Seat back frame of vehicular seat

Abstract

To improve rigidity of a seat back frame of a vehicular seat having two frame-shaped panels which are mutually superposed.SOLUTION: A seat back frame 5 of a vehicular seat 1 has a frame-shaped front panel 11, and a frame-shaped rear panel 12 connected to a rear part of the front panel. The front panel has right and left front side parts 21 extending in a vertical direction, and a plurality of front cross parts 22, 23, 44, 46, 47 extending in a longitudinal direction and connected to the right and left front side parts. The rear panel has right and left rear side parts 31 extending in the vertical direction and a plurality of rear cross parts 32, 33 extending in the longitudinal direction and connected to the right and left rear side parts. First reinforcement members 13, 14, 16, 41, 45, 48, 49, 55, 61, 66 are provided bridging between at least two cross parts among the plurality of front cross parts and the plurality of rear cross parts.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a seat back frame for a vehicle seat.

Background Art

[0002] The seat backs of many vehicle seats have a seat back frame that forms the skeleton of the seat back. And there is a seat back frame having two frame-shaped panels that overlap each other. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a seat back frame having a front shell and a rear shell that overlap and are joined to each other. The front shell and the rear shell are frame-shaped panels.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] For a vehicle seat back frame having two frame-shaped panels that overlap each other, ensuring rigidity is important.

[0005] In view of the above background, an object of the present invention is to increase the rigidity of a seat back frame for a vehicle seat having two frame-shaped panels that overlap each other.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, one aspect of the present invention is a seat back frame (5) of a vehicle seat (1), which has a frame-shaped front panel (11) and a frame-shaped rear panel (12) coupled to the rear of the front panel. The front panel has left and right front side portions (21) extending in the vertical direction and a plurality of front cross portions (22, 23, 44, 46, 47) extending in the horizontal direction and coupled to the left and right front side portions. The rear panel has left and right rear side portions (31) extending in the vertical direction and a plurality of rear cross portions (32, 33) extending in the horizontal direction and coupled to the left and right rear side portions. A first reinforcing member (13, 14, 16, 41, 45, 48, 49, 55, 61, 66) is provided across at least two of the plurality of front cross portions and the plurality of rear cross portions.

[0007] According to this aspect, the first reinforcing member can enhance the rigidity of the seat back frame of the vehicle seat, which has two frame-shaped panels overlapping each other. And the seat back frame can have appropriate rigidity.

[0008] In the above aspect, at least one of the front cross portion and the rear cross portion preferably has a protruding portion (22C, 32C) protruding downward, and the protruding portion is coupled to the first reinforcing member.

[0009] According to this aspect, the protruding portion can facilitate attaching the first reinforcing member to at least one of the front cross portion and the rear cross portion.

[0010] In the above aspect, the first reinforcing member preferably has at least one cutout hole (41A) penetrating in the front-rear direction.

[0011] According to this aspect, the first reinforcing member can be made lightweight. Consequently, the seat back frame can be made lightweight.

[0012] In the above aspect, the left and right width of the protruding portion is preferably wider than the left and right width of the first reinforcing member.

[0013] According to this aspect, it is possible to facilitate attaching the first reinforcing member to the protruding portion.

[0014] In the above aspect, at least one of the front cross portion and the rear cross portion has a first end portion (22D, 32D) to which the seat belt guide (14) is attached on either the left or the right, and it is preferable to have a second reinforcing member (42, 51, 56) bridged between the first end portion and the first reinforcing member.

[0015] According to this aspect, the second reinforcing member reinforces the first end portion to which the seat belt guide is attached. Thereby, the seat back frame can more reliably resist the load applied from the seat belt to the first end portion via the seat belt guide.

[0016] In the above aspect, it is preferable that the second reinforcing member has a first bead (51A, 56A) extending in the longitudinal direction.

[0017] According to this aspect, the first bead can increase the rigidity of the second reinforcing member. Consequently, the first bead can increase the rigidity of the seat back frame.

[0018] In the above aspect, it is preferable that the first reinforcing member has a second bead (55A) extending in the longitudinal direction.

[0019] According to this aspect, the second bead can increase the rigidity of the first reinforcing member. Consequently, the second bead can increase the rigidity of the seat back frame.

[0020] In the above aspect, it is preferable that a blower device (62, 67) is attached to the first reinforcing member.

[0021] The air blower is used to blow air onto the back and the like of the seated person. According to this aspect, since the air blower is attached to the first reinforcing member, the air blower is arranged at a position close to the back of the seated person. Therefore, the air blower can be arranged at a suitable position.

[0022] In the above aspect, it is preferable that the plate thickness of the first reinforcing member is thicker than the plate thickness of the front panel and the plate thickness of the rear panel.

[0023] According to this aspect, the strength of the first reinforcing member can be surely ensured. Therefore, the first reinforcing member can more surely enhance the strength of the seat back frame 5.

[0024] In the above aspect, the first reinforcing member preferably has a mounting portion (61A) to which the air blower (62) is attached, and a deformable portion (61B, 61C) formed at at least one of the upper side or the lower side of the mounting portion and being more easily deformable than the mounting portion.

[0025] According to this aspect, when a load is applied to the air blower from the back of the seated person, the deformable portion deforms, so that the air blower can move in the direction (rearward) in which the load is applied. Thereby, the discomfort of the seated person with respect to the air blower can be suppressed.

Effect of the Invention

[0026] In order to solve the above problems, one aspect of the present invention is a seat back frame (5) of a vehicle seat (1), which has a frame-shaped front panel (11) and a frame-shaped rear panel (12) coupled to the rear of the front panel. The front panel has left and right front side portions (21) extending in the vertical direction and a plurality of front cross portions (22, 23, 44, 46, 47) extending in the horizontal direction and coupled to the left and right front side portions. The rear panel has left and right rear side portions (31) extending in the vertical direction and a plurality of rear cross portions (32, 33) extending in the horizontal direction and coupled to the left and right rear side portions. At least two cross portions among the plurality of front cross portions and the plurality of rear cross portions are provided with first reinforcing members (13, 14, 16, 41, 45, 48, 49, 55, 61, 66) spanned therebetween.

[0027] According to this aspect, the first reinforcing member can enhance the rigidity of the seat back frame of the vehicle seat, which has two frame-shaped panels overlapping each other. And the seat back frame can have appropriate rigidity.

