U.S. patent application number 15/474134 was filed with the patent office on 2018-10-04 for vehicle seat.
The applicant listed for this patent is TS TECH CO., LTD.. Invention is credited to Masato Watanabe.
Application Number | 20180281744 15/474134 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 63639345 |
Filed Date | 2018-10-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180281744 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Watanabe; Masato |
October 4, 2018 |
VEHICLE SEAT
Abstract
Provided is a vehicle seat having a seat belt retractor
supported in the seat back with a high mechanical stiffness. The
seat back frame (F2) includes a pair of side frame members (31,
32), a bracket (50) extending between longitudinally intermediate
parts of side frame members, and a seat belt guide (72) attached to
an upper part of one of the side frame members and defining an
opening for passing a seat belt (66). One of lateral end parts of
the bracket is provided with an enlarged part (50D) having an
enlarged vertical dimension as compared to the other end part of
the bracket, and the seat belt retractor (65) is attached to the
enlarged part of the bracket.
Inventors: |
Watanabe; Masato;
(Shioya-gun, JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
TS TECH CO., LTD. |
Asaka-shi |
|
JP |
|
|
Family ID: |
63639345 |
Appl. No.: |
15/474134 |
Filed: |
March 30, 2017 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60N 2/688 20130101;
B60R 22/18 20130101; B60R 22/34 20130101; B60N 2/68 20130101; B60R
2022/1818 20130101; B60R 22/26 20130101; B60N 2/682 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B60R 22/18 20060101
B60R022/18; B60N 2/68 20060101 B60N002/68; B60R 22/34 20060101
B60R022/34; B60R 22/28 20060101 B60R022/28 |
Claims
1. A vehicle seat including a seat cushion provided with a seat
cushion frame and a seat back provided with a seat back frame, the
seat back frame comprising: a pair of side frame members extending
along either side of the seat back and having lower ends pivotally
attached to the seat cushion frame; an upper cross frame member
extending between upper parts of the side frame members; a bracket
extending between longitudinally intermediate parts of the side
frame members; and a seat belt guide attached to an upper part of
one of the side frame members and defining an opening for passing a
seat belt; wherein one of lateral end parts of the bracket is
provided with an enlarged part having an enlarged vertical
dimension as compared to the other end part of the bracket, and a
seat belt retractor is attached to the enlarged part of the
bracket.
2. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, wherein the enlarged part
is located on a same lateral side as the seat belt guide.
3. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, wherein one of the side
frame members corresponding to the enlarged part is provided with a
higher stiffness than the other side frame member.
4. The vehicle seat according to claim 3, wherein the side frame
member having the seat belt guide attached thereto is formed by a
member having a closed cross section.
5. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, wherein the bracket is
made of sheet metal having a major surface facing substantially in
a fore and aft direction, and at least one of lateral side edges of
the bracket corresponding to the enlarged part is provided with a
flange which is bent forward or rearward from the major surface and
attached to the corresponding side frame member.
6. The vehicle seat according to claim 5, wherein the bracket is
provided with a bend curved in a fore and aft direction such that a
lateral end part of the bracket corresponding to the enlarged part
is positioned more forward than another lateral end part of the
bracket, and the flange is bent forward, the seat belt retractor
being attached to a front side of the enlarged part.
7. The vehicle seat according to claim 6, wherein the enlarged part
is provided with a recess which is recessed rearward, and the seat
belt retractor is positioned on a front side of the recess.
8. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, wherein the bracket is
provided with a pair of reinforcement beads extending along upper
and lower edges of the bracket.
9. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, further comprising a
connecting member connecting laterally middle parts of the bracket
and the upper cross frame member.
10. The vehicle seat according to claim 9, wherein a dynamic damper
is attached to the connecting member.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle seat configured
to be installed in a vehicle.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] It is known in the field of vehicle seats to provide a seat
belt retractor inside the seat back frame, and a belt guide having
a slot for passing through the seat belt in an upper end of one of
side frames forming the seat back frame. See JP2010-143438, for
instance. In the vehicle seat disclosed in this patent document, a
linear connecting member is connected between the two side frame
members, and the retractor is supported by this connecting member
via a bracket.
[0003] In order to securely restrain the vehicle occupant at the
time of a vehicle crash, the support structure for the retractor is
desired to have a high mechanical strength and stiffness. The
vehicle seat disclosed in this patent document uses the bracket
extending as a cantilever from the connecting member for supporting
the retractor. Therefore, the bracket can be easily bent or twisted
under a high load.
[0004] Additionally, for ensuring the comfort of the vehicle
occupant seated in the seat, it is desirable to provide an adequate
space between the retractor and the back of the vehicle occupant
seated in the seat.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] In view of such a problem of the prior art, a primary object
of the present invention is to provide a vehicle seat having a seat
belt retractor supported in the seat back with a high mechanical
stiffness.
[0006] To achieve such an object, the present invention provides a
vehicle seat (S) including a seat cushion (S1) provided with a seat
cushion frame (F1) and a seat back (S2) provided with a seat back
frame (F2), the seat back frame comprising:
[0007] a pair of side frame members (31, 32) extending along either
side of the seat back and having lower ends pivotally attached to
the seat cushion frame;
[0008] an upper cross frame member (33) extending between upper
parts of the side frame members;
[0009] a bracket (50) extending between longitudinally intermediate
parts of the side frame members; and
[0010] a seat belt guide (72) attached to an upper part of one of
the side frame members and defining an opening for passing a seat
belt (66);
[0011] wherein one of lateral end parts of the bracket is provided
with an enlarged part (50D) having an enlarged vertical dimension
as compared to the other end part of the bracket, and a seat belt
retractor is attached to the enlarged part of the bracket.
[0012] According to this arrangement, as the bracket for supporting
the seat belt retractor is supported by the side frame members at
both ends thereof, the bracket is given with a high mechanical
stiffness, and is therefore resistant to deformation. As one of the
lateral end parts of the bracket connected to the corresponding
side frame members is given with an increased vertical dimension,
and the seat belt retractor is attached to this part of the
bracket, the bracket is highly resistant to deformation even under
a high load that may be applied to the seat belt and the seat belt
retractor.
[0013] Preferably, the enlarged part is located on a same lateral
side as the seat belt guide.
[0014] According to this arrangement, the distance between the belt
guide and the seat belt retractor is minimized so that the space
required to accommodate the seat belt in the seat back can be
minimized.
[0015] Preferably, one of the side frame members corresponding to
the enlarged part is provided with a higher stiffness than the
other side frame member.
[0016] Thereby, the side frame member supporting the seat belt
guide is prevented from deforming even under a high load that may
be transmitted from the seat belt to the side frame member via the
seat belt guide.
[0017] Preferably, the side frame member having the seat belt guide
attached thereto is formed by a member having a closed cross
section.
[0018] According to this arrangement, the enlarged part is
supported primarily by the side frame member given with a high
mechanical stiffness owing to the closed cross section thereof so
that the bracket, in particular the enlarged part thereof is
protected from deformation even further.
[0019] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the
bracket is made of sheet metal having a major surface facing
substantially in a fore and aft direction, and at least one of
lateral side edges of the bracket corresponding to the enlarged
part is provided with a flange which is bent forward or rearward
from the major surface and attached to the corresponding side frame
member.
[0020] According to this arrangement, the stiffness of the bracket
is increased even further by the flange provided on at least one of
the lateral edges of the bracket.
[0021] Preferably, the bracket is provided with a bend curved in a
fore and aft direction such that a lateral end part of the bracket
corresponding to the enlarged part is positioned more forward than
another lateral end part of the bracket, and the flange is bent
forward, the seat belt retractor being attached to a front side of
the enlarged part.
[0022] According to this arrangement, the seat belt retractor is
positioned in a rear part of the seat back so that the discomfort
to the back side of the vehicle occupant seated in the vehicle seat
can be avoided.
[0023] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the
enlarged part is provided with a recess which is recessed rearward,
and the seat belt retractor is positioned on a front side of the
recess.
[0024] Thereby, the seat belt retractor is positioned in a rear
part of the seat back so that the discomfort to the back side of
the vehicle occupant seated in the vehicle seat can be avoided.
