Vehicle seat and vehicle

Abstract

This vehicle seat (100) comprises: a seat cushion (110); a seat back (120); and an armrest (20) that is disposed on the lateral side of the seat back (120) in the width direction and that has a placement surface on which an arm of an occupant is placed above the seat cushion (110). The seat cushion (110) has: a pair of side frames (122, 122) that are disposed apart from each other in the width direction and extend in the length direction; and a connection frame (123) that extends in the width direction and connects the pair of side frames (122, 122). The connection frame (123) has, at one end in the width direction, a protrusion (1231) that protrudes further outward in the width direction than the seat cushion (110). The armrest (20) is supported by a protrusion (1231).

Description

Vehicle seats and vehicles

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle seat having an armrest and to a vehicle.

[0002] Generally, armrests provided in vehicle seats, which are an example of vehicle seats, are rotatably supported on the side of the seatback. However, it may be difficult to support the armrest on the side of the seatback due to various components being attached to the side of the seatback. In response to this issue, a technology is known that supports the armrest from a location other than the side of the seatback (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] In the technology described in Patent Document 1, an armrest is disposed in the center of a pair of vehicle seats adjacent to each other in the vehicle width direction. This armrest includes a base portion fixed to the floor of the vehicle body between the rear portions of the pair of vehicle seats, and an armrest main body extending forward from the upper end of the base portion.

[0004] JP 2016-74336 A

[0005] However, if the armrest is fixed to the floor of the vehicle body as in the technology described in Patent Document 1, the armrest will not follow the movement of the seat when the seat position is adjusted, and therefore the occupant will not be able to use the armrest properly.

[0006] A vehicle seat according to one aspect of the present invention includes a seat cushion having a seat surface extending in both the longitudinal and transverse directions in a plan view, a seat back rotatably supported at one longitudinal end of the seat cushion, and an armrest arranged laterally of the seat back in the transverse direction and having a support surface above the seat cushion on which an occupant's arms are placed. The seat cushion has a pair of side frames arranged spaced apart from each other in the transverse direction and extending in the longitudinal direction, and a connecting frame extending in the transverse direction and connecting the pair of side frames, the connecting frame having a protruding portion at one widthwise end that protrudes outward in the transverse direction beyond the seat cushion, and the armrest is supported by the protruding portion.

[0007] Another aspect of the present invention is a vehicle having the vehicle seat described above, further comprising a door provided on one side in a width direction of the vehicle seat, the armrest being disposed on the other side in the width direction of the vehicle seat, and the door having a door recess provided so as to be retracted from the vehicle seat.

[0008] According to the present invention, the armrest follows the movement of the seat, so that the occupant can use the armrest suitably.

[0009] 1A is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of a vehicle on which a vehicle seat according to an embodiment of the present invention is mounted. FIG. 1B is a side view of a vehicle taken along line B-B in FIG. 1A. FIG. 1C is a front view of the vehicle seat mounted on the vehicle in FIG. 1A. FIG. 1D is a plan view of the vehicle seat mounted on the vehicle in FIG. 1A. FIG. 2A is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a frame at the lower left side of the vehicle seat in FIG. 2A. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the main part of FIG. 3 showing the configuration of a joint of a frame extension part. FIG. 4A is a diagram showing a modified example of FIG. 4A. FIG. 2A is a side view of the armrest in FIG. 2A as seen from the left. FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the armrest in FIG. 5. FIG. 11 is a plan view of the main part of the seat showing the configuration of a relief part of the armrest. FIG. 9A is a side view showing another example of a support part of the armrest. FIG. 9B is a side view showing yet another example of a support part of the armrest. FIG. 9C is a cross-sectional view showing a modified example of FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B. FIG. 11 is a side view showing an example of an armrest having an armrest bracket. FIG. 12 is a front view showing an example of an armrest having an armrest bracket. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a modified example of FIG. 11. 18. A perspective view of a main portion of a seat showing an example in which a front bracket and a rear bracket are connected via a connecting member. A rear view of the lower end of a seat having a rear end connecting frame. A perspective view, seen from diagonally rear left, showing the main configuration of a support portion of an armrest bracket provided on the seat of FIG. 15. A perspective view, seen from diagonally front right, showing the main configuration of a support portion of an armrest bracket provided on the seat of FIG. 15. A side view showing the main configuration of the seat of FIG. 15. A perspective view, seen from diagonally front, of the seat of FIG. 15. A front view of the armrest provided on the seat of FIG. 18 in a use position. A side view showing a schematic internal configuration of a seat configured with a movable ottoman. A front view showing a schematic configuration of the inside of the driver's seat side door. A cross-sectional view of the door taken along line A-A of FIG. 21. A cross-sectional view of the door taken along line B-B of FIG. 21. A cross-sectional view of the door taken along line CC of FIG. 21. A view showing a modified example of FIG. 10. A cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG. 24. A cross-sectional view of a main portion of the end of a connecting frame.

[0010] 1A to 26, embodiments of the present invention will be described. Vehicle seats according to embodiments of the present invention can be applied to various types of vehicles. As an example, the following describes an example in which a vehicle seat is applied to a vehicle.

[0011] Fig. 1A is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of a vehicle 10 on which a vehicle seat 100 (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as a seat) according to an embodiment of the present invention is mounted, and Fig. 1B is a side view of the vehicle 10 taken along line B-B in Fig. 1A. Below, the front-rear direction, left-right direction, and up-down direction are defined as shown in the figure, and the configuration of each part will be described in accordance with these definitions. The front-rear direction, left-right direction, and up-down direction in the figure correspond to the front-rear direction (length direction), left-right direction (width direction), and up-down direction (height direction) of the vehicle 10, respectively.

[0012] 1A and 1B, the seat 100 includes a driver's seat 101 disposed on the right side of the vehicle interior, a passenger seat 102 disposed to the left of the driver's seat 101, and a rear seat 103 disposed behind the driver's seat 101 and the passenger seat 102. The driver's seat 101 may be disposed on the left side, and the passenger seat 102 may be disposed on the right side. Also shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B are the configuration of the vehicle 10, including four wheels 11 on the front, rear, left, and right sides, a pair of front and rear doors 12 that can be opened and closed, and a steering wheel 13 installed facing the driver's seat 101.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 1A , an armrest 20 is disposed between the driver's seat 101 and the passenger's seat 102, on which the occupants of the driver's seat 101 and the passenger's seat 102 rest their arms. Note that in FIG. 1B , the armrest 20 is shown by a two-dot chain line for convenience. In FIG. 1A , the occupants of the driver's seat 101 and the passenger's seat 102 share a single armrest 20, but the armrest 20 of the driver's seat 101 and the armrest 20 of the passenger's seat 102 may be provided separately. The driver's seat 101 and the passenger's seat 102 have generally the same configuration. Below, the configuration of the vehicle seat 100 will be described using the driver's seat 101.

