Vehicle seats

Abstract

To provide a vehicular seat which enables an airbag module to be coupled to a seat back frame part and enables forming of an outer shape of a seat back.SOLUTION: A vehicular seat 1 includes: a seat back frame part 19 forming a framework of a seat back; a frame bracket 34 coupled to the seat back frame part at one side as seen in a lateral direction; a module bracket 36 supporting an airbag module and fastened to the frame bracket; and a shape forming member 80 which is coupled to the seat back frame part at the one side as seen in the lateral direction and defines an outer shape of the seat back. Clearances V, W are formed between the seat back frame part at the one side as seen in the lateral direction and the shape forming member, and the frame bracket and the module bracket are fastened to each other at the front side of the clearances.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Relates to a vehicle seat provided with an airbag.

Background Art

[0002] There is a vehicle seat for a rear seat, which includes an airbag module in the seat back, and the seat back is displaceable between a standing position where the seat back stands up and functions as a backrest, and a storage position where the seat back is tilted forward and the back surface of the seat back is continuous with the floor surface of the luggage compartment (for example, Patent Document 1). The seat back of the vehicle seat of Patent Document 1 includes a back frame serving as its skeleton and a plate-shaped back panel coupled to the back surface of the back frame. The back frame is formed of a metal pipe member bent into a substantially square frame shape, and the back panel has a substantially square plate shape covering the back surface of the pipe member.

[0003] The back panel has an extension portion that projects outward from the vehicle outside from behind the back frame at the vehicle outer side edge portion. A plurality of boss portions protruding toward the back frame side are formed on the extension portion, and an airbag module is fastened to the protruding end surface of the boss.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In the vehicle seat of Patent Document 1, since the back panel is provided with an extension portion, there is a problem that the seat back tends to be heavy. On the other hand, if the airbag module is provided on the side portion of the side frame without providing the extension portion, the shape of the seat back is determined by the shape of the airbag module, and there is a problem that the outer shape of the seat back cannot be formed as intended.

[0006] In view of the above background, the present invention aims to enable the integration of an airbag module into the seatback frame and to allow the outer shape of the seatback to be molded. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To solve the above problems, the vehicle seat (1, 201, 301) according to the present invention comprises a seat back frame portion (19) that forms the skeleton of the seat back, a frame bracket (34) coupled to the seat back frame portion on one side in the left-right direction, a module bracket (36) that supports an airbag module and is fastened to the frame bracket, and a molding member (80, 280, 380) coupled to the seat back frame portion on one side in the left-right direction and defining the outer shape of the seat back, wherein a gap (V, W) is formed between the seat back frame portion and the molding member on one side in the left-right direction, and the frame bracket and the module bracket are fastened to each other in front of the gap.

[0008] According to this embodiment, by providing a molded member, the outer shape of the seat back can be molded to suit the usage environment. Furthermore, a gap is formed between the molded member and the seat back frame, allowing access from the rear through the gap to the fastening portion between the frame bracket and the module bracket. As a result, by inserting a fastening tool into the gap from the rear, the frame bracket and the module bracket can be fastened together, and the airbag module can be attached to the seat back frame.

[0009] Furthermore, according to one aspect of the present invention, the airbag module and the frame bracket are fastened to each other at at least two fastening points (P1, P2), and the at least two fastening points are each located on the front side of the gap.

[0010] In this embodiment, the airbag module and the frame bracket are fastened to each other at multiple fastening points, resulting in a strong connection between them. Furthermore, since the fastening points are located on the front side of the gap, the airbag module and the frame bracket can be fastened by inserting a tool from the rear.

[0011] Furthermore, according to one aspect of the present invention, it is preferable that the upper or lower edge of the module bracket be visible from the rear through the gap.

[0012] In this embodiment, the upper or lower edge of the module bracket can be seen from the rear through the gap between the left side frame and the molded member, allowing the worker to accurately determine the position of the module bracket when assembling the airbag module. This allows the worker to easily position the airbag module correctly, improving the efficiency of airbag module assembly.

[0013] Furthermore, according to one aspect of the present invention, the upper and lower edges of the module bracket are visible from the rear through the gap, the upper and lower edges of the frame bracket are visible from the rear through the gap, and the vertical width of the module bracket and the vertical width of the frame bracket are substantially the same.

[0014] According to this embodiment, the worker can easily and accurately determine the vertical position of the module bracket and the vertical position of the frame bracket through the through-hole. This allows the worker to easily position the module bracket and the frame bracket in a mutually aligned position. Thus, the assembly workability of the module bracket is improved.

[0015] Furthermore, according to one aspect of the present invention, the molded member may be a bent wire member.

[0016] According to this embodiment, the weight of the molded member can be reduced. Furthermore, the structure of the molded member can be simplified.

[0017] Furthermore, according to one aspect of the present invention, the pan frame (20) is coupled to the back surface of the seat back frame frame and includes an extension (32) that extends outward to the left and right from the upper part of the seat back frame frame on one side in the left-right direction, wherein the molded member includes a portion that extends between the lower edge of the extension and the lower part of the seat back frame frame on one side in the left-right direction, and a through hole (X) is defined by the lower edge of the extension, the molded member, and the lower part of the seat back frame frame on one side in the left-right direction, and the frame bracket and the module bracket are fastened to each other on the front side of the through hole.

[0018] According to this embodiment, the frame bracket and the module bracket can be fastened together by inserting a fastening tool into the through-hole.

[0019] Furthermore, according to one aspect of the present invention, the seat back frame and the airbag module have pad members (21) that cover them from the left and right outer sides, and the molded member is in contact with the left and right inner surfaces of the pad member.

[0020] In this embodiment, the molded member abuts against the left and right inner surfaces of the pad member, and the seat back is supported from the left and right inner sides by the molded member. This allows the position of the pad member to be determined and the outer shape of the seat back to be formed.

[0021] Also, according to one aspect of the present invention, the seat back frame portion has a pair of left and right side frames (26) and an upper frame (27) connecting the two side frames. The molding member has an upper molding member portion (81) and a lower molding member portion (83) coupled to the side frame, and a central molding member portion (82) that vertically connects the upper molding member portion and the lower molding member portion on the left and right outer sides of the side frame. An upper attachment portion coupled to the side frame is provided on the upper molding member portion, and the upper attachment portion may be located on the front side of the extending portion.

[0022] According to this aspect, since the upper attachment portion is covered from behind by the extending portion, the upper attachment portion can be protected.

[0023] Also, according to one aspect of the present invention, bent portions (81A) bent downward are provided at the left and right inner ends of the upper molding member portion, and the upper attachment portion may be provided on the bent portions.

[0024] According to this aspect, the bent portions are formed to extend downward. Therefore, compared with the case where the bent portions are formed to extend upward, the upper portion of the molding member does not protrude upward. Therefore, the vertical size of the molding member can be reduced.

[0025] Also, according to one aspect of the present invention, beads (89) are formed on the side frame, and the coupling portion between the side frame and the lower end of the molding member may be provided on the rear side of the bead.

[0026] According to this aspect, the rigidity of the side frame is increased by providing the beads. Since the lower end of the molding member is coupled to the rear side of the portion where the rigidity is increased, the side frame can more reliably support the molding member.

[0027] Further, according to one aspect of the present invention, the side frame includes a lower portion of the side frame (26D) formed by a sheet metal member (29) having a surface facing in the left - right direction, the lower portion of the side frame has a frame bending portion (30) bent inward in the left - right direction, and the lower end of the forming member may be coupled to the side frame below the frame bending portion.

[0028] According to this aspect, a frame bending portion is provided on the side frame, and the lower end of the forming member is coupled to the side frame below the inner bending portion. Thereby, the width of the seat back in the left - right direction can be reduced at the lower portion, and the seat back can be formed to conform to the human body shape.

[0029] Further, according to one aspect of the present invention, at least a part of the central portion of the forming member may extend along the left - right outer edges of the airbag module in a rear view.