[0025] Preferably, the bracket is provided with a pair of
reinforcement beads extending along upper and lower edges of the
bracket.
[0026] Thereby, the stiffness of the bracket can be increased even
further.
[0027] The vehicle seat may further comprise a connecting member
connecting laterally middle parts of the bracket and the upper
cross frame member.
[0028] Because the bracket is connected to the upper cross frame
member via the connecting member, the bracket is further protected
from deformation. The central part of the bracket is furthest away
from the side frame members, and therefore has a tendency to deform
more than the remaining part of the bracket. By connecting the
central part of the bracket to the upper cross frame member via the
connecting member, the deformation of the bracket is minimized in
an efficient manner.
[0029] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a
dynamic damper is attached to the connecting member.
[0030] Thereby, the connecting member is given with an additional
function to support the dynamic damper.
[0031] Thus, according to the present invention, in a vehicle seat
having a seat belt retractor supported in the seat back, the
support stiffness of the seat belt retractor can be increased.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING(S)
[0032] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle seat as seen from
an upper left direction;
[0033] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a frame of the vehicle seat
as seen from an upper left direction;
[0034] FIG. 3 is a sectional view showing a connecting structure
between a second rail device and a base;
[0035] FIG. 4 is a front view of a lower part of a seat back
frame;
[0036] FIG. 5 is an enlarged sectional view (taken along line V-V
of FIG. 4) of an upper part of the seat back frame;
[0037] FIG. 6 is a front view of the upper part of the seat back
frame;
[0038] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a bracket;
[0039] FIG. 8 is an enlarged front view of a lower part of a seat
back frame of a modified embodiment;
[0040] FIG. 9 is an enlarged front view of a lower part of a seat
back frame of another modified embodiment;
[0041] FIG. 10 is a plan view of a seat cushion frame and an
occupant support member;
[0042] FIG. 11 is a rear view of the occupant support member;
[0043] FIG. 12 is a side view of a rear hook member of the occupant
support member;
[0044] FIG. 13 is a sectional view taken along line XIII-XIII of
FIG. 12;
[0045] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a right connecting device
as seen from a right and rear direction;
[0046] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the right connecting device
as seen from a left and rear direction;
[0047] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing the structure of a lock
device;
[0048] FIG. 17 is a sectional view taken along line XVII-XVII of
FIG. 14;
[0049] FIG. 18 is a bottom view of the vehicle seat;
[0050] FIG. 19 is an exploded perspective view of an upper part of
the seat back frame; and
[0051] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a walk out lever.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)
[0052] An embodiment of the present invention is described in the
following with reference to the appended drawings. This embodiment
consists of a (second row or third row) rear seat. The left and
right directions are defined from the view of an occupant in the
seat. As various components of the seat are arranged one either
side of the seat in a symmetric arrangement, such mutually
symmetric components may be denoted with same numerals, and only
the components on one side of the seat may be described in the
following disclosure.
(General Structure)
[0053] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the seat S includes a seat
cushion S1, a seat back S2 and a head rest S3. The seat cushion S1
is supported by the vehicle floor via a support member named as
carrier S4. More specifically, the carrier S4 is supported by the
floor via a pair of first rail devices 2 extending laterally so as
to be slidable in the lateral direction. The seat cushion S1 is
supported by the carrier S4 via a pair of second rail devices 3
extending longitudinally so as to be slidable in the fore and aft
direction. A connecting device 4 is interposed between the second
rail devices 3 and the carrier S4 so that the second rail devices 3
along with the main part of the seat S may be detached from the
first rail devices 2 which are essentially permanently attached to
the floor.
[0054] As shown in FIG. 3, each first rail device 2 includes a
lower rail 2A and an upper rail 2B combined with each other in a
slidable manner, and a lock device (not shown in the drawings) for
securing the upper rail 2B to the lower rail 2A at selected
positions. The lower rail 2A is fixedly attached to the floor while
the upper rail 2B is fixedly attached to the carrier S4.
[0055] Each second rail device 3 includes a lower rail 3A and an
upper rail 3B combined with each other in a slidable manner, and a
lock device 3C for securing the upper rail 3B to the lower rail 3A
at selected positions. The lower rail 3A is detachably attached to
the carrier S4 via the connecting device 4 while the upper rail 3B
is fixedly attached to the seat cushion S1.
[0056] As shown in FIG. 2, the seat back S2 is connected to the
rear end of the seat cushion S1 so as to be tiltable in the fore
and aft direction. A reclining mechanism R is provided between the
seat cushion S1 and the seat back S2 so that the seat back S2 may
be fixed at selected angular positions. The head rest S3 is
provided centrally on the upper end of the seat back S2.
(Carrier)
[0057] As shown in FIG. 3, the carrier S4 includes a carrier frame
6 connected to the upper rails 2B, and a carrier cover 7 covering
the carrier frame 6 from above. The carrier cover 7 is made of
plastic material, and includes an upper plate portion 7A having a
vertically facing major plane (major surface) and a flange wall 7B
depending from the peripheral part of the upper plate portion 7A. A
pair of downwardly recessed front reception recesses 7C are formed
on frontal lateral parts of the carrier cover 7, and the front ends
of the front reception recesses 7C are exposed at the front end of
the carrier cover 7. A pair of downwardly recessed rear reception
recesses 7D are formed on rear lateral parts of the carrier cover
7, and the rear ends of the rear reception recesses 7D are exposed
at the rear end of the carrier cover 7.
[0058] A striker 8A in the form of a rod extends across the width
of each front reception recess 7C, and a similar striker 8B extends
across the width of each rear reception recess 7D.
[0059] A reinforcement plate 9 is attached to the lower surface of
the central part of the upper plate portion 7A. The reinforcement
plate 9 may be made of metallic plate, and is retained on the lower
surface of the upper plate portion 7A by L-shaped engagement claws
7E integrally formed in the upper plate portion 7A to engage the
peripheral part of the reinforcement plate 9 so that the
reinforcement plate 9 may be installed in this position by sliding
the reinforcement plate 9 horizontally along the lower surface of
the upper plate portion 7A into engagement with the engagement
claws 7E.
(Seat Cushion)
[0060] As shown in FIG. 1, the seat cushion S1 includes a seat
cushion frame F1, a pad P1 placed on the seat cushion frame F1 and
a skin member SK1 defining the outer surface of the seat cushion
S1. The seat back S2 includes a seat back frame F2, a pad P2 placed
on the seat back frame F2 and a skin member SK2 defining the outer
surface of the seat back S2. The seat cushion frame F1 and the seat
back frame F2 are made by combining metallic plate, pipe and rod
members.
[0061] As shown in FIG. 2, the seat cushion frame F1 includes a
pair of cushion side frame members 13 and 14 extending in the fore
and aft direction along either side of the seat cushion frame F1, a
front cross frame member 15 extending between front parts of the
cushion side frame members 13 and 14 and a rear cross frame member
16 extending between rear parts of the cushion side frame members
13 and 14 so as to define a rectangular frame in plan view. The
left cushion side frame member 13 is made of a plate member having
a laterally facing major plane. The right cushion side frame member
14 is made by combining a left member 14A and a right member 14B
essentially consisting of plate members so as to jointly form a
closed cross section. The front cross frame member 15 and the rear
cross frame member 16 are both made of pipe members having circular
cross sections.
(Rear Cross Frame)
[0062] As shown in FIG. 10, a laterally central part of the rear
cross frame member 16 is fitted with a tether anchor 17, and both
end parts of the rear cross frame member 16 are fitted with lower
anchors 18, respectively. The tether anchor 17 is configured to
engage a hook provided on the free end of a top tether of a child
seat conforming to the ISOFIX standard and placed on the seat S.
The lower anchors 18 are configured to engage a pair of connectors
extending rearward from the lower parts of the chilled seat,
respectively.
