Vehicle seats

Abstract

[Problem] To inhibit the deformation of a support member for supporting a seat back frame in a vehicle seat. [Solution] A seat (1) has a seat cushion frame (11) and a seat back frame (12). The seat cushion frame has left-right side members (21) that extend front-back, front members (22) that extend left-right and are coupled to respective front parts of the side members, rear members (23) that extend left-right and are coupled to respective back parts of the side members, and support members (24) that are coupled to respective back ends of the side members and extend upward. At least one of the support members has a support member lower part (24A) coupled to the left-right outer surfaces of the side members, and a support member upper part (24B) extending upwardly and inwardly to the left-right from the support member lower part and pivotally supporting the seat back frame. When viewed from the top-down direction, the support member upper part overlaps the side members.

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a vehicle seat having a seat cushion frame and a seat back frame rotatably mounted relative to the seat cushion frame. The seat cushion frame has left and right side members extending longitudinally and support members joined 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 flat shape extending upward from the left and right outer surfaces of the side members. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-114148 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the event of a vehicle collision, a load is applied to the seat back from the occupant, and the support member must be able to withstand this load. However, if the support member is formed into a flat plate, the plate thickness must be increased to improve rigidity, which increases the weight and material costs.

[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 problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, 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-to-rear direction, front members (22) extending in the left and right direction and connected to front portions of the side members, rear members (23) extending in the left and right direction and connected to rear portions of the side members, and support members (24) connected to the rear ends of the side members and extending upward, at least one of the support members comprising a support member lower portion (24A) connected to the left and right outer surfaces of the side members, and a support member upper portion (24B) extending upward and inwardly to the left and right from the support member lower portion and rotatably supporting the seat back frame, wherein the support member upper portion overlaps with the side members when viewed in the vertical direction.

[0007] According to this aspect, when a load is applied to the seat back and the support member deforms downward, the upper part of the support member abuts against the side member, suppressing deformation of the support member. This makes it possible to suppress deformation of the support member that supports the seat back frame in a vehicle seat. It also makes it possible to reduce the weight and material of the support member.

[0008] In the above aspect, the side member may have a side member main body portion (21A) extending in the front-rear direction and a side member extension portion (21B) protruding upward from the rear end of the side member main body portion, and the support member lower portion may be coupled to the side member extension portion, and the support member upper portion may overlap with the side member extension portion when viewed from the up-down direction.

[0009] According to this aspect, when a load is applied to the seat back and the support member is deformed downward, the upper part of the support member comes into contact with the side member expansion portion, thereby suppressing deformation of the support member.

[0010] In the above aspect, one of the side member extension portion and the lower part of the support member may have a convex portion (21C) extending vertically, and the other of the side member extension portion and the lower part of the support member may have a receiving groove (24D) that receives the convex portion.

[0011] According to this aspect, the position of the lower part of the support member relative to the side member expansion part is stabilized by the projection projecting into the receiving groove.

[0012] In the above aspect, the convex portion may be provided at each of a front edge and a rear edge of the side member expansion portion, and the receiving groove may be provided at each of a front edge and a rear edge of the lower portion of the support member.

[0013] According to this aspect, the front and rear protrusions project into the receiving grooves, thereby stabilizing the position of the lower part of the support member relative to the side-member expansion portion.

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

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

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

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

[0018] In the above aspect, the upper part of the support member may have a bulge portion (24F) that bulges inward to the left and right, the seat back frame is rotatably supported by the bulge portion, and the bulge portion may be positioned above and spaced apart from the upper edge of the side member extension portion.

[0019] According to this aspect, when a load is applied to the seat back and the support member deforms downward, the bulging portion abuts against the side member expanding portion, thereby suppressing deformation of the support member. In addition, the bulging portion improves the rigidity of the support member.

[0020] In the above aspect, the left and right side members are connected to a floor (7) via a slide device (6), the slide device having a lower rail (15) connected to the floor and an upper rail (16) slidably attached to the lower rail and connected to the side members, the lower rail is provided with a lower locking member (61) whose tip faces downward and extends in the front-rear direction, and the side members are provided with an upper locking member (63) whose tip faces upward and extends in the front-rear direction, The upper engaging member faces the lower engaging member from below with a gap therebetween, and is joined to the side member at a front joint (65) and a rear joint (66) that are spaced apart in the front and rear directions, and a joint (23A) between the rear member and the side member is provided rearward of the front joint and forward of the rear joint, and a joint (67A) between a seat belt buckle (67) and the side member may be provided rearward of the front joint and forward of the joint between the rear member and the side member.

[0021] According to this aspect, the seat belt buckle can be connected to a highly rigid portion of the side member, so that the connection portion between the seat belt buckle and the side member can withstand the load applied by the occupant in the event of a vehicle collision.

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

[0023] According to this aspect, the lower portion of the plate body portion extending 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 connected to the side pipe.

[0026] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a vehicle seat. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication 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 to cover the welded portion of the seat cushion frame. To prevent contact between the welded portion and a seat belt, a portion of the first cover is inserted inside the second cover.

[0027] However, when a portion of the first cover is inserted inside the second cover, the overall thickness of the protective cover increases. Furthermore, because the end of the first cover cannot be visually observed from the outside, it is difficult to confirm whether the first cover is attached in the appropriate position. Therefore, there is a problem in that it is difficult to align the protective cover. In view of the above background, another aspect of the present invention aims to reduce the thickness of a protective cover in a vehicle seat and to make it easier to align the protective cover.

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

[0029] According to this aspect, the protrusions do not overlap with the second cover in the thickness direction of the second cover, thereby reducing the thickness of the protective cover. Furthermore, the protrusions are visible from the outside, making it easy to align the first cover and the second cover. As a result, the thickness of the protective cover in the vehicle seat can be reduced and the alignment of the protective cover can be made easy. Furthermore, since the protrusions fit into the recesses, the boundary between the first cover and the second cover is meandering, making it difficult for the seat belt to enter the boundary between the first cover and the second cover.

[0030] In the above aspect, the seat cushion frame may have seat back support portions (415) extending upward from the rear portions 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 fore and aft, and a second cover rear portion (454) extending rearward and upward from the second cover front portion and covering at least a portion of the seat back support portions.

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

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

[0033] According to this embodiment, it is possible to increase the rigidity of the front portion of the second cover, which may be subjected to a load from the seat belt.

[0034] In the above aspect, the vehicle may have 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 that it can rotate around a rotation axis (A1) extending in the front-to-rear direction, and the first cover may cover the welded portion (447) between the arm and the side member.

