Vehicle seat frame

Abstract

To provide a frame of a vehicle seat which enables a frame body and a resin component to be easily disassembled during recycling while improving rigidity.SOLUTION: One embodiment of the disclosure relates to a frame of a vehicle seat including: a metal frame body; and a resin reinforcement material attached to the frame body. The frame body has: a base part; and a first wall part and a second wall part which protrude from the base part and face each other. The reinforcement material has a base which is compressed by the first wall part and the second wall part. The base has: a first engagement part which engages with an end of the first wall part; and a second engagement part which engages with an end of the second wall part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a frame for a vehicle seat. [Background technology]

[0002] In the field of vehicle seats, a frame in which a metal frame body is reinforced with resin from the viewpoint of weight reduction is known (see Patent Document 1). In this frame, the resin is joined to the frame body by joining means such as insert molding or adhesive. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-138177 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the above-described frame, the resin is bonded to the frame body, making it difficult to disassemble the vehicle seat during recycling. In contrast, connecting the resin to the frame body with mechanical means such as bolts, screws, or rivets can make it easier to disassemble the resin from the frame body. However, using mechanical means inevitably reduces the rigidity of the connecting parts and increases costs due to increased labor hours.

[0005] An object of one aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a vehicle seat frame that has increased rigidity and allows the frame body and resin components to be easily disassembled during recycling. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure is a vehicle seat frame (1) including a metal frame body (2) and a resin reinforcing member (3) attached to the frame body (2). The frame body (2) has a base (21) and a first wall portion (22) and a second wall portion (23) that protrude from the base (21) and face each other. The reinforcing member (3) has a base (31) that is compressed by the first wall portion (22) and the second wall portion (23). The base (31) has a first engagement portion (311) that engages with an end portion (22A) of the first wall portion (22) and a second engagement portion (312) that engages with an end portion (23A) of the second wall portion (23).

[0007] With this configuration, the reinforcing member 3, which is a resin part, can be fixed to the frame main body 2 so that the base 31 is tensioned, without using joining means such as insert molding or adhesive. This increases the rigidity of the frame 1 and makes it easier to disassemble the frame main body 2 and the resin part during recycling.

[0008] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the reinforcing member (3) may further have a support portion (32) protruding from the base (31) toward the base portion (21). With this configuration, the support portion (32) restricts movement of the base (31) toward the base portion (21). This increases the fixing strength of the reinforcing member (3) to the frame main body (2).

[0009] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the support portion 32 may contact the base portion 21. This configuration enhances the effect of the support portion 32 in restricting the movement of the base portion 31.

[0010] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the support portion 32 may have a tip portion 321 that contacts or is close to the base portion 21, and an extension portion 322 that connects the base 31 and the tip portion 321. The width of the extension portion 322 may be smaller than the width of the tip portion 321. This configuration makes the support portion 32 more flexible, so that a load applied to the reinforcing member 3 can be absorbed by deformation of the support portion 32.

[0011] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the support portion (32) may have a positioning portion (323) that engages with the base portion (21). Such a configuration facilitates positioning of the reinforcing member (3) and the frame main body (2).

[0012] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the positioning portion (323) may be a convex portion that passes through a hole (211) provided in the base portion (21) and has a chamfered end portion (323A) exposed from the hole (211). This configuration can prevent corners from protruding from the frame (1).

[0013] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the outer surface (31A) of the base (31) opposite to the base portion (21) may be curved so as to be concave toward the base portion (21). With such a configuration, the reinforcing member (3) is less likely to detach from the frame main body (2), thereby increasing the fixing strength of the reinforcing member (3) to the frame main body (2).