[0030] According to this aspect, it is difficult for a gap to occur between the central portion of the forming member and the left - right outer edges of the airbag module. Thereby, it is difficult for a step to occur on the front surface of the seat back, and the design property of the seat back is improved.

[0031] Further, according to one aspect of the present invention, the central portion of the forming member may extend along the left - right outer edges of the extending portion of the pan - frame at least in part.

[0032] According to this aspect, since the forming member is provided along the left - right outer edges of the extending portion, the edge portion of the extending portion is reinforced by the forming member, and the rigidity of the seat back frame is improved.

[0033] Further, according to one aspect of the present invention, it further includes an outer skin member provided on the outer surface of the pad member, a force - distributing wire (102) engaged with the frame bracket, and a force - distributing cloth (110) connecting the force - distributing wire and the outer skin member, and the force - distributing wire and the force - distributing cloth may be engaged in front of the through - hole.

[0034] According to this embodiment, the connection between the reinforcing wire and the reinforcing fabric can be visually inspected through the through-hole. This facilitates the assembly of the vehicle seat.

[0035] Furthermore, according to one aspect of the present invention, it is preferable that a gap is provided in the front-rear direction between the molded member and the airbag module.

[0036] According to this embodiment, the airbag module can be easily placed on the molded member during assembly, thereby improving the assembly efficiency of the vehicle seat. [Effects of the Invention]

[0037] With the above configuration, the vehicle seat has a seat back frame that forms the skeleton of the seat back, a frame bracket connected to the seat back frame on one side in the left-right direction, a module bracket that supports the airbag module and is fastened to the frame bracket, and a molding member connected to the seat back frame on one side in the left-right direction and defining the outer shape of the seat back. A gap is formed between the seat back frame on one side in the left-right direction and the molding member, and the frame bracket and module bracket are fastened to each other at the front of the gap. By providing the molding member, the outer shape of the seat back can be molded to suit the usage environment. Furthermore, a gap is formed between the molding member and the seat back frame, and the fastening portion between the frame bracket and the module bracket can be accessed from the rear through the gap. As a result, by inserting a fastening tool into the gap from the rear, the frame bracket and module bracket can be fastened and the airbag module can be attached to the seat back frame.

[0038] Furthermore, in an embodiment where the airbag module and frame bracket are fastened to each other at at least two fastening points, and at least two fastening points are each located on the front side of the gap, the airbag module and frame bracket are fastened to each other at multiple fastening points, resulting in a strong connection between them. Also, because the fastening points are located on the front side of the gap, the airbag module and frame bracket can be fastened by inserting a tool from the rear.

[0039] Furthermore, in a configuration where the upper or lower edge of the module bracket is visible from the rear through a gap, the worker can accurately determine the position of the module bracket when assembling the airbag module by viewing the upper or lower edge of the module bracket from the rear through the gap between the left side frame and the molded member. This allows the worker to easily position the airbag module correctly, improving the efficiency of airbag module assembly.

[0040] Furthermore, in an embodiment where the upper and lower edges of the module bracket are visible from the rear through a gap, and the upper and lower edges of the frame bracket are visible from the rear through a gap, and the vertical width of the module bracket and the vertical width of the frame bracket are substantially the same, the worker can easily and accurately grasp the vertical position of the module bracket and the vertical position of the frame bracket through the through hole. This allows the worker to easily position the module bracket and the frame bracket in a mutually aligned position. Thus, the assembly workability of the module bracket is improved.

[0041] Furthermore, if the molded member is a bent wire member, the weight of the molded member can be reduced. Also, the structure of the molded member can be simplified.

[0042] Furthermore, in an embodiment in which a pan frame is connected to the back surface of the seat back frame and includes an extension portion that extends outward to the left and right from the upper part of the seat back frame on one side in the left-right direction, and the molded member includes a portion that extends between the lower edge of the extension portion and the lower part of the seat back frame on one side in the left-right direction, and a through hole is defined that penetrates from front to back by the lower edge of the extension portion, the molded member, and the lower part of the seat back frame on one side in the left-right direction, and the frame bracket and module bracket are fastened to each other in front of the through hole, the frame bracket and module bracket can be fastened by inserting a fastening tool into the through hole.

[0043] Furthermore, in a configuration in which the seat back frame and airbag module are covered from the left and right outer sides by pad members, and the molded member is in contact with the left and right inner surfaces of the pad member, the molded member is in contact with the left and right inner surfaces of the pad member, and the seat back is supported from the left and right inner sides by the molded member. This allows the position of the pad member to be determined and the outer shape of the seat back to be formed.

[0044] Furthermore, the seat back frame frame has a pair of left and right side frames and an upper frame connecting the two side frames, and the molded member has an upper part and a lower part of the molded member coupled to the side frames, and a central part of the molded member that connects the upper part and the lower part of the molded member vertically on the left and right outer sides of the side frames, and an upper mounting part is provided on the upper part of the molded member coupled to the side frame, and the upper mounting part is located in front of the extension, so the upper mounting part can be protected as it is covered from behind by the extension.

[0045] Furthermore, in a configuration where the left and right inner ends of the upper part of the molded member are provided with bent portions that are folded downward, and the upper mounting portion is provided on the bent portion, the bent portion is formed to extend downward. Therefore, compared to the case where the bent portion is formed to extend upward, the upper part of the molded member does not protrude upward. Thus, the vertical size of the molded member can be reduced.

[0046] Furthermore, the seat back frame frame has a pair of left and right side frames and an upper frame connecting the two side frames, and the molded member has an upper and lower part of the molded member that are coupled to the side frames, and a central part of the molded member that connects the upper and lower parts of the molded member vertically on the left and right outer sides of the side frames, and the upper part of the molded member has upper mounting parts that are bent downward in a front view at the left and right inner ends and coupled to the side frames. In this configuration, since the upper inner end of the molded member is bent upward, the upper part of the molded member does not protrude upward compared to the case where the upper inner end of the molded member is bent upward. Therefore, the vertical size of the molded member can be reduced.

[0047] Furthermore, in an embodiment where a bead is formed on the side frame and the connection portion between the side frame and the lower end of the molded member is provided behind the bead, the rigidity of the side frame is increased by the provision of the bead. Since the lower end of the molded member is connected to the rear of this increased rigidity portion, the side frame can support the molded member more reliably.

[0048] Furthermore, in an embodiment in which the side frame includes a lower side frame formed from a sheet metal member having a surface facing left to right, and the lower side frame has a frame bend that is bent inward in the left to right direction, and the lower end of the molded member is connected to the side frame below the frame bend, the side frame is provided with a frame bend, and the lower end of the molded member is connected to the side frame below the inward bend. This makes it possible to reduce the width of the seat back in the left to right direction at the bottom, and to form the seat back to fit the shape of a person's body.

[0049] Furthermore, in an embodiment in which at least a portion of the central part of the molded member extends along the left and right outer edges of the airbag module when viewed from the rear, gaps are less likely to occur between the central part of the molded member and the left and right outer edges of the airbag module. As a result, steps are less likely to occur on the front of the seat back, improving the design of the seat back.

[0050] Furthermore, in an embodiment in which the central part of the molded member extends along the left and right outer edges of the extension portion of the pan frame at least in part, the molded member is provided along the left and right outer edges of the extension portion, so the edges of the extension portion are reinforced by the molded member, and the rigidity of the seat back frame is improved.

[0051] Furthermore, in a configuration in which the pad member further comprises a surface member provided on the outer surface of the pad member, a reinforcing wire that engages with the frame bracket, and a reinforcing cloth connecting the reinforcing wire and the surface member, and the reinforcing wire and the reinforcing cloth are engaged in front of the through-hole, the connection point between the reinforcing wire and the reinforcing cloth can be visually inspected through the through-hole. This facilitates the assembly of the vehicle seat.

