Vehicle seat

WO2025063249A1PCT designated stage expired Publication Date: 2025-03-27TS TECH CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
PCT/JP2024/033533
Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2024-09-13
Filing Date
2024-09-19
Publication Date
2025-03-27

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Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to provide a vehicle seat that is provided with a slide rail device capable of improving the rigidity of a separation suppression member, and more effectively suppressing the separation of a movable rail and a fixed rail. A vehicle seat (S) is provided with a seat cushion (1) and a slide rail device (60) disposed below the seat cushion (1). The slide rail device (60) has: a lower rail (61) that is fixed to a vehicle; an upper rail (62) that can move along a direction in which the lower rail (61) extends; and a separation suppression member (63) that suppresses the separation of the lower rail (61) and the upper rail (62) from each other. The separation suppression member (63) has a separation suppression bracket (631) that is connected to the upper rail (62) and, when the upper rail (62) receives an upward impact load, abuts on the lower rail (61) to suppress the separation of the lower rail (61) and the upper rail (62) from each other. The separation suppression bracket (631) has a recessed portion (6311a) that suppresses deformation of the separation suppression bracket (631).
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Description

Vehicle seats

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle seat, and more particularly to a vehicle seat equipped with a slide rail device.

[0002] In a conventional vehicle seat, a seat body including a seat cushion and a seat back is slidably attached to the vehicle floor via a slide rail device, so that an occupant can move to a destination by sliding the seat body in the direction of the extension of the slide rail device, effectively utilizing the interior space of the vehicle.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a slide rail device that supports a seat body so that it can slide in the front-rear and left-right directions. More specifically, the slide rail device includes a fixed rail fixed to the vehicle body, a movable rail that is slidable relative to the fixed rail, and a separation prevention member that prevents the fixed rail and the movable rail from separating from each other. The separation prevention member is composed of a bracket member that is connected to the movable rail and that abuts against the fixed rail when an external impact is applied, thereby preventing the movable rail from displacing away from the fixed rail.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-248973

[0005] The technology described in Patent Document 1 can prevent the movable rail from being displaced away from the fixed rail, thereby preventing the movable rail and the fixed rail from separating from each other. However, because the separation prevention member is composed of a bracket made of a plate-like body, there is a risk that damage such as deformation will occur to the bracket when a large impact is applied, making it impossible to reliably prevent the movable rail and the fixed rail from separating from each other.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide a vehicle seat equipped with a slide rail device that improves the rigidity of the peel-prevention member and can more effectively prevent peeling between the movable rail and the fixed rail.

[0007] The above problem is solved by the vehicle seat of the present invention, which provides a vehicle seat including a seat cushion and a slide rail device arranged below the seat cushion, wherein the slide rail device has a lower rail fixed to the vehicle, an upper rail movable along the direction in which the lower rail extends, and a peel-off suppression member that suppresses the lower rail and the upper rail from peeling away from each other, wherein the peel-off suppression member has a peel-off suppression bracket that is connected to the upper rail and abuts against the lower rail when the upper rail is subjected to an upward impact load, thereby suppressing the upper rail and the lower rail from peeling away from each other, and wherein the peel-off suppression bracket has a bracket reinforcing portion that suppresses deformation of the peel-off suppression bracket.

[0008] According to the above configuration, the peel-prevention member has a peel-prevention bracket that is connected to the upper rail and abuts against the lower rail when the upper rail receives an upward impact load to prevent the upper rail and the lower rail from peeling away from each other. The peel-prevention bracket also has a bracket reinforcing portion that suppresses deformation of the peel-prevention bracket. This improves the rigidity of the peel-prevention member and makes it possible to effectively prevent peeling between the upper rail (movable rail) and the lower rail (fixed rail).

[0009] The bracket reinforcement portion may be located at the connection portion with the upper rail. According to the above configuration, the rigidity of the anti-peeling member can be improved, which can effectively prevent the upper rail from peeling off from the lower rail, and the connection strength between the upper rail and the anti-peeling member can be improved.

[0010] The upper rail may include a rail member that is movable along the extension direction of the lower rail and a support member that is provided on the rail member and supports the seat cushion, and the separation-preventing bracket may be connected to the support member. With this configuration, an impact load applied to the upper rail can be distributed to the support member and the rail member, thereby preventing deformation of the rail member. Therefore, separation between the rail member of the upper rail and the lower rail can be effectively prevented.

[0011] The upper rail and the lower rail may be joined together by a support member, and the support member may be joined by a bracket reinforcing portion.

[0012] The separation preventive bracket may have side wall portions positioned in the seat width direction of the lower rail and the upper rail in a front view, and a bottom wall portion bent and extending perpendicularly from the side wall portions, and the bracket reinforcing portion may be a recessed portion recessed inward in the seat width direction of the side wall. With the above configuration, it is possible to prevent the separation preventive bracket from becoming large, while improving the rigidity of the separation preventive bracket by the recessed portion recessed inward in the side wall.

[0013] The separation preventive bracket may have left and right side wall portions located on both sides of the lower rail and the upper rail in the seat width direction when viewed from the front, and a bottom wall portion connecting bottom portions of the left and right side wall portions to each other, and the support member may be sandwiched between the left and right side wall portions. With the above configuration, it is possible to improve the connection strength between the upper rail and the separation preventive bracket.

[0014] The peel-preventing member may have a connecting member that connects the left and right sidewalls of the peel-preventing bracket, and the peel-preventing bracket may be connected to the support member via the connecting member. This configuration allows the peel-preventing bracket to be easily connected to the support member by the connecting member, thereby preventing an increase in the number of steps required to assemble the peel-preventing member. Furthermore, it is possible to improve the mounting rigidity between the peel-preventing bracket and the support member.

[0015] The peel-preventing bracket may have left and right sidewalls located on both sides of the lower rail and the upper rail in the seat width direction when viewed from the front, and a bottom wall connecting the bottoms of the left and right sidewalls to each other, and the longitudinal dimension of the upper part of the peel-preventing bracket may be greater than the longitudinal dimension of the bottom. According to the above configuration, the small longitudinal dimension of the bottom can reduce the weight of the peel-preventing bracket and prevent foreign matter from accumulating at the bottom of the peel-preventing bracket. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent the peel-preventing bracket from interfering with a fixing member attached to the lower rail when the upper rail slides in the longitudinal direction.

[0016] In addition, the separation preventive bracket may have a longitudinal dimension at a connecting portion with the support member that is greater than a longitudinal dimension of the portion other than the connecting portion. With the above configuration, it is possible to reduce the weight of the separation preventive bracket while ensuring the connecting strength between the upper rail and the separation preventive bracket.

[0017] The support member may have a support member reinforcing portion at a portion where the support member is connected to the peel-preventing bracket, which suppresses deformation of the support member. According to the above configuration, deformation of the support member is suppressed, thereby improving the connection strength of the peel-preventing bracket.

[0018] According to the present invention, the rigidity of the peel-preventing member can be improved, effectively preventing peeling between the upper rail (movable rail) and the lower rail (fixed rail). The connection strength between the upper rail and the peel-preventing member can be improved. Furthermore, the rigidity of the peel-preventing bracket can be improved by the recess recessed into the inside of the side wall while preventing the peel-preventing bracket from becoming too large. The connection between the peel-preventing bracket and the support member can be improved. Furthermore, the peel-preventing bracket can be easily connected to the support member using the connecting member, preventing an increase in the number of steps required for assembling the peel-preventing member. The peel-preventing bracket can be made lighter and foreign matter can be prevented from accumulating at its bottom. Furthermore, the peel-preventing bracket can be prevented from interfering with the fixed member attached to the lower rail when the upper rail slides in the fore-and-aft direction. The peel-preventing bracket can be made lighter while maintaining the connection strength between the upper rail and the peel-preventing bracket.

[0019] 8 is a perspective view of a vehicle seat according to the present embodiment, as seen from an obliquely front direction. 8 is a perspective view of a seat frame according to the present embodiment, as seen from an obliquely front direction. 8 is a perspective view of a slide rail device according to the present embodiment, as seen from an obliquely front direction. 8 is a front view of a peel-inhibiting member, as seen from an obliquely front direction. 8 is a side view of a peel-inhibiting member, as seen from an upper side, as seen from an underside ... 16. A right side view of the second cover body. A left side view of the second cover body. A back view of the second cover body. A perspective view of the third cover body as seen diagonally from the left side. A left side view of the third cover body. A right side view of the third cover body. A perspective view of the fourth cover body as seen diagonally from the right side. A front view of the fourth cover body. A left side view of the fourth cover body. A right side view of the fourth cover body. A back view of the fourth cover body. A top view of the fourth cover body. A cross-sectional view along A-A in FIG. 16. A perspective view of a reclining cover unit according to a first modified example as seen diagonally from the front. A perspective view of a reclining cover unit having an intrusion prevention wall as seen diagonally from the front.

[0020] The configuration of a vehicle seat according to an embodiment of the present invention (the present embodiment) will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, the embodiment described below is an example for facilitating understanding of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. In other words, the present invention may be modified or improved without departing from the spirit thereof, and of course, the present invention also includes equivalents thereof.

[0021] In the following, a vehicle seat S provided in a vehicle automobile will be used as an example of a vehicle seat, and an example of its configuration will be described. In the following description, the "seat longitudinal direction" refers to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle seat S, which is the direction that coincides with the traveling direction of the vehicle when the vehicle is traveling. The "seat width direction" refers to the width direction of the vehicle seat S, which is the direction that coincides with the left-right direction as seen by an occupant seated in the vehicle seat S. The "vertical direction" refers to the vertical direction of the vehicle seat S, which is the direction that coincides with the vertical direction when the vehicle is traveling on a horizontal plane. The outer and inner sides are defined based on the occupant. That is, the direction toward the center of the seat width direction is the inward direction, and the direction away from it is the outward direction. A common number is assigned to a pair of left and right components, and when specifying the left and right, the names of the components are designated by "left side" and "right side," and the letters "L" and "R" are added to the reference symbols.