[0014] 2A and 2B are a front view (viewed from the front) and a plan view (viewed from above) of the seat 100 (driver's seat 101) alone. As shown in Figures 2A and 2B, the seat 100 includes a seat cushion 110 that supports the buttocks of the occupant, a seat back 120 that supports the back of the occupant, a headrest 130 that is provided on the upper part of the seat back 120 and supports the head of the occupant, and an ottoman 140 that is rotatably provided on the front end of the seat cushion 110 and supports the legs of the occupant.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 2A , the seat back 120 has a seat back frame 121 (shown by dotted lines) that forms the framework of the seat back 120. While not shown in detail, the seat back frame 121 has, for example, a pair of left and right side frames 122, 122 that extend in a generally vertical direction, and a pair of upper and lower connecting frames 123, 123 that also extend in the left and right direction and connect the pair of left and right side frames 122, 122 to each other, and the overall shape of the seat back frame 121 is generally rectangular in a front view. A generally plate-shaped pressure-receiving member (not shown) is disposed inside the seat back frame 121 (inside the frame). A resilient back pad 125 made of, for example, urethane foam material is provided around the periphery of the seat back frame 121, and the surface of the back pad 125 is covered with a cover 126.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 2B , the seat cushion 110 includes a seat cushion frame 111 (shown by dotted lines) that forms the framework of the seat cushion 110. While not shown in detail, the seat cushion frame 111 includes, for example, a pair of left and right side frames 112 extending in the front-rear direction and a pair of front and rear connecting frames 123 extending in the left-right direction and connecting the pair of left and right side frames 112 to each other, forming a generally rectangular frame shape in a plan view. A generally plate-shaped pressure-receiving member (not shown) is disposed inside the seat cushion frame 111 (inside the frame). The front and rear ends of the pressure-receiving member are supported by the front and rear connecting frames 123, 123, respectively. A van frame (not shown) is provided at the front end of the seat cushion frame 111, extending to the front end of the seat cushion 110. A cushion pad 115 having elasticity and made of, for example, urethane foam material is provided around the seat cushion frame 111 and the van frame, and the surface of the cushion pad 115 is covered with a skin 116 .

[0017] As shown in FIG. 2A , a pair of left and right base frames (also called risers) 15 of a predetermined height are provided on the upper surface of the floor 14 of the vehicle 10, and a pair of left and right lower rails 16L extending in the front-to-rear direction are laid on the upper surface of the base frames 15. Upper rails 16U, 16U are provided at the lower ends of a pair of left and right side frames 112, 112 of the seat cushion frame 111 via a height mechanism (not shown). The height mechanism allows the side frames 112 to move up and down relative to the upper rails 16U. The upper rails 16U slidably engage with the lower rails 16L, thereby allowing the seat 100 to slide in the front-to-rear direction. The lower rails 16L and the upper rails 16U form a slide mechanism 105 that supports the seat 100 so that it can slide in the front-to-rear direction.

[0018] As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B , a pair of left and right bank portions 127, 127 are provided at both left and right ends of the seat back 120, protruding forward from the center in the left-right direction. The bank portions 127 extend in the up-down direction, and a substantially plate-shaped side frame 122 having a predetermined thickness in the left-right direction is disposed inside (inside) the bank portions 127. A seating surface 128 is formed between the left and right bank portions 127. A pair of left and right bank portions 117, 117 are provided at both left and right ends of the seat cushion 110, protruding upward from the center in the left-right direction. The bank portions 117 extend in the front-rear direction, and a substantially plate-shaped side frame 112 having a predetermined thickness in the left-right direction is disposed inside (inside) the bank portions 117. The seating surface 118 is formed between the left and right bank portions 117.

[0019] Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the frame at the lower left side of the seat 100. As shown in Fig. 3, the lower end of the side frame 122 of the seat back 120 is rotatably supported on the rear end of the side frame 112 of the seat cushion 110 via a rotation shaft 151. A reclining device 150 having a substantially cylindrical shape centered on the rotation shaft 151 is provided on the left side surface of the side frame 112. The reclining device 150 allows the seat back 120 to be fixed at any angle centered on the rotation shaft 151.

[0020] 2A, 2B, and 3, a side airbag module 160 is attached to the left side surface of the left side frame 122. As shown in Fig. 3, the side airbag module 160 includes an inflator 161 and a side airbag 162 folded and arranged around (for example, in front of) the inflator 161. The inflator 161 is connected to the side airbag 162, and the side airbag 162 can be inflated and deployed in front of the seat 100 by gas ejected from the inflator 161, as shown in a region (deployment region) AR1 in Fig. 3. The inflator 161 is configured to eject gas when a predetermined impact applied to the vehicle 10 is detected.

[0021] This embodiment is characterized by the configuration of the pair of front and rear connecting frames 123, 123 (front connecting frame 123F and rear connecting frame 123R). That is, the front connecting frame 123F and the rear connecting frame 123R have frame extensions 1231, 1231 joined to the left ends of the front connecting frame 123F and the rear connecting frame 123R, respectively. The frame extension 1231 of the rear connecting frame 123R is configured to have a larger diameter than the frame extension 1231 of the front connecting frame 123F.

[0022] The frame extension 1231 is made of the same metal as the connecting frame 123 and extends in the same straight line in the left-right direction as the connecting frame 123. The front and rear frame extensions 1231, 1231 protrude to the left of the side frame 112, i.e., outward in the seat width direction, by the same length. Note that the outward in the seat width direction refers to the direction away from the center of the seat 100 in the width direction, and the direction toward the center of the seat 100 in the width direction is referred to as the inward in the seat width direction.

[0023] 3, showing the configuration of the joint portion of the frame extension portion 1231 at the end of the connecting frame 123. Note that Fig. 4A also shows a portion of the armrest 20. As shown in Fig. 4A, the connecting frame 123 passes through the through-hole 112a of the side frame 112, and its left end portion 123a protrudes leftward beyond the side frame 112. The right end portion of the frame extension portion 1231 is joined to the left end portion 123a of the connecting frame 123 by welding.

[0024] 4B is a diagram showing a modification of FIG. 4A . In FIG. 4B , a substantially cylindrical pipe portion 119 is joined to the periphery of the through-hole 112a of the side frame 112. The left end portion 123a of the connecting frame 123 is positioned within the pipe portion 119, and the right end portion of the frame extension portion 1231 is fitted into the pipe portion 119 until it abuts against the left end portion 123a of the connecting frame 123. In this case, the frame extension portion 1231 may be press-fitted into the pipe portion 119, thereby fixing the frame extension portion 1231 to the connecting frame 123. Alternatively, the frame extension portion 1231 may be welded to the pipe portion 119, thereby fixing the frame extension portion 1231 to the connecting frame 123.

[0025] The armrest 20 is supported on the frame extension 1231. Fig. 5 is a side view of the armrest 20 as seen from the left, and Fig. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the armrest 20 alone. As shown in Figs. 5 and 6, the armrest 20 has a pair of upper and lower armrests that can be disassembled, that is, an upper armrest 21 and a lower armrest 22. The upper armrest 21 and the lower armrest 22 are both molded products made of resin and are molded separately.

[0026] As shown in Figure 6, the lower armrest 22 has four side walls 221 (front, rear, left, and right) and a bottom wall 222, and has a generally box-like shape with an open top. A pair of front and rear cylindrical portions 223 are formed between the left and right side walls 221, 221, and extend in the left-right direction through the left and right side walls 221. As shown in Figures 4A and 4B, a frame extension 1231 is inserted into the interior (through-hole 223a) of the cylindrical portion 223 of the lower armrest 22, thereby supporting the lower armrest 22 by the frame extension 1231. Note that although Figure 5 shows the bottom wall 222 of the lower armrest 22 abutting against the upper surface of the floor 14, the bottom wall 222 may be located above the upper surface of the floor 14.