[0052] Furthermore, in a configuration where a gap is provided in the front-to-back direction between the molded member and the airbag module, the airbag module can be easily positioned on the molded member during assembly, thereby improving the assembly efficiency of the vehicle seat. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0053] [Figure 1] Perspective view of a vehicle seat according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Front view of a vehicle seat with the pad and surface material removed. [Figure 3] Section III-III in Figure 1 [Figure 4] Perspective view of the upper left of a vehicle seat with the pad and surface material removed. [Figure 5] Exploded perspective view showing the mounting structure of the airbag module to the side frame when viewed from the front. [Figure 6] Exploded perspective view showing the mounting structure of the airbag module to the side frame as seen from the rear. [Figure 7] (A) Front view and (B) Rear view of the upper left of the vehicle seat with the pad and surface material removed. [Figure 8]Rear view of a vehicle seat with the pad and surface material removed. [Figure 9] Side view of the upper left of a vehicle seat with the pad material, surface material, and airbag module removed. [Figure 10] Rear view of a vehicle seat with the surface material removed. [Figure 11] Diagrams showing the airbag module (A) before assembly, (B) during assembly, and (C) after assembly. [Figure 12] (A) Rear view of the vehicle seat according to the second embodiment and (B) rear view of the vehicle seat according to the third embodiment, with the pad member and surface member removed. [Figure 13] Explanatory diagram showing (A) the first modified form and (B) the second modified form of the reinforcing cloth. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0054] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the vehicle seat according to the present invention applied to the rear seat of an automobile will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following, the front, rear, left, right, and up and down directions will be described with reference to the front of the automobile.

[0055] <<First Embodiment>> As shown in Figure 1, the vehicle seat 1 according to the present invention constitutes the left side of the second-row rear seat in an automobile equipped with two rows of seats, front and rear. The vehicle seat 1 is installed on the floor 2 of the automobile and has a seat cushion 4 that supports the buttocks of the occupant, a seat back 5 supported at the rear of the seat cushion 4 and functioning as a backrest, and a headrest 6 provided on the upper part of each seat back 5.

[0056] The seat cushion 4 extends to the left and right, forming a seating surface 9 for two occupants. Below the seat cushion 4, a pair of lower rails 10 are provided, which are connected to the upper surface of the floor 2 and extend in the front-to-back direction. An upper rail is connected to each of the lower rails 10 so as to be slidable along the direction of extension of the lower rails 10. The seat cushion 4 is supported by the floor 2 via the lower rails 10 and the upper rails so as to be slidable in the front-to-back direction.

[0057] The seat back 5 is a roughly rectangular parallelepiped shape that extends vertically and has a forward-facing surface. A support surface 12 is formed on the front of the seat back 5 to support the backs of two occupants. At its lower end, the seat back 5 is rotatably connected to the rear end of the frame that constitutes the seat cushion 4 via a known reclining mechanism.

[0058] Two headrests 6 are provided side by side at the upper end of the seat back 5. Each headrest 6 is preferably rotatably connected to the seat back 5 at its lower end, with its axis in the left-right direction. Alternatively, the vehicle seat 1 may be an underfloor storage seat, where the seat back 5 can be folded forward and stored in a storage space formed in the floor 2 by operating a predetermined strap.

[0059] Next, the structure of the seat back 5 will be described. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the seat back 5 has a seat back frame 18 as a skeleton (see Figure 2), a pad member 21 supported by the seat back frame 18 (see Figure 3), a surface member 22 provided on the front of the pad member 21 and constituting the outer surface of the seat back 5 (see Figure 3), and an airbag module 23 supported by the seat back frame 18 (see Figures 2 and 3).

[0060] As shown in Figure 2, the seat back frame 18 forms the skeleton of the seat back 5 and comprises a seat back frame section 19 that is roughly rectangular in shape and a pan frame 20 (plate) positioned behind the seat back frame section 19. The seat back frame section 19 includes a pair of left and right side frames 26 (side members) that extend vertically, an upper frame 27 that extends horizontally and connects to the upper ends of the left and right side frames 26, and a lower frame (not shown) that extends horizontally and connects to the lower parts of the left and right side frames 26. The upper side frame sections 26U and upper frame 27, which constitute the upper parts of the left and right side frames 26 respectively, are formed by bending a single circular pipe material 28 into an inverted U-shaped gate. The lower side frame sections 26D, which constitute the lower parts of the left and right side frames 26 respectively, are formed by sheet metal members 29 having surfaces facing left and right. At the top, the sheet metal members 29 are welded to the ends of the pipe material 28 on the surfaces facing inward from the seat. The front and rear edges of the sheet metal member 29 are bent inward toward the seat. The lower ends of the left and right side frames 26 are rotatably connected to the frame constituting the seat cushion 4 via a reclining mechanism. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, the lower part 26D of the side frame is formed by two sheet metal members 29 arranged facing each other on the left and right sides and connected to each other.

[0061] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the lower part 26D of the left side frame is provided with a frame bend 30 that is folded inward in the left-right direction (i.e., to the right) at approximately the center in the vertical direction.

[0062] The pan frame 20 is a metal plate-shaped member, positioned on the rear sides of the two side frames 26 and the upper frame 27 with its surfaces facing front to back. As shown in Figure 6, the pan frame 20 includes a pan frame base 31 that covers the rear of the side frames 26, the upper frame 27, and the lower frame, and a pan frame extension 32 that extends from the pan frame base 31 to the left side of the side frame 26 on the outside (left side) of the vehicle. The pan frame 20 is welded to the upper frame 27 at its upper edge, to the lower frame at its lower edge, and to appropriate locations on the left and right side frames 26 at its left and right side edges. As shown in Figure 3, multiple reinforcing beads 31A and weight-reducing holes 31B may be provided at appropriate locations on the pan frame base 31.

[0063] As shown in Figure 3, the left side frame 26 is directly connected to a single frame bracket 34. A module bracket 36 (retainer) that holds the airbag module 23 is fastened to the frame bracket 34. The airbag module 23 is connected to the side frame 26 via the module bracket 36 and the frame bracket 34. The airbag module 23 is in the shape of a roughly rectangular parallelepiped extending along the extending direction of the side frame 26, and is positioned so that its outer surface faces left to right.

[0064] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the frame bracket 34 is a bent sheet metal member and has a roughly rectangular plate-shaped bracket base 42 that generally faces left to right, a bracket front piece 43 (see Figure 5) connected to the front edge of the bracket base 42, and a bracket inclined piece 44 (see Figure 6) connected to the rear end of the bracket base 42.

[0065] As shown in Figure 5, the bracket front piece 43 is plate-shaped and extends to the right from the front end of the bracket base 42. As shown in Figure 7(A), the bracket front piece 43 is welded to the front surface of the sheet metal member 29 that forms the lower left side frame 26D. In this embodiment, the bracket front piece 43 is welded to the front surface of the sheet metal member 29 at its upper right edge and lower right edge, respectively. In Figures 7(A) and (B), the welded areas are colored with dot hatching.

[0066] As shown in Figures 3 and 6, the bracket inclined piece 44 is plate-shaped and inclined to the right (inward towards the vehicle) towards the rear. As shown in Figure 7(B), the rear edge of the bracket inclined piece 44 is bent to the right and welded to the rear surface of the sheet metal member 29. In this embodiment, the bracket inclined piece 44 is welded to the rear surface of the sheet metal member 29 at its upper right edge and lower right edge, respectively. As a result, the frame bracket 34 is connected to the seat back frame portion 19 on one side in the left-right direction (the left side in this embodiment).

