Vehicle seat and method for manufacturing a vehicle seat

Abstract

To provide a vehicle seat that avoids an increase in the number of parts and an increase in the size of the vehicle seat. [Solution] The vehicle seat includes a connecting member 150. The connecting member 150 connects a first connecting edge 118 of the first member and a second connecting edge 134 of the second member. The connecting member 150 has an extended end portion 162 that extends from the first connecting edge 118 and the second connecting edge 134. The first member or the second member has an interference suppression member 170. The interference suppression member 170 prevents the extended end portion 162 from interfering with members of the vehicle seat other than the interference suppression member 170.

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present disclosure relates to a vehicle seat and a method for manufacturing the vehicle seat.

Background Art

[0002] A vehicle seat includes a seat frame and a skin covering the seat frame. The seat frame includes a seat back frame. The skin has, for example, a front skin material covering the front portion of the seat back frame and a rear skin material covering the rear portion of the seat back frame.

[0003] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2019-94010 discloses a technique for joining the peripheral edge of the front skin material and the peripheral edge of the rear skin material via a wire fastener. The wire fastener has an extending end portion extending from the peripheral edge of the front skin material and the peripheral edge of the rear skin material. In Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2019-94010, a backboard is disposed between the seat back frame and the rear skin material. This backboard has an insertion portion. The extending end portion is housed in the insertion portion.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In the above-described prior art, due to the presence of the backboard, the number of parts of the vehicle seat increases and the weight becomes large. Also, the vehicle seat becomes larger.

[0006] The present disclosure aims to solve the above-described problems.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] A first aspect of the present disclosure is a vehicle seat mounted on a vehicle, comprising: a first member having a first peripheral edge; a second member having a second peripheral edge; and a connecting member provided along the first and second connecting edges by connecting a first connecting edge which is part of the first peripheral edge and a second connecting edge which is part of the second peripheral edge, wherein the connecting member has an extended end extending from the first and second connecting edges, and the first member or the second member has an interference suppression member, the interference suppression member suppressing interference between the extended end of the connecting member and any other member of the vehicle seat.

[0008] A second aspect of the present disclosure is a method for manufacturing a vehicle seat, comprising: a front surface material and a rear surface material constituting the surface of a seat back; a connecting member for connecting a first connecting edge of the front surface material and a second connecting edge of the rear surface material; and a cylindrical portion provided in the front surface material into which extending ends extending from the first and second connecting edges of the connecting member are inserted, the method comprising: a first step of passing the cylindrical portion from the front to the rear of the headrest pillar between two leg portions provided on the headrest pillar; and a second step, after the first step, of engaging an engaging claw provided on the seat back frame with a through hole formed in the front surface material. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to this disclosure, compared to the case where an interference suppression member is provided on a member other than the first or second member, it is possible to avoid an increase in the number of parts of the vehicle seat and an increase in the size of the vehicle seat. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic front perspective view of a vehicle seat according to the present disclosure, viewed from the left front. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a partially abbreviated rear perspective view of a vehicle seat, seen from the left rear. [Figure 3]Figure 3 is a partial cross-sectional side view of the pillar cover and surrounding area of ​​a vehicle seat. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a partially exploded perspective view showing the pillar cover after it has been disassembled. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a schematic rear view of a vehicle seat, seen from the rear. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is an enlarged view of the main part of Figure 3. [Figure 7] Figure 7A is a partial rear view of the front surface material before the interference suppression member (cylindrical portion) is formed. Figure 7B is a partial side cross-sectional view of the front surface material before the cylindrical portion is formed. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a partial side cross-sectional view of the front surface material after the cylindrical portion has been formed. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a partial cross-sectional plan view showing the movement of the cylindrical portion from the front to the rear of the headrest pillar. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] In the following explanation, "front" and "rear" refer to the relative position in the front-to-back direction of the seat. "Left" and "right" refer to the relative position in the width direction of the seat. Note that the "front-to-back direction of the seat" is the same direction as the front-to-back direction of the vehicle (e.g., a four-wheeled vehicle), and the "width direction of the seat" is the same direction as the left-to-right direction of the vehicle. "Up" and "down" refer to the relative position in the vertical direction.

[0012] Figure 1 is a schematic front perspective view of the vehicle seat 10 according to this embodiment, viewed from the left front. In the illustrated example, the vehicle seat 10 constitutes the left seat of a four-wheeled vehicle (not shown). If the four-wheeled vehicle is a so-called right-hand drive vehicle, the vehicle seat 10 is, for example, a passenger seat. If the four-wheeled vehicle is a so-called left-hand drive vehicle, the vehicle seat 10 is, for example, a driver's seat. Note that the vehicle seat 10 is not limited to an automobile seat installed in a four-wheeled vehicle. The vehicle seat 10 may be an aircraft seat, a railway vehicle seat, or a ship seat.

[0013] The vehicle seat 10 comprises a seat cushion 20, a seat back 30, and a headrest 40. The seat cushion 20 supports the buttocks of an occupant (not shown). The seat cushion 20 has cushion frames 22L, 22R, a pan frame 24, and a cushion pad (not shown). The cushion frames 22L, 22R are movably supported by seat rails S1, S2 provided on the floor FL of a four-wheeled vehicle. The vehicle seat 10 moves in the seat-forward direction along the seat rails S1, S2 based on the occupant's operation.

[0014] The seat back 30 supports the occupant's back. The seat back 30 has a seat back frame 300 and a back pad (not shown). As shown in Figure 2, a display 50 is provided on the rear surface of the seat back 30. The display 50 is, for example, a monitor that constitutes a car navigation system and displays a map. The display 50 may also be a monitor that displays video input from an external source.