[0027] As shown in Figure 6, the upper armrest 21 has four side walls 211 (front, rear, left, and right) and a top cover 212, and is generally box-shaped with an open bottom. Engagement claws 213 protrude downward from the lower ends of the side walls 211. Protrusions 224 corresponding to the engagement claws 213 are provided on the upper ends of the side walls 221 of the lower armrest 22. The engagement claws 213 engage with the protrusions 224, thereby securing the lower end of the upper armrest 21 to the upper end of the lower armrest 22. When the upper armrest 21 is secured to the lower armrest 22, the internal spaces of the lower armrest 22 and upper armrest 21 communicate with each other, forming a large storage space within the armrest 20.

[0028] The upper surface of the lid 212 forms a support surface 212a on which an occupant places their arm. The lid 212 is attached to the upper end of the rear side wall 211 so as to be rotatable in the vertical direction (the direction of the arrow in FIG. 5 ) via a shaft 214 extending in the left-right direction. When the lid 212 is rotated upward, the upper surface of the upper armrest 21 is opened, allowing items to be placed in and removed from the storage space inside the armrest 20 from above. Openings 215 penetrating the left and right side walls 211 of the upper armrest 21 are provided. This allows both the occupants of the driver's seat 101 and the passenger's seat 102 to place and remove items from the storage space inside the armrest 20 from the sides via the openings 215.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 5 , the rear side wall 211 (rear wall 211r) of the upper armrest 21 is formed in a generally arcuate shape corresponding to the deployment area AR1 of the side airbag 162. More specifically, the upper and lower ends of the front side wall 211 (front wall 211f) of the upper armrest 21 are positioned at the same position in the front-to-rear direction, whereas the upper end of the rear wall 211r is located forward of the lower end, and the rear wall 211r is formed in a gently concave curve from the upper end to the lower end. In other words, a recess 211a having a concave curve is formed in the rear wall 211r. By forming the recess 211a in the rear wall 211r of the upper armrest 21 in this manner, the side airbag 162 can inflate and deploy forward without interfering with the armrest 20.

[0030] As shown by the two-dot chain line in Fig. 5, a seat belt buckle 30 that holds an end of a seat belt (not shown) is provided between the seat 100 (seat cushion 110) and the armrest 20. When there is a risk of interference between the armrest 20 and the seat belt buckle 30, a relief portion may be provided in the right side wall 211, 221 of the armrest 20 to prevent interference with the seat belt buckle 30. Fig. 7 is a plan view of the main part of the seat 100 showing an example of such a structure. In Fig. 7, the seat belt buckle 30 is indicated by the two-dot chain line.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 7 , a recessed recess 25 is provided in the right side wall 211, 221 of the armrest 20 facing the seat belt buckle 30 to avoid interference with the seat belt buckle 30. The recess 25 is formed from the center of the side wall 211, 221 in the front-rear direction to the rear end. A reinforcing portion 26 is provided at the rear end of the recess 25 to surround the frame extension 1231. The reinforcing portion 26 may be formed separately from the armrest 20 (lower armrest 22) or integrally with it. By providing the reinforcing portion 26, the length of the cylindrical portion 223 around the rear frame extension 1231 can be ensured, and the rigidity of the support portion of the armrest 20 can be increased.

[0032] In the above, the armrest 20 (lower armrest 22) is supported by inserting the frame extension 1231 into the through-hole 223a that penetrates the armrest 20 in the left-right direction, but the configuration of the support portion of the armrest 20 is not limited to this. Other configurations of the support portion of the armrest 20 will be described below. Figure 8 is a side view (viewed from the left) showing an example of the configuration of the armrest 20 supported by the front frame extension 1231. Although not shown, the configuration of the armrest 20 supported by the rear frame extension 1231 is the same as that shown in Figure 8.

[0033] 8 , the bottom wall 222 of the lower armrest 22 has a central bottom wall 2221 at the center in the front-to-rear direction that abuts against the floor 14, an end bottom wall 2222 that extends in the front-to-rear direction a predetermined height above the floor 14, and a recessed bottom wall 2223 that is formed with an upwardly concave shape between the central bottom wall 2221 and the end bottom wall 2222. The recessed bottom wall 2223 is formed in a substantially arc shape so as to cover the periphery of the frame extension portion 1231. More specifically, the recessed bottom wall 2223 has a protruding portion 2224 that protrudes forward from the central bottom wall 2221 and a protruding portion 2225 that protrudes rearward from the end bottom wall 2222.

[0034] According to this configuration, by pushing the front end of the lower armrest 22 forward and widening it to cause elastic deformation, the lower armrest 22 can be attached to and detached from the frame extension 1231. This makes it easy to attach the armrest 20 between the pair of left and right seats 101, 102, and to remove the armrest 20 from between the pair of left and right seats 101, 102.

[0035] 9A is a side view showing yet another example of a support portion of the armrest 20 (lower armrest 22). As shown in FIG. 9A, a notch 2226 of a predetermined width is provided in the rear side wall 221 of the lower armrest 22, extending substantially horizontally to the rear frame extension 1231. The width (vertical length) of the notch 2226 is equal to the diameter of the rear frame extension 1231. Therefore, the frame extension 1231 can be engaged with the end of the notch 2226.

[0036] Meanwhile, a notch 2227 of a predetermined width is provided in the bottom wall 222 of the lower armrest 22, extending forward and upward from behind the front frame extension 1231 to the front frame extension 1231. The width of the notch 2227 is equal to the diameter of the front frame extension 1231. Therefore, the frame extension 1231 can be engaged with the end of the notch 2227.

[0037] When attaching the armrest 20 to the frame extension 1231, as shown in FIG. 9B , first, with the bottom wall 222 raised, the rear frame extension 1231 is moved to the end of the notch 2226. Next, the lower armrest 22 is tilted forward using the rear frame extension 1231 as a fulcrum. This causes the lower armrest 22 to move while engaging the notch 2226 with the front frame extension 1231. As a result, as shown in FIG. 9A , the frame extension 1231 is positioned at the end of the notch 2227, and the lower armrest 22 is supported by the pair of front and rear frame extensions 1231, 1231. To facilitate engagement of the notch 2227 with the frame extension 1231 in FIG. 9B , the notch 2227 may be formed in a substantially arc shape using the rear frame extension 1231 as a fulcrum.

[0038] In Figures 4A and 4B, the cylindrical portion 223 of the armrest 20 is fitted into the frame extension portion 1231 to support the armrest 20, but the configuration of the support portion of the armrest 20 is not limited to that described above. Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a modification of Figures 4A and 4B. As shown in Figure 10, the frame extension portion 1231 is a solid rod-shaped member having a large diameter portion 1231a and a small diameter portion 1231b. The large diameter portion 1231a is press-fitted into the inner peripheral surface of the connecting frame 123, thereby fixing the frame extension portion 1231 to the connecting frame 123.

[0039] A resin flange member 1241 having a generally cylindrical shape and a washer 1242 are interposed between the pipe portion 119 and the armrest 20. A threaded portion 1231c is provided on the small diameter portion 1231b of the frame extension portion 1231. A nut 1244 is threadedly engaged with the threaded portion 1231c via a washer 1243, thereby fixing the armrest 20 to the frame extension portion 1231 via the flange member 1241 and washer 1242, and the washer 1243 and nut 1244.