[0063] The tether anchor 17 is made by bending a metallic rod into
the shape of letter U, and is welded to the rear cross frame member
16 at two legs 17A thereof. The two legs 17A of the tether anchor
17 both extend rearward, and are connected to each other by a cross
piece 17B at the rear ends thereof. The two legs 17A extend from
the lower surface of the rear cross frame member 16 and extends
rearward with some upward slant. Similarly, each lower anchor 18 is
made by bending a metallic rod into the shape of letter U, and is
welded to the rear surface of the rear cross frame member 16 at two
legs thereof. The two legs of the lower anchor 18 extend from the
rear surface of the rear cross frame member 16 forward in parallel
to each other with some upward slant, and are connected to each
other by a cross piece at the front ends thereof. The lower anchors
18 are positioned on either side of the tether anchor 17 with a
certain lateral spacing defined between each lower anchor 18 and
the tether anchor 17.
(Vehicle Occupant Support Member)
[0064] As shown in FIG. 10, a vehicle occupant support member 20
for supporting the buttocks of the occupant from below is passed
between the front cross frame member 15 and the rear cross frame
member 16. The vehicle occupant support member 20 includes a
plurality (four in the illustrated embodiment) of spring members 21
extending in the fore and aft direction, a front hook member 22
engaging the front ends of the spring members 21 and wrapped around
the outer periphery of the front cross frame member 15, and a rear
hook member 23 engaging the rear ends of the spring members 21 and
wrapped around the outer periphery of the rear cross frame member
16. Each spring member 21 may consist of an S spring made of
metallic material and snaking in a horizontal plane so that the
spring members 21 jointly define a horizontal support surface. The
front hook member 22 is made of plastic material, and insert molded
with the front ends of the spring members 21. The front hook member
22 extends laterally, and is given with a semi-circular cross
section with the open side facing downward. The front end of each
spring member 21 may be curved in an arcuate fashion so as to
extend circumferentially inside the front hook member 22. The front
hook member 22 is hooked onto a laterally central part of the front
cross frame member 15 so as to extend circumferentially from an
upper side of the front cross frame member 15 to a front side
thereof so as to be prevented from moving rearward with respect to
the front cross frame member 15.
[0065] The rear hook member 23 is made of plastic material, and
insert molded with the rear ends of the spring members 21. As shown
in FIGS. 11 and 12, the rear hook member 23 extends laterally, and
is given with a semi-circular cross section with the open side
facing downward. The rear end of each spring member 21 may be
curved in an arcuate fashion so as to extend circumferentially
inside the rear hook member 23. The rear hook member 23 is hooked
onto a laterally central part of the rear cross frame member 16 so
as to extend circumferentially from an upper side of the rear cross
frame member 16 to a rear side thereof so as to be prevented from
moving forward with respect to the rear cross frame member 16. The
rear hook member 23 is positioned between the two lower anchors 18.
In the illustrated embodiment, the lateral ends of the rear hook
member 23 are spaced from the respective lower anchors 18. The rear
end 23A of the rear hook member 23 is provided with a pair of
engagement claws 23B that engage the respective legs 17A of the
tether anchor 17 with or without gap.
[0066] Each engagement claw 23B extends downward from the rear end
23A of the rear hook member 23, and is provided with a pair of
projections 23C that oppose each other, and clamp the corresponding
leg 17A of the tether anchor 17 from both sides. Owing to this
clamping action of the projections 23C of the engagement claws 23B,
the rear hook member 23 can be kept fixed to the rear cross frame
member 16 in a secure manner.
[0067] As shown in FIG. 10, a plurality of connecting members 24A
and 24B are connected laterally between adjoining pairs of the
spring members 21 so as to restrict the relative movements between
the spring members 21. Each connecting member 24A and 24B may
consist of a clip or the like that can be snap fitted to the spring
members 21. The connecting members 24A and 24B may also be made of
plastic material that is insert molded with the spring members 21.
The connecting members 24A and 24B may be provided between the
adjoining parts of the spring members 21.
[0068] Alternatively, the lateral length of the rear hook member 23
may be such that the lateral ends of the rear hook member 23 abut
the respective lower anchors 18. In this case, the rear hook member
23 is clamped between the lower anchors 18 for both sides so that
the rear hook member 23 is positively prevented from moving
sideways.
(Connecting Device)
[0069] As shown in FIGS. 3, 14 and 15, the connecting device 4
includes a pair of base frames 81 each connected to the lower
surface of the lower rail 3A of the corresponding second rail
device 3, a pair of hooks 82 provided on the front ends of the
respective base frames 81, and a pair of lock devices 112 provided
on the rear ends of the respective base frames 81. Each base frame
81 includes a main piece 85 located on the inner side thereof and a
sub piece 86 located on the outer side thereof. The main piece 85
includes a side wall 85A defining a laterally facing major plane
and extending in the fore and aft direction, an upper wall 85B
projecting laterally outward from the upper edge of the side wall
85A and extending along the upper edge of the side wall 85A, and an
end wall 85C extending laterally outward from the front, lower and
rear edges of the side wall 85A. The sub piece 86 is formed as a
channel member having an open side facing laterally inward, and is
positioned on the outer side of a front part of the main piece 85.
The main piece 85 and the sub piece 86 are made of metallic plate
members, and are joined to each other by welding. The side wall
85A, upper wall 85B and end wall 85C of the main piece 85, and the
sub piece 86 jointly define a closed cross section. Each base frame
81 is attached to the lower surface of the corresponding lower rail
3A by fasteners such as rivets or by welding. The front ends of the
two base frames 81 are connected to each other by a connecting
member 79 extending laterally.
[0070] As shown in FIG. 3, each hook 82 is made of a plate member
having a laterally facing major plane. The upper part of the hook
82 is interposed between a front part of the side wall 85A of the
main piece 85 and the sub piece 86, and fixedly secured to the main
piece 85 and the sub piece 86 by using fasteners such as nuts and
bolts. The lower part of the hook 82 extends downward beyond the
base frame 81. The front edge of the lower part of the hook 82 is
formed with a hook slot 82A which is recessed rearward.
[0071] A lower rear end part of the main piece 85 is provided with
a downwardly projecting projection 85D. A cover plate 89 is
attached to the laterally outward side of the projection 75D via a
plurality of fastening members 88 serving also as spacers. The
cover plate 89 substantially aligns with the upper wall 85B and the
projecting end of the end wall 85C in the lateral direction.
Thereby, an internal space is defined between the main piece 85 and
the cover plate 89. The front end 98A of the cover plate 89 is bent
toward the side wall 85A substantially at a right angle, and is
passed through a first insertion hole 85E formed in the side wall
85A so as to project inward beyond the side wall 85A. The first
insertion hole 85E is elongated in the vertical direction so as to
conform to the front end 89A.
[0072] The lower edge of the projection 85D of the main piece 85 is
formed with a slot 83 extending upwardly from the lower edge
thereof, and the lower edge of the cover plate 89 is also formed
with an upwardly extending slot 84. These slots 83 and 84 are
substantially conformal to each other in side view, and are aligned
with each other in the lateral direction. These slots 83 and 84 are
located between a pair of the fastening members 88 mentioned
earlier with respect to the fore and aft direction.
[0073] As shown in FIG. 14, a first cushion material holder 96 is
provided on the outer side of the cover plate 89 immediately above
the slot 84, and supports a first cushion material 97. The first
cushion material holder 96 extends in the fore and aft direction
above the slot 84, and is attached to the outer side surface of the
cover plate 89 at the front and rear ends thereof by using the
respective fastening members 88. The first cushion material holder
96 is spaced from the outer side surface of the cover plate 89 at a
part thereof located adjacent to the upper end of the slot 84 so as
to define a retaining hole 96A extending vertically and opening
outer in both the upper and lower ends thereof in cooperation with
the cover plate 89. The lower part of the retaining hole 96A
progressively widens in the fore and aft direction toward the lower
end thereof. The first cushion material 97 is made of cushioning
material such as rubber and elastomer, and is retained in the
retaining hole 96A while the upper and lower ends of the first
cushion material 97 project upward and downward, respectively, from
the retaining hole 96A. The first cushion material 97 is provided
with an upper engagement portion 97A that projects sideways and
extends in the forward and rearward direction, and a lower
engagement portion 97B that projects in the forward and rearward
direction and/or sideways. In the illustrated embodiment, the upper
engagement portion 97A consists of a projection projecting in the
forward and rearward directions from the upper end of the first
cushion material 97, and is engaged by the upper edge of the first
cushion material holder 96 (or the upper opening of the retaining
hole 96A). The lower engagement portion 97B consists of a
projection projecting in the laterally outward direction (away from
the cover plate 89) from the lower end of the first cushion
material 97, and is engaged by the lower edge of the first cushion
material holder 96 (or the lower opening of the retaining hole
96A). The lower end of the first cushion material 97 is located
slightly below the upper end of the slot 84.