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

[0036] In the above aspect, a restricting wall (49) that protrudes upward and extends laterally may be provided on the top surface of the first cover.

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

[0038] In the above aspect, the arm has an arm main body portion (421A) that extends vertically and front-to-back 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 main body portion and are welded to the side member, and the first cover has a first cover upper portion (441A) arranged along the arm main 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 convex portion may be provided on the first cover lower portion.

[0039] According to this aspect, the first cover can protect the arm that supports the seat so that it can turn relative to the vehicle body.

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

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

[0042] In the above aspect, a rib (456) extending in the left and right direction may be provided on the rear surface of the front part of the second cover.

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

[0044] In the above aspect, the second cover front portion has a side wall portion (453A) arranged on the left and right outer sides of the side member, and an upper wall portion (453B) extending on the left and right inner sides from the upper edge of the side wall portion, and the rib may extend from the back surface of the upper wall portion to the back surface of the side wall portion.

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

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

[0047] According to this aspect, 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-to-rear direction, front members (22) extending in the left and right direction and connected to front portions of the side members, rear members (23) extending in the left and right direction and connected to rear portions of the side members, and support members (24) connected to the rear ends of the side members and extending upward, at least one of the support members comprising a support member lower portion (24A) connected to the left and right outer surfaces of the side members, and a support member upper portion (24B) extending upward and inwardly to the left and right from the support member lower portion and rotatably supporting the seat back frame, wherein the support member upper portion overlaps with the side members when viewed from the top-to-bottom direction.

[0049] According to this aspect, when a load is applied to the seat back and the support member deforms downward, the upper part of the support member abuts against the side member, suppressing deformation of the support member. This makes it possible to suppress deformation of the support member that supports the seat back frame in a vehicle seat. It also makes it possible to reduce the weight and material of the support member.

[0050] In the above aspect, the side member may have a side member main body portion (21A) extending in the front-rear direction and a side member extension portion (21B) protruding upward from the rear end of the side member main body portion, and the support member lower portion may be coupled to the side member extension portion, and the support member upper portion may overlap with the side member extension portion when viewed from the up-down direction.

[0051] According to this aspect, when a load is applied to the seat back and the support member is deformed downward, the upper part of the support member comes into contact with the side member expansion portion, thereby suppressing deformation of the support member.

[0052] In the above aspect, one of the side member extension portion and the lower part of the support member may have a convex portion (21C) extending vertically, and the other of the side member extension portion and the lower part of the support member may have a receiving groove (24D) that receives the convex portion.

[0053] According to this aspect, the position of the lower part of the support member relative to the side member expansion part is stabilized by the projection projecting into the receiving groove.

[0054] In the above aspect, the convex portion may be provided at each of a front edge and a rear edge of the side member expansion portion, and the receiving groove may be provided at each of a front edge and a rear edge of the lower portion of the support member.

[0055] According to this aspect, the front and rear protrusions project into the receiving grooves, thereby stabilizing the position of the lower part of the support member relative to the side-member expansion portion.

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

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

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

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

[0060] In the above aspect, the upper part of the support member may have a bulge portion (24F) that bulges inward to the left and right, the seat back frame is rotatably supported by the bulge portion, and the bulge portion may be positioned above and spaced apart from the upper edge of the side member extension portion.

[0061] According to this aspect, when a load is applied to the seat back and the support member deforms downward, the bulging portion abuts against the side member expanding portion, thereby suppressing deformation of the support member. In addition, the bulging portion improves the rigidity of the support member.

[0062] In the above aspect, the left and right side members are connected to a floor (7) via a slide device (6), the slide device having a lower rail (15) connected to the floor and an upper rail (16) slidably attached to the lower rail and connected to the side members, the lower rail is provided with a lower locking member (61) whose tip faces downward and extends in the front-rear direction, and the side members are provided with an upper locking member (63) whose tip faces upward and extends in the front-rear direction, The upper engaging member faces the lower engaging member from below with a gap therebetween, and is joined to the side member at a front joint (65) and a rear joint (66) that are spaced apart in the front and rear directions, and a joint (23A) between the rear member and the side member is provided rearward of the front joint and forward of the rear joint, and a joint (67A) between a seat belt buckle (67) and the side member may be provided rearward of the front joint and forward of the joint between the rear member and the side member.

[0063] According to this aspect, the seat belt buckle can be connected to a highly rigid portion of the side member, so that the connection portion between the seat belt buckle and the side member can withstand the load applied by the occupant in the event of a vehicle collision.

[0064] In the above aspect, the seat back frame includes left and right back side members (41) extending vertically, upper members (42) extending horizontally and connected to upper ends of the left and right back side members, and lower members (43) extending horizontally and connected to lower ends of the left and right back side members, at least one of the back side members includes a pipe portion (41A) extending vertically and a side plate (44) joined to a lower part of the pipe portion, and the side plate includes a plate main body portion (44A) extending vertically and facing horizontally, and front flange portions (44B) and rear flange portions (44C) protruding inwardly to the left and right from front and rear edges of the plate main body portion, and the pipe portion has a linear portion (41B) extending linearly up and down, and a bent portion (41C) provided at the lower end of the linear portion and an inclined portion (41D) extending downward and inwardly to the left and right, the upper portion of the plate main body is arranged along the linear portion, the lower portion of the plate main body is arranged with a gap on the left and right outer sides of the bent portion, a reinforcing bead (44F) extending downward from the bent portion is provided on the lower portion of the plate main body, the upper portion of the support member is provided on the left and right outer sides of the lower portion of the plate main body via a reclining device (50), and a lever (50B) connected to an operating shaft (50A) of the reclining device may be arranged on the left and right inner sides of the lower portion of the plate main body.

[0065] According to this aspect, the lower portion of the plate body portion extending downward away from the side pipe can be reinforced by the reinforcing bead.

[0066] 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.