[0040] While the above description has been given of an example in which the substantially box-shaped armrest 20 is supported on the frame extension 1231, the armrest 20 may be configured to be rotatable between an in-use position and a stowed position. This point will be explained below. Fig. 11 is a side view (viewed from the left) showing the main configuration of a seat 100 (driver's seat 101) having such an armrest 20, and Fig. 12 is a front view. Note that Figs. 11 and 12 schematically show the side frames 112 of the seat cushion 110 and the side frames 122 of the seat back 120 as the configuration of the seat cushion 110 and the seat back 120, similar to Fig. 3 .

[0041] 11 and 12 , a generally plate-shaped armrest bracket 200 is fixed, for example by welding, to the left end of the rear frame extension 1231. The armrest bracket 200 is spaced a predetermined distance in the left-right direction from the side frames 112, 122 and extends upward generally parallel to the side frames 112, 122. The armrest bracket 200 is positioned so as to overlap the side frame 122 in a side view. Therefore, the front and rear ends of the armrest bracket 200 do not protrude forward or rearward beyond the front and rear ends of the side frame 122. A reclining device 150 is provided on the left side surface of the side frame 112, with a gap left-right from the armrest bracket 200.

[0042] An armrest main body 210 is rotatably supported on the upper end of the armrest bracket 200 via a main body support part 201. The main body support part 201 includes a rotation shaft 219 extending rightward from the armrest bracket 200, and the armrest main body 210 is supported on the armrest bracket 200 so as to be rotatable in the up and down direction around the rotation shaft 219. The width (left-right length) of the armrest main body 210 is shorter than the distance from the right side surface of the armrest bracket 200 to the left side surface of the side frame 122, and the armrest main body 210 can rotate without interfering with the seat back 120 (side frame 122).

[0043] The main body support part 201 is provided with a rotation restriction part 216 that restricts the amount of rotation of the armrest main body 210. The rotation restriction part 216 has a pin 217 that protrudes rightward from the right side surface of the armrest bracket 200, and an engagement groove 218 that is provided on the left side surface of the armrest main body 210 so as to engage with the pin 217. The engagement groove 218 is formed in a substantially arc shape centered on a rotation axis 219, and the pin 217 abuts against one end and the other end of the engagement groove 218, thereby restricting the amount of rotation of the armrest main body 210.

[0044] That is, when the armrest main body 210 rotates downward, the pin 217 engages with one end of the engagement groove 218, limiting the amount of downward rotation of the armrest main body 210. At this time, the upper surface of the armrest main body 210, i.e., the placement surface 210a, becomes approximately horizontal as shown by the solid line in Fig. 11, and the armrest 20 is in the use position. On the other hand, when the armrest main body 210 rotates upward, the pin 217 engages with the other end of the engagement groove 218, limiting the amount of upward rotation of the armrest main body 210. At this time, the armrest main body 210 overlaps the side frame 122 in a side view as shown by the dotted line in Fig. 11, and the armrest 20 is in the storage position.

[0045] 11 and 12, the armrest main body 210 is disposed to the right of the armrest bracket 200, i.e., between the armrest bracket 200 and the side frame 122, but the armrest main body 210 may also be disposed to the left of the armrest bracket 200. Also, a protrusion may be provided in the engagement groove 218 so that the pin 217 moves over the protrusion to the end of the engagement groove 218. This holds the pin 217 at the end of the engagement groove 218, allowing the armrest main body 210 to be stably held in the use position and the storage position. A spring may be provided in the main body support portion 201 so that the biasing force of the spring holds the armrest main body 210 in the use position and the storage position.

[0046] Figure 13 is a diagram showing a modified example of Figure 11. In the example of Figure 13, armrest bracket 200 is provided so as to be rotatable in the vertical direction around frame extension portion 1231. Specifically, bracket support portion 220 that rotatably supports armrest bracket 200 is provided around frame extension portion 1231. Bracket support portion 220 is interposed between side frame 112 and armrest bracket 200.

[0047] Although detailed illustration is omitted, the bracket support portion 220 has a rotation amount adjustment function that restricts the maximum amount of upward and downward rotation of the armrest bracket 200, and an angle adjustment function that fixes the armrest bracket 200 at any rotation angle. Figure 13 shows a maximum lowering position P1 (two-dot chain line) where the armrest bracket 200 has been rotated downward to the maximum, a maximum raising position P2 (dotted line) where the armrest bracket 200 has been rotated upward to the maximum, and an intermediate position P3 (solid line) between the maximum lowering position P1 and the maximum raising position P2. The rotation angle θ1 (angle with respect to the horizontal line) of the armrest bracket 200 at the intermediate position P3 may be larger or smaller than that shown in the figure.

[0048] The armrest main body 210 is supported on the armrest bracket 200 via the main body support part 201 so as to be rotatable in the vertical direction around a rotation axis 219. Although detailed illustration is omitted, the main body support part 201, like the bracket support part 220, has a rotation amount adjustment function that restricts the maximum amount of rotation of the armrest main body 210 upward and downward, and an angle adjustment function that fixes the armrest main body 210 at a desired rotation angle. The angle adjustment function can be achieved, for example, by providing the main body support part 201 with the rotation restriction part 216 shown in Figure 11. Figure 13 shows the rotation positions of the armrest main body 210 corresponding to the maximum lowered position P1, the maximum raised position P2, and the intermediate position P3 of the armrest bracket 200.

[0049] Specifically, when the armrest bracket 200 is in the maximum lowered position P1, the rotation angle of the armrest main body 210 is adjusted so that the upper surface (placing surface 210a) of the armrest main body 210 is positioned approximately flush with the seating surface 118 ( FIG. 2A ) of the seat cushion 110. This allows the armrest 20 to be used as a bench seat. When the armrest bracket 200 is in the maximum raised position P2, the armrest main body 210 is disposed to the side of the side frame 122. This position corresponds to the stored position of the armrest 20. When the armrest bracket 200 is in the intermediate position P3, the rotation angle of the armrest main body 210 is adjusted so that the placing surface 210a of the armrest main body 210 is approximately horizontal. This position corresponds to the use position of the armrest 20.

[0050] 13, the armrest bracket 200 is rotatably supported on the frame extension 1231, and the armrest main body 210 is rotatably supported on the armrest bracket 200, so that the use position of the armrest main body 210, where the placing surface 210a is approximately horizontal, can be changed to various positions. In other words, the armrest main body 210 can be positioned higher or lower than that shown in FIG. 11, or can also be positioned further forward.

[0051] In this embodiment, the side frame 112 of the seat cushion 110 is provided so as to be movable up and down via a height mechanism, and the frame extension 1231 is joined by welding to a part of the height mechanism (e.g., a link portion of the height mechanism). Therefore, if the armrest bracket 200 were joined to the frame extension 1231, the armrest bracket 200 would rotate together with the frame extension 1231 when the height mechanism is operated, which could change the position of the armrest 20 and impair the comfort of the occupant. In consideration of this, the armrest bracket 200 is not joined to the frame extension 1231, and the frame extension 1231 is provided so as to be rotatable relative to the side frame 112.

[0052] Furthermore, a rotation restriction portion may be provided so that the angle of inclination of the armrest bracket 200 does not change even when the frame extension portion 1231 rotates. Figure 14 is a perspective view of a main portion of the seat 100 showing an example of such a rotation restriction portion. Note that Figure 14 shows the state before the armrest bracket 200 is attached, and for convenience, the armrest bracket 200 to be attached is shown by a two-dot chain line.

