Vehicle seat

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a vehicle seat including a seatback including a base frame and a moving frame connected to the base frame in an inclinable manner, wherein the seatback is provided with a seatbelt retractor and is compact in structure. [Solution] The invention has a seatback frame (10) and a seatbelt retractor (204) supported on the seatback frame. The seatback frame includes a base frame (11) and a moving frame (12) connected to the base frame so that the moving frame is inclinable in a front-rear direction. An upper end of the seatbelt retractor is located below an upper end of the moving frame and above a lower end of the moving frame.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a vehicle seat. Background Technology

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a vehicle seat including a seat back frame and a foldable frame rotatably connected to the seat back frame, allowing the foldable frame to tilt relative to the seat back frame. The vehicle seat disclosed in Patent Document 1 also includes a seatbelt retractor mounted in the seat cushion.

[0003] [Existing Technical Documents]

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: JP2017-094872A Summary of the Invention

[0006] The technical problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] As shown in Patent Document 1, configuring the seat back with a folding mechanism requires a complex structure. When the seat back is equipped with a seat belt retractor, this configuration allows the occupant to easily pull the seat belt to shoulder or chest height. However, the problem in this case is that configuring the seat back with a seat belt retractor results in a larger seat back.

[0008] The present invention was made in view of the problems of the prior art, and the main object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle seat comprising a base frame and a movable frame connected to the base frame so as to be tiltable relative to the base frame, wherein a seat belt retractor is disposed on the seat back and the seat back is manufactured to be compact.

[0009] Technical means to solve technical problems

[0010] As a technical solution to solve the above problems, one aspect of the present invention provides a vehicle seat, which includes: a seat back frame (10); and a seat belt retractor (204) supported by the seat back frame, wherein the seat back frame includes: a base frame (11); and a movable frame (12) connected to the base frame so as to be tilted relative to the base frame in a front-rear direction, and wherein the upper end of the seat belt retractor is positioned below the upper end of the movable frame and above the lower end of the movable frame.

[0011] This configuration allows the seatbelt retractor, used for winding the seatbelt, to be positioned on the seat back, thereby enhancing occupant safety. Furthermore, because the upper end of the seatbelt retractor is located below the upper end and above the lower end of the movable frame, this configuration allows the seat back to be manufactured in a compact manner.

[0012] Preferably, the vehicle seat may also be configured such that the movable frame includes: a pair of movable side members (38) on the left and right; and a movable upper member (39) extending in the left-right direction and connecting to the upper ends of the movable side members, wherein the seat belt retractor is positioned closer to the first movable side member than the second movable side member, the first and second movable side members being one and the other of the movable side members, and wherein at least a portion of the seat belt retractor is positioned inside the first movable side member in the lateral direction of the seat.

[0013] The configuration in which at least a portion of the seatbelt retractor is positioned in the lateral direction of the seat, inside the adjacent movable side member, allows the seat back to be manufactured compactly, compared to when the entire seatbelt retractor is positioned on the outside of the seat.

[0014] Preferably, the vehicle seat can also be configured such that the center portion of the seatbelt retractor is positioned inside the first movable side member in the lateral direction of the seat.

[0015] The configuration in which the center of the seatbelt retractor is positioned inside the first movable side member in the lateral direction of the seat allows the seat back to be manufactured compactly, compared to when the entire seatbelt retractor is positioned on the outside of the seat.

[0016] Preferably, the vehicle seat can also be configured such that the entire seat belt retractor is positioned inside the first movable side member in the lateral direction of the seat.

[0017] The configuration in which the entire seatbelt retractor is positioned inside the first movable side member in the lateral direction of the seat allows the seat back to be manufactured more compactly, compared to when the entire seatbelt retractor is positioned on the outside of the seat.

[0018] Preferably, the vehicle seat can also be configured such that the movable frame is rotatably connected to the base frame to be able to rotate about a rotation axis extending in the left-right direction, and wherein the lower end of the seat belt retractor is located above the rotation axis.

[0019] This configuration allows the seatbelt retractor to be positioned so that the rotation of the movable frame has less impact on the rest of the vehicle seat.

[0020] Preferably, the vehicle seat can also be configured such that the movable frame is provided with a load-bearing member (74) to support the weight of the occupant, and wherein, when the upper end of the movable frame is positioned at the rearmost position, the upper end of the seat belt retractor is positioned above the load-bearing member.

[0021] This configuration allows the seatbelt retractor to be positioned so that the rotation of the movable frame has less impact on the rest of the vehicle seat.

[0022] Preferably, the vehicle seat can also be configured such that when the upper end of the movable frame is positioned at the rearmost position, the lower end of the seat belt retractor is positioned above the load-bearing member.

[0023] This configuration allows the seatbelt retractor to be positioned so that the rotation of the movable frame has less impact on the rest of the vehicle seat.

[0024] Preferably, the vehicle seat described above can also be configured such that the movable frame includes: a pair of movable side members (38) on the left and right; and a movable upper member (39) that extends in the left and right direction and connects to the upper ends of the movable side members, wherein each movable side member includes: a side (41) that is rotatably connected to the base frame and extends upward; and a shoulder (42) that extends obliquely upward from the upper end of the side toward the inside of the seat and bends at a bend (43) to extend further upward, and wherein the lower end of the seat belt retractor is positioned below the bend when the upper end of the movable frame is positioned at the rearmost position.

[0025] The configuration in which at least a portion of the seatbelt retractor is positioned below the movable frame, compared to when the entire seatbelt retractor is positioned above the movable frame, allows the seat back to be manufactured more compactly.

[0026] Preferably, the vehicle seat may also be configured such that the vehicle seat further includes an actuator (98) for tilting the movable frame relative to the base frame, wherein the movable frame includes: a pair of movable side members (38) on the left and right sides; and a movable upper member (39) extending in the left-right direction and connected to the upper ends of the movable side members, wherein the actuator is coupled to the movable upper member and the base frame, and wherein the inner end of the seat belt retractor is positioned outside the point where the actuator is coupled to the movable upper member in the lateral direction of the seat.

[0027] Compared to a seatbelt retractor with its inner end positioned inside the point where the actuator is connected to the movable upper member, this configuration, where the inner end of the seatbelt retractor is positioned outside the point where the actuator is connected to the movable upper member in the lateral direction of the seat, allows the seat back to be manufactured more compactly.

[0028] Preferably, the vehicle seat can also be configured such that the movable frame is provided with a support member (74) supporting the back of the occupant, wherein the support member is connected to the movable frame via a bridging member (87), and wherein the upper end of the seat belt retractor is positioned below the connection point between the bridging member and the movable frame.

[0029] The configuration of positioning the seatbelt retractor below the connection point between the bridging member and the movable frame, compared to positioning the seatbelt retractor above the connection point, allows the seat back to be manufactured more compactly.

[0030] Preferably, the vehicle seat may also be configured such that the base frame includes a front frame (20) supporting the weight of the occupant and a rear frame (21) facing the front frame and connected to the front frame, wherein at least a portion of the seat belt retractor is positioned behind the front frame.

[0031] Compared to a seatbelt retractor located at the front of the front frame, this configuration, where at least a portion of the seatbelt retractor is located at the rear of the front frame, better prevents seated occupants from experiencing a foreign body sensation.

[0032] Beneficial effects

[0033] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a vehicle seat is configured to include: a seat back frame (10); and a seat belt retractor (204) supported by the seat back frame, wherein the seat back frame includes: a base frame (11); and a movable frame (12) connected to the base frame so as to be tilted relative to the base frame in a front-rear direction, and wherein the upper end of the seat belt retractor is positioned below the upper end of the movable frame and above the lower end of the movable frame.

[0034] This configuration allows the seatbelt retractor, used for winding the seatbelt, to be positioned on the seat back, thereby enhancing occupant safety. Furthermore, because the upper end of the seatbelt retractor is located below the upper end and above the lower end of the movable frame, this configuration allows the seat back to be manufactured in a compact manner.

[0035] Preferably, the vehicle seat may also be configured such that the movable frame includes: a pair of movable side members (38) on the left and right; and a movable upper member (39) extending in the left-right direction and connecting to the upper ends of the movable side members, wherein the seat belt retractor is positioned closer to the first movable side member than the second movable side member, the first and second movable side members being one and the other of the movable side members, and wherein at least a portion of the seat belt retractor is positioned inside the first movable side member in the lateral direction of the seat.

[0036] The configuration in which at least a portion of the seatbelt retractor is positioned in the lateral direction of the seat, inside an accessible movable side member, allows the seat back to be manufactured compactly, compared to when the entire seatbelt retractor is positioned on the outside of the seat.

[0037] Preferably, the vehicle seat can also be configured such that the center portion of the seatbelt retractor is positioned inside the first movable side member in the lateral direction of the seat.

[0038] The configuration in which the center of the seatbelt retractor is positioned inside the first movable side member in the lateral direction of the seat allows the seat back to be manufactured compactly, compared to when the entire seatbelt retractor is positioned on the outside of the seat.

[0039] Preferably, the vehicle seat can also be configured such that the entire seat belt retractor is positioned inside the first movable side member in the lateral direction of the seat.

[0040] The configuration in which the entire seatbelt retractor is positioned inside the first movable side member in the lateral direction of the seat allows the seat back to be manufactured more compactly, compared to when the entire seatbelt retractor is positioned on the outside of the seat.

[0041] Preferably, the vehicle seat can also be configured such that the movable frame is rotatably connected to the base frame to be able to rotate about a rotation axis extending in the left-right direction, and wherein the lower end of the seat belt retractor is located above the rotation axis.

[0042] This configuration allows the seatbelt retractor to be positioned so that the rotation of the movable frame has less impact on the rest of the vehicle seat.

[0043] Preferably, the vehicle seat can also be configured such that the movable frame is provided with a load-bearing member (74) to support the weight of the occupant, and wherein, when the upper end of the movable frame is positioned at the rearmost position, the upper end of the seat belt retractor is positioned above the load-bearing member.

[0044] This configuration allows the seatbelt retractor to be positioned so that the rotation of the movable frame has less impact on the rest of the vehicle seat.