[0015] As shown in Figure 1, the vehicle seat 10 is equipped with an airbag module 60. The airbag module 60 is supported on the left side of the frame body 302 that constitutes the seat back frame 300. The airbag module 60 has a casing 62 and an airbag 64. The airbag 64 is initially stored in the casing 62 and deploys in the event of an unforeseen incident. If the vehicle seat 10 is the right-hand seat of a four-wheeled vehicle, the airbag module 60 is provided on the right side of the seat back 30.

[0016] The headrest 40 supports the head of the occupant. As understood from FIG. 3, the headrest 40 is supported by a headrest pillar 400. As shown in FIG. 1, the headrest pillar 400 is attached to the seat back frame 300. This configuration will be described. Hereinafter, the vertical and front-rear positional relationships of the seat back 30, the headrest 40, the headrest pillar 400, and their components are described based on the state where the seat back 30 is not inclined in the front-rear direction (the reclining angle is 0°) with respect to the seat cushion 20, as shown in FIG. 1. The state where the seat back 30 is not inclined in the front-rear direction means a state where the headrest 40 is arranged substantially vertically upward with respect to the seat back 30.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 1, the seat back 30 has a seat back frame 300. The seat back frame 300 includes a pair of left and right frame bodies 302, a connecting frame 304 that connects the upper parts of the pair of frame bodies 302, and a box body 310 and a support frame 320 shown in FIG. 4. The materials of the frame body 302 and the connecting frame 304 are, for example, metal materials. The materials of the box body 310 and the support frame 320 are, for example, metal materials, but may also be resin materials.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 4, the box body 310 has two second connecting brackets 312. The two second connecting brackets 312 are spaced apart from each other at a predetermined interval in the seat width direction. The thin support frame 320 covers the upper part of the box body 310. The two second connecting brackets 312 project behind the support frame 320.

[0019] As can be understood from FIGS. 1 and 4, the headrest pillar 400 has a substantially inverted U shape. Specifically, the headrest pillar 400 has two leg portions 402 and a pillar upper portion 410 (see FIG. 4). Hereinafter, the leg portion 402 located on the left side in the seat width direction is referred to as the left leg portion 402L, and the leg portion 402 located on the right side in the seat width direction is referred to as the right leg portion 402R. The pillar upper portion 410 extends in the seat width direction and connects the left leg portion 402L and the right leg portion 402R. The left leg portion 402L extends downward from the left end of the pillar upper portion 410. The right leg portion 402R extends downward from the right end of the pillar upper portion 410. Each of the left leg portion 402L and the right leg portion 402R is bent at a plurality of locations. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 1, the left leg portion 402L has a first left extension portion 404L that extends from the rear to the front, and a second left extension portion 406L that extends downward from the front end of the first left extension portion 404L. Similarly, the right leg portion 402R has a first right extension portion 404R that extends from the rear to the front, and a second right extension portion 406R that extends downward from the front end of the first right extension portion 404R.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 1, the second left extension portion 406L and the second right extension portion 406R are joined to the connecting frame 304. The joining is performed, for example, by welding. The joining may also be mechanical joining such as screwing. Based on such joining, a state in which the headrest pillar 400 is attached to the seat back frame 300 is formed. Hereinafter, this state is referred to as the "pillar attachment state".

[0021] As shown in FIG. 4, a first connecting bracket 412 is provided on each of the left leg portion 402L and the right leg portion 402R. However, the first connecting bracket 412 is omitted in FIG. 1. Each first connecting bracket 412 is connected to each second connecting bracket 312 via a fixing bolt 314. Thereby, the headrest pillar 400 is supported by the box body 310.

[0022] The material of the headrest pillar 400 is, for example, metal. Also, as shown in Figure 2, the vehicle seat 10 is used with the headrest pillar 400 covered by the pillar cover 430. This prevents the headrest pillar 400 from being visible to the occupant when the vehicle seat 10 is in use.

[0023] As shown in Figure 3, a pillar-side stay 414 is provided at the front of the upper part 410 of the headrest pillar 400. A headrest-side stay (not shown) faces the front of the pillar-side stay 414. The pillar-side stay 414 and the headrest-side stay are connected to each other via support bolts 418 and nuts 419. In this way, the headrest 40 is supported by the headrest pillar 400.

[0024] As shown in Figure 4, the support frame 320 has two engagement holes 322. The two engagement holes 322 are located on the upper part of the support frame 320. The two engagement holes 322 are spaced apart at a predetermined interval in the seat width direction. In the pillar mounting state, the two engagement holes 322 are located between the left leg portion 402L and the right leg portion 402R in the seat width direction.

[0025] The support frame 320 has two engaging claws 323. The two engaging claws 323 protrude rearward from the rear end edge of the support frame 320 behind the two engaging holes 322. Therefore, in the pillar-mounted state, the two engaging claws 323 are also located between the left leg portion 402L and the right leg portion 402R in the seat width direction. The two engaging claws 323 are slightly inclined downward as they extend towards the rear.

[0026] Next, the pillar cover 430 will be described. In the following description, as shown in Figure 4, the pillar cover 430 will be described in an embodiment having a front cover member 440 made of resin material and a rear cover member 480 made of resin material. However, the pillar cover 430 may also be a single component in which the portion corresponding to the front cover member 440 and the portion corresponding to the rear cover member 480 are integrally molded.

[0027] As shown in Figure 3, the front cover member 440 and the rear cover member 480 are connected to each other to form a pillar cover 430 that covers the headrest pillar 400. When the front cover member 440 and the rear cover member 480 are connected to each other, the pillar-side stay 414 provided on the upper part 410 of the headrest pillar 400 is exposed forward through the front opening 448 (see Figure 4). The rear cover member 480 shown in Figure 4 is connected to the front cover member 440 from the state in which the front cover member 440 is engaged with the support frame 320 (see Figure 5).