[0074] As shown in FIG. 15, a second cushion material holder 101 is
attached to the outer side surface of the side wall 85A, and
extends above and across the upper end of the slot 83, and retains
a second cushion material 102. The second cushion material holder
101 extends in the fore and aft direction across an upper part of
the slot 83, and is secured to the outer side surface of the side
wall 85A at the front and rear ends thereof by the fastening
members 88. The part of the second cushion material holder 101
corresponding to the slot 83 is formed with a slot 101A extending
upward from the lower edge of the second cushion material holder
101. The second cushion material holder 101 is spaced apart from
the outer side surface of the side wall 85A in a part thereof
corresponding to the slot 83, and defines a retaining hole 101B in
cooperation with the side wall 85A, the retaining hole 102B
extending vertically and having an open upper end and open lower
end. The lower part of the retaining hole 101B flares in the fore
and aft direction toward the lower end thereof. The second cushion
material 102 is made of cushion material such as rubber and
elastomer, and is retained in the retaining hole 101B in such a
manner that the upper end of the second cushion material 102
protrudes from the upper end of the retaining hole 101B. The second
cushion material 102 has an engagement portion 102A at an upper end
thereof, the engagement portion 102A projecting in the fore and aft
direction and/or laterally outward so as to engage the upper end of
the second cushion material holder 101 (the upper opening of the
retaining hole 102B). The lower end of the second cushion material
102 flares in the fore and aft direction toward the lower end
thereof in conformity with the second cushion material holder 101.
Thus, the second cushion material 102 is prevented from moving
upward, laterally or sideways relative to the second cushion
material holder 101 by the lower part of the second cushion
material 102 being engaged by the inner surface of the second
cushion material holder 101. The second cushion material 102 is
provided with a slot 102B slightly smaller than the slot 83 in a
part thereof corresponding to the slot 83 so that the edge of the
slot 102B of the second cushion material 102 projects slightly into
the slot 83 in side view.
[0075] As shown in FIG. 16, a latch 105 rotatably supported by the
projection 85D and the cover plate 89 via one of the fastening
members 88 is positioned in the space defined between the
projection 85D and the cover plate 89. The latch 105 is rotatable
around a rotational center line extending laterally through the
corresponding fastening member 88 behind the slot 83 between a lock
position where the latch 105 projects into a lower part (open end
part) of the slot 83 and a release position where the latch 105
withdrawn behind the slot 83. A lock piece 196 is rotatable around
a rotational center line extending laterally through the
corresponding fastening member 88 positioned in front of the slot
83. The lock piece 196 can rotate between a first position where
the lock piece 196 restricts the latch 105 in the lock position
from rotating and a second position where the lock piece 196 is
disengaged from the latch 105, and allows the latch 105 to rotate
freely. The latch 105 and the lock piece 106 are connected to each
other via a biasing member 107 such as a tension coil spring so
that the lock piece 106 is urged toward the first position and the
latch 105 to the lock position. More specifically, the latch 105 is
provided with a cam surface by which the latch 105 is pushed toward
the lock position by the lock piece 106 moving toward the first
position.
[0076] As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the lock piece 106 is provided
with a connecting piece 106A which is passed through a second
insertion hole 85F formed in the side wall 85A, and projects
outward from the side wall 85A. To the free end of the connecting
piece 106A is connected an end of an inner cable 108B of a control
cable 108. The outer casing 108A of the control cable 108 is
connected to the front end 89A of the cover plate 89 which is
passed through the first insertion hole 85E, and projects out of
the side wall 85A.
[0077] As shown in FIG. 18, a lower part of the seat cushion frame
F1 is provided with a bottom cover 110 that extends across a square
space defined by the cushion side frame members 13 and 14, the
front cross frame member 15 and the rear cross frame member 16. The
bottom cover 110 may be made of non-woven fabric, or may be made
integrally with the skin member SK1. A central part of the bottom
cover 110 is formed with a slit 110A extending in the fore and aft
direction. The control cable 108 extends from the one end thereof
connected to the front end 89A of the cover plate 89 in the forward
direction to a part adjoining the connecting member 79, and is bent
back rearward into the seat cushion S1 via the slit 110A. Because
the slit 110A extends in the fore and aft direction, the movement
of the control cable 108 caused by the relative movement between
the seat cushion S1 and the connecting device 4 in the fore and aft
direction via the second rail devices 3 is enabled without any
resistance. A part of the control cable 108 extending below the
bottom cover 110 is engaged by a part of the connecting member 79
via a plastic clip 111 that is fitted to the connecting member 79
and provided with a hook for engaging the control cable 108.
[0078] The control cable 108 is passed through the seat cushion S1,
and the other end of the inner cable 108B is connected to a lock
release lever (not shown in the drawings) supported by the cushion
side frame member 13. When the lock release lever is at an initial
position, the lock piece 106 is in the first position, and the
latch 105 is in the lock position. When the lock release lever is
at an operation position, the lock piece 106 is placed in the
second position, and the latch 105 is in the release position,
against the biasing force of the biasing member 107. The projection
85D, the cover plate 89, the latch 105 and the lock piece 106 form
a lock device 112.
[0079] As shown in FIGS. 14 and 17, the upper end of the cover
plate 89 is formed as a lower hook portion 89B which is bent away
from the side wall 85A and then downward. In other words, the cover
plate 89 serves as a lower hook member provided with the lower hook
portion 89B. An upper hook member 115 is connected to at least one
of the cushion side frame members 13 and 14 and the associated
upper rail 3B. The upper hook member 115 is made of stamp formed
sheet metal, and extends downward from the corresponding cushion
side frame member 13, 14 or the associated upper rail 3B. The lower
end of the upper hook member 115 is provided with an upper hook
portion 115A extending upward. The upper hook portion 115A of the
upper hook member 115 and the lower hook portion 89B oppose each
other defining a certain gap in such manner that a certain relative
vertical movement between the upper hook portion 115A and the lower
hook portion 89B is permitted, but once the relative vertical
movement between them exceed a certain distance, the two parts
become engaged with each other, and no further relative movement in
the vertical direction is permitted. In the illustrated embodiment,
the upper end of the upper hook member 115 is interposed between
the cushion side frame member 14 and the upper rail 3B of the
corresponding second rail device, and is fixedly attached to these
two parts by using fasteners such as rivets and bolts or by
welding. The upper hook member 115 extends from the upper end
thereof in a laterally outward direction, and is bent downward. The
downwardly extending part of the upper hook member 115 extends
along a laterally outer side of the second rail device 3, and
terminates at the upper hook portion 115A.
[0080] The upper hook portion 115A and the lower hook portion 89B
are each given with a shape of letter J (hairpin shape). The free
end of the upper hook portion 115A is received in an inner space of
the lower hook portion 89B, and the free end of the lower hook
portion 89B is received in an inner space of the upper hook portion
115A. The upper hook portion 115A and the lower hook portion 89B
both extend in the fore and aft direction, and maintain the
vertically opposing condition even when the upper rail 3B and the
lower rail 3A of each second rail device 3 move relative to each
other.
[0081] As shown in FIG. 3, the connecting device 4 and the carrier
S4 are connected to each other by engaging the hooks 82 with the
respective front strikers 8A and the two lock device 112 with the
respective rear strikers 8B. More specifically, the connecting
device 4 is engaged by the carrier S4 when each hook groove 82A is
engaged by the corresponding striker 8A, each slot 83 and the
corresponding slot 84 are engaged by the corresponding rear striker
8B, and the strikers 8B are prevented from being disengaged from
the respective slots 83 and 84 by the corresponding latch 105.
[0082] A plurality of cushion materials 119 are attached to the
lower surface of a longitudinally intermediate part of the base
frame 81. (See FIG. 3.) When the connecting device 4 is connected
to the carrier S4, the cushion materials 119 abut the upper surface
of the upper plate portion of the carrier cover 7 so that any
relative movement or rattling between the connecting device 4 and
the carrier S4 can be prevented.
