Vehicle seats

Abstract

In vehicle seats, the deformation of the support member that supports the seat back frame is suppressed. [Solution] The seat 1 has a seat cushion frame 11 and a seat back frame 12. The seat cushion frame has left and right side members 21 extending front and rear, front members 22 extending left and right and connected to the front of each side member, rear members 23 extending left and right and connected to the rear of each side member, and support members 24 connected to the rear ends of each side member and extending upward. At least one of the support members has a lower support member 24A connected to the left and right outer surfaces of the side member, and an upper support member 24B extending upward and left and right inward from the lower support member, which rotatably supports the seat back frame. When viewed from above, the upper support member overlaps with the side member.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle seat mounted on a vehicle or the like.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a vehicle seat having a seat cushion frame and a seat back frame rotatably provided with respect to the seat cushion frame. The seat cushion frame has left and right side members extending in the front-rear direction and support members coupled to the left and right outer surfaces of the rear ends of the side members. The seat back frame is rotatably supported by the support members. The support members are formed in a plate shape and are formed in a planar shape upward from the left and right outer surfaces of the side members.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When a vehicle collides, a load is applied from the occupant to the seat back, so the support member needs to resist this load. However, when the support member is formed in a flat plate shape, there is a problem that the plate thickness increases to improve rigidity, resulting in an increase in weight and material cost.

[0005] In view of the above background, an object of the present invention is to suppress deformation of a support member for supporting a seat back frame in a vehicle seat.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above problems, one aspect of the present invention provides a vehicle seat (1) comprising a seat cushion frame (11) and a seat back frame (12) rotatably supported by the seat cushion frame, wherein the seat cushion frame comprises left and right side members (21) extending in the front-rear direction, front members (22) extending in the left-right direction and coupled to the front of each of the side members, rear members (23) extending in the left-right direction and coupled to the rear of each of the side members, and support members (24) coupled to the rear ends of each of the side members and extending upward, wherein at least one of the support members comprises a lower support member (24A) coupled to the left and right outer surfaces of the side members and an upper support member (24B) extending upward and inward from the lower support member and rotatably supporting the seat back frame, wherein, when viewed from the up-down direction, the upper support member overlaps with the side members.

[0007] In this embodiment, when a load is applied to the seat back and the support member deforms downward, the upper part of the support member comes into contact with the side member, suppressing the deformation of the support member. This makes it possible to suppress the deformation of the support member that supports the seat back frame in a vehicle seat. In addition, the weight and material of the support member can be reduced.

[0008] In the above embodiment, the side member has a side member main body portion (21A) extending in the front-rear direction and a side member extension portion (21B) projecting upward from the rear end of the side member main body portion, the lower part of the support member is connected to the side member extension portion, and when viewed from the vertical direction, the upper part of the support member may overlap with the side member extension portion.

[0009] In this embodiment, when a load is applied to the seat back and the support member deforms downward, the upper part of the support member comes into contact with the side member extension, thereby suppressing the deformation of the support member.

[0010] In the above embodiment, one of the side member extension and the lower part of the support member may have a vertically extending protrusion (21C), and the other of the side member extension and the lower part of the support member may have a receiving groove (24D) for receiving the protrusion.

[0011] In this embodiment, the position of the lower part of the support member relative to the side member extension is stabilized by the protrusion of the protrusion into the receiving groove.

[0012] In the above embodiment, the protrusions may be provided on the front and rear edges of the side member extension, and the receiving grooves may be provided on the front and rear edges of the lower part of the support member.

[0013] In this embodiment, the front and rear protrusions engage with the receiving grooves, thereby stabilizing the position of the lower part of the support member relative to the side member extension.

[0014] In the above embodiment, the support member may be formed of a sheet metal member, and edge walls (24E) may be provided on the front and rear edges of the support member, projecting outward to the left and right and extending from the lower part of the support member to the support member.

[0015] According to this embodiment, the rigidity of the support member is improved.

[0016] In the above embodiment, reinforcing plates (35) may be provided on the left and right outer surfaces of the support member, and the reinforcing plates may be connected to the front and rear edge walls.

[0017] According to this embodiment, the rigidity of the support member is improved.

[0018] In the above embodiment, the upper part of the support member has bulging portions (24F) that bulge inward to the left and right, the seat back frame is rotatably supported by the bulging portions, and the bulging portions may be positioned above the upper edge of the side member extension portion.

[0019] In this embodiment, when a load is applied to the seat back and the support member deforms downward, the bulging portion comes into contact with the side member extension, suppressing the deformation of the support member. In addition, the rigidity of the support member is improved by the bulging portion.

[0020] In the above embodiment, the left and right side members are connected to the floor (7) via a sliding device (6), the sliding device having a lower rail (15) connected to the floor and an upper rail (16) slidably mounted on the lower rail and connected to the side member, the lower rail is provided with a lower locking member (61) whose tip points downward and extends forward and backward, and the side member is provided with an upper locking member (63) whose tip points upward and extends forward and backward. The upper locking member faces the lower locking member from below with a gap between them, and is connected to the side member at a front joint (65) and a rear joint (66) that are separated front and rear. A joint (23A) between the rear member and the side member is provided behind the front joint and in front of the rear joint, and a joint (67A) between the seat belt buckle (67) and the side member may be provided behind the front joint and in front of the joint between the rear member and the side member.

[0021] According to this embodiment, the seat belt buckle can be connected to a highly rigid portion of the side member. As a result, the connection between the seat belt buckle and the side member can withstand the load applied by the occupant during a vehicle collision.

[0022] In the above aspect, the seat back frame includes left and right back side members (41) extending vertically, an upper member (42) extending horizontally and connected to the upper ends of the left and right back side members, and a lower member (43) extending horizontally and connected to the lower ends of the left and right back side members. At least one of the back side members has a pipe portion (41A) extending vertically and a side plate (44) coupled to the lower part of the pipe portion. The side plate has a plate body portion (44A) extending vertically and facing left and right, and a front flange portion (44B) and a rear flange portion (44C) protruding inwardly left and right from the front edge and the rear edge of the plate body portion. The pipe portion has a linear portion (41B) extending linearly vertically, and an inclined portion (41D) extending downward and inwardly left and right from a bent portion (41C) provided at the lower end of the linear portion. The upper part of the plate body portion is arranged along the linear portion, the lower part of the plate body portion is arranged with a gap outside left and right of the bent portion, a reinforcing bead (44F) extending downward from the bent portion is provided at the lower part of the plate body portion, the upper part of the support member is provided outside left and right of the lower part of the plate body portion via a reclining device (50), and a lever (50B) coupled to an operation shaft (50A) of the reclining device may be arranged inside left and right of the lower part of the plate body portion.

[0023] According to this aspect, the lower part of the plate body portion that extends downward away from the side pipe can be reinforced by the reinforcing bead.

[0024] In the above aspect, the front flange portion may be welded to the linear portion, and the rear flange portion may be welded to the linear portion and the inclined portion.

[0025] According to this aspect, the side plate can be stably coupled to the side pipe.

[0026] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a vehicle seat. Document (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2018-16211) discloses a vehicle seat having a protective cover that covers a welded portion of a seat cushion frame. The protective cover has a first cover and a second cover, and is provided so as to cover the welded portion of the seat cushion frame. In order to avoid contact between the welded portion and the seat belt, a part of the first cover is inserted inside the second cover.

[0027] However, when a part of the first cover is inserted inside the second cover, there is a problem that the thickness of the entire protective cover increases. Further, since the end portion of the first cover cannot be visually observed from the outside, it is difficult to confirm whether the first cover is attached at an appropriate position. Therefore, there is a problem that it is difficult to align the protective cover. Another aspect of the present invention aims to suppress the thickness of the protective cover and facilitate the alignment of the protective cover in a vehicle seat in view of the above background.

[0028] Another aspect of the present invention is a vehicle seat (401), comprising a seat cushion (402) and a seat back (403) rotatably supported at the rear of the seat cushion. The seat cushion has a seat cushion frame (405) having left and right side members (411) extending in the front-rear direction, a front member (412) extending in the left-right direction and connected to the front ends of the left and right side members, and a rear member (413) extending in the left-right direction and connected to the rear ends of the left and right side members, and a protective cover (440) provided on at least one of the left and right side members. The protective cover has a first cover (441) and a second cover (442) disposed adjacent to the front or rear of the first cover. A convex portion (443) extending toward the second cover is provided at an end portion of the first cover on the second cover side, and a concave portion (444) for receiving the convex portion is provided at an end portion of the second cover on the first cover side. The concave portion penetrates in the thickness direction of the second cover.