[0028] As shown in Figure 4, the front cover member 440 has a roughly triangular frame shape and includes a base portion 442, a left slanted side portion 444, a right slanted side portion 446, and a front opening 448. The right slanted side portion 446 and the left slanted side portion 444 are connected via a gently curved top portion 450. Each of the left slanted side portion 444, the right slanted side portion 446, and the top portion 450 is provided with a rear projection portion 452 that protrudes slightly toward the rear. A connecting hole 454 is formed in each rear projection portion 452. Figure 3 shows the connecting hole 454 formed in the rear projection portion 452 of the top portion 450.

[0029] The top portion 450 is provided with a forward projection 456 that protrudes slightly forward. A first insertion hole 458 is formed in the forward projection 456. The first insertion hole 458 overlaps with a second insertion hole 416 formed on the upper surface of the pillar-side stay 414.

[0030] As shown in Figure 4, the base portion 442 has a substantially flat tab portion 460 and a locking claw 462 provided on the tab portion 460. The tab portion 460 protrudes slightly rearward from the lower end on the rear surface of the base portion 442 and is bent so as to incline downward as it moves further rearward. Note that the tab portion 460 is not essential. For example, the locking claw 462 may be provided on the base portion 442. Also, although there are two locking claws 462 in the illustrated example, there may be one locking claw 462 or three or more locking claws 462.

[0031] The locking claw 462 is inserted into the engagement hole 322 of the support frame 320. That is, the locking claw 462 engages with the engagement hole 322. This causes the pillar cover 430 to engage with the support frame 320.

[0032] As described above, the two engagement holes 322 are located between the left leg portion 402L and the right leg portion 402R of the headrest pillar 400. Therefore, each locking claw 462 that engages with each engagement hole 322 is located between the left leg portion 402L and the right leg portion 402R.

[0033] The bottom portion 442 of the front cover member 440 has a rib 468. The rib 468 is located above the tab portion 460 on the rear surface of the bottom portion 442 and extends along the sheet width direction. In the sheet width direction, the length of the rib 468 is greater than the length of the tab portion 460. The rib 468 reinforces the periphery of the tab portion 460.

[0034] The front cover member 440 has a left wall portion 470 and a right wall portion 472. The left wall portion 470 is the portion enclosed by the base portion 442 and the left slanted portion 444 to the left of the front opening 448. The right wall portion 472 is the portion enclosed by the base portion 442 and the right slanted portion 446 to the right of the front opening 448. Two insertion portions 474 are provided on the rear surfaces of the left wall portion 470 and the right wall portion 472, respectively. The two insertion portions 474 protrude rearward from the left wall portion 470 and the right wall portion 472, respectively. The rib 468 is located between the two insertion portions 474.

[0035] The rear cover member 480 has a roughly triangular frame shape and includes a claw protection portion 482, a rear opening 484, and an insertion hole 486 extending along the front-rear direction of the seat. As shown in Figures 3 and 6, when the front cover member 440 and the rear cover member 480 are connected to each other, the front surface of the claw protection portion 482 faces the rear surface of the bottom portion 442 of the front cover member 440. Therefore, when the rear cover member 480 is viewed from the rear, the claw protection portion 482 covers and shields the lock claw 462.

[0036] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, the locking claw 462 is located between the headrest 40 and the claw protection portion 482 in the front-to-back direction of the seat. In other words, when the locking claw 462 is viewed from the front-to-back direction of the seat, the locking claw 462 overlaps with the headrest 40.

[0037] As shown in Figure 4, the outer peripheral edge of the rear cover member 480 has an outwardly protruding wall portion 488 that slightly protrudes forward. As shown in Figure 3, a plurality of connecting claws 490 are provided on the inner surface of the outwardly protruding wall portion 488. Note that Figure 3 shows the connecting claws 490 provided on the top of the rear cover member 480.

[0038] As shown in Figure 4, the rear cover member 480 has an inwardly protruding wall portion 492 that extends along the front-rear direction of the sheet at the periphery of the rear opening 484. As shown in Figure 3, a storage space 494 is formed between the inwardly protruding wall portion 492 and the outwardly protruding wall portion 488. Most of the front cover member 440 is housed in the storage space 494.

[0039] When the rear cover member 480 is connected to the front cover member 440, the outwardly protruding wall portion 488 covers the rear projection portion 452 of the front cover member 440 (see Figures 2 and 3). Consequently, the connecting claw 490 engages with the connecting hole 454 (see Figure 3). The insertion portion 474 is also inserted into the insertion hole 486. A clip 501 attached to the rear end of the insertion portion 474 inside the insertion hole 486 (see Figure 4) prevents the insertion portion 474 from coming out of the insertion hole 486.

[0040] As shown in Figure 1, the vehicle seat 10 includes a surface 100. The surface 100 has a first member 102 and a second member 104. In one embodiment, the first member 102 is the front surface material 110, and the second member 104 is the rear surface material 130. However, the first member 102 may be a member other than the front surface material 110, and the second member 104 may be a member other than the rear surface material 130.

[0041] The front surface material 110 has a cushion cover portion 112 and a front cover portion 114. The cushion cover portion 112 covers the upper parts of the cushion frames 22L, 22R and the pan frame 24 via a cushion pad (not shown). The front cover portion 114 covers the front part of the seat back frame 300 via a back pad (not shown). The rear surface material 130 covers the rear part of the seat back frame 300. As shown in Figure 6, a cushioning material 152 is bonded to the inner surface of the front surface material 110 that faces the seat back frame 300.