[0083] The outer surface of a front part of the carrier cover 7 is
formed with a slanted surface 7F facing in the forward and upward
direction. When the lock devices 112 are disengaged from the
respective rear strikers 8B and the connecting device 4 is rotated
in the forward and upward direction around the front strikers 8A,
the slanted surface 7F abuts lower parts of the front ends of the
respective base frames 81 so that the connecting device 4 can be
supported at a prescribed slanting position.
[0084] As shown in FIG. 2, a rear part of each cushion side frame
member 13, 14 is provided with an upwardly projecting lower hinge
member 26 which is made of sheet metal and has a major surface
facing sideways.
(Seat Back)
[0085] As shown in FIG. 2, the seat back frame F2 includes a pair
of back side frame members 31 and 32 extending along either side of
the seat back frame F2, an upper cross frame member 33 extending
between the upper ends of the back side frame members 31 and 32 and
defining an upper part of the seat back S2, and a lower cross frame
member 34 extending between the lower ends of the back side frame
members 31 and 32. The lower ends of the back side frame members 31
and 32 extend downwardly beyond the lower cross frame member 34,
and the lower end of each back side frame member 31, 32 is fitted
with an upper hinge member 35, 36.
[0086] A part of the right back side frame member 32 extending
between the lower end and the upper end thereof is formed by
combining a left member 32A and a right member 32b each made of
stamp formed sheet metal. The left member 32A and the right member
32b are both formed as channel members such that the two members
oppose each other at their open ends with one of them fitted into
the other. Therefore, the right back side frame member 32 is
provided with a closed cross section. The right upper hinge member
36 is made of stamp formed sheet metal, and has an upper end
connected to the lower end of the right side of the right back side
frame member 32. The right upper hinge member 36 extends beyond the
lower end of the right back side frame member 32. The front edge
and the rear edge of the right upper hinge member 36 are provided
with laterally projecting flanges (projecting toward the right
lower hinge member 26).
[0087] The left back side frame member 31 includes a lower left
back side frame member 31A extending from a lower end of the left
back side frame member 31 to an intermediate part thereof, and an
upper left back side frame member 31B accounting for the remaining
upper part of the left back side frame member 31. The lower left
back side frame member 31A and the left upper hinge member 35 are
formed by a common continuous sheet metal member having a major
plane facing sideways. The front edge and the rear edge of the
lower left back side frame member 31A and the left upper hinge
member 35 are provided with laterally projecting flanges
(projecting toward the left lower hinge member 26).
[0088] Each upper hinge member 35, 36 is rotatably connected to the
corresponding lower hinge member 26 so as to jointly form a hinge
having a laterally extending rotational center line X. This
rotational center line X is the rotational center line of the seat
back S2. The reclining mechanism R is provided between the right
lower hinge member 26 and the corresponding upper hinge member
36.
[0089] The angular position of the seat back S2 relative to the
seat cushion S1 (which may be referred to simply as the angular
position of the seat back S2 in the following description) is
defined as being in the normal position when the seat back S2 is
slightly tilted rearward. When the seat back S2 is tilted forward
such that the front face of the seat back S2 opposes the upper
surface of the seat cushion S1, and the seat back S2 is
substantially in parallel with the seat cushion S1 is defined as
the folded position.
[0090] The upper left back side frame member 31B and the upper
cross frame member 33 are formed by a single pipe member 37. The
pipe member 37 has a lower end connected to the lower left back
side frame member 31A, and extends upward so as to form the upper
left back side frame member 31B. The pipe member 37 is then bent
rightward so as to form the upper cross frame member 33. The lower
end part of the pipe member 37 forming the upper left back side
frame member 31B extends vertically, and is connected to the right
side of the lower left back side frame member 31A at the left side
thereof by welding. The right end part of the pipe member 37
forming the upper cross frame member 33 is laterally passed through
the left member 32A and the right member 32B jointly forming the
upper end part of the right back side frame member 32, and is
fixedly secured to the left member 32A and the right member 32B by
welding.
[0091] A pair of head rest support members 38 are attached to a
central part of the front side of the upper cross frame member 33.
The head rest support members 38 consist of tubular members each
opening out at both ends, and extend vertically, laterally spaced
from each other.
[0092] As shown in FIGS. 2, 4 and 5, the lower cross frame member
34 extends laterally, and includes a connecting member 41 connected
between the two back side frame members 31 and 32, and an auxiliary
member 42 attached to the connecting member 41. The connecting
member 41 and the auxiliary member 42 are made by bending a
metallic rod or pipe members in the illustrated embodiment.
[0093] The connecting member 41 has a left end connected to the
lower left back side frame member 31A and a right end connected to
the right back side frame member 32. The left end of the connecting
member 41 is passed laterally through the lower left back side
frame member 31A, and is fixedly secured thereto by welding or the
like. The right end of the connecting member 41 is passed laterally
through the left member 32A of the right back side frame member 32,
and is fixedly secured to the left member 32A by welding or the
like. The connecting member 41 bows rearward in the central part
thereof.
[0094] The auxiliary member 42 has two ends that are connected to
the respective ends 42B of the connecting member 41 short of the
back side frame members 31 and 32 by a small distance, and a
central part that project downward so as to serve as a grip 42A.
The two ends 42B of the auxiliary member 42 extend laterally along
the lower sides of the respective ends 42B of the connecting member
41, and are fixedly secured to the connecting member 41 by welding.
The end surfaces of the two lateral ends 42B of the auxiliary
member 42 face laterally outward or face away from each other. The
auxiliary member 42 further includes a pair of first vertical
portions 42C that are located more inward than the respective ends
42B and are bent downward and rearward. The lower ends of the first
vertical portions 42C are bent inward so as to form a pair of
horizontal shoulder portions 42D, respectively, which are connected
to the respective ends of the grip 42A via second vertical portions
42E, respectively. The grip 42A extends horizontally and linearly
between the lower ends of the second vertical portions 42E, and is
positioned laterally centrally of the seat back S2. The grip 42A is
thus formed as a bent section of the auxiliary member 42.
[0095] When the seat back S2 is in the normal position, the
connecting member 41 and the two ends of the auxiliary member 42
are located above the rotational center line X of the seat back S2,
and the grip 42A is located so as to correspond to the two upper
hinge members 35 and 36 or, in particular, below the rotational
center line X of the seat back S2.
[0096] As shown in FIG. 4, the pad P2 of the seat back S2 is
supported by the back side frame members 31 and 32, the upper cross
frame member 33 and the lower cross frame member 34. The lower end
of the pad P2 extends beyond the lower ends of the upper hinge
members 35 and 36 and the rotational center line X. The auxiliary
member 42 is positioned mostly behind the pad P2. The grip 42A and
the second vertical portions 42E project rearward from the pad P2
and the skin member SK2 covering the pad P2, and extend downward
along the outer surface of the skin member SK2 positioned on the
rear side of the lower end of the pad P2. The grip 42A is
positioned substantially at the same elevation as the lower end of
the pad P2. The grip 42A and the second vertical portions 42E may
be in contact with the outer surface of the skin member SK2 or,
alternatively, may be slightly spaced from the outer surface of the
skin member SK2. The two shoulder portions 42D are positioned so as
to extend along the rear side of the pad P2 under the skin member
SK2.
[0097] The outer profile of the lower end part of the seat back S2
is defined by the grip 42A, the second vertical portions 42E and
the shoulder portions 42D positioned along the back side of the
lower end part of the pad P2. Therefore, when the seat back S2 is
folded onto the seat cushion S1, and a vehicle occupant holds the
lower end part of the seat back S2 to lift the seat S, the load is
transmitted to the back side frame members 31 an 32 via the grip
42A, the second vertical portions 42E and the shoulder portions 42D
so that the pad P2 is prevented from deforming, and the vehicle
occupant is enabled to lift the seat S by holding the lower end
part of the seat back S2 in a comfortable manner. Also, when
lifting the seat S, the grip 42A and the second vertical portions
42E project out of the skin member SK2, and are therefore readily
accessible to the vehicle occupant.