[0028] In the above aspect, at least one of the front cross portion and the rear cross portion preferably has a protruding portion (22C, 32C) protruding downward, and the protruding portion is coupled to the first reinforcing member.

[0029] According to this aspect, the protruding portion can facilitate the attachment of the first reinforcing member to at least one of the front cross portion and the rear cross portion.

[0030] In the above aspect, the first reinforcing member preferably has at least one through-hole (41A) penetrating in the front-rear direction.

[0031] According to this aspect, the first reinforcing member can be made lightweight. Consequently, the seat back frame can be made lightweight.

[0032] In the above aspect, the left and right width of the protruding portion is preferably wider than the left and right width of the first reinforcing member.

[0033] According to this aspect, it is possible to facilitate attaching the first reinforcing member to the protruding portion.

[0034] In the above aspect, at least one of the front cross portion and the rear cross portion may have a first end portion (22D, 32D) to which the seat belt guide (14) is attached on either the left or the right, and may have a second reinforcing member (42, 51, 56) bridged between the first end portion and the first reinforcing member.

[0035] According to this aspect, the second reinforcing member reinforces the first end portion to which the seat belt guide is attached. Thereby, the seat back frame can more reliably resist the load applied from the seat belt to the first end portion via the seat belt guide.

[0036] In the above aspect, the second reinforcing member may have a first bead (51A, 56A) extending in the longitudinal direction.

[0037] According to this aspect, the first bead can increase the rigidity of the second reinforcing member. As a result, the first bead can increase the rigidity of the seat back frame.

[0038] In the above aspect, the first reinforcing member may have a second bead (55A) extending in the longitudinal direction.

[0039] According to this aspect, the second bead can increase the rigidity of the first reinforcing member. As a result, the second bead can increase the rigidity of the seat back frame.

[0040] In the above aspect, a blower device (62, 67) may be attached to the first reinforcing member.

[0041] The air blower is used to blow air onto the back and the like of the seated person. According to this aspect, since the air blower is attached to the first reinforcing member, the air blower is disposed at a position close to the back of the seated person. Therefore, the air blower can be disposed at a suitable position.

[0042] In the above aspect, it is preferable that the plate thickness of the first reinforcing member is thicker than the plate thickness of the front panel and the plate thickness of the rear panel.

[0043] According to this aspect, the strength of the first reinforcing member can be surely ensured. Therefore, the first reinforcing member can more surely enhance the strength of the seat back frame 5.

[0044] In the above aspect, the first reinforcing member preferably has a mounting portion (61A) to which the air blower (62) is attached, and a deformable portion (61B, 61C) formed at at least one of the upper side or the lower side of the mounting portion and more easily deformable than the mounting portion.

[0045] According to this aspect, when a load is applied to the air blower from the back of the seated person, the deformable portion deforms, so that the air blower can move in the direction (rearward) in which the load is applied. Thereby, the discomfort of the seated person with respect to the air blower can be suppressed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0046]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0047] Hereinafter, embodiments in which the vehicle seat according to the present invention is applied to a vehicle seat of an automobile will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings and the following description, front, rear, left, right, up, and down are directions defined based on an occupant seated on the vehicle seat 1. Also, the inner side of the seat (or the inside of the seat) is the direction toward the center in the left-right direction (also referred to as the seat width direction) of the vehicle seat 1 in a front view. Also, the outer side of the seat (or the outside of the seat) is the direction away from the center in the left-right direction of the vehicle seat 1.

[0048] <<First Embodiment>> As shown in Fig. 1, the vehicle seat 1 has a seat cushion 2 that supports the occupant's buttocks, a seat back 3 that extends upward from the rear of the seat cushion 2, and a headrest 4 provided at the upper part of the seat back 3. The seat back 3 supports the occupant's back. The headrest 4 supports the occupant's head. The seat cushion 2 has a seat cushion frame (not shown) forming a skeleton, a pad (not shown) supported by the seat cushion frame, and a skin material 2A covering the surface of the pad. The seat back 3 has a seat back frame 5 (see Fig. 2) forming a skeleton, a pad (not shown) supported by the seat back frame 5, and a skin material 3A covering the surface of the pad.

[0049] <Configuration of the seat back frame 5> As shown in Fig. 2, the seat back frame 5 has a front panel 11, a rear panel 12, a front first reinforcing member 13, and a rear first reinforcing member 14. A seat belt guide 15 is attached to the front panel 11 and the rear panel 12. The combination of the front first reinforcing member 13 and the rear first reinforcing member 14 is called the "first reinforcing member 16".

[0050] As shown in Fig. 2, the front panel 11 and the rear panel 12 are sheet metal members formed in a square frame shape. The rear panel 12 is joined to the rear of the front panel 11. The front panel 11 receives the load of the seated person.

[0051] The front panel 11 has left and right front side portions 21, a front upper portion 22, and a front lower portion 23. The left and right front side portions 21 extend vertically. Each of the front side portions 21 has an inner wall portion 21A whose surface faces left and right, a rear wall portion 21B that extends inward from the rear edge of the inner wall portion 21A in the left and right directions of the seat, and a front wall portion 21C that extends outward from the front edge of the inner wall portion 21A in the left and right directions of the seat. Each of the rear wall portion 21B and the front wall portion 21C forms a surface facing front and back. The inner wall portion 21A, the rear wall portion 21B, and the front wall portion 21C extend in the vertical direction. The left and right front side portions 21 are bent so as to have the inner wall portion 21A, the rear wall portion 21B, and the front wall portion 21C, thereby enhancing rigidity.

[0052] The front upper part 22 extends horizontally and is connected to the upper ends of the left and right front side parts 21 respectively. The front upper part 22 has a front wall part 22A with a surface facing forward and backward, and an upper wall part 22B extending rearward from the upper edge of the front wall part 22A. The front wall part 22A and the upper wall part 22B extend in the left - right direction. The front wall part 22A has a protruding part 22C protruding downward from the central part in the left - right direction. Also, the front wall part 22A is connected to the left and right front wall parts 21C. The upper wall part 22B has a left end part 22D (the first end part) to which the seat - belt guide 15 is attached. The upper wall part 22B forms a surface facing up and down. The front upper part 22 is bent so as to have the front wall part 22A and the upper wall part 22B, thereby enhancing rigidity.