[0029] In this embodiment, since the protrusions do not overlap with the second cover in the thickness direction of the second cover, the thickness of the protective cover can be reduced. Also, since the protrusions can be visually inspected from the outside, alignment of the first cover and the second cover becomes easier. As a result, in a vehicle seat, the thickness of the protective cover can be reduced and the alignment of the protective cover can be made easier. Furthermore, because the boundary between the first cover and the second cover is meandered due to the protrusions fitting into the recesses, it becomes difficult for the seat belt to enter the boundary between the first cover and the second cover.

[0030] In the above embodiment, the seat cushion frame has seat back support portions (415) extending upward from the rear of the left and right side members, and the second cover may have a second cover front portion (453) provided behind the first cover and extending front to back, and a second cover rear portion (454) extending rearward and upward from the second cover front portion and covering at least a part of the seat back support portion.

[0031] According to this embodiment, the protective cover can protect the seat back support.

[0032] In the above embodiment, the thickness of the front portion of the second cover may be greater than the thickness of the rear portion of the second cover.

[0033] According to this embodiment, the rigidity of the front part of the second cover, which may be subjected to load from the seat belt, can be increased.

[0034] In the above embodiment, the first cover has an arm (421) welded to one of the side members and extending upward from the side member, and a support bracket (422) connected to the vehicle body and supporting the upper end of the arm so as to be rotatable around a rotation axis (A1) extending in the front-rear direction, and the first cover may cover the welded portion (447) between the arm and the side member.

[0035] According to this embodiment, it is possible to prevent the seat belt from coming into contact with the weld between the arm and the side member.

[0036] In the above embodiment, the upper surface of the first cover may be provided with a restricting wall (49) that protrudes upward and extends to the left and right.

[0037] According to this embodiment, the forward movement of the seat belt can be restricted by the restricting wall.

[0038] In the above embodiment, the arm has an arm body portion (421A) that extends vertically and horizontally and is supported at its upper end by the support bracket, and a pair of front and rear arm connecting portions (421B) that extend laterally from the lower end of the arm body portion and are welded to the side member, and the first cover has a first cover upper portion (441A) arranged along the arm body portion and a pair of front and rear first cover lower portions (441B) arranged along the pair of front and rear arm connecting portions, and the protrusion may be provided on the lower portion of the first cover.

[0039] According to this embodiment, the first cover can protect the arm that rotatably supports the seat relative to the vehicle body.

[0040] In the above embodiment, the seat cushion comprises a pad (406) supported by the seat cushion frame and a surface material (407) covering the pad, wherein the surface material may cover the lower part of the first cover and the front part of the second cover.

[0041] According to this embodiment, the boundary between the first cover and the second cover can be covered with the outer material. This makes it difficult for the seat belt to enter the boundary between the first cover and the second cover.

[0042] In the above embodiment, the back surface of the front part of the second cover may be provided with ribs (456) extending to the left and right.

[0043] According to this embodiment, the rigidity of the front part of the second cover can be increased.

[0044] In the above embodiment, the front portion of the second cover has side wall portions (453A) positioned outward to the left and right of the side member, and upper wall portions (453B) extending inward to the left and right from the upper edge of the side wall portions, and the ribs may extend from the back surface of the upper wall portion to the back surface of the side wall portion.

[0045] According to this embodiment, the rigidity of the front part of the second cover can be increased.

[0046] In the above embodiment, the recess may be formed in the upper wall portion.

[0047] According to this embodiment, the boundary between the first cover and the second cover can be made to meander in the area where the seat belt may come into contact. [Effects of the Invention]

[0048] One aspect of the present invention is a vehicle seat (1) comprising a seat cushion frame (11) and a seat back frame (12) rotatably supported by the seat cushion frame, wherein the seat cushion frame comprises left and right side members (21) extending in the front-rear direction, front members (22) extending in the left-right direction and coupled to the front of each of the side members, rear members (23) extending in the left-right direction and coupled to the rear of each of the side members, and support members (24) coupled to the rear ends of each of the side members and extending upward, wherein at least one of the support members comprises a lower support member (24A) coupled to the left and right outer surfaces of the side members and an upper support member (24B) extending upward and inward from the lower support member and rotatably supporting the seat back frame, wherein, when viewed from the top and bottom, the upper support member overlaps with the side members.

[0049] In this embodiment, when a load is applied to the seat back and the support member deforms downward, the upper part of the support member comes into contact with the side member, suppressing the deformation of the support member. This makes it possible to suppress the deformation of the support member that supports the seat back frame in a vehicle seat. In addition, the weight and material of the support member can be reduced.

[0050] In the above embodiment, the side member has a side member main body portion (21A) extending in the front-rear direction and a side member extension portion (21B) projecting upward from the rear end of the side member main body portion, the lower part of the support member is connected to the side member extension portion, and when viewed from the vertical direction, the upper part of the support member may overlap with the side member extension portion.

[0051] In this embodiment, when a load is applied to the seat back and the support member deforms downward, the upper part of the support member comes into contact with the side member extension, thereby suppressing the deformation of the support member.

[0052] In the above embodiment, one of the side member extension and the lower part of the support member may have a vertically extending protrusion (21C), and the other of the side member extension and the lower part of the support member may have a receiving groove (24D) for receiving the protrusion.

[0053] In this embodiment, the position of the lower part of the support member relative to the side member extension is stabilized by the protrusion of the protrusion into the receiving groove.

[0054] In the above embodiment, the protrusions may be provided on the front and rear edges of the side member extension, and the receiving grooves may be provided on the front and rear edges of the lower part of the support member.

[0055] In this embodiment, the front and rear protrusions engage with the receiving grooves, thereby stabilizing the position of the lower part of the support member relative to the side member extension.

[0056] In the above embodiment, the support member may be formed of a sheet metal member, and edge walls (24E) may be provided on the front and rear edges of the support member, projecting outward to the left and right and extending from the lower part of the support member to the support member.

[0057] According to this embodiment, the rigidity of the support member is improved.

[0058] In the above embodiment, reinforcing plates (35) may be provided on the left and right outer surfaces of the support member, and the reinforcing plates may be connected to the front and rear edge walls.

[0059] According to this embodiment, the rigidity of the support member is improved.

[0060] In the above embodiment, the upper part of the support member has bulging portions (24F) that bulge inward to the left and right, the seat back frame is rotatably supported by the bulging portions, and the bulging portions may be positioned above the upper edge of the side member extension portion.

[0061] In this embodiment, when a load is applied to the seat back and the support member deforms downward, the bulging portion comes into contact with the side member extension, suppressing the deformation of the support member. In addition, the rigidity of the support member is improved by the bulging portion.

[0062] In the above embodiment, the left and right side members are connected to the floor (7) via a sliding device (6), the sliding device having a lower rail (15) connected to the floor and an upper rail (16) slidably mounted on the lower rail and connected to the side member, the lower rail is provided with a lower locking member (61) whose tip points downward and extends forward and backward, and the side member is provided with an upper locking member (63) whose tip points upward and extends forward and backward. The upper locking member faces the lower locking member from below with a gap between them, and is connected to the side member at a front joint (65) and a rear joint (66) that are separated front and rear. A joint (23A) between the rear member and the side member is provided behind the front joint and in front of the rear joint, and a joint (67A) between the seat belt buckle (67) and the side member may be provided behind the front joint and in front of the joint between the rear member and the side member.

[0063] According to this embodiment, the seat belt buckle can be connected to a highly rigid portion of the side member. As a result, the connection between the seat belt buckle and the side member can withstand the load applied by the occupant during a vehicle collision.

[0064] In the above embodiment, the seat back frame has left and right back side members (41) extending vertically, an upper member (42) extending horizontally and connected to the upper ends of the left and right back side members, and a lower member (43) extending horizontally and connected to the lower ends of the left and right back side members, and at least one of the back side members has a pipe portion (41A) extending vertically and a side plate (44) coupled to the lower part of the pipe portion, and the side plate has a plate body portion (44A) extending vertically and facing left and right, and a front flange portion (44B) and a rear flange portion (44C) protruding left and right inward from the front and rear edges of the plate body portion, and the pipe portion The plate has a linear portion (41B) that extends linearly vertically, and an inclined portion (41D) that extends downward and inward to the left and right from a bent portion (41C) provided at the lower end of the linear portion. The upper part of the plate body is arranged along the linear portion, and the lower part of the plate body is arranged with gaps to the left and right of the bent portion. A reinforcing bead (44F) is provided on the lower part of the plate body that extends downward from the bent portion. The upper part of the support member is provided on the left and right outward of the lower part of the plate body via a reclining device (50), and a lever (50B) coupled to the operating shaft (50A) of the reclining device may be provided on the left and right inward of the lower part of the plate body.