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

[0068] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a frame of a seat according to an embodiment; [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a support structure of a first seatback frame; [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a support structure of a first seatback frame; [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a front view showing the support structure of the first seatback 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] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the lower structure of the first seatback frame; [Figure 8] Right side view of the seat [Figure 9] IX-IX cross section of Figure 8 [Figure 10] 10 is a side view of a seat in drive mode according to another embodiment; [Figure 11] Illustration of the soft seat cushion mode [Figure 12] Illustration of hard mode of seat cushion [Figure 13] Side view of seat in comfort mode [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a seat back frame according to another embodiment; [Figure 15] Horizontal cross section of pressure-receiving member [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a vehicle provided with a seat according to another embodiment; [Figure 17] An explanatory diagram showing the installation positions of multiple seats in a vehicle interior. [Figure 18] A perspective view of a slide device [Figure 19] Cross-sectional perspective view of the upper rail [Figure 20] An explanatory diagram showing the installation positions of multiple seats in a vehicle interior. [Figure 21] An explanatory diagram showing the installation positions of multiple seats in a vehicle interior. [Figure 22] An explanatory diagram showing the installation positions of multiple seats in a vehicle interior. [Figure 23] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a usage form of a seat according to another embodiment; [Figure 24] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a storage state of the seat; [Figure 25] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a seat frame; [Figure 26] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a joint between the arm and the seat cushion frame; [Figure 27] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a seat cushion frame with a protective cover attached thereto; [Figure 28] A perspective view of the boundary between the first cover and the second cover as seen from the upper left. [Figure 29] 1 is a perspective view of a first cover and a second cover; [Figure 30] Seat cushion cross section DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0069] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, an embodiment in which a vehicle seat according to the present invention is applied to a rear seat (including the second and third rows) of an automobile will be described. In the following description, the center side of the seat in the left-right direction will be referred to as the inner side, and the opposite side will be referred to as the outer side. Identical components provided in a pair on the left and right sides will be assigned common numbers, and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 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 behind. The first seat back 3 is disposed to the left of the second seat back 4. The seat cushion 2 is supported on a floor 7 via a slide device 6. The first seat back 3 is rotatably supported on the left rear part of the seat cushion 2. The second seat back 4 is rotatably supported on the right rear part 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 skin material.

[0072] The slide device 6 has lower rails 15 connected to the floor 7 and upper rails 16 slidably mounted on the lower rails 15. The lower rails 15 are provided in pairs on the left and right and extend in the front-to-rear direction. The lower rails 15 are connected to the floor 7 via feet 17.

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

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

[0075] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, each side member 21 is formed from a sheet metal member. Each side member 21 is joined to the corresponding upper rail 16 on the left and right. Each side member 21 has a side member main body portion 21A extending in the front-rear direction and a side member extension portion 21B protruding 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 facing left and right. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, the side member extension portion 21B protrudes outward to the left and right and has a protrusion 21C extending up and down. The protrusion 21C is provided at each of the front and rear edges of the side member extension portion 21B. The front and rear edges of the side member extension portion 21B are provided with edge walls 21D protruding inward to the left and right. The protrusion 21C and the edge wall 21D are formed by press-forming a sheet metal member. The edge wall 21D extends to the edge of the side-member main body portion 21A. Front and rear convex portions 21C are disposed between the front and rear edge walls 21D. The front edge wall 21D is continuous with the front convex portion 21C, and the rear edge wall 21D is continuous with the rear convex portion 21C. The cross section of the convex portion 21C is preferably formed in a semicircular shape.

[0076] As shown in FIGS. 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 connected to the left and right outer surfaces of the side member 21 and an upper support member 24B extending upward and left and right inward from the lower support member 24A and supporting the first seatback frame 12 in a pivotable manner. In this embodiment, the upper support member 24B of the left support member 24 extends upward and left and right 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 portions 24A are connected to the left and right side-member extension portions 21B. The rear member 23 is welded to the lower portions of the side-member extension portions 21B. The lower support member 24A is preferably fastened to the side-member extension portions 21B at at least three fastening portions 24C. The front fastening portion 24C is preferably disposed in front of the rear member 23, and the rear fastening portion 24C is preferably disposed rearward of the rear member 23. The upper fastening portion 24C is preferably disposed above the rear member 23. The upper fastening portion 24C is preferably provided at the upper end of the side-member expanding portion 21B.

[0077] 2, 3, and 6, when viewed from the top-bottom direction, the left support member upper portion 24B overlaps with the left side member 21. More specifically, when viewed from the top-bottom direction, the left support member upper portion 24B overlaps with the left side-member extension portion 21B.

[0078] As shown in FIG. 5, the support member lower portion 24A has receiving grooves 24D that receive the protrusions 21C. The receiving grooves 24D are provided at the front and rear edges of the support member lower portion 24A. When the support member lower portion 24A is coupled to the side-member expanding portion 21B, the front and rear receiving grooves 24D are fitted with the corresponding protrusions 21C at the front and rear. This stabilizes the position of the support member lower portion 24A relative to the side-member expanding portion 21B. As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, edge walls 24E that protrude outward to the left and right and extend from the support member lower portion 24A to the support member 24 are provided at the front and rear edges of the support member 24. The edge walls 24E improve the rigidity of the support member 24.

[0079] The support member upper portion 24B has bulging portions 24F that bulge inwardly to the left and right. The first seatback frame 12 is rotatably supported by the bulging portions 24F. The bulging portions 24F are disposed above and spaced apart from the upper edges of the side-member extension portions 21B. The bulging portions 24F are disposed inwardly to the left and right relative to the support member lower portion 24A. The bulging portions 24F improve the rigidity of the support member 24.

[0080] 4, reinforcing plates 35 are provided on the left and right outer surfaces of the support member 24. The reinforcing plates 35 are joined to the front and rear edge walls 24E and cooperate 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 FIG. 1 , the first seatback frame 12 is rotatably supported by the seat cushion frame 11. The first seatback frame 12 includes left and right back side members 41 extending vertically, upper members 42 extending horizontally and connected to upper ends of the left and right back side members 41, and lower members 43 extending horizontally and connected to lower ends of the left and right back side members 41. At least one of the left and right back side members 41 includes a vertically extending pipe portion 41A and a side plate 44 connected to a lower portion of the pipe portion 41A. In this embodiment, the left back side member 41 includes the pipe portion 41A and the side plate 44. The right back side member 41 is formed into a rectangular tube shape using multiple 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 FIG. 7 , the pipe portion 41A has a linear portion 41B that extends vertically and a bent portion 41C at the lower end of the linear portion 41B, and an inclined portion 41D that extends downward and laterally inward from a bent portion 41C. The side plate 44 has a plate main body portion 44A that extends vertically and faces left and right, and a front flange portion 44B and a rear flange portion 44C that protrude laterally inward from the front and rear edges of the plate main body portion 44A. The front flange portion 44B is welded to the linear portion 41B. The rear flange portion 44C is welded to the linear portion 41B and the inclined portion 41D. This allows the side plate 44 to be stably connected to the pipe portion 41A. The rear flange portion 44C protrudes laterally inward more than the front flange portion 44B. The lower portion of the rear flange portion 44C protrudes laterally inward more than the upper portion of the rear flange portion 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 portion 44D of the plate main body portion 44A is arranged along the straight portion 41B. The lower portion 44E of the plate main body portion 44A is arranged to the left and right of the bent portion 41C with a gap therebetween. The upper portion 44D and the lower portion 44E of the plate main body portion 44A are arranged on the same plane extending vertically. The lower portion 44E of the plate main body portion 44A protrudes further forward than the upper portion 44D. The lower portion 44E of the plate main body portion 44A has a wider front-to-rear width than the upper portion 44D. The front edge of the lower portion 44E of the plate main body portion 44A is formed in an arc shape.