[0053] The front lower part 23 extends horizontally and is connected to the lower ends of the left and right front side parts 21 respectively. The front lower part 23 has an inner wall part 23A with a surface facing forward and backward, a front wall part 23B extending forward from the lower edge of the inner wall part 23A, a lower wall part 23C extending downward from the lower edge of the front wall part 23B, and a bottom wall part 23D extending rearward from the lower edge of the lower wall part 23C. The inner wall part 23A is connected to the left and right rear wall parts 21B. The front wall part 23B forms a surface facing up and down. The lower wall part 23C forms a surface facing forward and backward. The bottom wall part 23D forms a surface facing up and down. The front lower part 23 is bent so as to have the inner wall part 23A, the front wall part 23B, the lower wall part 23C, and the bottom wall part 23D, thereby enhancing rigidity.

[0054] The front upper part 22 and the front lower part 23 are a kind of front cross - part that extends in the left - right direction and is connected to the left and right front side parts 21. Also, the front panel 11 has a through - hole H1 surrounded by the left and right front side parts 21, the front upper part 22, and the front lower part 23.

[0055] The rear panel 12 has left and right rear side portions 31, a rear upper portion 32, and a rear lower portion 33. The left and right rear side portions 31 extend vertically. Each of the left and right rear side portions 31 has an outer wall portion 31A whose surface faces left and right, and a rear wall portion 31B that extends inward from the rear edge of the outer wall portion 31A. The rear wall portion 31B forms a surface facing front and back. The left and right rear side portions 31 are bent so as to have the outer wall portion 31A and the rear wall portion 31B, thereby enhancing rigidity.

[0056] The rear upper portion 32 extends left and right and is coupled to the upper ends of the left and right rear side portions 31. The rear upper portion 32 has a rear wall portion 32A whose surface faces front and back, and an upper wall portion 32B that extends forward from the upper edge of the rear wall portion 32A. The rear wall portion 32A has a protruding portion 32C that protrudes downward from the central portion in the left - right direction. The protruding portion 32C has a front protruding portion 32E that extends forward from the lower edge of the rear wall portion 32A, and a lower protruding portion 32F that extends downward from the lower edge of the front protruding portion 32E. The front protruding portion 32E forms a surface facing up and down. The front protruding portion 32E forms a surface facing front and back. The upper wall portion 32B forms a surface facing up and down. The upper wall portion 32B has a left end portion 32D (first end portion) to which the seat belt guide 15 is attached. The rear wall portion 32A is coupled to the left and right rear wall portions 31B. Also, the upper wall portion 32B is coupled to the left and right outer wall portions 31A. The rear upper portion 32 is bent so as to have the rear wall portion 32A, the upper wall portion 32B, the front protruding portion 32E, and the lower protruding portion 32F, thereby enhancing rigidity.

[0057] The seat belt guide 15 is attached to the left end portion 22D of the front upper portion 22 and the left end portion 32D of the rear upper portion 32. The seat belt guide 15 is fastened to the left end portion 22D of the front upper portion 22 and the left end portion 32D of the rear upper portion 32 with bolts and nuts.

[0058] The rear lower part 33 extends horizontally and is connected to the lower ends of the left and right rear side parts 31 respectively. The rear lower part 33 has an inner wall part 33A whose surface faces the front and back, and a front wall part 33B that extends forward from the lower edge of the inner wall part 33A. The front wall part 33B forms a surface that faces up and down. The rear lower part 33 is bent to have the inner wall part 33A and the front wall part 33B, thereby enhancing its rigidity. Also, the rear upper part 32 and the rear lower part 33 are a type of rear cross part that extends horizontally and is connected to the left and right rear side parts 31.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 4, the front wall part 22A and the upper wall part 22B of the front upper part 22, and the rear wall part 32A, the upper wall part 32B, and the front protruding part 32E of the rear upper part 32 cooperate to form a closed cross-sectional structure. Thereby, the rigidity of the seat back frame 5 is enhanced.

[0060] Although not shown, the inner wall part 21A, the rear wall part 21B, and the front wall part 21C of the left and right front side parts 21, and the outer wall part 31A and the rear wall part 31B of the left and right rear side parts 31 are integrally formed into a pillar shape that extends vertically, and they cooperate to form a closed cross-sectional structure. Thereby, the rigidity of the seat back frame 5 is enhanced.

[0061] The rear panel 12 has a through hole H2 surrounded by the left and right rear side parts 31, the rear upper part 32, and the rear lower part 33. As shown in FIG. 3, the through hole H1 of the front panel 11 and the through hole H2 of the rear panel 12 overlap each other. The through hole H1 and the through hole H2 cooperate to form the through hole H of the seat back frame 5. Due to the through hole H1 and the through hole H2, the seat back frame 5 is lightened.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 2, the front first reinforcing member 13 is a sheet metal member formed in a plate shape extending vertically. The front first reinforcing member 13 has a plate portion 13A formed in a plate shape extending vertically with its surface facing the front and rear, and left and right side plate portions 13B extending rearward from the left and right edge portions of the plate portion 13A. The vertical length of the plate portion 13A is longer than the vertical length of the left and right side plate portions 13B. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the front first reinforcing member 13 is spanned between the protruding portion 22C of the front upper portion 22 and the inner wall portion 23A of the front lower portion 23. In the plate portion 13A of the front first reinforcing member 13, the upper end portion is joined to the front surface of the protruding portion 22C of the front upper portion 22, and the lower end portion is joined to the front surface of the inner wall portion 23A of the front lower portion 23.

[0063] The plate thickness of the front first reinforcing member 13 (the plate thickness of the plate portion 13A and the side plate portions 13B) is thicker than the plate thickness of the front panel 11 and the plate thickness of the rear panel 12. Also, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the left and right width of the protruding portion 22C of the front upper portion 22 is wider than the left and right width of the front first reinforcing member 13 (the left and right width of the plate portion 13A).