[0042] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the front cover portion 114 of the front surface material 110 has a first peripheral edge portion 116 that faces rearward when it covers the front of the seat back frame 300 via the back pad. The first peripheral edge portion 116 includes a pair of left and right first connecting edges 118. The rear surface material 130 has a second peripheral edge portion 132 that faces forward when it covers the rear of the seat back frame 300. The second peripheral edge portion 132 includes a pair of left and right second connecting edges 134. When the front surface material 110 and the rear surface material 130 cover the seat back frame 300, the pair of left and right first connecting edges 118 and the pair of left and right second connecting edges 134 face each other.

[0043] As shown in Figure 5, the front surface material 110 further includes a first opening forming portion 120, and the rear surface material 130 further includes a second opening forming portion 136. The first opening forming portion 120 and the second opening forming portion 136 form an opening 140. Note that the display 50 and the rear cover member 480 are omitted in Figure 5.

[0044] As shown in Figures 1, 2, and 5, the left and right pair of first connecting edges 118 and the left and right pair of second connecting edges 134 are connected to each other by a left and right pair of connecting members 150. In the illustrated example, the connecting members 150 are so-called slide fasteners 160. However, the connecting members 150 are not limited to slide fasteners 160. The connecting members 150 may be hook-and-loop fasteners or adhesive tapes.

[0045] An example of the illustration will be explained. However, since the slide fastener 160 is well known, only a general overview will be provided, and detailed illustrations and explanations will be omitted.

[0046] The slide fastener 160 comprises a first connecting strip 161a, a second connecting strip 161b, and a slider (not shown). Each of the first connecting strip 161a and the second connecting strip 161b has a fastening fitting. The first connecting strip 161a is provided along the first connecting edge 118, and the second connecting strip 161b is provided along the second connecting edge 134.

[0047] As the slider moves along the seat width direction in a direction away from the headrest pillar 400 at the top of the seat back 30, and further moves downward from the end of the seat back 30 in the seat width direction, the fastener of the first connecting strip 161a and the fastener of the second connecting strip 161b engage with each other. That is, a state is formed in which the first connecting edge 118 and the second connecting edge 134, which are abutting against each other, are connected by the slide fastener 160. Hereinafter, this state will simply be referred to as the connected state. In the connected state, as shown in Figure 5, an opening 140 is formed by the first opening forming part 120 and the second opening forming part 136.

[0048] Conversely, as the slider moves from below the seat back 30 upward, and further moves toward the headrest pillar 400 from the end of the seat back 30 in the seat width direction, the fastener of the first connecting strip 161a and the fastener of the second connecting strip 161b are released. In other words, the connection between the first connecting edge 118 and the second connecting edge 134 is released. Hereinafter, this state will simply be referred to as the released state.

[0049] During the transition from the uncoupled state to the coupled state, the first coupling strip 161a and the second coupling strip 161b become integrated with each other as the slider moves. As shown in Figure 5, at the top of the seat back 30, the ends of the first coupling strip 161a and the second coupling strip 161b are integrated and extend from the first coupling edge 118 and the second coupling edge 134. Hereinafter, this end will be referred to as the extended end 162.

[0050] The front surface material 110 has an interference suppression member 170 provided on the front cover portion 114. The interference suppression member 170 prevents the extended end 162 of the connecting member 150 from interfering with members other than the interference suppression member 170 in the vehicle seat 10. Members other than the interference suppression member 170 include, for example, the two legs 402 of the headrest pillar 400, the front cover member 440, or the rear cover member 480. In the illustrated example, the interference suppression member 170 is a cylindrical portion 172 integrally provided on the front cover portion 114. The following describes an embodiment in which the interference suppression member 170 is a cylindrical portion 172. However, the interference suppression member 170 may have a shape other than a cylindrical portion 172. For example, in a side view of the interference suppression member 170 from the seat width direction, the interference suppression member 170 may be substantially U-shaped or substantially J-shaped.

[0051] As shown in Figure 7A, the front outer material 110 has a band portion 173 that extends downward from the first peripheral edge 116 of the front cover portion 114. Figure 7B is a side cross-sectional view of the band portion 173. As can be understood by referring to Figures 7B and 8, the tip of the band portion 173 is curved upward to form a cylindrical shape. The tip of the band portion 173 is sutured to the base end of the band portion 173 by suture thread 174 shown in Figure 8. This forms a cylindrical portion 172. The inner surface of the cylindrical portion 172 is joined to the cushioning material 152.

[0052] The cylindrical portion 172 may be provided integrally with the rear surface material 130. Alternatively, the cylindrical portion 172 may be manufactured as a separate component from the front surface material 110 and the rear surface material 130, and then joined to the front surface material 110 or the rear surface material 130.

[0053] As shown in Figure 5, in the connected state, the cylindrical portion 172 is located inside the opening 140 and positioned above the bracket 52 for mounting the display 50. A pair of left and right extension ends 162 are inserted into the cylindrical portion 172.

[0054] The cylindrical portion 172 is located between the left leg portion 402L and the right leg portion 402R in the seat width direction. Also, as shown in Figure 3, the cylindrical portion 172 is located behind the headrest 40 and the seat back frame 300 in the seat front-rear direction. When the vehicle seat 10 is viewed from the seat front-rear direction, the cylindrical portion 172 overlaps with the seat back frame 300 and also overlaps with the headrest 40. Furthermore, the cylindrical portion 172 is located in front of the claw protection portion 482 of the rear cover member 480 of the pillar cover 430 in the seat front-rear direction. When the vehicle seat 10 is viewed from the seat front-rear direction, the cylindrical portion 172 overlaps with the claw protection portion 482. That is, the rear cover member 480 covers the cylindrical portion 172 from the rear.

[0055] The front surface material 110 has two through holes 176. As can be seen from Figure 7A, the two through holes 176 are formed near the base of the band portion 173. As shown in Figures 3 and 6, in the joined state, the two through holes 176 are located slightly forward and above the cylindrical portion 172.