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

[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 rotatably supported on the intermediate support member 27 via the reclining device 50. Each reclining device 50 has an operating shaft 50A, and rotation of the operating shaft 50A switches between a locked state and an unlocked state. In the locked state, the reclining device 50 prohibits rotation of the side plate 44 relative to the support member 24 or the intermediate support member 27, and in the unlocked state, allows rotation of the side plate 44 relative to the support member 24 or the intermediate support member 27. The reclining device 50 may include, for example, a first member connected to the support member 24 or the intermediate support member 27, a second member rotatably supported on the first member and connected to the lower end of the side plate 44 or the right back side member 41, and a locking member disposed between the first member and the second member and connected to the operating shaft 50A. Depending on the rotational position of the operating shaft 50A, the locking member can be in a locked position where it engages with the first and second members to restrict rotation of the second member relative to the first member, or in a locked position where it engages with the first and second members to restrict rotation of the second member relative to the first member.

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

[0087] The operating shaft 50A of each reclining device 50 penetrates the corresponding side plate 44 and protrudes inward to the left and right. A lever 50B connected to the operating shaft 50A is located on the left and right inner sides of the lower part 44E of the plate main 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, supporting the control cable 50C and engaging one end of the spring 50D. Pulling the control cable 50C rotates the lever 50B and the operating shaft 50A, placing the reclining device 50 in the unlocked state. It is preferable that the reclining device 50 be biased to the locked state.

[0088] When viewed from the left and right direction, the operating shaft 50A is preferably disposed forward of the inclined portion 41D of the pipe portion 41A. Also, when viewed from the left and right direction, the lever 50B may overlap with the inclined portion 41D of the pipe portion 41A.

[0089] The second seatback frame 13 is rotatably supported by the seat cushion frame 11. The second seatback frame 13 includes 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 joined 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 extending upward from 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 joined to the lower rail 15 and the floor 7. The bottom plate portion 61A extends in the front-to-rear direction and has a width greater than that of the lower rail 15. The left and right lower hooks 61B are disposed 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 surfaces face left and right and extend in the front-to-rear direction, 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 joint portion 65 and a rear joint portion 66. The front joint portion 65 and the rear joint portion 66 are arranged with a distance between them in the front and rear directions. The front joint portion 65 is arranged at the front end of the side plate portion 63A, and the rear joint portion 66 is arranged 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 joint portion 65 and the rear joint portion 66.

[0093] A lower portion 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 disposed below the lower hook 61B. The upper hook 63B and the lower hook 61B face each other with a gap between them.

[0094] The second upper locking member 64 has an upper plate portion 64A extending in the front-rear direction and an upper hook 64B extending 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. A lower portion of the upper hook 64B protrudes between the lower rail 15 and the lower locking member 61. A tip of the upper hook 64B is bent upward. The upper hook 64B is disposed below the lower hook 61B. The upper hook 64B and the lower hook 61B face each other with a gap between them.

[0095] When the seat 1 moves in a direction away from the floor 7 due to a 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 a configuration similar to the lower locking member 61, first upper locking member 63, and second upper locking member 64 provided on the right side member 21.

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

[0097] A joint portion 23A between the rear member 23 and the right side member 21 is provided rearward of the front joint portion 65 and forward of the rear joint portion 66. The rear member 23 and the right side member 21 may be welded at the joint portion 23A. A joint portion 67A between the seat belt buckle 67 and the right side member 21 may be provided rearward of the front joint portion 65 and forward of the joint portion 23A between the rear member 23 and the side member 21. This allows the seat belt buckle 67 to be joined to a portion of the side member 21 with high rigidity. This allows the joint portion 67A between the seat belt buckle 67 and the side member 21 to withstand a load applied by an occupant in the event of a vehicle collision.

[0098] In the above-described seat 1, when a load is applied to the seat back and the support member 24 deforms downward, the upper portion 24B of the support member abuts against the side member 21, thereby suppressing deformation of the support member 24. This makes it possible to suppress deformation of the support member 24 that supports the first seatback frame 12 in the seat 1. It is also possible to reduce the weight and material of the support member 24.

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

[0100] 11, the seat cushion 101 has a case 110 that is open 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 by the base 104 so as to be rotatable about an axis that extends left and right and to be slidable in the front-rear direction.

[0101] A first member 113 is joined to the upper end of the side wall portion 112. The first member 113 is formed in a sheet shape and is provided so as to close the opening of the case 110. The first member 113 may be joined to the upper part of the side wall portion 112 at the edge.

[0102] An elevator device 115 and a second member 116 are provided inside the case 110. The elevator device 115 is provided on the upper surface of the bottom plate portion 111. The elevator device 115 preferably has 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 part 117 that supports the second member 116 is provided at the upper end of the lifting device 115. The support part 117 is preferably a plate member that faces the up-down direction. The support part 117 may also 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 part 117. When the support part 117 is formed in a frame shape, the second member 116 is preferably joined to the edge of the support part 117 to close the opening.

[0104] The first member 113 and the second member 116 are each flexible. The first member 113 may be more flexible than the second member 116. The first member 113 and the second member 116 may be made of a woven fabric, a rubber sheet, a resin sheet, or a foam material such as urethane resin.

[0105] The seat cushion 101 can change the hardness of the sitting portion of the seat cushion 101 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 FIG. 11 , in the soft mode in which the second member 116 and the first member 113 are sufficiently far apart, when an occupant sits on the seat cushion 101, the first member 113 receives a load from the occupant, causing a central portion of the first member 113 to bend downward. At this time, because the second member 116 is far from the first member 113, the load of the occupant is supported only by the first member 113, and the amount of deformation of the first member 113 becomes relatively large. This allows the seat cushion 101 to provide the occupant with a soft sitting comfort.

