 illustrates a variation of the side frame.

[0672] The side frame 621 is a long, plate-shaped frame in the front-back direction of the seat, and has: a frame body 621a, and an upper flange 621b and a lower flange 621c that bend outwards in the width direction of the seat from the upper and lower ends of the frame body 621a, respectively.

[0673] In addition, the side frame 621 (frame body 621a) has a truss structure that includes assemblies such as triangular or trapezoidal shapes (quadrilateral shapes).

[0674] Specifically, the side frame 621 includes: a plurality of reinforcing parts 621e having a triangular shape; and a plurality of reinforcing parts 621f having a trapezoidal shape.

[0675] The reinforcing part 621e is a through hole formed by a flanging process. In detail, the edge portion of the reinforcing part 621e is formed to protrude from the frame body part 621a toward the outer or inner side in the direction of seat width.

[0676] The reinforcement section 621f is also formed through a flanging process.

[0677] The side frame 621 has a skin hook portion 621d, which is formed by cutting and erecting a portion of the side of the side frame 521, for hooking the end portion of the skin material.

[0678] The leather hook portion 621d is disposed between multiple reinforcing portions 621e and 621f in the front-to-back direction of the seat.

[0679] The aforementioned structure enables the creation of vehicle seats that can improve the rigidity of the seat frame while reducing manufacturing costs.

[0680] <<Other Implementation Methods>>

[0681] In the described embodiment, such as Figure 14 As shown, the connecting frame 530 and the connecting frame 540 have open / closed cross-sectional shapes, but there is no particular limitation. It is also possible that only the front connecting frame 530 has an open / closed cross-sectional shape, or only the rear connecting frame 540 has an open / closed cross-sectional shape.

[0682] In the described embodiment, such as Figure 12 As shown, the connecting frame 530 and the connecting frame 540 have open cross-sectional shapes with openings formed on their lower sides, but there are no particular limitations and they can be changed.

[0683] For example, connecting frames 530 and 540 may also have an open cross-sectional shape with openings formed on their upper, front, or rear sides.

[0684] Alternatively, for example, the connecting frame 530 and the connecting frame 540 may also have an open cross-sectional shape with an opening formed on their front lower side, front upper side, rear lower side or rear upper side.

[0685] That is, the connecting frame 530 and the connecting frame 540 can be configured to have an open cross-sectional shape with an opening on one side in the vertical direction or on one side in the front-back direction of the seat. This includes all the structures described above.

[0686] In the described embodiment, such as Figure 11 , Figure 12 As shown, connecting frames 530 and 540 connect the left and right side frames 521 and the left and right connecting rods 504a and 504b, but there are no particular limitations and they can be changed.

[0687] For example, the front connecting frame 530 may also be a connecting frame that functions to suppress the submarine phenomenon of occupants sinking during a vehicle collision.

[0688] In the described embodiment, such as Figure 12 As shown, the extended ends of the connecting frame 530 and the connecting frame 540 are grounded and installed against the inner surface of the side frame 521, but there are no particular limitations and they can be modified.

[0689] For example, the extended ends of connecting frames 530 and 540 can also be installed through the side frame.

[0690] In the described embodiment, such as Figure 12 As shown, the rear connecting frame 540 has a reinforcing recess 543 and a reinforcing protrusion 544 extending along its extension direction, but there are no particular limitations and they can be modified.

[0691] For example, the rear connecting frame 540 may have only a reinforcing recess 543 or only a reinforcing protrusion 544.

[0692] Alternatively, for example, multiple reinforcing recesses 543 may be formed at intervals in the vertical direction, or multiple reinforcing protrusions 544 may be formed at intervals in the front-back direction of the seat.

[0693] Alternatively, for example, the reinforcing recess 543 or the reinforcing protrusion 544 may be formed as an elongated strip in the front-to-back direction of the seat. In this case, multiple such portions may be formed at intervals in the width direction of the seat.

[0694] <<Postscript>>

[0695] According to the present invention, a vehicle seat preferably includes a cushioning frame as the skeleton of the seat cushioning pad. The cushioning frame has: side frames disposed on the left and right sides in the width direction of the seat and extending in the front-rear direction of the seat; and connecting frames connecting the front or rear portions of the left and right side frames. The connecting frames have an open cross-sectional shape with an opening on one side in the vertical direction or on one side in the front-rear direction of the seat, and extend toward the inner side of the side frames.

[0696] The aforementioned structure enables the creation of vehicle seats that can suppress manufacturing costs while ensuring the rigidity of the seat frame.

[0697] In detail, the connecting frame has an open cross-sectional shape with an opening on one side in the vertical direction or on one side in the front-rear direction of the seat, extending toward the inner side of the side frame. Therefore, the connecting frame can be manufactured, for example, by compression molding. As a result, manufacturing costs can be reduced compared to conventional connecting tubes (which cannot be manufactured by compression molding).

[0698] That is, by setting the connecting frame to an open cross-sectional shape, the manufacturing cost of the connecting frame can be suppressed while ensuring rigidity.

[0699] At this point, it is preferable that the connecting frame is formed of a plate-shaped frame, having a pair of opposing walls spaced apart at a predetermined interval, and a connecting wall connecting the pair of opposing walls.

[0700] The structure described above can improve the rigidity of the connecting frame while reducing its manufacturing cost.

[0701] At this time, it is preferable that the pair of opposing wall portions are spaced apart at a predetermined interval in the front-rear direction of the seat, the connecting wall portion connects the upper ends of the pair of opposing wall portions, and the connecting frame has an open cross-sectional shape in which the opening portion is formed on the lower side of the connecting frame.

[0702] Through the structure of the connecting frame, the cushioning frame can efficiently and effectively withstand the seating load brought by the occupant.

[0703] In addition, the structure can prevent foreign objects from entering the interior of the connecting frame.

[0704] At this time, it is preferable that the connecting frame extends in a long strip in the width direction of the seat and has: a frame body having the open cross-sectional shape; and a flange portion disposed at the extended end of the frame body, formed to extend outward from the extended end, the flange portion being formed along the inner side surface of the side frame and abutting against the inner side surface of the side frame.

[0705] Alternatively, it is preferable to perform welding by means of the flange portion and the side frame abutting each other, so that at least one of the flange portion and the side frame is formed with a weld line.

[0706] The structure allows the connecting frame to be securely assembled to the inner side of the side frame.

[0707] At this time, it is preferable that the flange portion has: a first flange portion and a second flange portion, formed to extend from the extended ends of the pair of opposing wall portions toward opposite sides; and a third flange portion, formed to extend outward from the extended ends of the connecting wall portion.

[0708] The structure allows the connecting frame to be more securely assembled to the inner side of the side frame.

[0709] At this point, it is preferable that the connecting frame has a reinforcing portion, which is formed as a concave or convex portion on the outer surface of the connecting frame and extends along the extending direction of the connecting frame.

[0710] The structure described above can improve the rigidity of the connecting frame and the rigidity of the cushioning frame.

[0711] At this point, it is preferable to include a height linkage device, which connects the buffer pad frame to the vehicle floor in a height-liftable manner. The height linkage device has left and right connecting rods disposed between the buffer pad frame and the vehicle floor, and the connecting frame connects the left and right connecting rods.

[0712] According to the structure described, in a vehicle seat including a height linkage, the assembly rigidity of the height linkage (link) can be improved while suppressing the manufacturing cost of the frame components.

[0713] At this time, it is preferable that the seat cushion is configured such that cushioning material is placed on the cushioning frame and covered with a surface material, the side frame has a plurality of surface hooks formed on the side of the side frame and used to hook the end portion of the surface material, and the connecting frame is disposed on the side of the side frame between the plurality of surface hooks and is abutted against the planar portion of the side frame.

[0714] With the aforementioned structure, the connecting frame can be securely mounted to the side of the side frame while suppressing interference with the skin hook portion.

[0715] In addition, the connecting frame is installed between multiple skin hooks, thus improving the rigidity of the skin hooks and their surrounding parts.

[0716] At this time, it is preferable that the connecting frame connects the front portions of the left and right side frames, and the cushioning frame further comprises: a base frame that connects the front ends of the left and right side frames and is plate-shaped; a rear connecting frame that connects the rear portions of the left and right side frames; and a plurality of elastic springs that are hooked to the base frame and the rear connecting frame and extend in the front-back direction of the seat, wherein the upper surface of the connecting frame is formed to be flat, and is positioned further back than the base frame and further down than the plurality of elastic springs.

[0717] As described above, since the upper surface of the connecting frame is flat, the connecting frame can bear the elastic spring through its surface when the elastic spring flexes in the vertical direction due to the seating load brought by the occupant. As a result, compared with the conventional connecting tube, the occupant's seating comfort can be appropriately maintained even when the occupant is deeply seated in the vehicle seat.

[0718] <Third Implementation Method>

[0719] Next, based on Figures 18-30 The third embodiment of the vehicle seat S3 will be explained.

[0720] Furthermore, details that overlap with those of the vehicle seat S1 and vehicle seat S2 are omitted.

[0721] The vehicle seat S3 allows for flexible selection of materials used in the connecting components of the vehicle seat.

[0722] The S3 vehicle seat has Figure 18 The appearance shown. Furthermore, in Figure 18 In the illustration, a portion of the vehicle seat S3 (specifically a portion of the seat cushion S3a) is shown with the decorative cover T removed for clarity.

[0723] The vehicle seat S3 has a seat cushion S3a that serves as the seat portion supporting the buttocks of the occupant, a seat back S3b that serves as the backrest portion supporting the back of the occupant, and a headrest S3c disposed on the upper part of the seat back S3b and supporting the head of the occupant as the main components.

[0724] The seat cushion S3a is constructed by placing a cushion member P on a seat cushion frame 910, which serves as a skeleton, and then covering the cushion member P with a decorative cover T. The seat back S3b is constructed by placing a cushion member P on a seat back frame 920 and covering it with a decorative cover T. The headrest S3c is formed by placing a cushion member P on a core material (not shown) and covering it with a decorative cover T.

[0725] Reference Figures 19 to 21 The basic structure of the seat frame F (hereinafter referred to as seat frame F) in this embodiment will be explained. Figure 19 This is a perspective view of the seat frame F included in the vehicle seat S3.

[0726] like Figure 19 As shown, in the seat frame F, the seat cushion frame 910, which constitutes the skeleton of the seating part in the seat frame F, and the seat back frame 920, which constitutes the skeleton of the backrest part in the seat frame F, are the main constituent components.

[0727] Next, the structure of the seat cushion frame 910 will be explained. For example... Figure 19 As shown, the seat cushion frame 910 mainly includes left and right cushion side frames 911, a base frame 912, a front connecting tube 913, and a rear connecting tube 914.

[0728] The cushion side frame 911 is a frame that extends in the fore-and-aft direction of the seat. A base frame 912 is connected to the front end of the left and right cushion side frames 911. The base frame 912 is a plate-like frame with a generally rectangular shape that supports the occupant's thighs.

[0729] A front connecting tube 913 is mounted in front of the left and right cushion side frames 911, and a rear connecting tube 914 is mounted behind them. In addition, the rear ends of the left and right cushion side frames 911 are rotatably connected to the back side frame 921 of the seat back frame 920.

[0730] like Figure 19As shown, the seat back frame 920 includes a pair of left and right back side frames 921, an upper frame 922 that links the pair of back side frames 921 in the seat width direction, and a lower frame 923 that serves as a lower connecting frame.

[0731] To define the width of the seat back S3b, a pair of backrest side frames 921 are separately arranged facing each other in the seat width direction (left-right direction). The pair of backrest side frames 921 are configured to extend in the vertical direction on both sides and are formed into elongated strips. The pair of backrest side frames 921 are arranged on the side of the vehicle seat S3, forming the left and right frames of the seat back S3b.

[0732] The upper frame 922 is a component that connects the upper parts of a pair of back side frames 921 to each other. The left and right ends of the upper frame 922 are connected to the back side frames 921 by welding.

[0733] The lower frame 923 is a component that connects the lower parts of a pair of back side frames 921 to each other. The left and right ends of the lower frame 923 are connected to the back side frames 921 by welding.

[0734] Additionally, a slide rail 930 is provided at the lower part of the seat cushion S3a for sliding the seat cushion S3a, seat back S3b, and headrest S3c in the front-to-back direction. For example... Figure 18 and Figure 19 As shown, a pair of slide rails 930 are installed on the left and right sides with a gap between them. Figure 19 As shown, each slide rail 930 has: a lower guide rail 931, which is fixed to the vehicle body in a state of extending in the front-rear direction; and an upper guide rail 932, which can move along the extension direction of the lower guide rail 931.

[0735] Furthermore, in the height direction, a height adjustment mechanism 940 for adjusting the height of the seat cushion S3a is included between the seat cushion S3a and the slide rail 930. Moreover, an operating lever L for driving the height adjustment mechanism 940 is located on the side of the seat cushion S3a. Figure 18 ).

[0736] The height adjustment mechanism 940 adjusts the height of the seat cushion S3a by rotating a linkage driven by a drive mechanism (not shown). Two linkages are arranged on each side. Specifically, two linkages are positioned directly above each of the left and right slide rails 930 (strictly speaking, directly above the upper guide rail 932). These two linkages are separated from each other in the front-rear direction (i.e., the extension direction of the lower guide rail 931). The front linkage is referred to as the front linkage 941, and the rear linkage as the rear linkage 942.

[0737] The link support bracket 943 is a metal plate component that supports the front link 941 and the rear link 942. A pair of link support brackets 943 extend long in the front-rear direction and are respectively fused to the upper surface of a pair of upper guide rails 932.

[0738] The following is for reference Figures 19 to 21 The structure of the height adjustment mechanism 940 will be explained below. In the height adjustment mechanism 940, the front link 941 and the rear link 942 are supported by the buffer pad side frame 911 and the upper guide rail 932 respectively in a swingable state.

[0739] To be more specific, the front link 941 is supported in a pivoting state on the front end 943a of the link support bracket 943, and the lower end 942a of the rear link 942 is supported in a pivoting state on the rear end 943b of the link support bracket 943.

[0740] Furthermore, the upper end 941b of the front link 941 is supported in a pivotal state at a portion slightly forward of the central portion of the buffer pad side frame 911 in the longitudinal direction. Furthermore, the upper end 942b of the rear link 942 is supported in a pivotal state at the rear end region of the buffer pad side frame 911.

[0741] The following describes the front connecting pipe 913 and the rear connecting pipe 914, which serve as connecting members, included in the vehicle seat S3. Furthermore, in the following description, the front connecting pipe 913 and the rear connecting pipe 914 have different diameters but the same shape; therefore, the rear connecting pipe 914 will be described as an example. The characteristics of the rear connecting pipe 914 described below are also present in the front connecting pipe 913.

[0742] like Figures 19 to 21 As shown, the rear connecting tube 914 connects a pair of cushion side frames 911 in the seat width direction. The rear connecting tube 914 is formed by a central portion 914a (first portion) disposed in the center in the seat width direction and an end portion 914b (second portion) disposed at the end.

[0743] More specifically, the rear connecting tube 914 is formed by joining a central portion 914a (first part) made of a first material and an end portion 914b (second part) made of a second material different from the first material at a boundary portion 914c. That is, in the vehicle seat S3, the materials used in the connecting member can be flexibly selected in the first part and the second part.

[0744] In the vehicle seat S3, the rear connecting tube 914, which serves as a connecting member, is a hollow tube member. Figure 23According to this structure, by flexibly selecting a first material or a second material and joining the central part 914a (first part) with the end part 914b (second part), a hollow tubular component can be formed.

[0745] like Figure 22 and Figure 23 As shown, end portion 914b (second part) includes an abutment portion 914d that abuts against the buffer pad side frame 911. The abutment portion 914d protrudes from the outer surface of end portion 914b and is larger in shape than the central portion 914a. By having the abutment portion 914d, the position of the rear connecting tube 914 relative to the buffer pad side frame 911 can be properly configured.

[0746] (Regarding the joining pattern of the first and second parts)

[0747] like Figure 23 As shown in the mid-section view, in the boundary portion 914c, the central portion 914a and the end portion 914b are joined together with their end faces abutting each other. The joining method between the central portion 914a and the end portion 914b in the boundary portion 914c is not particularly limited, and examples include welding, pressing, bonding, and friction pressing. For example, in the boundary portion 914c, the central portion 914a and the end portion 914b are joined by welding around the entire circumference with their end faces abutting each other.

[0748] At this point, it is suitable to join the central portion 914a and the end portion 914b using a joining technique that utilizes dissimilar materials with plastic flow. Specifically, it is preferable that the central portion 914a and the end portion 914b are joined in the boundary portion 914c by plastic flow. In other words, it is preferable that a first material and a second material with different mechanical strengths are joined in the boundary portion 914c by plastic flow. When the first material and the second material, being dissimilar materials, are joined using plastic flow, a strong bond can be achieved.

[0749] Furthermore, the joining style between the central portion 914a and the end portion 914b in the boundary portion 914c is not limited to... Figure 23 The style shown. For example, as Figure 24 As shown, in the boundary portion 914c, the end portion 914b can also engage with the inner side of the central portion 914a. Additionally, as... Figure 25 As shown, in the boundary portion 914c, the end portion 914b can also engage with the outer side of the central portion 914a. Furthermore, as... Figure 26 As shown, the solid end 914b in the boundary portion 914c can also be inserted into the inside of the central portion 914a for joining. Thus, from the viewpoint of the combination of the first and second materials used, or weight and strength, it is acceptable to choose a suitable joining pattern between the central portion 914a and the end 914b in the boundary portion 914c.

[0750] (Regarding the first or second material)

[0751] Examples of primary or secondary materials are not particularly limited and may include metals, alloys, ceramics, resins, etc. Examples of elements contained in metals, alloys, and ceramics are not particularly limited and may include aluminum, magnesium, iron, copper, titanium, zinc, and combinations thereof.

[0752] Examples of resins are not particularly limited, but may include: polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymer (ABS), polycarbonate (PC), polyamide (PA) (nylon), polyacetal (POM), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), thermoplastic polyimide (TPI), polyether imide (PEI), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyether ether ketone (PEEK), polyphthalamide (PPA), polysulfone (PSU), polyether sulfone (PES), and combinations thereof.

[0753] Carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) can also be used as resins. By using carbon fibers to reinforce the resin, higher strength or stiffness can be obtained than that of the resin monomer.

[0754] Here, it is preferable that the first material forming the central portion 914a (first part) is a material with a smaller specific gravity than the second material forming the end portion 914b (second part). According to this structure, by using a material with a smaller specific gravity, the vehicle seat S3 can be made lighter.

[0755] Furthermore, it is preferable that the second material forming the end portion 914b (second part) has a higher hardness (strength) than the first material forming the central portion 914a (first part). With this structure, the strength of the connecting member can be ensured by using a material with high hardness (strength). Additionally, it is suitable because the strength of the connecting member on the outer side in the seat width direction is increased.

[0756] At this point, it is preferable that, in the width direction of the seat, the central portion 914a (first part) formed of a first material with a low specific gravity is longer than the end portion 914b (second part). According to this structure, by making the central portion 914a (first part) formed of a material with a low specific gravity longer than the end portion 914b (second part), the vehicle seat S3 can be effectively made lighter.

[0757] Here, if the first material forming the central part 914a (first part) is set to a material containing aluminum as the main component, the vehicle seat S3 can be effectively made lighter because aluminum has a low specific gravity.

[0758] Furthermore, a connecting rod member, namely the rear connecting rod 942, for adjusting the height of the seat cushion S3a is installed at the end 914b (second part). In other words, in the seat width direction, the end 914b (second part) extends to a position further inward than the rear connecting rod 942. With this structure, the material of the end 913b (second part) where the rear connecting rod 942 (connecting rod member) is installed can be flexibly selected. When the second material forming the end 913b (second part) is set to a material containing iron as its main component, such as steel, the high hardness of the iron-containing material ensures the strength of the connecting member.

[0759] It is suitable to use materials with high hardness, high strength, and wear resistance, such as steel or other materials containing iron as the main component, in connection with other components, in load-bearing areas, or in areas subject to high wear, such as end 913b (second part). Furthermore, in areas where mechanical strength requirements are lower, such as the central part 913a (first part), from a lightweighting perspective, it is suitable to use materials containing aluminum as the main component or resin-based materials.

[0760] <<Variations>>

[0761] The above example illustrates the structure of the vehicle seat of the present invention, but the described embodiment is only one example and other embodiments may be considered.

[0762] In the embodiment described above, the front connecting pipe 913 and the rear connecting pipe 914, which serve as connecting members, are hollow pipe members, but the connecting members may also be solid rods.

[0763] The following is for reference Figures 27 to 20 0 illustrates a vehicle seat in which the modified example of the connecting member can be applied. Figure 27 This is a perspective view of the seat frame FX included in a modified vehicle seat. Figure 28 This is a side view of the seat frame FX.