[0067] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, it is preferable that positioning holes 45 and 46 are provided in the frame bracket 34 and the sheet metal member 29, respectively. In this embodiment, the bracket base 42 is provided with two through-holes, which are positioning holes 45, and the sheet metal member 29 is also provided with two through-holes, which are positioning holes 46, at corresponding positions. During welding, by inserting a jig into the positioning holes 45 provided in the bracket base 42 and the corresponding positioning holes 46 provided in the sheet metal member 29, it becomes easy to maintain the frame bracket 34 in the appropriate position relative to the sheet metal member 29. This makes it easy to weld the frame bracket 34 to the sheet metal member 29 in the appropriate position. Furthermore, in order to facilitate welding between the frame bracket 34 and the sheet metal member 29, as shown in Figure 6, the pan frame 20 is provided with a welding work hole 47 that penetrates from front to back behind the frame bracket 34.

[0068] As shown in Figure 6, the bracket inclined piece 44 is provided with two stud bolts 48. More specifically, the stud bolts 48 are fixed to the bracket inclined piece 44 by passing them through holes provided in the bracket inclined piece 44 and welding them.

[0069] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the module bracket 36 is a bent sheet metal member and comprises a plate-shaped retainer base 50 extending in the front-rear and up-down directions, and a plate-shaped retainer inclined piece 51 connected to the rear edge of the retainer base 50 and inclined to the right toward the rear.

[0070] As shown in Figure 6, the retainer inclined piece 51 is provided with a bolt hole 52 that penetrates in the thickness direction. The retainer inclined piece 51 is positioned along the rear surface of the bracket inclined piece 44. The module bracket 36 is fastened to the frame bracket 34 by passing stud bolts 48 through the bolt holes 52 and tightening nuts 49 (fasteners) onto each stud bolt 48. In this embodiment, cap nuts are used as nuts 49. Hereafter, where necessary, the point where the frame bracket 34 and the module bracket 36 are fastened, i.e., the center position of the bolt hole 52, will be referred to as the fastening point P.

[0071] The module bracket 36 is provided with bolt holes 52 at positions corresponding to the stud bolts 48 of the bracket inclined piece 44. As a result, the frame bracket 34 and the module bracket 36 are fastened together at two fastening points P1 and P2 (see Figure 7).

[0072] In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, the vertical width of the module bracket 36 and the vertical width of the frame bracket 34 are substantially the same. More specifically, the vertical width of the bracket base 42 and the vertical width of the retainer base 50 are approximately equal, and when the frame bracket 34 and the module bracket 36 are fastened together, the upper edge of the bracket base 42 and the upper edge of the retainer base 50, and the lower edge of the bracket base 42 and the lower edge of the retainer base 50 are positioned to be aligned vertically.

[0073] As shown in Figure 3, the airbag module 23 comprises an airbag 61, an inflator 62 that releases gas into the airbag 61 to inflate and deploy it, and a substantially rectangular parallelepiped case 63 that houses the airbag 61 and the inflator 62. The inflator 62 is substantially cylindrical and has a male threaded portion 64 that protrudes radially outward from its outer circumferential surface.

[0074] The case 63 is roughly rectangular in shape. The case 63 comprises a case body 63A that opens outward on the left and right sides, and a lid 63B that closes the openings of the case body 63A. An airbag 61 and an inflator 62 are housed inside the case body 63A. As shown in Figure 6, the airbag 61 is housed inside the case 63 in a folded state. The left front edge of the lid 63B is provided with a tear-off section 65 that tears open when the airbag 61 inflates and deploys. The bottom wall of the case body 63A is provided with a through-hole 66 that penetrates through its thickness at a predetermined position.

[0075] The male threaded portion 64 protrudes from the inside of the case 63 through the through hole 66 to the outside. As shown in Figure 5, the retainer base 50 is provided with a bolt hole 56 that penetrates in the thickness direction, and the male threaded portion 64 is inserted into the bolt hole 56. The case 63 is fastened to the retainer base 50 by tightening a nut 67 onto the male threaded portion 64. As a result, the airbag module 23 is coupled to the module bracket 36 and held on the left side of the retainer base 50. In this embodiment, two through holes 58 are provided in the bracket base 42 to avoid interference between the male threaded portion 64 and the frame bracket 34 when the module bracket 36 is fastened to the frame bracket 34. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the through holes 58 and the positioning holes 45 may be connected and integrated.

[0076] As shown in Figures 2 and 8, the pan frame extension 32 extends to the left of the left side frame 26 and reaches the rear left end of the airbag module 23 in a rear view. As shown in Figure 9, the pan frame extension 32 is located spaced behind the airbag module 23, and a gap S is provided in the front-rear direction between the pan frame 20 and the airbag module 23.

[0077] As shown in Figure 8, the pan frame extension 32 overlaps the upper half of the airbag module 23 in a rear view, and the upper half of the airbag module 23 is covered from the rear by the pan frame extension 32. The upper edge of the pan frame extension 32 is positioned to be roughly aligned with the upper edge of the airbag module 23 in the vertical direction, and the lower edge of the pan frame extension 32 is positioned between the upper and lower edges of the airbag module 23 in the vertical direction. In this embodiment, the lower edge of the pan frame extension 32 is located approximately in the vertical center of the airbag module 23.

[0078] The pad member 21 is formed from a flexible cushioning material such as polyurethane foam. As shown in Figures 3 and 10, the pad member 21 includes a front pad member 70 (see Figure 3) that covers the seat back frame 19 and the airbag module 23 from the front, a side pad member 71 (see Figure 3) that is connected to the left-right outer end (i.e., the left side) of the front pad member 70 and extends to the rear, a rear pad member 72 (see Figures 3 and 10) that extends inward (i.e., to the right side) from the rear end of the side pad member 71, and an upper pad member 73 (see Figure 10) that connects the upper end of the front pad member 70, the upper end of the rear pad member 72, and the upper end of the side pad member 71. The rear pad member 72 covers the seat back frame 19 and the airbag module 23 from the rear, and the upper pad member 73 covers the seat back frame 19 and the airbag module 23 from above.

[0079] As shown in Figure 10, the rear pad member 72 is provided with a slit 75 extending outward (left side) from its inner edge (right edge). The slit 75 is a hole that penetrates the rear pad member 72 and is located below the frame bracket 34. As shown in Figure 8, the slit 75 is linear and extends substantially horizontally (i.e., extends in the left-right direction) and reaches the rear of the airbag module 23. In this embodiment, the slit 75 extends from the right edge of the rear pad member 72 to the left, along the lower end of the airbag module 23 in a rear view, and reaches the rear of the lower left end of the airbag module 23. As shown in Figure 8, the left-right width L1 of the slit 75 is set to be greater than or equal to the left-right width L2 of the airbag module 23. The slit 75 extends to the right from approximately the center of the rear pad member 72 in the left-right direction, reaching the right end of the rear pad member 72 and forming an open end 75A. That is, an open end 75A that opens to the right is formed on the right edge of the slit 75.

[0080] As shown in Figure 10, an auxiliary slit 76 is provided at the joint between the rear pad member 72 and the upper pad member 73, extending in the front-to-back direction. The auxiliary slit 76 is also a hole that extends in the front-to-back direction. In this embodiment, the auxiliary slit 76 extends from the upper inner edge (right edge) of the rear pad member 72 outward to the left and right (i.e., to the left). In this embodiment, the auxiliary slit 76 is linear and inclined upward from the upper right edge of the rear pad member 72 toward the left. At this time, the angle between the extension direction of the auxiliary slit 76 and the horizontal direction should be approximately 45 degrees.

[0081] As shown in Figure 10, in a rear view, the slit 75 is located below both of the two fastening points P1 and P2, and the auxiliary slit 76 is located above both of the two fastening points P1 and P2. In other words, the two fastening points P1 and P2 are located between the slit 75 and the auxiliary slit 76 in a rear view.

[0082] The side pad member 71 is a rectangular parallelepiped that extends vertically on the left and right outer sides (i.e., the left side) of the airbag module 23, covering the airbag module 23 from the left outer side. As shown in Figure 3, a deployment hole 77 is provided at the front of the side pad member 71. The deployment hole 77 is a hole that penetrates the side pad member 71 in the left-right direction and is formed on the left and right outer sides (i.e., the left side) of the airbag module 23. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 1, the deployment hole 77 is formed to extend vertically along the extending direction of the seat back 5, and as shown in Figure 3, the deployment hole 77 is located in front of the slit 75.