[0106] As shown in FIG. 12 , in the hard mode in which 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 a load from the occupant, causing the center portion of the first member 113 to lower. At this time, the second member 116 contacts the underside 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 sitting comfort than in the soft mode. As the second member 116 approaches the first member 113 due to extension of the lifting device 115, the first member 113 becomes less likely to deform, and the seat cushion 101 becomes harder. 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 hardness of the seat cushion 101 may be changed depending on the reclining state of the seat 100. That is, the lifting device 115 may expand and contract 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 direction 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 configuration between a drive mode suitable for driving and a comfort mode. In the comfort mode shown in Figure 13, the seat cushion 101 and the seat back 102 are tilted rearward compared to the drive mode shown in Figure 10. In addition, in the drive mode, the ottoman 105 is folded toward the seat cushion 101, and in the comfort mode, the ottoman 105 extends forward from the seat cushion 101. The hardness of the seat cushion 101 may be changed depending on the reclining state of the seat 100. That is, the lifting device 115 may expand and contract depending on the reclining state of the seat 100. When the seat 100 is in the comfort mode, it is preferable that the lifting device 115 expands and contracts more than in the drive mode.

[0109] In another embodiment, a seat frame forming the framework of the seat 100 is formed of a hollow tubular member. As shown in Fig. 14, the seat frame includes a seat cushion frame and a seat back frame. An example of a seat back frame 200 will be described below.

[0110] The seatback frame 200 includes left and right side members 201 extending vertically, upper members 202 extending laterally and joined 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 joined to the seat cushion frame. Each of the left and right side members 201, the upper members 202, and the left and right lower members 203 is formed of a tubular member. Each of the left and right side members 201, the upper members 202, and the left and right lower members 203 may be formed of a pipe material or may be formed by combining sheet metal members. A continuous air guide passage 206 is formed inside each of the left and right side members 201, the upper members 202, and the left and right lower members 203.

[0111] An intake port 207 connected to the air guide passage 206 is formed in the center in the left-right direction on the front surface of the upper member 202. A blower fan 208 is provided in the intake port 207. A plurality of 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 sucked from the outside into the air guide passage 206 through the intake port 207 and discharged from the plurality of discharge ports 209.

[0112] Pressure-receiving members 211 that support the back of an occupant from behind are attached to the left and right side members 201. The pressure-receiving members 211 include a flexible plate-shaped member 212 and a plurality of first wires 214 attached to the plate-shaped member 212. Each of the first wires 214 is preferably a flexible metal wire. As shown in FIG. 15 , each of the first wires 214 extends in the left-right direction and is joined to the plate-shaped member 212 at its center. The first wires 214 are arranged at intervals in the up-down direction. Each of the first wires 214 has a plurality of bent portions 215. Each of the bent portions 215 is preferably formed in an S-shape. The bent portions 215 improve the flexibility of the wire. The flexibility of the first wires 214 can be adjusted by adjusting the number and shape of the bent portions 215.

[0113] The pressure-receiving member 211 may also have a plurality of second wires 217. Each second wire 217 is connected to the plate-like member 212. Each second wire 217 extends in the vertical direction and is arranged at intervals from one another in the horizontal direction. Each second wire 217 may pass inside the multiple bent portions 215 of each first wire 214.

[0114] In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 16 , a seat 303 will be described that is provided in a vehicle 300 having a battery 301 below a floor 302. The vehicle 300 may be an electric vehicle. As shown in FIG. 17 , the seats 303 include 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 that are provided in the cabin 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 on 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 on the floor 302 via a left-side sliding device 306. The right-side sliding device 306 and the left-side sliding device 306 have the same configuration.

[0115] The slide device 306 has left and right lower rails 307 extending in the front-rear direction, and left and right front upper rails 308 and left and right rear upper rails 308 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 slide device 306, and the left rear seat 303 is coupled to the left and right rear upper rails 308 of the left slide device 306. The right front seat 303 is coupled to the left and right front upper rails 308 of the right slide device 306, and the right rear seat 303 is coupled to the left and right rear upper rails 308 of the right slide device 306. The front upper rail 308 and the rear upper rail 308 can move independently of each other.

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

[0117] As shown in FIG. 16 , a battery accommodating recess 320 is provided below the floor 302. The battery accommodating 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 may be formed in a rectangular shape extending in the front-to-rear direction. The front wall 322 extends left and right along the front edge of the upper wall 321 and 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 extends downward from the upper wall 321. The left and right side walls 324 extend front and rear along the left and right side edges of the upper wall 321 and extend downward from the upper wall 321. Each side wall 324 is connected to the front wall 322 and the rear wall 323. The battery accommodating recess 320 is defined by an upper wall 321, a front wall 322, a rear wall 323, and left and right side walls 324, and opens downward. The depth of the battery accommodating recess 320 in the up-down direction is smaller than both the length in the front-rear direction and the length in the left-right direction.

[0118] A front battery mounting portion 327 is provided at the lower end of the center portion in the left-right direction of the front wall 322. The front battery mounting portion 327 is a recessed portion recessed upward from the lower edge of the front wall 322. The front battery mounting portion 327 preferably penetrates the front wall 322 in the front-to-rear direction. A rear battery mounting portion 328 is provided at the lower end of the center portion in the left-to-right direction of the rear wall 323. The rear battery mounting portion 328 is a recessed portion recessed upward from the lower edge of the rear wall 323. The rear battery mounting portion 328 preferably penetrates the rear wall 323 in the front-to-rear direction.

[0119] The battery 301 is accommodated in the battery accommodating recess 320. The height of the battery 301 in the up-down direction is smaller than both its length in the front-rear direction and its length in the left-right direction. A front battery connector 331 that connects to the front battery mounting portion 327 is provided at the front end of the battery 301. A rear battery connector 332 that connects to the rear battery mounting portion 328 is provided at the rear end of the battery 301. The front battery connector 331 is detachably coupled to the front battery mounting portion 327. The rear battery connector 332 is detachably coupled to the rear battery mounting portion 328. The front battery connector 331 is coupled to the front battery mounting portion 327 and the rear battery connector 332 is coupled to the rear battery mounting portion 328, thereby holding the battery 301 in the battery accommodating recess 320. The front battery connector 331 and the front battery mounting portion 327 are electrically connected, enabling the battery 301 to supply power to the vehicle 300. In addition, rear battery connection portion 332 and rear battery attachment portion 328 may be electrically connected to enable power supply from battery 301 to vehicle 300.

[0120] The front wall 322, the rear wall 323, and the left and right side walls 324 may be provided with locking portions 333 for fixing the battery 301 in the battery accommodating recess 320. In the front wall 322, the locking portions 333 may be provided on the sides of the front battery mounting portion 327. In the rear wall 323, the locking portions 333 may be provided on the sides of the rear battery mounting portion 328.