[0764] As described below, the cushion side frame 911X of the seat cushion frame 910X of the seat frame FX has increased rigidity by including a truss structure. The cushion side frame 911X has a plurality of triangular through holes 911Xa. In the cushion side frame 911X, a portion connecting the upper end 941b of the front link 941 is arranged in the front-rear direction between a pair of through holes 911Xa. The cushion side frame 911X includes a truss structure by having triangular through holes 911Xa or trapezoidal through holes 911Xb.

[0765] like Figure 27 and Figure 28 As shown, the through hole 911Xa or through hole 911Xb included in the cushioning side frame 911X is preferably provided with raised flange holes on its outer periphery. Regarding adjacent flange holes, it is suitable if the directions of the raised flange holes are different from each other (i.e., the inner and outer sides in the seat width direction), thus increasing the rigidity in each direction (front-back or up-down direction).

[0766] Figure 29 Figure 200 is a perspective view of the base frame 912X included in the modified vehicle seat. Figure 29 The BB cross-sectional view shows a schematic cross-section of the base frame 912X. The front end 912Xa or the side end 912Xb of the base frame 912X is formed by curling. Specifically, the front end portion of the front end 912Xa is bent from front to rear, and the front end portion of the side end 912Xb is bent from outside to inside.

[0767] In the base frame 912X, the front end 912Xa or the side end 912Xb is rolled, thereby eliminating the cut surface and strengthening the end. In the prior art, the end is treated by folding (bending back), but by rolling, the processing cost can be suppressed.

[0768] In addition, such as Figure 29 As shown, in the seat width direction, the front end portion 912Xa, which has been rolled into shape, is divided into three parts by the gap 912Xc. Thus, by providing the gap 912Xc, the front end portion 912Xa can be rolled into shape more easily compared to the case without the gap 912Xc.

[0769] <<Postscript>>

[0770] According to the present invention, a vehicle seat preferably includes a seat cushion, wherein the seat cushion includes a seat cushion frame as a skeleton and a connecting member, the seat cushion frame having a pair of side frames separately disposed in the width direction of the vehicle seat, the pair of side frames being connected by the connecting member, the connecting member being formed by joining a first portion formed of a first material and a second portion formed of a second material different from the first material.

[0771] In the vehicle seat of the present invention configured as described above, the materials used in the connecting members of the vehicle seat can be flexibly selected in the first and second parts.

[0772] In the vehicle seat, it is preferable that the first material is a material with a lower specific gravity than the second material.

[0773] In the structure described above, by using materials with low specific gravity, it is possible to make vehicle seats lightweight.

[0774] In the vehicle seat, it is preferable that the second material is a material with a higher hardness than the first material.

[0775] In the structure described above, the strength of the connecting components can be ensured by using a material with high hardness.

[0776] In the vehicle seat, preferably, in the connecting member, the central part in the width direction of the vehicle seat is the first part, and the two ends in the width direction of the vehicle seat are the second parts, and in the width direction of the vehicle seat, the first part is longer than the second part.

[0777] In the structure described above, by making the first part, which is made of a material with a low specific gravity, longer than the second part, the seat for a vehicle can be effectively made lighter.

[0778] In the vehicle seat, it is preferable that the first material contains aluminum.

[0779] In the structure described above, by using aluminum, which has a low specific gravity, the seat of a vehicle can be effectively made lighter.

[0780] In the vehicle seat, the second material preferably contains iron.

[0781] In the structure described above, the strength of the connecting components is ensured by using high-hardness iron.

[0782] In the aforementioned vehicle seat, the connecting member is preferably a hollow tubular member.

[0783] In the structure, by flexibly selecting materials to join the first part and the second part, a hollow tubular component that serves as a connecting member can be formed.

[0784] In the vehicle seat, the second part preferably includes an abutment portion that abuts against the side frame.

[0785] In the structure, the position of the connecting members relative to the side frame can be appropriately configured.

[0786] In the vehicle seat, it is preferable to install a linkage member at the second location for adjusting the height of the seat cushion.

[0787] In the structure described above, the material of the second part of the mounting link component can be flexibly selected.

[0788] The vehicle seat preferably includes a padding member mounted on the seat cushion frame and a decorative cover covering the padding member.

[0789] The structure described above provides a vehicle seat in which the materials used in the connecting components can be flexibly selected.

[0790] <Fourth Implementation>

[0791] Next, based on Figures 31-39 The vehicle seat S4 of the fourth embodiment will be explained.

[0792] Furthermore, the content that overlaps with the vehicle seats S1 to S3 is omitted from the description.

[0793] The vehicle seat S4 realizes a seat including a seat back with a relatively simple structure in which the headrest guide is fixed to the seat back frame.

[0794] Reference Figure 31 This will explain the basic structure of the vehicle seat S4. Figure 31 This is a 3D diagram of the S4 seat for vehicles. (Regarding...) Figure 31 The diagram shows a portion of the vehicle seat S4, with the structure for removing the cushioning cover T or padding P for illustration purposes.

[0795] The vehicle seat S4 is a seat mounted on the vehicle floor for vehicle occupants to sit on. In this embodiment, the vehicle seat S4 is used as a front seat, equivalent to the front seat of the vehicle. However, it is not limited to this; the vehicle seat S4 can also be used as a rear seat, and in vehicles with three rows of seats in the front-rear direction, it can also be used as the middle seat in the second row or the rear seat in the third row.

[0796] like Figure 31 As shown, the main components of the vehicle seat S4 are a seat back 1001 that supports the back of the occupant, a seat cushion 1002 that supports the occupant's buttocks, and a headrest 1003 located on the upper part of the seat back 1001 and supporting the occupant's head. The seat back 1001 and the seat cushion 1002 are clamped together by a tilting mechanism 1007 (see reference). Figure 32 The seat backrest 1001 is connected to the seat cushion 1002 in a manner that allows it to rotate and adjust its angle. The tilting mechanism 1007 adjusts the tilt angle of the seat backrest 1001.

[0797] like Figure 32 As shown, a seat frame F is provided in the vehicle seat S4. The seat frame F includes a seat back frame 1010 that forms the skeleton of the seat back 1001 and a seat cushion frame 1020 that forms the skeleton of the seat cushion 1002.

[0798] The following will first describe the structures other than the seat back frame 1010, such as the seat cushion frame 1020, and then describe the details of the seat back frame 1010.

[0799] The seat cushion frame 1020 is formed into a square frame shape, with a cushion side frame 1021 provided on its side. Additionally, it has a front connecting frame 1022 that connects to the cushion side frame 1021 at the front, and a rear connecting frame 1023 that connects to the cushion side frame 1021 at the rear. The front connecting frame 1022 and the rear connecting frame 1023, located at the front and rear of the vehicle seat S4, each include a round tube. Furthermore, a cushion base frame 1024 is provided in front of the front connecting frame 1022. Moreover, although not shown, a pressure-bearing member is installed to support the cushion base frame 1024 and the rear connecting frame 1023, and this pressure-bearing member supports the buttocks of the seated occupant from below.

[0800] A headrest 1003 is installed on the upper part of the seat back 1001 to support the head of the occupant. Inside the headrest 1003 is a headrest frame 1030 forming the skeleton of the headrest 1003. Two headrest support rods 1031 (also called headrest pillars) hang from the lower part of the headrest 1003 at both ends of the headrest frame 1030. The headrest support rods 1031 are inserted into headrest guides 1017 installed on the upper frame 1012 of the seat back frame 1010 (described later), thereby mounting the headrest 1003 to the seat back frame 1010.

[0801] A pad P and a cushion cover T (cushion cover) are provided on the outer side of the seat back frame 1010, the seat cushion frame, and the headrest frame 1030, thereby constituting the seat back 1001, the seat cushion 1002, and the headrest 1003. The pad P is, for example, a urethane substrate made of urethane foam material and formed by foaming, and the cushion cover T includes, for example, a surface material such as fabric, synthetic leather, or genuine leather.

[0802] In addition, such as Figure 32 As shown, a slide rail 1004 is provided at the lower part of the vehicle seat S4. The vehicle seat S4 is mounted on the vehicle floor BF in a state where it can slide and move in the fore-and-aft direction via the slide rail 1004.

[0803] The slide rail 1004 is a device for sliding the seat S4 of a vehicle in the fore-and-aft direction, and has a known structure (the structure of a general slide rail mechanism). The slide rail 1004 has a lower guide rail fixed to the vehicle body floor plate BF, and an upper guide rail that can slide relative to the lower guide rail. The upper guide rail can slide relative to the lower guide rail fixed to the vehicle body.

[0804] A tilting mechanism 1007 is provided between the lower end of the seat back 1001 and the rear end of the seat cushion 1002. More specifically, the tilting mechanism 1007 connects the seat back frame 1010 of the seat back 1001 to the seat cushion frame 1020 of the seat cushion 1002. The tilting mechanism 1007 can adjust the angle of the seat back 1001 (seat back frame 1010) relative to the seat cushion 1002 (seat cushion frame 1020). The tilting mechanism 1007 can lock the seat back 1001 at a predetermined angle to maintain a tilted state. Furthermore, by releasing the lock, the seat back 1001 can be tilted forward or backward.

[0805] The following uses Figures 32-39 To illustrate the seat back frame 1010.

[0806] like Figure 32 As shown, the seat back frame 1010 is generally formed into a square frame shape. The seat back frame 1010 includes a pair of back side frames 1011 disposed on both sides, an upper frame 1012, and a lower frame 1016. The upper frame 1012 is disposed between the pair of back side frames 1011, connecting the upper ends of the back side frames 1011. The lower frame 1016 is disposed between the pair of back side frames 1011, connecting the lower ends of the pair of back side frames 1011.

[0807] The headrest guide 1017 is a tubular component with an insertion port 1017a through which the headrest support rod 1031 is inserted. A head 1017b is provided at the upper part of the headrest guide 1017, and the head 1017b has an outer diameter larger than the diameter of the opening (upper opening 1015a) of the retainer portion 1015 of the upper frame 1012 (described later). Therefore, even if the headrest guide 1017 is inserted into the retainer portion 1015 of the upper frame 1012, it can be prevented from falling off to the lower side of the upper frame 1012.

[0808] Furthermore, in order to maintain the strength of the headrest 1003 and suppress swaying, the headrest guide 1017 is formed of a high-strength metal component. The headrest guide 1017 is not limited to being made of metal, but may also be made of resin.

[0809] The upper frame 1012 includes a plate-shaped first base frame 1013 and a plate-shaped second base frame 1014. The first base frame 1013 is located on the front side of the seat back 1001, and the second base frame 1014 is located on the rear side of the seat back 1001, behind the first base frame 1013.

[0810] like Figure 37 As shown, a first base frame 1013 clamps and supports the headrest guide 1017 from the front of the seat back 1001, and a second base frame 1014 clamps and supports the headrest guide 1017 from the rear of the seat back 1001. The first base frame 1013 and the second base frame 1014 form a cylindrical retainer portion 1015 that holds the headrest guide 1017. The headrest guide 1017 is installed by inserting it into the retainer portion 1015.

[0811] The first base frame 1013 has a bulge 1013a that bulges forward toward the seat. The bulge 1013a is formed along the long side of the first base frame 1013, extending in the width direction of the vehicle seat S4. A flange 1013b is formed at the vertical end of the bulge 1013a, which engages with the second base frame 1014. Figure 37 As shown, the first base frame 1013 is formed into a longitudinal section with a cap shape by means of a bulge 1013a and a flange 1013b.

[0812] Furthermore, the cap-shaped shape also includes the lid-shaped shape. In other words, the cap-shaped shape also includes the case where at least one of the upper and lower ends of the bulge 1013a forms the flange 1013b.

[0813] In addition, in this embodiment, only the first base frame 1013 has a hat-shaped longitudinal section, but the second base frame 1014 may also have a hat-shaped longitudinal section. Both the first base frame 1013 and the second base frame 1014 may have hat-shaped longitudinal sections, and by joining the two flanges, a closed section structure with a hollow portion (also known as a Monaca structure) can be formed.

[0814] like Figure 35 and Figure 36 As shown, in both the first base frame 1013 and the second base frame 1014, two recesses 1013c and 1014c extending in the vertical direction are formed, each facing each other. The recesses 1013c and 1014c are formed to conform to the shape of the headrest guide 1017. By arranging the recesses 1013c and 1014c facing each other and joining the first base frame 1013 and the second base frame 1014, a retainer portion 1015 for holding the headrest guide 1017 is formed.

[0815] The retainer portion 1015 is formed into a cylindrical space by recesses 1013c and 1014c, and has openings at the top and bottom (upper opening 1015a and lower opening 1015b). In other words, the upper opening 1015a of the retainer portion 1015 includes... Figure 35 The opening 1013d of the recess 1013c and the opening 1014d of the recess 1014c are shown. The headrest guide 1017 is installed by insertion through the upper opening 1015a of the retainer portion 1015.

[0816] like Figure 35 As shown, in the second base frame 1014, a flange portion 1014e is formed around the opening 1014d. Figure 38 As shown, the flange 1014e is positioned at approximately the same height as the upper end of the bulge 1013a of the first base frame 1013. By abutting against the head 1017b of the headrest guide 1017, it can prevent the headrest guide 1017 from falling off to the lower side of the upper frame 1012. Furthermore, the flange 1014e strengthens the area around the opening 1014d. Alternatively, the flange can also be formed around the opening 1013d on the side of the first base frame 1013.

[0817] In the second base frame 1014, a hole 1014h is formed between the two recesses 1014c to achieve weight reduction. In addition, a cutout 1014i is formed on the outer side of the recesses 1014c in the width direction.

[0818] like Figure 35 and Figure 37As shown, hook-shaped hook portions 1013g are formed at a portion of the upper and lower ends of the first base frame 1013, which are hooked to the upper and lower ends of the second base frame. Additionally, as... Figure 36 As shown, hook-shaped hook portions 1014g are formed at the upper and lower ends of the second base frame 1014, at positions avoiding the hook portions 1013g of the first base frame 1013. By hooking the hook portions 1013g of the first base frame 1013 to the end of the second base frame, and hooking the hook portions 1014g of the second base frame 1014 to the end of the first base frame, the vertical displacement of the second base frame 1014 relative to the first base frame 1013 can be suppressed.

[0819] The first base frame 1013 and the second base frame 1014 are joined by welding. The welding is performed using a plurality of welding holes 1014f formed in the second base frame 1014.

[0820] The first base frame 1013 and the second base frame 1014 can be bonded together using an adhesive. The adhesive is a structural adhesive, ideally a high-toughness or high-viscosity type. With a high-toughness structural adhesive, adhesive cracking caused by frame torsion can be appropriately suppressed, thereby improving bond durability. With a high-viscosity type, sagging during bonding can be suppressed. For example, an adhesive with epoxy resin as the main component can be used as a structural adhesive.

[0821] In this embodiment, the first base frame 1013 and the second base frame 1014 are made of iron and are formed by pressing steel plates. The first base frame 1013 and the second base frame 1014 are not limited to iron and can be formed of different materials.

[0822] For example, the first base frame 1013 can also be formed from high-tensile steel. Since high-tensile steel retains tension even when thin, it allows for thinner plates compared to steel plates, thus achieving lightweighting while maintaining rigidity. The second base frame 1014 can also be formed from high-tensile steel.

[0823] Alternatively, the second base frame 1014 can be made of resin or aluminum. Compared to the case of iron, this results in a cheaper or lighter upper frame.

[0824] This illustrates another example of frame 1012. Figure 39 The upper frame 1012A shown is also a component installed on the upper part of the seat back frame 1010, and is provided to support the upper end of the back side frame 1011. Figures 33-38Similarly, the upper frame 1012 shown also holds the headrest guide 1017 by clamping the headrest guide 1017 between the first base frame 1013A and the second base frame 1014A. Each of the first base frame 1013A and the second base frame 1014A has a recess 1013Ac and a recess 1014Ac extending in the vertical direction, which are arranged facing each other to form a retainer portion 1015A for holding the headrest guide 1017.

[0825] Both the first base frame 1013A and the second base frame 1014A have a cap-shaped longitudinal section, which includes bulges 1013Aa and 1014Aa, as well as flanges 1013Ab and 1014Ab. A closed-section structure (Monaca structure) is formed by fusing the first base frame 1013A and the second base frame 1014A with their respective flanges 1013Ab and 1014Ab, or by joining them using a structural adhesive. Thus, by forming the first base frame 1013A and the second base frame 1014A, the upper frame 1012A that holds the headrest guide 1017 can be easily assembled while maintaining the rigidity of the upper frame.

[0826] The above figures illustrate the vehicle seat S4 of this embodiment. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first base frame 1013 has a hat-shaped longitudinal section, but it may also be configured such that the second base frame 1014 has a bulge extending toward the rear of the seat, with a hat-shaped longitudinal section.

[0827] <<Postscript>>

[0828] According to the present invention, a vehicle seat preferably includes a seat back, a headrest disposed on the seat back, and a seat back frame forming the skeleton of the seat back. In the vehicle seat, the seat back frame has a pair of back side frames, an upper frame connecting the pair of back side frames, and a headrest guide for holding the headrest support rod. The upper frame has a plate-shaped first base frame and a plate-shaped second base frame. The first base frame clamps the headrest guide from the front of the seat back to support the headrest guide, and the second base frame clamps the headrest guide from the rear of the seat back to support the headrest guide.

[0829] According to the aforementioned vehicle seat, the headrest guide is supported by clamping it in from the front-to-back direction using a first base frame and a second base frame. If the first base frame and the second base frame are joined while the headrest is clamped in from the front-to-back direction, the headrest guide can also be fixed together. Therefore, the headrest guide can be fixed to the seat back frame with a relatively simple structure.

[0830] In addition, in the vehicle seat, preferably at least one of the first base frame and the second base frame has a hat-shaped longitudinal section.

[0831] The rigidity of the first base frame and the second base frame is improved by having a hat-shaped longitudinal section in at least one of them.

[0832] In addition, in the vehicle seat, it is preferable that the flange of the hat-shaped longitudinal section of one of the first base frame and the second base frame is joined to the other, and the first base frame and the second base frame form a retainer portion that supports the headrest guide.

[0833] By using flanges for bonding, the first base frame and the second base frame can be bonded more securely.

[0834] Furthermore, in the vehicle seat, it is preferable that recesses that conform to the shape of the headrest guide and extend in the vertical direction are formed in the first base frame and the second base frame at positions facing each other, and the retainer portion of the upper frame is formed by the opposing recesses of the first base frame and the second base frame.

[0835] By inserting the headrest guide into the opposing recesses, positional shift of the headrest guide in the seat width direction can be suppressed.

[0836] Furthermore, in the vehicle seat, it is preferable that at least one of the recesses formed in the first base frame and the second base frame has a flange formed around the opening for inserting the headrest guide.

[0837] The opening is reinforced by forming a flange around it to insert the headrest guide.

[0838] In addition, in the vehicle seat, it is preferable that the first base frame and the second base frame can be joined by welding.

[0839] By using welding to join the first base frame and the second base frame, a more secure connection is achieved. Furthermore, by using welding to join the first base frame and the second base frame, the headrest guide sandwiched between them is secured, thus eliminating the need for the step of fixing the headrest guide to the frame.

[0840] Furthermore, in the vehicle seat, it is preferable that the first base frame and the second base frame are formed of different materials.

[0841] By forming them from different materials, either the first base frame or the second base frame can be made lightweight or high-strength.

[0842] Furthermore, in the aforementioned vehicle seat, it is preferable that the first base frame and the second base frame are joined together by a structural adhesive.

[0843] By using adhesives for fixing, welding work during assembly can be reduced, and the frame can be assembled more easily.

[0844] Furthermore, in the aforementioned vehicle seat, it is preferable that the first base frame is formed of high-tensile steel.

[0845] By forming a first base frame from the front using high-tensile steel, a lighter and stronger frame can be created compared to the case of iron.

[0846] Furthermore, in the vehicle seat, it is even more preferable that the second base frame is formed of resin or aluminum.

[0847] By forming a second base frame from resin or aluminum, a cheaper or lighter frame can be created compared to the case of iron.

[0848] <Fifth Implementation>

[0849] Next, based on Figures 40-47 The fifth embodiment of the vehicle seat S5 will be explained.

[0850] Furthermore, the content that overlaps with the vehicle seats S1 to S4 is omitted from the description.

[0851] The S5 vehicle seat realizes a seat that includes a lightweight seat back frame while maintaining rigidity.

[0852] Reference Figure 40 This will explain the basic structure of the vehicle seat S5. Figure 40 This is a 3D rendering of the S5 vehicle seat. (Regarding...) Figure 40 The diagram shows a portion of the vehicle seat S5, with the structure for removing the cushioning cover T or padding P for illustration purposes.

[0853] The vehicle seat S5 is a seat mounted on the vehicle floor for the occupants of the vehicle to sit on. The vehicle seat S5 is used as a front seat, equivalent to the front seat of a vehicle. However, it is not limited to this; the vehicle seat S5 can also be used as a rear seat, and in vehicles with three rows of seats in the front-rear direction, it can also be used as the middle seat in the second row or the rear seat in the third row.