[0053] 14 , a front bracket 240 and a rear bracket 245 are provided on the front and rear frame extensions 1231, 1231, respectively. A through-hole 241 is formed in the front bracket 240, penetrating the front bracket 240 in the left-right direction, and the frame extension 1231 is rotatably inserted through the through-hole 241. A through-hole 246 is formed in the rear bracket 245, penetrating the rear bracket 245 in the left-right direction, and the frame extension 1231 is rotatably inserted through the through-hole 246. The front and rear ends of a connecting member 243, which extends in the fore-aft direction, are fixed to the front bracket 240 and the rear bracket 245, respectively.

[0054] According to this configuration, the front bracket 240 and the rear bracket 245 are provided integrally via the connecting member 243. Therefore, the posture of the rear bracket 245 relative to the side frame 112 remains constant regardless of whether the frame extension 1231 is rotated or not. The armrest bracket 200 is provided integrally with the rear bracket 245 on the left side of the rear bracket 245. As a result, even when the height mechanism is activated, the posture of the armrest bracket 200 relative to the side frame 112 can be kept constant, allowing the occupant to use the armrest 20 comfortably.

[0055] In the above description, the frame extensions 1231, 1231 are provided at the left ends of the pair of front and rear connecting frames 123F, 123R that support the pressure-receiving member (not shown) of the seat cushion 110. However, a frame extension may also be provided at the left end of another connecting frame. For example, the frame extension 1231 may be removed from the rear connecting frame 123R, and a frame extension may be provided on a new connecting frame provided behind the rear connecting frame 123R. This point will be described below.

[0056] FIG. 15 is a rear view of the lower end of the seat 100 as viewed from the rear. As shown in FIG. 15 , brackets 251, 252 are attached to the inner surfaces of the side frames 112 of the seat cushion 110, i.e., the right surface of the left side frame 112 and the left surface of the right side frame 112. The brackets 251, 252 are fastened to the side frames 112 by threading bolts 253 that pass through the brackets 251, 252 into threaded holes provided in the side frames 112. The brackets 251, 252 protrude rearward and downward, and a connecting frame 123 is fixed to the tip ends of the brackets 251, 252 by welding or the like. This connecting frame 123 is sometimes referred to as a rear end connecting frame 123e. The rear end connecting frame 123e connects the left and right side frames 112, 112 via the brackets 251, 252.

[0057] With this configuration, the rear end connecting frame 123e extends in the left-right direction behind the side frames 112. Resin covers 129 that cover the side frames 112 are attached to the outside of the left and right side frames 112. The left end of the rear end connecting frame 123e protrudes leftward beyond the cover 129. This protruding portion forms a frame extension 1231, and the armrest bracket 200 is supported by the frame extension 1231.

[0058] Figures 16A and 16B are perspective views showing the main components of the support portion that supports the armrest bracket 200. In particular, Figure 16A is a view from the left rear diagonal, and Figure 16B is a view from the right front diagonal. Figure 17 is a side view showing the main components of the seat 100. Note that the left and right sides of the seat cushion 110 are covered with covers or the like (see Figure 23), but these covers and the like are not shown in Figure 17. As shown in Figure 17, a substantially plate-shaped armrest bracket 200 is disposed on the left side of the rear end of the seat cushion 110. The armrest bracket 200 is located rearward of the seat belt buckle 30.

[0059] 15, 16A, and 16B, a substantially plate-shaped reinforcing member 235 is provided on the right side of armrest bracket 200. As shown in Figures 15 and 16B, reinforcing member 235 has a plate portion 2351 that is spaced apart from armrest bracket 200 and extends substantially parallel to armrest bracket 200, a joint portion 2352 that is joined to the armrest bracket above plate portion 2351 by welding, and a connection portion 2353 that extends obliquely from the upper end of plate portion 2351 to the lower end of joint portion 2352. By joining reinforcing member 235 to armrest bracket 200, armrest bracket 200 is reinforced, and the rigidity of armrest bracket 200 can be increased.

[0060] 17, the lower part of reinforcing member 235 is disposed so as to overlap the lower part of armrest bracket 200 in a side view. As shown in Figures 15 and 16A, frame extension 1231 passes through reinforcing member 235 and armrest bracket 200, and the rear end parts of reinforcing member 235 and armrest bracket 200 are supported by rear end connecting frame 123e.

[0061] 16A and 16B , a pair of left and right support members 236, 236 made of wire- or rod-shaped steel are disposed on the right side of the reinforcing member 235 and the right side of the armrest bracket 200. More specifically, the left and right support members 236, 236 extend in the front-to-rear direction, and one end (rear end) of each is joined by welding to the right surface of the reinforcing member 235 and the right surface of the armrest bracket 200, respectively. The left and right support members 236, 236 extend forward a predetermined distance from their one end, then bend downward and rearward and extend rearward a predetermined distance. The other end of each of the left and right support members 236, 236 is joined by welding to the upper surface of a generally plate-shaped bracket 237 extending in the left-to-right direction.

[0062] 15 and 17, the bracket 237 is fixed to the upper surface of the frame extension 1231 at the left end of the front connecting frame 123F. This is done by, for example, a tapping screw. As a result, the armrest bracket 200 and the reinforcing member 235 are supported by the front frame extension 1231 via the support member 236 and the bracket 237. As a result, the armrest bracket 200 can be firmly supported by the front connecting frame 123F and the rear end connecting frame 123e.

[0063] As shown in Figures 16A and 16B, a substantially cylindrical main body support part 202 having a predetermined width in the left-right direction is provided at the upper end of the armrest bracket 200. The main body support part 202 may be configured similarly to the main body support part 201 in Figure 11. As shown by the arrow in Figure 17, the armrest main body 210 is supported via the main body support part 202 so as to be rotatable in the up-down direction about a rotation shaft 219. As a result, the armrest main body 210 is supported at a position a predetermined distance to the right of the armrest bracket 200.

[0064] The body support part 201 has a function of restricting the maximum downward and upward rotation amount of the armrest body 210 (similar function to the rotation restricting part 216 in FIG. 11 ), thereby allowing the armrest body 210 to be moved between the use position (solid line) and the storage position (dotted line).

[0065] Figure 18 is a perspective view of the seat 100 of Figure 17 as seen obliquely from the front. Figure 18 shows a resin cover 270 that covers the armrest bracket 200. A resilient, substantially rectangular parallelepiped pad 271 is disposed in front of the cover 270. The pad 271 is placed on the upper surfaces of the pair of left and right support members 236. Although not shown, the surface of the pad 271 is covered with a skin. This allows the occupant's seating surface 118 to expand to the left of the seat cushion 110, allowing the pad 271 to be used as a bench seat.

[0066] In the example shown in FIG. 18 , a wide portion 275 having a generally rectangular parallelepiped shape is attached to the left surface of the armrest main body 210. Providing the wide portion 275 allows the support surface on which the occupant's arm rests to be expanded to the left. The left end surface of the wide portion 275 and the left end surface of the armrest bracket 200 or the left end surface of the cover 270 are located at the same or nearly the same position in the left-right direction. FIG. 19 is a front view (viewed from the front) showing the positional relationship between the armrest main body 210 and the wide portion 275 when the armrest 20 is in the use position. As shown in FIG. 19 , the upper surface of the armrest main body 210 slopes gently toward the left end, and the upper surface 275 a of the wide portion 275 is located below the upper end 210 b of the armrest main body 210. This allows the side airbag 162 ( FIG. 3 ) to be inflated and deployed smoothly toward the left of the armrest main body 210.