[0121] A protective member 341 is coupled to the lower end of the battery 301. The protective member 341 is formed in a plate shape and protrudes laterally beyond the battery 301. The protective member 341 covers the lower part of the battery 301 and the inside of the battery accommodating recess 320 from below. The protective member 341 is detachably coupled to a plurality of locking portions 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 FIG. 17 , each lower rail 307 is connected to the floor 302 via a plurality of connecting portions 307A. Each lower rail 307 may be directly connected to the floor 302 at the connecting portions 307A. Alternatively, each lower rail 307 may be connected to the floor 302 via a foot. In this case, the connecting portions 307A of the lower rail 307 serve as connecting portions 307A between the foot and the floor 302. The foot may be formed of a sheet metal member. Each lower rail 307 may be fastened to the floor 302 at the connecting portions 307A.

[0123] 17 , when viewed from above, the joint portion 307A of each lower rail 307 is preferably provided at a position that does not overlap with the front battery mounting portion 327 or the rear battery mounting portion 328. In other words, the joint portion 307A of each lower rail 307 is preferably provided at a position that does not lie directly above the front battery mounting portion 327 or the rear battery mounting portion 328. This embodiment can improve the mounting rigidity of each seat 303. Furthermore, interference between the joint portion 307A of each lower rail 307 and the front battery mounting portion 327 or the rear battery mounting portion 328 can be avoided.

[0124] In another example, when viewed from above, at least one of the coupling portions 307A of each lower rail 307 may be provided at a position overlapping with each of the front battery mounting portion 327 and the rear battery mounting portion 328. In other words, the coupling portion 307A of each lower rail 307 may be provided directly above each of the front battery mounting portion 327 and the rear battery mounting portion 328.

[0125] 20 , at least one of the joint portions 307A of each lower rail 307 may be provided at a position overlapping the front wall 322 or the rear wall 323 when viewed from above. Specifically, when viewed from above, the joint portion 307A at the front end of the lower rail 307 may be provided at a position overlapping the front wall 322. When viewed from above, the joint portion 307A at the rear end of the lower rail 307 may be provided at a position overlapping the rear wall 323. In another example, when viewed from above, the multiple joint portions 307A of each lower rail 307 may be provided at positions that do not overlap the front wall 322 or the rear wall 323.

[0126] 21 , at least one of the coupling portions 307A of each lower rail 307 may be provided at a position overlapping the left or right side wall 324 when viewed from above. Specifically, when viewed from above, the coupling portion 307A of the right lower rail 307 of the right slide device 306 may be provided at a position overlapping the right side wall 324. When viewed from above, the coupling portion 307A of the left lower rail 307 of the left slide device 306 may be provided at a position overlapping the left side wall 324. In another example, the coupling portion 307A of each lower rail 307 may be provided at a position not overlapping the left or right side wall 324 when viewed from above.

[0127] A reinforcing structure may be provided on the upper wall 321. In this case, it is preferable that at least one of the joining portions 307A of each lower rail 307 is provided at a position overlapping the reinforcing member when viewed from above. The reinforcing structure may be a three-dimensional shape such as a bead or unevenness, a thick portion of the upper wall 321, or a reinforcing plate joined to the upper wall 321. In another example, the joining portion 307A of each lower rail 307 may be provided at a position not overlapping the reinforcing structure when viewed from above.

[0128] When viewed from above, the multiple locking portions 333 may be provided at positions that do not overlap with the front battery mounting portion 327 and the rear battery mounting portion 328. In other words, the multiple locking portions 333 may be provided at positions that avoid the front battery mounting portion 327 and the rear battery mounting portion 328. In another example, the multiple locking portions 333 may be provided at positions that overlap with the front battery mounting portion 327 and the rear battery mounting portion 328 when viewed from above.

[0129] As shown in FIG. 22 , a second rear wall 351 may be provided rearward of the rear wall 323. The second rear wall 351 protrudes downward from the floor 302 and extends laterally. Left and right second side walls 352 may be provided outwardly of the left and right side walls 324. Each second side wall 352 protrudes downward from the floor 302 and extends in the front-to-rear direction. The rear ends of each second side wall 352 are connected to left and right ends of the second rear wall 351. The front portions of each second side wall 352 extend along the left and right outer surfaces of the corresponding left and right side walls 324. The front ends of each second side wall 352 are located rearward of the front ends of the corresponding left and right side walls 324. 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 laterally. Each second side wall 352 protrudes downward from the floor 302 and extends in the front-to-rear direction. The front ends of each second side wall 352 are connected to the left and right ends of the second front wall 354. The rear ends of each second side wall 352 are connected to the front wall 322.

[0130] When viewed from above, each connecting portion 307A of each lower rail 307 is preferably provided at a position overlapping the front wall 322, the rear wall 323, and the second rear wall 351. In addition, when viewed from above, the connecting portion 307A at the front end of the lower rail 307 is preferably provided at a position overlapping the third side wall 355.

[0131] 22, a battery attachment portion 335 may be provided on each of the left and right side walls 324. In this case, the battery connection portion 336 may be provided on the left and right side edges of the battery 301.

[0132] In FIG. 22, the lower rails 307 disposed on the left and right outer sides may be provided at positions overlapping the side walls 324.

[0133] Another embodiment of the vehicle seat will be described below, which is an example of a seat that constitutes a rear seat of a passenger car.

[0134] 23 and 24, the seat 401 has a seat cushion 402 and a seat back 403 rotatably supported on the rear part 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] 25, the seat cushion 402 has a seat cushion frame 405 forming a skeleton, a pad 406 supported by the seat cushion frame 405, and a cover material 407 covering the pad 406. The seat cushion frame 405 has left and right side members 411 extending in the front-to-rear direction, a front member 412 extending left and right and connected to front ends of the left and right side members 411, and a rear member 413 extending left and right and connected to rear ends of the left and right side members 411. A plurality of S-shaped springs 414 extending in the front-to-rear direction are stretched across the front member 412 and the rear member 413.

[0136] The seat cushion frame 405 has seat back support parts 415 extending upward from the rear parts of the left and right side members 411. Seat back frames 418 are connected to the left and right seat back support parts 415 via reclining devices 416. The seat back frames 418 are supported by the left and right seat back support parts 415 so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis extending left and right. As shown in FIGS. 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 part of the seat cushion 402 and a folded position where it extends forward from the rear part of the seat cushion 402 and overlaps with the seat cushion 402.