[0854] like Figure 40 As shown, the main components of the vehicle seat S5 are a seat back 1101 that supports the back of the occupant, a seat cushion 1102 that supports the occupant's buttocks, and a headrest 1103 located on the upper part of the seat back 1101 and supporting the occupant's head. The seat back 1101 and the seat cushion 1102 are clamped together by a tilting mechanism 1107 (see reference). Figure 41 The seat backrest 1101 is connected to the seat cushion 1102 in a manner that allows it to rotate and adjust its angle. The tilting mechanism 1107 adjusts the tilt angle of the seat backrest 1101.

[0855] like Figure 41 As shown, a seat frame F is provided in the vehicle seat S5. The seat frame F includes a seat back frame 1110 that forms the skeleton of the seat back 1101 and a seat cushion frame 1120 that forms the skeleton of the seat cushion 1102.

[0856] The following will first describe the structures other than the seat back frame 1110, such as the seat cushion frame 1120, and then describe the details of the seat back frame 1110.

[0857] The seat cushion frame 1120 is formed into a square frame shape, with a cushion side frame 1121 provided on its side. Additionally, it has a front connecting frame 1122 that connects to the cushion side frame 1121 at the front, and a rear connecting frame 1123 that connects to the cushion side frame 1121 at the rear. The front connecting frame 1122 and the rear connecting frame 1123, located at the front and rear of the vehicle seat S5, each include a round tube. Furthermore, a cushion base frame 1124 is provided in front of the front connecting frame 1122. Moreover, although not shown, a pressure-bearing member is installed to support the cushion base frame 1124 and the rear connecting frame 1123, and this pressure-bearing member supports the buttocks of the seated occupant from below.

[0858] The headrest 1103 is installed on the upper part of the seat back 1101 to support the head of the occupant. Inside the headrest 1103 is a headrest frame 1130 forming the skeleton of the headrest 1103. Two headrest supports 1131 (also called headrest struts) hang from the lower part of the headrest 1103 at both ends of the headrest frame 1130. The headrest supports 1131 are inserted into headrest guides 1117 installed on the upper frame 1112 of the seat back frame 1110 (described later), thereby mounting the headrest 1103 to the seat back frame 1110.

[0859] A pad P and a cushion cover T (cushion cover) are provided on the outer sides of the seat back frame 1110, seat cushion frame 1120, and headrest frame 1130, thereby constituting the seat back 1101, seat cushion 1102, and headrest 1103. The pad P is, for example, a urethane substrate made of urethane foam material and formed by foaming, and the cushion cover T includes, for example, a surface material such as fabric, synthetic leather, or genuine leather.

[0860] In addition, such as Figure 41 As shown, a slide rail 1104 is provided at the lower part of the vehicle seat S5. The vehicle seat S5 is mounted on the vehicle floor in a state where it can slide and move in the front-rear direction via the slide rail 1104.

[0861] The slide rail 1104 is a device for sliding the vehicle seat S5 in the fore-and-aft direction, and has a known structure (the structure of a general slide rail mechanism). The slide rail 1104 has a lower guide rail fixed to the vehicle body floor and an upper guide rail that can slide relative to the lower guide rail. The upper guide rail can slide relative to the lower guide rail fixed to the vehicle body.

[0862] A tilting mechanism 1107 is provided between the lower end of the seat backrest 1101 and the rear end of the seat cushion 1102. More specifically, the tilting mechanism 1107 connects the seat backrest frame 1110 of the seat backrest 1101 to the seat cushion frame 1120 of the seat cushion 1102. The tilting mechanism 1107 can adjust the angle of the seat backrest 1101 (seat backrest frame 1110) relative to the seat cushion 1102 (seat cushion frame 1120). The tilting mechanism 1107 can lock the seat backrest 1101 at a predetermined angle to maintain a tilted state. Furthermore, by releasing the lock, the seat backrest 1101 can be tilted forward or backward.

[0863] The following uses Figures 41-47 To illustrate the seat back frame 1110 included in the vehicle seat S5.

[0864] like Figure 41 As shown, the seat back frame 1110 is generally formed into a square frame shape. The seat back frame 1110 includes a pair of back side frames 1111 disposed on both sides, an upper frame 1112, and a lower frame 1116. The upper frame 1112 is disposed between the pair of back side frames 1111, connecting the upper ends of the back side frames 1111. The lower frame 1116 is disposed between the pair of back side frames 1111, connecting the lower ends of the pair of back side frames 1111.

[0865] The upper frame 1112 includes: a first member 1113 connected to the right side frame 1111a of one of a pair of back side frames 1111; and a second member 1114 connected to the left side frame 1111b of the other. Additionally, the upper frame 1112 includes a third member 1115 located between and connected to both the first member 1113 and the second member 1114.

[0866] In this embodiment, the first component 1113 and the second component 1114 are made of iron and are formed by pressing steel plates. By making the first component 1113 and the second component 1114 of iron, the upper frame 1112 can be mounted on the back side frame 1111 while maintaining sufficient strength. Furthermore, the first component 1113 and the second component 1114 are not limited to iron; for example, they can also be formed of high-tensile steel. Since high-tensile steel has tension even when thin, the plate thickness can be reduced compared to steel plates, thus achieving lightweight while ensuring rigidity.

[0867] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the third component 1115 is formed of resin. Since the third component 1115 is formed of resin, which is lighter than iron, the upper frame 1112 is made lighter compared to the case where the entire upper frame is made of iron, thus achieving a lighter seat frame F.

[0868] Furthermore, the third component 1115 is not limited to being made of resin, but can also be made of a light alloy of aluminum or magnesium, which is lighter than the materials forming the first component 1113 and the second component 1114. By making the third component 1115 a light alloy, the upper frame 1112 is made lighter, thereby achieving a lighter seat frame F.

[0869] Structural adhesives are used for joining the first component 1113 and the third component 1115, as well as for joining the second component 1114 and the third component 1115. For example, an adhesive with an epoxy resin as the main component can be used as the structural adhesive; using such an adhesive results in high adhesion and high durability at the joint. Besides epoxy-based adhesives, urethane-based, acrylic-based, and other structural adhesives can also be used.

[0870] In addition, as a characteristic of the adhesive used in the structure, an electrically insulating layer is formed at the joint surface, so that, for example, even if the third member 1115 is formed of a metal different from iron, such as a light alloy of aluminum or magnesium, electrolytic corrosion can be suppressed.

[0871] Additionally, the third member 1115 has a first slice 1115a extending from an end toward the first member 1113 or the second member 1114. Furthermore, the first member 1113 and the second member 1114 each have a second slice 1113a and a second slice 1114a extending toward the third member 1115.

[0872] The third component 1115 is connected to the first component 1113 and the second component 1114 by overlapping the first slice 1115a with the second slice 1113a and the second slice 1114a.

[0873] Three first slices 1115a are provided at each of the two ends of the third member 1115 in the left-right direction. Additionally, three second slices 1113a and 1114a are provided at each end of the first member 1113 and the second member 1114, corresponding to the positions of the first slices 1115a. Furthermore, the number of first slices 1115a, second slices 1113a, and second slices 1114a is not limited to three; two or more may be provided. Alternatively, the number of first slices 1115a, second slices 1113a, and second slices 1114a may be one; in this case, it is preferable that they be elongated in the vertical direction.

[0874] In addition, such as Figure 42 and Figure 43 As shown, slits 1119 are formed between the third component 1115 and the first component 1113, and between the third component 1115 and the second component 1114, to achieve lightweighting.

[0875] In addition, in this embodiment, the first slice 1115a overlaps with the second slices 1113a and 1114a, and is bonded by applying a structural adhesive to the bonding surface.

[0876] When the third component 1115 is made of a metal material such as aluminum, the first slice 1115a can also be joined with the second slice 1113a and the second slice 1114a by welding.

[0877] By using lighter materials to form the third component 1115, the upper frame 1112 can be made lighter, thereby making the seat frame F lighter.

[0878] Next, the shape of the third component 1115 will be described. For example... Figure 45 As shown, the third member 1115 has a bulge 1115b (first bulge) that bulges forward toward the front of the vehicle seat S5 near the center in the vertical direction.

[0879] The bulge 1115b is formed in the third member 1115 and extends in the lateral direction (width direction) of the vehicle seat S5. A flange 1115c (first flange) is formed at each of the upper and lower ends of the bulge 1115b, and the third member 1115 is formed with a hat-shaped longitudinal section through the bulge 1115b and the flange 1115c. By making the longitudinal section of the third member 1115 hat-shaped, the rigidity of the third member 1115 is improved.

[0880] Furthermore, the flange 1115c of the third member 1115 extends from both ends of the bulge 1115b in the vertical direction, but the flange 1115c may also extend from only one end. Alternatively, the third member 1115 may be formed only by the bulge 1115b without the flange 1115c, in which case the longitudinal section is formed in a C-shape.

[0881] Like the third member 1115, the first member 1113 and the second member 1114 also have bulges 1113b and 1114b (second bulges) formed at their central portions in the vertical direction, bulging towards the front of the vehicle seat S5. Furthermore, flanges 1113c and 1114c (second flanges) are formed to extend upwards or downwards from the upper and lower ends of the bulges 1113b and 1114b. The first member 1113 and the second member 1114 are formed with a hat-shaped longitudinal section through the bulges 1113b and 1114b and the flanges 1113c and 1114c. By setting the cross-section of the first member 1113 and the second member 1114 to a hat shape, the rigidity of the first member 1113 and the second member 1114 is improved. Furthermore, the flange portions 1113c and 1114c extend from both ends in the vertical direction, but the flange portions 1113c and 1114c may also extend from only one end. In addition, the first member 1113 and the second member 1114 may also be composed only of the bulge portions 1113b and 1114b, in which case the longitudinal section is formed in a C-shape.

[0882] Next, the structure of the headrest guide 1117 that uses the third component 1115 will be described.

[0883] While mechanization has been advanced in the manufacturing process of vehicle seats, in the conventional seat frame F, welding is required when installing the headrest guide 1117. Due to the complexity of this welding operation, mechanization is difficult. Therefore, a structure that can fix the headrest guide 1117 to the seat frame F in a simpler way is required.

[0884] The headrest guide 1117 is a tubular component with an insertion port 1117a through which the headrest support 1131 is inserted. A head 1117b is provided at the upper part of the headrest guide 1117, and the head 1117b has an outer diameter R2 larger than the diameter R1 of the opening (upper opening 1118a) of the retainer portion 1118 of the upper frame 1112 (described later). Therefore, even if the headrest guide 1117 is inserted into the retainer portion 1118 of the upper frame 1112, it can be prevented from falling off to the lower side of the upper frame 1112.

[0885] Furthermore, in order to maintain the strength of the headrest 1103 and suppress swaying, the headrest guide 1117 is formed of a high-strength metal component. The headrest guide 1117 is not limited to being made of metal, but may also be made of resin.

[0886] In addition, such as Figures 42-44 As shown, the third component 1115 includes a retainer portion 1118 that holds the headrest guide 1117. The retainer portion 1118 includes a through hole 1115f formed in the vertical direction on the upper surface 1115d of the bulge 1115b, and a through hole 1115g formed on the lower surface 1115e. That is, the through hole 1115f becomes the upper opening 1118a of the retainer portion 1118, and the through hole 1115g becomes the lower opening 1118b of the retainer portion 1118.

[0887] The through hole 1115f (upper opening 1118a) on the upper surface 1115d and the through hole 1115g (lower opening 1118b) on the lower surface 1115e are formed with a diameter R1 that is slightly larger than the outer diameter R0 of the headrest guide 1117 body. Additionally, as... Figure 45 As shown, the centers of the upper opening 1118a and the lower opening 1118b are located on the axis C, which is positioned in the vertical direction. Therefore, as Figure 42 , Figure 43 , Figure 45 As shown, the headrest guide 1117 is installed by inserting the main body of the headrest guide 1117 through the through hole 1115f and the through hole 1115g.

[0888] In addition, the outer diameter R2 of the head 1117b of the headrest guide 1117 is larger than the diameter R1 of the through hole 1115f (upper opening 1118a) formed on the upper surface 1115d. The head 1117b is stuck around the through hole 1115f, thus preventing it from falling downwards.

[0889] Conventionally, headrest guides are welded to the upper frame formed of tubing. In the upper frame of this embodiment, since the headrest guides 1117 are installed through the through holes 1115f and 1115g formed in the bulge 1115b, welding is not required. Therefore, if the upper frame is prefabricated in the factory, the number of welding points in the assembly process can be reduced. Because the headrest guides 1117 are fixed using a simple method, the assembly of the seat frame F can be mechanized.

[0890] The above figures illustrate the vehicle seat S5. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the bulge protrudes towards the front of the vehicle seat S5, but the bulge may also be formed to bulge towards the rear.

[0891] <<Postscript>>

[0892] According to the present invention, a vehicle seat preferably includes a seat back and a seat back frame constituting the skeleton of the seat back. The seat back frame has a pair of back side frames and an upper frame connecting the pair of back side frames. The upper frame includes: a first member connected to one of the pair of back side frames; a second member connected to the other of the pair of back side frames; and a third member located between the first member and the second member and connected to both the first member and the second member. The first member and the second member are made of metal, and the third member is formed of a material lighter than the materials of the first member and the second member.

[0893] According to the structure, the seat frame can be made lightweight by making the first and second components connected to a pair of side frames as metal to maintain rigidity, while the third component is made of a material that is lighter than the materials of the first and second components.

[0894] In addition, in the aforementioned vehicle seat, it is preferable that the third component is made of resin.

[0895] By making the third component a resin material, the seat frame can be made lightweight.

[0896] In addition, in the seat of the vehicle, it is preferable that the third component is made of a light alloy of aluminum or magnesium.

[0897] The seat frame can be made lightweight by using a third component made of a light alloy of aluminum or magnesium.

[0898] In addition, in the vehicle seat, it is preferable that the first component and the second component are formed of high-tensile steel.

[0899] By forming the first and second components from high-tensile steel, a lighter and stronger upper frame can be formed compared to forming the first and second components from iron.

[0900] In addition, in the vehicle seat, it is preferable that the third component is joined to the first component and the second component by a structural adhesive.

[0901] By using structural adhesives in the joints, welding work during assembly can be reduced, and the seat frame can be assembled more easily.

[0902] Additionally, in the vehicle seat, it is preferable that the third member has a first slice extending from its end toward the first member or the second member, the first member and the second member have second slices extending from their ends toward the third member, and the third member is connected to the first member and the second member by overlapping the first slice with the second slice.

[0903] A more secure bond can be achieved by overlapping the first slice of the third component with the second slice.

[0904] Furthermore, in the vehicle seat, the third member preferably has: a first bulge that bulges forward toward the front of the vehicle seat and extends in the width direction of the vehicle seat; and a first flange that extends from the upper end and / or lower end of the first bulge, the third member having a hat-shaped longitudinal section through the first bulge and the first flange.

[0905] The rigidity of the third component is improved by having a hat-shaped longitudinal section.

[0906] In addition, in the vehicle seat, the third component preferably includes a retainer portion for holding the headrest guide, wherein the retainer portion includes through holes on the upper and lower surfaces of the first bulge of the third component that fit the outer diameter of the headrest guide and extend through in the vertical direction.

[0907] The headrest guide can be held in a simple structure, thus reducing welding work.

[0908] Furthermore, in the vehicle seat, it is preferable that the first member and the second member have: a second bulge protruding towards the front of the vehicle seat; and a second flange extending from the upper end and / or lower end of the second bulge, wherein the first member and the second member have a hat-shaped longitudinal section through the second bulge and the second flange.

[0909] The rigidity of the first and second components is improved by having a hat-shaped longitudinal section.

[0910] In addition, in the vehicle seat, it is preferable to form a slit between the third member and the first member, and / or between the third member and the second member.

[0911] By creating slits, the upper frame can be made lighter.

[0912] <Sixth Implementation Method>

[0913] Next, based on Figures 48 to 54C The sixth embodiment of the vehicle seat S6 will be explained.

[0914] Furthermore, the content that overlaps with the vehicle seats S1 to S5 is omitted from the description.

[0915] The vehicle seat S6 realizes a seat that includes a seat back frame that holds the headrest without processing the lower end of the support column.

[0916] Reference Figure 48 This will explain the basic structure of the vehicle seat S6. Figure 48 This is a 3D rendering of the S6 vehicle seat. (Regarding...) Figure 48 The diagram shows a portion of the vehicle seat S6, with the structure for removing the cushioning cover T or padding P for illustration purposes.

[0917] The vehicle seat S6 is a seat mounted on the vehicle floor for vehicle occupants to sit on. In this embodiment, the vehicle seat S6 is used as a front seat, equivalent to the front seat of the vehicle. However, it is not limited to this; the vehicle seat S6 can also be used as a rear seat, and in vehicles with three rows of seats in the front-rear direction, it can also be used as the middle seat in the second row or the rear seat in the third row.

[0918] like Figure 48 As shown, the main components of the vehicle seat S6 are a seat back 1201 that supports the back of the occupant, a seat cushion 1202 that supports the occupant's buttocks, and a headrest 1203 located on the upper part of the seat back 1201 and supporting the occupant's head. The seat back 1201 and the seat cushion 1202 are clamped together by a tilting mechanism 1207 (see reference). Figure 49 The seat backrest 1201 is connected to the seat cushion 1202 in a manner that allows it to rotate and adjust its angle. The tilting mechanism 1207 adjusts the tilt angle of the seat backrest 1201.

[0919] like Figure 49 As shown, a seat frame F is provided in the vehicle seat S6. The seat frame F includes a seat back frame 1210 that forms the skeleton of the seat back 1201 and a seat cushion frame 1220 that forms the skeleton of the seat cushion 1202.

[0920] The following will first describe the structures other than the seat back frame 1210, such as the seat cushion frame 1220, and then describe the details of the seat back frame 1210.

[0921] The seat cushion frame 1220 is formed into a square frame shape, with a cushion side frame 1221 provided on its side. Additionally, it has a front connecting frame 1222 that connects to the cushion side frame 1221 at the front, and a rear connecting frame 1223 that connects to the cushion side frame 1221 at the rear. The front connecting frame 1222 and the rear connecting frame 1223, located at the front and rear of the vehicle seat S6, each include a round tube. Furthermore, a cushion base frame 1224 is provided in front of the front connecting frame 1222. Moreover, although not shown, a pressure-bearing member is installed to support the cushion base frame 1224 and the rear connecting frame 1223, and the pressure-bearing member supports the buttocks of the seated occupant from below.

[0922] The headrest 1203 is installed on the upper part of the seat back 1201 to support the head of the occupant. Inside the headrest 1203 is a headrest frame 1230 forming the skeleton of the headrest 1203. Two headrest supports 1231 (also called headrest struts) hang from the lower part of the headrest 1203 at both ends of the headrest frame 1230. The headrest supports 1231 are inserted into headrest guides 1217 installed on the upper frame 1212 of the seat back frame 1210 (described later), thereby mounting the headrest 1203 to the seat back frame 1210.

[0923] A pad P and a cushion cover T (cushion cover) are provided on the outer side of the seat back frame 1210, the seat cushion frame, and the headrest frame 1230, thereby constituting the seat back 1201, the seat cushion 1202, and the headrest 1203. The pad P is, for example, a urethane substrate made of urethane foam material and formed by foaming, and the cushion cover T includes, for example, a surface material such as fabric, synthetic leather, or genuine leather.

[0924] In addition, such as Figure 49 As shown, a slide rail 1204 is provided at the lower part of the vehicle seat S6. The vehicle seat S6 is mounted on the vehicle floor in a state where it can slide and move in the fore-and-aft direction via the slide rail 1204.

[0925] The slide rail 1204 is a device for sliding the vehicle seat S6 in the fore-and-aft direction, and has a known structure (the structure of a general slide rail mechanism). The slide rail 1204 has a lower guide rail fixed to the vehicle body floor and an upper guide rail that can slide relative to the lower guide rail. The upper guide rail can slide relative to the lower guide rail fixed to the vehicle body.

[0926] A tilting mechanism 1207 is provided between the lower end of the seat backrest 1201 and the rear end of the seat cushion 1202. More specifically, the tilting mechanism 1207 connects the seat backrest frame 1210 of the seat backrest 1201 and the seat cushion frame 1220 of the seat cushion 1202. The tilting mechanism 1207 can adjust the angle of the seat backrest 1201 (seat backrest frame 1210) relative to the seat cushion 1202 (seat cushion frame 1220). The tilting mechanism 1207 can lock the seat backrest 1201 at a predetermined angle to maintain a tilted state. Furthermore, by releasing the lock, the seat backrest 1201 can be tilted forward or backward.

[0927] The following uses Figure 49 Figure 54 illustrates the seat back frame 1210 included in the vehicle seat S6.