[0045] Preferably, the vehicle seat can also be configured such that when the upper end of the movable frame is positioned at the rearmost position, the lower end of the seat belt retractor is positioned above the load-bearing member.

[0046] This configuration allows the seatbelt retractor to be positioned so that the rotation of the movable frame has less impact on the rest of the vehicle seat.

[0047] Preferably, the vehicle seat described above can also be configured such that the movable frame includes: a pair of movable side members (38) on the left and right; and a movable upper member (39) that extends in the left and right direction and connects to the upper ends of the movable side members, wherein each movable side member includes: a side (41) that is rotatably connected to the base frame and extends upward; and a shoulder (42) that extends obliquely upward from the upper end of the side toward the inside of the seat and bends at a bend (43) to extend further upward, and wherein the lower end of the seat belt retractor is positioned below the bend when the upper end of the movable frame is positioned at the rearmost position.

[0048] The configuration in which at least a portion of the seatbelt retractor is positioned below the movable frame, compared to when the entire seatbelt retractor is positioned above the movable frame, allows the seat back to be manufactured more compactly.

[0049] Preferably, the vehicle seat may also be configured such that the vehicle seat further includes an actuator (98) for tilting the movable frame relative to the base frame, wherein the movable frame includes: a pair of movable side members (38) on the left and right sides; and a movable upper member (39) extending in the left-right direction and connected to the upper ends of the movable side members, wherein the actuator is coupled to the movable upper member and the base frame, and wherein the inner end of the seat belt retractor is positioned outside the point where the actuator is coupled to the movable upper member in the lateral direction of the seat.

[0050] The configuration where the inner end of the seatbelt retractor is positioned outside the point where the actuator is connected to the movable upper member, compared to when the inner end of the seatbelt retractor is positioned inside the point where the actuator is connected to the movable upper member, allows the seat back to be manufactured more compactly.

[0051] Preferably, the vehicle seat can also be configured such that the movable frame is provided with a support member (74) supporting the back of the occupant, wherein the support member is connected to the movable frame via a bridging member (87), and wherein the upper end of the seat belt retractor is positioned below the connection point between the bridging member and the movable frame.

[0052] The configuration of positioning the seatbelt retractor below the connection point between the bridging member and the movable frame, compared to positioning the seatbelt retractor above the connection point, allows the seat back to be manufactured more compactly.

[0053] Preferably, the vehicle seat may also be configured such that the base frame includes a front frame (20) supporting the weight of the occupant and a rear frame (21) facing the front frame and connected to the front frame, wherein at least a portion of the seat belt retractor is positioned behind the front frame.

[0054] Compared to a seatbelt retractor located at the front of the front frame, this configuration, where at least a portion of the seatbelt retractor is located at the rear of the front frame, better prevents seated occupants from experiencing a foreign body sensation. Attached Figure Description

[0055] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a seat according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 It is a perspective view showing the seat back frame, movable frame and airbag module when the movable part of the seat is in the upright position; Figure 3 The diagram includes a front view (A) and a rear view (B) of the seat back frame and the airbag module. Figure 4 This is a side view of the seat back frame when the movable part of the seat is in an upright position; Figure 5 It is a diagram that includes a perspective view of (A) the front panel and a perspective view of (B) the rear panel; Figure 6 It is along Figure 2 A cross-sectional view taken from line VI-VI in the diagram; Figure 7 It is a diagram including (A) a three-dimensional view of curled edges, (B) a three-dimensional view of curled edges according to the first variation, (C) a three-dimensional view of curled edges according to the second variation, and (D) a three-dimensional view of curled edges according to the third variation. Figure 8 It is a 3D view of the seat back frame, movable frame, and airbag module when the movable part is in the forward-leaning position; Figure 9 It is a three-dimensional view of the movable frame, upper bridging member, lower bridging member and pivot support; Figure 10 This is a perspective view showing the connection between the rotatable support and the base frame, and the connection between the pivot support and the movable frame. Figure 11 This is an enlarged view along the periphery of the pivot support. Figure 2 A side cross-section view taken from line XI-XI in the diagram; Figure 12 It is a perspective view showing the seat belt retractor and seat back frame as viewed from the rear; Figure 13 It is along Figure 12 A cross-sectional view taken from line XIII-XIII in the diagram; Figure 14 This is a top view showing the seat back frame, movable frame, and airbag module when the movable part of the seat is in the upright position. Figure 15This is a top view showing the seat back frame, movable frame, and airbag module when the movable part of the seat is in the forward-leaning position; and Figure 16 This is a side view showing the seat back frame when the movable part of the seat is in the forward-leaning position. Detailed Implementation

[0056] Embodiments of the invention, embodied in a vehicle seat, will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, the terms left and right indicate the corresponding orientation determined based on the seated occupant.

[0057] As used herein, when viewed from the front, the direction from each side edge toward the center of the seat in the left-right direction (also known as the lateral direction) is indicated as inside (or inward) in the lateral direction. As used herein, the direction away from the center toward each side edge of the seat is indicated as outside (or outward) in the lateral direction.

[0058] <Overall Seat Configuration>

[0059] like Figure 1 As shown, a vehicle seat (hereinafter referred to as seat 1) is mounted on a floor 3, which defines the bottom of the passenger compartment 2 (also referred to as the passenger compartment) of the vehicle. Seat 1 includes a seat cushion 4 disposed on the floor 3, a seat back 5 extending upward from the rear of the seat cushion 4, and a headrest 6 disposed on the upper part of the seat back 5. The seat cushion 4 forms a seat surface 4S and supports the occupant's buttocks. The seat back 5 forms a forward-facing backrest 5S and supports the occupant's back. The headrest 6 is positioned behind the occupant's head. The seat cushion 4 can be supported on the floor 3 via a sliding device (not shown), allowing the seat cushion 4 to slide in the fore-and-aft direction.

[0060] The seat backrest 5 includes a base 8 forming the lower half of the backrest 5S and a movable portion 9 forming the upper half of the backrest 5S. The movable portion 9 is connected to and supported by the base 8, allowing the movable portion 9 to rotate about a rotation axis X (also called a pivot axis), which extends in the left-right direction through the lower part of the movable portion 9. This configuration allows the upper half of the backrest 5S to tilt relative to the lower half. In this embodiment, the headrest 6 is fixed to the top of the movable portion 9.

[0061] The upper half of the backrest 5S of seat 1 is configured to tilt relative to the lower half, thereby allowing the vertical center portion of the backrest 5 to fold. Therefore, a seat back with a configuration similar to the backrest 5 of seat 1 is also referred to as a center-folding seat back. In this configuration, the movable portion 9 has an upright position (or a rearward tilt position) and a forward tilt position. In the upright position, its upper portion tilts backward to the maximum extent (also called the rearward tilt position), and in the forward tilt position, its upper portion tilts forward to the maximum extent. The forward tilt position can be achieved by rotating the upper portion about the rotation axis X from the upright position.

[0062] The seat cushion 4 includes a seat cushion frame (not shown) forming a skeleton, a cushion member (not shown) supported by the seat cushion frame, and a cover material (not shown) covering at least a portion of the surface of the cushion member. The cushion member of the seat cushion 4 is preferably formed of an elastic cushioning material (such as polyurethane foam), and the cover material covering the cushion member is preferably formed of any suitable material (including genuine leather, synthetic leather, and fabric). The seat cushion 4 is configured such that the seat cushion frame is covered with the cushion member and the cover material.

[0063] The seat back 5 includes a seat back frame 10 forming a skeleton, a padding member (not shown) supported by the seat back frame 10, and a cover material (not shown) covering at least a portion of the surface of the padding member. To facilitate folding of the seat back 5, the padding member may be formed of a movable portion 9, which includes a separate upper portion and a separate lower portion forming a base 8. Alternatively, the movable portion 9 may be configured such that the upper and lower portions are integrally formed, with the lower portion forming the base 8. Similarly, the cover material may be formed as separate portions corresponding to the upper portion forming the movable portion 9 and the lower portion forming the base 8.

[0064] Next, the details of the seat back frame 10 will be described below.

[0065] like Figure 2 As shown, the seat back frame 10 includes a base frame 11 forming a skeleton frame of a base 8, and a movable frame 12 forming a movable portion 9 and connected to the base frame 11, such that the movable frame can tilt (rotate) about a rotation axis. A tilt axis 13 is provided at the bottom of the base frame 11, wherein the seat cushion frame is connected to the tilt axis 13.

[0066] <Base Framework>

[0067] like Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown in (A) and (B)), the base frame 11 includes a pair of left and right base side members 14, a base upper member 15, and a base lower member 16, which are arranged to form a rectangular frame. The base side members 14 extend vertically and are arranged to be laterally spaced from each other. The base upper member 15 extends laterally and connects the upper parts (upper ends in this embodiment) of the two base side members 14. The base lower member 16 also extends laterally and connects the lower parts of the two base side members 14. Therefore, when viewed from the front, the base frame 11 forms a rectangular frame body.

[0068] In this embodiment, such as Figure 3 As shown in (B), the base frame 11 includes two base intermediate members 17, which are connected at the vertical center of the left and right base side members 14. The two base intermediate members 17 are arranged vertically spaced apart from each other. Hereinafter, the upper base intermediate member 17 is referred to as the upper intermediate member 17U, and the lower base intermediate member 17 is referred to as the lower intermediate member 17D. The upper intermediate member 17U and the upper base member 15 are connected to each other at their transverse center via a central member 18.

[0069] In addition, each base side member 14 is provided with a plate-shaped side edge portion 19, which extends inward from the rear end toward the seat and has a front surface facing forward. The base side member 14 is also provided with an inner wall surface inside the seat, and the front surface of the side edge portion 19 is connected to the inner wall surface at an angle of approximately 90 degrees when viewed from above.

[0070] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown in (A) and (B)), the base frame 11 includes a front panel 20 (also referred to as a front member or front frame) and a rear panel 21 (also referred to as a rear member or rear frame).

