Vehicle seat

Abstract

To provide a vehicle seat which can inhibit entry of foreign objects into a reclining device in a more effective manner.SOLUTION: A vehicle seat S includes: a reclining device 40 which connects a seat back 2 to a seat cushion 1 in a rotatable manner; and a reclining cover unit 42 which covers the reclining device 40 and has a first cover body 43, a second cover body 44, a third cover body 45, and a fourth cover body 46. The reclining cover unit 42 has foreign object inhibiting means which inhibits entry of foreign objects into the reclining device 40.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 21

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle seat, and more particularly to a vehicle seat equipped with a reclining device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, vehicle seats in which a seat cushion and a seat back are rotatably connected by a reclining device have been widely used. The vehicle seat can transition between a normal state in which the seat back stands up relative to the seat cushion, a reclined state in which the seat back is tilted backward, and a folded state in which the seat back is folded forward. Therefore, an occupant can use the interior space of the vehicle in various ways by operating the reclining device to change the position of the vehicle seat.

[0003] Generally, a reclining device has a rotating shaft that connects the seat back and the seat cushion, a spiral spring that urges the seat back in the direction of folding forward, and a restricting member that restricts the rotation of the seat back, and is structured to cover these with a reclining cover. As described in Patent Document 1, the reclining cover covers the sides of the reclining device, thereby preventing foreign objects from entering the reclining device and playing an important role in ensuring smooth operation of the reclining device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2023-106272 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in order to maintain the smooth operation of the reclining device, a more effective measure against the intrusion of foreign objects into the reclining device was desired. To give a specific example, a reclining device called the Taumel type has an internal gear and an external gear that meshes with the internal gear, and is structured to change the rotation angle of the seat back and the seat cushion by changing the meshing position of the internal gear and the external gear. Therefore, if a foreign object enters the reclining device, there is a high risk of damaging the internal gear or the external gear, and there is a risk of the reclining device becoming wobbly. In particular, in the case of vehicles that run off-road or side-by-side vehicles, there are many opportunities for foreign objects such as water and mud to get into the reclining device, and therefore a more effective measure against the intrusion of foreign objects into the reclining device was desired.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and has an object to provide a vehicle seat that can more effectively prevent foreign objects from entering the reclining device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The above problem is solved by the vehicle seat of the present invention, which is provided with a reclining device that rotatably connects the seat back to the seat cushion, and a cover unit having a plurality of cover bodies that cover the reclining device, wherein the cover unit has a foreign object intrusion prevention means that prevents foreign objects from intruding into the reclining device.

[0008] According to the above configuration, the reclining device that rotatably connects the seat cushion and the seat back is covered by a cover unit having a plurality of cover bodies, and the cover unit has a foreign object intrusion prevention means that prevents foreign objects from intruding into the reclining device. The foreign object intrusion prevention means may be formed by the cover body, or may be provided on the cover body so as to fill gaps that occur between the cover body and the reclining device or between the plurality of cover bodies. This makes it possible to more effectively prevent foreign objects from intruding into the reclining device.

[0009] The foreign object intrusion prevention means may be located above the reclining device and may have an upper covering portion in which three or more of the cover bodies overlap each other in the vertical direction to cover the upper part of the reclining device. According to the above-described configuration, since the upper part of the reclining device is covered by three or more overlapping cover bodies, it is possible to more effectively prevent foreign objects from entering the reclining device from above.

[0010] In addition, the foreign object intrusion prevention means may be positioned outside the reclining device in the seat width direction, and may have an outer covering portion in which two or more of the cover bodies overlap each other in the seat width direction to cover the outer sides of the reclining device. According to the above configuration, the outer side of the reclining device in the seat width direction is covered by two or more overlapping cover bodies, making it possible to more effectively prevent foreign objects from entering the reclining device from the outer lateral sides.

[0011] The foreign matter intrusion prevention means may include a flow-down guide portion provided on the cover body for guiding the flow-down of the foreign matter. According to the above configuration, the cover body is provided with a flow-down guide portion that guides foreign matter to flow down, thereby preventing the retention and accumulation of foreign matter, and making it possible to more effectively prevent foreign matter from entering the reclining device.

[0012] The flow-down guide portion may be a groove provided in the cover body. According to the above configuration, the intrusion of foreign matter such as rainwater into the reclining device can be prevented with a simple structure, and an increase in the cost of the vehicle seat can be prevented.

[0013] In addition, the multiple cover bodies include an upper cover body having an upper end portion that is positioned higher than the upper ends of the multiple cover bodies other than the upper cover body, and the foreign object intrusion prevention means is located at the upper end portion of the upper cover body and has an abutment wall portion that abuts against the back side frame along the shape of the back side frame that forms the skeleton of the seat back. According to the above configuration, the upper wall portion of the upper cover body abuts against the back side frame along the shape of the back side frame, making it possible to more effectively prevent foreign objects from entering through the gap between the back side frame located above the reclining device and the cover unit.

[0014] In addition, the multiple cover bodies include an inner cover body and an outer cover body, the inner cover body covers the inner side of the reclining device in the seat width direction, the outer cover body covers the outer side of the reclining device in the seat width direction, and the upper cover body covers the upper side of the inner cover body and the outer cover body. According to the above configuration, the reclining device is covered from the inside and outside in the width direction of the seat by the inner cover body and the outer cover body, and is further covered from above by the upper cover body, so that the inner cover body, outer cover body, and upper cover body work together to more effectively prevent foreign objects from entering the reclining device from above.

[0015] In addition, the multiple cover bodies include an outer inclined cover body that is attached to a back side frame that forms the skeleton of the seat back, covers the back side frame from the outside in the seat width direction and covers the upper part of the reclining device, and the foreign object intrusion prevention means is provided on the outer inclined cover body and has an outer inclined portion that extends at a downward angle toward the outside in the seat width direction. According to the above configuration, foreign objects can be allowed to fall outward and downward in the width direction of the seat along the outer inclined portion, thereby preventing foreign objects from accumulating or accumulating, and making it possible to more effectively prevent foreign objects from entering the reclining device.