[0014] Note that the symbols in the parentheses above are examples showing the correspondence with the specific configurations, etc. described in the embodiments described below, and the present disclosure is not limited to the specific configurations, etc. shown by the symbols in the parentheses above. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a back frame in an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in FIG. [Figure 3] 3A and 3B are schematic perspective views of a reinforcement member in the frame of FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing one step in the method of manufacturing the frame of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] Hereinafter, embodiments to which the present disclosure is applied will be described with reference to the drawings. [1. First embodiment] [1-1.Configuration] A frame 1 of a vehicle seat shown in FIG. 1 (hereinafter also simply referred to as "frame 1") constitutes the right side frame of a back frame 10 of the vehicle seat.

[0017] The back frame 10 is a member that supports the seat back and includes a frame 1, a left side frame 11, an upper panel 12, and a lower panel 13.

[0018] The vehicle seat using the frame 1 of this embodiment is used as a seat for an automobile. Note that the directions in the following description and in each drawing refer to the directions when the vehicle seat is assembled to the vehicle (i.e., automobile). In this embodiment, the seat width direction coincides with the left-right direction of the vehicle, and the front of the seat coincides with the front of the vehicle.

[0019] The left side frame 11 is disposed at a distance in the seat width direction from the frame 1. The upper panel 12 and the lower panel 13 connect the frame 1 and the left side frame 11 in the seat width direction, respectively.

[0020] The frame 1 extends in the vertical direction. That is, the vertical length of the frame 1 is greater than the length in the front-rear direction and the length in the width direction of the seat. As shown in Fig. 2, the frame 1 includes a frame main body 2 and a reinforcing member 3.

[0021] <Frame body> The frame body 2 is a plate-shaped member made of metal. The frame body 2 extends from the lower end to the upper end of the frame 1 (i.e., from the upper region A1 to the lower region A3 in FIG. 1). The frame body 2 has a base 21, a first wall 22, and a second wall 23.

[0022] The base 21 constitutes the outermost surface (i.e., the right end surface) of the frame 1 in the seat width direction. The base 21 is disposed so that its thickness direction intersects with the seat front-rear direction. A first wall 22 is connected to the front end of the base 21. A second wall 23 is connected to the rear end of the base 21.

[0023] The first wall portion 22 protrudes from the front end of the base portion 21 in a direction intersecting the plate surface of the base portion 21 (toward the left in this embodiment). A first end portion 22A of the first wall portion 22 on the opposite side from the base portion 21 curves in a direction toward the second wall portion 23 (toward the rear of the seat in this embodiment). The end face of the first end portion 22A faces toward the rear of the seat.

[0024] The second wall portion 23 protrudes from the rear end of the base portion 21 in a direction intersecting the plate surface of the base portion 21 (toward the left in this embodiment). A second end portion 23A of the second wall portion 23 on the opposite side from the base portion 21 curves in a direction toward the first wall portion 22 (toward the front of the seat in this embodiment). The end face of the second end portion 23A faces toward the front of the seat.

[0025] The first wall portion 22 and the second wall portion 23 face each other in the seat front-rear direction. The second wall portion 23 protrudes from the base portion 21 by a larger amount (that is, its length in the seat width direction) than the first wall portion 22.

[0026] The first wall portion 22 and the second wall portion 23 are integrated with the base portion 21. In other words, the frame main body 2 is formed by bending a single metal plate to the right at positions that will become the front end and rear end of the base portion 21.

[0027] The frame body 2 has a C-shaped cross section perpendicular to the up-down direction. That is, the frame body 2 has an open cross section. The first end 22A of the first wall portion 22 and the second end 23A of the second wall portion 23 define an opening on the inner side of the frame body 2 in the seat width direction.

[0028] <Reinforcing material> The reinforcing member 3 is a resin member attached to the frame main body 2. The reinforcing member 3 has a base 31 and a support portion 32.

[0029] The reinforcing material 3 is disposed in at least the central region A2 (see FIG. 1) in the vertical direction of the frame 1. The reinforcing material 3 may be disposed in the upper region A1 or the lower region A3 of the frame 1.

[0030] <Bass> The base 31 is compressed in the front-rear direction of the seat by the first wall portion 22 and the second wall portion 23. In other words, the base 31 is disposed between the first wall portion 22 and the second wall portion 23 in an elastically deformed state.