[0071] like Figure 5 As shown in (A), the front panel 20 forms a rectangular frame primarily composed of curved metal sheet components. The front panel 20 forms the occupant side of the base frame 11 and bears the weight of the occupants. Figure 5 As shown in (B), the rear panel 21 also forms a rectangular frame structure formed by bending the metal sheet members. The rear panel 21 is positioned facing the front panel 20 and forms the side of the base frame 11 away from the occupant.

[0072] like Figure 6As shown, the rear panel 21 includes an outer frame portion 21A forming the transverse outer surface of the base-side member 14, a first extension portion 21B extending inward from the front edge of the corresponding outer frame portion 21A, and a second extension portion 21C extending inward from the rear edge of the outer frame portion 21A. The front panel 20 includes an inner frame portion 20A forming the transverse inner surface of the base-side member 14, a third extension portion 20B extending outward from the front edge of the corresponding inner frame portion 20A, and a fourth extension portion 20C extending inward from the front edge of the inner frame portion 20A. Each of the inner frame portions 20A and its corresponding counterpart in the outer frame portions 21A are arranged facing each other and spaced apart from each other. The rear panel 21 is joined to the front panel 20 at its edges by the overlapping portions of the first extension portion 21B and the third extension portion 20B and the overlapping portions of the second extension portion 21C and the fourth extension portion 20C (in this embodiment, by welding). The rear panel 21 and the front panel 20 cooperate to form a closed cross-sectional structure P. This forms a cavity 22 within the base frame 11, thereby configuring the base frame 11 to have a hollow structure.

[0073] In this embodiment, the second extension 21C partially connects the left outer frame portion 21A and the right outer frame portion 21A, and the fourth extension 20C also partially connects the inner frame portion 20A. The base intermediate member 17 is formed by joining the overlapping portions of the second extension 21C and the fourth extension 20C. The center member 18 (specifically, the vertical center portion of the center member 18) is mainly formed as part of the rear panel 21.

[0074] <Airbag Module>

[0075] like Figure 3 As shown in (A) and (B)), two airbag modules 24 are connected to the base frame 11. One of the airbag modules 24 is connected to the outside of the base frame 11 (base side member 14) (left side in this embodiment). Therefore, this airbag module 24 connected to the outside of the base frame 11 constitutes an outside airbag module 24L on the outside of the vehicle.

[0076] Another airbag module 24 is connected to the inner (occupant) side (right side in this embodiment) of the base frame 11 (base side member 14). Therefore, this airbag module 24 connected to the inner side of the base frame 11 constitutes the inner side airbag module 24R on the inner side of the vehicle.

[0077] The outer airbag module 24L and the inner airbag module 24R are positioned on the left and right sides of the movable frame 12, respectively, and are connected to the outer surface of the rear panel 21. This arrangement places the airbag modules 24 on both the left and right outer sides of the base frame 11. In this configuration, the airbags can deploy on both sides of the seated occupant outside the seat, thereby enhancing the safety of the seat 1.

[0078] <Airbag module, bolt holes, and access holes>

[0079] like Figure 6 As shown, each airbag module 24 includes an airbag 25, an inflator 26 that deploys the airbag 25 by introducing gas into it, and a housing 27 that houses the airbag 25 and the inflator 26. A retainer 28 for each airbag module 24 is disposed on the inner surface of the airbag module 24 within the seat. Multiple stud bolts 29 are disposed on each inflator 26. The stud bolts 29 pass through the bottom wall of the housing 27 located within the seat and the corresponding retainer 28, protruding into the seat.

[0080] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown in (B), fastening holes 30 are formed in each outer frame portion 21A of the rear panel 21, allowing the stud bolts 29 to pass through the fastening holes 30. The airbag module 24 is fastened to the outer seat surface of the base side member 14 (i.e., the outer seat surface of the rear panel 21) by inserting the stud bolts 29 into their respective fastening holes 30 and attaching nuts 31. In the following text, the connection portion between the rear panel 21 and the outer airbag module 24L is referred to as the "rear airbag connection portion 32". In this embodiment, the rear airbag connection portion 32 is formed by the fastening holes 30.

[0081] like Figure 2 and Figure 5 As shown in (A), the front panel 20 has access holes 33, each of which is a through hole that allows access to the fastening hole 30 from inside the seat.

[0082] like Figure 4 As shown, each access hole 33 is preferably configured such that at least one (preferably both) of its longitudinal length in the front-to-back direction and its vertical length in the top-to-bottom direction is greater than the corresponding length of the fastening hole 30, and the area of ​​the opening of each access hole 33 is greater than the area of ​​the opening of the fastening hole 30. This configuration allows assembly workers to easily pass the nut 31 or tool through each access hole 33, thereby improving the efficiency of assembling the airbag module 24.

[0083] In this embodiment, each airbag module 24 has two stud bolts 29 and four fastening holes 30, which are vertically arranged on the corresponding base side member 14, allowing the airbag module 24 to be assembled in two positions (hereinafter referred to as the upper position and the lower position). In the following description, the four fastening holes 30 are referred to as the first fastening hole 30A, the second fastening hole 30B, the third fastening hole 30C, and the fourth fastening hole 30D from top to bottom.

[0084] Each airbag module 24 is assembled to the corresponding base side member 14 in its upper position by inserting and tightening the double-ended bolts 29 into the first fastening holes 30A and the third fastening hole 30C. Additionally, the airbag module 24 is assembled to the base side member 14 in its lower position by inserting and tightening the double-ended bolts 29 into the second fastening holes 30B and the fourth fastening hole 30D.

[0085] Each inner frame portion 20A of the front panel 20 has two access holes 33; namely, an upper access hole 33A positioned to expose a first fastening hole 30A and a second fastening hole 30B from the inside, and a lower access hole 33B positioned to expose a third fastening hole 30C and a fourth fastening hole 30D from the inside. The upper access hole 33A and the lower access hole 33B are positioned side by side along the vertical direction.

[0086] like Figure 4 As shown, the upper access hole 33A is formed such that when viewed from the side, the first fastening hole 30A overlaps with the second fastening hole 30B. The upper edge of the upper access hole 33A is positioned above the upper edge of the first fastening hole 30A, and the lower edge of the upper access hole 33A is positioned below the lower edge of the second fastening hole 30B.

[0087] The lower access hole 33B is formed such that, when viewed from the side, the third fastening hole 30C overlaps with the fourth fastening hole 30D. The upper edge of the lower access hole 33B is positioned above the upper edge of the third fastening hole 30C, and the lower edge of the lower access hole 33B is positioned below the lower edge of the fourth fastening hole 30D.

[0088] <Rolled edges>

[0089] like Figure 2 and Figure 5As shown in (A), rolled edges 35 are provided near the access holes 33 on both sides of the front panel 20. Each rolled edge 35 serves as a rigidity reinforcement to increase the rigidity of the edge of the corresponding access hole 33 in the front panel 20. In this embodiment, each rolled edge 35 is provided at a corner 36, which is a connection between the corresponding side edge portion 19 located behind the two access holes 33 and the base side member 14 (inner frame portion 20A). Each rolled edge 35 forms a protruding ridge at the corner 36. In some cases, each rolled edge 35 can be formed by pushing (bending) the front panel 20 forward in an inclined direction toward the interior of the seat at the corner 36.

[0090] exist Figure 7 (A) shows an enlarged view of the portion surrounding the rolled edge 35 on the front panel 20. Figure 7 As shown in (A), a single rolled edge 35 is located at one corner 36 of the front panel 20 and extends vertically. The upper end of the rolled edge 35 is located below the upper end of the upper access hole 33A. The lower end of the rolled edge 35 is located below the lower end of the lower access hole 33B.

[0091] However, the number, shape, and position of the curled edges 35 are not limited to Figure 7 The configuration shown in (A) is as follows. For example, Figure 7 (B) and (D) in the diagram show improved curling 35 with different quantities, shapes, or positions.

[0092] exist Figure 7 In the example shown in (B), a single crimp 35 is provided, extending vertically along angle 36. The upper end of the crimp 35 is positioned above the upper end of the upper access hole 33A. The lower end of the crimp 35 is positioned below the lower end of the lower access hole 33B.

[0093] exist Figure 7 In the example shown in (C), a single crimp 35 is provided that extends vertically along angle 36. The upper end of the crimp 35 is positioned above the upper end of the upper access hole 33A. The lower end of the crimp 35 is positioned above the lower end of the lower access hole 33B.

[0094] exist Figure 7 In the example shown in (D), multiple rolled edges 35 are arranged at vertical intervals. The rolled edges 35 can be arranged vertically at equal intervals. The uppermost rolled edge 35 is positioned above the upper access hole 33A. The lowermost rolled edge 35 is positioned below the lower access hole 33B.

[0095] Figure 7(Including (A) to (D)) shows a rolled edge 35 provided on the outer base side member 14 of the vehicle, but a rolled edge 35 having a shape corresponding to each example can also be provided on the inner base side member 14 of the vehicle. The rolled edges 35 provided on the outer and inner base side members 14 of the vehicle and the corresponding rolled edges 35 can have the same (left-right symmetrical) shape, or one of the two rolled edges can be formed to be longer than the other. Figure 7 In the example shown in (D), the number of rolled edges 35 provided on the outer base side member 14 of the vehicle may be different from the number of rolled edges 35 provided on the inner base side member 14 of the vehicle.

[0096] like Figure 6 As shown, the front panel 20 can be joined to the rear panel 21 at a location avoiding the rolled edge 35. This configuration allows the front panel 20 and the rear panel 21 to be easily joined. Joining the front panel 20 and the rear panel 21 can be accomplished using any of a variety of known suitable methods, such as by laser welding or bolt fastening.

[0097] In other cases, the front panel 20 can be joined to the rear panel 21 at a location where it overlaps with the rolled edge 35. This configuration allows the front panel 20 to be joined to the rear panel 21 at a location with high rigidity.