[0928] like Figure 49 As shown, the seat back frame 1210 is generally formed into a square frame shape. The seat back frame 1210 includes a pair of back side frames 1211 disposed on both sides, an upper frame 1212, and a lower frame 1216. The upper frame 1212 is disposed between the pair of back side frames 1211, connecting the upper ends of the back side frames 1211. The lower frame 1216 is disposed between the pair of back side frames 1211, connecting the lower ends of the pair of back side frames 1211.

[0929] The headrest guide 1217 is a tubular component with an insertion port 1217a through which the headrest support 1231 is inserted. A head 1217b is provided at the upper part of the headrest guide 1217, and the head 1217b has an outer diameter larger than the diameter of the opening (upper opening 1215a) of the retainer portion 1215 of the upper frame 1212 (described later). Furthermore, the portion of the headrest guide 1217 that is lower than the head 1217b is sometimes referred to as the body 1217c of the headrest guide 1217. Therefore, even if the headrest guide 1217 is inserted into the retainer portion 1215 of the upper frame 1212, it can be prevented from falling off to the lower side of the upper frame 1212.

[0930] Furthermore, in order to maintain the strength of the headrest 1203 and suppress swaying, the headrest guide 1217 is formed of a high-strength metal component. The headrest guide 1217 is not limited to being made of metal, but may also be made of resin.

[0931] The upper frame 1212 includes a plate-shaped first base frame 1213 and a plate-shaped second base frame 1214. In the upper frame 1212, the first base frame 1213 is located on the front side of the seat back 1201, and the second base frame 1214 is located on the rear side of the seat back 1201 and the rear side of the first base frame 1213.

[0932] like Figures 49-51 As shown in Figure 54, the first base frame 1213 clamps the headrest guide 1217 from the front of the seat back 1201 and supports the headrest guide 1217, and the second base frame 1214 clamps the headrest guide 1217 from the rear of the seat back 1201 and supports the headrest guide 1217.

[0933] A cylindrical retainer portion 1215 for holding the headrest guide 1217 is formed by the first base frame 1213 and the second base frame 1214. The headrest guide 1217 is installed by inserting it into the retainer portion 1215.

[0934] like Figure 52 and Figure 53 As shown, in both the first base frame 1213 and the second base frame 1214, two first recesses 1213c and two second recesses 1214c extending in the vertical direction are formed at opposing positions. The first recesses 1213c and the second recesses 1214c are formed to conform to the shape of the main body 1217c of the headrest guide 1217. By arranging the first recesses 1213c and the second recesses 1214c facing each other and joining the first base frame 1213 and the second base frame 1214, a retainer portion 1215 for holding the headrest guide 1217 is formed.

[0935] The retainer portion 1215 is formed into a cylindrical space by the first recess 1213c and the second recess 1214c, and has openings at the top and bottom (upper opening 1215a and lower opening 1215b). In other words, the upper opening 1215a of the retainer portion 1215 includes... Figure 52 The opening 1213d of the first recess 1213c and the opening 1214d of the second recess 1214c are shown. The headrest guide 1217 is installed by insertion through the upper opening 1215a of the retainer portion 1215. Furthermore, as... Figure 53 As shown, the diameter of the upper opening 1215a is smaller than the diameter of the head 1217b of the headrest guide 1217. When the headrest guide 1217 is inserted, the head 1217b abuts against the periphery of the upper opening 1215a of the retainer portion 1215, thus preventing it from falling off from the upper opening 1215a to the lower side.

[0936] In addition, such as Figure 52As shown, the retainer portion 1215 includes a cover portion 1215c at its lower end that covers the lower end of the headrest support 1231 held by the headrest guide 1217. The cover portion 1215c is configured to cover the lower end 1231a of each of the pair of headrest supports 1231. The cover portion 1215c includes the lower end of a first recess 1213c and the lower end of a second recess 1214c.

[0937] like Figure 52 As shown, the lower end of the retainer portion 1215, more specifically the lower end of the cover portion 1215c, is positioned below the lower end 1231a of the headrest support 1231 held by the headrest guide 1217.

[0938] Since the lower end 1231a of the headrest support 1231 is covered by the cover 1215c, the lower end 1231a of the headrest support 1231 will not directly touch the back of the seated person. Therefore, the lower end 1231a of the headrest support 1231 does not need to be processed into a hemispherical shape, thus eliminating the cost or effort associated with such processing.

[0939] like Figure 52 and Figure 53 As shown, a first bulge 1213a is formed in the first base frame 1213, bulging forward toward the vehicle seat S6. Furthermore, the first bulge 1213a is formed along the long side of the first base frame 1213, extending in the width direction of the vehicle seat S6. A first flange 1213b extending in the upward or downward direction is formed at the vertically located end of the first bulge 1213a. Figure 53 As shown, the first flange 1213b engages with the second flange 1214b of the second base frame 1214, which will be described later. The first base frame 1213 is formed with a cap-shaped longitudinal section by the first bulge 1213a and the vertically extending first flange 1213b. The rigidity of the first base frame 1213 is increased by the cap-shaped longitudinal section.

[0940] Furthermore, the cap-shaped shape also includes the lid-shaped shape. In other words, the cap-shaped shape also includes the case where a first flange portion 1213b is formed extending from either the upper or lower end of the first bulge portion 1213a.

[0941] like Figure 52 and Figure 53 As shown, a second bulge 1214a is formed in the second base frame 1214, bulging towards the rear of the vehicle seat S6. The second bulge 1214a is formed along the long side of the second base frame 1214, extending in the width direction of the vehicle seat S6. Figure 53As shown, the second flange portion 1214b engages with the first flange portion 1213b of the first base frame 1213. Furthermore, the second base frame 1214 is formed with a cap-shaped longitudinal section via a second bulge 1214a and the vertically extending second flange portion 1214b. Moreover, the second flange portion 1214b may also be formed to extend from either the upper or lower end of the second bulge portion 1214a.

[0942] In addition, such as Figure 51 As shown, a window 1214f is formed in the center of the second bulge 1214a. By forming the window 1214f, the state of the headrest guide 1217 can be visually confirmed, and weight reduction can be achieved.

[0943] Thus, in this embodiment, both the first base frame 1213 and the second base frame 1214 have a hat-shaped longitudinal section, and by joining the two flanges, a closed section structure with a hollow portion is formed (also known as a Monaca structure).

[0944] In this embodiment, the first base frame 1213 is made of iron and is formed by pressing steel plates. The second base frame 1214 is made of resin. By making the second base frame 1214 of resin, the upper frame 1212 can be made lighter. Thus, the first base frame 1213 and the second base frame 1214 are formed of different materials, thereby creating an upper frame 1212 that effectively utilizes the characteristics of each material.

[0945] For example, the first base frame 1213 can also be formed from high-tensile steel. Since high-tensile steel retains tension even when thin, it allows for thinner plates compared to steel plates, thus achieving lightweighting while maintaining rigidity. The second base frame 1214 can also be formed from high-tensile steel.

[0946] Alternatively, the second base frame 1214 can be formed from aluminum or aluminum alloy. Compared to the case of iron, this results in a cheaper or lighter frame.

[0947] The first base frame 1213 and the second base frame 1214 can be joined by an adhesive. The adhesive is, for example, a structural adhesive, preferably a high-toughness or high-viscosity type. With a high-toughness structural adhesive, adhesive cracking caused by frame torsion can be appropriately suppressed, thereby improving the durability of the bond. With a high-viscosity type, sagging during bonding can be suppressed. For example, an adhesive with epoxy resin as the main component is used as a structural adhesive. The first flange portion 1213b of the first base frame 1213 is joined to the second flange portion 1214b of the second base frame 1214. Because the bonding is performed using flange portions that extend in a plane, the bond strength can be maintained even when using an adhesive.

[0948] Thus, by forming the first base frame 1213 and the second base frame 1214, the upper frame 1212 can be easily assembled while maintaining its rigidity as the upper frame 1212.

[0949] Furthermore, if both the first base frame 1213 and the second base frame 1214 are made of metal, they can also be joined by welding.

[0950] This illustrates another example of frame 1212. Figure 54B and Figure 54C The upper frame 1212A and upper frame 1212B shown are also components installed on the upper part of the seat back frame 1210. Figure 54A The upper frame 1212 shown has recesses (first recess 1213c, second recess 1214c) provided in both the first base frame 1213 and the second base frame 1214. Figure 54B As shown, a recess (first recess 1213Ac) may be formed only in the first base frame 1213A. In this case, the second base frame 1214A becomes a cover to close the recess. Additionally, as... Figure 54C As shown, a recess (second recess 1214Bc) may be formed only in the second base frame 1214B, and the first base frame 1213B becomes a cover to close the second recess 1214C.

[0951] The vehicle seat S6 of this embodiment has been illustrated above using figures. In this embodiment, bulges (first bulge 1213a and second bulge 1214a) are provided on both the first base frame 1213 and the second base frame 1214, but the bulges may be formed only on either the first base frame 1213 or the second base frame 1214. In addition, in this embodiment, flanges (first flange 1213b and second flange 1214b) extend from both the upper and lower ends of the bulges, but they may also be formed to extend only to either the upper or lower end.

[0952] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the cover portion 1215c is formed by the recesses of both the first base frame 1213 and the second base frame 1214. This is one example; for instance, a cover portion could also be formed in which only the first recess 1213c of the first base frame 1213 extends downward and only covers the front side of the headrest support 1231.

[0953] <<Postscript>>

[0954] According to the present invention, a vehicle seat preferably includes a seat back, a headrest disposed on the seat back, and a seat back frame forming the skeleton of the seat back. In the vehicle seat, the seat back frame has a pair of back side frames, an upper frame connecting the pair of back side frames, and a headrest guide for holding the headrest support. The upper frame has a retainer portion for holding the headrest guide, and the retainer portion has a cover portion at the lower end of the retainer portion that covers the lower end of the support held by the headrest guide.

[0955] The retainer portion of the upper frame has a cover that covers the lower end of the support column, preventing the lower end of the support column from contacting the occupant's back or protruding from the seat back. Therefore, it is not necessary to process the lower end of the support column into a hemispherical shape.

[0956] Additionally, in the vehicle seat, it is preferable that the lower end of the cover is located further below the lower end of the support column held by the headrest guide.

[0957] By positioning the lower end of the cover below the lower end of the support column, the support column can be protected more reliably.

[0958] Furthermore, in the vehicle seat, the upper frame preferably has a plate-shaped first base frame and a plate-shaped second base frame. As the retainer portion, at least one of the first base frame and the second base frame has a first recess that conforms to the shape of the headrest guide and extends in the vertical direction. The retainer portion retains the headrest guide by inserting the headrest guide into the first recess, with the first base frame clamping the headrest guide from the front of the seat back and the second base frame clamping the headrest guide from the rear of the seat back.

[0959] By inserting the headrest guide into the first recess that forms the retainer portion, and by using the first base frame and the second base frame to clamp the headrest guide, lateral displacement of the headrest guide can be prevented, and the headrest guide can be held more securely.

[0960] Furthermore, in the aforementioned vehicle seat, it is preferable that, regarding the upper frame, in the other of the first base frame and the second base frame, a second recess extending in the vertical direction, conforming to the shape of the headrest guide, is formed at a position opposite to the first recess.

[0961] The retainer portion inserts the headrest guide into the first recess and the second recess, thereby retaining the headrest guide.

[0962] By inserting the headrest guide into the first and second recesses that constitute the retainer portion, and by using the first and second base frames to clamp the headrest guide, lateral displacement of the headrest guide can be prevented, and the headrest guide can be held more securely.

[0963] Additionally, in the vehicle seat, the first base frame preferably has: a first bulge that bulges forward toward the front of the vehicle seat and extends in the width direction of the vehicle seat; and a first flange that extends from the upper end and / or lower end of the first bulge, the first base frame having a hat-shaped longitudinal section through the first bulge and the first flange.

[0964] The rigidity of the upper frame is improved by the hat-shaped longitudinal section of the first base frame.

[0965] Additionally, in the vehicle seat, the second base frame preferably has: a second bulge extending toward the rear of the vehicle seat and in the width direction of the vehicle seat; and a second flange extending from the upper and / or lower end of the second bulge, the second base frame having a hat-shaped longitudinal section through the second bulge and the second flange.

[0966] The rigidity of the upper frame is improved by the second base frame having a hat-shaped longitudinal section.

[0967] In addition, in the vehicle seat, it is preferable that the first base frame and the second base frame are formed of different materials.

[0968] By combining materials with different properties, an upper frame that effectively utilizes the characteristics of each material can be formed. For example, either the first base frame or the second base frame can be made lightweight or high-strength.

[0969] In addition, in the vehicle seat, it is preferable that the first base frame and the second base frame are joined by a structural adhesive.

[0970] By using adhesives for bonding, welding work during assembly can be reduced, and the frame can be assembled more easily.

[0971] In addition, in the aforementioned vehicle seat, it is preferable that the first base frame is formed of high-tensile steel.

[0972] By forming the first base frame from high-tensile steel, a lighter and stronger frame can be created compared to that made of iron.

[0973] Additionally, in the aforementioned vehicle seat, it is preferable that the second base frame is formed of resin or aluminum.

[0974] By forming a second base frame from resin or aluminum, a cheaper or lighter frame can be created compared to the case of iron.

[0975] <Seventh Implementation>

[0976] Next, based on Figures 55-61 The seventh embodiment of the vehicle seat S7 will be explained.

[0977] Furthermore, the content that overlaps with the vehicle seats S1 to S6 is omitted from the description.

[0978] The S7 vehicle seat achieves both lightweight design and adequate rigidity of the seat frame. Furthermore, it allows for easy assembly of the frame components.

[0979] S7 seats for vehicles Figure 55 The image shows a vehicle seat, which mainly includes: a seat body, including a seat back 1301 and a seat cushion 1302; and a guide rail device 1303, a height linkage device 1304, and a tilting device 1305, as shown. Figure 56 As shown, the guide rail device 1303 supports the seat body to the vehicle floor in a way that allows it to move back and forth, the height linkage device 1304 connects the seat body to the vehicle floor in a way that allows it to be raised and lowered, and the tilting device 1305 connects the seat back 1301 to the seat cushion 1302 in a way that allows it to rotate.

[0980] like Figure 55 As shown, the seat back 1301 supports the back of the seated person from behind, forming a frame. Figure 56 The back frame 1310 shown carries cushioning material 1301a and is covered with skin material 1301b.

[0981] The seat cushion 1302 supports the occupant's seating area from below, forming a framework within the seat. Figure 56 The cushioning frame 1320 shown carries cushioning material 1302a and is covered with skin material 1302b.

[0982] like Figure 56 As shown, the guide rail device 1303 is disposed between the seat body and the vehicle floor in the vertical direction, and mainly includes: left and right lower guide rails 1303a, which are fixed to the vehicle floor and extend in the front-rear direction of the seat; left and right upper guide rails 1303b, which are supported so as to be able to slide along the lower guide rails 1303a; a locking member (not shown) that locks the upper guide rails 1303b so as not to slide relative to the lower guide rails 1303a; and a guide rail operating lever 1303c for releasing the locking member from its locked state.

[0983] A buffer pad frame 1320 is mounted on the upper surface of the left and right upper guide rails 1303b via a height linkage device 1304.

[0984] like Figure 56 As shown, the height linkage device 1304 is installed between the guide rail device 1303 and the buffer pad frame 1320, and mainly includes: left and right first linkages 1304a, disposed on the front side of the seat; left and right second linkages 1304b, disposed on the rear side of the seat; a locking member (not shown) that locks the seat body to prevent it from being raised or lowered; and a height operating lever (not shown) for releasing the locking member from its locked state. Furthermore, the second linkage 1304b serves as a drive linkage, a device capable of adjusting the height of the seat body.

[0985] like Figure 56 As shown, the tilting device 1305 mainly includes: a tilting body 1305a, which is driven when the back frame 1310 is rotated; a rotating shaft 1305b; a coil spring 1305c, which applies force to the back frame 1310 to make it rotate forward about the rotating shaft 1305b; and a tilting operating lever (not shown), which is operated to release the locked state of the back frame 1310.

[0986] The tilting body 1305a has a known locking mechanism that can switch the state of the back frame 1310 between a locked state that is fixed relative to the cushion frame 1320 and a unlocked state that is rotatable relative to the cushion frame 1320.

[0987] The rotating shaft 1305b is axially supported on the back frame 1310 side and the cushioning frame 1320 side in the seat width direction. One end of the coil spring 1305c is locked on the back frame 1310 side and the other end is locked on the cushioning frame 1320 side.

[0988] like Figure 56 As shown, the back frame 1310 comprises a generally rectangular frame, mainly including: back side frames 1311, disposed on the left and right sides; upper frame 1312, connecting the upper portions of each back side frame 1311 and forming an inverted U-shape; lower frame 1313, connecting the lower portions of each back side frame 1311 and forming a plate shape; and elastic springs (not shown), hooked onto each back side frame 1311 and extending in a serpentine manner.

[0989] The back side frame 1311 extends in the vertical direction and includes a sheet metal member with a cross-section of approximately C-shaped. Its lower end is connected to the rear end of the side frame 1321 via an inclined device 1305.

[0990] like Figures 56-58As shown, the cushioning frame 1320 comprises a generally rectangular frame, mainly including: side frames 1321, disposed on the left and right sides and extending in the fore-and-aft direction of the seat; a base frame 1330, mounted on the front end of each side frame 1321 and in a plate-like shape; a front connecting frame 1322, connecting the front ends of each side frame 1321; a rear connecting frame 1323, connecting the rear ends of each side frame 1321; and a plurality of elastic springs 1324, hooked to the base frame 1330 and the rear connecting frame 1323 and extending in a serpentine manner in the fore-and-aft direction of the seat.

[0991] like Figures 56-58 As shown, the side frame 1321 is a long strip-shaped plate frame in the front-back direction of the seat, having: a frame body 1321a, and an upper flange 1321b and a lower flange 1321c that bend outwards in the width direction of the seat from the upper and lower ends of the frame body 1321a, respectively.

[0992] Additionally, the side frame 1321 has a skin hook portion 1321d, which is formed by cutting and erecting a portion of the side of the frame main body 1321a, and is used to hook the end portion of the skin material 1302b.

[0993] Additionally, the side frame 1321 has a locking hole 1321e, which is formed on the upper surface of the upper flange portion 1321b and is used to engage the locking clamp 1337 of the base frame 1330.

[0994] The leather hook part 1321d and the locking hole 1321e are formed in multiple ways at predetermined intervals in the front-to-back direction of the seat.

[0995] Furthermore, a tilting device 1305 is installed at the rear end of the side frame 1321.

[0996] like Figure 56 As shown, the front connecting frame 1322 and the rear connecting frame 1323 are tubular frames that connect the left and right side frames 1321 respectively, and connect the left and right connecting rods (first connecting rod 1304a and second connecting rod 1304b).

[0997] The elastic spring 1324 is an elastic support member that supports the buttocks of the seated person, and multiple springs are provided at predetermined intervals in the width direction of the seat.

[0998] The front end of the elastic spring 1324 is hooked onto a spring hook portion 1335 formed on the upper surface of the base frame 1330. In addition, the rear end of the elastic spring 1324 is mounted to the rear connecting frame 1323 via a hook member.

[0999] like Figures 56-61As shown, the base frame 1330 is a plate-shaped support frame that is mounted on the upper surface of the left and right side frames 1321 and supports the thighs of the seated person. The side portion of the seat in the width direction is mounted on and installed on the upper surface of the side frame 1321.

[1000] Specifically, the base frame 1330 has: a frame central portion 1331, which is disposed in the central portion of the base frame 1330 in the seat width direction and is formed of a first material (metal material); and left and right frame side portions 1332, which are disposed in the side portions of the base frame 1330 in the seat width direction and are formed of a second material (resin material).

[1001] Furthermore, the central portion 1331 of the frame and the side portion 1332 of the frame are joined together in the seat width direction to form a shape.

[1002] As a method for manufacturing the base frame 1330, for example, the central portion 1331 of the frame, which contains metal material, is first pressed into shape. Then, the pressed central portion 1331 is placed into a known resin molding machine. Then, the central portion 1331 of the frame and the side portions 1332 of the frame, which contain resin material, are joined together in an insert molding process. During the insert molding process, the central portion 1331 of the frame and the side portions 1332 of the frame are joined together in the seat width direction to form the frame.

[1003] The manufacturing method described above allows for the easy manufacture of a base frame 1330 containing dissimilar materials.

[1004] There are no particular limitations on the "first material" and "second material"; metals, alloys, ceramics, resins, etc., can be used.

[1005] Examples of elements contained in metals, alloys, and ceramics are not particularly limited, and can include iron, aluminum, magnesium, copper, titanium, zinc, and combinations thereof.

[1006] Examples of resins include: polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer resin (ABS), polycarbonate (PC), polyamide (PA) (nylon), polyacetal (POM), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), thermoplastic polyimide (TPI), polyetherimide (PEI), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyether ether ketone (PEEK), polyphthalamide (PPA), polysulfone (PSU), polyethersulfone (PES), and combinations thereof.