[0056] The two through holes 176 overlap the front portions of the two engagement holes 322, respectively. In the front-to-back direction of the seat, each through hole 176 is longer than each engagement hole 322.

[0057] Two locking claws 462 of the rear cover member 480 pass through the front of each of the two through holes 176. Each locking claw 462 that passes through each through hole 176 engages with each engagement hole 322 of the support frame 320. Based on this engagement, the pillar cover 430 is supported and positioned and fixed on the seat back frame 300. Furthermore, since the locking claws 462 pass through the through holes 176, when the upholstery 100 moves in the seat width direction, the locking claws 462 interfere with the front upholstery material 110. For this reason, it is difficult for the cylindrical portion 172 to be misaligned relative to the extended end portion 162 in the seat width direction.

[0058] Two engaging claws 323 of the support frame 320 engage with the rear ends of the two through holes 176, respectively. The rear ends of each engaging claw 323 are exposed above the cylindrical portion 172 from the rear of each through hole 176. The lower surface of the rear end of each engaging claw 323 abuts against the vicinity of the upper part of the cylindrical portion 172 on the front surface material 110. This exposure and abutment prevents each engaging claw 323 from coming out of each through hole 176. Furthermore, since the engaging claws 323 are exposed from the through holes 176, when the surface material 100 moves in the sheet width direction, the engaging claws 323 interfere with the front surface material 110. This also makes it difficult for the cylindrical portion 172 to shift relative to the extended end 162 in the sheet width direction.

[0059] Furthermore, if the extended end 162 moves inside the cylindrical portion 172, the cushioning material 152 can act as frictional resistance against the extended end 162. For this reason, it is not easy for the extended end 162 to move inside the cylindrical portion 172.

[0060] For the reasons stated above, the extended end 162 remains inserted into the cylindrical portion 172. In other words, exposure of the extended end 162 from the cylindrical portion 172 is avoided. Furthermore, the cushioning material 152 prevents the fastener of the slide fastener 160 from contacting the inner surface of the cylindrical portion 172. This prevents the generation of abnormal noise caused by the fastener sliding against the inner surface of the cylindrical portion 172.

[0061] The bracket 52 shown in Figure 4 will now be described. The bracket 52 has a base portion 54 and a pair of mounting portions 56. Each of the pair of mounting portions 56 has two connecting legs 561. The two connecting legs 561 are joined to the base portion 54, for example, by welding. A reinforcing portion 541 is provided near the joint of the connecting legs 561 to the base portion 54. The reinforcing portion 541 is provided, for example, inside the two connecting legs 561. The reinforcing portion 541 may also be provided outside the two connecting legs 561. The reinforcing portion 541 is, for example, a reinforcing bead 542.

[0062] Although not required, the vehicle seat 10 has a shielding cover 70. The shielding cover 70 is made of, for example, a resin material and has a plate portion 72 and a pair of shielding portions 74. Each of the pair of shielding portions 74 protrudes rearward from the plate portion 72. The shielding cover 70 is supported on the connecting frame 304 so as to cover the bracket 52. As shown in Figure 5, with this support, the pair of shielding portions 74 each cover most of the pair of mounting portions 56.

[0063] Next, we will explain the manufacturing method of the vehicle seat 10 shown in Figure 1.

[0064] As shown in Figure 1, the second left extension 406L of the left leg portion 402L and the second right extension 406R of the right leg portion 402R, which are provided on the headrest pillar 400, are pre-joined to the front surface of the connecting frame 304 of the seat back frame 300. As shown in Figure 4, the upper part of the left leg portion 402L, the upper part of the right leg portion 402R, and the upper part of the pillar 410 extend above the support frame 320.

[0065] From this state, the surface 100 shown in Figure 1 is provided. Specifically, the worker places the cushion cover portion 112 of the front surface material 110 over the top of the pan frame 24 via the cushion pad, and places the front cover portion 114 of the front surface material 110 over the front of the seat back frame 300 via the back pad. The worker also places the rear surface material 130 over the rear of the seat back frame 300. As a result, the pair of left and right first connecting edges 118 of the front surface material 110 and the pair of left and right second connecting edges 134 of the rear surface material 130 face each other (see Figure 2). The first connecting edges 118 and the second connecting edges 134 face each other via the first connecting strip 161a and the second connecting strip 161b.

[0066] At this point, the slide fastener 160 (connecting member 150) is in the disengaged state. Also, the cylindrical portion 172 is located in front of the headrest pillar 400.

[0067] The worker then moves the slider of the slide fastener 160 along the abutted first connecting edge 118 and second connecting edge 134. This causes the fastener of the first connecting strip 161a and the fastener of the second connecting strip 161b to engage. In other words, the slide fastener 160 changes to a connected state. Also, as shown in Figure 5, an opening 140 is formed by the first opening forming portion 120 of the front surface material 110 and the second opening forming portion 136 of the rear surface material 130.

[0068] The worker then performs the first step. That is, as shown in Figure 9, the worker moves the cylindrical portion 172 from the front to the rear of the headrest pillar 400. During this movement, the cylindrical portion 172 passes between the left leg portion 402L and the right leg portion 402R provided on the headrest pillar 400.

[0069] As a result of this movement, the cylindrical portion 172 is positioned within the opening 140 formed by the first opening forming portion 120 and the second opening forming portion 136 (see Figure 5). Therefore, when the worker performs the second and subsequent steps described later, the worker can easily see the cylindrical portion 172. In addition, since the cylindrical portion 172 is located within the opening 140, space is secured for the cylindrical portion 172 to be positioned. Thus, the cylindrical portion 172 does not get in the way of the work.