[0098] <Modible Frame>

[0099] like Figure 2 , Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the movable frame 12 includes a pair of movable side members 38 on the left and right sides and a movable upper member 39. The movable side members 38 are spaced apart in the left-right direction and extend vertically. The movable upper member 39 extends horizontally and connects the upper ends of the two movable side members 38. Each movable side member 38 is pivotally connected at its lower end to a corresponding base side member 14 via a pivot bracket 40 (also called a mounting member), the pivot bracket 40 being rotatable about the rotation axis X. Figure 2 and Figure 9 Understandably, the movable frame 12 is therefore pivotally connected to the base frame 11 so that it is rotatable (i.e., tiltable) about the axis of rotation X.

[0100] In this embodiment, the movable frame 12 is formed of bent tubular material, which is a non-limiting configuration. In other cases, the movable frame 12 may also be composed of one or more sheet metal components.

[0101] Specifically, such as Figure 9As shown, each movable side member 38 includes a movable member side portion 41 forming a lower portion and a movable member shoulder portion 42 forming a central portion and an upper portion. Each movable member side portion 41 extends in a vertical direction. Each movable member side portion 41 is rotatably connected at its lower end to the inner side of the corresponding base side member 14 via a pivot bracket 40, thereby allowing rotation about the rotation axis X. Each movable member shoulder portion 42 is connected to the upper end of the corresponding movable member side portion 41. The movable member shoulder portion 42 extends obliquely upward from the upper end of the movable member side portion 41 toward the seat interior, then bends upward at the movable member bend portion 43 and extends further upward. The movable member shoulder portion 42 of the left movable side member 38 is connected at its upper end to the left end of the movable upper member 39, and the movable member shoulder portion 42 of the right movable side member 38 is connected at its upper end to the right end of the movable upper member 39.

[0102] In this embodiment, such as Figure 2 As shown, the movable frame 12 is provided with auxiliary members 44 connected to the left movable side member and the right movable side member 38. The auxiliary members 44 are formed of curved wire and are connected to the corresponding movable side members 38 at both ends.

[0103] like Figure 10 As shown, each pivot bracket 40 is fixed to the base frame 11 (specifically, the corresponding base side member 14) and a movable frame 12 is connected to the base frame 11 (base side member 14) so ​​that the pivot bracket 40 can pivot (or rotate) about the rotation axis X.

[0104] The pivot bracket 40 is formed of a curved metal sheet member. The pivot bracket 40 includes a pivot bracket front portion 45 connected to the inner surface of one of the vehicle outer and vehicle inner base side members 14, and a pivot bracket rear portion 46 extending inward from the rear edge of the pivot bracket front portion 45 and connected to the front surface of the corresponding side edge portion 19.

[0105] The pivot bracket front portion 45 includes a flat plate portion 45A and an inwardly projecting protrusion 45B. The plate portion 45A is positioned along the inner surface of the front panel 20 forming the base-side member 14. Viewed from the side, the protrusion 45B has a circular shape. The protrusion 45B is spaced apart from the inner surface of the front panel 20 forming the base-side member 14. Through hole 48 ( Figure 9 A pin 49 is formed at the lower end of each movable side member 38. For each side, a pin 49 extends in the left-right direction and passes through the through hole 48. Figure 10The movable side member 38 is fixed to the corresponding protrusion 45B. Therefore, the movable side member 38 is rotatably connected to the pin 49 to rotate about the rotation axis X. Thus, each movable side member 38 is rotatably connected to the inner surface of the protrusion 45B to rotate about the rotation axis X.

[0106] like Figure 9 As shown, bolt holes 50 are formed in both the front portion 45 and the rear portion 46 of the pivot bracket 40. In the following description, the bolt holes 50 formed in the front portion 45 and the rear portion 46 of the pivot bracket are referred to as front bolt hole 50A and rear bolt hole 50B, respectively.

[0107] An inwardly protruding double-ended bolt 52 is disposed on the inner wall of one of the base-side members 14 forming the front panel 20. For example... Figure 5 As shown in (A) and (B)), in this embodiment, the first through hole 53 is formed to extend through the inner wall of one of the base-side members 14 forming the front panel 20. A double-ended bolt 52 is inserted into the first through hole 53 and secured to the front panel 20. The second through hole 54 is formed to extend along the thickness direction (front-rear direction) through the corresponding side edge 19 at a position inside the first through hole 53. In this embodiment, the second through hole 54 extends through both the front panel 20 and the rear panel 21. However, in other cases, the second through hole 54 may be configured to extend only through the front panel 20.

[0108] A double-ended bolt 52 extends through the front bolt hole 50A and the first through hole 53, and a nut 55 is tightened to the double-ended bolt 52, which secures the front portion 45 of the pivot bracket 40 to the inner surface of the base side member 14. A bolt 56 extends through the rear bolt hole 50B and the second through hole 54, and a nut 57 is tightened to the bolt 56, which secures the rear portion 46 of the pivot bracket 40 to the front surface of the side edge portion 19. Thus, the pivot bracket 40 is fastened and secured to the inner surface of the front panel 20 and the corresponding side edge portion 19.

[0109] In the following description, the first through-hole 53 and the second through-hole 54 formed on the front panel 20 (which are connection points to the pivot bracket 40) are collectively referred to as the front connection portion 58. Each pivot bracket 40 is fastened to the corresponding front connection portion 58 of the front panel 20, and the movable frame 12 is rotatably connected to the front connection portion 58 via the pivot bracket 40. The front panel 20 is provided with two front connection portions 58.

[0110] like Figure 2As shown, the pivot bracket 40 is positioned between the outer airbag module 24L and the inner airbag module 24R. The pivot bracket 40 is positioned above the rear airbag connection portion 32. Therefore, both front connection portions 58 where the front panel 20 connects to the movable frame 12 are positioned above the rear airbag connection portion 32. Figure 10 As shown, one and the other of the front connecting portions 58 are positioned in front of and behind the rear airbag connecting portion 32, respectively. Therefore, the pivot bracket 40 is connected to the front panel 20 at two locations, in front of and behind the rear airbag connecting portion 32, so that the movable frame 12 can be securely connected to the front panel 20.

[0111] like Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, each pivot bracket 40 is provided with a flange 60. The flange 60 forms a plate extending forward from the lower edge of the rear portion 46 of the pivot bracket. The flange 60 has a rectangular plate shape with its surface facing vertically. Figure 10 As shown, the flange 60 has an insertion hole 62 that extends vertically through the flange 60 at approximately its center position in both the lateral and longitudinal directions. In this embodiment, the insertion hole 62 is circular when viewed from above.

[0112] like Figure 9 As shown, the flange 60 is located between the two front connecting portions 58 in the front-rear direction. Therefore, the front connecting portions 58 are arranged in front of and behind the flange 60.

[0113] <Headrest Frame>

[0114] like Figure 2 As shown, the headrest frame 64 is attached to the rear surface of the movable frame 12. The headrest frame 64 is a frame that supports or forms the headrest 6. In this embodiment, the headrest frame 64 is configured to support the headrest 6.

[0115] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown in (A), the headrest frame 64 includes a pair of vertical members 65 spaced laterally from each other and a horizontal member 66 extending laterally and connecting to the upper ends of the vertical members 65. The vertical members 65 are connected at their lower ends to the curved portion 43 of the movable member. Thus, the headrest frame 64 is fixed to the movable side member 38.

[0116] Each vertical member 65 has a headrest side portion 68 and a headrest shoulder portion 69. The headrest side portion 68 is connected at its end to a movable side member 38 and extends upward. The headrest side portion 68 is preferably connected (welded) to the curved portion 43 of the movable member. The headrest shoulder portion 69 is connected at its lower end to the upper end of the headrest side portion 68. The headrest shoulder portion 69 extends obliquely (i.e., upward and inward) from the upper end of the headrest side portion 68, then curves upward from the curved portion 70 and extends further upward.

[0117] In this embodiment, the headrest frame 64 is formed of bent tubular material, which is a non-limiting configuration. In other cases, the headrest frame 64 may also be formed of one or more sheet metal components.

[0118] The headrest 6 is fixed to the upper part of the headrest frame 64. The headrest 6 may include a plate-shaped member (not shown) having a surface facing the front and rear directions, a padding member (not shown) disposed on the front surface of the plate-shaped member, and a covering material (not shown) covering the front surface of the padding member. Preferably, the headrest 6 is connected to the upper front surface of the headrest frame 64 by fixing the plate-shaped member to the rear surface of the headrest frame 64.

[0119] <Load-bearing components>

[0120] like Figure 2 As shown, the seat back frame 10 includes a load-bearing member 72 that supports the weight of the occupant. The load-bearing member 72 includes a lower load-bearing member 73 disposed on a base frame 11 and an upper load-bearing member 74 disposed on a movable frame 12. The lower load-bearing member 73 is supported by the base frame 11, while the upper load-bearing member 74 is primarily supported by the movable frame 12. When viewed from the front, the upper load-bearing member 74 is positioned above the lower load-bearing member 73.

[0121] <Substructure bearing members>

[0122] The lower load-bearing member 73 is positioned behind the lower half of the occupant's back and supports the load of the lower half of the occupant's back. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the lower load-bearing member 73 is formed of a plate-like member that forms a flat plate. The lower load-bearing member 73 can be formed of a plastic plate-like member, or it can be formed of other materials such as a metal plate.

[0123] like Figure 3As shown in (A), the lower support member 73 includes a lower plate member 76 having a front surface facing the fore-and-aft direction and a pair of lower side edge members 77 disposed on the left and right edges of the lower plate member 76. When viewed from the front, the lower plate member 76 has a vertically extending rectangular shape. Each lower side edge member 77 is connected to the outer edge of the lower plate member 76 outside the seat. The lower side edge member 77 has a rectangular shape and a triangular notch at its upper outer end.

[0124] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown in (A), the lower support member 73 is positioned between the left base side member 14 and the right base side member 14. The lower support member 73 is supported by the left base side member 14 and the right base side member 14 via the lower bridging member 79.

[0125] The lower bridging member 79 includes a rod-shaped member (in this embodiment, a round rod) formed by bending metal. In other cases, the lower bridging member 79 may also be formed of a metal tubular material.