[0064] As shown in FIG. 2, the rear first reinforcing member 14 is a sheet metal member formed in a plate shape extending vertically. The rear first reinforcing member 14 has a plate portion 14A formed in a plate shape extending vertically with its surface facing the front and rear, and left and right side plate portions 14B extending forward from the left and right edge portions of the plate portion 14A. The vertical length of the plate portion 14A is longer than the vertical length of the left and right side plate portions 14B. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the rear first reinforcing member 14 is spanned between the protruding portion 32C of the rear upper portion 32 and the rear lower portion 33. In the plate portion 14A of the rear first reinforcing member 14, the upper end portion is joined to the rear surface of the protruding portion 32C of the rear upper portion 32, and the lower end portion is joined to the rear surface of the rear lower portion 33.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 4, the plate thickness of the rear first reinforcing member 14 (the plate thickness of the plate portion 14A and the side plate portions 14B) is thicker than the plate thickness of the front panel 11 and the plate thickness of the rear panel 12. Also, as shown in FIG. 2, the left and right width of the protruding portion 32C of the rear upper portion 32 is wider than the left and right width of the rear first reinforcing member 14 (the left and right width of the plate portion 14A).

[0066] As shown in FIG. 2, the left and right side plate portions 13B of the front first reinforcing member 13 and the left and right side plate portions 14B of the rear first reinforcing member 14 are coupled to each other. Thereby, the plate portion 13A and the left and right side plate portions 13B of the front first reinforcing member 13 and the plate portion 14A and the left and right side plate portions 14B of the rear first reinforcing member 14 form a closed cross-sectional structure. Due to this closed cross-sectional structure, the rigidity of the first reinforcing member 16 is enhanced.

[0067] Note that either one of the front first reinforcing member 13 and the rear first reinforcing member 14 may be omitted. Instead of the front first reinforcing member 13 and the rear first reinforcing member 14, a first reinforcing member spanned between the front upper portion 22 and the rear lower portion 33 may be provided. Further, instead of the front first reinforcing member 13 and the rear first reinforcing member 14, a first reinforcing member spanned between the rear upper portion 32 and the front lower portion 23 may be provided.

[0068] <Method for manufacturing vehicle seat 1> Next, a method for manufacturing the vehicle seat 1 will be described. The method for manufacturing the vehicle seat 1 includes a first step of manufacturing the seat back frame 5, a second step of assembling the seat back frame 5 and the seat cushion frame, and a third step of assembling a pad and a skin material 3A to the seat back frame 5.

[0069] The first step of manufacturing the seat back frame 5 includes a panel manufacturing step of manufacturing the front panel 11 and the rear panel 12 by pressing, a seat belt guide attachment step of attaching the seat belt guide 15 to the front upper portion 22 and the rear upper portion 32, a panel coupling step of coupling the front panel 11 and the rear panel 12 at the peripheral edge, a first manufacturing step of manufacturing the front first reinforcing member 13 and the rear first reinforcing member 14, a front first attachment step of attaching the front first reinforcing member 13 to the front panel 11, and a rear first attachment step of attaching the rear first reinforcing member 14 to the rear panel 12 and the front first reinforcing member 13.

[0070] The connection between the front panel 11 and the rear panel 12, the connection between the front first reinforcing member 13 and the protruding portion 22C of the front upper portion 22, the connection between the rear first reinforcing member 14 and the protruding portion 32C of the rear upper portion 32, and the connection between the front first reinforcing member 13 and the rear first reinforcing member 14 may be a connection using rivets, a connection by adhesion, a connection by welding, a connection by fastening using bolts and nuts, or even a combined connection of these.

[0071] Next, the effects of the seat back frame 5 will be described.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 3, the front first reinforcing member 13 is spanned between the protruding portion 22C of the front upper portion 22 and the front lower portion 23, and closes a part of the through hole H. Further, the rear first reinforcing member 14 is spanned between the protruding portion 32C of the rear upper portion 32 and the rear lower portion 33, and closes a part of the through hole H. Thereby, the first reinforcing member 16, the front first reinforcing member 13, and the rear first reinforcing member 14 can enhance the rigidity of the seat back frame 5. And the seat back frame 5 can have appropriate rigidity.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 4, the upper end portion of the front first reinforcing member 13 is connected to the protruding portion 22C that protrudes downward from the front upper portion 22 (front cross portion) of the front panel 11. The protruding portion 22C facilitates the attachment of the front first reinforcing member 13 to the front upper portion 22. Further, the upper end portion of the rear first reinforcing member 14 is connected to the protruding portion 32C that protrudes downward from the rear upper portion 32 of the rear panel 12. The protruding portion 32C facilitates the attachment of the rear first reinforcing member 14 to the rear upper portion 32.

[0074] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the left - right width of the protruding portion 22C is wider than the left - right width of the front first reinforcing member 13 (the left - right width of the plate portion 13A). Thereby, it is possible to easily attach the front first reinforcing member 13 to the protruding portion 22C. Also, as shown in FIG. 2, the left - right width of the protruding portion 32C is wider than the left - right width of the rear first reinforcing member 14 (the left - right width of the plate portion 14A). Thereby, it is possible to easily attach the rear first reinforcing member 14 to the protruding portion 32C.

[0075] The plate thicknesses of the front first reinforcing member 13 and the rear first reinforcing member 14 (the plate thickness of the plate portion 13A and the plate thickness of the plate portion 14A) are thicker than the plate thickness of the front panel 11 and the plate thickness of the rear panel 12. Thereby, the strength of the front first reinforcing member 13 and the rear first reinforcing member 14 can be surely ensured. Therefore, the front first reinforcing member 13, the rear first reinforcing member 14, and the first reinforcing member 16 can more surely enhance the strength of the seat - back frame 5.

[0076] <<Second Embodiment>> As shown in FIG. 5, the vehicle seat 1 of the second embodiment has a first reinforcing member 41. In the following descriptions of the second to tenth embodiments, the same or similar components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and repeated detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0077] The first reinforcing member 41 of the second embodiment is obtained by providing the first reinforcing member 16 of the first embodiment with a through - hole 41A penetrating in the front - rear direction, and left - right notches 41B and 41C. The through - hole 41A is provided at the center in the left - right direction at the upper part of the first reinforcing member 41. The left - right notches 41B are formed at the center in the up - down direction of the first reinforcing member 41. The left - right notches 41C are formed at the lower part of the first reinforcing member 41.