[0070] At this point, the extended end 162 may be inserted into the cylindrical portion 172. This prevents the extended end 162 from becoming entangled with the left leg portion 402L or the right leg portion 402R of the headrest pillar 400, etc. Thus, the extended end 162 is prevented from getting in the way of the work.

[0071] As the cylindrical portion 172 moves as described above, the two through holes 176 in the front surface material 110 align with the two engagement holes 322, respectively. The worker then performs the second step, which is to engage the two engagement claws 323 provided on the support frame 320 with the rear portion of each through hole 176.

[0072] The worker then covers the headrest pillar 400 with the pillar cover 430, as shown in Figure 4. Specifically, the worker passes the two locking claws 462 of the front cover member 440 through the front of the two through holes 176 formed in the front surface material 110. Each locking claw 462 that has passed through the front of each through hole 176 engages with the respective engagement hole 322. This engagement supports and positions the front cover member 440 on the support frame 320.

[0073] The worker then passes the connecting bolt 502 through the second insertion hole 416 on the upper surface of the pillar-side stay 414 and the first insertion hole 458 in the front projection 456 of the front cover member 440. The front cover member 440 is supported by the headrest pillar 400 when a nut (not shown) is screwed onto the connecting bolt 502.

[0074] Next, as shown in Figure 3, the worker attaches the headrest 40 to the pillar-side stay 414, which is located at the front of the upper part 410 of the headrest pillar 400, via support bolts 418. After that, the display 50 shown in Figure 2 is attached to the bracket 52 (see Figure 5) of the seat back 30.

[0075] The worker then connects the rear cover member 480 (see Figure 4) to the front cover member 440. That is, as shown in Figure 3, the worker engages the connecting claws 490 of the rear cover member 480 with the connecting holes 454 of the front cover member 440. This completes the pillar cover 430 shown in Figure 2, and the headrest pillar 400 is covered by the pillar cover 430.

[0076] As shown in Figure 5, the majority of the pair of mounting portions 56 on the bracket 52 are covered by the pair of shielding portions 74 of the shielding cover 70. Therefore, when an operator performs the above work, it is prevented from getting their fingers between the two connecting legs 561. In other words, the operator's fingers are protected.

[0077] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, the bracket 52 is provided with a reinforcing portion 541. The reinforcing portion 541 improves the rigidity of the bracket 52. Therefore, even if some load is applied to the pair of mounting portions 56 due to unforeseen circumstances, such as during the above work, deformation of the bracket 52 is prevented.

[0078] The vehicle seat 10 manufactured in the manner described above will have the following effects.

[0079] As shown in Figure 1, the vehicle seat 10 comprises a front surface material 110 as a first member 102, a rear surface material 130 as a second member 104, and a slide fastener 160 (connecting member 150) that connects the first connecting edge 118 of the front surface material 110 and the second connecting edge 134 of the rear surface material 130. As shown in Figure 5, the front surface material 110 has a cylindrical portion 172 into which the extended end 162 of the slide fastener 160 is inserted. The cylindrical portion 172 acts as an interference suppression member 170 that prevents the extended end 162 from interfering with members of the vehicle seat 10 other than the cylindrical portion 172.

[0080] In this case, the vehicle seat 10 does not become larger compared to when the cylindrical portion 172 is provided on a member other than the front surface material 110 or the rear surface material 130. Furthermore, although the cylindrical portion 172 has a simple structure, it is easy to avoid the extended end 162 interfering with members other than the cylindrical portion 172.

[0081] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the vehicle seat 10 includes a headrest pillar 400 that supports the headrest 40. The headrest pillar 400 has two legs 402 (left leg 402L and right leg 402R) spaced apart from each other in the seat width direction. The cylindrical portion 172 is located between the two legs 402.

[0082] In this configuration, the two leg portions 402 act as protective parts for the cylindrical portion 172 in the seat width direction. This prevents, for example, an occupant from accidentally pushing the cylindrical portion 172 along the seat width direction.

[0083] The vehicle seat 10 includes a pillar cover 430 that covers the headrest pillar 400. Of the front surface material 110 and the rear surface material 130, one of which has a cylindrical portion 172 has a through hole 176. The pillar cover 430 has a locking claw 462 that is inserted into the through hole 176.

[0084] By passing the locking claw 462 through the through hole 176, the cylindrical portion 172 is positioned and fixed relative to the pillar cover 430. This prevents the cylindrical portion 172 from moving.

[0085] As shown in Figure 5, the first peripheral edge 116 of the front surface material 110 has a first connecting edge 118 as well as a first opening forming portion 120. The second peripheral edge 132 of the rear surface material 130 has a second connecting edge 134 as well as a second opening forming portion 136. With the first connecting edge 118 and the second connecting edge 134 connected via a slide fastener 160, the first opening forming portion 120 and the second opening forming portion 136 form an opening 140. The cylindrical portion 172 is located inside the opening 140.

[0086] Since the cylindrical portion 172 is located within the opening 140, the worker can easily see the cylindrical portion 172. Moreover, space is secured for arranging the cylindrical portion 172. For these reasons, the work efficiency when assembling the vehicle seat 10 is improved.

[0087] As shown in Figure 3, the vehicle seat 10 is equipped with a seat back frame 300. The cylindrical portion 172 overlaps with the seat back frame 300 when the vehicle seat 10 is viewed from the front-to-rear direction of the seat. Furthermore, the cylindrical portion 172 is located behind the seat back frame 300 in the front-to-rear direction of the seat.

[0088] In the above positional relationship, the seat back frame 300 acts as a frontal protective part for the cylindrical portion 172. As a result, the load acting on the cylindrical portion 172 from the occupant seated in the vehicle seat 10 is reduced.