[0126] like Figure 9 As shown, the lower bridging member 79 has a pair of left hook sections and right hook sections 80, and a connecting section 81 extending in the left-right direction and connecting the lower ends of the hook sections 80. Each hook section 80 has an outer vertical section 80A extending upward from the corresponding outer end of the connecting section 81, a lower horizontal section 80B extending inward from the outer vertical section 80A, an inner vertical section 80C extending upward from the inner end of the lower horizontal section 80B, and an upper horizontal section 80D extending outward from the inner vertical section 80C. Each hook section 80 is provided with a capture section 80E extending downward and outward from the outer end of the upper horizontal section 80D, bending and extending downward. Figure 2 As shown, the connecting section 81 is provided with hooks 81A, and each hook 81A hooks into and is fixed at a suitable position on the lower base member 16. Therefore, the connecting section 81 is connected to the lower base member 16. Figure 2 ).

[0127] like Figure 9 As shown, the capturing section 80E of the lower bridging member 79 is inserted into the insertion hole 62 in the flange 60. This prevents one end of the lower bridging member 79 from disengaging from the insertion hole 62, and the end of the lower bridging member 79 is coupled to the flange 60. This configuration allows each lower bridging member 79 to be easily connected to the pivot bracket 40. The flange 60 and the insertion hole 62 in the flange 60 form an attachment portion 82 for attaching one end of the lower bridging member 79 to the pivot bracket 40.

[0128] Therefore, a single pivot bracket 40 (mounting member) can be used as a means for connecting the movable frame 12 to the base frame 11 and for attaching the lower bridging member 79 to the base frame 11, which can reduce the number of parts in the seat 1 without using a separate component for connecting the lower bridging member 79 to the base frame 11.

[0129] One end of the lower bridging member 79 is connected to the flange 60 of the pivot bracket 40. This configuration allows the portion of the lower bridging member 79 that mounts the pivot bracket 40 to have increased rigidity.

[0130] The front connecting portion 58 is configured such that the attachment portion 82 is located between the front connecting portions 58 in the front-rear direction. Therefore, the pivot bracket 40 can be more securely connected to the front panel 20 compared to when a single front connecting portion 58 is only located on one side (forward or backward), which allows the lower bridging member 79 to be stably supported on the front panel 20.

[0131] Multiple hooks (not shown) are provided on the rear surface of the lower support member 73 to engage with the lower bridging member 79. The lower support member 73 is connected to the lower bridging member 79 by the hooks that engage with the lower bridging member 79. Thus, the lower support member 73 is connected to the base side member 14 via the lower bridging member 79.

[0132] <Upper load-bearing components>

[0133] The upper load-bearing member 74 is positioned behind the upper half of the occupant's back and supports the load on the upper half of the occupant's back. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the upper load-bearing member 74 is also mainly composed of plate-like members, similar to the lower load-bearing member 73. The upper load-bearing member 74 can be formed from plastic plate-like members, or it can be formed from other materials such as metal plates.

[0134] like Figure 3 As shown in (A), the upper load-bearing member 74 includes a flat upper plate member 84 having a front surface facing the front-rear direction, and a pair of upper side edge members 85 disposed on the left and right edges of the upper plate member 84. Figure 2 As shown, each upper side edge member 85 is flat and is connected to the outer edge portion (i.e., the left and right edges) of the upper plate member 84, extending forward and outward. Therefore, the upper support member 74 forms a shape that conforms to the back of the seated occupant.

[0135] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown in (A), each movable side member 38 is provided with an upper bridging member 87 for connecting the upper bearing member 74 to the corresponding movable side member 38.

[0136] like Figure 9 As shown, the upper bridging member 87 mainly consists of a pair of left and right side frames 88. Each side frame 88 is constructed from a metal rod-shaped member (a round rod in this embodiment) formed by bending metal. In other cases, the side frames 88 may also be formed from a metal tubular material.

[0137] Each side frame 88 has an upper vertical section 88A extending in the vertical direction, an inclined section 88B extending inward and downward from the lower end of the upper vertical section 88A, a lower vertical section 88C extending downward from the lower end of the inclined section 88B, and a lower horizontal section 88D extending outward from the lower end of the lower vertical section 88C.

[0138] Each movable side member 38 is provided with a mounting bracket 90, and the upper bridging member 87 is attached to the mounting bracket 90.

[0139] Mounting brackets 90 are disposed at the center of each movable side member 38, specifically fixed to the upper part of the movable member side 41. In this embodiment, the mounting brackets 90 are formed of a bent metal sheet member and are fixed to the upper part of the movable member side 41 by welding.

[0140] Mounting bracket 90 is provided with flange 91 in a manner similar to that of lower bridging member 79. Flange 91 has a plate-like shape, with its main surface facing vertically. Mounting hole 92 is configured to extend vertically through flange 91. The upper end of the upper vertical section 88A of each upper bridging member 87 is inserted into mounting hole 92. Therefore, each upper bridging member 87 is mounted to movable side member 38 via corresponding mounting bracket 90. Thus, mounting bracket 90 forms a connection point where upper bridging member 87 is connected to movable frame 12.

[0141] A curved portion 93 is provided at the upper end of the upper vertical section 88A to extend horizontally therefrom, in order to prevent the upper vertical section 88A from disengaging from the mounting hole 92. Therefore, each side frame 88 is connected to the corresponding movable side member 38, and the upper bridging member 87 is connected to and supported by the movable side member 38.

[0142] Multiple hooks (not shown) are disposed on the rear surface of the upper support member 74 to engage with the upper bridging member 87. When the hooks engage with the upper bridging member 87, the upper support member 74 is connected to and supported by the front surface of the upper bridging member 87. The upper support member 74 is connected to the movable side member 38 via the corresponding upper bridging member 87.

[0143] In this embodiment, such as Figure 9As shown, a cylindrical tubular member 94 (also referred to as a collar) is provided on the lower bridging member 79. Each upper bridging member 87, together with the lower bridging member 79, is inserted into and connected to the corresponding tubular member 94 at its lower edge (lower horizontal segment 88D). Therefore, the upper support member 74 is rotatably connected to the lower bridging member 79, allowing the upper support member 74 to tilt in the front-rear direction. Thus, the tubular member 94 serves as the connecting portion between the lower bridging member 79 and the upper support member 74. In some cases, each tubular member 94 may have a slit (not shown) extending laterally on its rear surface to facilitate assembly of the tubular member 94. The tubular member 94 may be formed of metal or any other material such as plastic.

[0144] like Figure 8 As shown, when the movable frame 12 rotates about the axis of rotation X and tilts forward, a force is applied to the upper support member 74 via the upper bridging member 87, causing the upper support member 74 to tilt forward. Since the upper support member 74 is connected to the lower bridging member 79 via the tubular member 94 and can tilt relative to the lower bridging member 79, the upper support member 74 rotates in response to the tilting of the movable frame 12. Therefore, the tubular member 94 connects the lower bridging member 79 to the upper bridging member 87 while reducing the effects of the tilting of the movable frame 12, which allows the upper support member 74 to be stably supported by the seat back frame 10.

[0145] The end of the lower bridging member 79 is inserted into and held in the insertion hole 62 of the flange 60. Therefore, the lower bridging member 79 is supported on the flange 60 so that it can slide in the direction of the insertion hole 62. Thus, when the upper bridging member 87 is pulled upward, the lower bridging member 79 can move accordingly.

[0146] like Figure 3 As shown in (A), when viewed from the front, the upper side edge member 85 on the left side of the upper support member 74 and the movable member shoulder 42 on the left side of the movable side member 38 are positioned vertically aligned with each other. Similarly, when viewed from the front, the upper side edge member 85 on the right side of the upper support member 74 and the movable member shoulder 42 on the right side of the movable side member 38 are positioned vertically aligned with each other.

[0147] In this configuration, the upper plate member 84 is positioned at the lateral center behind the occupant's back, and the upper side edge members 85 are arranged along the left and right sides of the occupant's back. In other words, the upper load-bearing member 74 can be positioned along the occupant's back.

[0148] In this embodiment, the lower edge of each upper side edge member 85 has an upwardly extending cutout 95, such as... Figure 3 As shown in (A) in the figure. This feature allows assembly workers to visually identify each pivot bracket 40 from the front when the movable part 9 is in an upright position, thereby improving the efficiency of assembling the seat 1.

[0149] Figure 11 A first virtual plane S1, indicated by a double-dotted line, is shown along the front surface of the lower plate member 76. (See figure) Figure 11 As shown, one of the tubular members 94 is positioned behind the first virtual plane S1. Therefore, when viewed from the side of the lower plate member 76, the tubular member 94 is positioned behind the lower plate member 76, and the lower bridging member 79 and the upper supporting member 74 are connected to each other at a position behind the lower plate member 76. This configuration prevents seated occupants from feeling uncomfortable due to the connection between the lower bridging member 79 and the upper supporting member 74.

[0150] Figure 11 A second virtual plane S2, indicated by a double-dotted line, is shown along the front surface of the upper plate member 84. (See figure) Figure 11 As shown, one of the tubular members 94 is positioned behind the second virtual plane S2. Therefore, when viewed from the side of the upper plate member 84, the tubular member 94 is positioned behind the upper plate member 84, and the lower bridging member 79 and the upper load-bearing member 74 are connected to each other at a position behind the upper plate member 84. This configuration prevents seated occupants from feeling uncomfortable due to the connection between the lower bridging member 79 and the upper load-bearing member 74.

[0151] In some cases, the lower support member 73 may be connected to and supported only by the movable frame 12, without being connected to the base frame 11. Similarly, the upper support member 74 may be connected to and supported only by the movable frame 12, without being connected to the base frame 11. This configuration allows the lower support member 73 to rotate relative to the movable frame 12, and the upper support member 74 to rotate relative to the base frame 11, enabling the support member 72 to be configured to further reduce the effects of tilting of the movable frame 12.

[0152] <Actuator>

[0153] like Figure 2 and Figure 8 As shown, the seat back 5 is equipped with an actuator 98 configured to tilt (rotate) the movable portion 9. The actuator 98 is disposed between the base frame 11 and the movable frame 12.