[0022] As shown in Fig. 1, the vehicle seat S is placed on the vehicle body floor and is a seat in which a vehicle occupant sits. In this embodiment, the vehicle seat S is a driver's seat located on the right side of the first row in the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle. However, the vehicle seat S is not limited to this, and may be a left seat (passenger seat) in the first row, or a seat in the second or third row.

[0023] <Vehicle seat S> The overall configuration of the vehicle seat S according to this embodiment will be outlined with reference to Figures 1 to 3. Figure 1 is a perspective view of the vehicle seat S according to this embodiment, as seen obliquely from the front, and Figure 2 is a perspective view of the seat frame F, as seen obliquely from the front. Figure 3 is a perspective view of a slide rail device 60. Note that, for convenience of illustration, Figure 1 shows a portion of the vehicle seat S with the cover material Tr removed and the pad material P exposed.

[0024] As shown in Fig. 1, the vehicle seat S according to this embodiment mainly comprises a seat cushion 1, a seat back 2, and a headrest 3. Note that hereinafter, the seat cushion 1, the seat back 2, and the headrest 3 may be collectively referred to as a seat body. As shown in Fig. 2, a seat frame F that forms the framework of the vehicle seat S is provided inside the vehicle seat S. The seat frame F includes a cushion frame 10, a back frame 20, and a headrest pillar 30 that respectively form the seat cushion 1, the seat back 2, and the headrest 3.

[0025] The vehicle seat S also includes a reclining device 40, a lifting device 50, and a slide rail device 60. The reclining device 40 connects the seat back 2 to the seat cushion 1 so that the seat back 2 can rotate about a reclining axis 41. The lifting device 50 and the slide rail device 60 are disposed below the seat cushion 1 and connect the seat body to the vehicle floor so that the seat body can be displaced in the up-down and front-rear directions. In the following description, the reclining device 40, the lifting device 50, and the slide rail device 60 may be referred to as a movable mechanism.

[0026] <Seat Cushion 1> The seat cushion 1 is a support member that supports the buttocks of a seated occupant (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as a seated person) and supports the seated occupant from below. The seat cushion 1 mainly comprises a cushion frame 10 that forms the skeleton of the seat cushion 1, a pad material P that covers the cushion frame 10, and a cover material Tr.

[0027] The cushion frame 10 is a frame body having a rectangular shape in a top view. The cushion frame 10 includes left and right cushion side frames 11, a pan frame 12 connecting the left and right cushion side frames 11, a rear frame 13, and S-springs 14.

[0028] The left and right cushion side frames 11 are made of plate-like members extending in the front-rear direction and are arranged facing each other and spaced apart on both sides in the seat width direction. An elevation control lever 53 for operating an elevation device 50 (described later) is provided on the side of the cushion side frame 11. The pan frame 12 is made of a plate-like member that connects the front ends of the left and right cushion side frames 11. The rear frame 13 is made of a round pipe material that connects the rear ends of the left and right cushion side frames 11.

[0029] The S springs 14 are spanned between the pan frame 12 and the rear frame 13 and function as pressure-receiving members that receive the weight of a seated occupant. Explained in more detail, the S springs 14 are elastic members that deform while displacing downward when a seated occupant sits on the vehicle seat S, thereby receiving the weight of the seated occupant. However, the pressure-receiving members are not limited to the S springs 14. Instead of the S springs 14, elastic plate-shaped members may be spanned between the pan frame 12 and the rear frame 13.

[0030] A pad material P for the seat cushion is placed on the cushion frame 10, and the pad material P is covered with a skin material Tr. The pad material P is a cushion material and is made of, for example, a urethane resin (foam resin) such as soft polyurethane foam. The pad material P may be made of biomass urethane. The skin material Tr that covers the pad material P is made of, for example, a stretchable synthetic leather material. The skin material Tr may be made of cloth, film, leather, etc.

[0031] <Seatback 2> The seatback 2 is a support member that supports the back of a seated occupant and supports the seated occupant from behind. As shown in Fig. 2, the seatback 2 mainly comprises a back frame 20 that forms the skeleton of the seatback 2, a padding material P that covers the back frame 20, and a cover material Tr.

[0032] The back frame 20 is a frame body having a substantially rectangular shape when viewed from the front. The back frame 20 mainly comprises left and right back side frames 21, a back upper frame 22, a back lower frame 23, a connecting frame 24, and S-springs 25. The left and right back side frames 21, the back upper frame 22, and the back lower frame 23 are integrally formed from round pipe material.

[0033] The left and right back side frames 21 are elongated frame members extending in the vertical direction and are disposed on both sides of the seat width direction, facing each other and spaced apart from each other. The back side frames 21 are rotatably connected to the rear ends of the cushion side frames 11 by the reclining device 40.

[0034] The back upper frame 22 connects the upper ends of the left and right back side frames 21 and has a generally inverted U-shape. In other words, the back upper frame 22 extends upward from both sides in the seat width direction while slanting toward the center. The back upper frame 22 also has a pair of headrest support portions 22a in the center in the seat width direction, into which the headrest pillars 30 can be inserted. Meanwhile, the back lower frame 23 connects the lower ends of the left and right back side frames 21.

[0035] The connecting frame 24 is a plate-like member located between the back upper frame 22 and the back lower frame 23 in the vertical direction and connecting the left and right back side frames 21. The S spring 25 is bridged between the left and right back side frames 21 and functions as a pressure-receiving member that bears the weight of a seated occupant. The S spring 25 is an elastic member that deforms in response to the back and waist of an occupant seated in the vehicle seat S.

[0036] <Headrest 3> The headrest 3 is a support member that supports the head of a seated occupant from behind. The headrest 3 has a headrest pillar 30 that forms the skeleton of the headrest 3, a padding material (not shown) that covers the headrest pillar 30, and a skin material Tr that covers the padding material. The headrest 3 is attached to the seat back 2 by inserting the headrest pillar 30 into the headrest support portion 22a of the back frame 20.

[0037] <Reclining device 40> The reclining device 40 rotatably connects the seat back 2 to the seat cushion 1. More specifically, the reclining device 40 rotatably connects the rear end of the cushion side frame 11 to the lower end of the back side frame 21. This allows the vehicle seat S to transition between a normal state in which the seat back 2 is upright with respect to the seat cushion 1, a reclined state in which the seat back 2 is tilted backward, and a folded state in which the seat back 2 is folded forward.

[0038] <Lifting Device 50> As shown in Figure 2, the lifting device 50 is disposed between the seat cushion 1 and the slide rail device 60 and raises and lowers the seat body relative to the vehicle floor. More specifically, the lifting device 50 mainly comprises a front lifting link 51, a rear lifting link 52, and a lifting operation lever 53. The front lifting link 51 and the rear lifting link 52 are elongated and comprise a pair of left and right plate-like members. The front lifting link 51 and the rear lifting link 52 each have a lower pivot shaft located at their lower end and an upper pivot shaft located at their upper end, and are rotatably connected to the slide rail device 60 and the seat cushion 1 via the lower pivot shaft and the upper pivot shaft, respectively.

[0039] The operation of the lifting device 50 configured as described above will be explained. An occupant of the vehicle seat S can rotate the rear lifting link 52, which corresponds to the driven link member, so that it stands up or lies down by operating the lifting operation lever 53. At this time, the front lifting link 51, which corresponds to the driven link, rotates in conjunction with the rear lifting link 52. This allows the seat body to be displaced smoothly in the up and down direction relative to the vehicle floor without tilting in the fore-and-aft direction.

[0040] <Slide rail device 60> The slide rail device 60 is provided below the seat body and connects the seat body to the vehicle floor so that it can slide in the front-to-rear direction. The slide rail device 60 has a left slide rail device 60L located on the left side in the seat width direction and a right slide rail device 60R located on the right side. In the following description, when there is no need to particularly distinguish between the left slide rail device 60L and the right slide rail device 60R, they will be simply referred to as slide rail devices 60.

[0041] 3, the slide rail device 60 mainly comprises a lower rail 61 fixed to the vehicle floor, an upper rail 62 slidable relative to the lower rail 61, and a separation prevention member 63 that prevents the lower rail 61 and the upper rail 62 from separating from each other. Although not shown, the right slide rail device 60R also includes a slide rail locking device (not shown) that restricts sliding of the upper rail 62 relative to the lower rail 61.

[0042] The lower rail 61 has a lower rail main body 611, which is a long rail body extending in the front-rear direction, and is fixed to the vehicle floor by a front fixed leg and a rear fixed leg. More specifically, the lower rail main body 611 has a substantially U-shape when viewed from the front, and mainly includes left and right side wall portions 6111 and a bottom wall portion 6112 connecting the lower ends of the left and right side wall portions 6111.

[0043] The upper rail 62 is a sliding body that supports the seat body and slides in the front-rear direction relative to the lower rail 61. The upper rail 62 mainly comprises an upper rail main body 621 and a support member 622 (see FIG. 9 ). The upper rail main body 621 is a long rail body that extends in the front-rear direction. More specifically, the upper rail main body 621 has a generally inverted U-shape in front view, and includes left and right side wall portions 6211 and an upper wall portion 6212 that connects the upper ends of the left and right side wall portions 6211. The upper rail main body 621 corresponds to the rail member of the present invention.

[0044] When the lower rail 61 and the upper rail 62 are engaged with each other, the upper ends of the side wall portions 6111 of the lower rail main body 611 are positioned higher than the lower ends of the left and right side wall portions 6211 of the upper rail main body 621. This prevents the upper rail 62 from being misaligned with respect to the lower rail 61 in the seat width direction.