[0016] The outer inclined portion may have a downward flow guide portion that guides the foreign matter to flow downward. According to the above configuration, the outer inclined portion is provided with a flow-down guide portion that guides the flow-down of foreign matter, thereby preventing the retention and accumulation of foreign matter, and more effectively preventing the intrusion of foreign matter into the reclining device.

[0017] In addition, the vehicle seat may be provided with a lifting device capable of adjusting the height of the seat cushion and the seat back, and the multiple cover bodies may include an outer cover body that covers the outside of the seat cushion in the seat width direction, and the foreign object intrusion prevention means may be provided on the outer cover body and have a lifting device opposing rib that faces the lifting device in the fore-and-aft direction. According to the above configuration, it is possible to prevent foreign matter from entering the lifting device. Effect of the Invention

[0018] According to the present invention, it is possible to more effectively prevent foreign objects from entering the reclining device. Also, it becomes possible to more effectively prevent foreign objects from entering the reclining device from above. Also, it becomes possible to more effectively prevent foreign objects from entering the reclining device from the outside sides. In addition, the retention and accumulation of foreign matter is suppressed, making it possible to more effectively prevent foreign matter from entering the reclining device. Furthermore, the simple structure can prevent foreign matter such as rainwater from entering the reclining device, making it possible to prevent an increase in the cost of the vehicle seat. It is also possible to more effectively prevent foreign matter from entering through the gap between the back side frame located above the reclining device and the cover unit. It is also possible to prevent foreign matter from entering the lifting device. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle seat according to an embodiment of the present invention, as viewed obliquely from the front. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the seat frame as seen obliquely from the front. [Diagram 3] FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the first cover body as viewed diagonally from the left side. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a left side view of the first cover body. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a right side view of the first cover body. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the second cover body as viewed diagonally from the left side. [Figure 8] FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is a right side view of the second cover body. [Figure 10] FIG. 4 is a left side view of the second cover body. [Figure 11] FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the third cover body as viewed diagonally from the left side. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a left side view of the third cover body. [Figure 14] FIG. 11 is a right side view of the third cover body. [Figure 15] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the fourth cover body as seen diagonally from the right side. [Figure 16] FIG. [Figure 17] FIG. 11 is a left side view of the fourth cover body. [Figure 18] FIG. 11 is a right side view of the fourth cover body. [Figure 19] FIG. 11 is a rear view of the fourth cover body. [Figure 20] FIG. 11 is a top view of the fourth cover body. [Figure 21] 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 2. [Figure 22] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a reclining cover unit according to a first modified example, as viewed obliquely from the front. [Figure 23] 1 is a perspective view of a reclining cover unit having an intrusion prevention wall, as viewed obliquely from the front. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0020] The configuration of a vehicle seat according to an embodiment of the present invention (the present embodiment) will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, the embodiment described below is an example for making the present invention easier to understand, and does not limit the present invention. In other words, the present invention can be modified and improved without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and the present invention naturally includes equivalents thereof.

[0021] In the following, a vehicle seat S provided in a vehicle automobile will be given as an example of a vehicle seat, and a configuration example thereof will be described. In the following description, the term "seat front-rear direction" refers to the front-rear direction of the vehicle seat S, which coincides with the traveling direction when the vehicle is traveling. The term "seat width direction" refers to the width direction of the vehicle seat S, which coincides with the left-right direction as seen by an occupant seated in the vehicle seat S. The term "up-down direction" refers to the up-down direction of the vehicle seat S, which coincides with the vertical direction when the vehicle is traveling on a horizontal plane. In addition, the outer and inner sides are defined based on the occupant. In other words, the direction toward the center of the seat width direction is the inner direction, and the direction away from it is the outer direction. A common number is given to a pair of left and right components, and when specifying the left and right, the name indicating the component is given the letters "left side" and "right side", and the symbol is given the letters "L" or "R".

[0022] As shown in Fig. 1, the vehicle seat S is a seat placed on the vehicle body floor and in which a vehicle occupant sits. In this embodiment, the vehicle seat S is a driver's seat arranged on the right side of the first row in the front-rear direction of the vehicle. However, the vehicle seat S is not limited to this, and may be a left seat (passenger seat) in the first row, or a seat in the second or third row.

[0023] <Vehicle seat S> The overall configuration of a vehicle seat S according to this embodiment will be outlined with reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the vehicle seat S according to this embodiment as viewed obliquely from the front, and Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a seat frame F as viewed obliquely from the front. In Fig. 1, for convenience of illustration, a part of the vehicle seat S is shown with the cover material Tr removed to expose the pad material P. In Fig. 2, a reclining cover unit 42 that covers the reclining device 40 and a side cover unit 15 that covers the cushion side frame 11 are attached to the outer side (left side) of the seat frame F.

[0024] As shown in Fig. 1, a vehicle seat S according to this embodiment mainly comprises a seat cushion 1, a seat back 2, and a headrest 3. In the following description, the seat cushion 1, the seat back 2, and the headrest 3 may be collectively referred to as a seat body. 2, a seat frame F that forms the framework of the vehicle seat S is provided inside the vehicle seat S. The seat frame F includes a cushion frame 10, a back frame 20, and a headrest pillar 30 that respectively constitute a seat cushion 1, a seat back 2, and a headrest 3.

[0025] The vehicle seat S also includes a reclining device 40, a lifting device 50, and a slide rail device 60. The reclining device 40 connects the seat back 2 to the seat cushion 1 so as to be rotatable about a reclining shaft 41. The lifting device 50 and the slide rail device 60 are disposed below the seat cushion 1, and connect the seat body to the vehicle floor so as to be displaceable in the up-down and front-rear directions. In the following description, the reclining device 40, the lifting device 50, and the slide rail device 60 may be referred to as a movable mechanism.