[0065] According to this embodiment, the lower part of the plate body that extends downward away from the side pipe can be reinforced with a reinforcing bead.

[0066] In the above embodiment, the front flange portion may be welded to the straight portion, and the rear flange portion may be welded to the straight portion and the inclined portion.

[0067] According to this embodiment, the side plate can be stably connected to the side pipe. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0068] [Figure 1] Perspective view of the frame of the sheet according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] Perspective view showing the support structure of the first seat back frame. [Figure 3] Perspective view showing the support structure of the first seat back frame. [Figure 4] Front view showing the support structure of the first seat back frame. [Figure 5] Horizontal cross-sectional view of the joint between the side member and the support member. [Figure 6] Vertical cross-sectional view of the joint between the side member and the support member. [Figure 7] Perspective view showing the lower structure of the first seat back frame. [Figure 8] Right side view of the seat [Figure 9] Figure 8: Cross-sectional view of section IX-IX [Figure 10] Side view of the seat's drive mode according to another embodiment. [Figure 11] Diagram explaining the soft mode of the seat cushion. [Figure 12] Diagram explaining the firm mode of the seat cushion. [Figure 13] Side view of the seat in relaxation mode. [Figure 14] Perspective view of a seat back frame according to another embodiment [Figure 15] Horizontal cross-sectional view of the pressure-receiving member [Figure 16] An explanatory diagram showing a vehicle equipped with a seat according to another embodiment. [Figure 17] Diagram illustrating the mounting positions of multiple seats in the vehicle interior. [Figure 18] Perspective view of the slide device [Figure 19] Cross-sectional perspective view of the upper rail [Figure 20] Diagram illustrating the mounting positions of multiple seats in the vehicle interior. [Figure 21] Diagram illustrating the mounting positions of multiple seats in the vehicle interior. [Figure 22] Diagram illustrating the mounting positions of multiple seats in the vehicle interior. [Figure 23] Perspective view showing the usage configuration of the sheet according to another embodiment. [Figure 24] Perspective view showing the seat storage configuration [Figure 25] Perspective view showing the seat frame [Figure 26] Perspective view showing the joint between the arm and the seat cushion frame. [Figure 27] Plan view showing the seat cushion frame with protective cover attached. [Figure 28] Perspective view of the boundary between the first cover and the second cover, seen from the upper left. [Figure 29] Perspective views of the first and second covers [Figure 30] Cross-section of a seat cushion [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0069] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, an embodiment of the vehicle seat according to the present invention applied to the rear seats (including the second and third rows) of an automobile will be described. In the following description, in the left-right direction, the central side of the seat will be referred to as the inward side, and the opposite side as the outward side. Identical components provided in pairs on the left and right sides will be given a common number and their description will be omitted.

[0070] As shown in Figure 1, the seat 1 has a seat cushion 2 that supports the user's buttocks from below, and a first seat back 3 and a second seat back 4 that support the user's back from the rear. The first seat back 3 is located to the left of the second seat back 4. The seat cushion 2 is supported on the floor 7 via a sliding device 6. The first seat back 3 is rotatably supported on the left side of the rear of the seat cushion 2. The second seat back 4 is rotatably supported on the right side of the rear of the seat cushion 2.

[0071] The seat cushion 2 has a seat cushion frame 11. The first seat back 3 has a first seat back frame 12. The second seat back 4 has a second seat back frame 13. The seat cushion frame 11, the first seat back frame 12, and the second seat back frame 13 are each provided with a flexible pad, and the pad is covered with a surface material.

[0072] The sliding device 6 has a lower rail 15 connected to the floor 7 and an upper rail 16 that is slidably mounted on the lower rail 15. The lower rail 15 is provided in a pair, left and right, and extends in the front and rear directions. The lower rail 15 is connected to the floor 7 via a foot 17.

[0073] The seat cushion frame 11 includes left and right side members 21 extending in the front-rear direction, front members 22 extending in the left-right direction and connected to the front of each side member 21, rear members 23 extending in the left-right direction and connected to the rear of each side member 21, and support members 24 connected to the rear ends of each side member 21 and extending upward.

[0074] The seat cushion frame 11 has an intermediate member 26 that extends front to back between the left and right side members 21 and is connected to the front member 22 and the rear member 23, and an intermediate support member 27 that is connected to the rear end of the intermediate member 26 and extends upward. The seat cushion frame 11 also has a left pan frame 31 that extends front to back between the left side member 21 and the intermediate member 26 and is connected to the front member 22 and the rear member 23, and a right pan frame 32 that extends front to back between the right side member 21 and the intermediate member 26 and is connected to the front member 22 and the rear member 23.

[0075] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, each side member 21 is formed from a sheet metal member. Each side member 21 is connected to the corresponding upper rail 16 on the left and right sides. Each side member 21 has a side member main body portion 21A that extends front to back, and a side member extension portion 21B that protrudes upward from the rear end of the side member main body portion 21A. The side member main body portion 21A and the side member extension portion 21B are integrally formed and have main surfaces that face left and right. As shown in Figures 2 and 5, the side member extension portion 21B protrudes outward to the left and right, and also has convex portions 21C that extend up and down. The convex portions 21C are provided on the front edge and rear edge of the side member extension portion 21B, respectively. Edge walls 21D that protrude inward to the left and right are provided on the front edge and rear edge of the side member extension portion 21B. The convex portions 21C and edge walls 21D are formed by press forming of a sheet metal member. The edge wall 21D extends to the edge of the side member body portion 21A. The front and rear protrusions 21C are positioned between the front and rear edge walls 21D. The front edge wall 21D is continuous with the front protrusion 21C, and the rear edge wall 21D is continuous with the rear protrusion 21C. The cross-section of the protrusion 21C is preferably formed in a semicircular shape.

[0076] As shown in Figures 2 to 4, each support member 24 is formed from a sheet metal member. The main surfaces of the support members 24 face left and right. At least one of the support members 24 has a lower support member 24A coupled to the left and right outer surfaces of the side member 21, and an upper support member 24B extending upward and inward from the lower support member 24A, which rotatably supports the first seat back frame 12. In this embodiment, the upper support member 24B of the left support member 24 extends upward and inward from the lower support member 24A. The upper support member 24B of the right support member 24 extends upward from the lower support member 24A. The left and right lower support member 24A are coupled to the left and right side member extensions 21B. The rear member 23 is welded to the lower part of the side member extension 21B. The lower support member 24A is preferably fastened to the side member extension 21B at at least three fastening points 24C. The front fastening portion 24C is preferably positioned in front of the rear member 23, and the rear fastening portion 24C is preferably positioned behind the rear member 23. The upper fastening portion 24C is preferably positioned above the rear member 23. The upper fastening portion 24C is preferably provided at the upper end of the side member extension portion 21B.

[0077] As shown in Figures 2, 3, and 6, when viewed from above, the upper part 24B of the left support member overlaps with the left side member 21. More specifically, when viewed from above, the upper part 24B of the left support member overlaps with the left side member extension 21B.

[0078] As shown in Figure 5, the lower part 24A of the support member has a receiving groove 24D that receives the protrusion 21C. The receiving groove 24D is provided on the front edge and rear edge of the lower part 24A of the support member. When the lower part 24A of the support member is coupled to the side member extension 21B, the corresponding protrusions 21C fit into the front and rear receiving grooves 24D at the front and rear. This stabilizes the position of the lower part 24A of the support member relative to the side member extension 21B. As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the front and rear edges of the support member 24 are provided with edge walls 24E that protrude outward to the left and right and extend from the lower part 24A of the support member to the support member 24. The edge walls 24E improve the rigidity of the support member 24.

[0079] The upper part 24B of the support member has bulging portions 24F that bulge inward on both sides. The first seat back frame 12 is rotatably supported by the bulging portions 24F. The bulging portions 24F are positioned above the upper edge of the side member extension portion 21B. The bulging portions 24F are positioned inward on both sides relative to the lower part 24A of the support member. The bulging portions 24F improve the rigidity of the support member 24.

[0080] As shown in Figure 4, reinforcing plates 35 are provided on the left and right outer surfaces of the support member 24. The reinforcing plates 35 are connected to the front and rear edge walls 24E and work together with the support member 24 to form a closed cross-sectional structure. The reinforcing plates 35 improve the rigidity of the support member 24.