[0031] An outer surface 31A of the base 31 opposite the base portion 21 is curved so as to be concave toward the base portion 21. The outer surface 31A forms the inner surface (i.e., the left side) in the seat width direction of the frame 1. Furthermore, an inner surface 31B of the base 31 facing the base portion 21 is curved so as to be convex toward the base portion 21.

[0032] The base 31 has a first engagement portion 311 and a second engagement portion 312. The first engagement portion 311 is provided at the end of the base 31 in front of the seat. The second engagement portion 312 is provided at the end of the base 31 in rear of the seat.

[0033] The first engagement portion 311 engages with the first end portion 22A of the first wall portion 22. Specifically, the first engagement portion 311 has a recess (i.e., a groove) extending in the vertical direction, and the first end portion 22A fits into this recess. The end surface of the first end portion 22A faces or contacts the bottom surface of the recess of the first engagement portion 311.

[0034] The second engagement portion 312 engages with the second end portion 23A of the second wall portion 23. Specifically, the second engagement portion 312 has a recess (i.e., a groove) extending in the vertical direction, and the second end portion 23A fits into this recess. The end face of the second end portion 23A faces or contacts the bottom surface of the recess of the second engagement portion 312.

[0035] The distance from the first engagement portion 311 to the second engagement portion 312 of the base 31 (i.e., the length of the base 31 in the seat front-rear direction) is greater than the distance from the first end 22A to the second end 23A of the frame main body 2 (i.e., the length of the opening of the frame main body 2 in the seat front-rear direction). Therefore, the base 31 is compressed from the first end 22A and the second end 23A. As a result, a reaction force is generated in the base 31 that pushes it in the seat front-rear direction.

[0036] <Support part> The support portion 32 protrudes from the inner surface 31B of the base 31 toward the base portion 21 of the frame main body 2. The support portion 32 has a tip portion 321, an extension portion 322, and a positioning portion 323.

[0037] The tip portion 321 is the portion that comes into contact with the inner surface (i.e., the left surface) of the base portion 21. The extension portion 322 is the portion that connects the base 31 and the tip portion 321. The width of the extension portion 322 is smaller than the width of the tip portion 321. Therefore, the extension portion 322 is more likely to bend than the tip portion 321. Note that the "width" refers to the length in the front-to-rear direction of the seat (specifically, the compression direction of the base 31).

[0038] The tip portion 321 is pressed against the base portion 21 by the base 31 held by the first wall portion 22 and the second wall portion 23. Therefore, a reaction force is generated in the support portion 32 in a direction that pushes the base 31 out of the frame main body 2. As shown in Figures 3A and 3B, the tip portion 321 and the extension portion 322 extend from the upper end to the lower end of the base 31.

[0039] The positioning portion 323 is a portion that engages with the base portion 21. Specifically, the positioning portion 323 is a convex portion that protrudes from the tip portion 321. As shown in FIG. 2, the positioning portion 323 penetrates a hole 211 provided in the base portion 21 from the inside to the outside of the frame main body 2. In addition, the corners of the end portion 323A of the positioning portion 323 that is exposed from the hole 211 are chamfered and rounded.

[0040] 3B, the vertical length of positioning portion 323 is smaller than the vertical length of tip portion 321. The width of positioning portion 323 is smaller than the width of tip portion 321.

[0041] <Frame manufacturing method> Next, we will explain the manufacturing method (that is, the assembly method) of the frame 1. The manufacturing method of the frame 1 includes a temporary assembly step and a main assembly step.

[0042] <Temporary assembly process> In this step, the second engagement portion 312 of the reinforcing member 3 is engaged with the second wall portion 23 of the frame main body 2, as shown in FIG.