[0026] <Seat cushion 1> The seat cushion 1 is a support member for supporting the buttocks of a seated occupant (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as a seated person) and supports the seated person from below. The seat cushion 1 mainly includes a cushion frame 10 that forms the framework of the seat cushion 1, a pad material P that covers the cushion frame 10, and a cover material Tr.

[0027] The cushion frame 10 is a frame body having a rectangular shape when viewed from above. The cushion frame 10 includes left and right cushion side frames 11, a pan frame 12 connecting the left and right cushion side frames 11, a rear frame 13, and S-springs 14.

[0028] The left and right cushion side frames 11 are made of plate-like members extending in the front-rear direction and are disposed on both sides of the seat width direction while facing each other and spaced apart from each other. The cushion side frames 11 are covered with side cover units 15 and are provided on the sides with lifting / lowering operation levers 53 for operating a lifting device 50, which will be described later. The pan frame 12 is made of a plate-like member that connects the front ends of the left and right cushion side frames 11. The rear frame 13 is made of a round pipe material that connects the rear ends of the left and right cushion side frames 11.

[0029] The S springs 14 are stretched across the pan frame 12 and the rear frame 13, and function as pressure-receiving members that receive the load of a seated occupant. More specifically, the S springs 14 are elastic members that deform while being displaced downward when a seated occupant sits on the vehicle seat S, and receive the load of the seated occupant. However, the pressure-receiving members are not limited to the S springs 14. Instead of the S springs 14, elastic plate-shaped members may be stretched across the pan frame 12 and the rear frame 13.

[0030] A padding material P for a seat cushion is placed on the cushion frame 10, and the padding material P is covered with a skin material Tr. The padding material P is a cushioning material, and is made of, for example, a urethane resin (foamed resin) such as soft polyurethane foam. The padding material P may be made of biomass urethane. The skin material Tr that covers the padding material P is made of, for example, a synthetic leather material having elasticity. The skin material Tr may be made of cloth, film, leather, or the like.

[0031] <Seat back 2> The seat back 2 is a support member that supports the back of a seated occupant from behind. As shown in Fig. 2, the seat back 2 mainly includes a back frame 20 that forms the framework of the seat back 2, a padding material P that covers the back frame 20, and a skin material Tr.

[0032] The back frame 20 is a frame body having a substantially rectangular shape when viewed from the front. The back frame 20 mainly comprises left and right back side frames 21, a back upper frame 22, a back lower frame 23, a connecting frame 24, and S-springs 25. The left and right back side frames 21, the back upper frame 22, and the back lower frame 23 are integrally formed from round pipe materials.

[0033] The left and right back side frames 21 are elongated frame members extending in the vertical direction and disposed apart from each other on both sides in the seat width direction. The back side frames 21 are rotatably connected to the rear ends of the cushion side frames 11 by the reclining device 40.

[0034] The back upper frame 22 connects the upper ends of the left and right back side frames 21 and has a generally inverted U-shape. In other words, the back upper frame 22 extends upward from both sides in the seat width direction toward the center while inclining. The back upper frame 22 also has a pair of headrest support parts 22a in the center in the seat width direction, into which the headrest pillars 30 can be inserted. On the other hand, the back lower frame 23 connects the lower ends of the left and right back side frames 21 together.

[0035] The connecting frame 24 is a plate-like member that is located between the back upper frame 22 and the back lower frame 23 in the up-down direction and connects the left and right back side frames 21 together. The S spring 25 is disposed between the left and right back side frames 21 and functions as a pressure-receiving member that receives the load of a seated occupant. The S spring 25 is an elastic member that deforms in response to the back and waist of an occupant seated in the vehicle seat S.

[0036] <Headrest 3> The headrest 3 is a support member that supports the head of a seated occupant from behind. The headrest 3 has a headrest pillar 30 that forms the framework of the headrest 3, a padding material (not shown) that covers the headrest pillar 30, and a skin material Tr that covers the padding material. The headrest 3 is attached to the seat back 2 by inserting a headrest pillar 30 into the headrest support portion 22 a of the back frame 20 .

[0037] <Reclining device 40> The reclining device 40 rotatably connects the seat back 2 to the seat cushion 1. More specifically, the reclining device 40 rotatably connects the rear end of the cushion side frame 11 and the lower end of the back side frame 21. This allows the vehicle seat S to transition between a normal state in which the seat back 2 stands upright relative to the seat cushion 1, a reclined state in which the seat back 2 is tilted backward, and a folded state in which the seat back 2 is folded forward.

[0038] The reclining device 40 employs a Taumel-type reclining mechanism. The occupant can rotate the seat back 2 relative to the seat cushion 1 by operating the reclining dial 40a. More specifically, the reclining device 40 fixes the back side frame 21 to the cushion side frame 11 at a predetermined rotation angle by meshing an internal gear having a large diameter with an external gear having a smaller diameter than the internal gear. The occupant can release the fixation by operating the reclining dial 40a, thereby making it possible to change the rotation angle of the seat back 2 relative to the seat cushion 1.

[0039] The reclining device 40 is covered by a reclining cover unit 42 which serves to prevent foreign objects from entering the reclining device 40. The reclining cover unit 42 is configured to cover the reclining device 40 with a plurality of cover bodies overlapping each other, thereby effectively preventing the intrusion of foreign objects into the reclining device 40. The reclining cover unit 42 will be described in detail later.