[1007] Alternatively, carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) can also be used as an example of resin.

[1008] In this embodiment, the central portion 1331 of the frame is formed of a metallic material (specifically iron) as the "first material". Furthermore, the side portions 1332 of the frame are formed of a resin material (specifically carbon fiber reinforced plastic) as the "second material".

[1009] like Figure 57 , Figure 58 As shown, the central part 1331 of the frame is located on the central side in the seat width direction, which is closer to the left and right side frames 1321 than the left and right side frames 1321, and is sandwiched between the left and right side frames 1321.

[1010] The central portion 1331 of the frame has: a rear reinforcement 1333, which is formed as a recess on the upper surface of the rear portion of the central portion 1331 and extends in the seat width direction; and a front reinforcement 1334, which is formed as a recess on the upper surface of the front portion of the central portion 1331 and extends in the seat width direction.

[1011] A spring hook portion 1335 for hooking one end of the elastic spring 1324 is formed on the upper surface of the rear reinforcement portion 1333. In addition, a skin hook portion 1336 for hooking the skin end portion of the skin material 1302b is formed on the upper surface of the front reinforcement portion 1334.

[1012] Furthermore, protruding flanges 1331a and 1331b protruding downwards are formed at the front and rear ends of the central part 1331 of the frame, respectively.

[1013] The side portion 1332 of the frame is formed as a wide portion in such a way that it spans the side frame 1321 in the seat width direction and is mounted on the upper surface of the side frame 1321.

[1014] A locking clamp 1337 is integrally formed on the bottom surface of the side portion 1332 of the frame, which engages with the locking hole 1321e formed on the upper surface of the side frame 1321.

[1015] Furthermore, protruding flanges 1332a and 1332b protruding downwards are formed at the front end and outer end of the side portion 1332 of the frame, respectively.

[1016] The rear reinforcement 1333 is a rectangular reinforcement recess that extends from the center of the frame center 1331 to the left and right ends.

[1017] The front reinforcement 1334 is also a rectangular reinforcement recess that is elongated in the width direction of the seat, and extends in a way that is longer than the rear reinforcement 1333.

[1018] Specifically, the front reinforcement 1334 is continuously formed throughout the central portion 1331 and the side portion 1332 of the frame. In other words, it extends continuously from the central portion 1331 of the frame to the position reaching the side portion 1332 of the frame.

[1019] Therefore, in addition to improving the rigidity of the base frame 1330, by setting the front reinforcement 1334 as a positioning part, the central part 1331 of the frame and the side part 1332 of the frame can be easily joined.

[1020] In particular, such as Figure 59 As shown, the front portion of the base frame 1330 is not supported by the side frame 1321 and requires greater rigidity than the rear portion of the base frame 1330. Therefore, with the aforementioned structure, the rigidity of the front portion of the base frame 1330 can be effectively increased.

[1021] like Figure 57 , Figure 58 As shown, the spring hook portion 1335 is formed by cutting and erecting a portion of the upper surface of the rear reinforcement portion 1333, and multiple portions are formed at predetermined intervals in the seat width direction.

[1022] The leather hook portion 1336 is formed by cutting and erecting a portion of the upper surface of the front reinforcement portion 1334, and multiple portions are formed by spacing them apart in the seat width direction.

[1023] The spring hook part 1335 and the leather hook part 1336 are arranged at different positions in the width direction of the seat.

[1024] like Figures 59-61 As shown, the engaging clamp 1337 is a long engaging hook in the front-to-back direction of the seat, and multiple hooks are formed by spacing them at predetermined intervals in the front-to-back direction of the seat.

[1025] The engaging clamp 1337 has: a clamp body portion 1337a extending downward from the bottom surface of the frame side portion 1332; and a pair of engaging portions 1337b protruding from the extending ends of the clamp body portion 1337a in a direction orthogonal to the extending direction of the clamp body portion 1337a (seat front-back direction).

[1026] A pair of engaging portions 1337b protrude from the extended end of the clamp body portion 1337a in the elongated direction (seat front-to-back direction) of the engaging clamp 1337 and extend towards each other while tilting upward.

[1027] Furthermore, a recess 1337c with an approximately inverted triangular shape in longitudinal section is formed in the central part of the bottom surface of the fixture body 1337a, which is recessed toward the side frame 1321, to ensure good flexibility.

[1028] According to the structure, after the engaging clamp 1337 engages with the engaging hole 1321e formed in the side frame 1321, it is securely engaged.

[1029] In the structure, such as Figure 59 , Figure 60 As shown, the engaging clamps 1337 (a pair of engaging portions 1337b) protrude from the clamp body portion 1337a towards opposite sides in the seat's fore-and-aft direction. Therefore, the vertical movement of the base frame 1330 and the fore-and-aft movement of the seat can be suppressed.

[1030] Moreover, such as Figures 59-61 As shown, the side portion 1332 of the frame and the protruding flange 1332b sandwich the side frame 1321 (the upper part of the side frame 1321) in the seat width direction. Therefore, the swaying of the base frame 1330 in the seat width direction can be suppressed.

[1031] As a result, the overall swaying of the base frame 1330 can be appropriately suppressed.

[1032] Additionally, in the aforementioned structure, such as Figure 59 , Figure 60 As shown, multiple clamping clips 1337 are arranged in the front-to-back direction of the seat to clamp the leather hook portion 1321d.

[1033] Therefore, the base frame 1330 and the outer skin material 1302b can be assembled into the side frame 1321 with good balance. That is, the rigidity of the seat frame can be improved with good balance.

[1034] <<Other Implementation Methods>>

[1035] In the described embodiment, such as Figure 57 , Figure 58 As shown, the base frame 1330 is formed by joining the central portion 1331 of the frame made of metal material and the side portion 1332 of the frame made of resin material, but the frame components other than the base frame 1330 may also be formed of dissimilar materials.

[1036] For example, the frame components of the left and right side frames 1321, specifically the front connecting frame 1322 or the rear connecting frame 1323 that connects the left and right side frames 1321, may also be formed of dissimilar materials.

[1037] Alternatively, for example, the connecting frame that connects the left and right back side frames 1311 may also be formed of a dissimilar material.

[1038] Alternatively, the connecting member that connects the left and right lower guide rails 1303a or the left and right upper guide rails 1303b in the guide rail device 1303 may also be made of a different material. Or, the connecting member that connects the left and right connecting rods 1304a (1304b) in the height linkage device 1304 may also be made of a different material.

[1039] In the described embodiment, such as Figure 58 As shown, the central part 1331 (first frame part) of the frame is formed of metal material (first material), and the side part 1332 (second frame part) of the frame is formed of resin material (second material), but it is not limited to a combination of metal material and resin material, and may also be a combination of other dissimilar materials.

[1040] For example, the central portion 1331 of the frame can be a combination of resin materials, and the side portion 1332 of the frame can be a combination of metal materials. Alternatively, it can be a combination of iron and aluminum (different metal materials), or a combination of different resin materials.

[1041] Alternatively, for example, the front portion of the base frame 1330 may be formed of a first material, and the rear portion of the base frame 1330 may be formed of a second material. Or, the left half of the base frame 1330 may be formed of a first material, and the right half of the base frame 1330 may be formed of a second material.

[1042] That is, in the base frame 1330, the "first frame portion" can be formed of a "first material" and the "second frame portion" can be formed of a "second material" different from the first material. This case includes all the structures described.

[1043] In the embodiment described, the base frame 1330 is formed by joining the central portion 1331 of the frame with the side portion 1332 of the frame using an insert forming method, but there is no particular limitation and other joining or combination methods may also be used.

[1044] For example, adhesives can be used for bonding, or other known bonding techniques can be used. Alternatively, known snap-fit ​​or interlocking techniques can be used for assembly (or assembly).

[1045] In the described embodiment, a vehicle seat used in automobiles is given as a specific example, but there is no particular limitation. In addition to being used as a seat in vehicles such as trams and buses, it can also be used as a seat in vehicles such as airplanes and ships.

[1046] In this embodiment, the vehicle seat of the present invention is mainly described.

[1047] However, the described embodiments are merely examples to facilitate understanding of the present invention and do not limit the invention. The present invention can be modified and improved without departing from its spirit, and its equivalents are naturally included.

[1048] <<Postscript>>

[1049] According to the present invention, a vehicle seat preferably includes a cushioning frame as the skeleton of the seat cushioning pad. The cushioning frame has: side frames disposed on the left and right sides in the width direction of the seat and extending in the front-rear direction of the seat; and a support frame supported on the left and right side frames and extending in the width direction of the seat. The support frame is formed by combining a first frame portion formed of a first material and a second frame portion formed of a second material different from the first material.

[1050] The aforementioned structure enables the creation of vehicle seats that can achieve lightweight design while appropriately ensuring the rigidity of the seat frame.

[1051] In detail, the supporting frame, which is a component of the frame, is formed by combining a first frame portion made of a first material and a second frame portion made of a second material different from the first material. Therefore, by combining metal and resin materials to form the supporting frame, it is possible to achieve both the lightweight cushioning frame provided by using resin materials and the increased rigidity provided by using metal materials. In addition, compared to the case where it is made entirely of resin materials, material costs can be reduced.

[1052] At this time, it is preferable that the supporting frame is a plate-shaped base frame, which is mounted on the upper surface of the left and right side frames, and the first frame part and the second frame part are joined together in the seat width direction to form the frame.

[1053] As described above, since a plate-shaped base frame is manufactured by joining the first frame portion and the second frame portion in the seat width direction, it is relatively simple to manufacture a base frame containing dissimilar materials.

[1054] At this time, it is preferable that the first frame portion is a frame central portion located in the central part of the seat width direction of the frame, and the second frame portion is a frame side portion located in the side part of the seat width direction of the frame, and the frame side portion is installed on the side frame.

[1055] Alternatively, the first material should be a metal material and the second material should be a resin material.

[1056] This structure allows for a lightweight seat frame while appropriately ensuring its rigidity. For example, by using a metal material for the central portion of the frame and a resin material for the sides, the rigidity of the frame can be increased, thus providing adequate support for the occupant.

[1057] Furthermore, the central part of the frame can be made of resin material, and the sides of the frame can be made of metal material. In this case, the frame can be made lighter while ensuring the rigidity of the assembly with the left and right side frames (they can be assembled with each other metal).

[1058] At this time, it is preferable that the side portion of the frame is formed of resin material, and that an engaging portion is integrally formed on the side portion of the frame to engage with the engaging portion disposed on the side frame.

[1059] The structure allows for easy assembly of the frame relative to the side frames. Furthermore, since no assembly components (such as fastening rivets or bolts) are required, the number of constituent parts can be reduced.

[1060] At this time, it is preferable that the engaging part is an engaging clamp that engages with the engaging hole provided on the upper surface of the side frame, and that multiple such clamps are formed at predetermined intervals in the front-rear direction of the seat.

[1061] The structure allows the clamping fixture of the frame to be engaged with the engaged part of the side frame with a single click.

[1062] In this case, it is preferable that the side portion of the frame is installed in a manner that extends across the side frame in the seat width direction.

[1063] The structure described above improves the assembly rigidity of the support frame relative to the side frames.

[1064] At this time, it is preferable that the cushioning frame has: a rear connecting frame that connects the rear portions of the left and right side frames; and a plurality of elastic members that are hooked to the mounting frame and the rear connecting frame and extend in the front-back direction of the seat, the central portion of the frame is formed of metal material, and the central portion of the frame has a hook portion for hooking one end of the elastic members.

[1065] The structure improves the assembly rigidity of multiple elastic components relative to the support frame (hook).

[1066] At this time, it is preferable that the supporting frame has a reinforcing part, the reinforcing part is formed as a convex part or a concave part on the outer surface of the supporting frame and extends in the seat width direction, and the reinforcing part is continuously formed throughout the central part and the side part of the frame in the seat width direction.

[1067] The structure described above improves the rigidity of the frame. In particular, the reinforcing portion is continuously formed throughout the central and side portions of the frame in the seat width direction. Therefore, in addition to improving the rigidity of the frame, by making the reinforcing portion a positioning portion, the central portion of the frame and the side portions of the frame can be easily joined.

[1068] At this time, it is preferable that the reinforcing part is formed as a concave reinforcing recess, and a second hooking part for hooking the seat component of the vehicle seat is formed on the outer surface of the portion in the central part of the frame where the reinforcing recess is formed.

[1069] The structure described above improves the assembly rigidity of the seat components relative to the mounting frame (second hook portion). Furthermore, as a seat component, for example, a cover material, the end portion of the cover material can be hooked to the mounting frame (second hook portion).

[1070] <Eighth Implementation Method>

[1071] Next, based on Figures 62-71 The vehicle seat S8 of the eighth embodiment will be described.

[1072] Furthermore, the content that is repeated with the vehicle seats S1 to S7 is omitted from the description.

[1073] The vehicle seat S8 is a seat that can restrain the neck of the occupant when a load is applied from the occupant.

[1074] Reference Figure 62 and Figure 63 This will explain the basic structure of the vehicle seat S8. Figure 62 This is a 3D rendering of the S8 vehicle seat. (Regarding...) Figure 62 The diagram illustrates a portion of the vehicle seat S8, showing the structure with the cushioning cover T or padding P removed for clarity. Additionally, in... Figure 62 and Figure 63 Arrows are used to indicate the left and right directions (width direction) and the up and down directions (height direction).

[1075] The vehicle seat S8 is a seat mounted on the vehicle floor for the occupants H of the vehicle to sit on. In this embodiment, the vehicle seat S8 is used as a front seat, equivalent to the front seat of the vehicle. However, it is not limited to this; the vehicle seat S8 can also be used as a rear seat, and in vehicles with three rows of seats in the front-rear direction, it can also be used as the middle seat in the second row or the rear seat in the third row.

[1076] like Figure 62As shown, in the vehicle seat S8, the main components include a seat back 1401, a seat cushion 1402, a headrest 1403, and a neck brace 1404. The seat back 1401 is the backrest portion for the seated occupant H, and has a torso support surface 1401a supporting the back of the occupant H's torso H3. The seat cushion 1402 is the seating portion supporting the occupant H's buttocks. The headrest 1403 is located on the upper part of the seat back 1401 and has a head support surface 1403a supporting the occupant H's head H1. The neck brace 1404 is located below the headrest 1403 and has a neck support surface 1404a supporting the occupant H's neck H2. The seat back 1401 and the seat cushion 1402 are clamped together by a tilting mechanism 1407 (see reference). Figure 63 The seat back 1401 can be rotated via the tilting mechanism 1407 to adjust the reclining angle (backrest angle) relative to the seat cushion 1402.

[1077] like Figure 63 As shown, a seat frame F is provided in the vehicle seat S8. The seat frame F includes a seat back frame 1410 that forms the skeleton of the seat back 1401 and a seat cushion frame 1420 that forms the skeleton of the seat cushion 1402. In addition, the seat frame F has a headrest frame 1430 that forms the skeleton of the headrest 1403 and a neck support frame 1440 that forms the skeleton of the neck brace 1404.

[1078] The following will first describe the structures other than the neck brace 1404, such as the seat back frame 1410, and then describe the structures of the neck brace 1404 and the neck brace frame 1440.

[1079] like Figure 63 As shown, the seat back frame 1410 is generally formed into a square frame shape. The seat back frame 1410 includes a pair of back side frames 1411 disposed on both sides, an upper frame 1412, a crossbeam 1413, and a lower frame 1416. The upper frame 1412 is disposed between the pair of back side frames 1411, connecting the upper ends of the back side frames 1411. The lower frame 1416 is disposed between the pair of back side frames 1411, connecting the lower ends of the pair of back side frames 1411. In addition, a cylindrical headrest guide 1417 supporting the headrest support column 1431 is installed on the upper frame 1412 of the seat back frame 1410 (see reference). Figure 64 ).

[1080] A pair of backrest side frames 1411 are configured to be separated in the left-right direction and extend in the vertical direction in order to define the width of the seat back 1401. When the vehicle seat S8 is in a seatable position, the upper end of each backrest side frame 1411 is located slightly rearward than its lower end. Furthermore, the lower end of each backrest side frame 1411 is wider in the front-rear direction than its upper end.

[1081] The upper frame 1412 connects the upper ends of a pair of back side frames 1411, forming an inverted U-shape when viewed from the front. The upper frame 1412 is constructed by bending a steel tube, with its two ends attached to the upper ends of each back side frame 1411. Furthermore, a crossbeam 1413 is installed between the lower ends of the upper frame 1412. The crossbeam 1413 is formed as a plate-like member, but it can also be a wire-like member such as a thread. Additionally, the crossbeam 1413 can be made of metal or resin.

[1082] In addition, such as Figure 63 and Figure 68 As shown, a pressure-bearing member 1415 is included within the seat backrest 1401. The pressure-bearing member 1415 is a member that bears the load input from the occupant's back on its front surface. Furthermore, when a vehicle equipped with the vehicle seat S8 experiences a rear-end collision, as the load (impact load) is input from the occupant's back to the pressure-bearing member 1415, the pressure-bearing member 1415 is pushed rearward (displaced) along with the occupant by the occupant's back. This displacement of the pressure-bearing member 1415 reduces the load (impact load) applied to the occupant during a collision.

[1083] The pressure-bearing member 1415 is disposed behind the padding P that forms the seat back 1401. The pressure-bearing member 1415 is disposed within a rectangular space surrounded by a pair of left and right back side frames 1411, crossbeams 1413 and lower frame 1416.

[1084] The pressure-bearing member 1415 is symmetrically constructed with the center of the seat width direction as the boundary, such as... Figure 63 and Figure 68 As shown, it includes mounting wire 1418 and torso support plate 1419. The torso support plate 1419 is the part that bears the load from the occupant's back, and is formed by molding a resin plate into... Figure 63 and Figure 68 It is composed of the shape shown.

[1085] The mounting wire 1418 functions as a mounting part for mounting the torso support plate 1419 to the seat back frame 1410. It is constructed by bending a metal wire into a predetermined shape and assembled to the torso support plate 1419. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the mounting wire 1418 is integrally formed with the torso support plate 1419 by embedding molding. That is, a portion of the mounting wire 1418 is embedded in the resin plate constituting the torso support plate 1419.

[1086] The seat cushion frame 1420 is formed into a square frame shape, with cushion side frames 1421 provided on its side. Furthermore, the seat cushion frame 1420 has a cushion base frame 1422 that connects to the cushion side frames 1421 at the front, and a rear connecting frame 1423 that connects to the cushion side frames 1421 at the rear. Between the cushion side frames 1421 located on both sides, a plurality of S-springs 1424, serving as pressure-bearing members supporting the buttocks, are arranged in the seat width direction. The S-springs 1424 extend elongated in the front-rear direction. The front end of the S-spring 1424 is fixed to the upper end face of the cushion base frame 1422. The rear end of the S-spring 1424 is fixed to the rear connecting frame 1423 by a snap hook 1426. That is, the S-springs 1424 are mounted by supporting the cushion base frame 1422 and the rear connecting frame 1423, supporting the buttocks of the seated occupant H from below.

[1087] The headrest 1403 is installed on the upper part of the seat back 1401 to support the head of the occupant H. Inside the headrest 1403 is a headrest frame 1430 forming the skeleton of the headrest 1403. Two headrest supports 1431 (also called headrest struts) are provided at the left and right ends of the headrest frame 1430, hanging down from the lower part of the headrest 1403. The headrest supports 1431 are inserted into headrest guides 1417 mounted on the upper frame 1412 of the seat back frame 1410, thereby mounting the headrest 1403 to the seat back frame 1410.

[1088] In addition, such as Figure 63 As shown, the headrest 1403 has a head support plate 1433 inside the headrest 1403. When a rear load is applied to the occupant H, the head support plate 1433 bears and supports the head H1 of the occupant H. The cross-section of the head support plate 1433 is S-shaped.

[1089] A pad P and a cushion cover T are provided on the outer side of the seat back frame 1410, the seat cushion frame 1420, and the headrest frame 1430. The pad P is, for example, a urethane substrate made of urethane foam material and formed by foaming, and the cushion cover T includes, for example, a surface material such as fabric, synthetic leather, or genuine leather.

[1090] In addition, such as Figure 63 As shown, a slide rail 1405 is provided at the lower part of the vehicle seat S8. The vehicle seat S8 is mounted on the vehicle floor in a state where it can slide in the fore-and-aft direction via the slide rail 1405. The slide rail 1405 is a known structure (a general slide rail mechanism structure), having a lower guide rail fixed to the vehicle floor and an upper guide rail that can slide relative to the lower guide rail. The upper guide rail can slide relative to the lower guide rail fixed to the vehicle body.