[0045] Furthermore, left and right ball rolling elements 66 and a central cylindrical rolling element 67 are interposed between the lower rail main body 611 and the upper rail main body 621. The ball rolling elements 66 and the cylindrical rolling element 67 roll between the lower rail main body 611 and the upper rail main body 621, thereby reducing the frictional force between them. This allows the upper rail main body 621 to slide smoothly relative to the lower rail main body 611.

[0046] The support member 622 is fixed onto the upper rail main body 621 and serves to support the seat main body via the lifting device 50. The support member 622 has a substantially U-shape when viewed from the front, and has a bottom wall portion 6221, a front lifting link connecting portion 6222, a rear lifting link connecting portion 6223, an inner peeling suppression member fixing portion 6224, and an outer peeling suppression member fixing portion 6225.

[0047] The bottom wall portion 6221 has an elongated shape extending in the front-rear direction and is fixed in contact with the upper wall portion 6212 of the upper rail main body 621. The front lifting link connecting portion 6222 and the rear lifting link connecting portion 6223 are upright walls that stand up from the bottom wall portion 6221 and support the lifting device 50. The front lifting link connecting portion 6222 is located on the front side of the support member 622 and has an insertion hole through which the lower rotation shaft of the front lifting link 51 is inserted. Therefore, the front lifting link connecting portion 6222 can rotatably connect and support the front lifting link 51. On the other hand, the rear lifting link connecting portion 6223 is located on the rear side of the support member 622 and has an insertion hole through which the lower rotation shaft of the rear lifting link 52 is inserted. Therefore, the rear lifting link connecting portion 6223 can rotatably connect and support the rear lifting link 52.

[0048] The inner peel suppressing member fixing portion 6224 and the outer peel suppressing member fixing portion 6225 are upright walls that rise from the bottom wall portion 6221 and are connected to the peel suppressing member 63 described below. More specifically, the inner peel suppressing member fixing portion 6224 and the outer peel suppressing member fixing portion 6225 are each formed with two inner fixing holes 6224a and two outer fixing holes 6225a for fastening and fixing the peel suppressing member 63. Bracket connecting members 632 for fixing the peel suppressing member 63 to the support member 622 are inserted into the inner fixing holes 6224a and the outer fixing holes 6225a.

[0049] As will be described later, the inner peel-preventing member fixing portion 6224 and the outer peel-preventing member fixing portion 6225 are press-formed and plastically deformed so as to bulge in directions away from each other. This improves the strength of the inner peel-preventing member fixing portion 6224 and the outer peel-preventing member fixing portion 6225, enabling the peel-preventing member 63 to be firmly fixed to the upper rail 62. This makes it possible to effectively prevent the lower rail 61 and the upper rail 62 from peeling away from each other.

[0050] The peel-inhibiting member 63 has a substantially U-shape in front view, with its left and right upper ends connected to the inner peel-inhibiting member fixing portion 6224 and the outer peel-inhibiting member fixing portion 6225, and its lower end located below the bottom wall portion 6112 of the lower rail 61. Therefore, even if the upper rail 62 receives a large upward impact load from the road surface while traveling, the lower end of the peel-inhibiting member 63 abuts against the lower rail 61, thereby preventing the lower rail 61 and the upper rail 62 from peeling away from each other.

[0051] As will be described later, the peel-inhibiting member 63 has a reinforcing portion that is deformed in the seat width direction by press working. This improves the rigidity of the peel-inhibiting member 63 against impact loads in the vertical direction. Therefore, even if the upper rail 62 receives a strong impact load in the upward direction, the peel-inhibiting member 63 can be prevented from being damaged, such as being deformed, and it is possible to effectively prevent the lower rail 61 and the upper rail 62 from peeling away from each other. Details of the peel-inhibiting member 63 will be described later.

[0052] <<Separation Inhibiting Member 63>> Next, the separation inhibiting member 63 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 7. FIGS. 4, 5, 6, and 7 respectively show a cross-sectional view from the front, a left side view, a top view, and a bottom view of the separation inhibiting member 63. While a vehicle is traveling, it may be subjected to an impact load from below to above due to road surface irregularities or external forces from the surroundings. In this case, there is a risk that the lower rail 61 and the upper rail 62 may separate from each other, or that the slide rail device 60 may be damaged, such as deformed. Therefore, the separation inhibiting member 63 is attached to the slide rail device 60 so as to encase the lower rail 61 and the upper rail 62, thereby preventing the lower rail 61 and the upper rail 62 from separating from each other.

[0053] As shown in Figures 4 to 7, the peeling restraint member 63 includes a peeling restraint bracket 631 and a bracket connecting member 632. The peeling restraint bracket 631 is a plate-like body having a generally U-shape in front view. More specifically, the peeling restraint bracket 631 includes left and right side wall portions 6311 and a bottom wall portion 6312 connecting the lower ends of the left and right side wall portions 6311. The left and right side wall portions 6311 extend in the up-down direction and have recesses 6311a recessed inward so that the left and right side wall portions 6311 are close to each other. By forming the recesses 6311a in the left and right side wall portions 6311 that deform in the sheet width direction, it is possible to prevent the peeling restraint bracket 631 from deforming in the up-down direction. Furthermore, because the left and right side wall portions 6311 are deformed to approach each other, the support member 622 of the upper rail 62 can be sandwiched between the left and right side wall portions 6311 (see FIG. 9 ), thereby improving the connection strength between the upper rail 62 and the peel-inhibiting member 63. The recess 6311a corresponds to the bracket reinforcing portion of the present invention.

[0054] The recess 6311a is formed with an insertion hole 6311b through which the bracket connecting member 632 is inserted. As will be described later, the left and right recesses 6311a, which have increased rigidity, abut against the inner peeling suppression member fixing portion 6224 and the outer peeling suppression member fixing portion 6225 of the support member 622, thereby connecting the peeling suppression bracket 631 to the support member 622. This makes it possible to improve the connection strength between the upper rail 62 and the peeling suppression bracket 631.

[0055] The bottom wall portion 6312 has a flat portion 6312a extending in the sheet width direction and inclined portions 6312b extending upward at an angle from both ends of the flat portion 6312a and connecting to the lower ends of the side wall portions 6311. A through-hole 6312c penetrating the flat portion 6312a in the up-down direction is formed on the front side of the flat portion 6312a. This makes it possible to prevent foreign matter such as dust from accumulating on the upper surface of the flat portion 6312a.

[0056] 5, a notch 6311c is formed on the lower side of the side wall 6311, cutting from rear to front. In other words, the front-rear dimension of the upper part of the peel-prevention bracket 631 is greater than the front-rear dimension of the bottom part (flat part 6312a) of the peel-prevention bracket 631. This reduces the weight of the peel-prevention member 63 and prevents foreign matter such as dust from accumulating on the upper surface of the flat part 6312a. Furthermore, it also prevents the flat part 6312a from interfering with other components (e.g., rear fixed legs) when the upper rail 62 is slid in the front-rear direction relative to the lower rail 61.

[0057] The bracket connecting member 632 is used to fasten and fix the peel restraint bracket 631 to the support member 622 of the upper rail 62. More specifically, the bracket connecting member 632 has a front connecting member 6321 and a rear connecting member 6322 that fasten the left and right side wall portions 6311 of the peel restraint bracket 631 to the inner peel restraint member fixing portion 6224 and the outer peel restraint member fixing portion 6225. The front connecting member 6321 and the rear connecting member 6322 are composed of bolts and nuts that thread onto the bolts. This allows the peel restraint bracket 631 to be easily connected to the support member 622, thereby preventing an increase in the number of assembly steps for the slide rail device 60. Furthermore, the front connecting member 6321 and the rear connecting member 6322 are arranged side by side in the front-to-rear direction. This improves the connection strength between the upper rail 62 and the peel restraint bracket 631.

[0058] 8 to 10 show the slide rail device 60 with the peel-inhibiting member 63 attached. Specifically, FIGS. 8 to 10 show the slide rail device 60 with the peel-inhibiting member 63 attached. Specifically, FIG. 8 shows a side view of the slide rail device 60, FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in FIG. 8, and FIG. 10 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B in FIG. 8. As shown in FIG. 8, the peel-inhibiting member 63 is attached to the support member 622 of the upper rail 62 so as to enclose the bottom wall portion 6112 of the lower rail 61 from below. Therefore, when an impact load that thrusts upward from below is applied to the upper rail 62, the peel-inhibiting member 63 abuts against the underside of the bottom wall portion 6112 of the lower rail 61, thereby preventing the lower rail 61 and the upper rail 62 from peeling away from each other.

[0059] Furthermore, recesses 6311a are formed in the left and right sidewalls 6311 of the peel-prevention bracket 631 to sandwich and abut the inner peel-prevention member fixing portion 6224 and the outer peel-prevention member fixing portion 6225. The recesses 6311a are deformed to recess inward in the seat width direction so that the left and right sidewalls 6311 approach each other. This improves the rigidity of the sidewalls 6311, particularly in the vertical direction, and effectively prevents peeling between the lower rail 61 and the upper rail 62. Furthermore, the recesses 6311a are positioned above the upper rail main body 621 and do not overlap with the upper rail main body 621 in the seat width direction. This prevents interference between the peel-prevention member 63 and the upper rail main body 621.

[0060] 10 , the inner peel suppressing member fixing portion 6224 and the outer peel suppressing member fixing portion 6225 of the support member 622 are processed to protrude to the left and right. More specifically, the inner peel suppressing member fixing portion 6224 is located between the inner forward bulging portion 6224b and the inner rearward bulging portion 6224c in the front-rear direction and is processed to bulge toward the left in FIG. 10 in the seat width direction, thereby undergoing plastic deformation. Meanwhile, the outer peel suppressing member fixing portion 6225 is located between the outer forward bulging portion 6225b and the outer rearward bulging portion 6225c in the front-rear direction and is processed to bulge toward the right in FIG. 10 in the seat width direction, thereby undergoing plastic deformation. This improves the rigidity of the inner peel suppressing member fixing portion 6224 and the outer peel suppressing member fixing portion 6225, thereby enabling the connection strength between the upper rail 62 and the peel suppressing member 63 to be improved. The inner front bulge 6224b, the inner rear bulge 6224c, the outer front bulge 6225b, and the outer rear bulge 6225c correspond to support member reinforcement parts.