[0137] As shown in FIGS. 23 to 25, the seat cushion frame 405 is supported by a seat mount 424 provided on a vehicle body panel via an arm 421 and a support bracket 422. The arm 421 is welded to one side of the side member 411 and extends upward from the side member 411. The arm 421 is welded to the side member 411 arranged on the vehicle exterior side. The support bracket 422 is connected 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 extending in the front-rear direction. 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 extending in the front-to-rear direction. When the seat back 403 is in the folded position, the seat cushion 402 can rotate between a use position in which the seat surface faces upward and a storage position in which the seat surface faces the side wall of the vehicle body. As shown in FIG. 23, when the seat cushion 402 is in the use position and the seat back 403 is in the upright position, the seat 401 is in the use configuration. As shown in FIG. 24, when the seat cushion 402 is in the storage position and the seat back 403 is in the folded position, the seat 401 is in the storage configuration. Below, the positional relationship of each component will be explained based on the use configuration of the seat 401.

[0139] 26, arm 421 extends vertically and front-to-rear and has an arm main body 421A supported at its upper end by a support bracket 422, and a pair of front and rear arm coupling parts 421B extending laterally from the lower end of arm main body 421A and welded to side member 411. Arm 421 is preferably formed from a sheet metal member.

[0140] As shown in Figures 23 to 25, support legs 428 are connected to the front member 412 and the rear member 413 so as to be rotatable around a rotation axis extending in the front-rear direction. A locking device 429 is provided at the tip of the support leg 428. When the seat cushion 402 is in the use position, the support leg 428 extends downward from the side member 411 and connects to a striker provided on the floor of the vehicle. When the seat cushion 402 is in the stored position, the support leg 428 extends downward from the front member 412 and the rear member 413 along the underside of the seat cushion 402.

[0141] As shown in FIG. 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 outer side 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 disposed adjacent to the front or rear of the first cover 441. As shown in FIGS. 27 and 28 , a protrusion 443 extending toward the second cover 442 is provided on the end of the first cover 441 facing the second cover 442. A recess 444 that receives the protrusion 443 is provided on the end of the second cover 442 facing the first cover 441. The recess 444 penetrates the second cover 442 in the thickness direction.

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

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

[0144] As shown in Fig. 25, the front and rear first cover lower parts 441B are arranged separately in the front and rear and extend inwardly to the left and right from the lower end of the arm main body part 421A. As shown in Figs. 25 and 28, the front and rear first cover lower parts 441B cover the upper parts of the corresponding front and rear arm connecting parts 421B and extend above the side members 411 to which the front and rear arm connecting parts 421B are welded. The front and rear first cover lower parts 441B cover weld parts 447 between each arm connecting part 421B and the side member 411. The front-to-rear width of each first cover lower part 441B is greater than the front-to-rear width of each arm connecting part 421B.

[0145] As shown in Figures 27 and 28, the rear edge of the rear first cover lower part 441B extends generally in the left-right direction. A protrusion 443 is provided on the first cover lower part 441B. The protrusion 443 is provided on the rear edge of the first cover 441 and protrudes rearward. 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 in a rectangular shape extending in the left-right direction.

[0146] A restricting wall 449 that protrudes upward and extends laterally is provided on the upper surface of the first cover 441. The restricting wall 449 has a surface facing rearward. The restricting wall 449 is provided on the upper surface of the rear first cover lower part 441B. The restricting wall 449 is located forward of the protruding portion 443.

[0147] 29, first cover 441 is locked to arm 421 by a plurality of locking claws 451 provided on the back side thereof. Some of locking claws 451 are provided on first cover lower portion 441B.

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

[0149] The second cover front portion 453 has side wall portions 453A disposed outwardly to the left and right of the side member 411, an upper wall portion 453B extending inwardly to the left and right from the upper edge of the side wall portion 453A, and a lower wall portion 453C extending inwardly to the left and right 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, and 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 second cover front portion 453. The recess 444 is provided on the front edge of the upper wall portion 453B of the second cover front portion 453, and is recessed toward the rear. The recess 444 also penetrates the upper wall portion 453B of the second cover front portion 453 in the up-down direction. The protrusion 443 protrudes into the recess 444. A small gap may be formed between the recess 444 and the protrusion 443.

[0151] The second cover rear portion 454 has side wall portions 454A disposed outwardly to the left and right of the side members 411 and the seat back support portion 415, and edge wall portions 454B extending inwardly to the left and right from the edges of the side wall portions 454A. The side wall portions 454A of the second cover rear portion 454 face 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 portions 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 disposed in front of, above, and behind the seat back support portion 415.

[0152] At least one rib 456 extending in the left and right direction is provided on the back surface of the second cover front portion 453. The rib 456 extends from the back surface of the top wall portion 453B of the second cover front portion 453 to the back surface of the side wall portion 453A of the second cover front portion 453. At least one of the ribs 456 is arranged on the left and right sides of the recessed portion 444. The rib 456 may be arranged forward of the rear end of the recessed portion 444. The rib 456 improves the rigidity of the second cover 442. In particular, the rib 456 improves the rigidity of the portion around the recessed portion 444.

[0153] A plurality of spacers 457 that come into contact with the side members 411 or the seat back support portions 415 are provided on the rear surface of the second cover 442. The spacers 457 extend inwardly to the left and right from the side wall portions 453A of the second cover front portion 453 or the side wall portions 454A of the second cover rear portion 454.

[0154] The second cover 442 may be locked 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] 30, the cover material 407 covers the first cover lower part 441B and the second cover front part 453. The cover material 407 has an upper cover material 407A that covers the upper surface of the seat cushion 402, and a lower cover material 407B that covers the lower surface of the seat cushion 402. The upper cover material 407A and the lower cover material 407B are detachably joined to each other at the side edge (right edge) on the arm 421 side. The upper cover material 407A and the lower cover material 407B may be sewn to each other or detachably joined to each other at the other side edges except for the side edge on the arm 421 side.

[0156] As shown in FIG. 23 , the side of the upper skin 407A facing the arm 421 is provided with a notch 407C recessed inwardly to the left and right. The side of the upper skin 407A facing the arm 421 is divided into front and rear extensions 407D by the notch 407C. The arm 421 covered with the first cover 441 is placed in the notch 407C. The front extension 407D passes in front of the arm 421 and extends downward. The rear extension 407D passes behind the arm 421 and extends downward. The front extension 407D covers the front first cover lower part 441B 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 protrusion 443 and the recess 444. The rear extension 407D covers the rear first cover lower part 441B and the second cover front part 453. Upper locking members 462 are provided at the lower ends of the front and rear extensions 407D, and are detachably locked to lower locking members 461 provided on the side edges of the lower cover material 407B. The lower locking members 461 and the upper locking members 462 may be hooks that engage with each other. In another embodiment, the lower locking members 461 and the 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 a side wall portion 454A of the second cover rear portion 454. A bracket cover 466 is placed over the support bracket 422.