[0154] like Figure 8As shown, actuator 98 includes motor 98A, lead screw 98B, and gearbox 98C, which converts the rotation of motor 98A into linear motion of lead screw 98B. Gearbox 98C includes gears and a housing for housing the gears. The housing has a through-hole through which lead screw 98B can pass. When the output shaft of motor 98A rotates, one end of lead screw 98B extends or retracts, moving toward or away from the housing. In this embodiment, the output shaft of motor 98A and lead screw 98B are configured such that their axial directions are perpendicular to each other.

[0155] The connecting member 100 is fixed to the movable upper member 39, and the lead screw 98B is rotatably connected to the end of the connecting member 100, so as to be rotatable about an axis Y extending in the left-right direction. Therefore, the actuator 98 is located at the end of the lead screw 98B ( Figure 2 It is rotatably connected to the movable upper member 39 at the upper end of the middle part, so as to be rotatable about the axis Y extending in the left and right direction.

[0156] Since the connecting member 100 is fixed to the movable upper member 39, the actuator 98 is connected to the portion between the two movable member bends 43 of the movable frame 12. Figure 3 As shown in (A), when viewed from the front, the connection between the actuator 98 and the movable frame 12 is laterally positioned between the two headrest bends 70.

[0157] like Figure 8 As shown, the gearbox 98C is rotatably connected to the first connecting bracket 102, rotatable about an axis Z extending in the left-right direction. The first connecting bracket 102 is fixed to the second connecting bracket 103, and the second connecting bracket 103 is fixed to the upper base member 15. Therefore, the gearbox 98C is rotatably connected to the upper base member 15, rotatable about an axis Z extending in the left-right direction.

[0158] Therefore, one end of the actuator 98 (corresponding to the end of the gearbox 98C) is rotatably connected to the upper base member 15, rotatable about an axis Z extending in the left-right direction. The other end of the actuator 98 (corresponding to the lead screw 98B) is rotatably connected to the movable upper member 39, rotatable about an axis Y extending in the left-right direction. Thus, each movable side member 38 and its corresponding base side member 14 are rotatably connected to one end of the actuator 98 and the upper base member 15, and also to the other end of the actuator 98 and the movable upper member 39, such that all elements connected to both ends of the actuator 98 can rotate about axes Y and Z respectively, both extending in the left-right direction. Therefore, the actuator 98 connects the upper base member 15 to the movable upper member 39. When the actuator 98 is actuated, the movable upper member 39 can rotate to move toward or away from the upper base member 15.

[0159] In this embodiment, the actuator 98 is configured to move the movable upper member 39 toward and away from the base upper member 15, but this configuration is not limited to this. Specifically, in some cases, the actuator 98 may connect the upper portion of the base frame 11 (more specifically, the portion above the rotation axis X) other than the base upper member 15 to the movable upper member 39. In other cases, the actuator 98 may also be configured to perform at least one of the operations of moving the movable upper member 39 toward or away from the upper portion of the base frame 11.

[0160] Actuator 98 drives lead screw 98B, causing one end of it to move outward from gearbox 98C, thereby pushing movable upper member 39 forward relative to base upper member 15. As a result, movable frame 12 rotates about rotation axis X relative to base frame 11 and tilts forward relative to base frame 11.

[0161] Actuator 98 drives lead screw 98B, causing one end of it to move away from gearbox 98C, thereby pulling movable upper member 39 toward base upper member 15. As a result, movable frame 12 rotates about rotation axis X relative to base frame 11 and tilts backward relative to base frame 11.

[0162] In this way, the actuator 98 tilts the movable frame 12 relative to the base frame 11, thereby causing the movable part 9 to shift between a tilted position and an upright position (specifically, a rotational shift).

[0163] like Figure 2 and Figure 8As shown, at least one of the base frame 11 and the movable frame 12 is provided with a receiving recess 105 for accommodating at least a portion of the actuator 98. In this embodiment, the receiving recess 105 is the front surface of the upper base member 15 and is located at its lateral center. Figure 2 As shown, the receiving recess 105 is formed as a recess on the front surface of the upper base member 15, which is recessed rearward (away from the movable upper member 39). When viewed from the side ( Figure 4 At least a portion of the actuator 98 (e.g., a portion of the motor 98A or the lead screw 98B) is received within the receiving recess 105.

[0164] The receiving recess 105 is the front surface of the base upper member 15, positioned in a location where the front panel 20 and the rear panel 21 are arranged to face each other and partially overlap each other in the front-rear direction.

[0165] like Figure 8 As shown, the gearbox 98C is pivotally supported on the first connecting bracket 102. The second connecting bracket 103 has a rearwardly open U-shaped shape. The second connecting bracket 103 is connected (in this embodiment, welded) to the portion of the upper base member 15 that has a receiving recess 105, such that it connects to the top surface and the front surface of the upper base member 15, the latter being the bottom surface of the receiving recess 105. The first connecting bracket 102 is connected to the front surface of the second connecting bracket 103.

[0166] The second connecting bracket 103 is connected to the seat back frame 10 at the following location: where the front panel 20 and the rear panel 21 face each other, allowing the actuator 98 to be supported via the second connecting bracket 103 at the location where the front panel 20 and the rear panel 21 face each other. This configuration allows the actuator 98 to be supported on a high-rigidity, deformation-resistant portion of the base frame 11.

[0167] When the connecting member 100 is fixed to the movable upper member 39, the actuator 98 is connected to the movable upper member 39, that is, to the portion between the two movable member curved portions 43 of the movable frame 12. This means that the connection portion between the actuator 98 and the movable frame 12 can be positioned closer to the center of the seat in the lateral direction, allowing the movable frame 12 to rotate (tilt) more stably by means of the actuator 98 compared to, for example, when the actuator 98 is connected to either of the movable side members 38.

[0168] However, more specifically, the second connecting bracket 103 is positioned laterally offset from the center of the receiving recess 105. Therefore, the lead screw 98B is positioned laterally offset from the center of the receiving recess 105 (in this embodiment, offset outwards). This arrangement ensures that sufficient space is formed between the wall defining the side edge of the receiving recess 105 on the opposite lateral side (inner side in this embodiment) and the lead screw 98B to accommodate the motor 98A.

[0169] <Seat belt guides and seat belt retractors>

[0170] like Figure 1 As shown, seat 1 is equipped with a seat belt device 200 to ensure occupant safety. The seat belt device 200 includes a seat belt 202 with a locking tongue 201, a buckle 203 into which the locking tongue 201 is inserted, and a seat belt retractor 204 for winding the seat belt 202. Figure 2 ) and the seat belt guide 205 through which the seat belt 202 passes.

[0171] like Figure 12 As shown, the seatbelt retractor 204 includes: a device body 207 for automatically retracting and storing the seatbelt 202; and a retainer 208 for supporting the device body 207. The retainer 208 is formed of a plate-shaped metal sheet member, and the device body 207 is fixed to one side surface of the retainer 208.

[0172] The base frame 11 is equipped with a device mounting bracket 210 to which the seat belt retractor 204 is attached. The device mounting bracket 210 is fixed to the upper outer side of the base frame 11.

[0173] The device mounting bracket 210 includes a bracket attachment 211 and a bracket extension 212. The bracket attachment 211 is positioned to cover the outer surface of the base side member 14 and the outer edge of the top portion of the base upper member 15. The bracket attachment 211 is fixed to the base side member 14 and the base upper member 15 by welding.

[0174] The bracket extension 212 has a plate-like shape with its surface facing the front-to-back direction. The bracket extension 212 extends downward and inward from the bracket attachment 211. The bracket attachment 211 has a latch hole 214 extending through it at its end portion. A rolled edge (hereinafter referred to as upper rolled edge 216) is provided at approximately the center of the extending direction of the bracket attachment 211.

[0175] The retainer 208 overlaps with the bracket attachment 211 and the upper intermediate member 17U from the rear to bridge them. The retainer 208 has a front-to-back facing surface and extends downward and inward. A hook 218 (also called a latch) latching into the latch hole 214 is provided at the upper end of the retainer 208. The hook 218 may be formed by a protrusion extending toward the bracket attachment 211.

[0176] The portion of the upper intermediate member 17U that overlaps with the retainer 208 (hereinafter referred to as the intermediate member connector 220) is provided with a through hole (hereinafter referred to as the panel side mounting hole 222) extending through in the thickness direction. The intermediate member connector 220 is formed by the overlap of the front panel 20 and the rear panel 21, and the panel side mounting hole 222 extends through the front panel 20 and the rear panel 21.

[0177] The retainer 208 has a device-side mounting hole 224 extending through it at a position aligned with the panel-side mounting hole 222. The lower end of the retainer 208 is connected to the intermediate member connector 220 by a nut 227 and a bolt 226 passing through the panel-side mounting hole 222 and the device-side mounting hole 224.

[0178] Bolt 226 can be inserted from the rear of the upper intermediate member 17U and tightened by tightening nut 227 from the front, thereby securing and fixing the lower end of retainer 208 to intermediate member connector 220.

[0179] A rolled edge (hereinafter referred to as lower rolled edge 230) is provided on the lower part of the upper intermediate member 17U below the panel-side mounting hole 222. For example... Figure 13 As shown, the lower rolled edge 230 is formed by two rolled edges; that is, the rolled edge formed on the front panel 20 (hereinafter referred to as the front lower rolled edge 230F) overlaps with the rolled edge formed on the rear panel 21 (hereinafter referred to as the rear lower rolled edge 230R).

[0180] The upper rolled edge 216, the front lower rolled edge 230F, and the rear lower rolled edge 230R each serve as a portion for promoting rearward movement, causing the seat belt retractor 204 to move rearward when an excessive load is applied from the side of the occupant.

[0181] The upper rolled edge 216 can be configured to be more easily deformed (more fragile) than the lower front rolled edge 230F or the lower rear rolled edge 230R. In other cases, the upper rolled edge 216 can be configured to be less easily deformed (configured to have higher rigidity). The upper rolled edge 216 can be formed from a portion of the device mounting bracket 210 that is folded into a wavy or convex curved shape. Similarly, the lower front rolled edge 230F can be formed from a corrugated or convex curved portion of the front panel 20, and the lower rear rolled edge 230R can be formed from a corrugated or convex curved portion of the rear panel 21.