[0040] <Lifting device 50> 2, the lifting device 50 is disposed between the seat cushion 1 and the slide rail device 60, and lifts and lowers the seat body relative to the vehicle floor. More specifically, the lifting device 50 mainly includes a front lifting link 51, a rear lifting link 52, and a lifting operation lever 53. The front lift link 51 and the rear lift link 52 are long and made of a pair of left and right plate-like bodies. The front lift link 51 and the rear lift link 52 have a lower rotation shaft located at the lower end and an upper rotation shaft located at the upper end, and are rotatably connected to the slide rail device 60 and the seat cushion 1 via the lower rotation shaft and the upper rotation shaft, respectively.

[0041] The operation of the lifting device 50 configured as above will be described. An occupant of the vehicle seat S can rotate the rear lifting link 52, which corresponds to the driven link member, so as to stand up or lie down by operating the lifting operation lever 53. At this time, the front lifting link 51, which corresponds to the driven link, rotates in conjunction with the rear lifting link 52. This allows the seat body to be smoothly displaced in the up-down direction relative to the vehicle floor without tilting in the front-rear direction.

[0042] <Slide rail device 60> The slide rail device 60 is provided below the seat body and connects the seat body to the vehicle floor so that the seat body can slide in the front-rear direction. The slide rail device 60 has a left slide rail device 60L located on the left side in the seat width direction and a right slide rail device 60R located on the right side. In the following description, when there is no need to particularly distinguish between the left slide rail device 60L and the right slide rail device 60R, they will be simply referred to as the slide rail device 60.

[0043] The slide rail device 60 mainly comprises a lower rail 61 fixed to the vehicle body floor and an upper rail 62 that is slidable relative to the lower rail 61. The right slide rail device 60R further comprises a slide rail lock device (not shown) that restricts the sliding of the upper rail 62 relative to the lower rail 61.

[0044] <Reclining cover unit 42> Next, the reclining cover unit 42 will be described in detail. The reclining cover unit 42 is provided on both the left and right sides of the vehicle seat S to prevent foreign objects from entering the reclining device 40. In the following explanation, the reclining cover unit 42 provided on the left side of the vehicle seat S will be described, but the same is true for the reclining cover unit 42 provided on the right side of the vehicle seat S, except that it is symmetrical. Fig. 3 shows an exploded perspective view of the reclining cover unit 42. As shown in Fig. 3, the reclining cover unit 42 has a first cover body 43, a second cover body 44, a third cover body 45, and a fourth cover body 46. The first cover body 43, the second cover body 44, the third cover body 45, and the fourth cover body 46 cover the reclining device 40 while overlapping each other.

[0045] <<First cover body 43>> Among the four cover bodies constituting the reclining cover unit 42, the first cover body 43 is the cover body attached at the uppermost position, and mainly serves to prevent foreign matter from entering from above the reclining device 40. The first cover body 43 corresponds to the upper cover body of the present invention. 4, 5, and 6 are respectively a perspective view, a left side view, and a right side view of the first cover body 43 as viewed obliquely from the inside (right side). As shown in Figs. 4 to 6, the first cover body 43 has a front inclined wall portion 431, a rear wall portion 432, an upper wall portion 433, and a left side wall portion 434.

[0046] The front inclined wall portion 431 covers the front of the second cover body 44 and the fourth cover body 46 described later, and prevents foreign objects from entering the reclining device 40 from the front of the second cover body 44 and the fourth cover body 46. An engagement portion 431a that engages with an engaged portion 441b provided on the second cover body 44 is provided at the lower end of the front inclined wall portion 431, and by engaging with each other, rattling between the first cover body 43 and the second cover body 44 is prevented. In addition, a front folded abutment portion 431b that abuts against the third cover body 45 described later is provided at the lower end of the front inclined wall portion 431. The front folded abutment portion 431b prevents a gap that allows foreign objects to enter between the first cover body 43 and the third cover body 45 from being formed.

[0047] The rear wall portion 432 covers the rear of the second cover body 44 and the fourth cover body 46, and prevents foreign objects from entering the reclining device 40 from behind the second cover body 44 and the fourth cover body 46. A rear folded abutment portion 432a that abuts against the third cover body 45 is provided at the lower end of the rear wall portion 432. The rear folded abutment portion 432a prevents the formation of a gap between the first cover body 43 and the third cover body 45 through which foreign objects can enter.

[0048] The upper wall portion 433 is disposed above the upper ends of the other cover bodies (second cover body 44, third cover body 45, and fourth cover body 46) constituting the reclining cover unit 42, and prevents foreign objects from entering the reclining device 40 from above. The upper wall portion 433 has a peripheral wall portion 433a that abuts against the left side surface of the back side frame 21 along the shape of the back side frame 21 made of a round pipe material. The peripheral wall portion 433a has a semicircular shape with a diameter approximately equal to the thickness of the back side frame 21, and protrudes upward from the upper wall portion 433. Therefore, it is possible to effectively prevent foreign objects from entering between the upper wall portion 433 and the back side frame 21. The peripheral wall portion 433a corresponds to the abutting wall portion of the present invention.

[0049] The left side wall 434 is disposed on the outer side (left side) above the reclining device 40, and prevents foreign objects from entering from the outside of the reclining device 40. The left side wall 434 has an upper side that extends horizontally in a side view, and a lower side that curves so that the center part protrudes upward. The lower side forms a eaves part 434a that protrudes outward (left side) and covers the upper part of a third cover body 45 described later, thereby preventing foreign objects from entering the reclining device 40 from above the third cover body 45. A curved folded-back abutment part 434b that abuts against the third cover body 45 is provided at the lower end of the eaves part 434a. The curved folded-back abutment part 434b prevents the formation of a gap between the first cover body 43 and the third cover body 45 through which foreign objects can enter.

[0050] An upper contact portion 435 and a lower contact portion 436 that respectively contact an upper contact portion 465 and a lower contact portion 466 of the fourth cover body 46 described later are provided on the inside of the first cover body 43. This allows the first cover body 43 and the fourth cover body 46 to be accurately positioned relative to each other, making it possible to prevent the formation of a gap due to misalignment between the first cover body 43 and the fourth cover body 46. Further, a front reinforcing rib 431c and a rear reinforcing rib 432b are provided on the front inclined wall portion 431 and the rear wall portion 432 of the first cover body 43. This improves the strength of the first cover body 43 and prevents deformation.