[0061] Furthermore, the inner peel suppression member fixing portion 6224 and the outer peel suppression member fixing portion 6225 of the support member 622 are sandwiched by the side wall portion 6311 of the peel suppression bracket 631 from both sides in the sheet width direction and are connected to recesses 6311a formed in the side wall portion 6311. This improves the connection strength between the upper rail 62 and the peel suppression member 63. Furthermore, an extension portion 6224d is formed at the upper end of the inner peel suppression member fixing portion 6224, bending and extending toward the inside (right side) in the sheet width direction. The extension portion 6224d is located above the side wall portion 6311 of the peel suppression bracket 631 and covering the side wall portion 6311 from above. Therefore, the inner peel suppression member fixing portion 6224 prevents impacts from being applied to the peel suppression bracket 631 from above, protecting the peel suppression member 63.

[0062] In addition, the bracket connecting member 632 is located below the cushion side frame 11 and is arranged opposite the cushion side frame 11 in the up-down direction (see FIG. 2 ). Therefore, it is possible to prevent the bracket connecting member 632 from being subjected to a large impact from above.

[0063] 8 , a notch 6311c is formed in the side wall 6311 of the peel-prevention bracket 631 at the rear of the lower end. Therefore, the front-rear dimension of the connecting portion (upper portion) that connects to the support member 622 of the peel-prevention bracket 631 is greater than the front-rear dimension of the portion other than the connecting portion (lower portion). This makes it possible to prevent the rear of the lower end of the peel-prevention bracket 631 from interfering with other components (for example, the rear fixed leg of the lower rail 61) when the upper rail 62 slides in the front-rear direction.

[0064] As described above, the peel-inhibiting member 63 is connected to the left and right side wall portions 6311 of the upper rail 62 so as to enclose the bottom wall portion 6112 of the lower rail 61 from below, and has recesses 6311a that improve the vertical rigidity of the peel-inhibiting member 63. Therefore, the peel-inhibiting member 63 can effectively prevent the lower rail 61 and the upper rail 62 from peeling away from each other.

[0065] <Method of Manufacturing Vehicle Seat S> Next, a method of manufacturing the vehicle seat S will be described. First, the slide rail device 60 is assembled. Specifically, after the lower rail 61 and the upper rail 62 are separately assembled, the lower rail 61 and the upper rail 62 are assembled by engaging the upper rail main body 621 of the upper rail 62 with the lower rail main body 611 of the lower rail 61. Next, the peel-preventing member 63 is connected to the support member 622 of the upper rail 62. Specifically, with the left and right side wall portions 6311 of the peel-preventing bracket 631 spread apart, the left and right side wall portions 6311 are assembled to enclose the lower rail 61 and the upper rail 62 from below and sandwich the support member 622 from both the left and right sides. Next, the peel-preventing bracket 631 is fastened and fixed to the support member 622 by the bracket connecting member 632. This connects the peel-preventing member 63 to the upper rail 62.

[0066] Next, the seat body is assembled. Specifically, first, a padding material P is placed on the cushion frame 10 and the back frame 20 that constitute the seat frame F, and then covered with a covering material Tr. Next, the headrest 3 is attached to the seat back 2, thereby assembling the seat body. Finally, the lifting device 50 is attached to the slide rail device 60, and the seat body is attached to the lifting device 50, thereby completing the manufacture of the vehicle seat S.

[0067] While the vehicle seat S according to one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the above-described embodiment is merely an example for facilitating understanding of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. In other words, the present invention may be modified or improved without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, and of course, equivalents thereof are also included in the present invention.

[0068] <First Modification> In the above-described embodiment, the recess 6311a is formed in the side wall 6311 of the peel-prevention bracket 631, but this is not limited to this. A protrusion 6311d may be formed in the side wall 6311. Even in this case, it is possible to prevent the lower rail 61 and the upper rail 62 from peeling away from each other, as in the above-described embodiment, and to improve the rigidity of the peel-prevention member 63.

[0069] 11 is a cross-sectional view of a slide rail device 60 equipped with a peel-preventing member 63A according to a first modified example. As shown in FIG. 11, the peel-preventing member 63A includes a peel-preventing bracket 631A and a bracket connecting member 632. The peel-preventing bracket 631A is a plate-like body having a substantially U-shape in front view. More specifically, the peel-preventing bracket 631A includes left and right side wall portions 6311 and a bottom wall portion 6312 that connects the lower ends of the left and right side wall portions 6311.

[0070] The left and right sidewalls 6311 are provided with protrusions 6311d that abut against the inner peel-preventing member fixing portion 6224 and the outer peel-preventing member fixing portion 6225 of the support member 622 and protrude outward in the sheet width direction. The protrusions 6311d are plate-shaped members extending in the vertical direction. Therefore, the protrusions 6311d improve the rigidity of the peel-preventing bracket 631 and can prevent the peel-preventing bracket 631A from deforming in the vertical direction. In FIG. 11 , one protrusion 6311d is provided on each of the left and right sidewalls 6311, but this is not limited thereto. Multiple protrusions 6311d may be provided on each of the left and right sidewalls 6311. Providing multiple protrusions 6311d on each of the left and right sidewalls 6311 can further improve the rigidity of the peel-preventing bracket 631A. Furthermore, the left and right sidewalls 6311 may be provided with thick plate portions to improve strength. The protrusion 6311d corresponds to a bracket reinforcing portion.

[0071] <Second Modification> In the above-described embodiment, the peel-prevention bracket 631 has been described as having a generally U-shape in front view, but is not limited to this. The peel-prevention bracket 631 may have a generally L-shape in front view. Even in this case, it is possible to prevent the lower rail 61 and the upper rail 62 from peeling away from each other, as in the above-described embodiment, and to improve the rigidity of the peel-prevention member 63.

[0072] 12 is a cross-sectional view of a slide rail device 60 equipped with a peel-preventing member 63B according to a second modified example. As shown in FIG. 12, the peel-preventing member 63B includes a peel-preventing bracket 631B and a bracket connecting member 632. The peel-preventing bracket 631B is a plate-like member having a generally L-shape in front view. More specifically, the peel-preventing bracket 631B includes a side wall portion 6311 and a bottom wall portion 6312 that is bent vertically at the lower end of the side wall portion 6311 and extends in the seat width direction below the bottom wall portion 6112 of the lower rail 61.

[0073] The side wall portion 6311 is provided with a recess 6311a that abuts against the outer peel-preventing member fixing portion 6225 of the support member 622 and deforms in the sheet width direction toward the support member 622. By forming the recess 6311a that deforms in the sheet width direction in the side wall portion 6311, the rigidity of the peel-preventing bracket 631B is improved and deformation of the peel-preventing bracket 631B in the up-down direction can be suppressed. Furthermore, by making the peel-preventing bracket 631B substantially L-shaped in front view, it is possible to achieve a lighter weight for the peel-preventing member 63B compared to the above-described embodiment.

[0074] <Third Modification> FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a slide rail device 60 equipped with left and right peeling suppression members 63C according to a third modification, as viewed from the front. As shown in FIG. 13, the left and right peeling suppression members 63C are plate-like bodies having a generally C-shape in front view. More specifically, the peeling suppression bracket 631C includes a side wall portion 6311, a bottom wall portion 6312, and an upper wall portion 6313. The bottom wall portion 6312 is bent vertically from the lower end of the side wall portion 6311 and extends in the seat width direction below the lower rail 61. The upper wall portion 6313 is bent vertically from the upper end of the side wall portion 6311 and extends in the seat width direction above the upper rail main body 621. Even in this case, the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment can be achieved. Furthermore, because the bracket connecting member 632 is not required, the number of parts can be reduced compared to the above-described embodiment.

[0075] <Fourth Modification> In the above-described embodiment, the peel-prevention bracket 631 is attached to the support member 622 of the upper rail 62 via the bracket connecting member 632, but this is not limiting. The peel-prevention bracket 631 may be attached to the upper rail 62 by welding. Even in such a case, it is possible to prevent the lower rail 61 and the upper rail 62 from peeling away from each other, as in the above-described embodiment, and to improve the rigidity of the peel-prevention member 63.

[0076] 14 is a cross-sectional view of a slide rail device 60 equipped with a peel-inhibiting member 63D according to a fourth modified example. As shown in FIG. 14, the peel-inhibiting bracket 631D constituting the peel-inhibiting member 63D is a plate-like body that is substantially U-shaped in front view. More specifically, the peel-inhibiting bracket 631D has left and right side wall portions 6311 and a bottom wall portion 6312 that connects the lower ends of the left and right side wall portions 6311.

[0077] The left and right sidewalls 6311 are formed with recesses 6311a that abut against the left and right sidewalls 6211 of the upper rail 62 and deform in the seat width direction so as to approach the upper rail main body 621. By forming the recesses 6311a that deform in the seat width direction in the left and right sidewalls 6311, the rigidity of the peeling preventive bracket 631D is improved, and deformation of the peeling preventive bracket 631D in the up-down direction can be suppressed. Furthermore, the left and right recesses 6311a are welded to the left and right sidewalls 6211 of the upper rail main body 621. Therefore, deformation of the peeling preventive bracket 631D at the welded points can be more effectively suppressed, and the connection strength between the upper rail 62 and the peeling preventive bracket 631D can be increased.

[0078] Second Embodiment A vehicle seat S according to a second embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. 15 to 37 . Conventionally, vehicle seats in which a seat cushion and a seat back are rotatably connected by a reclining device have been widely used. Vehicle seats can transition between a normal state in which the seat back is upright relative to the seat cushion, a reclined state in which the seat back is tilted backward, and a folded state in which the seat back is folded forward. Therefore, an occupant can use the interior space of the vehicle in various ways by operating the reclining device to change the position of the vehicle seat.