[0083] As shown in Figure 4, the vehicle seat 1 includes a molded member 80 connected to the seat back frame 19, more specifically to the left side frame 26. The molded member 80 is formed from a bent wire member and, as shown in Figure 7(A), is welded to the left side frame 26 at both ends. As shown in Figure 9, the molded member 80 is positioned behind the airbag module 23, and a gap T is formed in the front-rear direction between the airbag module 23 and the molded member 80. By constructing the molded member 80 from a wire member in this way, the weight of the molded member 80 can be reduced and the structure of the molded member 80 can be simplified.

[0084] As shown in Figure 4, the molded member 80 is welded to the upper part of the left side frame 26 and comprises a molded upper part 81 (upper part of the molded member) extending outward to the left from the left side frame 26, a molded central part 82 (central part of the molded member) extending downward from the left end of the molded upper part 81, and a molded lower part 83 (lower part of the molded member) extending downward to the right from the lower end of the molded central part 82 and welded to the lower part of the left side frame 26.

[0085] As shown in Figure 5, the left and right inner ends (right end in this embodiment) of the molded upper part 81 are provided with bent portions 81A formed by bending them downward along the upper part of the left side frame 26. As a result, the molded upper part 81 is formed of a main body portion 81B that extends in the left-right direction and an extended portion 81C that extends downward from the left and right inner ends (right end) of the main body portion 81B at its inner end. As shown in Figure 7(A), the upper mounting portion 85 is provided on the bent portion 81A, more specifically on the extended portion 81C, and the molded upper part 81 is welded to the upper left side surface of the left side frame 26 at the upper mounting portion 85. The upper mounting portion 85 is located on the front side of the upper edge of the pan frame extended portion 32. As a result, the upper mounting portion 85 is covered from the rear by the pan frame extended portion 32, thus protecting the upper mounting portion 85 from loads from the rear. The central and left ends of the molded upper part 81 are positioned to align front to back with the upper edge of the pan frame extension 32, and in a rear view, the central part of the molded upper part 81 extends left to right along the upper edge of the pan frame extension 32.

[0086] As shown in Figure 4, the central molding portion 82 extends downward from the left end of the upper molding portion 81 and comprises an upper portion 82A that extends along the left and right outer edges (i.e., the left edge) of the pan frame extension portion 32, and a lower portion 82B that extends downward from the lower end of the upper portion 82A. The upper portion 82A is the portion provided in the range from the upper end to the lower end of the left edge of the pan frame extension portion 32 when viewed from the rear, and the lower end of the upper portion 82A, i.e., the upper end of the lower portion 82B, is positioned to align front to back with the lower end of the left edge of the pan frame extension portion 32. The upper portion 82A and the lower portion 82B are each located to the left and right outer sides (i.e., to the left) of the left side frame 26, and as shown in Figure 8, a gap W is formed in the left-right direction between the lower portion 82B and the left side surface of the left side frame 26.

[0087] In this embodiment, the upper half 82A of the molded central portion 82 is joined to the left edge of the pan frame extension 32. More specifically, as shown in Figure 7(B), the upper half 82A is welded and joined to the left edge of the pan frame extension 32 at two locations.

[0088] As shown in Figure 7(A), the molded lower part 83 comprises a main body portion 86 extending roughly in a straight line downward and to the right from the lower end of the molded central portion 82, and a lower mounting portion 87 connected to the lower end of the main body portion 86 and welded to the left side surface of the left side frame 26. The main body portion 86 is inclined downward toward the right (inward in the left-right direction). The molded member 80 has a molded bend portion 88 that is bent inward to the left and right between the lower half portion 82B of the molded central portion 82 and the main body portion 86. The lower mounting portion 87 is formed by slightly bending the lower end of the molded member 80 downward along the left side frame 26. As shown in Figures 2, 7(B), and 8, the molded bend portion 88 is located above the frame bend portion 30, and the lower mounting portion 87 is located below the frame bend portion 30. The upper part of the main body portion 86 is located to the left of the left side frame 26, and a gap V is formed in the left-right direction between the upper part of the main body portion 86 and the left side frame 26.

[0089] As a result, as shown in Figures 7(B) and 8, the lower half 82B of the molded central portion 82 and the molded lower portion 83 connect to the lower edge of the pan frame extension 32 and the lower part of the left side frame 26. That is, the molded member 80 includes a portion that extends between the lower edge of the pan frame extension 32 and the lower part of the left side frame 26. Furthermore, a through hole X that penetrates in the front-rear direction is defined by the right edge of the lower half 82B of the molded central portion 82, the right edge of the molded lower portion 83, the lower edge of the pan frame extension 32, and the lower left edge of the left side frame 26.

[0090] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 8, at least a portion of the molded central portion 82 (in this embodiment, approximately the entire area of ​​the molded central portion 82, including the upper half 82A and the lower half 82B) extends along the left and right outer edges (i.e., the left edge) of the airbag module 23 in a rear view.

[0091] The pan frame extension 32 covers the upper part (upper half in this embodiment) of the airbag module 23 from the rear. Therefore, when the pad member 21 and the skin member 22 are not provided, the lower part (lower half) of the airbag module 23 is visible from the rear through the through hole X, as shown in Figures 7(B) and 8. Also, as shown in Figure 8, the lower edge of the pan frame extension 32 is located above both of the two fastening points P1 and P2. At least when the pad member 21 and the skin member 22 are not provided, both fastening points P1 and P2 are visible through the through hole X and can be accessed from the rear through the through hole X using a fastener (e.g., a universal wrench).

[0092] Furthermore, when the pad member 21 and the surface member 22 are not provided, the upper or lower edge of the module bracket 36 is visible from the rear through the gaps V and W between the left side frame 26 and the molded member 80. In this embodiment, the upper and lower edges of the module bracket 36 are visible from the rear through the through-hole X.

[0093] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5, the left side frame 26 is provided with vertically extending groove-shaped beads 89 to increase its rigidity. The lower mounting portion 87 is connected to the left side frame 26 behind the beads 89. In this embodiment, the beads 89 are formed as side frame recesses 89A that are recessed inward on both sides, and the lower mounting portion 87 is welded near the edge 89B of the side frame recesses 89A. As a result, the connection between the molded member 80 and the side frame 26 is located near the edge 89B of the bead 89, which is a part with increased rigidity, and the molded member 80 is firmly supported by the side frame 26.

[0094] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 9, the molding member 80 is approximately flush with the pan frame 20. That is, the molding member 80 and the pan frame 20 are arranged on approximately the same plane. The lower end of the molding member 80, more specifically the rear end of the lower mounting portion 87, is located close to the pan frame 20 in a side view.

[0095] The side pad member 71 is connected to the front pad member 70 at its leading edge and to the rear pad member 72 at its trailing edge. As shown in Figure 3, when the pad member 21 is assembled, the front pad member 70 is positioned in front of the molding member 80, and the rear pad member 72 is positioned behind the molding member 80. The side pad member 71 is pulled inward (i.e., to the right) by the front pad member 70 and the rear pad member 72, and contacts the molding member 80 from the left side. The molding member 80 contacts the left and right inner surfaces of the side pad member 71, i.e., the right side, restricting the rightward movement of the side pad member 71. This determines the position of the side pad member 71 and shapes the outer shape of the seat back 5. When a load directed to the right is applied to the left side of the seat back 5, the side pad member 71 is supported from the left and right inner sides by the molding member 80, preventing deformation of the seat back 5. In other words, the molding member 80 defines the outer shape of the seat back 5 and plays the role of forming the shape of the seat back 5.

[0096] As shown in Figure 9, the molded member 80 is located behind the airbag module 23, and a gap R is formed in the front-rear direction between the molded member 80 and the airbag module 23.