[0078] The through - hole 41A and the left - right notches 41B and 41C can make the first reinforcing member 41 lightweight. Consequently, the through - hole 41A and the notches 41B and 41C can make the seat - back frame 5 lightweight.

[0079] The manufacturing method of the vehicle seat 1 according to the present embodiment includes a first manufacturing step of manufacturing the first reinforcing member 41 and a first attachment step of attaching the first reinforcing member 41 to the front panel 11.

[0080] <<Third Embodiment>> As shown in FIG. 6, the seat back frame 5 of the third embodiment includes a second reinforcing member 42 and a third reinforcing member 43. The second reinforcing member 42 and the third reinforcing member 43 are sheet metal members coupled to the front surface of the front panel 11. The second reinforcing member 42 is spanned between the left end portion 22D of the front upper portion 22 and the upper portion of the front first reinforcing member 13. On the other hand, the third reinforcing member 43 is spanned between the right end portion 22E of the front upper portion 22 and the upper portion of the front first reinforcing member 13.

[0081] The manufacturing method of the vehicle seat 1 according to the present embodiment includes a second manufacturing step of manufacturing the second reinforcing member 42, a second attachment step of attaching the second reinforcing member 42 to the front panel 11, a third manufacturing step of manufacturing the third reinforcing member 43, and a third attachment step of attaching the third reinforcing member 43 to the front panel 11.

[0082] The left end portion 22D (first end portion) of the front upper portion 22 to which the seat belt guide 15 is attached is reinforced by the second reinforcing member 42. As a result, the seat back frame 5 can more reliably resist the load applied from the seat belt to the left end portion 22D of the front upper portion 22 via the seat belt guide 15. Further, the second reinforcing member 42 and the third reinforcing member 43 reinforce the front upper portion 22. In other words, the second reinforcing member 42 and the third reinforcing member 43 can increase the rigidity of the front panel 11. Consequently, the second reinforcing member 42 and the third reinforcing member 43 can increase the rigidity of the seat back frame 5.

[0083] <<Fourth Embodiment>> As shown in FIG. 7, the seat back frame 5 of the fourth embodiment includes the lower cross portion 44 of the front panel 11, the lower cross portion (not shown) of the rear panel 12, the first reinforcing member 45, the second reinforcing member 42, and the third reinforcing member 43.

[0084] The lower cross portion 44 of the front panel 11 extends horizontally and is connected to the lower portions of the left and right front side portions 21 respectively. The lower cross portion of the rear panel 12 extends horizontally and is connected to the lower portions of the left and right rear side portions 31 respectively.

[0085] The first reinforcing member 45 is a sheet metal member that extends vertically at the middle portion in the left - right direction of the seat - back frame 5 and is spanned between the protruding portion 22C of the front upper portion 22 and the lower cross portion 44. The first reinforcing member 45 is connected to the front surface of the protruding portion 22C of the front upper portion 22 and the front surface of the lower cross portion 44.

[0086] The manufacturing method of the vehicle seat 1 of the present embodiment includes a first manufacturing step of manufacturing the first reinforcing member 45, a first attachment step of attaching the first reinforcing member 45 to the front panel 11, a second manufacturing step of manufacturing the second reinforcing member 42, a second attachment step of attaching the second reinforcing member 42 to the front panel 11, a third manufacturing step of manufacturing the third reinforcing member 43, and a third attachment step of attaching the third reinforcing member 43 to the front panel 11.

[0087] The lower cross portion 44 of the front panel 11, the lower cross portion of the rear panel 12, the first reinforcing member 45, the second reinforcing member 42, and the third reinforcing member 43 can reinforce the seat - back frame 5 and increase the rigidity of the seat - back frame 5.

[0088] <<Fifth Embodiment>> As shown in FIG. 8, the seat - back frame 5 of the fifth embodiment is obtained by adding the upper cross portion 46 of the front panel 11 and the upper cross portion of the rear panel 12 to the seat - back frame 5 of the fourth embodiment (see FIG. 7). The seat - back frame 5 of the fifth embodiment has the lower cross portion 44 of the front panel 11, the lower cross portion of the rear panel 12, the upper cross portion 46 of the front panel 11, the upper cross portion of the rear panel 12, the second reinforcing member 42 and the third reinforcing member 43, and the first reinforcing member 45.

[0089] The upper cross portion 46 of the front panel 11 extends horizontally and is coupled to the upper portions of the left and right front side portions 21 respectively. Also, in the upper cross portion 46, the front surface of the intermediate portion in the left-right direction is coupled to the rear surface of the first reinforcing member 45. The upper cross portion of the rear panel 12 extends horizontally and is coupled to the upper portions of the left and right rear side portions 31 respectively.

[0090] The manufacturing method of the vehicle seat 1 according to the present embodiment includes a first manufacturing step of manufacturing the first reinforcing member 45, a first attaching step of attaching the first reinforcing member 45 to the front panel 11, a second manufacturing step of manufacturing the second reinforcing member 42, a second attaching step of attaching the second reinforcing member 42 to the front panel 11, a third manufacturing step of manufacturing the third reinforcing member 43, and a third attaching step of attaching the third reinforcing member 43 to the front panel 11.

[0091] The lower cross portion 44 of the front panel 11, the lower cross portion of the rear panel 12, the upper cross portion 46 of the front panel 11, the upper cross portion of the rear panel 12, the second reinforcing member 42, the third reinforcing member 43, and the first reinforcing member 45 can reinforce the seat back frame 5 and increase the rigidity of the seat back frame 5.

[0092] <<Sixth Embodiment>> As shown in FIG. 9, the seat back frame 5 according to the sixth embodiment includes the upper cross portion 46 of the front panel 11 and the upper cross portion of the rear panel 12 (not shown), the lower cross portion 47 of the front panel 11 and the lower cross portion of the rear panel 12 (not shown), the first reinforcing members 48 and 49, the second reinforcing member 51, the third reinforcing member 52, the fourth reinforcing member 53, and the fifth reinforcing member 54.