[0081] As shown in Figure 1, the first seat back frame 12 is rotatably supported on the seat cushion frame 11. The first seat back frame 12 has left and right back side members 41 extending vertically, an upper member 42 extending horizontally and connected to the upper ends of the left and right back side members 41, and a lower member 43 extending horizontally and connected to the lower ends of the left and right back side members 41. At least one of the left and right back side members 41 has a pipe portion 41A extending vertically and a side plate 44 connected to the lower part of the pipe portion 41A. In this embodiment, the left back side member 41 has the pipe portion 41A and the side plate 44. The right back side member 41 is formed in a rectangular tubular shape by a plurality of sheet metal members. The upper member 42 and the lower member 43 are formed from pipe material. The pipe portion 41A, the upper member 42, and the lower member 43 are formed by bending a single continuous pipe.

[0082] As shown in Figure 7, the pipe section 41A has a linear section 41B that extends linearly vertically, and an inclined section 41D that extends downward and inward from a bent section 41C provided at the lower end of the linear section 41B. The side plate 44 has a plate body section 44A that extends vertically and faces left and right, and a front flange section 44B and a rear flange section 44C that protrude inward from the front and rear edges of the plate body section 44A. The front flange section 44B is welded to the linear section 41B. The rear flange section 44C is welded to the linear section 41B and the inclined section 41D. This allows the side plate 44 to be stably connected to the pipe section 41A. The rear flange section 44C protrudes inward from left to right more than the front flange section 44B. The lower part of the rear flange section 44C protrudes inward from left to right more than the upper part of the rear flange section 44C. The lower end of the front flange portion 44B and the lower end of the rear flange portion 44C are connected to each other.

[0083] The upper part 44D of the plate body 44A is positioned along the straight section 41B. The lower part 44E of the plate body 44A is positioned with gaps to the left and right of the bent section 41C. The upper part 44D and the lower part 44E of the plate body 44A are positioned on the same plane extending vertically. The lower part 44E of the plate body 44A protrudes forward more than the upper part 44D. The lower part 44E of the plate body 44A is wider in front-to-back width than the upper part 44D. The leading edge of the lower part 44E of the plate body 44A is formed in an arc shape.

[0084] A reinforcing bead 44F is provided on the lower part 44E of the plate body portion 44A, extending downward from the bent portion 41C. The reinforcing bead 44F extends along the leading edge of the lower part 44E of the plate body portion 44A. This allows the lower part 44E of the plate body portion 44A, which extends downward away from the pipe portion 41A, to be reinforced by the reinforcing bead 44F.

[0085] The side plate 44 is rotatably supported on the left support member 24 via a reclining device 50. The lower end of the right back side member 41 is also rotatably supported on the intermediate support member 27 via a reclining device 50. Each reclining device 50 has an operating shaft 50A, and the rotation of the operating shaft 50A switches between a locked state and an unlocked state. When the reclining device 50 is in the locked state, it prohibits the rotation of the side plate 44 relative to the support member 24 or the intermediate support member 27, and when it is in the unlocked state, it allows the rotation of the side plate 44 relative to the support member 24 or the intermediate support member 27. The reclining device 50 may, for example, have a first member coupled to the support member 24 or the intermediate support member 27, a second member rotatably supported relative to the first member and coupled to the lower end of the side plate 44 or the right back side member 41, and a locking member positioned between the first member and the second member and coupled to the operating shaft 50A. The locking member engages with the first and second members to restrict the rotation of the second member relative to the first member, depending on the rotational position of the operating shaft 50A, and also engages with the first and second members to restrict the rotation of the second member relative to the first member.

[0086] The upper part 24B of the support member is provided on the left and right outer sides of the lower part 44E of the plate body 44A via a reclining device 50. The reclining device 50 is positioned to the left of the lower part 44E of the plate body 44A of the side plate 44, and the upper part 24B of the support member is positioned to the left of the reclining device 50.

[0087] The operating shaft 50A of each reclining device 50 protrudes inward to the left and right through the corresponding side plate 44. A lever 50B, coupled to the operating shaft 50A, is positioned on the left and right inward sides of the lower part 44E of the plate body 44A. A control cable 50C is connected to the lever 50B. The lever 50B is biased to the locked position by a spring 50D. A holder 50E is provided on the lower part 44E of the side plate 44 to support the control cable 50C and to lock one end of the spring 50D. When the control cable 50C is pulled, the lever 50B and the operating shaft 50A rotate, and the reclining device 50 is released. The reclining device 50 is preferably biased to be in the locked position.

[0088] When viewed from the left or right, the operating shaft 50A is preferably positioned in front of the inclined portion 41D of the pipe section 41A. Also, when viewed from the left or right, the lever 50B may overlap with the inclined portion 41D of the pipe section 41A.

[0089] The second seat back frame 13 is rotatably supported on the seat cushion frame 11. The second seat back frame 13 has left and right back side members 53 extending vertically, an upper member 54 extending horizontally and connected to the upper ends of the left and right back side members 53, a lower member 55 extending horizontally and connected to the lower ends of the left and right back side members 53, and left and right side plates 56 connected to the lower ends of the left and right back side members 53, respectively. The left and right back side members 53 and the lower member 43 are formed by bending a single continuous pipe. The lower member 43 is inclined downward toward the center.

[0090] In the second seat back 4, the left side plate 56 is rotatably supported by the intermediate support member 27 via the reclining device 50, and the right side plate 56 is rotatably supported by the right support member 24.

[0091] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, each of the lower rails 15 is provided with a lower locking member 61. The lower locking member 61 has a bottom plate portion 61A and left and right lower hooks 61B that extend upward from the left and right edges of the bottom plate portion 61A. The bottom plate portion 61A is provided between the floor 7 and the lower rail 15 and is connected to the lower rail 15 and the floor 7. The bottom plate portion 61A extends in the front-to-back direction and has a left-to-right width wider than the lower rail 15. The left and right lower hooks 61B are positioned on the left and right sides of the lower rail 15. The tips of the left and right lower hooks 61B are bent downward.

[0092] The right-side member 21 is provided with a first upper locking member 63 and a second upper locking member 64. The first upper locking member 63 has a side plate portion 63A whose surface faces left and right and extends front and rear, and an upper hook 63B provided at the lower end of the side plate portion 63A. The side plate portion 63A is fastened to the left and right outer surfaces of the right-side member 21 at a front coupling portion 65 and a rear coupling portion 66. The front coupling portion 65 and the rear coupling portion 66 are arranged at a distance from each other in the front and rear. The front coupling portion 65 is located at the front end of the side plate portion 63A, and the rear coupling portion 66 is located at the rear end of the side plate portion 63A. The first upper locking member 63 is preferably fastened to the side member 21 at the front coupling portion 65 and the rear coupling portion 66.

[0093] The lower part of the side plate portion 63A of the first upper locking member 63 protrudes between the lower rail 15 and the lower locking member 61. The tip of the upper hook 63B is bent upward. The upper hook 63B is positioned below the lower hook 61B. The upper hook 63B and the lower hook 61B face each other with a gap between them vertically.

[0094] The second upper locking member 64 has an upper plate portion 64A that extends front to back and an upper hook 64B that extends downward from the left end of the upper plate portion 64A. The upper plate portion 64A is sandwiched between the bottom surface of the right side member 21 and the upper surface of the upper rail 16 and is fastened to the right side member 21 and the upper rail 16. The lower part of the upper hook 64B protrudes between the lower rail 15 and the lower locking member 61. The tip of the upper hook 64B is bent upward. The upper hook 64B is positioned below the lower hook 61B. The upper hook 64B and the lower hook 61B face each other with a gap between them vertically.

[0095] When the seat 1 moves away from the floor 7 due to the load applied during a vehicle collision, the movement of the seat 1 is suppressed by the engagement of the lower locking member 61 with the first upper locking member 63 and the second upper locking member 64. The left side member 21 may be provided with the same configuration as the lower locking member 61, the first upper locking member 63 and the second upper locking member 64 provided on the right side member 21.

[0096] A seat belt buckle 67 is attached to the right side member 21. The seat belt buckle 67 is detachably connected to a tongue provided on the seat belt. The seat belt may, for example, extend from the ceiling of the vehicle. The seat belt buckle 67 may be fastened to the right side member 21 at the connection point 67A.