[0097] Furthermore, when the pad member 21 is assembled to the seat back frame portion 19, the slit 75 is located below the upper end of the molded member 80 and above the lower end of the molded member 80. At this time, the slit 75 and the molded member 80 overlap in the front-rear direction. In this embodiment, the slit 75 overlaps the molded lower portion 83 in the front-rear direction. In this embodiment, the distance L3 between the left end R1 (outer end in the left-right direction) of the portion of the molded lower portion 83 that overlaps with the slit 75 and the left end R2 (outer end in the left-right direction) of the slit 75 is set to be greater than or equal to the left-right width L2 of the airbag module 23.

[0098] The outer skin member 22 is formed by connecting multiple sheet-like members such as cloth or leather. As shown in Figure 3, the outer skin member 22 includes a front outer skin member 91 that covers the front surface of the front pad member 70 and the front left side of the side pad member 71, a left outer skin member 92 (outer outer skin member) that covers the rear left side of the side pad member 71, a rear outer skin member 93 that covers the rear surface of the rear pad member 72 and the rear surface of the pan frame 20, and an upper outer skin member 94 (see Figure 8) that covers the upper surface of the upper pad member 73. The front edge of the upper outer skin member 94 is sewn to the upper edge of the front outer skin member 91, the left edge of the upper outer skin member 94 is sewn to the upper edge of the left outer skin member 92, and the rear edge of the upper outer skin member 94 is sewn to the upper edge of the rear outer skin member 93.

[0099] As shown in Figure 3, the left edge of the front skin member 91 and the front edge of the left skin member 92 are sutured together to form a suture portion 95. This suture portion 95 functions as a weak point in the skin member 22 that breaks under a smaller load compared to other suture portions (for example, the suture portion between the front edge of the upper skin member 94 and the upper edge of the front skin member 91). The suture portion 95 extends vertically and is housed inside an unfolding hole 77 provided in the front of the side pad member 71.

[0100] The rear edge of the left skin member 92 and the left edge of the rear skin member 93 are joined to each other by a vertically extending linear fastener 97. More specifically, the side pad member 71 is recessed inward (i.e., to the right) at the rear edge of its left surface, and the rear pad member 72 is recessed forward at the left edge of its rear surface. As a result, as shown in Figure 3, the pad member 21 has a fastener housing recess 98 that is recessed inward at the connection point between the side pad member 71 and the rear pad member 72. The fastener housing recess 98 is at the connection point between the side pad member 71 and the rear pad member 72 and extends vertically at a position corresponding to the linear fastener 97. The linear fastener 97 is housed in the fastener housing recess 98.

[0101] As shown in Figure 10, the fastener housing recess 98 is located to the left of the opening end 75A. That is, the fastener housing recess 98 does not reach the right edge of the rear pad member 72, and the fastener housing recess 98 and the opening end 75A are located at different positions. This makes it possible to increase the rigidity of the area near the opening end 75A of the slit 75 of the rear pad member 72 compared to the case where the fastener housing recess 98 and the opening end 75A overlap, thereby preventing the pad member 21 from breaking.

[0102] As shown in Figure 5, the upper and lower parts of the bracket base 42 are each provided with fastening holes 100 that penetrate in the thickness direction, i.e., in the left-right direction. A reinforcing wire 102 is connected to the fastening holes 100. The reinforcing wire 102 is formed from a metal round bar that has been bent into a predetermined shape. As shown in Figure 3, the reinforcing wire 102 has a pair of upper and lower hooks 104 provided at both ends and each fastened to the fastening holes 100, a pair of upper and lower connecting parts 106 that extend forward from each hook 104 and reach the front of the airbag module 23, and a fastening part 108 that connects the front ends of the two connecting parts 106 to each other from above and below. The reinforcing wire 102 engages with the frame bracket 34 by fastening the hooks 104 provided at both ends to each of the fastening holes 100 of the frame bracket 34. Each connecting portion 106 is connected to a hook 104 at its rear end, passes between the bracket base 42 and the retainer base 50, reaches the front right of the airbag module 23, and bends to the left at its front end. As shown in Figure 9, the connecting portion 106 is pressed against the bracket base 42 by the airbag module 23 between the bracket base 42 and the retainer base 50. As a result, the reinforcing wire 102 is held between the frame bracket 34 and the module bracket 36, and its movement is restricted.

[0103] As shown in Figure 3, the vehicle seat 1 is provided with a reinforcing fabric 110 for tearing the surface member 22 when the airbag 61 inflates and deploys. The reinforcing fabric 110 is made of a sheet-like material that is less elastic than the surface member 22. One end of the reinforcing fabric 110 is sewn to the front surface member 91 and the left surface member 92 at a seam 95. The reinforcing fabric 110 extends from one end toward the fastening portion 108 of the reinforcing fabric wire 102. The other end of the reinforcing fabric 110 is provided with a J-shaped hook 112, which is fastened to the fastening portion 108 of the reinforcing fabric wire 102.

[0104] In this embodiment, the latching portion 108 includes a portion located in front of the through-hole X, and the reinforcing cloth 110 is connected to the reinforcing cloth wire 102 in at least a portion in front of the through-hole X. As a result, as shown in Figures 11(A) and 11(B), by moving the rear pad member 72, the worker can visually see the connection portion of the reinforcing cloth 110 and the reinforcing cloth wire 102 from the rear through the through-hole X.

[0105] Next, the operation of the vehicle seat 1 will be described. For example, when it is necessary to deploy the airbag 61 to protect the occupant, such as in the event of a frontal collision, the inflator 62 is activated by a signal from a known control device installed in the vehicle, and gas is supplied to the inside of the airbag 61. As a result, the airbag 61 inflates, and the case 63 opens at the left front edge.

[0106] The airbag 61 inflates to the left by the gas supplied from the inflator 62, and a load is applied to the reinforcing fabric 110. The load applied to the reinforcing fabric 110 causes the seam 95 to rupture, and an opening is formed in the outer material 22. The airbag 61 inflates to the left of the seat back 5 through the deployment hole 77 and the opening formed in the outer material 22. As a result, the airbag 61 inflates and deploys between the occupant seated in the vehicle seat 1 and the side wall of the vehicle compartment.

[0107] Next, the assembly method for the vehicle seat 1 will be described. After welding the frame bracket 34 and the molded member 80 to the seat back frame 19, the worker places the pad member 21 over the seat back frame 19, frame bracket 34, and molded member 80, as shown in Figure 11(A). At this time, it is advisable to pre-bond (adhere) the rear surface of the front surface member 91 to the front surface of the front pad member 70, and the right surface of the left surface member 92 to the left surface of the side pad member 71.

[0108] When the pad member 21 is placed over the seat back frame portion 19, frame bracket 34, and molded member 80, the front pad member 70 is positioned on the front side of the seat back frame portion 19, bracket, and molded member 80, the side pad member 71 is positioned on the left side of the seat back frame portion 19, bracket, and molded member 80, and the rear pad member 72 is positioned on the rear side of the seat back frame portion 19, bracket, and molded member 80.

[0109] At this time, as shown in Figure 3, the front pad member 70 is in contact with the left side frame 26 on its rear surface. As a result, the front pad member 70 and the molded member 80, more specifically the rear surface of the front pad member 70 and the right end portion of the molded member 80 are separated in the front-rear direction. In addition, the left end of the molded member 80 is in contact with the right side surface of the side pad member 71, and the right side surface of the side pad member 71 and the left side surface of the left side frame 26 are separated in the left-right direction. As a result, a housing space Y is defined between the front pad member 70, the side pad member 71, the molded member 80, and the left side frame 26.

[0110] Next, the worker grasps the lower end of the rear pad member 72 and pulls it outward to the left and right, opening the slit 75. At this time, as shown in Figure 11(B), the load applied to the rear pad member 72 also opens the auxiliary slit 76. As a result, the pad member 21 bends in the portion where the slit 75 and the auxiliary slit 76 are provided.