[0093] The lower cross portion 47 of the front panel 11 is a sheet metal member obtained by adding a bead 47A to the lower cross portion 44 (see FIG. 7) of the front panel 11 of the fourth embodiment. The lower cross portion (not shown) of the rear panel 12 in the present embodiment is the same as the lower cross portion of the rear panel 12 of the fourth embodiment. The lower cross portion 47 extends horizontally, is coupled to the lower portions of the left and right front side portions 21, respectively, and has a bead 47A. The bead 47A is a protrusion (so-called rib portion) linearly extending in the longitudinal direction (horizontal direction) of the lower cross portion 47. The bead 47A can be formed by pressing. The bead 47A can increase the rigidity of the lower cross portion 47. Consequently, the bead 47A can increase the rigidity of the seat back frame 5.

[0094] The first reinforcing members 48 and 49 are plate-like members that extend vertically at the intermediate portion in the horizontal direction of the seat back frame 5 and are attached to the front surface of the front panel 11. The first reinforcing member 48 is bridged between the protruding portion 22C of the front upper portion 22 and the upper cross portion 46. The first reinforcing member 49 is bridged between the lower cross portion 47 of the front panel 11 and the front lower portion 23.

[0095] The second reinforcing member 51, the third reinforcing member 52, the fourth reinforcing member 53, and the fifth reinforcing member 54 are sheet metal members attached to the front surface of the front panel 11.

[0096] The second reinforcing member 51 is a sheet metal member obtained by adding a bead 51A (first bead) to the second reinforcing member 42 (see FIG. 6) of the third embodiment. The second reinforcing member 51 is bridged between the left end portion 22D (first end portion) of the front upper portion 22 and the lower portion of the first reinforcing member 48, and has a bead 51A. The bead 51A is a protrusion (so-called rib portion) linearly extending in the longitudinal direction of the second reinforcing member 51. The bead 51A can increase the rigidity of the second reinforcing member 51. Consequently, the bead 51A can increase the rigidity of the seat back frame 5.

[0097] The third reinforcing member 52 is a sheet metal member obtained by adding a bead 52A to the third reinforcing member 43 (see FIG. 6) of the third embodiment. The third reinforcing member 52 is bridged between the right end portion 22E of the front upper portion 22 and the lower portion of the first reinforcing member 48, and has the bead 52A. The bead 52A is a protrusion (so-called rib portion) linearly extending in the longitudinal direction of the third reinforcing member 52. The bead 52A can enhance the rigidity of the third reinforcing member 52.

[0098] The fourth reinforcing member 53 is bridged between the left end portion of the upper cross portion 46 of the front panel 11 and the lateral intermediate portion of the lower cross portion 47 of the front panel 11. The fifth reinforcing member 54 is bridged between the right end portion of the upper cross portion 46 of the front panel 11 and the lateral intermediate portion of the lower cross portion 47 of the front panel 11.

[0099] The manufacturing method of the vehicle seat 1 of the present embodiment includes a first manufacturing step of manufacturing the first reinforcing members 48 and 49, a first attachment step of attaching the first reinforcing members 48 and 49 to the front panel 11, a second manufacturing step of manufacturing the second reinforcing member 51, a second attachment step of attaching the second reinforcing member 51 to the front panel 11, a third manufacturing step of manufacturing the third reinforcing member 52, a third attachment step of attaching the third reinforcing member 52 to the front panel 11, a fourth manufacturing step of manufacturing the fourth reinforcing member 53, a fourth attachment step of attaching the fourth reinforcing member 53 to the front panel 11, a fifth manufacturing step of manufacturing the fifth reinforcing member 54, and a fifth attachment step of attaching the fifth reinforcing member 54 to the front panel 11.

[0100] The second reinforcing member 51 reinforces the left end portion 22D (first end portion) of the front upper portion 22 to which the seat belt guide 15 is attached. Thereby, the seat back frame 5 can more reliably resist the load applied from the seat belt to the left end portion 22D of the front upper portion 22 via the seat belt guide 15.

[0101] In addition, the upper cross portion 46 of the front panel 11 and the upper cross portion (not shown) of the rear panel 12, the lower cross portion 47 of the front panel 11 and the lower cross portion (not shown) of the rear panel 12, the first reinforcing members 48 and 49, the second reinforcing member 51, the third reinforcing member 52, the fourth reinforcing member 53, and the fifth reinforcing member 54 can reinforce the seat back frame 5 and increase the rigidity of the seat back frame 5.

[0102] <<Seventh Embodiment>> As shown in FIG. 10, the seat back frame 5 of the seventh embodiment includes the upper cross portion 46 of the front panel 11 and the upper cross portion (not shown) of the rear panel 12, the lower cross portion 47 of the front panel 11 and the lower cross portion (not shown) of the rear panel 12, the first reinforcing members 48 and 55, the second reinforcing member 56, and the third reinforcing member 57.

[0103] The first reinforcing member 55 is a sheet metal member obtained by adding a bead 55A (second bead) to the first reinforcing member 49 (see FIG. 9) of the sixth embodiment. The first reinforcing member 55 is bridged between the lower cross portion 47 of the front panel 11 and the front lower portion 23 and has the bead 55A. The bead 55A is a protrusion (so-called rib portion) linearly extending in the longitudinal direction of the first reinforcing member 55. The bead 55A can increase the rigidity of the first reinforcing member 55. Consequently, the bead 55A can increase the rigidity of the seat back frame 5.

[0104] The second reinforcing member 56 is a sheet metal member that is bridged between the left end portion 22D (first end portion) of the front upper portion 22 of the front panel 11 and the lower cross portion 47 of the front panel 11, is coupled to the upper cross portion 46, and has a bead 56A (first bead). The bead 56A is a protrusion (so-called rib portion) linearly extending in the longitudinal direction of the second reinforcing member 56. The bead 56A can increase the rigidity of the second reinforcing member 56. Consequently, the bead 56A can increase the rigidity of the seat back frame 5.

[0105] The second reinforcing member 56 reinforces the left end portion 22D (first end portion) of the front upper portion 22 to which the seat belt guide 15 is attached. Thereby, the seat back frame 5 can more reliably resist the load applied from the seat belt to the left end portion 22D of the front upper portion 22 via the seat belt guide 15.

[0106] The third reinforcing member 57 is a sheet metal member that is bridged between the right end portion 22E of the front upper portion 22 of the front panel 11 and the lateral intermediate portion of the lower cross portion 47, is coupled to the upper cross portion 46, and has a bead 57A. The bead 57A is a protrusion (so-called rib portion) that linearly extends in the longitudinal direction of the third reinforcing member 57. The bead 57A can increase the rigidity of the third reinforcing member 57.