[0051] <<Second cover body 44>> The second cover body 44 is the cover body attached to the innermost side (right side) among the four cover bodies constituting the reclining cover unit 42, and mainly prevents foreign objects from entering from the inside side of the reclining device 40. The second cover body 44 corresponds to the inner cover body of the present invention. 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11 are respectively a perspective view, a front view, a right side view, a left side view, and a back view of the second cover body 44 seen from the outside (left side). As shown in Figs. 7 to 11, the second cover body 44 has a front inclined wall portion 441, a rear wall portion 442, an upper wall portion 443, a right side wall portion 444, and a lower wall portion 445.

[0052] The front inclined wall portion 441 covers the front of the fourth cover body 46 and prevents foreign objects from entering the reclining device 40 from the front of the fourth cover body 46. The front inclined wall portion 441 is provided with a plurality of front fitting holes 441a, and has a dimension that allows the holes to fit with the front fitting protrusions 461a provided on the fourth cover body 46. The front inclined wall portion 441 is also provided with engaged portions 441b that engage with engaging portions 431a provided on the front inclined wall portion 431 of the first cover body 43. Therefore, rattling between the second cover body 44 and the fourth cover body 46 and between the front inclined wall portion 441 and the first cover body 43 is suppressed.

[0053] The rear wall portion 442 covers the rear of the fourth cover body 46 and prevents foreign objects from entering the reclining device 40 from behind the fourth cover body 46. The rear wall portion 442 is provided with a plurality of rear fitting holes 442a, each having a dimension that allows the holes to fit into a rear fitting protrusion 462a provided on the fourth cover body 46. Therefore, rattling between the second cover body 44 and the fourth cover body 46 is suppressed.

[0054] The upper wall portion 443 is disposed below the upper wall portion 433 of the first cover body 43, and has a peripheral wall portion 443a that comes into contact with the right side surface of the back side frame 21. The peripheral wall portion 443a has a semicircular shape with a diameter substantially equal to the thickness of the back side frame 21, and protrudes upward from the upper wall portion 443. Therefore, the peripheral wall portion 433a of the first cover body 43 and the peripheral wall portion 443a of the second cover body 44 cooperate to prevent foreign objects from entering from above the reclining device 40.

[0055] The right side wall portion 444 is disposed on the inside (right side) of the reclining device 40, and prevents foreign objects from entering from inside the reclining device 40. The right side wall portion 444 has an upper side that extends horizontally in a side view, and a lower side that curves so that the central portion protrudes downward. The right side wall portion 444 also has a bulging portion 444a that bulges inward at the bottom, and a lateral through-hole 444b through which the back lower frame 23 and the reclining shaft 41 pass. The formation of the bulging portion 444a on the right side wall portion 444 can prevent the back side frame 21, which curves inward at the lower end, from interfering with the second cover body 44 (see FIG. 21).

[0056] The lower wall portion 445 covers the lower side of the reclining device 40. A notch portion 445a is formed at the lower end portion of the lower wall portion 445. Therefore, foreign matter such as water that has entered the inside of the second cover body 44 can be discharged to the outside of the second cover body 44 through the notch portion 445a.

[0057] A front reinforcing rib 441c, a rear reinforcing rib 442b, and an upper reinforcing rib 444c are provided on the front inclined wall portion 441, the rear wall portion 442, and the right side wall portion 444 of the second cover body 44, respectively. This improves the strength of the second cover body 44 and prevents deformation.

[0058] <<Third cover body 45>> The third cover body 45 is the cover body attached to the outermost side (left side) among the four cover bodies constituting the reclining cover unit 42, and mainly prevents foreign objects from entering from the outer side of the reclining device 40. The third cover body 45 corresponds to the outer cover body of the present invention. 12, 13, and 14 are respectively a perspective view, a left side view, and a right side view of the third cover body 45 seen from the outside (left side). As shown in Figs. 12 to 14, the third cover body 45 has a front inclined wall portion 451, a rear wall portion 452, an upper wall portion 453, a first left side wall portion 454, and a lower wall portion 455.

[0059] The front inclined wall portion 451 is disposed on the outside (left side) front of the reclining device 40, and prevents foreign objects from entering the reclining device 40 from the outside and front. A front folded abutment portion 451a that abuts against the side cover unit 15 is provided at the lower end of the front inclined wall portion 451. The front folded abutment portion 451a prevents the formation of a gap between the third cover body 45 and the side cover unit 15 through which foreign objects can enter.

[0060] The rear wall portion 452 is disposed on the rear outside (left side) of the reclining device 40, and prevents foreign objects from entering the reclining device 40 from the outside and rear. The lower end of the rear wall portion 452 is located lower than the lower end of the cushion side frame 11. Therefore, the second cover body 44 covers the cushion side frame 11 together with the side cover unit 15.

[0061] The upper wall portion 453 is disposed above the outside (left side) of the reclining device 40, and prevents foreign objects from entering the reclining device 40 from above. The upper wall portion 453 has a shape curved along the upper edge of the gear mechanism of the reclining device 40, which has a circular shape. An upright wall portion 453a that stands upward extends from the upper end of the upper wall portion 453. The upright wall portion 453a prevents a gap through which foreign objects can enter from being formed between the third cover body 45 and a fourth cover body 46 described later. In addition, the upright wall portion 453a is provided at a position that is covered from above and the outside (left side) by the first cover body 43 when the first cover body 43 is attached to the vehicle seat S. This can effectively prevent foreign objects from entering the reclining device 40 from above and the outside.