[0067] The present embodiment can achieve the following advantageous effects: (1) A vehicle seat 100 includes a seat cushion 110 having a seating surface 118 that extends in the lengthwise and widthwise directions in a plan view, a seat back 120 that is rotatably supported at the rear end of the seat cushion 110, and an armrest 20 that is disposed to the left of the seat back 120 and has support surfaces 210a, 212a above the seat cushion 110 on which an occupant's arms are placed ( FIGS. 2A , 2B , 5 , and 11 ). The seat cushion 110 includes a pair of side frames 112 that are spaced apart from each other in the left-right direction and extend in the front-rear direction, and a connecting frame 123 that extends in the left-right direction and connects the pair of side frames 112 ( FIGS. 2B and 15 ). The connecting frame 123 has a frame extension 1231 (protrusion) at its left end that protrudes leftward beyond the seat cushion 110, and the armrest 20 is supported by the frame extension 1231 (FIGS. 5, 11, and 15).

[0068] According to this configuration, because the armrest 20 is supported by the frame extension 1231, when the seat 100 moves in the front-to-rear direction via the slide mechanism 105 or in the up-and-down direction via the height mechanism, the armrest 20 moves integrally with the seat 100. This allows the armrest 20 to follow the movement of the seat 100, allowing the occupant to use the armrest 20 conveniently. Because the connecting frame 123 is a strength member that forms the framework of the seat 100, supporting the armrest 20 via the frame extension 1231 that is integral with the connecting frame 123 ensures stable support of the armrest 20. When an obstacle collides with the side of the vehicle 10 and an impact is applied to the vehicle 10, the impact load can be transmitted to the lateral members of the seat 100 (the armrest 20 or another seat 100) via the frame extension 1231. This impact load can also be transmitted to the floor via the lateral members of the seat 100.

[0069] (2) The connecting frame 123 includes a pair of connecting frames (front connecting frame 123F, rear connecting frame 123R) that are spaced apart from each other in the front-rear direction and connect the pair of side frames 112 ( FIG. 3 ). The pair of connecting frames 123 includes a pair of frame extensions 1231 at their left ends that protrude to the left of the seat cushion 110, and the armrest 20 is supported by the pair of frame extensions 1231 ( FIGS. 3 and 5 ). This allows the armrest 20 to be supported more stably.

[0070] (3) The vehicle seat 100 further includes a side airbag module 160 ( FIG. 3 ) that is provided at the left end of the seatback 120 and has a side airbag 162 that inflates and deploys toward the front end of the seat cushion 110. The armrest 20 has a recess 211a at its rear end that is retracted from the deployment area AR1 of the side airbag 162 ( FIG. 5 ). This allows the side airbag 162 to inflate and deploy smoothly without interfering with the armrest 20.

[0071] (4) The recess 211a is formed in a curved shape along the deployment area AR1 of the side airbag 162 (FIG. 5). By forming the recess 211a in a curved shape in this way, the rigidity of the armrest 20 can be improved.

[0072] (5) The vehicle seat 100 further includes a seat belt buckle 30 provided at the left end of the seat cushion 110 ( FIG. 5 ). The armrest 20 has a recessed relief portion 25 at a location facing the seat belt buckle 30 in a plan view to avoid interference with the seat belt buckle 30 ( FIG. 7 ). This prevents the seat belt buckle 30 from interfering with the armrest 20, allowing the seat belt to be used smoothly.

[0073] (6) The armrest 20 includes an armrest main body 210 having a mounting surface 210a, and an armrest bracket 200 having a main body support portion 201 that is supported by the frame extension portion 1231 and supports the armrest main body 210 ( FIGS. 11 and 13 ). The main body support portion 201 rotatably supports the armrest main body 210 so that the armrest main body 210 can be moved between an in-use position and a retracted position ( FIGS. 11 and 13 ). This allows the armrest 20 to be stably supported via the frame extension portion 1231, while allowing the armrest main body 210 to be positioned at a predetermined height in an in-use position with a simple configuration. Furthermore, when the armrest 20 is not in use, it can be retracted from the in-use position to the retracted position.

[0074] (7) The armrest 20 further includes a wide portion 275 attached to the left end surface of the armrest main body 210 ( FIG. 18 ). The upper end (upper surface 275 a) of the wide portion 275 is formed to be positioned lower than the upper end 210 b of the armrest main body 210 when the armrest main body 210 is in the in-use position ( FIG. 19 ). This allows the support surface on which the occupant's arms rest to be enlarged without interfering with the deployment of the side airbag 162.

[0075] (8) The vehicle seat 100 further includes a reclining device 150 that adjusts the rotation angle of the seat back 120 and a slide mechanism 105 that supports the seat cushion 110 so that it can move in the fore-and-aft direction ( FIGS. 2A and 3 ). The seat back 120 includes a seat back frame 121, a back pad 125 provided on the seat back frame 121, and a cover 126 that covers the surface of the back pad 125 ( FIG. 2A ). The seat cushion 110 includes a seat cushion frame 111 that includes a pair of side frames 112 and a connecting frame 123, a cushion pad 115 provided on the seat cushion frame 111, and a cover 116 that covers the surface of the cushion pad 115. For the seat 100 configured as described above, the armrest 20 can be suitably supported by providing a frame extension 1231 on the connecting frame 123.

[0076] As described above, the seat 100 has the ottoman 140 rotatably supported on the front end of the seat cushion 110, but the ottoman 140 may also be provided so as to be movable in the fore-and-aft direction. Fig. 20 is a side view (viewed from the left) that schematically shows the internal configuration of an example of the seat 100. As shown in Fig. 20, a pair of left and right support rods 145 are provided inside the seat cushion 110 and extend in the fore-and-aft direction above the front connecting frame 123F.

[0077] The support rod 145 is supported by, for example, guides 146 provided on the side frames 112, inside the pair of left and right side frames 112, 112, so as to be slidable in the front-to-rear direction as shown by the arrow in Figure 20. The ottoman 140 is rotatably supported by a rotation support portion 147 at the front end of the support rod 145. With this configuration, the front connecting frame 123F is provided below the support rod 145, so the support rod 145 can move in the front-to-rear direction without interference between the front connecting frame 123F and the support rod 145, and the ottoman 140 can be moved smoothly in the front-to-rear direction.

[0078] In the above-described embodiment, a frame extension 1231 is provided at the left end of the connecting frame 123 of the driver's seat 101, and the armrest 20 is supported on the left side of the driver's seat 101 via the frame extension 1231. In addition, a side airbag module 160 is provided on the left side surface of the side frame 122 on the left side of the seatback frame 121, and a side airbag 162 is deployed between the driver's seat 101 and the passenger seat 102. When various components are provided on the inner side in the left-right direction of the driver's seat 101, i.e., on the center side in the vehicle width direction (left side), it is necessary to shift the position of the driver's seat 101 outward in the left-right direction (right side) to avoid interference with these components.

[0079] However, when the driver's seat 101 is shifted outward in the left-right direction, the driver's seat 101 approaches the door 12, which may make it difficult for the occupant to operate operating members such as levers provided at the right end of the driver's seat 101. The same applies to the passenger's seat 102; when the passenger's seat 102 is shifted outward in the left-right direction (to the left), the passenger's seat 102 approaches the door 12, which may make it difficult for the occupant to operate operating members such as levers provided at the left end of the passenger's seat 102. In consideration of this, a recess may be provided in the vehicle door 12 as follows.