[0107] The manufacturing method of the vehicle seat 1 of the present embodiment includes a first manufacturing step of manufacturing the first reinforcing members 48 and 55, a first attachment step of attaching the first reinforcing members 48 and 55 to the front panel 11, a second manufacturing step of manufacturing the second reinforcing member 56, a second attachment step of attaching the second reinforcing member 56 to the front panel 11, a third manufacturing step of manufacturing the third reinforcing member 57, and a third attachment step of attaching the third reinforcing member 57 to the front panel 11.

[0108] The upper cross portion 46 of the front panel 11 and the upper cross portion (not shown) of the rear panel 12, the lower cross portion 47 of the front panel 11 and the lower cross portion (not shown) of the rear panel 12, the first reinforcing members 48 and 55, the second reinforcing member 56, and the third reinforcing member 57 can reinforce the seat back frame 5 and increase the rigidity of the seat back frame 5.

[0109] <<Eighth Embodiment>> As shown in FIG. 11, the seat back frame 5 of the eighth embodiment includes the upper cross portion 46 of the front panel 11 and the upper cross portion (not shown) of the rear panel 12, the lower cross portion 44 of the front panel 11 and the lower cross portion (not shown) of the rear panel 12, the first reinforcing members 48 and 55, the third reinforcing member 43, and the sixth reinforcing member 58.

[0110] The sixth reinforcing member 58 is a sheet metal member that spans between the left end portion 22D (first end portion) of the front upper portion 22 of the front panel 11 and the right end portion of the lower cross portion 44 and is joined to the central portion in the left - right direction of the upper cross portion 46. The sixth reinforcing member 58 reinforces the left end portion 22D (first end portion) of the front upper portion 22 to which the seat belt guide 15 is attached. Thereby, the seat back frame 5 can more reliably resist the load applied from the seat belt to the left end portion 22D of the front upper portion 22 via the seat belt guide 15.

[0111] The manufacturing method of the vehicle seat 1 of the present embodiment includes a first manufacturing step of manufacturing the first reinforcing members 48 and 55, a first attachment step of attaching the first reinforcing members 48 and 55 to the front panel 11, a third manufacturing step of manufacturing the third reinforcing member 43, a third attachment step of attaching the third reinforcing member 43 to the front panel 11, a sixth manufacturing step of manufacturing the sixth reinforcing member 58, and a sixth attachment step of attaching the sixth reinforcing member 58 to the front panel 11.

[0112] The upper cross portion 46 of the front panel 11 and the upper cross portion (not shown) of the rear panel 12, the lower cross portion 44 of the front panel 11 and the lower cross portion (not shown) of the rear panel 12, the first reinforcing members 48 and 55, the third reinforcing member 43, and the sixth reinforcing member 58 can reinforce the seat back frame 5 and increase the rigidity of the seat back frame 5.

[0113] <<Ninth Embodiment>> As shown in FIG. 12, the seat back frame 5 of the ninth embodiment has a first reinforcing member 61 and a blower 62.

[0114] The first reinforcing member 61 is a sheet metal member that extends vertically at the middle portion in the left - right direction of the seat - back frame 5. The first reinforcing member 61 is attached to the front surface of the front panel 11. The first reinforcing member 61 is bridged between the protruding portion 22C of the front upper portion 22 and the front lower portion 23. The first reinforcing member 61 has an attachment portion 61A to which the blower device 62 is attached, a deformable portion 61B disposed between the attachment portion 61A and the protruding portion 22C, and a deformable portion 61C disposed below the attachment portion 61A. The deformable portions 61B and 61C are more easily deformed than the attachment portion 61A.

[0115] The blower device 62 has a main body portion 62A that blows air, a duct 62B connected to the main body portion 62A, an upper fixed portion 62C, a lower fixed portion 62D, a left fixed portion 62E, and a right fixed portion 62F. The blower device 62 can intake or exhaust air from the duct 62B.

[0116] As shown in FIG. 13, the upper fixed portion 62C is screwed to the attachment portion 61A by a screw 63. As shown in FIG. 12, each of the left fixed portion 62E and the right fixed portion 62F is screwed to the attachment portion 61A in the same manner as the upper fixed portion 62C. As shown in FIG. 13, the lower fixed portion 62D has a protrusion 64 that protrudes rearward. The protrusion 64 is inserted through a hole provided in the attachment portion 61A.

[0117] The manufacturing method of the vehicle seat 1 of the present embodiment includes a first manufacturing step of manufacturing the first reinforcing member 61, a first attachment step of attaching the first reinforcing member 61 to the front panel 11, a blower device manufacturing step of manufacturing the blower device 62, and a blower device attachment step of attaching the blower device 62 to the attachment portion 61A of the front panel 11.

[0118] The blower device 62 is attached to the first reinforcing member 61. The blower device 62 is used to blow air to the back of the seated person. By attaching the blower device 62 to the first reinforcing member 61, the blower device 62 is disposed at a position close to the back of the seated person. Therefore, by attaching the blower device 62 to the first reinforcing member 61, the blower device 62 can be disposed at a suitable position.

[0119] When a load is applied to the blower 62 from the back of the seated person, the deformable portions 61B and 61C deform, allowing the blower 62 to move in the direction in which the load is applied (backward). Thereby, the discomfort of the seated person with respect to the blower 62 can be suppressed.

[0120] <<Tenth Embodiment>> As shown in FIG. 14, the seat back frame 5 of the tenth embodiment includes a first reinforcing member 66 and a blower 67.

[0121] The first reinforcing member 66 is a sheet metal member that extends vertically at the intermediate portion in the left - right direction of the seat back frame 5. The first reinforcing member 66 is attached to the front surface of the front panel 11. The first reinforcing member 66 is bridged between the protruding portion 22C of the front upper portion 22 and the front lower portion 23. The first reinforcing member 66 has a mounting portion 66A to which the blower 67 is attached.

[0122] The blower 67 includes a main body portion 67A that blows air, a duct 67B connected to the main body portion 67A, a lower fixed portion 67C, an upper left fixed portion 67D, and an upper right fixed portion 67E. The blower 67 can intake or exhaust air from the duct 67B. The lower fixed portion 67C, the upper left fixed portion 67D, and the upper right fixed portion 67E are screwed to the mounting portion 66A.