[0098] As shown in FIGS. 2, 6 and 7, a bracket 50 extends laterally
between the two back side frame members 31 and 32. The bracket 50
is vertically located in the space defined between the upper cross
frame member 33 and the lower cross frame member 34. The bracket 50
may be made by stamp forming sheet metal, and includes a main body
50A extending laterally, and a pair of flanges 50B and 50C formed
on either side edge thereof. The main body 50A has a major plane
that faces in the fore and aft direction. The two flanges 50B and
50C are bent forward from the side edges of the main body 50A, and
therefore have a major planes facing sideways.
[0099] The bracket 50 has a larger vertical dimension on one side
than on the other side. The wide section 50D includes one of the
flanges 50C, and accounts for about one half of the main body 50A
extending laterally from the flange 50C. In the illustrated
embodiment, the wide section 50D is provided on the side of the
bracket 50 adjoining the right back side frame member 32 having a
closed cross section or on the right hand side of the bracket 50.
The main body 50A has an upper edge which is generally horizontal
and linear, and a lower edge which is horizontal and linear in side
end parts thereof, and is curved in the center so as to smoothly
connect the two horizontal and linear sections of the lower edge.
The right flange 50C which has a same width as the right end part
of the main body 50A has a greater width than the left flange 50B
which has a same width as the left end part of the main body
50A.
[0100] The main body 50A of the bracket 50 is provided with a bend
50E in a laterally middle part thereof in such a manner that the
left end part thereof is rearwardly offset relative to the right
end part thereof, and the right and left end parts are parallel to
each other (both have a major plane facing in the fore and aft
direction).
[0101] The right flange 50C is welded to the left side of the right
back side frame member 32 at the right side face thereof. The left
flange 50B is welded to the right side of the upper left back side
frame member 31B at the left side face thereof. The main body 50A
is located more rearward than the rear sides of the right and left
back side frame members 31 and 32.
[0102] As shown in FIG. 7, the lower edge of the main body 50A is
formed with a lower flange 51 which extends along the lower edge of
the main body 50A, and is integrally and smoothly connected to the
lower ends of the right and left flanges 50B and 50C. The lower end
of the main body 50A is formed with a first reinforcement bead 52
extending along the entire length of the lower edge of the main
body 50A immediately inward of the lower flange 51. The first
reinforcement bead 52 has a cross section having a convex side
facing rearward.
[0103] The upper edge of the main body 50A is provided with a
second reinforcement bead 53 having a cross section having a convex
side facing forward, and a third reinforcement bead 54 having a
cross section having a convex side facing rearward immediately
inward of the second reinforcement bead 53. The right end of the
second reinforcement bead 53 extends into the upper end of the
right flange 50C.
[0104] The wide section 50D of the main body 50A is formed with a
rectangular first recess 56 which is recessed rearward. The first
recess 56 is formed by pressing the corresponding part of the main
body 50A rearward, and has a bottom surface defined by a flat
surface facing forward.
[0105] The left end part of the main body 50A is formed with an
irregularly shaped second recess 57 which is recessed rearward. The
second recess 57 is formed by pressing the corresponding part of
the main body 50A rearward, and has a bottom surface defined by a
flat surface and facing forward.
[0106] A first fastening part 61 and a second fastening part 62
each formed as a projection projecting forward are provided on the
left hand side of the main body 50A and below the first recess 56,
respectively. A third fastening part 63 formed as a projection
projecting forward extends into the second recess 57 from below.
The first to third fastening parts 61 to 63 are formed by pressing
the corresponding parts of the main body 50A forward. When viewed
from the rear, the first to third fastening parts 61 to 63 are
recessed forward from the rear surface of the main body 50A. The
first to third fastening parts 61 to 63 are formed with respective
fastening holes 61A to 63A which are passed through the material of
the main body 50A in the thickness wise direction.
[0107] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 6, a retractor 65 for winding an end
of a seat belt 66 is attached to the front face of the wide section
50D of the main body 50A. The retractor 65 may have a per se known
structure, and includes a drum 65A for winding the seat belt 66, a
housing 65C having a pair of side walls 65B rotatably supporting
the drum 65A, and a mounting member 65D supporting the housing 65C.
The housing 65C is provided with a lock mechanism (not shown in the
drawings) for restricting the rotation of the drum 65A by detecting
the rotational speed of the drum 65A and the acceleration acting on
the retractor 65.
[0108] The mounting member 65D includes a first and second
fastening piece 65E and 65F each consisting of a plate member. The
first and second fastening pieces 65E and 65F are each formed with
a fastening hole (not shown in the drawings) passed through the
thickness of the corresponding fastening piece. The first and
second fastening pieces 65E and 65F are positioned so as to align
with the front faces of the first and second fastening parts 61 and
62, and are secured to the respective fastening parts by threaded
bolts passed through the respective fastening holes. The retractor
65 is attached to the bracket 50 with threaded bolts 68. When the
retractor 65 is attached to the bracket 50, a part of the rear end
of the retractor 65 is received in the first recess 56.
[0109] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 6, the upper end part of the right
back side frame member 32 is fitted with a belt guide 72 via a belt
guide bracket 71. The belt guide 72 is made of stamp formed sheet
metal, and is formed with a guide hole passed through the thickness
thereof.
[0110] The seat belt 66 which is drawn from the retractor 65
extends upward along the front side of the bracket 50, passes along
the rear side of the upper cross frame member 33, and is passed
through the belt guide 72 from the rear to the front. As shown in
FIG. 1, the free end of the seat belt 66 which is drawn forward
from the belt guide 72 is connected to the right cushion side frame
member 14. An intermediate part of the seat belt 66 is fitted with
a tongue plate (not shown in the drawings) which is configured to
be detachably engaged by a buckle (not shown in the drawings)
provided on the left cushion side frame member 13.
[0111] As shown in FIG. 19, the retractor 65, the right half of the
bracket 50, an upper part of the right back side frame member 32,
the belt guide bracket 71, and the part of the seat belt 66
extending from the retractor 65 to the belt guide 72 are covered by
a front protective cover 77A from the front and a rear protective
cover 77B from the rear. The belt guide 72 is covered by an upper
protective cover 77C shaped like a cup with an open end facing
downward and having a belt slot 77D for passing through the seat
belt 66, and the belt guide 72. The front protective cover 77A, the
rear protective cover 77B and the upper protective cover 77C are
made of plastic material, and are joined to one another. The upper
protective cover 77C is positioned above the skin member SK2, and
the front protective cover 77A and the rear protective cover 77B
are mostly positioned inside the skin member SK2. The front end of
the front protective cover 77A is covered by the pad P2.
[0112] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 6, the upper cross frame member 33
and the bracket 50 are connected to each other via a connecting
member 75 extending vertically. The connecting member 75 is
connected to the laterally central parts of the upper cross frame
member 33 and the bracket 50 at the respective upper and lower ends
thereof. The connecting member 75 includes a first and second
connecting members 75A and 75B which are made of stamp formed sheet
metal, and are connected to each other.
[0113] The first connecting member 75A is connected to a central
part of the upper cross frame member 33 located between the two
head rest support members 38 by welding, and extends downward from
the upper cross frame member 33. The second connecting member 75B
has a major plane facing in the fore and aft direction, and is
attached to the first connecting member 75A at the upper end
thereof and to the third fastening part 63 of the bracket 50 at the
lower end thereof. A vertically intermediate part of the second
connecting member 75B is formed with a device receiving portion 75C
which projects forward in a stepwise fashion and is therefore
recessed forward when viewed from behind.
[0114] The device receiving portion 75C of the second connecting
member 75B supports a device associated with the seat S such as a
dynamic damper, an electric motor, an electronic control unit and a
drive unit for the head rest S3. In the illustrated embodiment, a
dynamic damper 76 is supported by the second connecting member 75B.
The dynamic damper 76 includes a rectangular casing and a mass
supported by a spring inside the casing, and may be connected to
the second connecting member 75B by using screws and fastening
bands.