[0097] A connection point 23A between the rear member 23 and the right side member 21 is provided behind the front connection point 65 and in front of the rear connection point 66. The rear member 23 and the right side member 21 are preferably welded at the connection point 23A. A connection point 67A between the seat belt buckle 67 and the right side member 21 is preferably provided behind the front connection point 65 and in front of the connection point 23A between the rear member 23 and the side member 21. This allows the seat belt buckle 67 to be connected to a highly rigid part of the side member 21. As a result, the connection point 67A between the seat belt buckle 67 and the side member 21 can withstand the load applied by the occupant during a vehicle collision.

[0098] In the above-described seat 1, when a load is applied to the back of seat 1 and the support member 24 deforms downward, the upper part 24B of the support member comes into contact with the side member 21, suppressing the deformation of the support member 24. As a result, deformation of the support member 24 that supports the first seat back frame 12 can be suppressed in seat 1. In addition, the weight and material of the support member 24 can be reduced.

[0099] The following describes a vehicle seat according to another embodiment. As shown in Figure 10, the seat 100 has a seat cushion 101 and a seat back 102. The seat cushion 101 is supported on a base 104 provided on the floor 103 so as to be rotatable about an axis extending from left to right and slidable in the front to back direction. The seat back 102 is supported at the rear of the seat cushion 101 so as to be rotatable about an axis extending from left to right. An ottoman 105 may be rotatably supported at the front of the seat cushion 101.

[0100] As shown in Figure 11, the seat cushion 101 has a case 110 that opens upward. The case 110 has a bottom plate portion 111 and a side wall portion 112 that extends upward from the edge of the bottom plate portion 111. The side wall portion 112 is formed in a cylindrical shape along the periphery of the bottom plate portion 111. The bottom plate portion 111 is supported on the base 104 so as to be rotatable about an axis extending from left to right and slidable in the front-rear direction.

[0101] A first member 113 is attached to the upper end of the side wall portion 112. The first member 113 is formed in a sheet shape and is provided to close the opening of the case 110. Preferably, the first member 113 is attached to the upper part of the side wall portion 112 at its edge.

[0102] Inside the case 110 are a lifting device 115 and a second member 116. The lifting device 115 is provided on the upper surface of the bottom plate 111. The lifting device 115 may have a drive source such as an electric motor or an electric air cylinder and a link mechanism driven by the drive source. The link mechanism may be, for example, a pantograph arm.

[0103] A support portion 117 for supporting the second member 116 is provided at the upper end of the lifting device 115. The support portion 117 may be a plate member oriented in the vertical direction. Alternatively, the support portion 117 may be formed in a frame shape. The second member 116 is formed in a sheet shape and is provided on the upper surface of the support portion 117. If the support portion 117 is formed in a frame shape, the second member 116 may be joined to the edge of the support portion 117 to close the opening.

[0104] The first member 113 and the second member 116 are both flexible. The first member 113 may have higher flexibility than the second member 116. The first member 113 and the second member 116 may be woven fabric, rubber sheet, resin sheet, urethane resin, or other foamed material.

[0105] The seat cushion 101's firmness can be changed by extending or retracting the lifting device 115 and changing the distance between the second member 116 and the first member 113. As shown in Figure 11, in the soft mode, where the distance between the second member 116 and the first member 113 is sufficiently large, when an occupant sits on the seat cushion 101, the first member 113 receives the load from the occupant, and the central part of the first member 113 bends downward. At this time, since the second member 116 is separated from the first member 113, the occupant's load is supported only by the first member 113, and the amount of deformation of the first member 113 becomes relatively large. As a result, the seat cushion 101 can provide the occupant with a soft seating experience.

[0106] As shown in Figure 12, in the hard mode, when the distance between the second member 116 and the first member 113 is short, when an occupant sits on the seat cushion 101, the first member 113 receives the load from the occupant, and the central part of the first member 113 lowers. At this time, the second member 116 contacts the lower surface of the first member 113 and supports the first member 113 from below. As a result, the load of the occupant is supported by the first member 113 and the second member 116, and the amount of deformation of the first member 113 is smaller than in the soft mode. This allows the seat cushion 101 to provide the occupant with a firmer seating experience than in the soft mode. As the lifting device 115 extends, the closer the second member 116 gets to the first member 113, the less the first member 113 deforms, and the harder the seat cushion 101 becomes. In this way, the hardness of the seat cushion 101 changes as the distance between the first member 113 and the second member 116 changes.

[0107] The seat cushion 101 may change in hardness depending on the reclining state of the seat 100. That is, the lifting device 115 may extend or retract depending on the reclining state of the seat 100. For example, as the inclination angle of the seat back 102 with respect to the vertical increases, the lifting device 115 may contract, and the distance between the first member 113 and the second member 116 may increase.

[0108] As shown in Figures 10 and 13, the seat 100 may change its configuration between a drive mode suitable for driving and a relaxation mode. In the relaxation mode shown in Figure 13, the seat cushion 101 and seat back 102 are tilted backward compared to the drive mode shown in Figure 10. Also, in drive mode, the ottoman 105 is folded towards the seat cushion 101, while in relaxation mode, the ottoman 105 extends forward from the seat cushion 101. The hardness of the seat cushion 101 may be changed according to the reclining state of the seat 100. That is, the lifting device 115 may extend or retract according to the reclining state of the seat 100. When the configuration of the seat 100 is relaxation mode, it is preferable for the lifting device 115 to extend or retract more than in drive mode.

[0109] In other embodiments, the seat frame forming the skeleton of the seat 100 is formed from a cylindrical member with a hollow interior. As shown in Figure 14, the seat frame includes a seat cushion frame and a seat back frame. An example of the seat back frame 200 will be described below.

[0110] The seat back frame 200 has left and right side members 201 extending vertically, upper members 202 extending horizontally and connected to the upper ends of the left and right side members 201, and left and right lower members 203 extending forward from the lower ends of the left and right side members 201. The lower ends of the left and right side members 201 may be connected to the seat cushion frame. Each of the left and right side members 201, upper member 202, and left and right lower members 203 is formed from a cylindrical member. Each of the left and right side members 201, upper member 202, and left and right lower members 203 may be formed from pipe material or from a combination of sheet metal members. A continuous air guide passage 206 is formed inside each of the left and right side members 201, upper member 202, and left and right lower members 203.

[0111] An intake port 207 connected to the air guide passage 206 is formed in the center of the front surface of the upper member 202 in the left-right direction. A blower fan 208 is provided in the intake port 207. Multiple discharge ports 209 are provided in the left and right side members 201, the upper member 202, and the left and right lower members 203. When the blower fan 208 is driven, air is drawn from the outside into the air guide passage 206 through the intake port 207 and discharged from the multiple discharge ports 209.

[0112] Pressure-receiving members 211 are attached to the left and right side members 201 to support the occupant's back from the rear. The pressure-receiving member 211 has a flexible plate-shaped member 212 and a plurality of first wires 214 provided on the plate-shaped member 212. Each first wire 214 is preferably a flexible metal wire. As shown in Figure 15, each first wire 214 extends in the left-right direction and is connected to the plate-shaped member 212 at its center. Each first wire 214 is spaced apart in the vertical direction. Each first wire 214 has a plurality of bends 215. Each bend 215 is preferably formed in an S-shape. The bends 215 improve the elasticity of the wire. The elasticity of the first wire 214 can be adjusted by adjusting the number and shape of each bend 215.

[0113] Furthermore, the pressure-receiving member 211 may have a plurality of second wires 217. Each second wire 217 is connected to the plate-shaped member 212. Each second wire 217 extends in the vertical direction and is spaced apart from one another in the left-right direction. Each second wire 217 may pass inside the plurality of bent portions 215 of each first wire 214.

[0114] In another embodiment, as shown in Figure 16, a seat 303 provided in a vehicle 300 having a battery 301 below the floor 302 will be described. The vehicle 300 may be an electric vehicle. As shown in Figure 17, the seat 303 includes a front-row right seat 303, a front-row left seat 303, a rear-row right seat 303, and a rear-row left seat 303, all located in the passenger compartment of the vehicle 300. Each seat 303 has a seat cushion 303A and a seat back 303B. The front-row right seat 303 and the rear-row right seat 303 are provided in the floor 302 via a right-side sliding device 306. The front-row left seat 303 and the rear-row left seat 303 are provided in the floor 302 via a left-side sliding device 306. The right-side sliding device 306 and the left-side sliding device 306 have similar configurations.