[0079] Generally, a reclining device has a pivot shaft that connects the seat back and seat cushion, a spiral spring that urges the seat back in a direction that folds it forward, and a restricting member that restricts the rotation of the seat back, all of which are covered with a reclining cover. As described in Patent Document (JP 2023-106272 A), the reclining cover covers the sides of the reclining device, preventing foreign objects from entering the reclining device and playing an important role in ensuring smooth operation of the reclining device.

[0080] However, in order to maintain smooth operation of the reclining device, a more effective measure to prevent foreign objects from entering the reclining device is desired. To give a specific example, a reclining device known as a Taumel-type reclining device has an internal gear and an external gear that meshes with the internal gear, and is designed to change the rotation angle of the seat back and seat cushion by changing the meshing position of the internal gear and the external gear. Therefore, if a foreign object enters the reclining device, there is a high risk of damage to the internal gear or the external gear, and there is also a risk of the reclining device's operation becoming unsteady. In particular, in off-road vehicles and side-by-side vehicles, there is a high chance of foreign objects such as water and mud getting into the vehicle. Therefore, a more effective measure to prevent foreign objects from entering the reclining device is desired. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle seat that can more effectively prevent foreign objects from entering the reclining device.

[0081] <Vehicle Seat S> The overall configuration of the vehicle seat S according to this embodiment will be outlined with reference to Figures 15 and 16. Figure 15 is a perspective view of the vehicle seat S according to this embodiment as seen obliquely from the front, and Figure 16 is a perspective view of the seat frame F as seen obliquely from the front. Note that in Figure 15, for convenience of illustration, a portion of the vehicle seat S is shown with the cover material Tr removed and the pad material P exposed. Also, in Figure 16, a reclining cover unit 42 that covers the reclining device 40A and a side cover unit 15 that covers the cushion side frame 11 are attached to the outer side (left side) of the seat frame F.

[0082] As shown in Fig. 15, the vehicle seat S according to this embodiment mainly comprises a seat cushion 1, a seat back 2, and a headrest 3. Note that hereinafter, the seat cushion 1, the seat back 2, and the headrest 3 may be collectively referred to as a seat body. As shown in Fig. 16, a seat frame F that forms the framework of the vehicle seat S is provided inside the vehicle seat S. The seat frame F includes a cushion frame 10, a back frame 20, and a headrest pillar 30 that respectively form the seat cushion 1, the seat back 2, and the headrest 3.

[0083] The vehicle seat S also includes a reclining device 40A, a lifting device 50, and a slide rail device 60. The reclining device 40A connects the seat back 2 to the seat cushion 1 so that the seat back 2 can rotate about a reclining axis 41. The lifting device 50 and the slide rail device 60 are disposed below the seat cushion 1 and connect the seat body to the vehicle floor so that the seat body can be displaced in the up-down and front-rear directions. In the following description, the reclining device 40A, the lifting device 50, and the slide rail device 60 may be referred to as a movable mechanism.

[0084] <Seat Cushion 1> The seat cushion 1 is a support member that supports the buttocks of a seated occupant (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as a seated person) and supports the seated occupant from below. The seat cushion 1 mainly comprises a cushion frame 10 that forms the skeleton of the seat cushion 1, a pad material P that covers the cushion frame 10, and a cover material Tr.

[0085] The cushion frame 10 is a frame body having a rectangular shape in a top view. The cushion frame 10 includes left and right cushion side frames 11, a pan frame 12 connecting the left and right cushion side frames 11, a rear frame 13, and S-springs 14.

[0086] The left and right cushion side frames 11 are made of plate-like members extending in the front-rear direction and are arranged facing each other on both sides in the seat width direction while being spaced apart. The cushion side frames 11 are covered by side cover units 15 and are provided on the sides with lifting operation levers 53 for operating lifting devices 50 (described below). The pan frame 12 is made of a plate-like member that connects the front ends of the left and right cushion side frames 11. The rear frame 13 is made of a round pipe material that connects the rear ends of the left and right cushion side frames 11.

[0087] <Seatback 2> The seatback 2 is a support member that supports the back of a seated occupant and supports the seated occupant from behind. As shown in Fig. 16 , the seatback 2 mainly comprises a back frame 20 that forms the skeleton of the seatback 2, a padding material P that covers the back frame 20, and a cover material Tr.

[0088] The back frame 20 is a frame body having a substantially rectangular shape when viewed from the front. The back frame 20 mainly comprises left and right back side frames 21, a back upper frame 22, a back lower frame 23, a connecting frame 24, and S-springs 25. The left and right back side frames 21, the back upper frame 22, and the back lower frame 23 are integrally formed from round pipe material.

[0089] <Headrest 3> The headrest 3 is a support member that supports the head of a seated occupant from behind. The headrest 3 has a headrest pillar 30 that forms the skeleton of the headrest 3, a padding material (not shown) that covers the headrest pillar 30, and a skin material Tr that covers the padding material. The headrest 3 is attached to the seat back 2 by inserting the headrest pillar 30 into the headrest support portion 22a of the back frame 20.

[0090] <Reclining device 40A> The reclining device 40A rotatably connects the seat back 2 to the seat cushion 1. More specifically, the reclining device 40A rotatably connects the rear end of the cushion side frame 11 to the lower end of the back side frame 21. This allows the vehicle seat S to transition between a normal state in which the seat back 2 is upright with respect to the seat cushion 1, a reclined state in which the seat back 2 is tilted backward, and a folded state in which the seat back 2 is folded forward.

[0091] The reclining device 40A employs a Taumel-type reclining mechanism. The occupant can rotate the seat back 2 relative to the seat cushion 1 by operating the reclining dial 40a. More specifically, the reclining device 40A fixes the back side frame 21 to the cushion side frame 11 at a predetermined rotation angle by meshing an internal gear with a large diameter and an external gear with a smaller diameter than the internal gear. The occupant can release the lock by operating the reclining dial 40a, thereby changing the rotation angle of the seat back 2 relative to the seat cushion 1.

[0092] The reclining device 40A is covered by a reclining cover unit 42 that serves to prevent foreign objects from entering the reclining device 40A. The reclining cover unit 42 is configured so that multiple cover bodies overlap each other to cover the reclining device 40A, thereby effectively preventing foreign objects from entering the reclining device 40A. Details of the reclining cover unit 42 will be described later. The lifting device 50 and the slide rail device 60 have the same configuration as in the above-described embodiment. Therefore, the same reference numerals are used and detailed description will be omitted.

[0093] <Reclining Cover Unit 42> Next, the reclining cover unit 42 will be described in detail. The reclining cover unit 42 is provided on both the left and right sides of the vehicle seat S to prevent foreign objects from entering the reclining device 40A. In the following description, the reclining cover unit 42 provided on the left side of the vehicle seat S will be described. However, the reclining cover unit 42 provided on the right side of the vehicle seat S is similar except that it is bilaterally symmetrical. FIG. 17 shows an exploded perspective view of the reclining cover unit 42. As shown in FIG. 17, the reclining cover unit 42 has a first cover body 43, a second cover body 44, a third cover body 45, and a fourth cover body 46. The first cover body 43, the second cover body 44, the third cover body 45, and the fourth cover body 46 overlap each other to cover the reclining device 40A.

[0094] <<First Cover Body 43>> The first cover body 43 is the cover body attached highest among the four cover bodies constituting the reclining cover unit 42, and mainly prevents foreign objects from entering from above the reclining device 40A. The first cover body 43 corresponds to the upper cover body of the present invention. Figures 18, 19, and 20 are a perspective view, a left side view, and a right side view of the first cover body 43, respectively, as viewed diagonally from the inside (right side). As shown in Figures 18 to 20, the first cover body 43 has a front inclined wall portion 431, a rear wall portion 432, an upper wall portion 433, and a left side wall portion 434.

[0095] The front inclined wall portion 431 covers the front of the second cover body 44 and the fourth cover body 46 (described later) and prevents foreign objects from entering the reclining device 40A from the front of the second cover body 44 and the fourth cover body 46. An engaging portion 431a that engages with an engaged portion 441b provided on the second cover body 44 is provided at the lower end of the front inclined wall portion 431, and by engaging with each other, rattles between the first cover body 43 and the second cover body 44 are prevented. In addition, a front folded abutment portion 431b that abuts against the third cover body 45 (described later) is provided at the lower end of the front inclined wall portion 431. The front folded abutment portion 431b prevents a gap that allows foreign objects to enter between the first cover body 43 and the third cover body 45.

[0096] The rear wall portion 432 covers the rear of the second cover body 44 and the fourth cover body 46, and prevents foreign matter from entering the reclining device 40A from behind the second cover body 44 and the fourth cover body 46. A rear folded abutment portion 432a that abuts against the third cover body 45 is provided at the lower end of the rear wall portion 432. The rear folded abutment portion 432a prevents a gap from being formed between the first cover body 43 and the third cover body 45 through which foreign matter can enter.

[0097] The upper wall portion 433 is positioned above the upper ends of the other cover bodies (second cover body 44, third cover body 45, and fourth cover body 46) that make up the reclining cover unit 42, preventing foreign objects from entering the reclining device 40A from above. The upper wall portion 433 has a peripheral wall portion 433a that abuts against the left side surface of the backside frame 21, which is made of a round pipe material, and conforms to the shape of the backside frame 21. The peripheral wall portion 433a has a semicircular shape with a diameter approximately equal to the thickness of the backside frame 21 and protrudes upward from the upper wall portion 433. This effectively prevents foreign objects from entering between the upper wall portion 433 and the backside frame 21. The peripheral wall portion 433a corresponds to the abutting wall portion of the present invention.