(Second Tether Anchor)
[0115] As shown in FIGS. 2, 4 and 5, the two back side frame
members 31 and 32 are connected to each other by a laterally
extending connecting member 45 which is vertically situated between
the bracket 50 and the connecting member 41. The connecting member
45 may consist of a metallic rod, for instance. An inverted
U-shaped second tether anchor 46 is fixedly attached to a laterally
central part of the connecting member 41 at the two leg parts
thereof such that the second tether anchor 46 extends vertically
upward from the connecting member 41 and a laterally extending
section thereof is positioned at the upper end thereof. The second
tether anchor 46 is made of metallic rod member bent into the
prescribed shape. A rectangular frame member 47 having a major
plane facing in the fore and aft direction is attached to the
connecting member 45 at the upper end thereof and to the connecting
member 41 at the lower end thereof such that the frame member 47 is
laid over the two leg parts of the second tether anchor 46 from
behind, and the laterally extending section of the second tether
anchor 46 is exposed in the central opening of the rectangular
frame member 47. The frame member 47 is covered by the skin member
SK2, and the laterally extending section of the second tether
anchor 46 is positioned outside of the skin member SK2 so as to be
accessible and visible from the rear. The rear surface of the skin
member SK2 covering the frame member 47 is fitted with a plastic
trim member (not shown in the drawings) to enhance the external
appearance of the area surrounding the second tether anchor 46.
(Walk Out Lever)
[0116] As shown in FIG. 2, a rear end part of one of the cushion
side frame members 13 is fitted with a walk out lever 130 that can
be tilted between an initial position and an operation position.
The walk out lever 130 is biased by a biasing member not shown in
the drawings toward the initial position. A strap 130A is connected
to the walk out lever 130 so that the walk out lever 130 may be
tilted to the operation position against the biasing force of the
biasing member by pulling the strap 130A to the rear. The walk out
lever 130 is connected to an end of a control cable (not shown in
the drawings) connected to the reclining mechanism R and an end of
a control cable (not shown in the drawings) connected to the rail
lock device 3C of the second rail device 3 so that the reclining
mechanism R and the rail lock device 3C can be released at the same
time to enable the user to fold the seat back S2 forward and to
allow the upper rail 2B of the second rail device 3 to move forward
relative to the lower rail 2A thereof by tilting the walk out lever
130 to the operation position.
[0117] As shown in FIG. 20, the walk out lever 130 is made of stamp
formed sheet metal, and is provided with an engagement portion 134
for engaging a ball 133 attached to an end of an inner cable 132 of
a control cable. The engagement portion 134 includes a projecting
piece 135 consisting of an elongated plate member projecting from a
main body 130B of the walk out lever 130. The projecting piece 135
includes a base portion 135A extending from the main body 130A, and
a doubled back portion 135C which is bent from the free end of the
base portion 139A at a bent portion 135B in the manner of a
hairpin. The base portion 135A and the doubled back portion 135C
extend in parallel with each other in a spaced apart relationship.
The space between the base portion 135A and the doubled back
portion 135C is narrower than the outer diameter of the ball 133,
but is greater than the outer diameter of the inner cable 132. The
base portion 135A and the doubled back portion 130C extend in an
arcuate fashion so that when the inner cable 132 is passed into the
space between the base portion 135A and the doubled back portion
130C, and is pulled, the ball 133 is engaged by the concave surface
jointly defined by the base portion 135A and the doubled back
portion 135C. When the walk out lever 130 is tilted from the
initial position to the operation position, the ball 133 is engaged
by the base portion 135A and the doubled back portion 135C, and a
tension is applied to the inner cable 132.
[0118] The main body 130B is further provided with a restriction
piece 135D extending along the edge of the base portion 135A facing
the ball 133. The base end of restriction piece 135D is connected
to the main body 130B, and the free end of the restriction piece
135D is positioned inside of a hypothetical circle defined by the
inner peripheral edge of the curved base portion 135A. Thus, the
restriction piece 135D is separated from the main body 130B by a
vertically extending narrow slot. The restriction piece 135D
restricts the movement of the ball 133 to come near the free end
(upper end) of the doubled back portion 135C. Alternatively, the
restriction piece 135D may be formed integrally with the base
portion 135A. In this case, the inner peripheral edge of the base
portion 135A protrudes more downward than the free end of the
doubled back portion 135C as seen in FIG. 20.
[0119] The mode of operation of the seat S is described in the
following. The grip 42A that can be used for lifting the seat S is
positioned in the lower part of the seat back S2 and, in
particular, along the outer surface of the lower part of the seat
back S2 so that when the seat back S2 is in the normal position,
the grip 42A is positioned under the seat back S2, and is prevented
from protruding rearward. Once the seat back S2 is folded onto the
seat cushion S1 or tilted forward, the grip 42A is directed
rearward along with the lower end of the seat back S2 so that the
grip 42A is readily accessible for the vehicle occupant or the
user. When the seat back S2 is in the normal position, the grip 42A
is prevented from projecting rearward, and interfering with the
legs of the vehicle occupant seated behind the seat S. As the grip
42A is formed in the auxiliary member 42 forming a part of the seat
back frame F2, the grip 42A may be given with a high stiffness.
[0120] Because the grip 42A is formed by using the lower cross
frame member 34, the grip 42A can be positioned in the lower end
part of the seat back S2 by using a highly simple structure, and a
high stiffness can be given to the grip 42A. As the lower cross
frame member 34 is formed by the connecting member 41 and the
auxiliary member 42, and the grip 42A is provided on the auxiliary
member 42, the shape and the position of the grip 42A can be
modified without any difficulty. As the seat back frame F2 can be
given with an adequate stiffness by the connecting member 41, the
shapes of the auxiliary member 42 and the grip 42A can be feely
selected.
[0121] The auxiliary member 42 can be made of a metallic rod or
pipe member, and the grip 42A can be added to the auxiliary member
42 without any difficulty. Because the grip 42A includes a
laterally extending linear part, the grip 42A can be given with an
adequate width so that the user can directly get hold of the grip
42A without any effort.
[0122] Because the grip 42A is provided in the laterally central
part of the seat back S2, the seat S remains stable when the
vehicle occupant grabs and lifts the grip 42A.
[0123] In the illustrated embodiment, because the grip 42A projects
out of the skin member Sk2 of the seat back S2, the vehicle
occupant is able to grab the grip 42A directly.
[0124] Because the shoulder portions 42D located on either side of
the grip 42A are located inside the skin member SK2, the pad P2 can
be supported by the shoulder portions 42D so that the pad P2 is
prevented from deforming even when a loading is applied to the grip
42A. The vehicle occupant is also able to lift the seat S by
grabbing the lower end part of the seat back S2, instead of
directly grabbing the grip 42A. The grip 42A and the second
vertical portions 42E also support the pad P2 from outside so that
the pad P2 is prevented from deforming even when a loading is
applied to the grip 42A.
[0125] In the illustrated embodiment, because the grip 42A is
positioned lower than the rotational center line X of the seat back
S2, when the seat back S2 is folded onto the seat cushion S1 or
tilted forward, the grip 42A moves rearward so that the grip 42A
can be readily grabbed by the vehicle occupant, and the convenience
for the vehicle occupant can be enhanced.
[0126] The stiffness of the bracket 50 is enhanced, and prevented
from deforming because the two ends of the bracket 50 are connected
to the back side frame members 31 and 32 at the respective lateral
ends thereof. The stiffness of the seat back frame F2 including the
two back side frame members 31 and 32 is increased by the presence
of the bracket 50. The bracket 50 is provided with the wide section
50D extending from the flange 50C to the main body 50A on the right
hand side thereof. Owing to the presence of the wide section 50D,
the right flange 50C is connected to the right back side frame
member 32 over a larger vertical range than the left flange 50B is
connected to the left back side frame member 31 so that the right
hand side of the bracket 50 where the wide section 50D is formed is
given with a higher stiffness than the left hand side of the
bracket 50. The retractor 65 is attached to the right hand side
part of the bracket 50 having a higher stiffness. Therefore, the
deformation of the bracket 50 is avoided even placed under
substantial stress so that the position and the orientation of the
retractor 65 can be maintained in a stable manner.