[0043] <Main assembly process> In this step, after the temporary assembly step, the base 31 is elastically deformed while the first engagement portion 311 of the reinforcing member 3 is engaged with the first wall portion 22 of the frame main body 2. At this time, the support portion 32 is pressed against the base portion 21, so that the support portion 32 also elastically deforms. In addition, the positioning portion 323 is inserted into the hole 211 of the base portion 21.

[0044] The engagement of the first engaging portion 311 with the first wall portion 22 and the engagement of the second engaging portion 312 with the second wall portion 23 holds the reinforcing member 3 so as to close the opening of the frame main body 2. Note that the first engaging portion 311 may be engaged with the first wall portion 22 in a temporary assembly step, and the second engaging portion 312 may be engaged with the second wall portion 23 in a main assembly step.

[0045] [1-2.Effects] According to the embodiment described above in detail, the following effects can be obtained. (1a) The reinforcing member 3, which is a resin part, can be fixed to the frame main body 2 so that the base 31 is tensioned, without using joining means such as insert molding or adhesive. This increases the rigidity of the frame 1, while facilitating the disassembly of the frame main body 2 and the resin part during recycling.

[0046] (1b) The support portion 32 restricts the movement of the base 31 in the direction toward the base portion 21. Therefore, the fixing strength of the reinforcing member 3 to the frame main body 2 can be increased. (1c) When the support portion 32 comes into contact with the base portion 21, the effect of the support portion 32 in restricting the movement of the base 31 is enhanced.

[0047] (1d) The width of the extension portion 322 is smaller than the width of the tip portion 321, which makes it possible to make the support portion 32 more flexible. As a result, the load applied to the reinforcing material 3 can be absorbed by the deformation of the support portion 32.

[0048] (1e) The support portion 32 has the positioning portion 323, which makes it easy to position the reinforcing member 3 and the frame main body 2. (1f) By chamfering the tip of the positioning portion 323, it is possible to prevent the corner from protruding from the frame 1.

[0049] (1g) By curving the outer surface 31A of the base 31 so as to be concave toward the base portion 21, the reinforcing material 3 is less likely to detach from the frame main body 2. As a result, the fixing strength of the reinforcing material 3 to the frame main body 2 can be increased.

[0050] 2. Other Embodiments Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, it goes without saying that the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can take on various forms.

[0051] (2a) In the vehicle seat frame of the above embodiment, the positioning portion of the reinforcing member may be a recess that engages with a protrusion provided on the frame body. Furthermore, the reinforcing member does not necessarily have to have a positioning portion.

[0052] (2b) In the vehicle seat frame of the above embodiment, the tip of the support portion does not necessarily have to contact the base portion, but may be disposed close to the base portion. Furthermore, the width of the extension portion of the support portion does not necessarily have to be smaller than the width of the tip portion. Furthermore, the reinforcing member does not necessarily have to have a support portion.

[0053] (2c) In the vehicle seat frame of the above embodiment, the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion may be convex portions that engage with concave portions (for example, holes, grooves, etc.) provided in the first wall portion or the second wall portion.

[0054] (2d) The frame of the vehicle seat of the above embodiment can also be applied to the left side frame of the back frame. Also, the frame of the vehicle seat of the above embodiment can also be applied to frames other than the back frame.

[0055] (2e) The vehicle seat frame of the above embodiment can be applied to vehicle seats used in vehicles other than automobiles, such as railway vehicles, ships, and aircraft, in addition to the vehicle seats used in the automobiles described above.

[0056] (2f) The function of one component in the above embodiments may be distributed among multiple components, or the functions of multiple components may be integrated into one component. Also, part of the configuration of the above embodiments may be omitted. Furthermore, at least part of the configuration of the above embodiments may be added to or substituted for the configuration of another of the above embodiments. All aspects included in the technical idea identified by the wording of the claims are embodiments of the present disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0057] 1...frame, 2...frame body, 3...reinforcement member, 10...back frame, 21...base, 22...first wall part, 22A...first end part, 23...second wall part, 23A...second end part, 31...base, 31A...outer surface, 31B...inner surface, 32...support portion, 211...hole, 311...first engagement part, 312...second engagement part, 321...tip part, 322...extension part, 323... Positioning section.