[0115] The sliding device 306 has left and right lower rails 307 extending in the front and rear directions, and left and right front upper rails 308 and left and right rear upper rails 308 that are slidably supported on the left and right lower rails 307. Each lower rail 307 is coupled to the upper surface of the floor 302. The left front seat 303 is coupled to the left and right front upper rails 308 of the left sliding device 306, and the left rear seat 303 is coupled to the left and right rear upper rails 308 of the left sliding device 306. The right front seat 303 is coupled to the left and right front upper rails 308 of the right sliding device 306, and the right rear seat 303 is coupled to the left and right rear upper rails 308 of the right sliding device 306. The front upper rails 308 and the rear upper rails 308 are movable independently of each other.

[0116] As shown in Figure 18, a plurality of locking holes 311 are formed in the portion of each lower rail 307 facing each upper rail 308. The plurality of locking holes 311 are arranged in a row in the front-rear direction. A screw shaft 312 having male threads on its outer circumference is rotatably supported at the lower part of each upper rail 308. The axis of rotation of the screw shaft 312 extends in the front-rear direction. The screw shaft 312 engages with the plurality of locking holes 311. As shown in Figure 19, an electric motor 313 coupled to the screw shaft 312 is provided at the lower part of the upper rail 308. A reduction gear may be provided between the electric motor 313 and the screw shaft 312. When the screw shaft 312 rotates due to the rotation of the electric motor 313, the upper rail 308 supporting the screw shaft 312 slides forward or backward relative to the lower rail 307.

[0117] As shown in Figure 16, a battery housing recess 320 is provided below the floor 302. The battery housing recess 320 has an upper wall 321, a front wall 322, a rear wall 323, and left and right side walls 324. The upper wall 321 is preferably formed in the shape of a rectangle extending in the front-to-back direction. The front wall 322 extends left and right along the front edge of the upper wall 321 and also extends downward from the upper wall 321. The rear wall 323 extends left and right along the rear edge of the upper wall 321 and also extends downward from the upper wall 321. The left and right side walls 324 extend front and back along the left and right side edges of the upper wall 321 and also extend downward from the upper wall 321. In addition, each side wall 324 is connected to the front wall 322 and the rear wall 323. The battery housing recess 320 is defined by the top wall 321, the front wall 322, the rear wall 323, and the left and right side walls 324, and opens downward. The depth of the battery housing recess 320 in the vertical direction is less than the length in the front-to-back direction and the length in the left-to-right direction.

[0118] A front battery mounting portion 327 is provided at the lower end of the central part of the front wall 322 in the left-right direction. The front battery mounting portion 327 is a recess that is recessed upward from the lower edge of the front wall 322. It is preferable that the front battery mounting portion 327 penetrates the front wall 322 from front to back. A rear battery mounting portion 328 is provided at the lower end of the central part of the rear wall 323 in the left-right direction. The rear battery mounting portion 328 is a recess that is recessed upward from the lower edge of the rear wall 323. It is preferable that the rear battery mounting portion 328 penetrates the rear wall 323 from front to back.

[0119] The battery 301 is housed in the battery housing recess 320. The battery 301 has a height in the vertical direction that is smaller than both its length in the front-to-back direction and its length in the left-to-right direction. The front end of the battery 301 is provided with a front battery connection part 331 that connects to the front battery mounting part 327. The rear end of the battery 301 is provided with a rear battery connection part 332 that connects to the rear battery mounting part 328. The front battery connection part 331 is detachably connected to the front battery mounting part 327. The rear battery connection part 332 is detachably connected to the rear battery mounting part 328. The battery 301 is held in the battery housing recess 320 by the connection of the front battery connection part 331 to the front battery mounting part 327 and the connection of the rear battery connection part 332 to the rear battery mounting part 328. In addition, the front battery connection part 331 and the front battery mounting part 327 are electrically connected, enabling power supply from the battery 301 to the vehicle 300. Furthermore, the rear battery connection section 332 and the rear battery mounting section 328 may be electrically connected, enabling power supply from the battery 301 to the vehicle 300.

[0120] The front wall 322, rear wall 323, and left and right side walls 324 may be provided with locking parts 333 for securing the battery 301 in the battery housing recess 320. On the front wall 322, the locking part 333 may be provided to the side of the front battery mounting part 327. On the rear wall 323, the locking part 333 may be provided to the side of the rear battery mounting part 328.

[0121] A protective member 341 is attached to the lower end of the battery 301. The protective member 341 is formed in a plate shape and protrudes laterally from the battery 301. The protective member 341 covers the lower part of the battery 301 and the inside of the battery housing recess 320 from below. The protective member 341 is detachably attached to a plurality of locking parts 333 provided on at least one of the front wall 322, the rear wall 323, and the left and right side walls 324.

[0122] As shown in Figure 17, each lower rail 307 is connected to the floor 302 via a plurality of connecting parts 307A. Each lower rail 307 may be directly connected to the floor 302 at the connecting parts 307A. Alternatively, each lower rail 307 may be connected to the floor 302 via a foot. In this case, the connecting part 307A of the lower rail 307 becomes the connecting part 307A between the foot and the floor 302. The foot may be formed from a sheet metal member. Each lower rail 307 may be fastened to the floor 302 at the connecting parts 307A.

[0123] As shown in Figure 17, when viewed from above, the connecting portion 307A of each lower rail 307 should be positioned so as not to overlap with the front battery mounting portion 327 and the rear battery mounting portion 328, respectively. In other words, the connecting portion 307A of each lower rail 307 should be positioned so as not to be directly above the front battery mounting portion 327 and the rear battery mounting portion 328, respectively. According to this embodiment, the mounting rigidity of each seat 303 can be improved. In addition, interference between the connecting portion 307A of each lower rail 307 and the front battery mounting portion 327 and the rear battery mounting portion 328 can be avoided.

[0124] In other examples, when viewed from above, at least one of the connecting portions 307A of each lower rail 307 may be positioned to overlap with the front battery mounting portion 327 and the rear battery mounting portion 328, respectively. That is, the connecting portion 307A of each lower rail 307 may be positioned directly above the front battery mounting portion 327 and the rear battery mounting portion 328, respectively.

[0125] As shown in Figure 20, when viewed from above, at least one of the joints 307A of each lower rail 307 is preferably positioned to overlap with the front wall 322 or the rear wall 323. Specifically, when viewed from above, the joint 307A at the front end of the lower rail 307 is preferably positioned to overlap with the front wall 322. Also, when viewed from above, the joint 307A at the rear end of the lower rail 307 is preferably positioned to overlap with the rear wall 323. In other examples, when viewed from above, multiple joints 307A of each lower rail 307 may be positioned not to overlap with the front wall 322 or the rear wall 323.

[0126] As shown in Figure 21, when viewed from above, at least one of the coupling portions 307A of each lower rail 307 is preferably positioned to overlap with the left and right side walls 324. Specifically, when viewed from above, the coupling portion 307A of the right lower rail 307 of the right sliding device 306 is preferably positioned to overlap with the right side wall 324. Also, when viewed from above, the coupling portion 307A of the left lower rail 307 of the left sliding device 306 is preferably positioned to overlap with the left side wall 324. In other examples, when viewed from above, the coupling portions 307A of each lower rail 307 may be positioned not to overlap with the left and right side walls 324.

[0127] A reinforcing structure may be provided on the upper wall 321. In this case, when viewed from above, at least one of the joints 307A of each lower rail 307 should be positioned to overlap with the reinforcing member. The reinforcing structure may be a three-dimensional shape such as a bead or unevenness, a thickened portion of the upper wall 321 with increased plate thickness, or a reinforcing plate joined to the upper wall 321. In another example, when viewed from above, the joints 307A of each lower rail 307 may be positioned not to overlap with the reinforcing structure.

[0128] When viewed from above, the multiple locking parts 333 should be positioned so as not to overlap with the front battery mounting part 327 and the rear battery mounting part 328. In other words, the multiple locking parts 333 should be positioned to avoid the front battery mounting part 327 and the rear battery mounting part 328. In another example, when viewed from above, the multiple locking parts 333 may be positioned so as to overlap with the front battery mounting part 327 and the rear battery mounting part 328.

[0129] As shown in Figure 22, a second rear wall 351 may be provided behind the rear wall 323. The second rear wall 351 protrudes downward from the floor 302 and extends to the left and right. Additionally, left and right second side walls 352 may be provided on the left and right outer sides of the left and right side walls 324. Each second side wall 352 protrudes downward from the floor 302 and extends in the front-rear direction. The rear end of each second side wall 352 is connected to the left and right ends of the second rear wall 351. The front part of each second side wall 352 extends along the left and right outer surfaces of the corresponding side wall 324 on the left and right. The front end of each second side wall 352 is positioned behind the front end of the corresponding side wall 324 on the left and right. Furthermore, a second front wall 354 and left and right third side walls 355 may be provided in front of the front wall 322. The second front wall 354 protrudes downward from the floor 302 and extends to the left and right. Each second side wall 352 protrudes downward from the floor 302 and extends in the front-rear direction. The front end of each second side wall 352 is connected to the left and right ends of the second front wall 354. The rear end of each second side wall 352 is connected to the front wall 322.