[0111] The bending of the rear pad member 72 at the slit 75 creates a through-hole Z1 in the rear pad member 72 that is wider than the left-right width of the airbag module 23. At the same time, an insertion opening Z2 is formed between the left end R2 of the slit 75 and the molded member 80 (molded lower part 83) that is wider than the left-right width L2 of the airbag module 23.

[0112] The worker, while pulling the lower end of the rear pad member 72 outward to the left and right, inserts the reinforcing cloth wire 102 through the slit 75 between the left side frame 26 and the side pad member 71, and hooks the hook 104 of the reinforcing cloth wire 102 into the hooking hole 100. Then, the worker pulls the reinforcing cloth 110 towards the reinforcing cloth wire 102 and hooks the hook 112 of the reinforcing cloth 110 onto the hooking portion 108 of the reinforcing cloth wire 102. At this time, the hooking portion 108 of the reinforcing cloth wire 102 is located in front of the through hole X and is visible from the rear through the through hole X. Therefore, when hooking the hook 112 onto the hooking portion 108 of the reinforcing cloth wire 102, the worker can visually see the joint between the reinforcing cloth wire 102 and the reinforcing cloth 110, more specifically the joint between the hook 112 and the hooking portion 108, through the through hole X. This allows the hook 112 to be easily attached to the fastening part 108, making it easier to assemble the vehicle seat 1.

[0113] Subsequently, the worker inserts the airbag module 23, which is fastened to the module bracket 36, between the left side frame 26 and the pad member 21 via the slit 75, while keeping the lower end of the rear pad member 72 pulled outward to the left and right. The worker then positions the airbag module 23 in the storage space Y by moving the airbag module 23 upward.

[0114] Next, the worker pulls the lower end of the rear pad member 72 outwards to the left and right, positions the airbag module 23 so that it aligns with the module bracket 36 and the frame bracket 34, and inserts the stud bolts 48 through the bolt holes 52. As shown in Figure 11(B), the worker pulls the lower end of the rear pad member 72 outwards to the left and right, and bends the pad member 21 at the portion where the slit 75 and auxiliary slit 76 are provided. This opens the slit 75 and auxiliary slit 76, making the two fastening points P1 and P2 more clearly visible and accessible through the through-hole X. The worker inserts a fastening tool into the through-hole X and operates the nut 49 to fasten the module bracket 36 to the frame bracket 34. As a result, the airbag module 23 is connected to the left side frame 26 via the module bracket 36 and the frame bracket 34.

[0115] Subsequently, the worker positions the rear surface member 93 along the rear surface of the rear pad member 72 and the rear surface of the pan frame 20, and connects the left and right side edges of the rear surface member 93 to the rear edge of the left surface member 92 using the wire fastener 97. This completes the assembly of the vehicle seat 1.

[0116] Next, the effects of the vehicle seat 1 will be explained. A molded member 80 is provided on the left side frame 26. The molded member 80 abuts against the right side of the side pad member 71 and supports the side pad member 71 from the left and right inner sides. In this way, the molded member 80 defines the outer shape of the seat back 5 and plays a role in maintaining the shape of the seat back 5 against loads from the left and right outer sides. Furthermore, by designing the shape of the molded member 80, the outer shape of the seat back 5 can be formed as intended to suit the usage environment and other factors.

[0117] Furthermore, a gap W is formed between the lower half 82B of the molded central portion 82 and the left side frame 26, and a through hole X is formed that penetrates from front to back. The worker can access the two fastening points P1 and P2 from the rear through the gap W (through hole X), insert a fastening tool (wrench), and operate the nut 49 (fastener). This allows the worker to fasten the frame bracket 34 and the module bracket 36 and connect the airbag module 23 to the left side frame 26.

[0118] In this embodiment, the module bracket 36 and the frame bracket 34 are fastened together at two fastening points P1 and P2. By connecting the module bracket 36 and the frame bracket 34 at multiple fastening points P in this way, the connection between them becomes stronger. Furthermore, since both fastening points P1 and P2 are located in front of the through hole X, the fasteners (nuts 49) can be operated by inserting a fastening tool (e.g., a universal wrench) from the rear of the molded member 80.

[0119] Furthermore, when the airbag module 23 is assembled, the upper or lower edge of the module bracket 36 can be seen from the rear through the gap W (through-hole X) between the left side frame 26 and the molded member 80. Therefore, by accurately determining the position of the module bracket 36 when assembling the airbag module 23, the airbag module 23 can be positioned in the correct location.

[0120] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the upper and lower edges of the module bracket 36 and the upper and lower edges of the frame bracket 34 are visible from the rear through the through-hole X. This allows the worker to easily and accurately grasp the vertical position of the module bracket 36 and the vertical position of the frame bracket 34 through the gap W (through-hole X). Therefore, the worker can easily position the module bracket 36 and the frame bracket 34 in a mutually aligned position. Thus, the assembly workability of the module bracket 36 is improved.

[0121] Furthermore, the frame bracket 34 and the module bracket 36 are fastened at two fastening points P1 and P2, both of which are located on the front side of the through-hole X. This allows the worker to fasten the frame bracket 34 and the module bracket 36 by inserting a fastening tool into the through-hole X from the rear and manipulating the fastener.

[0122] Furthermore, an upper mounting portion 85 is formed on the upper part of the molded member 80 by bending the left and right inner ends downward when viewed from the front. The molded member 80 is welded to the left side of the left side frame at the upper mounting portion 85. As a result, the upper inner end of the molded member 80 is bent upward, so the upper part of the molded member 80 does not protrude upward compared to when the upper inner end of the molded member 80 is bent upward. Therefore, the vertical size of the molded member 80 can be reduced.

[0123] A bead 89 is provided on the left side frame 26. This increases the rigidity of the side frame 26, and a lower mounting portion 87 is welded to the rear side of the bead 89, near its edge 89B. This allows the molded member 80 to be attached to the part of the side frame 26 where the rigidity has been increased. As a result, the molded member 80 is less likely to move under external load, and the side frame 26 can support the molded member 80 more reliably.

[0124] The side frame 26 is bent inward at the frame bending portion 30. This increases the rigidity of the side frame 26. In addition, the lower end of the molded member 80 is connected to the side frame 26 below the frame bending portion 30. In this way, because the side frame 26 is bent inward to the left and right, the width of the seat back 5 in the left-right direction can be reduced at the bottom, and the seat back 5 becomes a shape that conforms to the shape of a person's body.

[0125] Furthermore, since the molded central portion 82 extends along the left and right outer edges of the airbag module 23, gaps are less likely to form between the molded central portion 82 and the left and right outer edges of the airbag module 23. As a result, steps are less likely to form on the front surface of the seat back 5, improving the aesthetic design of the vehicle seat 1.

[0126] Furthermore, since the upper half 82A of the molded member 80 extends along the left and right outer edges of the pan frame extension 32, the edges of the pan frame extension 32 are reinforced by the molded member 80, thereby improving the rigidity of the seat back frame 18.

[0127] Furthermore, after the airbag module 23 is assembled, more specifically when the airbag module 23 is placed in the housing space Y and the module bracket 36 and frame bracket 34 are fastened together, a gap is provided in the front-rear direction between the molded member 80 and the airbag module 23. By providing sufficient distance between the molded member 80 and the airbag module 23 in this way, the airbag module 23 is made easier to insert between the molded member 80 and the side frame 26. This allows the airbag module 23 to be easily placed in the housing space Y, improving the workability of assembling the airbag module 23.

[0128] <<Second Embodiment>> As shown in Figure 12(A), the vehicle seat 201 according to the second embodiment differs from the vehicle seat 1 according to the first embodiment in the shape of the lower part of the molded member 280, while the other parts have the same configuration as the first embodiment. Therefore, the shape of the lower part of the molded member 280, i.e., the molded lower part 283, will be described below, and the description of the other parts will be omitted.