[0158] A buckle 470 is provided on the left rear portion of the upper surface of the seat cushion 402. A tongue provided on a seat belt 471 is connected to the buckle 470. The buckle 470 is connected to the left side member 411, and preferably passes through the pad 406 and the upholstery material 407 to be exposed 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 on the right side of the seat 401. Retractors that retract 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, the seat belt 471 passes above the second cover front portion 453 and behind the arm 421 and extends to the buckle 470.

[0160] The effects of seat 401 according to this embodiment will be described below. Because protrusion 443 does not overlap second cover 442 in the thickness direction of second cover 442, the thickness of protective cover 440 can be reduced. Furthermore, because protrusion 443 can be seen from the outside when protective cover 440 is attached to side member 411 and arm 421, alignment of first cover 441 and second cover 442 is facilitated. As a result, the thickness of protective cover 440 in seat 401 can be reduced and alignment of protective cover 440 can be facilitated. Furthermore, because protrusion 443 fits into recess 444, the boundary between first cover 441 and second cover 442 is serpentine, making it difficult for seat belt 471 to enter the boundary between first cover 441 and second cover 442.

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

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

[0163] The cover 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] Although the description of the specific embodiment has been completed above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment and can be widely 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. Alternatively, the second cover 442 may be disposed forward of the first cover 441. [Explanation of symbols]

[0165] 1: Sheet 2: Seat cushion 3: First seat back 4: Second seat back 11: Seat cushion frame 12: First seat back frame 13: Second seat back frame 21: Side member 21A: Side member body 21B: Side member extension 21C: Convex part 21D: Edge wall 22: Former member 23: Later member 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 44C: Rear flange 44D: Upper 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

1. A vehicle seat, Seat cushion frame, a seat back frame rotatably supported by the seat cushion frame, The seat cushion frame includes left and right side members extending in the front-rear direction, front members extending in the left and right direction and connected to front portions of the side members, rear members extending in the left and right direction and connected to rear portions of the side members, and support members connected to rear ends of the side members and extending upward, At least one of the support members has a support member lower portion coupled to the left and right outer surfaces of the side member, and a support member upper portion extending upward and inwardly to the left and right from the support member lower portion and rotatably supporting the seat back frame, When viewed from the up-down direction, an upper portion of the support member overlaps with the side member, The side member has a side member main body portion extending in the front-rear direction and a side member extension portion protruding upward from a rear end of the side member main body portion, the support member lower portion is coupled to the side member extension portion, When viewed from the up-down direction, the upper portion of the support member overlaps with the side member extension portion, One of the side member expansion portion and the support member lower portion has a convex portion extending vertically, The other of the side member extension portion and the support member lower portion has a receiving groove that receives the protrusion.

2. the protrusions are provided at the front and rear edges of the side member expansion portion, 2. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, wherein the receiving grooves are provided at the front and rear edges of the lower part of the support member.

3. the support member is formed of a sheet metal member, 3. The vehicle seat according to claim 2, wherein edge walls are provided at the front and rear edges of the support member, protruding outward to the left and right and extending from the lower portion of the support member to the support member.

4. Reinforcing plates are provided on the left and right outer surfaces of the support member, 4. The vehicle seat according to claim 3, wherein the reinforcing plate is joined to the front and rear edge walls.

5. The upper portion of the support member has a bulging portion bulging inwardly to the left and right, The seat back frame is rotatably supported by the bulging portion, 5. The vehicle seat according to claim 4, wherein the bulging portion is disposed above and spaced from an upper edge of the side member extension portion.

6. A vehicle seat, Seat cushion frame, a seat back frame rotatably supported by the seat cushion frame, The seat cushion frame includes left and right side members extending in the front-rear direction, front members extending in the left and right direction and connected to front portions of the side members, rear members extending in the left and right direction and connected to rear portions of the side members, and support members connected to rear ends of the side members and extending upward, At least one of the support members has a support member lower portion coupled to the left and right outer surfaces of the side member, and a support member upper portion extending upward and inwardly to the left and right from the support member lower portion and rotatably supporting the seat back frame, When viewed from the up-down direction, an upper portion of the support member overlaps with the side member, The left and right side members are connected to the floor via slide devices, the slide device includes a lower rail connected to the floor, and an upper rail slidably provided on the lower rail and connected to the side member, The lower rail is provided with a lower locking member whose tip faces downward and extends in the front-rear direction, The side member is provided with an upper locking member whose tip faces upward and extends in the front-rear direction, the upper engaging member faces the lower engaging member from below with a gap therebetween, and is connected to the side member at a front joint portion and a rear joint portion that are spaced apart from each other in the front and rear directions, a joint portion between the rear member and the side member is provided rearward of the front joint portion and forward of the rear joint portion, The vehicle seat has a joint portion between the seat belt buckle and the side member provided rearward of the front joint portion and forward of the joint portion between the rear member and the side member.

7. A vehicle seat, Seat cushion frame, a seat back frame rotatably supported by the seat cushion frame, The seat cushion frame includes left and right side members extending in the front-rear direction, front members extending in the left and right direction and connected to front portions of the side members, rear members extending in the left and right direction and connected to rear portions of the side members, and support members connected to rear ends of the side members and extending upward, At least one of the support members has a support member lower portion coupled to the left and right outer surfaces of the side member, and a support member upper portion extending upward and inwardly to the left and right from the support member lower portion and rotatably supporting the seat back frame, When viewed from the up-down direction, an upper portion of the support member overlaps with the side member, the seatback frame includes left and right back side members extending vertically, an upper member extending horizontally and connected to upper ends of the left and right back side members, and a lower member extending horizontally and connected to lower ends of the left and right back side members, At least one of the back side members has a pipe portion extending vertically and a side plate connected to a lower portion of the pipe portion, The side plate has a plate main body portion that extends vertically and faces left and right, and a front flange portion and a rear flange portion that protrude left and right inward from a front edge and a rear edge of the plate main body portion, The pipe portion has a linear portion extending vertically in a straight line, and an inclined portion extending downward and laterally inward from a bent portion provided at a lower end of the linear portion, an upper portion of the plate body portion is disposed along the linear portion; a lower portion of the plate body portion is disposed on the left and right outer sides of the bent portion with a gap therebetween; a reinforcing bead extending downward from the bent portion is provided at the lower portion of the plate body; The upper part of the support member is provided on the left and right outer sides of the lower part of the plate main body via a reclining device, A vehicle seat in which levers coupled to an operating shaft of the reclining device are disposed on the inner left and right sides of the lower portion of the plate main body.

8. the front flange portion is welded to the linear portion, 8. The vehicle seat according to claim 7, wherein the rear flange portion is welded to the linear portion and the inclined portion.

Images