[1091] As described above, the neck brace 1404 is a component that supports the neck H2 of the occupant H from the rear, such as Figure 62 As shown, it is positioned below the headrest 1403. The neck brace 1404 of this embodiment has a cuboid-shaped main body 1450 at the front, and the face (front end face) of the main body 1450 facing the occupant H forms a neck support surface 1404a that supports the neck H2 of the occupant H. The neck brace 1404 has an upper mounting portion 1451 extending rearward from the upper end of the cuboid-shaped main body 1450. Through the main body 1450 and the upper mounting portion 1451, the neck brace 1404 has an inverted L-shaped longitudinal section. The neck brace 1404 has a neck brace frame 1440 forming its skeleton, with a pad P and a cushioning pad decorative cover T covering its surface provided on its outer side. The neck brace frame 1440 includes a pair of guide members 1441 provided on both sides, and an upper mounting portion frame 1444 extending rearward from its upper end. The rear end of the upper mounting frame 1444 is mounted on the upper frame 1412.

[1092] A through hole 1451a is formed in the upper mounting portion 1451 of the neck brace 1404. By inserting the headrest guide 1417 into the through hole 1451a, the upper mounting portion frame 1444 of the neck brace 1404 abuts against and is fixed to the upper frame 1412. In addition, the headrest support 1431 of the headrest 1403 is inserted into the headrest guide 1417, thereby supporting the headrest 1403.

[1093] like Figure 63 and Figure 68 As shown, the lower end of the guide member 1441 is fixed to the crossbeam 1413. The upper mounting frame 1444, extending from the upper end of the guide member 1441, is fixed to the upper frame 1412, and the lower end of the guide member 1441 is fixed to the crossbeam 1413, thereby increasing the mounting rigidity. Additionally, as... Figure 63 As shown in Figure 66, the guide member 1441 is positioned further forward than the headrest support 1431. This can suppress interference between the guide member 1441 and the headrest support 1431, and suppress any abnormal noise caused by contact.

[1094] The neck brace 1404 is provided with an adjustment mechanism 1452 for adjusting the shape of the neck support surface 1404a. The neck support surface 1404a has a protrusion 1456 protruding forward. The protrusion 1456 abuts against the neck H2 of the occupant H. The adjustment mechanism 1452 has: a protrusion amount adjustment part 1453, which adjusts the amount of protrusion in the front-rear direction of the protrusion of the neck support surface 1404a; and a vertical position adjustment part 1454, which adjusts the vertical position of the protrusion 1456 of the neck support surface 1404a. In addition, the adjustment mechanism 1452 has a locking part 1455, which locks the position of the protrusion 1456 adjusted by the vertical position adjustment part 1454 so that it does not change when the neck support surface 1404a is subjected to a load from the occupant during a rear-end collision, i.e., when the protrusion 1456 is pressed backward.

[1095] Because the position of the protrusion 1456 does not change due to the locking part 1455, the neck of the occupant H2 can be restrained by the neck support surface 1404a. Furthermore, as described above, the torso H3 of the occupant H can be restrained by the torso support plate 1419 supporting the torso support surface 1401a of the seat back 1401, and the head H1 of the occupant H can be restrained by the head support plate 1433 supporting the head support surface 1403a of the headrest 1403. Therefore, as... Figure 64 As shown, the head support surface 1403a and neck support surface 1404a of the headrest 1403 and the torso support surface 1401a of the seat back 1401 form a continuous vertebral shape constraint surface. During a rear-end collision, the vehicle seat S8 can move the occupant H backward while maintaining the occupant H's spinal shape. In the event of seat sinking, the amount of chest sinking of the occupant H is reduced, and the difference between chest sinking and head and neck sinking is minimized. Therefore, it can prevent the occupant H from becoming hunched over, effectively reducing the load acting on the occupant H during a rear-end collision.

[1096] use Figures 65 to 67 To illustrate the specific internal structure of the adjustment mechanism 1452 of the neck brace 1404. For example... Figure 65 and Figure 66A As shown, the adjustment mechanism 1452 has: a pair of guide members 1441 extending in the vertical direction of the vehicle seat S8; and a neck support plate 1442 (support member) forming the shape of a neck support surface 1404a and being mounted movable in the vertical direction along the guide members 1441.

[1097] The guide member 1441 is an elongated member that guides the neck support plate 1442 in the vertical direction. For example... Figure 67As shown, grooves 1441a extending along the long side are formed on both sides of the guide member 1441. Additionally, a plurality of recesses 1447 for locking the position of the neck support plate 1442 are arranged on the front surface. By inserting the locking tab 1446 of the locking part 1455 (described later) into the recesses 1447, the position of the end of the neck support plate 1442 (position holding member 1443) is fixed.

[1098] The neck support plate 1442 is a plate-shaped component made of metal. For example... Figure 66A As shown, by adjusting the distance L between its upper and lower ends, the deflection of the neck support plate 1442 changes, forming a protrusion 1456 of the neck support surface 1404a. For example, by moving the second position holding member 1443B (described later) upward to shorten the distance L, the neck support plate 1442 protrudes further forward.

[1099] Furthermore, the neck support plate 1442 is formed of a thin sheet of metal, but it can also be formed of a thin sheet of resin.

[1100] The neck support plate 1442 has: a first position holding member 1443A for holding the position of the upper end of the neck support plate 1442; and a second position holding member 1443B for holding the position of the lower end.

[1101] The first position holding member 1443A and the second position holding member 1443B are mounted on the front side of the guide member 1441 and can move up and down along the guide member 1441.

[1102] The first position retaining member 1443A and the second position retaining member 1443B have the same structure. Therefore, in the following description, unless there is a need to specifically distinguish between the first position retaining member 1443A and the second position retaining member 1443B, they will only be described as "position retaining member 1443".

[1103] like Figure 67 As shown, the position holding member 1443 has a holding portion 1449 that holds the guide member 1441. By inserting the front end of the holding portion 1449 into the groove 1441a of the guide member 1441, it can slide in the vertical direction while holding the guide member 1441.

[1104] A locking part 1455 is provided between the guide member 1441 and the position holding member 1443 to lock the vertical movement of the position holding member 1443. By locking the movement of the position holding member 1443, the vertical position of the neck support plate 1442 is locked.

[1105] A locking part 1455 is disposed in the retaining part 1449 of the position retaining member 1443, and includes: a locking piece 1446 that applies force toward the guide member 1441; and a plurality of recesses 1447 formed on the front surface of the guide member 1441 and into which the locking piece 1446 can be inserted. A plurality of recesses 1447 are arranged on the front surface of the guide member 1441 in the longitudinal direction (vertical direction) of the guide member 1441. An inertial lock is formed by the locking piece 1446 and the recesses 1447, allowing the position retaining member 1443 to be locked at any position on the guide member 1441 where the recesses 1447 are located. Since the locking part 1455 is disposed between the guide member 1441 and the position retaining member 1443, it can protect the locking part 1455 in its normal state.

[1106] Furthermore, in addition to being a locking structure formed by the locking piece 1446 and the recess 1447, the locking part 1455 may also be a structure that locks the position of the position holding member 1443 by inserting a pin into the recess or through hole formed on the side of the holding part 1449 and the guide member 1441.

[1107] Furthermore, the protrusion adjustment part 1453 is realized by the neck support plate 1442 and the position holding member 1443 that fixes the positions of its upper and lower ends to the guide member 1441. The vertical position adjustment part 1454 is realized by the position holding member 1443 and the guide member 1441 that can move its position vertically.

[1108] A spring 1445 (force-applying member) is provided between the first position holding member 1443A and the second position holding member 1443B to apply force to bring them closer together. In this embodiment, a tension helical spring is included, but the force-applying spring 1445 may also be implemented by multiple helical springs.

[1109] By providing spring 1445, an auxiliary force can be obtained when the protrusion of the neck support plate 1442 is increased, i.e., when the first position holding member 1443A and the second position holding member 1443B are brought close together. In addition, by providing spring 1445 at the center of the position holding member 1443 in the seat width direction, the force applied based on spring 1445 can be stabilized.

[1110] like Figure 65 and Figure 66AAs shown, a shape-maintaining member 1448 is disposed between a first position-holding member 1443A and a second position-holding member 1443B. The upper and lower ends of the shape-maintaining member 1448 are rotatably mounted to the first position-holding member 1443A and the second position-holding member 1443B. Furthermore, the shape-maintaining member 1448 is configured to bend at its central portion in the vertical direction. By shortening the distance L between the first position-holding member 1443A and the second position-holding member 1443B, the central portion of the shape-maintaining member 1448 protrudes forward, thereby supporting the forward-bending neck support plate 1442 from the rear.

[1111] By setting a shape-maintaining member 1448, the neck restraint during a rear-end collision is strengthened by supporting the curved neck support plate 1442 from the rear.

[1112] Figure 63 , Figure 64 , Figure 66A The guide member 1441 shown is located in front of the headrest guide 1417, and the upper mounting frame 1444, extending from the upper end to the rear, is fixed to the upper frame 1412. This is one example. Figure 66B As shown, the upper mounting frame 1444 can also be directly fixed to the front surface 1417c of the headrest guide 1417. The through hole 1451a for the headrest guide 1417 to pass through is not required, making assembly easier.

[1113] Alternatively, the width W1 of the neck brace can be smaller than the distance between the two headrest guides 1417 (see reference). Figure 69C The upper mounting frame 1444 is fixed to the upper frame 1412, avoiding the headrest guide 1417. By arranging the upper mounting frame 1444 between the pair of headrest guides 1417, the guide member 1441 can be located further rearward than the headrest guide 1417, thereby suppressing the enlargement in the front-to-back direction and improving rigidity by shortening the distance to the upper frame 1412.

[1114] In addition, such as Figure 68 As shown, the guide member 1441 is positioned further inward in the seat width direction than the connection portion 1418a between the mounting thread 1418 and the crossbeam 1413. In other words, the width W1 of the neck brace 1404 is narrower than the distance (width W2) between the connection portions 1418a. By positioning the guide member 1441 further inward than the connection portion 1418a, it is possible to suppress the large lateral displacement of the neck brace 1404 while also suppressing noise caused by the contact between the guide member 1441 and the mounting thread 1418.

[1115] In addition, such as Figure 68As shown, the width W1 of the neck brace 1404 (the size in the width direction of the left and right guide members 1441) is formed such that the width W3 of the torso support plate 1419 is also narrowed. This prevents the neck brace 1404 from becoming too large.

[1116] In addition, such as Figure 69A As shown, the left and right guide members 1441 can also be fixed to the outer side 1417a of a pair of headrest guides 1417 mounted on the upper frame 1412.

[1117] In addition, such as Figure 69B As shown, the left and right guide members 1441 can also be fixed to the inner side 1417b of the headrest guide 1417. The guide members 1441 are fixed to the outer or inner side of the headrest guide 1417, thereby increasing rigidity.

[1118] In addition, such as Figure 69C As shown, the width W1 of the neck brace 1404 can also be configured to be smaller than the width W4 of the inner sides of the two headrest guides 1417. The guide member 1441 is fixed to the upper frame 1412. This helps to prevent the brace from becoming too large.

[1119] Next, refer to Figure 70 and Figure 71 Let's take a vehicle seat (SA) as another example.

[1120] like Figure 70 As shown, in the vehicle seat SA, the seat back 1401A, seat cushion 1402A, headrest 1403A, and neck brace 1404A are included as constituent components. Figure 62 In the vehicle seat S8, the headrest 1403 and the seat back 1401 are separately constructed, but the vehicle seat SA and Figure 62 The difference in the vehicle seat S8 shown is that the headrest 1403A and the seat back 1401A are integrated. All other aspects are the same.

[1121] Since the seat back 1401A and headrest 1403A are integrated, therefore... Figure 71 As shown, the headrest frame (more specifically, the headrest support 1431A) supporting the headrest 1403A is directly fixed to the upper frame 1412A.

[1122] In the vehicle seat SA, the neck brace 1404A is fixed to the headrest frame. More specifically, the upper mounting frame 1444 of the guide member 1441 is fixed to the headrest support 1431A at a position lower than the head support plate 1433. Furthermore, the guide member 1441 is fixed to the front surface side of the upper mounting frame 1444. This structure improves the mounting rigidity of the neck brace 1404A.

[1123] Furthermore, in the vehicle seat SA, the guide member 1441 is also fixed to the upper frame 1412A via the upper mounting frame 1444. As an example, the upper end of the guide member 1441 can also be mounted to the lower end of the head support plate 1433 of the headrest 1403A. This allows the surfaces of the head support plate 1433 and the neck support plate 1442 to be continuous, and reduces the number of parts constituting the vehicle seat SA.

[1124] The embodiments of the present invention will be described above with reference to the figures. Furthermore, the neck support plate 1442 and the guide member 1441, which support the neck, are provided on the neck brace 1404, but may also be provided on the headrest 1403 or the seat back 1401.

[1125] <<Postscript>>

[1126] According to the present invention, a vehicle seat preferably includes: a seat back, serving as a backrest for an occupant; a headrest disposed on the seat back and adjustable in height; and a neck brace disposed below the headrest and having a neck support surface for supporting the occupant's neck. The neck brace is provided with an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the neck support surface, the adjustment mechanism having: a protrusion adjustment portion for adjusting the protrusion of the neck support surface in the front-rear direction; a height adjustment portion for adjusting the height position of the neck support surface in the vertical direction; and a locking portion for locking the position of the height adjustment portion when the neck support surface is subjected to a load from the occupant during a rear-end collision.

[1127] In the vehicle seat of the present invention configured as described above, regarding the adjustment mechanism for adjusting the neck support surface, when the neck support surface is subjected to a load from the occupant during a rear-end collision, the locking part of the adjustment mechanism locks the position of the up-down position adjustment part, so that the neck support surface does not move and the occupant's neck can be restrained.

[1128] Additionally, in the vehicle seat, the adjustment mechanism preferably includes: a guide member extending in the vertical direction; and a support member forming the neck support surface and being movable along the guide member in the vertical direction.

[1129] By using guide members, the support members forming the neck support surface can be moved in the vertical direction, making it easy to adjust the vertical position of the neck support surface.

[1130] In addition, in the vehicle seat, the support member preferably has a position holding member that holds the position of the upper or lower end of the support member, the position holding member being movable up and down and mounted on the front side of the guide member, and the locking part being disposed between the position holding member and the guide member.

[1131] Since the locking part is located between the position holding member and the guide member, it can protect the locking part.

[1132] Additionally, in the vehicle seat, the position holding member preferably includes: a first position holding member disposed at the upper end of the support member; and a second position holding member disposed at the lower end, wherein the support member has a force-applying member between the first position holding member and the second position holding member to apply force to bring the first position holding member and the second position holding member closer to each other.

[1133] By providing a force-applying member between the first position holding member and the second position holding member, an auxiliary force is obtained when adjusting the position of the support member forming the neck support surface.

[1134] Furthermore, in the aforementioned vehicle seat, it is preferable that the force-applying member is disposed at the center of the position-holding member in the seat width direction.

[1135] By placing the force-applying member at the center of the position-holding member, the applied force obtained from the force-applying member is stabilized, and the position of the support member can be easily adjusted.

[1136] Additionally, the vehicle seat preferably includes a shape-maintaining member disposed between the first position-maintaining member and the second position-maintaining member, supporting the support member from the rear.

[1137] By using a shape-maintaining member that supports the support member from the rear, the shape of the support member can be maintained, thereby strengthening the restraint on the occupant's neck.

[1138] Additionally, in the vehicle seat, the locking part preferably includes: a locking piece disposed on the position holding member and exerting force toward the guide member; and a plurality of recesses arranged in the guide member along the long side of the guide member and capable of inserting the locking piece.

[1139] The position holding member can be locked at any position on the guide member where a recess is formed.

[1140] Furthermore, in the aforementioned vehicle seat, it is preferable to have a seat back frame having a skeleton forming the seat back, the seat back frame having: a pair of back side frames disposed on both sides; an upper frame connecting the upper ends of the pair of back side frames; and a crossbeam spanning between the lower ends of the upper frame, the upper end of the guide member of the neck brace being fixed to the upper frame, and the lower end of the guide member being fixed to the crossbeam.

[1141] By fixing the guide member to the upper frame and the crossbeam, the installation rigidity of the guide member is improved.

[1142] Additionally, the vehicle seat preferably includes: a seat back frame forming the skeleton of the seat back; and a headrest guide disposed on the seat back frame and supporting the headrest support, the upper end of the guide member being fixed to the front surface of the headrest guide.

[1143] Rigidity is increased by fixing the upper end of the guide member to the front surface of the headrest guide.

[1144] In addition, in the vehicle seat, it is preferable that the upper end of the guide member is fixed to the headrest support of the headrest.

[1145] By fixing the guide component to the headrest support, the installation rigidity is improved.

[1146] <Ninth Implementation Method>

[1147] Next, based on Figures 72-78 The vehicle seat S9 of the ninth embodiment will be explained.

[1148] Furthermore, the content that overlaps with the vehicle seats S1 to S8 is omitted from the description.

[1149] The S9 for vehicle seats enables efficient assembly of the seat frame, which serves as the skeleton.

[1150] In addition, a seat is realized that can make the assembly process more efficient by reducing the time spent on frame assembly and by reducing the number of components in the seat frame.

[1151] In addition, a seat is made that can properly withstand the load even when a load is applied from a specified direction during use.

[1152] S9 seats for vehicles Figure 72 The image shows a vehicle seat, which mainly includes: a seat body, including a seat back 1501 and a seat cushion 1502; and a guide rail device 1503, a height linkage device 1504, and a tilting device 1505, as shown. Figure 73 As shown, the guide rail device 1503 supports the seat body to the vehicle floor in a way that allows it to move back and forth, the height linkage device 1504 connects the seat body to the vehicle floor in a way that allows it to be raised and lowered, and the tilting device 1505 connects the seat back 1501 to the seat cushion 1502 in a way that allows it to be rotated.

[1153] like Figure 72As shown, the seat back 1501 supports the back of the seated person from behind, forming a frame. Figure 73 The back frame 1510 shown carries cushioning material 1501a and is covered with skin material 1501b.

[1154] The seat cushion 1502 supports the occupant's seating area from below, forming a framework within the seat. Figure 73 The cushioning frame 1520 shown carries cushioning material 1502a and is covered with skin material 1502b.

[1155] like Figure 73 As shown, the guide rail device 1503 is disposed between the seat body and the vehicle floor in the vertical direction, and mainly includes: left and right lower guide rails 1503a, which are fixed to the vehicle floor and extend in the front-rear direction of the seat; left and right upper guide rails 1503b, which are supported so as to be able to slide along the lower guide rails 1503a; a locking member (not shown) that locks the upper guide rails 1503b so as not to slide relative to the lower guide rails 1503a; and a guide rail operating lever 1503c for releasing the locking member from its locked state.

[1156] A buffer pad frame 1520 is mounted on the upper surface of the left and right upper guide rails 1503b via a height linkage device 1504.

[1157] like Figure 73 As shown, the height linkage device 1504 is installed between the guide rail device 1503 and the buffer pad frame 1520, and mainly includes: left and right first linkages 1504a, disposed on the front side of the seat; left and right second linkages 1504b, disposed on the rear side of the seat; a locking member (not shown) that locks the seat body to prevent it from being raised or lowered; and a height operating lever (not shown) for releasing the locking member from its locked state. Furthermore, the second linkage 1504b serves as a drive linkage, a device capable of adjusting the height of the seat body.

[1158] like Figure 73 As shown, the tilting device 1505 mainly includes: a tilting body 1505a, which is driven when the back frame 1510 is rotated; a rotating shaft 1505b; a coil spring 1505c, which applies force to the back frame 1510 to make it rotate forward about the rotating shaft 1505b; and a tilting operating lever (not shown), which is operated to release the locked state of the back frame 1510.

[1159] The tilting body 1505a has a known locking mechanism that can switch the state of the back frame 1510 between a locked state that is fixed relative to the cushion frame 1520 and a unlocked state that is rotatable relative to the cushion frame 1520.

[1160] The rotating shaft 1505b is axially supported on the back frame 1510 side and the cushioning frame 1520 side in the seat width direction. One end of the coil spring 1505c is locked on the back frame 1510 side and the other end is locked on the cushioning frame 1520 side.

[1161] like Figure 73 As shown, the back frame 1510 comprises a generally rectangular frame, mainly including: back side frames 1511, disposed on the left and right sides; upper frame 1512, connecting the upper portions of each back side frame 1511 and forming an inverted U-shape; lower frame 1513, connecting the lower portions of each back side frame 1511 and forming a plate shape; rod frame 1514, connecting the upper portions of each back side frame 1511; and elastic springs (not shown), hooked onto each back side frame 1511 and extending in a serpentine manner.

[1162] The back side frame 1511 extends in the vertical direction and includes a sheet metal member with a cross-section of approximately C-shaped. Its lower end is connected to the rear end of the side frame 1521 via an inclined device 1505.