[0089] The vehicle seat 10 is equipped with a headrest 40. The cylindrical portion 172 overlaps with the headrest 40 when the vehicle seat 10 is viewed from the front-to-back direction of the seat. Furthermore, the cylindrical portion 172 is located behind the headrest 40 in the front-to-back direction of the seat.

[0090] In the above positional relationship, the headrest 40 acts as a frontal protective part for the cylindrical portion 172. As a result, the load acting on the cylindrical portion 172 from the occupant seated in the vehicle seat 10 is reduced.

[0091] As shown in Figure 4, the pillar cover 430 has a front cover member 440 and a rear cover member 480 located behind the front cover member 440 in the seat-front-rear direction. As shown in Figure 6, the rear cover member 480 covers the cylindrical portion 172 from the rear.

[0092] In the above positional relationship, the rear cover member 480 acts as a rear protective part for the cylindrical portion 172. Therefore, it can protect the cylindrical portion 172 from external forces acting from the rear.

[0093] As can be seen from Figures 3 to 6, the seat back frame 300 has engaging claws 323 that engage with through holes 176 (see Figure 5) formed in the front surface material 110.

[0094] By engaging the engaging claws 323 with the through holes 176, the upholstery 100 is positioned and fixed relative to the seat back frame 300. This prevents the upholstery 100 from shifting position. It also prevents the cylindrical portion 172 from moving.

[0095] The manufacturing method for the vehicle seat 10 comprises a first step and a second step performed after the first step. The first step is to pass a cylindrical portion 172 provided on the front surface material 110 from the front to the rear of the headrest pillar 400 between two leg portions 402 provided on the headrest pillar 400. The second step is to engage an engaging claw 323 provided on the support frame 320 of the seat back frame 300 with a through hole 176 formed in the front surface material 110.

[0096] By passing the cylindrical portion 172 between the two legs 402 of the headrest pillar 400, positional displacement of the cylindrical portion 172 in the seat width direction can be suppressed.

[0097] The following additional information is disclosed regarding the above embodiments.

[0098] (Note 1) The vehicle seat (10) of the present disclosure is a vehicle seat mounted on a vehicle and comprises a first member (102) having a first peripheral edge (116), a second member (104) having a second peripheral edge (132), and a connecting member (150) provided along the first and second connecting edges by connecting a first connecting edge (118) which is part of the first peripheral edge and a second connecting edge (134) which is part of the second peripheral edge, wherein the connecting member has an extended end (162) extending from the first and second connecting edges, and the first member or the second member has an interference suppression member (170), the interference suppression member suppressing interference between the extended end of the connecting member and any member of the vehicle seat other than the interference suppression member.

[0099] Since the interference suppression member is provided on the first or second member, an increase in the number of parts of the vehicle seat is avoided compared to when the interference suppression member is provided on a member other than the first or second member. Furthermore, an increase in the size of the seat is avoided.

[0100] (Note 2) In the vehicle seat described in Appendix 1, the first member is a front surface material (110) which is part of the surface material (100) of the seat back (30), the second member is a rear surface material (130) which is another part of the surface material and is located behind the front surface material in the front-rear direction of the seat, the interference suppression member is a cylindrical portion (172) provided on the front surface material or the rear surface material, and the extended end may be inserted into the cylindrical portion.

[0101] The simple cylindrical structure makes it easy to avoid interference between the extended end of the connecting member and members other than the cylindrical part.

[0102] (Note 3) In the vehicle seat described in Appendix 2, a headrest pillar (400) supporting a headrest (40) is provided, the headrest pillar has two legs (402) spaced apart from each other in the seat width direction, and the cylindrical portion may be located between the two legs.

[0103] Since the cylindrical section is positioned between the two legs, the two legs act as a protective section for the cylindrical section in the seat width direction. This prevents, for example, an occupant from accidentally pushing the cylindrical section along the seat width direction.

[0104] (Note 4) In the vehicle seat described in Appendix 3, a pillar cover (430) covering the headrest pillar is provided, and one of the front surface material and the rear surface material on which the cylindrical portion is provided has a through hole (176), and the pillar cover may have a locking claw (462) that is inserted into the through hole.

[0105] By passing the locking claw through the through-hole, the cylindrical portion is positioned and fixed relative to the pillar cover. This prevents the cylindrical portion from moving.

[0106] (Note 5) In the vehicle seat described in Appendix 2, the first peripheral edge of the front surface material has a first opening forming portion (120), and the second peripheral edge of the rear surface material has a second opening forming portion (136). With the first connecting edge and the second connecting edge connected via the connecting member, the first opening forming portion and the second opening forming portion form an opening (140), and the cylindrical portion may be located within the opening.

[0107] When the first and second connecting edges are joined, the cylindrical portion is positioned within the opening. Therefore, the cylindrical portion can be easily seen. Furthermore, space is secured for positioning the cylindrical portion. For these reasons, the work efficiency of workers when assembling vehicle seats is improved.

[0108] (Note 6) In the vehicle seat described in Appendix 2, a seat back frame (300) is provided, and the cylindrical portion may overlap with the seat back frame when the vehicle seat is viewed from the front-rear direction of the seat, and may be located behind the seat back frame in the front-rear direction of the seat.

[0109] In the above positional relationship, the seat back frame acts as a protective frontal section for the cylindrical section. This reduces the load acting on the cylindrical section from the occupant seated in the vehicle.

[0110] (Note 7) In the vehicle seat described in Appendix 2, a headrest may be provided, and the cylindrical portion may overlap with the headrest when the vehicle seat is viewed from the front-to-rear direction of the seat, and may be located behind the headrest in the front-to-rear direction of the seat.

[0111] In the above positional relationship, the headrest acts as a protective element in front of the cylindrical section. As a result, the load acting on the cylindrical section from the occupant seated in the vehicle is reduced.