Claims

1. A metal frame body, a resin reinforcing member attached to the frame body; Equipped with The frame body is A base and a first wall portion and a second wall portion projecting from the base portion and facing each other; and The reinforcing material is a base compressed by the first wall portion and the second wall portion; a support portion protruding from the base toward the base portion; and The base is a first engagement portion that engages with an end portion of the first wall portion; a second engaging portion that engages with an end portion of the second wall portion; and The support portion is a tip portion contacting or adjacent to the base portion; an extension portion connecting the base and the tip portion; and A frame for a vehicle seat, wherein the width of the extension portion is smaller than the width of the tip portion.

2. A metal frame body, a resin reinforcing member attached to the frame body; Equipped with The frame body is A base and a first wall portion and a second wall portion projecting from the base portion and facing each other; and The reinforcing material is a base compressed by the first wall portion and the second wall portion; a support portion protruding from the base toward the base portion; and The base is a first engagement portion that engages with an end portion of the first wall portion; a second engaging portion that engages with an end portion of the second wall portion; and The support portion has a positioning portion that engages with the base portion.

3. A metal frame body, a resin reinforcing member attached to the frame body; Equipped with The frame body is A base and a first wall portion and a second wall portion projecting from the base portion and facing each other; and the reinforcing member has a base that is compressed by the first wall portion and the second wall portion; The base is a first engagement portion that engages with an end portion of the first wall portion; a second engaging portion that engages with an end portion of the second wall portion; an inner surface facing the base and configured to be convex toward the base; and A frame for a vehicle seat, wherein a space is formed between the base and the inner surface.

4. A metal frame body, a resin reinforcing member attached to the frame body; Equipped with The frame body is A base and a first wall portion and a second wall portion projecting from the base portion and facing each other; and The reinforcing material is a base compressed by the first wall portion and the second wall portion; a support portion protruding from the base toward the base portion; and The base is a first engagement portion that engages with an end portion of the first wall portion; a second engaging portion that engages with an end portion of the second wall portion; and A frame for a vehicle seat, wherein a space is formed between the base and the base.

5. A metal frame body, a resin reinforcing member attached to the frame body; Equipped with The frame body is A base and a first wall portion and a second wall portion projecting from the base portion and facing each other; and an end portion of the first wall portion opposite the base portion is curved in a direction toward the second wall portion; an end portion of the second wall portion opposite to the base portion is curved in a direction toward the first wall portion; the reinforcing member has a base that is compressed by the first wall portion and the second wall portion; The base is a first engaging portion having a recess into which an end of the first wall portion is fitted, the recess engaging with the end of the first wall portion; a second engaging portion having a recess into which an end of the second wall portion is fitted, the recess engaging with the end of the second wall portion; A vehicle seat frame having:

6. The vehicle seat frame according to claim 3 or 5, The frame of a vehicle seat, wherein the reinforcement member further has a support portion protruding from the base toward the base portion.

7. A frame for a vehicle seat according to claim 1, claim 2, claim 4, or claim 6, The support portion contacts the base portion.

8. A frame for a vehicle seat according to claim 2, claim 4, claim 6, or claim 7, The support portion is a tip portion contacting or adjacent to the base portion; an extension portion connecting the base and the tip portion; and A frame for a vehicle seat, wherein the width of the extension portion is smaller than the width of the tip portion.

9. A frame for a vehicle seat according to claim 1, claim 4, claim 6, claim 7, or claim 8, The support portion has a positioning portion that engages with the base portion.

10. A frame for a vehicle seat according to claim 2 or claim 9, The positioning portion is a convex portion that passes through a hole provided in the base and has a chamfered end exposed from the hole.

11. A frame for a vehicle seat according to any one of claims 1 to 10, A frame for a vehicle seat, wherein an outer surface of the base opposite to the base portion is curved concavely toward the base portion.

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