[0080] Figure 21 is a front view (viewed from the left) showing a schematic configuration of the inside of the driver's side door 12, and Figures 22A and 22B are cross-sectional views of the door 12 taken along lines A-A and B-B in Figure 21, respectively. In Figure 21, the outline (seating surface) of the seat 100 is shown by a two-dot chain line. Also, an operating lever 180 (e.g., an operating lever for reclining or adjusting the seat height) provided on the right side of the seat 100, particularly the state in which the operating lever 180 is operated upward, is shown by a dotted line.

[0081] As shown in FIG. 21 , a door lining 300 on the inside of the door 12 is provided with a door armrest 301. The door armrest 301 protrudes toward the seat and extends in the front-to-rear direction, and a support surface 301a on which an occupant places their arm is formed on the upper surface of the door armrest 301. The door lining 300 also has a bulge 302 below the door armrest 301 that bulges toward the seat. A speaker 303 is provided at the front end of the door 12 in a position that does not interfere with the door armrest 301 and the bulge 302. A substantially rectangular impact absorbing member 304 is built into the door 12 at a position that overlaps the seating surface of the seat back 120 and also overlaps the door armrest 301. The impact absorbing member 304 absorbs impacts acting on the side of the vehicle 10.

[0082] As shown in FIGS. 21 , 22A , and 22B , a recessed recess 310 is provided in a portion of the door armrest 301 so as not to interfere with operation of the operating lever 180. Specifically, the recess 310 is provided from the lower end of the door armrest 301 upward over a predetermined length in the front-rear direction. The hatched area AR2 in FIGS. 22A and 22B is the area where the recess 310 is provided. In FIG. 22A , the recess 310 is provided in the door armrest 301, and in FIG. 22B , the recess 310 is provided in both the door armrest 301 and the impact absorbing member 304. Providing the recess 310 creates space around the operating lever 180, allowing the occupant to easily operate the operating lever 180. Note that the recess 310 may be provided over the entire length of the armrest 301 in the front-rear direction, rather than just over a portion of the armrest 301 in the front-rear direction.

[0083] Thus, the vehicle 10 having the seat 100 is provided with the door 12 provided on the right side of the seat 100 (driver's seat 101) (FIG. 1A). The armrest 20 is disposed on the left side of the seat 100, and the door 12 has a recess 310 provided so as to be retracted from the seat 100 (FIGS. 22A and 22B). As a result, even if the position of the seat 100 shifts to the right due to the provision of the armrest 20, space is secured around the operating lever 180, allowing the occupant to easily operate the operating lever 180.

[0084] A recessed portion can also be provided in the bulging portion 302. FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of the door 12 (a cross-sectional view taken along line CC in FIG. 21) showing an example of such a configuration. As shown in FIG. 23, the base frame 15, the slide mechanism 105, and the cover 190 covering the side frame 112 are provided at the bottom of the seat 100. The base frame 15, the slide mechanism 105, and the cover 190 are provided facing the bulging portion 302 and may come into contact with the bulging portion 302. Therefore, a recessed portion 311, as shown by hatching in FIG. 23, is provided in the bulging portion 302. This prevents contact between the bottom of the seat 100 and the bulging portion 302. The recessed portion 311 may be provided in a portion of the bulging portion 302 in the front-to-rear direction, or may be provided over the entire length of the bulging portion 302 in the front-to-rear direction.

[0085] The above embodiment can be modified in various ways. Several modifications will be described below. In the above embodiment ( FIG. 10 ), one end (large diameter portion 1231 a) of the frame extension 1231 is press-fitted into the end of the connecting frame 123, and the other end (small diameter portion 1231 b) of the frame extension 1231 is provided with a threaded portion 1231 c, onto which a nut 1244 is threaded. In this regard, the nut may be provided inside the frame extension. FIG. 24 shows an example of a modification of FIG. 10 .

[0086] As shown in Figure 24, one end of a frame extension 1232 is press-fitted into the end of the connecting frame 123, as in Figure 10. A nut 1233 is inserted into the frame extension 1232 in advance. Specifically, before press-fitting the frame extension 1232, the outer circumferential surface of the frame extension 1232 is crushed with a tool to form convex portions 1232a and 1232b. The convex portion 1232a is formed to have a smaller diameter than the outer diameter of the nut 1233.

[0087] Figure 25 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in Figure 24, showing the configuration of the protrusion 1232b. As shown in Figure 25, the protrusion 1232b has a predetermined width across flats corresponding to the outer diameter of the nut 1233. In this state, the frame extension 1232 is press-fitted into the connecting frame 123, and the nut 1233 is inserted into the frame extension 1232. The outer peripheral surface of the frame extension 1232 is then crushed with a tool to form the protrusion 1232c. The protrusion 1232c is formed to have a diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the nut 1233. This restricts left-right movement of the nut 1233, and the nut 1233 is held in contact with the protrusion 1232b.

[0088] Next, the bolt 1235 is threaded into the nut 1233 via the flange member 1241, washer 1242, armrest 20, and washer 1243. This allows the armrest 20 to be fixed to the frame extension 1232 using the bolt 1235. The fixing method shown in Fig. 24 is not limited to the generally box-shaped armrest 20 (Fig. 6), but can also be applied when fixing other armrests 20 (for example, the armrest bracket 200 in Figs. 11, 12, and 14).

[0089] In the above embodiment ( FIG. 14 ), the rear bracket 245 is provided rotatably relative to the frame extension 1231. However, the frame extension 1231 supporting the rear bracket 245 may be replaced with a frame extension 1232 as shown in FIG. 24 . FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view of a main portion of the end of the connecting frame 123, showing an example of such a configuration. For convenience, FIG. 26 omits illustration of the protrusions 1232 a, 1232 b, and 1232 c of the frame extension 1232. As shown in FIG. 26 , a height link 1245, which is part of the height mechanism, is joined to the connecting frame 123 by welding.

[0090] A rear bracket 245 is fixed to the side frame 112. The side frame 112 is rotatably mounted relative to the connecting frame 123 and the frame extension 1232. After the resin member 1246, armrest bracket 200, and washer 1243 are placed to the left of the rear bracket 245, when the bolt 1235 is screwed into the nut 1233, the washer 1243 comes into contact with the end face of the frame extension 1232, and the armrest bracket 200 is rotatably supported relative to the connecting frame 123. As a result, even if the connecting frame 123 rotates due to operation of the height mechanism, the armrest bracket 200 will not rotate together with the connecting frame 123, and the armrest 20 can be maintained in a suitable usage position.

[0091] In the above-described embodiments, except for the example shown in Fig. 15 , the frame extensions 1231, 1232 (protrusions) are provided by welding or press-fitting the frame extensions 1231, 1232 to the ends of the connecting frame 123, protruding outward in the width direction beyond the seat cushion 110. However, the connecting frame 123 itself may be configured to be elongated so as to protrude outward in the width direction beyond the seat cushion 110. Therefore, the configuration of the protrusions is not limited to the above. In the above-described embodiments, a pair of frame extensions (pair of protrusions) 1231, 1231 are provided at the ends of the pair of connecting frames 123, 123, but a single protrusion may be provided.