[1163] like Figure 73 , Figure 74 As shown, the cushioning frame 1520 comprises a generally rectangular frame, mainly including: side frames 1521, disposed on the left and right sides and extending in the fore-and-aft direction of the seat; a base frame 1530, mounted on the front end of each side frame 1521 and in a plate-like shape; a front connecting frame 1522, connecting the front part of each side frame 1521; a rear connecting frame 1523, connecting the rear part of each side frame 1521; and a plurality of elastic springs 1524, hooked to the base frame 1530 and the rear connecting frame 1523 and extending in a serpentine manner in the fore-and-aft direction of the seat.

[1164] like Figures 73-76 As shown, the side frame 1521 is a long strip-shaped plate frame in the front-back direction of the seat, and has: a frame body 1521a, and an upper flange 1521b and a lower flange 1521c that bend outwards in the width direction of the seat from the upper end and lower end of the frame body 1521a, respectively.

[1165] Additionally, the side frame 1521 has a skin hook portion 1521d, which is formed by cutting and erecting a portion of the side of the frame body 1521a, and is used to hook the end portion of the skin material 1502b.

[1166] Additionally, the side frame 1521 has a mounting hole 1521e (mounting portion), which is formed on the upper surface of the upper flange portion 1521b and is used to mount the base frame 1530.

[1167] The leather hook portion 1521d and the mounting hole 1521e are formed in multiple portions at predetermined intervals in the front-to-back direction of the seat.

[1168] Furthermore, a tilting device 1505 is installed at the rear end of the side frame 1521.

[1169] like Figure 73 As shown, the front connecting frame 1522 and the rear connecting frame 1523 are tubular frames, which are connected to the left and right side frames 1521 respectively, and to the left and right connecting rods (first connecting rod 1504a and second connecting rod 1504b).

[1170] The elastic spring 1524 is an elastic support member that supports the buttocks of the seated person, and multiple springs are provided at predetermined intervals in the width direction of the seat.

[1171] The front end of the elastic spring 1524 is hooked onto a spring hook portion 1537 formed on the upper surface of the base frame 1530. In addition, the rear end of the elastic spring 1524 is mounted to the rear connecting frame 1523 via a hook member.

[1172] like Figures 73-76 As shown, the base frame 1530 is a plate-shaped frame (connecting frame) that is mounted on the upper surface of the left and right side frames 1521 and supports the thighs of the seated person. The side portion of the base frame 1530 in the width direction of the seat is mounted on and installed on the upper surface of the side frame 1521.

[1173] Specifically, the base frame 1530 mainly includes: a frame body 1531 that is a long rectangular plate in the width direction of the seat; a frame front wall 1532 that protrudes downward from the front end of the frame body 1531; and left and right frame side wall 1533 that protrude downward from the left and right ends of the frame body 1531, respectively.

[1174] Furthermore, the front end of the frame front wall portion 1532 and the frame side wall portion 1533 are formed with a bent portion 1532a and a bent portion 1533a, which are formed by bending the front end of the front end portion upward.

[1175] The bent portion 1532a is formed continuously in a manner that extends along the width direction of the seat, specifically by a curling process.

[1176] In addition, the bending portion 1533a is formed continuously in a manner that extends along the front-to-back direction of the seat.

[1177] Therefore, compared with the previous folding or deep drawing processes, manufacturing costs (mold costs) can be reduced.

[1178] like Figures 74-76As shown, the base frame 1530 includes a first reinforcing recess 1534 and a second reinforcing recess 1535, which are formed as recesses on the upper surface of the frame body portion 1531 and extend in the seat width direction.

[1179] The first reinforcing recess 1534 and the second reinforcing recess 1535 are respectively reinforcing portions that are elongated strips in a generally rectangular shape in the width direction of the seat. The first reinforcing recess 1534 is positioned further forward of the seat than the second reinforcing recess 1535.

[1180] A skin hook portion 1536 for hooking the terminal portion of the skin material 1502b is formed on the upper surface of the first reinforcing recess 1534.

[1181] Additionally, a spring hook portion 1537 for hooking one end of the elastic spring 1524 is formed on the upper surface of the second reinforcing recess 1535.

[1182] The leather hook portion 1536 is formed by cutting and erecting a portion of the upper surface of the first reinforcing recess 1534, and multiple portions are formed at intervals in the seat width direction.

[1183] The spring hook portion 1537 is formed by cutting and erecting a portion of the upper surface of the second reinforcing recess 1535, and multiple portions are formed at predetermined intervals in the seat width direction.

[1184] The leather hook part 1536 and the spring hook part 1537 are arranged at different positions in the width direction of the seat.

[1185] like Figure 74 , Figure 76 As shown, the base frame 1530 includes left and right mounting holes 1538, which are respectively formed at both ends of the frame body 1531 in the seat width direction and are used to mount the left and right side frames 1521.

[1186] The base frame 1530 is assembled to the side frame 1521 by tightening the mounting bolts 1539 while the mounting hole 1538 of the base frame 1530 is connected to the mounting hole 1521e of the side frame 1521.

[1187] Multiple mounting holes 1538 are formed on the left and right sides, spaced apart in the front-to-back direction of the seat. In this embodiment, two of each hole are formed.

[1188] <<Frame Connection Section>>

[1189] like Figures 74-76As shown, the base frame 1530 includes: a frame abutment portion 1540, which is configured to protrude downward from the back side of the frame body portion 1531 and abut against the inner side surface of the side frame 1521; and a second frame abutment portion 1550, which abuts against the front surface of the side frame 1521.

[1190] The frame abutment portion 1540 is a generally rectangular plate-shaped cut-up upright portion formed by cutting a part of the frame main body portion 1531, including: a left frame abutment portion 1540A, formed on one side (left side) in the seat width direction; and a right frame abutment portion 1540B, formed on the other side (right side) in the seat width direction.

[1191] The frame abutment portion 1540 is formed to abut (collide) with the upper portion of the inner side surface of the side frame 1521.

[1192] like Figure 75A As shown, the left frame abutment portion 1540A is cut from the back of the frame body portion 1531 toward the outer side in the seat width direction (towards the side frame 1521) and erected. Moreover, it extends along the elongated direction of the side frame 1521 and abuts against the inner surface of the side frame 1521. In other words, it makes surface contact with the inner surface of the side frame 1521.

[1193] like Figure 75B As shown, the right frame abutment portion 1540B is cut off from the back of the frame body portion 1531 and erected towards the rear of the seat. Furthermore, the outer end portion in the seat width direction is configured to abut against the inner surface of the side frame 1521 and extends in a direction intersecting (orthogonal) with the elongated direction of the side frame 1521. In other words, it makes plate-thickness contact with the inner surface of the side frame 1521.

[1194] like Figure 76 As shown, the frame abutment portion 1540A and the frame abutment portion 1540B are respectively formed on the bottom surface of the base frame 1530 at positions that avoid the first reinforcing recess 1534 and the second reinforcing recess 1535.

[1195] In addition, the frame abutment portion 1540A and the frame abutment portion 1540B are formed on the left and right sides in the seat width direction, respectively, and are positioned in the seat width direction to sandwich the second reinforcing recess 1535.

[1196] In addition, the frame abutment portion 1540A and the frame abutment portion 1540B are disposed between the first reinforcing recess 1534 and the second reinforcing recess 1535 in the front-back direction of the seat.

[1197] As described above, when the frame abutment portion 1540 is formed by cutting and erecting a portion of the base frame 1530, the amount of downward protrusion of the frame abutment portion 1540 can be reduced by cutting and erecting it while avoiding the first reinforcing recess 1534 (second reinforcing recess 1535) in the base frame 1530. This suppresses interference between the frame abutment portion 1540 and another component (e.g., a seatbelt) inside the cushioning frame 1520.

[1198] In addition, as described above, the frame abutment portion 1540 can be positioned around the first reinforcing recess 1534 and the second reinforcing recess 1535, which can also improve the rigidity of the frame abutment portion 1540.

[1199] like Figure 76 As shown, the frame abutment portion 1540A and the frame abutment portion 1540B are arranged between a plurality of mounting bolts 1539 (mounting holes 1538) in the front-back direction of the seat.

[1200] Therefore, when connecting the base frame 1530 and the side frame 1521, the positions of the two frames can be well balanced and restricted by the frame abutment portions 1540A and 1540B. Furthermore, this structure also improves the rigidity of the frame abutment portions 1540A and 1540B.

[1201] like Figure 75A , Figure 75B As shown, the second frame abutment portion 1550 is a roughly rectangular plate-shaped cut-up upright portion formed by cutting a part of the frame main body portion 1531, and is formed on the left and right sides in the seat width direction. Moreover, it is formed to abut against the upper part of the front side of the side frame 1521.

[1202] In detail, the second frame abutment portion 1550 is cut from the back of the frame body portion 1531 toward the rear of the seat (towards the side frame 1521) and erected. Moreover, it abuts against the front of the side frame 1521 and extends in a direction that intersects (orthogonally) with the elongated direction of the side frame 1521.

[1203] The second frame abutment portion 1550 is formed on the bottom surface of the base frame 1530 at a position that avoids the first reinforcing recess 1534 and the second reinforcing recess 1535.

[1204] In addition, the left and right second frame abutment portions 1550 are arranged in the seat width direction at a position that sandwiches the first reinforcing recess 1534 and the second reinforcing recess 1535.

[1205] In addition, the second frame abutment portion 1550 is positioned in the front-to-back direction of the seat to overlap with the first reinforcing recess 1534.

[1206] With the aforementioned structure, the second frame abutment portion 1550 can be suitably positioned at a different location from the first reinforcing recess 1534 and the second reinforcing recess 1535.

[1207] In addition, as described above, the rigidity of the second frame abutment portion 1550 can be improved by positioning it around the periphery of the first reinforcing recess 1534.

[1208] <<Examples of variations in the frame joint>>

[1209] Next, based on Figures 77-78 Example 1512 illustrates a variation of the frame abutment.

[1210] Furthermore, the content that is repeated with the frame contact portion 1540 is omitted from the description.

[1211] like Figure 77 As shown, the frame abutment portion 1640 of Modified Example 1 has a recessed shape formed, for example by pressing, and recessed from the upper surface of the base frame 1630 downward.

[1212] The frame abutment portion 1640 is configured such that its outer side wall portion 1641 in the seat width direction abuts against the inner side surface of the side frame 1621 and extends along the elongated direction of the side frame 1621.

[1213] Even with the aforementioned structure, when connecting the base frame 1630 to the left and right side frames 1621, the frame abutment portion 1640 can abut against the inner surfaces of the left and right side frames 1621, allowing for easy positional constraint of the frames in the seat width direction. As a result, the assembly time of the frames can be reduced.

[1214] like Figure 78 As shown, in Modified Example 2, the frame abutment 1740 is, for example, a plate-shaped frame piece that is separately mounted on the back of the base frame 1730.

[1215] The frame abutment portion 1740 extends along the elongated direction of the side frame 1721 while abutting against the inner surface of the side frame 1721.

[1216] Even with the aforementioned structure, when the base frame 1730 is connected to the left and right side frames 1721, the frame abutment portion 1740 can abut against the inner side surface of the left and right side frames 1721, making it easy to restrict the position of the two frames in the seat width direction.

[1217] <<Other Implementation Methods>>

[1218] In the described embodiment, such as Figure 75A , Figure 75BAs shown, the base frame 1530 includes a frame abutment portion 1540 on its back side that abuts against the inner side surface of the side frame 1521, but there is no particular limitation that frames other than the base frame 1530 may also include frame abutment portions 1540.

[1219] For example, the front connecting frame 1522 or the rear connecting frame 1523 may also include a frame abutment portion that abuts against the inner side surface of the side frame 1521.

[1220] Alternatively, for example, the rod frame 1514 may also include a frame abutment portion that abuts against the inner side surface of the back side frame 1511. It may also include a frame abutment portion that abuts against the front or rear surface of the back side frame 1511.

[1221] Alternatively, for example, the upper frame 1512 or the lower frame 1513 may also include a frame abutment portion that abuts against the inner side surface of the back side frame 1511.

[1222] In the described embodiment, such as Figure 75A , Figure 75B As shown, the base frame 1530 includes a frame abutment portion 1540 and a second frame abutment portion 1550, but there is no particular limitation; it may include only the frame abutment portion 1540 or only the second frame abutment portion 1550.

[1223] In the described embodiment, such as Figure 75A , Figure 75B As shown, the frame abutment 1540 is a cut-out erected part formed by cutting a part of the base frame 1530, but it can also be formed without special cutting and erection. It can be formed into a concave-convex shape by pressing or the like as in modified example 1, or it can be formed by additionally installing a frame piece as in modified example 2.

[1224] In the described embodiment, such as Figure 74 , Figure 76 As shown, the base frame 1530 includes a first reinforcing recess 1534 and a second reinforcing recess 1535, but is not particularly limited to a concave reinforcing portion and can be modified.

[1225] For example, the base frame 1530 may also include a reinforcing protrusion formed as a protrusion on the upper surface of the base frame 1530 and extending in the seat width direction.

[1226] <<Postscript>>

[1227] According to the present invention, a vehicle seat preferably includes a seat frame as a skeleton. The seat frame includes: side frames disposed on the left and right sides in the width direction of the seat; and a connecting frame connecting the left and right side frames. The connecting frame has a frame abutment portion, which is configured to protrude on one side of the connecting frame in the thickness direction of the connecting frame and abut against the inner side surface of the side frame.

[1228] The structure described above enables the creation of vehicle seats that allow for efficient assembly of seat frames.

[1229] In detail, the connecting frame has a frame abutment portion that protrudes from one side of the connecting frame's surface in the thickness direction and abuts against the inner surface of the side frame. Therefore, when connecting the connecting frame to the left and right side frames, the frame abutment portion can abut (collide) with the inner surfaces of the left and right side frames, allowing for easy positional control of both frames in the seat width direction. As a result, the assembly time for both frames can be reduced.

[1230] Furthermore, as mentioned above, by having a frame abutment in the connecting frame, the number of constituent parts of the seat frame can be reduced. Specifically, the connecting frame (e.g., the base frame) is mounted to the left and right side frames using rivets (mounting bolts), thus ensuring the assembly rigidity of both frames even when the number of rivets is reduced.

[1231] Furthermore, as described above, by having a frame abutment portion in the connecting frame, the load can be suitably borne even when a specified load is applied in the seat width direction when using a vehicle seat.

[1232] At this time, it is preferable that the connecting frame is formed by a plate-shaped frame, and the frame abutment portion is formed by cutting a part of the connecting frame, and extends while abutting against the inner side surface of the side frame along the long strip direction of the side frame.

[1233] The structure described above allows for the simple formation of a frame abutment.

[1234] Furthermore, as described above, the frame abutment extends while abutting against the inner surface of the side frame along the elongated direction of the side frame (making surface contact). Therefore, interference between the peripheral frame abutment of the connecting frame and other constituent parts (such as seat belts) can be suppressed.

[1235] At this time, it is preferable that the connecting frame is formed by a plate-shaped frame, the frame abutment is formed by cutting a part of the connecting frame, and the outer end of the frame abutment in the seat width direction is configured to abut against the inner side of the side frame and extend in a direction intersecting the elongated direction of the side frame.

[1236] The structure described above allows for the simple formation of a frame abutment.

[1237] Furthermore, as described above, the frame abutment is configured such that its outer end in the seat width direction abuts against the inner side surface of the side frame (plate thickness contact), and extends in a direction intersecting the elongated direction of the side frame. Therefore, when a specified load is applied from the seat width direction, it can more appropriately withstand the load. That is, it becomes a structure where the cut and erected frame abutment is less likely to collapse.

[1238] At this time, it is preferable that the frame abutment portion has: one side frame abutment portion formed on one side of the bottom surface of the connecting frame in the seat width direction; and another side frame abutment portion formed on the other side in the seat width direction, wherein the one side frame abutment portion extends while abutting against the inner side surface of the side frame along the elongated direction of the side frame, and the other side frame abutment portion is configured such that the outer end of the other side frame abutment portion in the seat width direction abuts against the inner side surface of the side frame, and extends in a direction intersecting the elongated direction of the side frame.

[1239] As described above, since the connecting frame has a frame abutment portion on one side and a frame abutment portion on the other side facing different directions, interference with other constituent parts can be suppressed in the frame abutment portion on one side, and the load applied from the seat width direction can be more appropriately borne in the frame abutment portion on the other side.

[1240] At this time, it is preferable that the connecting frame is formed of a plate-shaped frame, the connecting frame has a reinforcing part, the reinforcing part is formed as a convex or concave part on the upper surface of the connecting frame and extends along the width direction of the seat, and the frame abutment part is formed on the bottom surface of the connecting frame at a position avoiding the reinforcing part.

[1241] The structure described above can be used to appropriately strengthen the connecting frame.

[1242] Furthermore, according to the aforementioned structure, for example, when cutting and erecting a portion of the connecting frame to form the frame abutment, the cutting and erection avoids the concave-convex reinforcing portions in the connecting frame, thereby reducing the amount of protrusion of the frame abutment. As a result, interference between the frame abutment and another constituent part can be suppressed.

[1243] At this time, it is preferable that the side frame is a cushion side frame extending in the front-back direction of the seat, the connecting frame is a base frame mounted on the front part of the left and right side frames, the reinforcing part is formed as a concave reinforcing recess, and a hook part for hooking the seat component of the vehicle seat is formed on the upper surface of the portion in the base frame where the reinforcing recess is formed. The frame abutment portions are formed on the left and right sides in the seat width direction and are arranged in a position that clamps the reinforcing recess in the seat width direction.

[1244] This structure improves the assembly rigidity of the seat components relative to the base frame (hook). Furthermore, as a seat component, for example, a cover material, the end portion of the cover material can be hooked onto the base frame (hook).

[1245] At this time, it is preferable that the reinforcing recess has a first reinforcing recess and a second reinforcing recess, the first reinforcing recess and the second reinforcing recess are formed at different positions in the front-rear direction of the seat and extend along the width direction of the seat respectively, and the frame abutment is disposed between the first reinforcing recess and the second reinforcing recess in the front-rear direction of the seat.

[1246] This structure allows for more appropriate reinforcement of the connecting frame. Additionally, it improves the rigidity of the frame's abutment joints.

[1247] At this time, it is preferable that the side frame is a cushion side frame extending in the front-back direction of the seat, the connecting frame is a base frame mounted on the front part of the left and right side frames, the connecting frame has a second frame abutment portion, the second frame abutment portion is configured to protrude downward on the bottom surface of the connecting frame and abut against the front of the side frame.

[1248] The structure allows for easy positioning of both the seat's frames in both the width and fore-aft directions. This, in turn, further reduces the time required for assembling the frames.

[1249] Furthermore, thanks to the aforementioned structure, the load can be suitably borne even when a specified load is applied in the width or fore-and-aft direction of the seat while using a vehicle seat.

[1250] At this time, it is preferable that the frame abutment and the second frame abutment are formed on the bottom surface of the connecting frame at a position that avoids the reinforcing part, the second frame abutment is formed on the left and right sides in the seat width direction, the left and right second frame abutment are arranged at a position that sandwiches the reinforcing part in the seat width direction, and are arranged at a position that overlaps with the reinforcing part in the seat front-back direction.

[1251] With this structure, the left and right frame abutment portions and the left and right second frame abutment portions can be appropriately positioned at locations different from the reinforcing portion. Furthermore, by positioning them around the reinforcing portion, the rigidity of the left and right frame abutment portions and the left and right second frame abutment portions can be improved.

[1252] <Tenth Implementation>

[1253] Next, based on Figures 79-85 The tenth embodiment of the vehicle seat S10 will be explained.

[1254] Furthermore, the content that overlaps with the vehicle seats S1 to S9 is omitted from the description.

[1255] The vehicle seat S10 enables the efficiency of assembly operations.

[1256] Furthermore, a seat that includes a tilting mechanism is implemented to make the assembly operation of the device more efficient.

[1257] In addition, a seat that can reduce the number of constituent parts can be realized.

[1258] Vehicle Seats S10, etc. Figure 79 The image shows a vehicle seat, which mainly includes: a seat body, including a seat cushion 1801 and a seat back 1802; and a guide rail device 1830, a height linkage device 1840, a tilting device 1850, and a connecting bracket 1860, as shown. Figure 80 As shown, the guide rail device 1830 supports the seat body to the vehicle floor in a way that allows it to move back and forth, the height linkage device 1840 connects the seat body to the vehicle floor in a way that allows it to be raised and lowered, the tilting device 1850 connects the seat back 1802 to the seat cushion 1801 in a way that allows it to be rotated, and the connecting bracket 1860 connects the seat cushion 1801 to the seat back 1802.

[1259] like Figure 79 As shown, the seat cushion 1801 supports the occupant's seating area from below, forming a framework. Figure 80 The cushioning frame 1810 shown carries cushioning material 1801a and is covered with skin material 1801b.

[1260] The seat back 1802 is a backrest that supports the occupant from behind, forming a frame. Figure 80 The back frame 1820 shown carries cushioning material 1802a and is covered with skin material 1802b.

[1261] The cushioning frame 1810 and the back frame 1820 are connected by a connecting bracket 1860.