[0098] The left side wall 434 is positioned above the reclining device 40A on the outer side (left side) and prevents foreign objects from entering the reclining device 40A from outside. The left side wall 434 has an upper edge that extends horizontally in a side view and a lower edge that curves so that the center portion protrudes upward. The lower edge protrudes outward (left side) to form a visor portion 434a that covers the upper side of the third cover body 45 (described later), thereby preventing foreign objects from entering the reclining device 40A from above the third cover body 45. The lower end of the visor portion 434a is provided with a curved abutment portion 434b that abuts against the third cover body 45. The curved abutment portion 434b prevents a gap from being formed between the first cover body 43 and the third cover body 45 through which foreign objects can enter.

[0099] An upper abutment portion 435 and a lower abutment portion 436 are provided on the inside of the first cover body 43, which respectively abut against an upper abutment portion 465 and a lower abutment portion 466 of the fourth cover body 46, which will be described later. This allows the first cover body 43 and the fourth cover body 46 to be accurately positioned relative to each other, preventing gaps from being formed due to misalignment between the first cover body 43 and the fourth cover body 46. In addition, a front reinforcing rib 431c and a rear reinforcing rib 432b are provided on the front inclined wall portion 431 and the rear wall portion 432 of the first cover body 43, respectively. This improves the strength of the first cover body 43 and prevents deformation.

[0100] <<Second Cover Body 44>> The second cover body 44 is the innermost (right-side) cover body of the four cover bodies that make up the reclining cover unit 42, and primarily serves to prevent foreign objects from entering from the inside sides of the reclining device 40A. The second cover body 44 corresponds to the inner cover body of the present invention. Figures 21, 22, 23, 24, and 25 are a perspective view, a front view, a right side view, a left side view, and a rear view of the second cover body 44, respectively, as seen from the outside (left side). As shown in Figures 21 to 25, the second cover body 44 has a front inclined wall portion 441, a rear wall portion 442, an upper wall portion 443, a right side wall portion 444, and a lower wall portion 445.

[0101] The front inclined wall portion 441 covers the front of the fourth cover body 46 and prevents foreign objects from entering the reclining device 40A from the front of the fourth cover body 46. The front inclined wall portion 441 is provided with a plurality of front fitting holes 441a, each having a dimension that allows it to fit with a front fitting protrusion 461a provided on the fourth cover body 46. The front inclined wall portion 441 also has an engaged portion 441b that engages with an engaging portion 431a provided on the front inclined wall portion 431 of the first cover body 43. This prevents rattling between the second cover body 44 and the fourth cover body 46 and first cover body 43.

[0102] The rear wall portion 442 covers the rear of the fourth cover body 46 and prevents foreign objects from entering the reclining device 40A from behind the fourth cover body 46. The rear wall portion 442 is provided with a plurality of rear fitting holes 442a, each of which has a dimension that allows it to fit with a rear fitting protrusion 462a provided on the fourth cover body 46. This prevents rattling between the second cover body 44 and the fourth cover body 46.

[0103] The upper wall portion 443 is disposed below the upper wall portion 433 of the first cover body 43 and has a peripheral wall portion 443a that abuts along the right side surface of the backside frame 21. The peripheral wall portion 443a has a semicircular shape with a diameter substantially equal to the thickness of the backside frame 21 and protrudes upward from the upper wall portion 443. Therefore, the peripheral wall portion 433a of the first cover body 43 and the peripheral wall portion 443a of the second cover body 44 cooperate to prevent foreign objects from entering from above the reclining device 40A.

[0104] The right side wall 444 is disposed inside (on the right side of) the reclining device 40A and prevents foreign objects from entering from inside the reclining device 40A. The right side wall 444 has an upper edge that extends horizontally in a side view and a lower edge that curves downward at its center. The right side wall 444 also has a bulging portion 444a that bulges inward at its lower end and a lateral through-hole 444b through which the back lower frame 23 and the reclining shaft 41 pass. The bulging portion 444a formed on the right side wall 444 prevents the back side frame 21, which curves inward at its lower end, from interfering with the second cover body 44 (see FIG. 35 ).

[0105] The lower wall portion 445 covers the lower side of the reclining device 40A. The lower wall portion 445 has a notch 445a formed at its lower end. Therefore, foreign matter such as water that has entered the inside of the second cover body 44 can be discharged to the outside of the second cover body 44 through the notch 445a.

[0106] The front inclined wall portion 441, the rear wall portion 442, and the right side wall portion 444 of the second cover body 44 are provided with a front reinforcing rib 441c, a rear reinforcing rib 442b, and an upper reinforcing rib 444c, respectively, thereby improving the strength of the second cover body 44 and preventing deformation.

[0107] <<Third Cover Body 45>> The third cover body 45 is the outermost (leftmost) cover body of the four cover bodies that make up the reclining cover unit 42, and primarily serves to prevent foreign objects from entering from the exterior sides of the reclining device 40A. The third cover body 45 corresponds to the outer cover body of the present invention. Figures 26, 27, and 28 are a perspective view, a left side view, and a right side view of the third cover body 45, respectively, as seen from the exterior (left side). As shown in Figures 26 to 28, the third cover body 45 has a front inclined wall portion 451, a rear wall portion 452, an upper wall portion 453, a first left side wall portion 454, and a lower wall portion 455.

[0108] The front inclined wall portion 451 is disposed on the outside (left side) front of the reclining device 40A and prevents foreign objects from entering the reclining device 40A from the outside or front. A front folded abutment portion 451a that abuts against the side cover unit 15 is provided at the lower end of the front inclined wall portion 451. The front folded abutment portion 451a prevents the formation of a gap between the third cover body 45 and the side cover unit 15 that allows foreign objects to enter.

[0109] The rear wall portion 452 is located on the outside (left side) rear of the reclining device 40A and prevents foreign objects from entering the reclining device 40A from the outside or rear. The lower end of the rear wall portion 452 is located below the lower end of the cushion side frame 11. Therefore, the second cover body 44, together with the side cover unit 15, covers the cushion side frame 11.

[0110] The upper wall portion 453 is disposed above the outer side (left side) of the reclining device 40A and prevents foreign objects from entering the reclining device 40A from above. The upper wall portion 453 has a curved shape that conforms to the upper edge of the gear mechanism of the reclining device 40A, which has a circular shape. An upright wall portion 453a extends upward from the upper end of the upper wall portion 453. The upright wall portion 453a prevents the formation of a gap through which foreign objects can enter between the third cover body 45 and the fourth cover body 46 (described later). The upright wall portion 453a is positioned so that it is covered from above and from the outer side (left side) by the first cover body 43 when the first cover body 43 is attached to the vehicle seat S. This effectively prevents foreign objects from entering the reclining device 40A from above and from the outside.

[0111] The first left side wall 454 is disposed on the outside (left side) of the reclining device 40A and prevents foreign objects from entering the reclining device 40A from the outside. The first left side wall 454 has a bulging portion 40b that bulges out to the left of the gear mechanism of the reclining device 40A. The bulging portion 40b is covered from the outer side by a reclining dial 40a (FIG. 16) that is operated to release the restriction on the rotation angle of the seat back 2 relative to the seat cushion 1.

[0112] The lower wall portion 455 covers the lower side of the reclining device 40A. A notch 455a is formed in the lower end of the lower wall portion 455. Therefore, foreign matter such as water that has entered the inside of the third cover body 45 can be discharged to the outside of the third cover body 45 through the notch 455a. In addition, an engaging portion 455b is formed in the lower end of the lower wall portion 455, and is engageable with an engaged portion (not shown) provided at the lower end of the side cover unit 15. By engaging the engaging portion 455b with the engaged portion, it is possible to prevent a gap from being formed between the third cover body 45 and the side cover unit 15.

[0113] The front inclined wall portion 451 and the rear wall portion 452 of the third cover body 45 are provided with a front reinforcement rib 451b and a rear reinforcement rib 452a, respectively. This improves the strength of the third cover body 45 and prevents deformation. Furthermore, a lift-link facing wall 456 is provided on the inside of the third cover body 45, facing the rear lift-link 52 constituting the lifting device 50 in the front-to-rear direction. The lift-link facing wall 456 has an inclined surface that slopes downward from the front to the rear. This allows the lift-link facing wall 456 to prevent foreign matter that has entered the inside of the third cover body 45 from falling onto the rear lift-link 52. The lift-link facing wall 456 corresponds to the lifting device facing rib of the present invention.

[0114] <<Fourth Cover Body 46>> The fourth cover body 46 is covered by the first cover body 43 and the third cover body 45 from the outside (left side) of the reclining device 40A. Working in conjunction with the first cover body 43 and the third cover body 45, it prevents foreign objects from entering the reclining device 40A from the outside. The fourth cover body 46 also guides foreign objects that have entered the reclining cover unit 42 downward. The fourth cover body 46 corresponds to the outer inclined cover body of the present invention. Figures 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, and 34 are a perspective view, a front view, a left side view, a right side view, a rear view, and a top view of the fourth cover body 46, respectively, as viewed from the inside (right side). As shown in Figures 29 to 34, the fourth cover body 46 has a front inclined wall portion 461, a rear wall portion 462, and a second left side wall portion 463.

[0115] The front inclined wall portion 461 covers the front and above of the reclining device 40A and cooperates with the front inclined wall portion 431 of the first cover body 43 and the front inclined wall portion 441 of the second cover body 44 to prevent foreign objects from entering from the front and above the reclining device 40A. The front inclined wall portion 461 is provided with a plurality of front fitting protrusions 461a, each having a size that allows it to fit into a front fitting hole 441a provided in the second cover body 44.

[0116] The rear wall 462 covers the rear of the reclining device 40A and cooperates with the rear wall 432 of the first cover body 43 and the rear wall 442 of the second cover body 44 to prevent foreign objects from entering from behind the reclining device 40A. The rear wall 462 is provided with a rear fitting protrusion 462a that has a dimension that allows it to fit into the rear fitting hole 442a provided in the second cover body 44.