[0062] The first left side wall portion 454 is disposed on the outer side (left side) of the reclining device 40, and prevents foreign objects from entering the reclining device 40 from the outside. The first left side wall portion 454 has a bulging portion 40b that bulges out to the left of the gear mechanism of the reclining device 40. The bulging portion 40b is covered from the outer side by a reclining dial 40a (FIG. 2) that is operated when releasing the restriction on the rotation angle of the seat back 2 relative to the seat cushion 1.

[0063] The lower wall portion 455 covers the lower side of the reclining device 40. A notch portion 455a is formed at the lower end portion of the lower wall portion 455. Therefore, foreign matter such as water that has entered the inside of the third cover body 45 can be discharged to the outside of the third cover body 45 through the notch portion 455a. Further, an engaging portion 455b is provided at the lower end of the lower wall portion 455, which is engageable with an engaged portion (not shown) provided at the lower end of the side cover unit 15. By engaging the engaging portion 455b with the engaged portion, it is possible to prevent a gap from being formed between the third cover body 45 and the side cover unit 15.

[0064] A front reinforcing rib 451b and a rear reinforcing rib 452a are provided on the front inclined wall portion 451 and the rear wall portion 452 of the third cover body 45. This improves the strength of the third cover body 45 and prevents deformation. Further, on the inside of the third cover body 45, a lifting link facing wall 456 is provided which faces the rear lifting link 52 constituting the lifting device 50 in the front-rear direction. The lifting link facing wall 456 has an inclined surface which slopes downward from the front to the rear. This allows the lifting link facing wall 456 to prevent foreign matter that has entered inside the third cover body 45 from falling onto the rear lifting link 52. The lifting link facing wall 456 corresponds to the lifting device facing rib of the present invention.

[0065] <<Fourth cover body 46>> The fourth cover body 46 is covered by the first cover body 43 and the third cover body 45 from the outside (left side) of the reclining device 40, and cooperates with the first cover body 43 and the third cover body 45 to prevent foreign matter from entering from the outside of the reclining device 40. The fourth cover body 46 also guides the flow downward of foreign matter that has entered the reclining cover unit 42. The fourth cover body 46 corresponds to the outer inclined cover body of the present invention. 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, and 20 are respectively a perspective view, a front view, a left side view, a right side view, a back view, and a top view of the fourth cover body 46. As shown in Figs. 15 to 20, the fourth cover body 46 has a front inclined wall portion 461, a rear wall portion 462, and a second left side wall portion 463.

[0066] The front inclined wall portion 461 covers the front and above of the reclining device 40, and cooperates with the front inclined wall portion 431 of the first cover body 43 and the front inclined wall portion 441 of the second cover body 44 described above to prevent foreign objects from entering from the front and above of the reclining device 40. The front inclined wall portion 461 is provided with a plurality of front fitting protrusions 461a, and has a dimension that allows it to fit into a front fitting hole 441a provided in the second cover body 44.

[0067] The rear wall portion 462 covers the rear of the reclining device 40, and cooperates with the rear wall portion 432 of the first cover body 43 and the rear wall portion 442 of the second cover body 44 described above to prevent foreign objects from entering from the rear of the reclining device 40. The rear wall portion 462 is provided with a rear fitting protrusion 462a, which has a dimension capable of fitting into a rear fitting hole 442a provided in the second cover body 44.

[0068] A front inclined wall groove 461b extending downward is formed on the surface of the front inclined wall portion 461, and a rear wall groove 462b is similarly formed on the surface of the rear wall portion 462. Therefore, the fourth cover body 46 can guide foreign matter such as water that has entered the inside of the reclining cover unit 42 so that it flows down along the front inclined wall groove 461b and the rear wall groove 462b. The front inclined wall groove 461b and the rear wall groove 462b correspond to the groove and flow-down guide of the present invention.

[0069] The second left side wall portion 463 is disposed on the outer side (left side) of the reclining device 40, and cooperates with the above-mentioned first left side wall portion 454 to prevent foreign objects from entering the reclining device 40 from the outside. The second left side wall portion 463 has a reclining device accommodating portion 463a that bulges outward from the gear mechanism of the reclining device 40. The reclining device accommodating portion 463a has an outer inclined portion 463b curved along a gear mechanism having a circular shape, and a vertical wall portion 463c, and accommodates the reclining device 40 therein.

[0070] The outer inclined portion 463b extends at an incline downward toward the outer side (left side) in the seat width direction. In addition, guide recesses 463b1 extending outward in the seat width direction are formed at both front-rear end portions of the outer inclined portion 463b. Therefore, the fourth cover body 46 can guide foreign matter such as water that has entered the inside of the reclining cover unit 42 so that the foreign matter flows down along the upper surface of the outer inclined portion 463b or the guide recess 463b1. The outer inclined portion 463b and the guide recess 463b1 correspond to the flow-down guide portion of the present invention.

[0071] Further, the second left side wall portion 463 is provided with an upper abutment portion 465 and a lower abutment portion 466 which respectively abut against an upper abutment portion 435 and a lower abutment portion 436 provided on the first cover body 43. This makes it possible to accurately position the first cover body 43 and the fourth cover body 46 relative to each other and prevent rattling. Moreover, on the inside of the fourth cover body 46, an upper reinforcing rib 463d and a lower reinforcing rib 463e are provided on the second left side wall portion 463. This makes it possible to improve the strength of the fourth cover body 46 and prevent deformation.