[1262] like Figure 80 As shown, the cushioning frame 1810 comprises a generally rectangular frame, mainly including: cushioning side frames 1811, disposed on the left and right sides; a base frame 1812, mounted on the front end of each cushioning side frame 1811 and in a plate-like shape; a front connecting frame 1813, connecting the front part of each cushioning side frame 1811; a rear connecting frame 1814, connecting the rear part of each cushioning side frame 1811; and a plurality of elastic springs 1815, hooked to the base frame 1812 and the rear connecting frame 1814 and extending in a serpentine manner in the front-back direction of the seat.

[1263] The cushioning side frame 1811 is a long, strip-shaped frame in the front-to-back direction of the seat.

[1264] A tilting device 1850 is mounted on the rear portion of the buffer pad side frame 1811 via a connecting bracket 1860, and a guide rail device 1830 is mounted on the lower portion of it via a height linkage device 1840.

[1265] like Figure 81 , Figure 82 As shown, the rear portion of the cushion side frame 1811 has a stepped shape that curves in the seat width direction, and includes: a main wall portion 1811a that extends in a long strip in the seat front-rear direction; an outer wall portion 1811b that is disposed on the outer side in the seat width direction, which is further outward than the main wall portion 1811a; and a connecting wall portion 1811c that connects the main wall portion 1811a and the outer wall portion 1811b.

[1266] Furthermore, a connecting bracket 1860 is assembled on the inner side of the outer wall portion 1811b via a fastening member 1870.

[1267] Furthermore, an upper flange 1811d and a lower flange 1811e are respectively formed at the upper and lower ends of the cushion side frame 1811, which curve and protrude to one side (strictly speaking, the outer side) in the direction of seat width.

[1268] The upper flange 1811d and the lower flange 1811e extend in the front-back direction of the seat from the position where the tilting device 1850 is installed in the side frame 1811 of the cushioning pad to the position where the base frame 1812 is installed.

[1269] like Figure 80 As shown, the base frame 1812 is a plate-shaped support frame that supports the occupant's thighs, with its side portion in the seat width direction mounted on and installed on the upper surface of the cushion side frame 1811.

[1270] The front connecting frame 1813 and the rear connecting frame 1814 are tubular frames, which are connected to the left and right buffer pad side frames 1811 respectively, and to the left and right connecting rods (first connecting rod 1841 and second connecting rod 1842).

[1271] The elastic spring 1815 is an elastic support member that supports the occupant's buttocks, and multiple springs are provided at predetermined intervals in the seat width direction.

[1272] The front end of the elastic spring 1815 is hooked onto a spring hook portion 1812a formed on the upper surface of the base frame 1812. In addition, the rear end of the elastic spring 1815 is mounted to the rear connecting frame 1814 via a hook member.

[1273] like Figure 80 As shown, the back frame 1820 comprises a generally rectangular frame, mainly including: back side frames 1821, disposed on the left and right sides; upper frame 1822, connecting the upper part of each back side frame 1821 and in an inverted U-shape; lower frame 1823, connecting the lower part of each back side frame 1821 and in a plate shape; and elastic springs (not shown), hooked onto each back side frame 1821 and extending in a serpentine manner.

[1274] The back side frame 1821 extends in the vertical direction and includes a sheet metal member with a cross section of approximately C-shaped. Its lower end is connected to the rear end of the cushion side frame 1811 via a tilting device 1850 and a connecting bracket 1860.

[1275] In the structure, the back frame 1820 is rotatable relative to the cushioning frame 1810.

[1276] like Figure 80 As shown, the guide rail device 1830 is disposed between the seat body and the vehicle floor in the vertical direction, and mainly includes: left and right lower guide rails 1831, which are fixed to the vehicle floor and extend in the front-rear direction of the seat; left and right upper guide rails 1832, which are supported so as to be able to slide along the lower guide rails 1831; a locking member (not shown) that locks the upper guide rails 1832 so as not to slide relative to the lower guide rails 1831; and a guide rail operating lever 1833 for releasing the locking member from its locked state.

[1277] A buffer frame 1810 is mounted on the upper surface of the left and right upper guide rails 1832 via a height linkage device 1840.

[1278] like Figure 80As shown, the height linkage device 1840 is installed between the guide rail device 1830 and the buffer pad frame 1810, and mainly includes: left and right first linkages 1841, disposed on the front side of the seat; left and right second linkages 1842, disposed on the rear side of the seat; a braking unit (not shown) that restricts the lifting and lowering movement of the seat body; and a height operating lever 1843 (see reference). Figure 79 ), used to release the restricted state of the braking unit.

[1279] When the height is adjusted using the control lever 1843, the second link 1842 (the second link on the left) becomes the drive link, and the second link 1842 on the right and the first links 1841 on the left and right also rotate. As a result, the seat body is raised and lowered, and the seat height is adjusted.

[1280] like Figure 81 , Figure 82 As shown, the tilting device 1850 is a device that rotatably connects the back frame 1820 to the cushioning frame 1810 and can lock the back frame 1820.

[1281] The tilting device 1850 mainly includes: a tilting unit 1851, which restricts the rotation of the back frame 1820; a rotation shaft 1852, which is axially supported on the lower part of the back frame 1820 in the seat width direction, protrudes from the outer side of the back frame 1820 and is connected to the tilting unit 1851; and a coil spring 1853, which is installed on the outer side of the tilting unit 1851 in the seat width direction, and applies force to the back frame 1820 to make it rotate toward the cushion frame 1810 with the rotation shaft 1852 as the center.

[1282] The tilting unit 1851 can switch the state of the back frame 1820 between a locked state that is fixed relative to the cushioning frame 1810 and an unlocked state that allows relative rotation.

[1283] The tilting unit 1851 is configured such that, normally, the back frame 1820 is in a locked state, and if... Figure 79 When the tilting lever 1855 is operated, the operating rotation shaft 1852 rotates, switching to the unlocked state.

[1284] Furthermore, the seat is configured such that while the backrest frame 1820 is in the unlocked state, the occupant can tilt the seat back 1802 backward, and when the tilting lever 1855 is released at the desired tilt angle, the seat returns to the locked state.

[1285] The rotating shaft 1852 is disposed between the left and right cushion side frames 1811 with its axial direction along the width of the seat. The extended end of the rotating shaft 1852 protrudes outward in the width direction of the seat through the shaft hole 1821a formed on the side of the back side frame 1821.

[1286] The extended end of the protruding rotating shaft 1852 is assembled with the tilting unit 1851, and further with a component located further outward than the tilting unit 1851. Figure 79 The tilting lever 1855 assembly shown is shown.

[1287] When the back frame 1820 is in the unlocked state and the back frame 1820 is in the tilted-back state, the coil spring 1853 applies force to the back frame 1820 to rotate it toward the cushion frame 1810 about the rotation axis 1852.

[1288] like Figure 81 , Figure 82 As shown, regarding the coil spring 1853, one end 1853a is hooked to the protruding part of the spring catch bracket 1854 located on the back side frame 1821 side, and the other end 1853b is hooked to the spring catch portion 1863 of the connecting bracket 1860 located on the buffer pad frame 1810 side.

[1289] like Figures 81-84 As shown, the connecting bracket 1860 is a metal plate that connects the rear portion of the cushioning frame 1810 to the lower portion of the back frame 1820.

[1290] The central portion of the connecting bracket 1860 is embedded into the outer side of the inclined unit 1851 mounted on the back side frame 1821.

[1291] In addition, the front and lower portions of the connecting bracket 1860 are bolted to the inner side of the buffer pad side frame 1811.

[1292] Specifically, a shaft hole 1861 and a fitting hole 1862 are formed in the central part of the side of the connecting bracket 1860. The shaft hole 1861 is used to allow the rotating shaft 1852 to pass through, and the fitting hole 1862 is arranged around the shaft hole 1861 and is used to fit with the tilting unit 1851.

[1293] Additionally, a spring catch portion 1863 is formed on the upper part of the connecting bracket 1860. The spring catch portion 1863 protrudes outward in the width direction of the seat and is used to hook the other end 1853b of the coil spring 1853.

[1294] Furthermore, a front limiting portion 1864 and a rear limiting portion 1865 are formed at the upper end of the outer periphery of the connecting bracket 1860. The front limiting portion 1864 and the rear limiting portion 1865 can respectively abut against the front end portion 1854a and the rear end portion 1854b of the spring-loaded retaining bracket 1854. These limiting portions 1864 and 1865 restrict the rotation range of the back frame 1820 when it rotates. Specifically, they function to limit the rotation range of the spring-loaded retaining bracket 1844, which rotates integrally with the back frame 1820.

[1295] A fastening hole 1866 is integrally formed on the front portion of the connecting bracket 1860 for fastening the fastening member 1870 (e.g., fastening bolt or fastening pin) from the outside in the direction of seat width.

[1296] In addition, a second fastening hole 1867 for fastening the fastening member 1870 is integrally formed on the lower part of the connecting bracket 1860.

[1297] Fastening holes 1866 and 1867 are fastening holes formed along the width direction of the seat and have been tapped (flanged tapping) inside.

[1298] Fastening holes 1866 and 1867 are configured to communicate with fastening holes 1816 and 1817 respectively formed on the outer wall portion 1811b of the rear portion of the buffer pad side frame 1811.

[1299] In the connecting bracket 1860, the peripheral portions of the fastening holes 1866 and 1867 protrude inward toward the seat width direction, and the fastening holes 1866 and 1867 extend in the protruding direction (seat width direction).

[1300] like Figure 84 , Figure 85 As shown, the first fastening member 1871 is fastened from the outside in the width direction of the seat to the fastening hole 1866 and the fastening hole 1816 of the cushion side frame 1811.

[1301] In addition, the second fastening member 1872 is fastened from the outside in the seat width direction to the fastening hole 1867 and the fastening hole 1817 of the cushion side frame 1811.

[1302] With this structure, the connecting bracket 1860 can be efficiently assembled to the inner side of the buffer pad side frame 1811. Specifically, no fastening nuts are required, reducing the number of parts and shortening the operation process.

[1303] In the structure, such as Figure 85As shown, the periphery of the fastening hole 1866 protrudes continuously from the main body of the connecting bracket 1860 toward the inside in the seat width direction, and is positioned in a position that does not overlap with the back side frame 1821 in the seat width direction.

[1304] Therefore, the connecting bracket can be compactly configured in the width direction of the seat. In addition, when the backrest frame 1820 rotates in the fore-and-aft direction of the seat, interference between the connecting bracket 1860 (fastening hole 1866) and the backrest side frame 1821 can be suppressed.

[1305] Additionally, in the aforementioned structure, such as Figure 85 As shown, the periphery of the fastening hole 1866, the back side frame 1821, and the second link 1842 are positioned at different locations in the seat width direction.

[1306] Therefore, when the tilting device 1850 and the height linkage device 1840 are in operation, interference between the connecting bracket 1860 (fastening hole 1866), the back side frame 1821 and the second linkage 1842 can be suppressed.

[1307] Additionally, in the aforementioned structure, such as Figure 85 As shown, the periphery of the fastening hole 1866 protrudes further inward in the seat width direction than the main body wall 1811a of the cushion side frame 1811.

[1308] This makes it easier to extend the fastening length between the fastening hole 1866 and the fastening member 1870. Therefore, the fastening strength of the connecting bracket 1860 relative to the buffer pad side frame 1811 can be improved.

[1309] Additionally, in the aforementioned structure, such as Figure 85 As shown, the fastening member 1870 protrudes further inward toward the seat width direction than the peripheral portion of the fastening hole 1866, and is positioned in a position that does not overlap with the back side frame 1821 in the seat width direction.

[1310] Therefore, when the backrest frame 1820 rotates in the fore-and-aft direction of the seat, interference between the fastening member 1870 and the backrest side frame 1821 can be suppressed.

[1311] Additionally, in the aforementioned structure, such as Figure 84 As shown, in the outer peripheral portion of the connecting bracket 1860, near the rear connecting frame 1814, a cutout portion 1868 is formed with a cutout facing the side opposite to the rear connecting frame 1814.

[1312] Therefore, interference between the connecting bracket 1860 and the rear connecting frame 1814 can be suppressed.

[1313] Furthermore, the cut 1868 is cut into a roughly triangular shape and configured to be sandwiched between two fastening holes 1866 and 1867.

[1314] Additionally, in the aforementioned structure, such as Figure 84 As shown, the first fastening member 1871 and the second fastening member 1872 are arranged around the inclined unit 1851 and around the rear connecting frame 1814.

[1315] Furthermore, the first fastening member 1871 is positioned further forward of the seat than the second fastening member 1872. The first fastening member 1871 is positioned to overlap with the rear connecting frame 1814 in the fore-aft direction of the seat and to overlap with the tilting unit 1851 in the vertical direction. Similarly, the second fastening member 1872 is positioned to overlap with the tilting unit 1851 in the fore-aft direction of the seat and to overlap with the rear connecting frame 1814 in the vertical direction.

[1316] Therefore, the assembly rigidity of the tilting unit 1851 and the rear connecting frame 1814 can be improved.

[1317] <<Other Implementation Methods>>

[1318] In the described embodiment, such as Figure 80 As shown, the vehicle seat S10 includes a guide rail device 1830, a height linkage device 1840, and a tilting device 1850, but there are no particular limitations and they can be modified.

[1319] That is, the vehicle seat S10 may also exclude the guide rail device 1830, the height linkage device 1840 and the tilting device 1850.

[1320] In the described embodiment, such as Figure 84 As shown, the connecting bracket 1860 is installed on the inner side of the buffer pad side frame 1811, but there is no particular limitation, and it can also be installed on the outer side of the buffer pad side frame 1811.

[1321] In this case, the cushion side frame 1811 preferably has a stepped shape that curves inward toward the seat width direction.

[1322] In the described embodiment, such as Figure 84 As shown, the connecting bracket 1860 is installed on the outer side of the back side frame 1821, but there is no particular limitation; it can also be installed on the inner side of the back side frame 1821.

[1323] In the described embodiment, such as Figure 84 , Figure 85As shown, the periphery of the fastening hole 1866 protrudes inward toward the width of the seat, but there is no particular limitation; it may also protrude outward toward the width of the seat.

[1324] In this case, the connecting bracket 1860 is preferably mounted on the outer side of the buffer pad side frame 1811.

[1325] <<Postscript>>

[1326] According to the present invention, a vehicle seat preferably includes: a cushioning frame; a backrest frame; and a connecting bracket connecting the rear portion of the cushioning frame to the lower portion of the backrest frame. In the vehicle seat, the cushioning frame has cushioning side frames disposed on the left and right sides in the seat width direction. The connecting bracket is mounted to the cushioning side frames by fastening members. Fastening holes for fastening the fastening members are formed in both the connecting bracket and the cushioning side frames. In the connecting bracket, the peripheral portion of the fastening hole protrudes toward one side in the seat width direction, and the fastening hole extends in the protruding direction.

[1327] The structure described above enables the creation of vehicle seats that can streamline assembly processes and, more specifically, reduce the number of constituent parts.

[1328] In detail, fastening holes for securing fastening components are formed in both the connecting bracket and the side frame of the cushion. In the connecting bracket, the periphery of the fastening hole protrudes towards one side in the width direction of the seat, and the fastening hole extends in the protruding direction. Therefore, the connecting bracket is usually fixed to the side frame of the cushion using fastening bolts and fastening nuts; however, in this structure, fastening nuts are not required.

[1329] Specifically, the protruding portion of the connecting bracket, which serves as the periphery of the fastening hole, can replace the fastening nut. For example, the fastening bolt can be tightened by tapping the inside of the fastening hole.

[1330] This allows for the efficient assembly of vehicle seats that act as connecting brackets (eliminating the need for tightening nuts, reducing the number of parts, and shortening the work process).

[1331] At this point, it is preferable to include a tilting device that rotatably connects the back frame to the cushioning frame, the tilting device being mounted on the outer side of the back frame and having a tilting unit that restricts the rotation of the back frame, and the connecting bracket being mounted on the outer side of the back frame.

[1332] The structure enables the creation of vehicle seats that efficiently facilitate the assembly of devices, including those with tilting mechanisms.

[1333] At this time, it is preferable that the back frame has back side frames disposed on the left and right sides in the seat width direction, the peripheral portion of the fastening hole protrudes further inward in the seat width direction than the main body of the connecting bracket, and is disposed at a position that does not overlap with the back side frames in the seat width direction.

[1334] As described above, since the periphery of the fastening hole protrudes inward toward the seat width direction, the connecting bracket can be compactly configured in the seat width direction.

[1335] In addition, as described above, since the periphery of the fastening hole is positioned in a position that does not overlap with the back side frame in the seat width direction, interference between the connecting bracket and the back side frame can be suppressed when the back frame rotates in the seat front-back direction.

[1336] At this time, it is preferable that the connecting bracket is installed on the cushion side frame by fastening the fastening member from the outside in the seat width direction, the fastening member protruding further inward in the seat width direction than the periphery of the fastening hole, and is positioned in a position that does not overlap with the back side frame in the seat width direction.

[1337] With this structure, the fastening components can be assembled more efficiently compared to fastening them from the inside in the width direction of the seat.

[1338] In addition, the structure described above can suppress interference between the fastening members and the back side frame when the back frame rotates in the fore-and-aft direction of the seat.

[1339] At this time, it is preferable that the cushion side frame has a stepped shape that is curved in the seat width direction, and has: a main wall portion that extends in a long strip in the seat front-back direction; an outer wall portion that is installed on the outer side of the connecting bracket and is disposed on the outer side in the seat width direction, which is further outward than the main wall portion; and a connecting wall portion that connects the main wall portion and the outer wall portion, wherein the main body portion of the connecting bracket is disposed between the main wall portion and the outer wall portion in the seat width direction.

[1340] The structure allows for a compact configuration of the connecting bracket in the width direction of the seat.

[1341] At this point, it is preferable that the periphery of the fastening hole protrudes further inward in the seat width direction than the main body wall of the cushion side frame.

[1342] The structure makes it easy to extend the fastening length of the fastening member and the fastening hole, thus improving the fastening strength of the connecting bracket relative to the buffer pad side frame.

[1343] At this point, it is preferable to include a height linkage device that can vertically connect the buffer pad frame to the vehicle floor. The height linkage device has left and right connecting rods disposed between the buffer pad frame and the vehicle floor, and the periphery of the fastening hole is positioned at a position that does not overlap with the connecting rods in the seat width direction.

[1344] With the aforementioned structure, interference between the connecting bracket (the periphery of the fastening hole) and the connecting rod can be suppressed when the height linkage device is in operation.

[1345] At this time, it is preferable that the cushioning frame has a connecting frame that connects the rear portions of the left and right cushioning side frames, the connecting frame connecting the left and right connecting rods, and the periphery of the fastening hole, the back side frame and the connecting rods are arranged at different positions in the seat width direction.

[1346] With the aforementioned structure, interference between the connecting bracket (the periphery of the fastening hole), the back side frame, and the connecting rod can be suppressed when the tilting device and the height linkage device are in operation.

[1347] At this time, it is preferable that the buffer pad frame has a connecting frame that connects the rear portions of the left and right buffer pad side frames, and the connecting bracket is installed on the buffer pad side frame by a first fastening member and a second fastening member, the first fastening member and the second fastening member being arranged around the tilting unit and around the connecting frame.

[1348] Additionally, it is preferable that the first fastening member is positioned further forward of the seat than the second fastening member, the first fastening member is positioned to overlap with the connecting frame in the front-to-back direction of the seat and to overlap with the tilting unit in the vertical direction, and the second fastening member is positioned to overlap with the tilting unit in the front-to-back direction of the seat and to overlap with the connecting frame in the vertical direction.

[1349] The structure described above can improve the assembly rigidity of the tilting unit and the connecting frame.

[1350] In the described embodiment, a vehicle seat used in a car is given as a specific example, but it is not particularly limited. In addition to being used as a seat in vehicles such as trams and buses, it can also be used as a seat in vehicles such as airplanes and ships.

[1351] In this embodiment, the vehicle seat of the present invention is mainly described.

[1352] However, the described embodiments are merely examples to facilitate understanding of the present invention and do not limit the invention. The present invention can be modified and improved without departing from its spirit, and its equivalents are naturally included.

Claims

1. A seat for a vehicle, comprising: The main body of the seat includes a seat cushion and a seat back. as well as A tilting device rotatably connects the seat back to the seat cushion, the characteristic of which is that the vehicle seat has the following features. The tilting device has: A rotating shaft, positioned on the left and right sides in the width direction of the seat, serves as the rotation center of the seat back; and A connecting structural member extends in the width direction of the seat and connects the left and right rotation axes. The connecting component has: Connecting to the main body, it extends in a long strip along the width of the seat; and A shaft mounting portion is provided at the extended end of the connecting main body and is used to mount the rotating shaft. The shaft mounting portion has an open cross-sectional shape with an opening on one side in the vertical direction or on one side in the front-back direction of the seat, and supports the extension portion of the rotating shaft.

Images