[0117] A front inclined wall groove 461b extending downward is formed on the surface of the front inclined wall portion 461, and a rear wall groove 462b is similarly formed on the surface of the rear wall portion 462. Therefore, the fourth cover body 46 can guide foreign matter such as water that has entered the inside of the reclining cover unit 42 so that it flows down along the front inclined wall groove 461b and the rear wall groove 462b. The front inclined wall groove 461b and the rear wall groove 462b correspond to the groove and the flow guide portion of the present invention.

[0118] The second left-side wall 463 is disposed on the outside (left side) of the reclining device 40A and cooperates with the first left-side wall 454 to prevent foreign objects from entering the reclining device 40A from the outside. The second left-side wall 463 has a reclining device housing portion 463a that bulges outward from the gear mechanism of the reclining device 40A. The reclining device housing portion 463a has an outer inclined portion 463b that curves along the circular gear mechanism and a vertical wall portion 463c, and houses the reclining device 40A.

[0119] The outer inclined portion 463b extends at a downward incline toward the outer side (left side) in the seat width direction. Furthermore, guide recesses 463b1 extending outward in the seat width direction are formed at both front-rear end portions of the outer inclined portion 463b. Therefore, the fourth cover body 46 can guide foreign matter such as water that has entered the inside of the reclining cover unit 42 so that it flows down along the upper surface of the outer inclined portion 463b or the guide recesses 463b1. The outer inclined portion 463b and the guide recesses 463b1 correspond to the flow-down guide portion of the present invention.

[0120] The second left side wall 463 is provided with an upper abutment portion 465 and a lower abutment portion 466 that abut against the upper abutment portion 435 and the lower abutment portion 436, respectively, provided on the first cover body 43. This makes it possible to accurately position the first cover body 43 and the fourth cover body 46 relative to each other and prevent rattling. Furthermore, an upper reinforcing rib 463d and a lower reinforcing rib 463e are provided on the second left side wall 463 on the inside of the fourth cover body 46. This makes it possible to improve the strength of the fourth cover body 46 and prevent deformation.

[0121] Next, the positional relationship between the reclining device 40A and the first cover body 43, second cover body 44, third cover body 45, and fourth cover body 46 will be described. Figure 35 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in Figure 16. As described above, the reclining device 40A is covered by the first cover body 43, second cover body 44, third cover body 45, and fourth cover body 46, which overlap each other. More specifically, above the reclining device 40A, the upper wall portion 433 of the first cover body 43, the upper wall portion 453 of the third cover body 45, and the outer inclined portion 463b of the fourth cover body 46 overlap each other in the vertical direction. In other words, the reclining cover unit 42 is located above the reclining device 40A, and the first cover body 43, third cover body 45, and fourth cover body 46 overlap each other to form an upper covering portion that covers the upper part of the reclining device 40A. The edges of the first cover body 43, the second cover body 44, and the third cover body 45 are positioned so that they do not overlap in the vertical direction, thereby effectively preventing foreign objects from entering the reclining device 40A from above. The upper covering portion corresponds to a foreign object intrusion prevention means.

[0122] Additionally, on the outer side (left side) of the reclining device 40A in the seat width direction, the first left wall portion 454 of the third cover body 45 and the vertical wall portion 463c of the fourth cover body 46 overlap each other in the seat width direction. In other words, the reclining cover unit 42 is located outside the reclining device 40A, and the third cover body 45 and the fourth cover body 46 overlap each other to form an outer covering portion that covers the outer side of the reclining device 40A. Here, the edges of the third cover body 45 and the fourth cover body 46 are positioned so that they do not overlap in the seat width direction. This effectively prevents foreign objects from entering the reclining device 40A from the outer side. The outer covering portion corresponds to a foreign object intrusion prevention means.

[0123] Furthermore, the second cover body 44 covers the inside (right side) of the reclining device 40A in the seat width direction, the third cover body 45 covers the outside (left side) of the reclining device 40A in the seat width direction, and the first cover body 43 covers the top of the second cover body 44 and the third cover body 45. In other words, the reclining cover unit 42 has a cover body (first cover body 43 corresponding to the foreign object intrusion prevention means) that covers from above the outer sides of the two cover bodies that cover both sides of the reclining device 40A in the seat width direction. In this way, the foreign object intrusion prevention means may be the cover body itself, a combination of multiple cover bodies, or means for sealing gaps between multiple cover bodies (for example, abutting pieces that abut against the cover bodies to fill the gaps).

[0124] As described above, the reclining device 40A is covered by the reclining cover unit 42, which has multiple cover bodies. The reclining cover unit 42 also has a foreign object intrusion prevention mechanism that prevents foreign objects from entering the reclining device 40A. This effectively prevents foreign objects from entering the reclining device 40A.

[0125] <Manufacturing Method of Vehicle Seat S According to Second Embodiment> Next, a manufacturing method of the vehicle seat S will be described. First, the seat frame F is assembled. Specifically, first, the cushion frame 10 and the back frame 20 are connected via the reclining device 40A. Next, a reclining cover unit 42 having a plurality of cover bodies is attached to both sides of the back frame 20 in the seat width direction. When attaching the reclining cover unit 42, the second cover body 44 and the fourth cover body 46 are first attached from the inside and outside of the reclining device 40A in the seat width direction. Next, the third cover body 45 is attached, and finally the first cover body 43 is attached. However, it goes without saying that the order in which the cover bodies are attached is not limited to this.

[0126] Next, a padding material P is placed on the seat frame F and covered with a skin material Tr. The headrest 3 is also attached to the seat back 2. This completes the assembly of the seat body. Finally, the lifting device 50 and the seat body are attached to a slide rail device 60 having a lower rail 61 fixed to the vehicle floor and an upper rail 62 that is slidable relative to the lower rail 61. This completes the manufacture of the vehicle seat S.

[0127] While the vehicle seat S according to one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the above-described embodiment is merely an example for facilitating understanding of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. In other words, the present invention may be modified or improved without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, and of course, equivalents thereof are also included in the present invention.

[0128] <First Modification> In the above-described embodiment, the reclining cover unit 42 has been described as having the first cover body 43, the second cover body 44, the third cover body 45, and the fourth cover body 46, but may further have other cover bodies. Specifically, the reclining cover unit 42 may have an outer shell cover body 47 that covers at least one of the first cover body 43, the second cover body 44, the third cover body 45, and the fourth cover body 46 from the outside.

[0129] 36 is a perspective view showing a main portion of a seat frame F to which a reclining cover unit 42A according to a first modified example is attached. The reclining cover unit 42A includes a first cover body 43, a second cover body 44, a third cover body 45, a fourth cover body 46, and an outer shell cover body 47, which overlap with one another to cover the reclining device 40A. This prevents foreign objects from entering through gaps between the cover bodies, effectively preventing the reclining device 40A from being invaded by foreign objects. The outer shell cover body 47 covers at least a portion of the first cover body 43, the second cover body 44, the third cover body 45, and the fourth cover body 46.

[0130] 37 , the outer shell cover body 47 may have an intrusion prevention wall 47a on its inner side that prevents foreign matter from entering from above. The intrusion prevention wall 47a separates the inner side of the outer shell cover body 47 into an upper space and a lower space so as to cover the upper side of the third cover body 45 on the outer side (left side) of the first cover body 43. This makes it possible to prevent foreign matter such as water from entering from above from entering the inside of the third cover body 45.

[0131] In the above-described embodiment, the foreign object intrusion prevention means is described as being configured by a cover body or a combination of multiple cover bodies, but is not limited to this. The foreign object intrusion prevention means may also be a sealing material that seals the gaps between the multiple cover bodies. This effectively prevents foreign objects from invading the reclining device 40A through the gaps between the cover bodies.

[0132] The foreign object intrusion prevention means may be a sealant provided inside the peripheral wall portion 433a of the first cover body 43 and sealing the contact portion between the backside frame 21 and the peripheral wall portion 433a. The sealant may be made of, but is not limited to, a rubber foam. This effectively prevents foreign objects from invading the reclining device 40A through the gap between the backside frame 21 and the first cover body 43.

[0133] In the above embodiment, the lift-link facing wall 456 is provided on the third cover body 45, but this is not limiting. An opposing wall that faces the rear lift-link 52 may be formed on the second cover body 44. This effectively prevents foreign matter from entering the lifting device 50.

[0134] In the above-described embodiment, the reclining device 40A is described as employing a Taumel-type reclining mechanism, but is not limited thereto. The reclining device 40A may have a known reclining mechanism including a spiral spring. The vehicle seat S may also be installed in an off-road vehicle or a side-by-side vehicle.

[0135] In the above-described embodiment, a vehicle seat S mounted on a vehicle is given as an example of a vehicle seat, and an example of the configuration thereof has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to seats mounted on ground vehicles having wheels such as automobiles and trains, and may also be applied to seats mounted on aircraft, ships, and other vehicles that move on non-ground surfaces, for example.

[0136] The following additional notes are provided regarding the second embodiment described with reference to Figures 15 to 37. The vehicle seat includes a reclining device that rotatably connects a seat back to a seat cushion and a cover unit having multiple cover bodies that cover the reclining device. The cover unit has a foreign object intrusion prevention mechanism that prevents foreign objects from entering the reclining device. According to the above configuration, the reclining device that rotatably connects the seat cushion and the seat back is covered by a cover unit having multiple cover bodies, and the cover unit has a foreign object intrusion prevention mechanism that prevents foreign objects from entering the reclining device. The foreign object intrusion prevention mechanism may be formed by the cover body, or may be provided on the cover body so as to fill gaps that occur between the cover body and the reclining device or between multiple cover bodies. This makes it possible to more effectively prevent foreign objects from entering the reclining device.

[0137] The foreign object intrusion prevention means may include an upper covering portion located above the reclining device, in which three or more of the cover bodies overlap each other in the vertical direction to cover the upper portion of the reclining device. With the above configuration, the upper portion of the reclining device is covered by three or more overlapping cover bodies, which more effectively prevent foreign objects from invading the reclining device from above.