[0092] In the above embodiment, the side airbag module 160 is provided outside the side frame of the seat cushion, but any airbag device may be used as long as it has an airbag that inflates and deploys toward the longitudinal (front-rear) end of the seat cushion 110 (the end opposite the seatback 120). In the above embodiment (FIG. 5), a recessed escape portion 211a is provided at the rear end of the armrest 20, but the airbag escape portion may have any configuration as long as it is provided at the end of the armrest on the seatback side so as to be retracted from the airbag deployment area. In the above embodiment, the escape portion 211a is configured to be curved along the deployment area of ​​the side airbag 162, but the configuration of the airbag escape portion is not limited to this.

[0093] In the above embodiment (Fig. 7), a recessed recess 25 (buckle recess) is provided in a portion of the armrest 20 facing the seat belt buckle 30 (seat belt buckle), but the configuration of the buckle recess is not limited to that described above as long as it is provided in a portion facing the seat belt buckle in a plan view so as to avoid interference with the seat belt buckle. In the above embodiment (Figs. 11 and 13), the armrest main body 210 is rotatably supported via the main body support portion 201 provided on the armrest bracket 200, but the support portion may have any configuration as long as it rotatably supports the armrest main body so that it can be moved between the use position and the retracted position.

[0094] In the above embodiment (FIG. 18), the wide portion 275 is attached to the armrest main body 210, and when the armrest main body 210 is in the use position, the upper end of the wide portion 275 is positioned lower than the upper end 210b of the armrest main body 210, but the positional relationship between the upper end of the wide portion 275 and the upper end of the armrest main body 210 is not limited to the above. In the above embodiment (FIG. 20), the ottoman moving portion that moves the ottoman 140 in the fore-and-aft direction is provided with a support rod 145 inside the seat cushion 110 that is movable in the fore-and-aft direction, and the ottoman 140 is rotatably supported via a rotation support portion 147 (ottoman support portion), but the configurations of the ottoman moving portion and the ottoman support portion are not limited to the above.

[0095] In the above embodiment, the rotation angle of the seat back 120 is adjusted via the reclining device 150 (recliner), and the seat cushion 110 is supported via the slide mechanism 105 (cushion support portion) so as to be movable in the front-rear direction (length direction), but the configurations of the reclining portion and the cushion support portion are not limited to those described above. In the above embodiment (FIGS. 22A, 22B, 23), the door 12 on the side of the seat 100 opposite the armrest 20 is provided with escape portions 310, 311 (door escape portions) so as to be retracted from the seat 100, but the configuration of the door escape portions is not limited to those described above.

[0096] In the above embodiment, the seats 100 are arranged side by side, but the arrangement of the seats 100 is not limited to this. Therefore, the width direction of the seat 100 is not necessarily the left-right direction of the vehicle, and the length direction of the seat 100 is not necessarily the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle. In the above embodiment, a vehicle seat is described as an example of a vehicle seat, but the present invention is similarly applicable to other vehicle seats having armrests, such as airplane seats and boat seats.

[0097] The above description is merely an example, and the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment and modifications as long as the features of the present invention are not impaired. One or more of the above-described embodiment and modifications can be arbitrarily combined, and modifications can also be combined with each other.

[0098] 10 Vehicle, 12 Door, 20 Armrest, 25 Relief portion, 30 Seat belt buckle, 100 Vehicle seat, 105 Slide mechanism, 110 Seat cushion, 111 Seat cushion frame, 112 Side frame, 115 Cushion pad, 116 Upholstery, 120 Seat back, 121 Seat back frame, 123 Connecting frame, 123F Front connecting frame, 123R Rear connecting frame, 123e Rear end connecting frame, 125 Back pad, 126 Upholstery, 140 Ottoman, 145 Support rod, 147 Rotation support portion, 150 Reclining device, 160 Side airbag module, 162 Side airbag, 200 Armrest bracket, 210 Armrest main body, 210a, 212a Placement surface, 210b Upper end portion, 211a Relief portion, 275 Wide portion, 275a Upper surface, 310 Recessed portion, 1231, 1232 Frame extension portion

Claims

1. A vehicle seat comprising: a seat cushion having a seating surface which extends in the lengthwise and widthwise directions in a plan view; a seat back rotatably supported on one end of the seat cushion in the lengthwise direction; and an armrest arranged on a side of the seat back in the widthwise direction and having a support surface on which an occupant's arm is placed above the seat cushion, wherein the seat cushion has a pair of side frames arranged spaced apart from each other in the widthwise direction and extending in the lengthwise direction, and a connecting frame extending in the widthwise direction and connecting the pair of side frames, wherein the connecting frame has a protruding portion at one end in the widthwise direction that protrudes outward in the widthwise direction further than the seat cushion, and the armrest is supported by the protruding portion.

2. A vehicle seat as described in claim 1, wherein the connecting frame comprises a pair of connecting frames spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction and connecting the pair of side frames, the pair of connecting frames having a pair of protruding portions at one end in the width direction that protrude further outward in the width direction than the seat cushion, and the armrest is supported by the pair of protruding portions.

3. A vehicle seat as described in claim 1, further comprising an airbag device having an airbag provided at the widthwise end of the seat back and inflating and deploying towards the other longitudinal end of the seat cushion, and the armrest has an airbag escape portion at the longitudinal end on the seat back side so as to be retracted from the deployment area of ​​the airbag.

4. A vehicle seat as described in claim 3, wherein the airbag escape portion is formed in a curved shape along the deployment area of ​​the airbag.

5. A vehicle seat as described in claim 1, further comprising a seat belt buckle provided at an end of the seat cushion in the width direction, and the armrest has a buckle escape portion at a portion facing the seat belt buckle in a plan view so as to avoid interference with the seat belt buckle.

6. A vehicle seat as described in claim 1, wherein the armrest comprises an armrest main body having the aforementioned placement surface, and an armrest bracket having a support part supported by the protruding part and supporting the armrest main body, the support part rotatably supporting the armrest main body so that the armrest main body can be moved between a use position and a storage position.

7. A vehicle seat as described in claim 6, wherein the armrest further has a wide portion attached to the outer end surface of the armrest main body in the width direction, and the upper end of the wide portion is formed so as to be positioned lower than the upper end of the armrest main body when the armrest main body is in the usage position.

8. A vehicle seat as described in claim 1, further comprising an ottoman rotatably attached to the other end of the seat cushion in the longitudinal direction, and an ottoman movement section which moves the ottoman in the longitudinal direction, wherein the ottoman movement section extends movably in the longitudinal direction below the seating surface of the seat cushion and has an ottoman support section which supports the ottoman, and the connecting frame is provided below the ottoman support section.

9. A vehicle seat as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a reclining section for adjusting the rotation angle of the seat back, and a cushion support section for supporting the seat cushion so that it can move in the longitudinal direction, wherein the seat back has a seat back frame, a back pad member provided on the seat back frame, and a skin covering the surface of the back pad member, and the seat cushion has a seat cushion frame including the pair of side frames and the connecting frame, a cushion pad member provided on the seat cushion frame, and a skin covering the surface of the cushion pad member.

10. A vehicle having the vehicle seat described in claim 1, further comprising a door provided on one side of the vehicle seat in the width direction, the armrest being disposed on the other side of the vehicle seat in the width direction, and the door having a door escape portion provided to retreat from the vehicle seat.

Images