[0182] like Figure 2As shown, the seat back frame 10 is provided with a guide mounting bracket 232 to which the seat belt guide 205 is attached. The guide mounting bracket 232 is formed of a bent metal sheet component. The guide mounting bracket 232 is positioned to cover the bracket attachment 211 of the device mounting bracket 210 and is fixed to the bracket attachment 211 (and / or base frame 11) of the device mounting bracket 210 by welding.

[0183] Arrangement of components in upright and forward-leaning positions

[0184] like Figure 14 As shown, viewed from above, when the movable part 9 is in the upright position (when the movable upper member 39 is in its rearmost position), the movable member shoulder 42 is positioned behind the pivot bracket 40. At least a portion of the movable member shoulder 42 is positioned in front of the mounting bracket 90 (the point where the upper bridging member 87 and the movable frame 12 connect). However, the entire movable member shoulder 42 may be positioned in front of the mounting bracket 90. Furthermore, at least a portion of the mounting bracket 90 is positioned in front of the actuator 98, and preferably, the entire mounting bracket 90 is positioned in front of the actuator 98.

[0185] This configuration allows the upright position to be set at an appropriate angle, where the movable part 9 does not tilt excessively forward or backward, allowing larger individuals to sit comfortably and relax in the seat.

[0186] The mounting bracket 90 is positioned in front of the actuator 98, and the upper support member 74 is supported on the front side of the upper bridging member 87, which makes the upper support member 74 positioned in front of the actuator 98. Therefore, this configuration can prevent seated occupants from feeling a foreign object sensation caused by the presence of the actuator 98.

[0187] like Figure 15 and Figure 16 As shown, when the movable part 9 is in the forward tilt position (when the movable upper member 39 is tilted forward to the maximum extent), the connection portion (flange 60) between the lower bridging member 79 and the seat back frame 10 is located behind the front end of the actuator 98.

[0188] This configuration allows the forward tilt position to be set at an appropriate angle, which enables the movable part 9 to support the back of relatively smaller individuals.

[0189] like Figure 2 As shown, when the movable part 9 is in the upright position, the upper plate member 84 of the upper supporting member 74, as well as the upper left side edge member 85 and the upper right side edge member 85, are each positioned above the rotation axis X. Figure 4As a result, when the movable frame 12 tilts forward, the upper load-bearing member 74 can rotate and move forward from its rearward tilted position to its upright position. Figure 16 ).

[0190] Therefore, the upper load-bearing member 74 can be supported by the movable frame 12, so that it can support the back of a smaller seated person due to the rotation of the movable frame 12.

[0191] like Figure 16 As shown, when the movable part 9 is in both the upright position and the forward tilt position, the actuator 98 is at least partially positioned behind the upper support member 74, and the actuator 98 is at least partially positioned behind the headrest frame 64.

[0192] like Figure 4 As shown, when the movable part 9 is in the upright position, the upper end of the seat belt retractor 204 is located below the upper end and above the lower end of the movable frame 12. In the vertical direction, the seat belt retractor 204 is at least partially positioned between the upper and lower edges of the movable frame 12. This means that the seat belt retractor 204 is at least partially positioned at the same height as the movable frame 12 in the vertical direction.

[0193] like Figure 3 As shown in (A), the seatbelt retractor 204 is positioned offset from the lateral centerline of the seat 1 toward the outside of the vehicle. When the movable portion 9 is in the upright position, the seatbelt retractor 204 is at least partially positioned inside the movable side member 38, which is positioned outside the vehicle when viewed from the front. However, when viewed from the front, the lateral center of the seatbelt retractor 204 is preferably positioned inside the outer movable side member 38. When viewed from the front, the outer edge of the seatbelt retractor 204 (i.e., the entire seatbelt retractor 204) is positioned inside the outer movable side member 38.

[0194] When the movable part 9 is in the upright position, the lower end of the seat belt retractor 204 is positioned below the curved portion 43 of the movable member when viewed from the front. However, when the movable part 9 is in the upright position, the upper end of the seat belt retractor 204 (i.e., the entire seat belt retractor 204) is preferably positioned below the curved portion 43 of the movable member when viewed from the front.

[0195] Additionally, when the movable part 9 is in the upright position, the inner end of the seat belt retractor 204 is positioned outward from the connection point between the actuator 98 and the movable upper member 39. When the movable part 9 is in the upright position, the seat belt retractor 204 is preferably positioned below the connection point where the upper bridging member 87 is attached to the movable frame 12 (specifically, the left mounting bracket 90).

[0196] This arrangement allows the seat backs to be manufactured compactly.

[0197] like Figure 3 (B) and Figure 4 and Figure 16 As shown, regardless of the position of the movable part 9, the lower end of the seat belt retractor 204 is positioned above the axis of rotation X when viewed from the front and side.

[0198] When the movable part 9 is in the upright position, the upper end of the seat belt retractor 204 is positioned above the upper support member 74 when viewed from the front and side. In this embodiment, the lower end of the seat belt retractor 204 (i.e., the entire seat belt retractor 204) is positioned above the upper support member 74 when viewed from the front and side.

[0199] This arrangement allows the seatbelt retractor 204 to be positioned so that the rotation of the movable frame 12 has less impact on the rest of the vehicle seat.

[0200] like Figure 4 As shown, at least a portion of the seatbelt retractor 204 is positioned behind the front panel 20. This configuration better prevents seated occupants from experiencing a foreign body sensation compared to when the seatbelt retractor 204 is positioned in front of the front panel 20.

[0201] like Figure 14 As shown, when viewed from the side, at least a portion of the actuator 98 and the guide mount 232 overlap each other and are positioned in the same location along the front-rear direction. Furthermore, when viewed from one side in the front-rear direction, the seatbelt retractor 204 and the guide mount 232 overlap each other and are positioned in the same location along the front-rear direction. This configuration allows the actuator 98 to be arranged compactly. Additionally, when the movable part 9 is in the upright position, the headrest frame 64 is positioned in front of the rear end of the guide mount 232 in the front-rear direction. Furthermore, when the movable part 9 is in the upright position, the rear end of the headrest frame 64 is preferably positioned between the front and rear ends of the seatbelt retractor 204.

[0202] <Methods for Manufacturing Seats>

[0203] Next, a method for manufacturing the seat 1 will be described. The method for manufacturing the seat 1 includes the following steps: a first step of manufacturing a base frame 11; a second step of rotatably assembling a movable frame 12 to the base frame 11; a third step of assembling an upper bridging member 87 and a lower bridging member 79 to a first lateral member and a second lateral member, respectively; a fourth step of assembling the first lateral member and the second lateral member; and a fifth step of connecting an actuator 98 to the movable frame 12 and the base frame 11, after which the headrest 6, the padding member, and the cover material are assembled sequentially.

[0204] The first step includes manufacturing the front panel 20 and the rear panel 21 by compression molding, and joining the front panel 20 to the rear panel 21 at the peripheral portions of the front panel 20 and the rear panel 21 to form the base frame 11. The front panel 20 and the rear panel 21 can be connected by welding or by fastening with bolts and nuts.

[0205] The first step preferably involves inserting the double-ended bolt 52 into the first through hole 53 of the front panel 20 and securing it. This step can be performed before the step of attaching the front panel 20 to the rear panel 21.

[0206] The first step preferably includes securing (in this embodiment, welding) the second connecting bracket 103 to the upper base member 15. This step can be performed after the front panel 20 and the rear panel 21 are joined together. In this step, the second connecting bracket 103 is preferably joined (welded) to both the upper and lower surfaces of the upper base member 15.

[0207] The second step includes securing the connecting member 100 to the movable frame 12 by welding or any other connection means, securing the headrest frame 64 to the movable frame 12, pivotally connecting the movable frame 12 to the pivot bracket 40, and securing the pivot bracket 40 to the base frame 11. The step of securing the headrest frame 64 to the movable frame 12 includes connecting (in this embodiment, welding) the lower end of the vertical member 65 to the movable member curved portion 43 of the movable frame 12. The step of pivotally connecting the movable frame 12 to each pivot bracket 40 includes inserting a pin 49 into a through hole 48 provided at the lower end of the corresponding movable side member 38, thereby pivotally connecting the lower end of the movable side frame to the protrusion 45B of the pivot bracket 40.

[0208] The steps of securing each pivot bracket 40 to the base frame 11 include inserting a stud bolt 52 into the front bolt hole 50A to position the pivot bracket 40 relative to the stud bolt 52 provided in the first through hole 53 of the front panel 20, then inserting a bolt 56 into the rear bolt hole 50B and the second through hole 54 of the pivot bracket 40, and tightening a nut 57 to connect (in this embodiment, fix) the rear portion 46 of the pivot bracket to the front panel 20. This process allows assembly workers to first position each pivot bracket 40 and then attach the pivot bracket 40 to the base frame 11, thereby improving the efficiency of the assembly work.

[0209] The step of securing each pivot bracket 40 to the base frame 11 may further include attaching a nut 55 to a double-ended bolt 52 to connect the front portion 45 of the pivot bracket to the front panel 20.

[0210] The third step includes connecting a hook disposed on the rear surface of the upper support member 74 to the upper bridging member 87; and connecting a hook disposed on the rear surface of the lower support member 73 to the lower bridging member 79. Alternatively, the third step may include connecting the upper bridging member 87 and the lower bridging member 79 via corresponding tubular members 94.

[0211] The fourth step includes: inserting the end of each upper bridging member 87 from below into the mounting hole 92 formed in the flange 91 of the corresponding mounting bracket 90; and inserting the end of each lower bridging member 79 from above into the insertion hole 62 formed in the flange 60 of each pivot bracket 40. In the step of inserting the end of each upper bridging member 87 from below, the assembly worker preferably inserts the end of the upper bridging member 87 above the position where it should be placed after installation (also known as overtravel), and then inserts the end of the lower bridging member 79 from above into the insertion hole 62. This process allows the lower bridging member 79 to be installed after the upper bridging member 87 is assembled, thereby improving the efficiency of the assembly work.