[0127] The right back side frame member 32 is provided with a
closed cross section, and has a higher stiffness than the left back
side frame member 31. Because the wide section 50D is provided in
the part of the bracket 50 adjoining the right back side frame
member 32 or the right end part of the bracket 50, the stiffness of
the right end part of the bracket 50 can be increased. Therefore,
the bracket 50 is enabled to support the retractor 65 in a highly
stiff manner. Also, because the distance between the retractor 65
and the belt guide 72 can be reduced, the necessary length of the
seat belt 66 can be minimized, and the size of the retractor 65 can
be minimized as a result.
[0128] Because the flanges 50B and 50C provided on the lateral ends
of the bracket 50 are bent forward with respect to the main body
50A, and are attached to the respective back side frame members 31
and 32, the main body 50A can be positioned in a rear side part of
the seat back S2, and in particular more rearward than the rear
sides of the back side frame members 31 and 32. Therefore, the
retractor 65 can be positioned in a relatively rear part in the
seat back S2 so that the distance between the retractor 65 and the
front surface of the seat back S2 can be maximized. As result, the
retractor 65 is prevented from causing discomfort to the backside
of the vehicle occupant seated in the seat.
[0129] The bracket 50 is provided with a bend 50E in the laterally
intermediate part thereof in such a manner that the right end part
provided with the wide section 50D is located more rearward than
the left end part of the bracket 50. As a result, the retractor 65
can be positioned in a relatively rear part of the seat back
S2.
[0130] The wide section 50D is formed with the first recess 56 so
that a part of the retractor 65 may be placed within the first
recess 56. Therefore, the retractor 65 can be positioned in a
relatively rear part of the seat back S2.
[0131] The bracket 50 is given with a three dimensional shape owing
to the presence of the lower flange 51 and the first to third
reinforcement beads 52 to 54, and is therefore given with a high
stiffness.
[0132] The bracket 50 is connected to the upper cross frame member
33 via the connecting member 75, and is therefore given with a high
stiffness. In particular, because the bracket 50 is connected to
the upper cross frame member 33 at the central part of the bracket
50 which is furthest from the two back side frame members 31 and
32, the deformation of the bracket 50 can be avoided in an
efficient manner.
[0133] The second connecting member 75B forming the connecting
member 75 is formed with a device receiving portion 75C which is
configured to receive a device. The device receiving portion 75C
may be used for accommodating a dynamic damper 76 which is required
to be mounted in an upper part of the seat back S2.
[0134] Because the rear end part of the vehicle occupant support
member 20 is provided with an engagement claw 23B (engagement
portion) engaging the tether anchor 17, the position of the vehicle
occupant support member 20 relative to the rear cross frame member
16 can be stabilized. By positively determining the position of the
rear end of the vehicle occupant support member 20, the position of
the front end part of the vehicle occupant support member 20
relative to the front cross frame member 15 can be prevented from
shifting. Because the engagement claws 23B clamp the legs 17A of
the tether anchor 17 from both sides, the lateral position of the
rear hook member 23 relative to the rear cross frame member 16 can
be positively determined.
[0135] Because the vehicle occupant support member 20 includes the
front hook member 22 and the rear hook member 23 for supporting the
front ends and the rear ends of the spring members 21,
respectively, the connecting points of the vehicle occupant support
member 20 to the front cross frame member 15 and the rear cross
frame member 16 can be minimized so that the structure for
connecting the vehicle occupant support member 20 to the front
cross frame member 15 and the rear cross frame member 16 can be
simplified. As a result, the assembly work for attaching the
vehicle occupant support member 20 to the front cross frame member
15 and the rear cross frame member 16 can be simplified. Because
the vehicle occupant support member 20 is engaged by the front
cross frame member 15 via the front hook member 22 which is wrapped
around the front cross frame member 15, and the rear cross frame
member 16 via the rear hook member 23 which is wrapped around the
rear cross frame member 16, the assembly work for attaching the
vehicle occupant support member 20 to the seat cushion frame F1 can
be simplified.
[0136] Because the two legs 17A of the tether anchor 17 extend from
the lower part of the rear cross frame member 16 rearward, the rear
hook member 23 can be engaged by the upper and rear side of the
rear cross frame member 16. Also, as the engagement claws 23B
extend downward from the rear edge of the rear hook member 23, the
engagement claws 23B can engage the respective ends of the tether
anchor 17. As the free end of each engagement claw 23B is provided
with a projection 23C in the free end thereof, the engagement claws
23B can be securely engaged by the two legs 17A of the tether
anchor 17, and the circumferential (for and aft) position of the
rear hook member 23 relative to the rear cross frame member 16 can
be stabilized.
[0137] When the seat cushion frame F1 is moved relative to the
floor owing to the inertia force acting upon the seat S at the time
of a vehicle crash, the upper hook portion 115A and the lower hook
portion 89B of the cover plate 89 become engaged with each other so
that the rail device 3 is protected from external loading, and the
deformation of the rail device 3 can be avoided. Also, the lock
device 112 is prevented from deforming by being restrained by the
upper hook member 115. As the upper hook portion 115A and the lower
hook portion 89B oppose each other at a certain gap in normal
condition, no friction is caused between the upper hook portion
115A and the lower hook portion 89B as the rail device 3 performs
the sliding action.
[0138] The upper hook member 115 and the cover plate 89 are made of
stamp formed sheet metal, and the upper hook portion 115A and the
lower hook portion 89B extend in the fore and aft direction so that
the stiffness of the upper hook portion 115A and the lower hook
portion 89B can be improved. When the upper hook portion 115A and
the lower hook portion 89B move relative to each other in the fore
and aft direction, the upper hook portion 115A and the lower hook
portion 89B can remain opposed to each other. As upper hook portion
115A and the lower hook portion 89B are shaped like letter J in
cross sectional view, the upper hook portion 115A and the lower
hook portion 89B are prevented from touching each other as the
upper hook portion 115A and the lower hook portion 89B move
relative to each other in the fore and aft direction. The cover
plate 89 is not directly connected to the lower rail 3A, but when
extreme load is applied to the seat S, the cover plate 89 is
connected to the upper rail 3B and the cushion side frame members
13 and 14 via the upper hook member 115.
[0139] As the front end 89A of the cover plate 89 is passed through
the first insertion hole 85E, the front end 89A of the cover plate
89 is positioned by the first insertion hole 85E so that the
position of the cover plate 89 relative to the side wall 85A is
stabilized. As the front end 89A of the cover plate 89 that is
passed through the first insertion hole 85E supports the outer
casing 108A of the control cable 108, the need for adding an
engagement feature for supporting the outer casing 108A to the side
wall 85A is eliminated.
[0140] The foregoing embodiment may be modified in various ways.
For instance, the auxiliary member 42 of the foregoing embodiment
is only exemplary, and can be modified in various ways. For
instance, the grip 42A and the second vertical portions 42E were
exposed out of the skin member SK2 in the foregoing embodiment, but
may also be positioned inside the skin member SK2 without departing
from the scope of the present invention. In this case, the grip 42A
and the second vertical portions 42E may be positioned along the
rear surface of the pad P2.
[0141] As shown in FIG. 8, the shoulder portions 42D and the second
vertical portions 42E may be omitted from the auxiliary member 42.
In this case, the length of the first vertical portions 42C may be
adjusted such that the grip 42A is located adjacent to the lower
end of the seat back S2. In this case also, the grip 42A is thus
formed as a bent section of the auxiliary member 42.
[0142] Also, as shown in FIG. 9, the auxiliary member 42 may be
omitted altogether by providing a grip in the connecting member 41.
In this case, the connecting member 41 includes a pair of end
portions 41A extending horizontally and connected to the respective
back side frame members 31 and 32, a pair of vertical portions 41B
extending downward from the inner ends of the respective end
portions 41A and a grip 41C extending between the lower ends of the
respective vertical portions 41B. The grip 41C and the vertical
portions 41B may be positioned along the back side of the lower end
of the pad P2, either outside or inside of the skin member SK2. In
this case, the grip 41C is thus formed as a bent section of the
connecting member 41.
[0143] Although the present invention has been described in terms
of preferred embodiments thereof, it is obvious to a person skilled
in the art that various alterations and modifications are possible
without departing from the scope of the present invention which is
set forth in the appended claims.
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