[0130] When viewed from above, each joint 307A of each lower rail 307 is preferably positioned to overlap with the front wall 322, the rear wall 323, and the second rear wall 351. Furthermore, the joint 307A at the front end of the lower rail 307 is preferably positioned to overlap with the third side wall 355 when viewed from above.

[0131] As shown in Figure 22, battery mounting portions 335 may be provided on each of the left and right side walls 324. In this case, the battery connection portions 336 may be provided on the left and right side edges of the battery 301.

[0132] In Figure 22, the lower rails 307, which are positioned to the left and right outwards, may be provided in a position that overlaps with the side wall 324.

[0133] Other embodiments of vehicle seats are described below. These other embodiments include examples of seats that constitute the rear seats of a passenger car.

[0134] As shown in Figures 23 and 24, the seat 401 has a seat cushion 402 and a seat back 403 rotatably supported at the rear of the seat cushion 402. The seat cushion 402 supports the user's buttocks from below, and the seat back 403 supports the user's back from behind. A headrest 404 is provided at the upper end of the seat back 403.

[0135] As shown in Figure 25, the seat cushion 402 has a seat cushion frame 405 that forms the skeleton, a pad 406 supported by the seat cushion frame 405, and a surface material 407 that covers the pad 406. The seat cushion frame 405 has left and right side members 411 that extend in the front and rear directions, a front member 412 that extends in the left and right directions and is connected to the front ends of the left and right side members 411, and a rear member 413 that extends in the left and right directions and is connected to the rear ends of the left and right side members 411. Multiple S-shaped springs 414 that extend in the front and rear directions are stretched between the front member 412 and the rear member 413.

[0136] The seat cushion frame 405 has seat back support portions 415 that extend upward from the rear of the left and right side members 411. The seat back frame 418 is connected to the left and right seat back support portions 415 via a reclining device 416. The seat back frame 418 is supported by the left and right seat back support portions 415 so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis that extends to the left and right. As shown in Figures 23 and 24, the seat back 403 rotates relative to the seat cushion 402 between an upright position where it extends upward from the rear of the seat cushion 402 and a folded position where it extends forward from the rear of the seat cushion 402 and overlaps the seat cushion 402.

[0137] As shown in Figures 23 to 25, the seat cushion frame 405 is supported by a seat mount 424 provided on the vehicle body panel via an arm 421 and a support bracket 422. The arm 421 is welded to one of the side members 411 and extends upward from the side member 411. The arm 421 is welded to the side member 411 located on the outside of the vehicle. The support bracket 422 is coupled to the seat mount 424. The support bracket 422 supports the upper end of the arm 421 so that it can rotate around an arm rotation axis A1 that extends front to back. The support bracket 422 has a front bracket 422A that supports the front end of the arm 421 and a rear bracket 422B that supports the rear end of the arm 421.

[0138] The seat cushion 402 rotates relative to the vehicle body around an arm rotation axis A1 that extends front to back. When the seat back 403 is in the folded position, the seat cushion 402 can rotate between a usage position where the seat surface faces upward and a storage position where the seat surface faces the side wall of the vehicle body. As shown in Figure 23, when the seat cushion 402 is in the usage position and the seat back 403 is in the upright position, the seat 401 is in the usage configuration. As shown in Figure 24, when the seat cushion 402 is in the storage configuration and the seat back 403 is in the folded position, the seat 401 is in the storage configuration. The positional relationships of each component will be described below based on the usage configuration of the seat 401.

[0139] As shown in Figure 26, the arm 421 extends vertically and horizontally, and has an arm body portion 421A that is supported at its upper end by a support bracket 422, and a pair of front and rear arm connecting portions 421B that extend laterally from the lower end of the arm body portion 421A and are welded to the side member 411. The arm 421 may be formed from a sheet metal member.

[0140] As shown in Figures 23 to 25, the front member 412 and the rear member 413 are rotatably connected to support legs 428 around a pivot axis that extends in the front-rear direction. A locking device 429 is provided at the tip of the support legs 428. When the seat cushion 402 is in the use position, the support legs 428 extend downward from the side member 411 and are connected to a striker provided on the floor of the vehicle. When the seat cushion 402 is in the stowed position, the support legs 428 extend downward from the front member 412 and the rear member 413 along the underside of the seat cushion 402.

[0141] As shown in Figure 25, a protective cover 440 is provided on at least one of the left and right side members 411. The protective cover 440 is provided on the side member 411 connected to the arm 421, i.e., the side member 411 on the outside of the vehicle. In this embodiment, the protective cover 440 is provided on the right side member 411. The protective cover 440 has a first cover 441 and a second cover 442 positioned adjacent to the front or rear of the first cover 441. As shown in Figures 27 and 28, a protrusion 443 extending toward the second cover 442 is provided at the end of the first cover 441 on the second cover 442 side. A recess 444 that receives the protrusion 443 is provided at the end of the second cover 442 on the first cover 441 side. The recess 444 penetrates through the second cover 442 in the thickness direction.

[0142] A second protective cover 445 is provided on the side member 411 on the outside of the vehicle, specifically the left side member 411. The second protective cover 445 covers the left side member 411 and the side of the seat back support portion 415.

[0143] The first cover 441 has a first cover upper part 441A positioned along the arm body 421A and a pair of front and rear first cover lower parts 441B positioned along a pair of front and rear arm connecting parts 421B. The first cover upper part 441A is formed in a semi-cylindrical shape with a rotation axis extending in the front and rear directions. The first cover upper part 441A protrudes toward the interior of the vehicle. When the seat cushion 402 is in use, the first cover upper part 441A covers the upper side and the left and right inner sides of the arm body 421A. Auxiliary covers 446 are provided on the left and right outer sides of the arm body 421A, which cooperate with the first cover 441 to cover the arm body 421A.

[0144] As shown in Figure 25, the front and rear first cover lower sections 441B are positioned apart front to back and extend inward to the left and right from the lower end of the arm body 421A. As shown in Figures 25 and 28, the front and rear first cover lower sections 441B cover the upper part of the corresponding arm joints 421B at the front and rear, and extend above the side members 411 to which the front and rear arm joints 421B are welded. The front and rear first cover lower sections 441B cover the welds 447 between each arm joint 421B and the side members 411. The front-to-rear width of each first cover lower section 441B is greater than the front-to-rear width of each arm joint 421B.

[0145] As shown in Figures 27 and 28, the rear edge of the lower part 441B of the rear first cover extends generally in the left-right direction. The protrusion 443 is provided on the lower part 441B of the first cover. The protrusion 443 is provided on the rear edge of the first cover 441 and protrudes toward the rear. The protrusion 443 extends in the left-right direction. The rear edge of the protrusion 443 extends generally in the left-right direction. When viewed from above, the protrusion 443 is formed as a rectangle extending to the left and right.

[0146] The upper surface of the first cover 441 is provided with a restricting wall 449 that protrudes upward and extends to the left and right. The restricting wall 449 has a surface facing rearward. The restricting wall 449 is provided on the upper surface of the rear lower part 441B of the first cover. The restricting wall 449 is positioned in front of the protrusion 443.

[0147] As shown in Figure 29, the first cover 441 is secured to the arm 421 by a plurality of locking claws 451 provided on its back side. Some of the locking claws 451 are provided on the lower part 441B of the first cover.

[0148] As shown in Figures 27 to 29, the second cover 442 is positioned behind the first cover 441. The second cover 442 has a second cover front portion 453 that is provided behind the first cover 441 and extends in the front-rear direction, and a second cover rear portion 454 that extends rearward and upward from the second cover front portion 453 and covers at least a part of the seat back support portion 415. The thickness of the second cover front portion 453 is set to be greater than the thickness of the second cover rear portion 454.

[0149] The front portion 453 of the second cover has side wall portions 453A positioned to the left and right outward of the side member 411, upper wall portions 453B extending left and right inward from the upper edge of the side wall portion 453A, and lower wall portions 453C extending left and right inward from the lower edge of the side wall portion 453A. The side wall portion 453A is formed in a plate shape facing left and right, while the upper wall portion 453B and the lower wall portion 453C are formed in a plate shape facing up and down.