[0138] The foreign object intrusion prevention means may include an outer covering portion located on the outer side of the reclining device in the seat width direction, with two or more of the cover bodies overlapping each other in the seat width direction to cover the outer lateral sides of the reclining device. With the above configuration, the outer lateral sides of the reclining device in the seat width direction are covered by two or more overlapping cover bodies, which more effectively prevent foreign objects from invading the reclining device from the outer lateral sides.

[0139] The foreign object intrusion prevention means may further include a flow guide portion provided on the cover body that guides the foreign object downward. According to the above configuration, the cover body is provided with a flow guide portion that guides the foreign object downward, which prevents the foreign object from accumulating or accumulating, thereby more effectively preventing the foreign object from invading the reclining device.

[0140] The seat cover may be provided with a groove formed in the cover body, and the guide portion may be a groove formed in the cover body. This simple structure can prevent rainwater and other foreign matter from entering the reclining device, thereby minimizing the cost of the vehicle seat.

[0141] Preferably, the plurality of cover bodies includes an upper cover body having an upper end portion disposed higher than the upper ends of the other plurality of cover bodies, and the foreign object intrusion prevention means has an abutment wall portion located at the upper end portion of the upper cover body and abutting against the back side frame along the shape of the back side frame that forms the framework of the seat back. With the above configuration, the upper wall portion of the upper cover body abuts against the back side frame along the shape of the back side frame, making it possible to more effectively prevent foreign objects from invading through a gap between the cover unit and the back side frame located above the reclining device.

[0142] The plurality of cover bodies may include an inner cover body and an outer cover body, the inner cover body covering the inside of the reclining device in the seat width direction, the outer cover body covering the outside of the reclining device in the seat width direction, and the upper cover body covering the upper parts of the inner cover body and the outer cover body. With the above configuration, the reclining device is covered from the inside and outside of the seat width direction by the inner cover body and the outer cover body, and is further covered from above by the upper cover body, so that the inner cover body, outer cover body, and upper cover body cooperate with each other to more effectively prevent foreign objects from entering the reclining device from above.

[0143] In addition, the plurality of cover bodies may include an outer inclined cover body attached to a backside frame forming a framework of the seat back, covering the backside frame from the outside in the seat width direction and covering an area above the reclining device, and the foreign object intrusion prevention means may be provided on the outer inclined cover body and have an outer inclined portion that slopes downward as it extends toward the outside in the seat width direction. With this configuration, foreign objects can be dropped toward the outside and downward in the seat width direction along the outer inclined portion, thereby preventing foreign objects from accumulating or piling up and more effectively preventing foreign objects from intruding into the reclining device.

[0144] In addition, the outer inclined portion may have a downward flow guide portion that guides the foreign matter to flow downward. According to the above configuration, the outer inclined portion is provided with the downward flow guide portion that guides the foreign matter to flow downward, which prevents the foreign matter from accumulating or accumulating, and more effectively prevents the foreign matter from entering the reclining device.

[0145] The vehicle seat may further include a lifting device that can adjust the height of the seat cushion and the seat back, the plurality of cover bodies may include an outer cover body that covers the outside of the seat cushion in the seat width direction, and the foreign object intrusion prevention means may include a lifting device facing rib that is provided on the outer cover body and faces the lifting device in the front-rear direction. With the above configuration, it is possible to prevent foreign objects from invading the lifting device.

[0146] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS S Vehicle seat (vehicle seat) F Seat frame P Pad material Tr Cover material 1 Seat cushion 2 Seat back 3 Headrest 10 Cushion frame 11 Cushion side frame 12 Pan frame 13 Rear frame 14 S spring 15 Side cover unit 20 Back frame 21 Back side frame 22 Back upper frame 22a Headrest support portion 23 Back lower frame 24 Connecting frame 25 S spring 30 Headrest pillar 40, 40A Reclining device 40a Reclining dial 40b Bulging portion 41 Reclining shaft 42, 42A Reclining cover unit 43 First cover body (upper cover) 431 Front inclined wall portion 431a Engagement portion 431b Front folded abutment portion 431c Front reinforcing rib 432 Rear wall portion 432a Rear folded abutment portion 432b Rear reinforcement rib 433 Upper wall portion 433a Peripheral wall portion (abutment wall portion) 434 Left side wall portion 434a Eaves portion 434b Curved folded abutment portion 435 Upper abutment portion 436 Lower abutment portion 44 Second cover body (inner cover) 441 Front inclined wall portion 441a Front fitting hole 441b Engaged portion 441c Front reinforcement rib 442 Rear wall portion 442a Rear fitting hole 442b Rear reinforcement rib 443 Upper wall portion 443a Peripheral wall portion 444 Right side wall portion 444a Bulging portion 444b Lateral through-hole 444c Upper reinforcement rib 445 Lower wall portion 445a Cutout portion 45 Third cover body (outer cover) 451 Front inclined wall portion 451a Front folded abutment portion 451b Front reinforcing rib 452 Rear wall portion 452a Rear reinforcing rib 453 Upper wall portion 453a Upright wall portion 454 First left side wall portion 455 Lower wall portion 455a Cutout portion 455b Engagement portion 456 Lifting link opposing wall (lifting device opposing rib) 46 Fourth cover body (outer inclined cover) 461 Front inclined wall portion 461a Front fitting protrusion 461b Front inclined wall groove (flow down guide portion, groove) 462 Rear wall portion 462a Rear fitting protrusion 462b Rear wall groove (flow down guide portion, groove) 463 Second left side wall portion 463a Reclining device accommodating portion 463b Outer inclined portion 463b1 Guide recess (flow down guide portion) 463c Vertical wall portion 463d Upper reinforcing rib463e Lower reinforcing rib 465 Upper abutment portion 466 Lower abutment portion 47 Outer shell cover body 47a Intrusion prevention wall 50 Lifting device 51 Front lifting link 52 Rear lifting link 53 Lifting operation lever 60 Slide rail device 60L Left slide rail device 60R Right slide rail device 61 Lower rail 611 Lower rail body 6111 Side wall portion 6112 Bottom wall portion 62 Upper rail 621 Upper rail body (rail member) 6211 Side wall portion 6212 Upper wall portion 622 Support member 6221 Bottom wall portion 6222 Front lifting link connecting portion 6223 Rear lifting link connecting portion 6224 Inner peeling prevention member fixing portion 6224a Inner fixing hole 6224b Inner front bulging part (supporting member reinforcing part) 6224c Inner rear bulging part (supporting member reinforcing part) 6224d Extension part 6225 Outer peeling suppressing member fixing part 6225a Outer fixing hole 6225b Outer front bulging part (supporting member reinforcing part) 6225c Outer rear bulging part (supporting member reinforcing part) 63, 63A, 63B, 63C, 63D Peeling prevention member 631, 631A, 631B, 631C, 631D Peeling prevention bracket 6311 Side wall part 6311a Recessed part (bracket reinforcement part) 6311b Insertion hole 6311c Notch part 6311d Projection part (bracket reinforcement part) 6312 Bottom wall portion 6312a Flat portion 6312b Slanted portion 6312c Through hole 6313 Upper wall portion 632 Bracket connecting member 6321 Front connecting member 6322 Rear connecting member

Claims

1. A vehicle seat comprising a seat cushion and a slide rail device arranged under the seat cushion, the slide rail device having a lower rail fixed to the vehicle, an upper rail movable in the direction in which the lower rail extends, and a peel-inhibiting member that inhibits the lower rail and the upper rail from peeling away from each other, the peel-inhibiting member having a peel-inhibiting bracket connected to the upper rail and abutting against the lower rail when the upper rail is subjected to an upward impact load, to inhibit the upper rail and the lower rail from peeling away from each other, the peel-inhibiting bracket having a bracket reinforcing portion that inhibits deformation of the peel-inhibiting bracket.

2. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, wherein the bracket reinforcing portion is located at a connecting portion with the upper rail.

3. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, characterized in that the upper rail has a rail member that is movable along the extension direction of the lower rail, and a support member that is provided on the rail member and supports the seat cushion, and the peeling prevention bracket is connected to the support member.

4. The vehicle seat according to claim 3, wherein the bracket reinforcing portion is located at a connecting portion with the support member.

5. The vehicle seat described in claim 1, characterized in that the peeling prevention bracket has a side wall portion located in the seat width direction of the lower rail and the upper rail when viewed from the front, and a bottom wall portion bending and extending perpendicularly from the side wall portion, and the bracket reinforcement portion is a recess in the side wall portion recessed inward in the seat width direction.

6. The vehicle seat described in claim 3, characterized in that the peeling prevention bracket has left and right side wall portions located on both sides of the lower rail and the upper rail in the seat width direction when viewed from the front, and a bottom wall portion connecting the bottoms of the left and right side wall portions to each other, and the support member is clamped by the left and right side wall portions.

7. The vehicle seat described in claim 6, characterized in that the peel-prevention member has a connecting member that connects the left and right side wall portions of the peel-prevention bracket, and the peel-prevention bracket is connected to the support member via the connecting member.

8. The vehicle seat described in claim 3, characterized in that the peel-prevention bracket has left and right side wall portions located on both sides of the lower rail and the upper rail in the seat width direction when viewed from the front, and a bottom wall portion connecting the bottom portions of the left and right side wall portions to each other, and the fore-and-aft dimension of the upper portion of the peel-prevention bracket is greater than the fore-and-aft dimension of the bottom portion.

9. The vehicle seat according to claim 3, characterized in that the longitudinal dimension of the connecting portion between the anti-peeling bracket and the support member is greater than the longitudinal dimension of the portion other than the connecting portion.

10. The vehicle seat according to claim 3, wherein the support member has a support member reinforcing portion at the connection portion with the peeling prevention bracket for suppressing deformation of the support member.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

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