[0072] Next, the positional relationship between the reclining device 40 and the first cover body 43, the second cover body 44, the third cover body 45, and the fourth cover body 46 will be described. FIG. 21 shows a cross-sectional view of AA in FIG. 2. As described above, the reclining device 40 is covered by the first cover body 43, the second cover body 44, the third cover body 45, and the fourth cover body 46, which overlap each other. To explain in more detail, above the reclining device 40, the upper wall portion 433 of the first cover body 43, the upper wall portion 453 of the third cover body 45, and the outer inclined portion 463b of the fourth cover body 46 overlap each other in the vertical direction. In other words, the reclining cover unit 42 is located above the reclining device 40, and has an upper covering portion in which the first cover body 43, the third cover body 45, and the fourth cover body 46 overlap each other to cover the upper part of the reclining device 40. In addition, the edges of the first cover body 43, the second cover body 44, and the third cover body 45 are arranged at positions where they do not overlap each other in the vertical direction. Therefore, it is possible to effectively suppress the intrusion of foreign matter from above into the reclining device 40. The upper covering portion corresponds to the foreign matter intrusion prevention means.

[0073] Further, on the outer side (left side) of the reclining device 40 in the seat width direction, the first left wall portion 454 of the third cover body 45 and the vertical wall portion 463c of the fourth cover body 46 overlap each other in the seat width direction. In other words, the reclining cover unit 42 is located outside the reclining device 40, and has an outer covering portion in which the third cover body 45 and the fourth cover body 46 overlap each other to cover the outer side of the reclining device 40. Here, the edges of the third cover body 45 and the fourth cover body 46 are positioned so as not to overlap each other in the seat width direction. Therefore, it is possible to effectively prevent foreign objects from entering the reclining device 40 from the outer side. The outer covering portion corresponds to a foreign object intrusion prevention means.

[0074] Further, the second cover body 44 covers the inside (right side) of the reclining device 40 in the seat width direction, the third cover body 45 covers the outside (left side) of the reclining device 40 in the seat width direction, and the first cover body 43 covers the second cover body 44 and the third cover body 45 from above. That is, the reclining cover unit 42 has a cover body (first cover body 43 corresponding to the foreign object intrusion prevention means) that covers from above the outer sides of the two cover bodies that cover both sides in the seat width direction of the reclining device 40. In this way, the foreign object intrusion prevention means may be the cover body itself, a combination of multiple cover bodies, or a means for closing gaps between multiple cover bodies (for example, a contact piece that contacts the cover body to fill the gap).

[0075] As described above, the reclining device 40 is covered by the reclining cover unit 42 having multiple cover bodies. The reclining cover unit 42 has a foreign object intrusion prevention means for preventing foreign objects from intruding into the reclining device 40. This makes it possible to effectively prevent foreign objects from intruding into the reclining device 40.

[0076] <Manufacturing method of vehicle seat S> Next, a manufacturing method of the vehicle seat S will be described. First, the seat frame F is assembled. Specifically, the cushion frame 10 and the back frame 20 are first connected to each other via the reclining device 40. Next, a reclining cover unit 42 having a plurality of cover bodies is attached to both sides in the seat width direction of the back frame 20. When attaching the reclining cover unit 42, the second cover body 44 and the fourth cover body 46 are attached first from the inside and outside in the seat width direction of the reclining device 40. Next, the third cover body 45 is attached, and finally the first cover body 43 is attached. However, it goes without saying that the order in which the cover bodies are attached is not limited to this.

[0077] Next, the padding material P is placed on the seat frame F and is covered with the covering material Tr. Also, the headrest 3 is attached to the seat back 2. This completes the assembly of the seat body. Finally, the lifting device 50 and the seat body are attached to a slide rail device 60 having a lower rail 61 fixed to the vehicle floor and an upper rail 62 slidable relative to the lower rail 61 . This completes the manufacture of the vehicle seat S.

[0078] Although the vehicle seat S according to one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the above-described embodiment is merely an example for facilitating understanding of the present invention and does not limit the present invention. In other words, the present invention can be modified and improved without departing from the spirit thereof, and the present invention naturally includes equivalents thereof.

[0079] <First Modification> In the above embodiment, the reclining cover unit 42 has been described as having the first cover body 43, the second cover body 44, the third cover body 45, and the fourth cover body 46, but may further have other cover bodies. Specifically, the reclining cover unit 42 may have an outer shell cover body 47 that covers at least one of the first cover body 43, the second cover body 44, the third cover body 45, and the fourth cover body 46 from the outside.

[0080] 22 is a perspective view showing a main part of a seat frame F to which a reclining cover unit 42A according to a first modified example is attached. The reclining cover unit 42A has a first cover body 43, a second cover body 44, a third cover body 45, a fourth cover body 46, and an outer shell cover body 47, which overlap each other to cover the reclining device 40. This prevents foreign objects from entering through gaps between the cover bodies, and effectively prevents foreign objects from entering the reclining device 40. The outer shell cover body 47 covers at least a portion of the first cover body 43, the second cover body 44, the third cover body 45, and the fourth cover body 46.

[0081] 23, the outer shell cover body 47 may have an intrusion prevention wall 47a on its inner side for preventing foreign matter from intruding from above. The intrusion prevention wall 47a separates the inner side of the outer shell cover body 47 into an upper space and a lower space so as to cover the upper side of the third cover body 45 on the outer side (left side) of the first cover body 43. This makes it possible to prevent foreign matter such as water from intruding from above from intruding into the inside of the third cover body 45.

[0082] In the above embodiment, the foreign object intrusion prevention means is described as being configured by a cover body or a combination of multiple cover bodies, but is not limited to this. The foreign object intrusion prevention means may be a sealing material that seals the gaps between the multiple cover bodies. This makes it possible to effectively prevent foreign objects from intruding into the reclining device 40 through the gaps between the cover bodies.

[0083] The foreign object intrusion prevention means may be a sealant provided inside the peripheral wall portion 433a of the first cover body 43 and sealing the contact portion between the back side frame 21 and the peripheral wall portion 433a. The sealant is made of, but is not limited to, a rubber foam. This makes it possible to effectively prevent foreign objects from intruding into the reclining device 40 through a gap between the back side frame 21 and the first cover body 43.