[0212] The fifth step includes rotatably connecting the first connecting bracket 102 to the gearbox 98C, fixing the first connecting bracket 102 to the second connecting bracket 103, and rotatably connecting the end of the lead screw 98B to the connecting member 100. Through these three steps, the actuator 98 is connected to the base frame 11 and the movable frame 12.

[0213] Following the fifth step, the method for manufacturing the seat 1 may further include a sixth step of assembling the seat belt retractor 204 onto the seat back frame 10. The device body 207 of the seat belt retractor 204 is pre-connected to the retainer 208, while the device mounting bracket 210 and the guide mounting bracket 232 are each fixed to the base frame 11 by welding or similar means after the first step.

[0214] The sixth step includes: after latching the hook 218 into the latch hole 214, the operator positions each retainer 208 such that the panel-side mounting hole 222 overlaps with the device-side mounting hole 224, inserts a bolt 226 through the panel-side mounting hole 222 and the device-side mounting hole 224, and attaches a nut 227 to the bolt 226 to secure the retainer 208 to the upper intermediate member 17U (intermediate member connector 220). The attachment of the retainer 208 to the upper intermediate member 17U allows the seatbelt retractor 204 to be assembled to the seat back frame 10.

[0215] When the headrest 6, the padding member, and the outer material are assembled in sequence, the seat belt guide 205 can be assembled onto the guide mounting bracket 232. Alternatively, the seat belt guide 205 can be assembled onto the guide mounting bracket 232 after the padding member and the outer material have been assembled in sequence.

[0216] Next, the effects achieved by the seat 1 of the present invention will be described.

[0217] like Figure 2 As shown, the load-bearing member 72 supporting the weight of the occupants includes a lower load-bearing member 73 disposed on the base frame 11 and an upper load-bearing member 74 disposed on the movable frame 12. In this configuration, compared to a configuration where the lower load-bearing member 73 and the upper load-bearing member 74 are integrally formed, stress is less likely to be generated within the load-bearing member 72, thereby facilitating the movement of the load-bearing member 72 in response to the tilting of the movable portion 9.

[0218] In this embodiment, each of the upper bridging members 87 is connected to the lower bridging member 79 via a tubular member 94. Therefore, the upper support member 74 is connected to the lower bridging member 79, allowing the upper support member 74 to tilt in the front-rear direction. This configuration allows the upper support member 74 to be effectively supported by the movable frame 12 at both its upper and lower ends, while also enabling the upper support member 74 to move effectively in response to the tilting of the movable frame 12.

[0219] The base frame 11 (upper base member 15) is provided with a receiving recess 105 for accommodating at least a portion of the actuator 98. Therefore, the rearwardly recessed receiving recess 105 in the upper base member 15 forms a space in which a functional component can be accommodated. Furthermore, the actuator 98 and the base frame 11 are arranged to overlap each other when viewed from the side, which allows the actuator 98 to be arranged compactly (i.e., reducing the thickness of the upper portion of the seat back frame 10).

[0220] The actuator 98 is positioned between the base frame 11 and the movable frame 12. The receiving recess 105 is formed to be recessed rearward in the front surface of the upper base member 15, so that the actuator 98 can be easily accommodated in the receiving recess 105.

[0221] The headrest frame 64 is connected to and supported by the movable frame 12. Therefore, the connection between the headrest frame 64 and the movable frame 12 does not protrude forward beyond the movable frame 12. Thus, the headrest frame 64 can be connected to the movable frame 12 while preventing the seated occupant from experiencing any discomfort.

[0222] The movable frame 12 is connected to the front panel 20 via a pivot bracket 40, and the airbag module 24 is connected to the rear panel 21. This configuration facilitates the separation of the movable frame 12 from the airbag module 24 compared to when both are mounted on the same panel. Therefore, rotation of the movable frame 12 has less impact on the airbag module 24. Furthermore, since the deployment of each airbag 25 is prevented from being obstructed by the movable frame 12, the airbags 25 can deploy appropriately, thereby enhancing the safety of the seat 1.

[0223] In this embodiment, the pivot bracket 40 is positioned above the rear airbag connection portion 32 of the rear panel 21. As a result, the front connection portion 58 of the front panel 20 is positioned above the rear airbag connection portion 32 of the rear panel 21. In this configuration, since the movable frame 12 and each airbag module 24 are connected to the base frame 11 in a vertically separated position, the deployment of each airbag 25 can be prevented from being blocked by the movable frame 12.

[0224] Regardless of whether the movable part 9 is in a tilted or upright position, at least a portion of the actuator 98 is positioned behind the upper support member 74. This feature prevents the occupant from feeling any foreign object sensation caused by the actuator 98 compared to when the entire actuator 98 is positioned in front of the upper support member 74.

[0225] The upper end of the seatbelt retractor 204 is positioned below the upper end and above the lower end of the movable frame 12, wherein at least a portion of the seatbelt retractor 204 is arranged at the same horizontal height as the movable frame 12. This configuration allows the seat back 5 (i.e., seat 1) to be manufactured more compactly in the vertical direction compared to when the entire seatbelt retractor 204 is positioned above the movable frame 12.

[0226] The invention has been described with reference to specific, non-limiting embodiments, and various modifications may be made to these embodiments.

[0227] For example, in the above embodiment, although the support member 72 is mainly composed of an upper support member 74 and a lower support member 73, the support member 72 may also be mainly composed of two or more plate members arranged substantially parallel to the backrest 5S. In this case, the plate members may each be connected to the seat back frame 10 or the movable frame 12 at both ends, and may be rotatably connected to adjacent plate members about a rotation axis X extending in the lateral direction.

[0228] In the above embodiment, although the receiving recess 105 is provided in the base frame 11, the receiving recess may also be provided in the movable frame 12. In this case, the receiving recess 105 is preferably formed to be recessed forward in the movable upper frame, and at least a portion of the lead screw 98B is preferably accommodated within the receiving recess 105. In other cases, the receiving recess 105 may be provided in both the base frame 11 and the movable frame 12. Furthermore, although in the above embodiment the actuator 98 is accommodated within the receiving recess 105, the receiving recess 105 may be configured to accommodate various functional components other than the actuator 98 therein.

[0229] In the above embodiments, the present invention is applied to a vehicle seat S installed in an automobile. However, the seat 1 of the present invention can be used in any other means of transportation, such as airplanes or railway vehicles. In the above embodiments, not all elements or components included therein are necessary, and some of them can be appropriately eliminated or replaced.

[0230] Marker description

[0231] 1: Seats (Example of vehicle seats)

[0232] 5: Seat backrest

[0233] 10: Seat backrest frame

[0234] 11: Base Frame

[0235] 12: Movable Frame

[0236] 20: Front Panel (Example of the front frame)

[0237] 21: Rear Panel (Example of Rear Frame)

[0238] 38: Movable side component

[0239] 39: Movable upper component

[0240] 41: Side of movable component (example of side)

[0241] 42: Shoulder of movable component (example of shoulder)

[0242] 43: Bending section of movable component (example of bending section)

[0243] 74: Upper load-bearing components

[0244] 87: Upper bridging component

[0245] 98: Actuator

[0246] 202: Seatbelt

[0247] 204: Seatbelt Retractor

[0248] X: Axis of rotation

[0249] Z: Axis

Claims

1. A vehicle seat, the vehicle seat comprising: Seat back frame; as well as A seatbelt retractor, which is supported by the seat back frame. The seat back frame includes: Base frame; and A movable frame, connected to the base frame, is capable of tilting relative to the base frame in the front-rear direction. The upper end of the seat belt retractor is positioned below the upper end of the movable frame and above the lower end of the movable frame.

2. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, wherein, The movable frame includes: A pair of movable side members on the left and right; and A movable upper component extends in the left-right direction and connects to the upper end of the movable side component. The seatbelt retractor is positioned closer to the first movable side member than the second movable side member, which is one and the other of the movable side members. At least a portion of the seatbelt retractor is positioned in the lateral direction of the seat inside the first movable side member.

3. The vehicle seat according to claim 2, wherein, The center portion of the seatbelt retractor is positioned inside the first movable side member in the lateral direction of the seat.

4. The vehicle seat according to claim 3, wherein, The entire seatbelt retractor is positioned inside the first movable side member in the lateral direction of the seat.

5. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, wherein, The movable frame is rotatably connected to the base frame so as to be able to rotate about a rotation axis extending in the left-right direction, and The lower end of the seatbelt retractor is positioned above the axis of rotation.

6. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, wherein, The movable frame is equipped with load-bearing components to support the weight of the occupants, and Specifically, when the upper end of the movable frame is positioned at the rearmost position, the upper end of the seatbelt retractor is positioned above the load-bearing member.

7. The vehicle seat according to claim 6, wherein, When the upper end of the movable frame is positioned at the rearmost position, the lower end of the seatbelt retractor is positioned above the load-bearing member.

8. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, wherein, The movable frame includes: A pair of movable side members on the left and right; and A movable upper component extends in the left-right direction and connects to the upper end of the movable side component. Each of the movable side members includes: Side portion, which is rotatably connected to the base frame and extends upward; and The shoulder extends obliquely upward from the upper end of the side portion toward the inside of the seat, and bends at the bend to extend further upward. When the upper end of the movable frame is positioned at the rearmost position, the lower end of the seatbelt retractor is positioned below the curved portion.

9. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, further comprising: An actuator for tilting the movable frame relative to the base frame. The movable frame includes: A pair of movable side members on the left and right; and A movable upper component extends in the left-right direction and connects to the upper end of the movable side component. The actuator is connected to the movable upper component and the base frame, and The inner end of the seatbelt retractor is positioned outside the point where the actuator is connected to the movable upper component in the lateral direction of the seat.

10. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, wherein, The movable frame is equipped with load-bearing components to support the weight of the occupants. The load-bearing member is connected to the movable frame via a bridging member, and The upper end of the seat belt retractor is positioned below the connection point between the bridging member and the movable frame.

11. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, wherein, The base frame includes a front frame supporting the occupant's back and a rear frame facing the front frame and connected to the front frame. At least a portion of the seatbelt retractor is positioned behind the front frame.

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