[0150] The recess 444 is formed in the upper wall portion 453B of the front portion 453 of the second cover. The recess 444 is provided on the leading edge of the upper wall portion 453B of the front portion 453 of the second cover and is recessed toward the rear. The recess 444 also penetrates the upper wall portion 453B of the front portion 453 of the second cover in the vertical direction. The protrusion 443 protrudes into the recess 444. A minute gap may be formed between the recess 444 and the protrusion 443.

[0151] The second cover rear portion 454 has side wall portions 454A positioned to the left and right outward of the side member 411 and the seat back support portion 415, and edge wall portions 454B extending left and right inward from the edges of the side wall portions 454A. The side wall portions 454A of the second cover rear portion 454 have surfaces facing left and right and are continuous with the side wall portions 453A of the second cover front portion 453. The side wall portions 454A of the second cover rear portion 454 extend upward relative to the side wall portions 453A of the second cover front portion 453. The front end of the edge wall portion 454B is connected to the rear end of the upper wall portion 453B of the second cover front portion 453. The edge wall portions 454B are positioned in front of, above, and behind the seat back support portion 415.

[0152] The back surface of the front portion 453 of the second cover is provided with at least one rib 456 extending to the left and right. The rib 456 extends from the back surface of the upper wall portion 453B of the front portion 453 of the second cover to the back surface of the side wall portion 453A of the front portion 453 of the second cover. At least one of the ribs 456 is positioned on the left and right sides of the recess 444. The rib 456 may be positioned forward of the rear end of the recess 444. The rib 456 improves the rigidity of the second cover 442. In particular, the rib 456 improves the rigidity of the portion surrounding the recess 444.

[0153] Multiple spacers 457 are provided on the back surface of the second cover 442, which abut against the side member 411 or the seat back support portion 415. The spacers 457 extend inward to the left and right from the side wall portion 453A of the front portion 453 of the second cover or the side wall portion 454A of the rear portion 454 of the second cover.

[0154] The second cover 442 may be secured to the side member 411 by at least one locking claw 458. The locking claw 458 may be provided on the edge of the edge wall portion 454B or on the side wall portion 454A.

[0155] As shown in Figure 30, the outer covering material 407 is placed over the lower part 441B of the first cover and the front part 453 of the second cover. The outer covering material 407 has an upper outer covering material 407A that covers the upper surface of the seat cushion 402 and a lower outer covering material 407B that covers the lower surface of the seat cushion 402. The upper outer covering material 407A and the lower outer covering material 407B are detachably joined to each other at the side edge (right edge) on the arm 421 side. The upper outer covering material 407A and the lower outer covering material 407B may be sewn to each other at side edges other than the side edge on the arm 421 side, or they may be detachably joined to each other.

[0156] As shown in Figure 23, the upper surface material 407A has a notch 407C on the side facing the arm 421 that is recessed inward to the left and right. The side facing the arm 421 of the upper surface material 407A is divided into a front extension 407D by the notch 407C. The arm 421, over which the first cover 441 is placed, is positioned in the notch 407C. The front extension 407D extends downward, passing in front of the arm 421. The rear extension 407D extends downward, passing behind the arm 421. The front extension 407D covers the front lower part 441B of the first cover and the left and right outer surfaces of the side member 411. The rear extension 407D covers the boundary between the first cover 441 and the second cover 442, i.e., the convex portion 443 and the concave portion 444. The rear extension 407D covers the rear lower part 441B of the first cover and the front part 453 of the second cover. The lower ends of the front and rear extensions 407D are provided with upper locking members 462 that are detachably locked to lower locking members 461 provided on the side edge of the lower surface material 407B. The lower locking members 461 and upper locking members 462 may be hooks that engage with each other. In other embodiments, the lower locking members 461 and upper locking members 462 may be hook-and-loop fasteners.

[0157] The reclining device 416 has an operating lever 465. The operating lever 465 extends to the outside through the side wall portion 454A of the rear portion 454 of the second cover. The support bracket 422 is covered with a bracket cover 466.

[0158] A buckle 470 is provided on the left rear of the upper surface of the seat cushion 402. The tongue of the seat belt 471 connects to it. The buckle 470 is connected to the left side member 411 and preferably penetrates the pad 406 and the surface material 407, exposing itself on the upper surface of the seat cushion 402.

[0159] The upper and lower ends of the seat belt 471 extend from the vehicle body located to the right of the seat 401. Retractors for winding up the seat belt 471 are provided at the upper and lower ends of the seat belt 471. When the seat belt 471 is in use, it extends over the front part 453 of the second cover and behind the arm 421 to the buckle 470.

[0160] The effects of the seat 401 according to this embodiment are described below. In the thickness direction of the second cover 442, the protrusion 443 does not overlap with the second cover 442, thus reducing the thickness of the protective cover 440. Also, when assembling the protective cover 440 to the side member 411 and the arm 421, the protrusion 443 can be visually inspected from the outside, making it easier to align the first cover 441 and the second cover 442. As a result, the seat 401 reduces the thickness of the protective cover 440 and makes it easier to align the protective cover 440. Furthermore, because the protrusion 443 fits into the recess 444, the boundary between the first cover 441 and the second cover 442 is meandering, making it difficult for the seat belt 471 to enter the boundary between the first cover 441 and the second cover 442.

[0161] The second cover 442 has a second cover rear portion 454 that covers the seat back support portion 415. This allows the protective cover 440 to protect the seat back support portion 415. The thickness of the second cover front portion 453 is greater than the thickness of the second cover rear portion 454, which increases the rigidity of the second cover front portion 453 that may be subjected to load from the seat belt 471. The first cover 441 can protect the arm 421 that rotatably supports the seat 401 relative to the vehicle body.

[0162] The first cover 441 covers the weld 447 between the arm 421 and the side member 411. This prevents the seat belt 471 from coming into contact with the weld 447 between the arm 421 and the side member 411. The restricting wall 449 can restrict the forward movement of the seat belt 471.

[0163] The surface material 407 covers the boundary between the first cover 441 and the second cover 442. This makes it difficult for the seat belt 471 to enter the boundary between the first cover 441 and the second cover 442.

[0164] This concludes the description of specific embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and can be broadly modified and implemented. In other embodiments, the arm 421 may be omitted, and the seat cushion 402 may be fixed to the floor. Alternatively, the seat cushion 402 may be fixed to the floor via a sliding device. Furthermore, the second cover 442 may be positioned in front of the first cover 441. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0165] 1: Sheet 2: Seat cushion 3: First seatback 4: Second seat back 11: Seat cushion frame 12: First seat back frame 13: Second seat back frame 21: Side Member 21A: Side member main body 21B: Side member extension 21C: Convex part 21D: Edge wall 22: Former Member 23: Later members 24: Support member 24A: Lower part of support member 24B: Upper part of support member 24C: Fastening part 24D: Receptor groove 24E:Edge wall 24F:bulge 35: Reinforcement plate 41: Side pipe 41A: Straight section 41B: Bent part 41C: Inclined part 42: Upper pipe 43: Lower pipe 44: Side Plate 44A: Plate body 44B: Front flange section 44C: Rear flange section 44D: Top 44E: Lower part 44F: Reinforcement bead 50: Reclining device 50A: Operation axis 50B: Lever 61:Lower locking member 63: First upper locking member 64:Second upper locking member 65: Front joint 66: Posterior joint 67: Seat belt buckle 67A:Joining part

Claims

[Claim 1] It is a seat for a vehicle, Seat cushion frame and The seat cushion frame has a seat back frame that is rotatably supported on the seat cushion frame, The seat cushion frame has left and right side members extending in the front-rear direction, front members extending in the left-right direction and connected to the front of each of the side members, rear members extending in the left-right direction and connected to the rear of each of the side members, and support members connected to the rear ends of each of the side members and extending upward. At least one of the support members has a lower support member connected to the left and right outer surfaces of the side member, and an upper support member extending upward and inward from the lower support member, which rotatably supports the seat back frame. When viewed from above, the upper part of the support member overlaps with the side member. The side member has a main side member portion that extends front to back, and a side member extension portion that protrudes upward from the rear end of the main side member portion. The lower part of the support member is connected to the side member extension, When viewed from above, the upper part of the support member overlaps with the side member extension. The side member extension portion and the lower part of the support member have a protruding portion that extends vertically, The other of the side member extension and the lower part of the support member has a receiving groove for receiving the protrusion, which is a seat for a vehicle.

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