[0084] In the above embodiment, the lift-link facing wall 456 is provided on the third cover body 45, but the present invention is not limited to this. An opposing wall facing the rear lift-link 52 may be formed on the second cover body 44. This can effectively prevent foreign matter from entering the lifting device 50.

[0085] In the above embodiment, the reclining device 40 is described as adopting a Taumel type reclining mechanism, but is not limited thereto. The reclining device 40 may have a known reclining mechanism including a spiral spring. The vehicle seat S may be installed in a vehicle that travels off-road or a side-by-side vehicle.

[0086] In the above-described embodiment, the vehicle seat S mounted on a vehicle is given as an example of a vehicle seat, and an example of the configuration thereof is described. However, the present invention is not limited to seats mounted on vehicles that have wheels and run on land, such as automobiles and trains, and may also be applied to seats mounted on aircraft, ships, and other vehicles that move on non-ground surfaces, for example. [Explanation of symbols]

[0087] S Vehicle seats (vehicle seats) Seat frame, front P Pad material Tr skin material 1 seat cushion 2 Seat back 3 Headrest 10 Cushion Frame 11 Cushion side frame 12 Pan Frame 13 Rear frame 14 S spring 15 Side cover unit 20 Back Frame 21 Backside Frame 22 Back upper frame 22a Headrest support 23 Back lower frame 24 Connecting Frame 25 S spring 30 Headrest pillar 40 Reclining device 40a Reclining dial 40b Bulge 41 Reclining axis 42, 42A Reclining cover unit 43 First cover body (upper cover) 431 Front inclined wall 431a Engagement part 431b Front folded abutment part 431c Front reinforcement rib 432 Rear wall 432a Rear folded contact part 432b Rear reinforcement rib 433 Upper wall section 433a Peripheral wall (contact wall) 434 Left side wall 434a Eaves 434b Curved folded abutment part 435 Upper contact part 436 Lower contact part 44 Second cover body (inner cover) 441 Front inclined wall 441a Front fitting hole 441b Engaged part 441c Front reinforcement rib 442 Rear wall 442a Rear fitting hole 442b Rear reinforcement rib 443 Upper wall section 443a Peripheral wall 444 Right side wall 444a Bulge 444b Side through hole 444c Upper reinforcement rib 445 Lower wall part 445a Notch 45 Third cover body (outer cover) 451 Front inclined wall section 451a Front folded abutment part 451b Front reinforcement rib 452 Rear wall 452a Rear reinforcement rib 453 Upper wall section 453a Standing wall section 454 First left wall section 455 Lower wall part 455a Notch 455b Engagement part 456 Lifting link facing wall (Lifting device facing rib) 46 Fourth cover body (outer inclined cover) 461 Front inclined wall 461a Front fitting protrusion 461b Front inclined wall groove (flow guide part, groove) 462 Rear wall 462a Rear fitting protrusion 462b Rear wall groove (flow guide part, groove) 463 Second left wall section 463a Reclining device storage area 463b Outer slope 463b1 Guide recess (flow guide section) 463c Vertical wall section 463d Upper reinforcement rib 463e Lower reinforcement rib 465 Upper abutted part 466 Lower contact part 47 Outer shell cover body 47a Intrusion control wall 50 Lifting device 51 Front lift link 52 Rear lifting link 53 Lifting lever 60 Slide rail device 61 Lower rail 62 Upper Rail

Claims

1. A vehicle seat including a reclining device that rotatably connects a seat back to a seat cushion, and a cover unit having a plurality of cover bodies that cover the reclining device, The vehicle seat according to claim 1, wherein the cover unit has a foreign object intrusion prevention means for preventing foreign objects from intruding into the reclining device.

2. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, characterized in that the foreign object intrusion prevention means is located above the reclining device and has an upper covering portion in which three or more of the cover bodies overlap each other in the vertical direction to cover the upper part of the reclining device.

3. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, characterized in that the foreign object intrusion prevention means is located outside the reclining device in the seat width direction, and has an outer covering portion in which two or more of the cover bodies overlap each other in the seat width direction to cover the outer sides of the reclining device.

4. 2. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, wherein the foreign object intrusion prevention means includes a downward flow guide portion that is provided on the cover body and guides the foreign object to flow downward.

5. 5. The vehicle seat according to claim 4, wherein the flow-down guide portion is a groove provided in the cover body.

6. The plurality of cover bodies includes an upper cover body, the upper cover body has an upper end portion that is disposed higher than upper ends of the plurality of cover bodies other than the upper cover body, 2. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, wherein the foreign object intrusion prevention means is located at the upper end of the upper cover body and has an abutment wall portion that abuts against the back side frame along the shape of the back side frame that forms the skeleton of the seat back.

7. The plurality of cover bodies include an inner cover body and an outer cover body, the inner cover body covers the inner side of the reclining device in the seat width direction, the outer cover body covers the outer side of the reclining device in the seat width direction, The vehicle seat according to claim 6, wherein the upper cover body covers the inner cover body and the outer cover body from above.

8. The plurality of cover members include an outer sloped cover member; The outer inclined cover body is The seat back is attached to a back side frame that forms a framework of the seat back, Covering the back side frame from the outside in the seat width direction and covering an upper part of the reclining device, 2. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, wherein the foreign object intrusion prevention means is provided on the outer inclined cover body and has an outer inclined portion that extends at a downward incline toward the outer side in the seat width direction.

9. 9. The vehicle seat according to claim 8, wherein the outer inclined portion has a downward flow guide portion that guides the foreign matter to flow downward.

10. The vehicle seat includes a lifting device capable of adjusting the height of the seat cushion and the seat back, the plurality of covers includes an outer cover; The outer cover body covers the outer side of the seat cushion in the seat width direction, 2. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, wherein the foreign object intrusion prevention means includes a lifting device facing rib that is provided on the outer cover body and faces the lifting device in the front-rear direction.

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