[0129] As shown in Figure 12(A), the molded lower portion 283 extends inward to the left and right. The lower mounting portion 287 is formed by bending the lower inner end of the molded member 280 upward. The lower mounting portion 87 is welded to the left side surface of the left side frame lower portion 26D above the frame bending portion 30.

[0130] The effects of the vehicle seat 201 according to the second embodiment will now be described. The lower mounting portion 287 is formed by bending the lower inner end of the molded member 280 upward. This makes it possible to reduce the vertical size of the molded member 280, which in turn makes it easier to assemble the pad member 21. This improves the assembly workability of the vehicle seat 201.

[0131] <<Third Embodiment>> As shown in Figure 12(B), the vehicle seat 301 according to the third embodiment differs from the vehicle seat 1 according to the first embodiment in the shape of the molded member 380, while other parts have the same configuration as the first embodiment. Therefore, the shape of the molded member 380 will be described below, and the description of other parts will be omitted.

[0132] As shown in Figure 12(B), the molded member 380 according to the third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the outer diameter of the constituent pipe members is larger and the molded central portion 282 is located on the left side of the side frame 26 compared to the first embodiment, but the other parts are the same as the first embodiment. The molded central portion 282 is located to the left and right inward from the left edge of the airbag module 23 when viewed from the rear. In this embodiment, the molded central portion 282 is located to the left and right inward (right side) from the center line of the airbag module 23 when viewed from the rear.

[0133] The effects of the vehicle seat 301 according to the third embodiment will now be described. Since the molded member 380 according to the third embodiment is made of a pipe member with a larger outer diameter than that of the first embodiment, the rigidity of the molded member 380 is higher than that of the first embodiment. As a result, the seat back 5 is stronger than that of the first embodiment.

[0134] In the third embodiment, the central portion of the molded member 380 is located further inward on both sides compared to the first embodiment. This allows for a reduction in the size of the molded member 380 in the left-right direction, making it easier to assemble the pad member 21. As a result, the assembly workability of the vehicle seat 301 is improved.

[0135] This concludes the description of specific embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and can be broadly modified and implemented. In the above embodiments, the present invention was applied to the second row of rear seats, but it is not limited to the second row and may be applied to the third row and beyond of rear seats.

[0136] In the above embodiment, the reinforcing fabric 110 was provided with a J-shaped hook 112, but the embodiment is not limited to this. As shown in Figure 13(A), the hook 612 may be configured to form an annular shape. Also, as shown in Figure 13(B), the reinforcing fabric 110 may be connected to the reinforcing fabric wire 102 by folding one end of the reinforcing fabric 110 back and sewing it to form a loop, thereby creating a wire pass-through 613, and passing the reinforcing fabric wire 102 through the wire pass-through 613. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0137] 1: Vehicle seat according to the first embodiment 19: Seat back frame section 20: Pan frame 26: Side frame 26D: Lower part of side frame 27: Upper frame 30: Frame bending section 32: Pan frame extension part (extension part) 34: Frame Bracket 36: Module bracket 80: Molded member 81: Upper part of molded component (upper part of molded component) 81A: Bent part 82: Central part of the molded part (central part of the molded component) 83: Lower part of molded part (lower part of molded component) 85: Upper mounting section 89: Bead 102: Reinforcement cloth wire 110: Rikifu 201: Vehicle seat according to the second embodiment 280: Molded member 282: Molded central part 301: Vehicle seat according to the third embodiment 380: Molded component V, W: gap P: Fastening point P1: Fastening point P2: Fastening point

Claims

1. The seat back frame section that forms the skeleton of the seat back, A frame bracket connected to the seat back frame frame on one side in the left-right direction, A module bracket that supports the airbag module and is fastened to the frame bracket, It has a molding member that is connected to the seat back frame portion on one side in the left-right direction and defines the outer shape of the seat back, A gap is formed between the seat back frame portion and the molded member on one side in the left-right direction. The frame bracket and the module bracket are fastened to each other at the front of the gap. A vehicle seat characterized in that the upper or lower edge of the module bracket is visible from the rear through the gap.

2. The upper and lower edges of the module bracket are visible from the rear through the gap. The upper and lower edges of the frame bracket are visible from the rear through the gap. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, characterized in that the vertical width of the module bracket and the vertical width of the frame bracket are substantially the same.

3. The module bracket and the frame bracket are fastened to each other at at least two fastening points, The vehicle seat according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at least two of the fastening points are each located on the front side of the gap.

4. A seat back frame portion that forms the skeleton of the seat back, A frame bracket connected to the seat back frame frame on one side in the left-right direction, A module bracket that supports the airbag module and is fastened to the frame bracket, It has a molding member that is connected to the seat back frame portion on one side in the left-right direction and defines the outer shape of the seat back, A gap is formed between the seat back frame portion and the molded member on one side in the left-right direction. The frame bracket and the module bracket are fastened to each other at the front of the gap. The aforementioned molded member is a bent wire member, and is a seat for a vehicle.

5. A seat back frame portion that forms the skeleton of the seat back, A frame bracket connected to the seat back frame frame on one side in the left-right direction, A module bracket that supports the airbag module and is fastened to the frame bracket, It has a molding member that is connected to the seat back frame portion on one side in the left-right direction and defines the outer shape of the seat back, A gap is formed between the seat back frame portion and the molded member on one side in the left-right direction. The frame bracket and the module bracket are fastened to each other at the front of the gap. The pan frame is connected to the back surface of the seat back frame and includes an extension that extends outward to the left and right from the upper part of the seat back frame on one side in the left-right direction, The molded member includes a portion that extends between the lower edge of the extension and the lower part of the seat back frame on one side in the left-right direction, A through hole is defined by the lower edge of the extension, the molded member, and the lower part of one side of the seat back frame frame, which penetrates from front to back. A vehicle seat characterized in that the frame bracket and the module bracket are fastened to each other on the front side of the through hole.

6. The seat back frame portion and the airbag module have pad members that cover them from the left and right outer sides. The vehicle seat according to claim 5, characterized in that the molded member is in contact with the left and right inner surfaces of the pad member.

7. The aforementioned seat back frame section has a pair of left and right side frames and an upper frame connecting the two side frames. The molding member has an upper part and a lower part connected to the side frame, and a central part that connects the upper part and the lower part of the molding member vertically on the left and right outer sides of the side frame. An upper mounting portion is provided on the upper part of the molded member, which is connected to the side frame. The vehicle seat according to claim 6, characterized in that the upper mounting portion is located in front of the extension portion.

8. The left and right inner ends of the upper part of the molded member are provided with bent portions that are folded downward. The vehicle seat according to claim 7, characterized in that the upper mounting portion is provided on the bent portion.

9. The aforementioned side frame is provided with a bead. The vehicle seat according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the joint between the side frame and the lower end of the molded member is provided behind the bead.

10. The side frame includes a lower part of the side frame formed by a sheet metal member having a surface facing left to right, The lower part of the side frame has a frame bend that is folded inward in the left-right direction. The vehicle seat according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the lower end of the molded member is connected to the side frame below the frame bending portion.

11. The vehicle seat according to any one of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that at least a portion of the central part of the molded member extends along the left and right outer edges of the airbag module in a rear view.

12. The vehicle seat according to any one of claims 7 to 11, characterized in that the central portion of the molded member extends along the left and right outer edges of the extension portion of the pan frame in at least a part of it.

13. A surface member provided on the outer surface of the pad member, A reinforcing cloth wire that engages with the frame bracket, The system further includes a reinforcing cloth connecting the reinforcing cloth wire and the surface member, The vehicle seat according to any one of claims 6 to 12, characterized in that the reinforcing cloth wire and the reinforcing cloth are engaged in front of the through hole.

14. A vehicle seat according to any one of claims 6 to 13, characterized in that a gap is provided in the front-rear direction between the molded member and the airbag module.

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