[0112] (Note 8) In the vehicle seat described in Appendix 4, the pillar cover comprises a front cover member (440) and a rear cover member (480) located behind the front cover member in the front-rear direction of the seat, wherein the rear cover member may cover the cylindrical portion from the rear.

[0113] In the above positional relationship, the rear cover member acts as a rearward protective part for the cylindrical section. Therefore, it can protect the cylindrical section from external forces acting from the rear.

[0114] (Note 9) In the vehicle seat described in Appendix 4, a seat back frame (300) may be provided, and the seat back frame may have an engaging claw (323) that engages with the through hole.

[0115] By passing the engaging claws through the through-holes, the upholstery is positioned and fixed relative to the seat back frame. This prevents the upholstery from shifting position. It also prevents the cylindrical portion from moving.

[0116] (Note 10) A method for manufacturing a vehicle seat (10) according to the present disclosure comprises: a front surface material (110) and a rear surface material (130) constituting the surface (100) of a seat back (30); a connecting member (150) that connects a first connecting edge of the front surface material and a second connecting edge of the rear surface material; and a cylindrical portion (172) provided on the front surface material into which an extended end (162) extending from the first and second connecting edges of the connecting member is inserted, the method comprising: a first step of passing the cylindrical portion from the front to the rear of the headrest pillar (400) between two leg portions (402) provided on the headrest pillar; and a second step, after the first step, engaging an engaging claw (323) provided on the seat back frame (300) with a through hole (176) formed in the front surface material.

[0117] By passing the cylindrical section between the two legs of the headrest pillar, it is possible to suppress misalignment of the cylindrical section in the width direction of the seat.

[0118] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the disclosure described above, and can take various configurations without departing from the spirit of the invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0119] 10...Vehicle seat 30...Seat back 40...Headrest 100...Surface 102...First component 104...Second component 110...Front skin material 116...First peripheral part 118...First joining edge 120...First opening forming part 130...Rear surface material 132...Second peripheral edge 134...Second joining edge 136...Second opening forming part 140...Opening 150...Connecting member 160...Slide fastener 162...Extended end 170...Interference suppression member 172...Cylindrical section 176...Through hole 300...Seat back frame 320...Support frame 322...Engagement hole 323...Engaging claw 400...Headrest pillar 402…Leg 402L…Left leg 402R...Right leg 430...Pillar cover 440...Front cover component 462...Locking claw 480...Rear cover component 482...Claw protection part

Claims

1. A vehicle seat installed in a vehicle, A first member having a first peripheral edge, A second member having a second peripheral edge, A connecting member is provided along the first connecting edge and the second connecting edge, which is part of the first peripheral edge and which is part of the second peripheral edge, by connecting the first connecting edge and the second connecting edge, Equipped with, The connecting member has an extended end portion extending from the first connecting edge and the second connecting edge, The first member or the second member has an interference suppression member, The interference suppression member prevents the extended end of the connecting member from interfering with any member of the vehicle seat other than the interference suppression member.

2. In the vehicle seat according to claim 1, the first member is a front surface material which is part of the surface of the seat back, and the second member is a rear surface material which is another part of the surface and is located behind the front surface material in the front-rear direction of the seat. The interference suppression member is a cylindrical portion provided on the front surface material or the rear surface material. The extended end is a seat for a vehicle, which is inserted into the cylindrical portion.

3. A vehicle seat according to claim 2, comprising a headrest pillar that supports a headrest, The headrest pillar has two legs spaced apart from each other in the seat width direction. The cylindrical portion is a vehicle seat located between the two leg portions.

4. A vehicle seat according to claim 3, comprising a pillar cover that covers the headrest pillar, Of the front surface material and the rear surface material, the one on which the cylindrical portion is provided has a through hole. The pillar cover is a vehicle seat having a locking claw that is inserted into the through hole.

5. In the vehicle seat according to claim 2, the first peripheral edge of the front surface material has a first opening forming portion, and the second peripheral edge of the rear surface material has a second opening forming portion. With the first connecting edge and the second connecting edge connected via the connecting member, the first opening forming portion and the second opening forming portion form an opening. The cylindrical portion is a seat for a vehicle, located within the opening.

6. A vehicle seat according to claim 2, comprising a seat back frame, The cylindrical portion of the vehicle seat overlaps with the seat back frame when viewed from the front-to-rear direction of the seat, and is located behind the seat back frame in the front-to-rear direction of the seat.

7. A vehicle seat according to claim 2, comprising a headrest, The cylindrical portion of the vehicle seat overlaps with the headrest when viewed from the front-to-rear direction of the seat, and is located behind the headrest in the front-to-rear direction of the seat.

8. In the vehicle seat according to claim 4, the pillar cover comprises a front cover member and a rear cover member located behind the front cover member in the front-rear direction of the seat, The aforementioned rear cover member is a vehicle seat that covers the cylindrical portion from the rear.

9. A vehicle seat according to claim 4, comprising a seat back frame, The seat back frame has engaging claws that engage with the through holes, for use as a vehicle seat.

10. A method for manufacturing a vehicle seat, comprising: a front surface material and a rear surface material constituting the surface of a seat back; a connecting member that connects a first connecting edge of the front surface material and a second connecting edge of the rear surface material; and a cylindrical portion provided on the front surface material into which the extended ends extending from the first and second connecting edges are inserted into the connecting member, The first step is to pass the cylindrical portion from the front to the rear of the headrest pillar, between the two legs provided on the headrest pillar, Following the first step, a second step is performed in which an engaging claw provided on the seat back frame is engaged with a through hole formed in the front surface material, A method for manufacturing a vehicle seat having [a certain characteristic].

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