[0123] The manufacturing method of the vehicle seat 1 of the present embodiment includes a first manufacturing step of manufacturing the first reinforcing member 66, a first mounting step of mounting the first reinforcing member 66 to the front panel 11, a blower manufacturing step of manufacturing the blower 67, and a blower mounting step of mounting the blower 67 to the mounting portion 66A of the front panel 11.

[0124] A blower device 67 is attached to the first reinforcing member 66. The blower device 67 is used to blow air onto the back and the like of the seated person. Since the blower device 67 is attached to the first reinforcing member 66, the blower device 67 is disposed at a position close to the back of the seated person. Therefore, by attaching the blower device 67 to the first reinforcing member 66, the blower device 67 can be disposed at a suitable position.

[0125] In the first to tenth embodiments, each of the front upper portion 22, the front lower portion 23, the lower cross portion 44, the upper cross portion 46, and the lower cross portion 47 extends in the left - right direction and is a front cross portion coupled to the left and right front side portions 21. Each of the rear upper portion 32 and the rear lower portion 33 extends in the left - right direction and is a rear cross portion coupled to the left and right rear side portions 31. Further, each of the front upper portion 22, the front lower portion 23, the lower cross portion 44, the upper cross portion 46, the lower cross portion 47, the rear upper portion 32, and the rear lower portion 33 is a cross portion.

[0126] The description of the embodiments is finished above, but the present invention can be widely modified and implemented without being limited to the above - described embodiments. The configurations of the first to tenth embodiments may be combined. For example, beads may be formed on the front first reinforcing member 13, the rear first reinforcing member 14, the first reinforcing members 45, 48, 61, and 66. Also, beads may be formed on the fourth reinforcing member 53, the fifth reinforcing member 54, and the sixth reinforcing member 58.

[0127] The front upper portion 22 of the front panel 11 may not have the protruding portion 22C. Also, the rear upper portion 32 of the rear panel 12 may not have the protruding portion 32C.

[0128] In the first embodiment, the left - right width of the protruding portion 22C may not be wider than the left - right width of the front first reinforcing member 13 (the left - right width of the plate portion 13A), and the left - right width of the protruding portion 32C may not be wider than the left - right width of the rear first reinforcing member 14 (the left - right width of the plate portion 14A).

[0129] In the first embodiment, the thicknesses of the front first reinforcing member 13 and the rear first reinforcing member 14 (the thickness of the plate portion 13A and the thickness of the plate portion 14A) may not be thicker than the thickness of the front panel 11 and the thickness of the rear panel 12.

[0130] A first reinforcing member spanned between the protruding portion 32C of the rear upper portion 32 and the lower cross portion of the rear panel 12 may be provided on the seat back frame 5 of the fourth embodiment shown in FIG. 7.

[0131] In the seat back frame 5 of the fifth embodiment shown in FIG. 9, a first reinforcing member spanned between the protruding portion 32C of the rear upper portion 32 and the upper cross portion of the rear panel 12, or a first reinforcing member spanned between the lower cross portion of the rear panel 12 and the rear lower portion 33 of the rear panel 12 may be provided.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0132] 1: Vehicle seat 3: Seat back 5: Seat back frame 11: Front panel 12: Rear panel 13: Front first reinforcing member 14: Rear first reinforcing member 15: Seat belt guide 16: First reinforcing member 21: Front side portion 22: Front upper portion (front cross portion) 22C: Protruding portion 22D: Left end portion (first end portion) 23: Front lower portion (front cross portion) 31: Rear side portion 32: Rear upper portion (rear cross portion) 32C: Protruding portion 32D: Left end portion (first end portion) 33: Rear lower portion (rear cross portion) 41: First reinforcing member 41A: Cutout hole 42: Second reinforcing member 44: Lower cross portion (front cross portion) 45: First Reinforcing Member 46: Upper Cross Part (Front Cross Part) 47: Lower Cross Part (Front Cross Part) 48: First Reinforcing Member 49: First Reinforcing Member 51: Second Reinforcing Member 51A: Bead (First Bead) 55: First Reinforcing Member 55A: Bead (Second Bead) 56: Second Reinforcing Member 56A: Bead (First Bead) 61: First Reinforcing Member 61A: Mounting Part 61B: Deformable Part 61C: Deformable Part 62: Air Blowing Device 66: First Reinforcing Member 66A: Mounting Part 67: Air Blowing Device

Claims

1. A seat back frame for a vehicle, comprising: a frame-shaped front panel and a frame-shaped rear panel coupled to the rear of the front panel, the front panel having left and right front side portions extending in the vertical direction and a plurality of front cross portions extending in the horizontal direction and coupled to the left and right front side portions, the rear panel having left and right rear side portions extending in the vertical direction and a plurality of rear cross portions extending in the horizontal direction and coupled to the left and right rear side portions, a first reinforcing member spanned between at least two of the plurality of front cross portions and the plurality of rear cross portions.

2. The seat back frame according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the front cross portion and the rear cross portion has a protruding portion protruding downward, and the protruding portion is coupled to the first reinforcing member.

3. The seat back frame according to claim 1, wherein the first reinforcing member has at least one through hole penetrating in the front-rear direction.

4. The seat back frame according to claim 2, wherein the left and right width of the protruding portion is wider than the left and right width of the first reinforcing member.

5. At least one of the front cross portion and the rear cross portion has a first end portion on either the left or the right to which a seat belt guide is attached, The seat back frame according to claim 1, further comprising a second reinforcing member spanned between the first end portion and the first reinforcing member.

6. The seat back frame according to claim 5, wherein the second reinforcing member has a first bead extending in the longitudinal direction.

7. The seat back frame according to claim 1, wherein the first reinforcing member has a second bead extending in the longitudinal direction.

8. The seat back frame according to claim 1, wherein a blower is attached to the first reinforcing member.

9. The seat back frame according to claim 1, wherein the plate thickness of the first reinforcing member is thicker than the plate thickness of the front panel and the plate thickness of the rear panel.

10. The seat back frame according to claim 1, wherein the first reinforcing member has a mounting portion to which a blower is attached and a deformable portion formed above or below at least one of the mounting portions and more easily deformable than the mounting portion.

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