U.S. patent application number 15/765114 was filed with the patent office on 2018-10-11 for seat frame.
The applicant listed for this patent is TS TECH CO., LTD.. Invention is credited to Satoshi Fujita, Yuta Kijima, Wataru Nishii, Takanori Yamaguchi.
Application Number | 20180290569 15/765114 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 58422821 |
Filed Date | 2018-10-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180290569 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kijima; Yuta ; et
al. |
October 11, 2018 |
SEAT FRAME
Abstract
The present disclosure describes a seat frame including a waist
portion supporting member having a smaller size while stably
supporting a waist portion of an occupant. A vehicle seat frame
serving as a frame for a vehicle seat includes a seat cushion frame
forming a frame of a sitting part of the vehicle seat, a seatback
frame forming a frame of a backrest part of the vehicle seat, and a
waist portion supporting member coupled to a lower frame which is
included in the seatback frame. The waist portion supporting member
has a coupling region extending in the seat width direction, the
coupling region being coupled to the lower frame, and a waist
portion supporting region extending from the coupling region toward
the seat cushion frame and supporting a waist portion of an
occupant. The waist portion supporting region is longer in the seat
width direction than the coupling region.
Inventors: |
Kijima; Yuta; (Tochigi,
JP) ; Yamaguchi; Takanori; (Tochigi, JP) ;
Nishii; Wataru; (Tochigi, JP) ; Fujita; Satoshi;
(Tochigi, JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
TS TECH CO., LTD. |
Asaka-shi, Saitama |
|
JP |
|
|
Family ID: |
58422821 |
Appl. No.: |
15/765114 |
Filed: |
February 26, 2016 |
PCT Filed: |
February 26, 2016 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/JP2016/055944 |
371 Date: |
March 30, 2018 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60N 2/643 20130101;
B60N 2/66 20130101; B60N 2/427 20130101; B60N 2/4235 20130101; B60N
2/68 20130101; B60N 2/986 20180201; B60N 2/667 20150401; B60N
2/4228 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B60N 2/42 20060101
B60N002/42; B60N 2/427 20060101 B60N002/427; B60N 2/68 20060101
B60N002/68; B60N 2/66 20060101 B60N002/66 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 2, 2015 |
JP |
2015-197156 |
Oct 30, 2015 |
JP |
PCT/JP2015/080829 |
Claims
1. A seat frame for a conveyance seat, comprising: a seat cushion
frame forming a frame of a seated part of the conveyance seat; a
seatback frame forming a frame of a backrest part of the conveyance
seat; and a waist portion supporting member coupled to a lower
frame which is included in the seatback frame, wherein the waist
portion supporting member has: a coupling region extending in a
seat width direction, the coupling region being coupled to the
lower frame; and a waist portion supporting region extending from
the coupling region toward the seat cushion frame and supporting a
waist portion of an occupant, and the waist portion supporting
region is longer in the seat width direction than the coupling
region.
2. The seat frame according to claim 1, wherein the waist portion
supporting member has a bent portion formed by bending at least one
of end portions of the waist portion supporting member in the seat
width direction to an inner side in the seat width direction.
3. The seat frame according to claim 2, wherein the bent portion
has an extending region extending toward the lower frame.
4. The seat frame according to claim 2, wherein the waist portion
supporting member has a cutout portion formed around a connection
portion between the waist portion supporting region and the bent
portion.
5. The seat frame according to claim 4, wherein the connection
portion has a reinforcing region formed in a shape projecting
toward the lower frame.
6. The seat frame according to claim 2, wherein the bent portion
has a member attachment portion to which a member is attached.
7. The seat frame according to claim 3, wherein the lower frame has
a forward extending region extending to face the extending region
of the bent portion in a lower portion of the lower frame.
8. The seat frame according to claim 3, wherein the lower frame has
a bead portion extending in the seat width direction and projecting
toward the seated part, the extending region of the bent portion
has a recessed portion recessed toward the seated part, and the
recessed portion and the bead portion are arranged at positions to
face each other.
9. The seat frame according to claim 1, wherein the waist portion
supporting member is formed in a shape spreading in the seat width
direction from the coupling region toward the waist portion
supporting region.
10. The seat frame according to claim 1, wherein the waist portion
supporting member has a region formed with a recessed and projected
edge in a lower portion of the waist portion supporting region.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a National Stage Entry application of
PCT Application No. PCT/JP2016/055944, filed Feb. 26, 2016, which
claims the priority benefit of PCT Application No.
PCT/JP2015/080829, filed Oct. 30, 2015, which claims the priority
benefit of Japanese Patent Application No. JP 2015-19716, filed
Oct. 2, 2015, the contents of each of which are incorporated herein
by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The present disclosure relates to a seat frame. In
particular, the present disclosure relates to a seat frame
including a waist portion supporting member that supports a waist
portion of an occupant seated in a conveyance seat.
[0003] At the time of a rear surface collision where a vehicle
collides with a rear portion of another vehicle such as an
automobile or a vehicle collides with an obstacle, etc. at the time
of driving backwards, an occupant seated in a conveyance seat
radically tilts back due to inertia force, and a neck portion of
the occupant may receive a great shock.
[0004] For example, Japanese Patent Publication JP 2011-173515
discloses a conveyance seat in which a waist portion supporting
member that supports a waist portion of an occupant is provided in
a seatback frame serving as a framework of a backrest part of the
conveyance seat. In the conveyance seat in which the waist portion
supporting member is provided in such a way, by suppressing the
waist portion of the occupant from coming in backward by the waist
portion supporting member at the time of rear surface collision and
facilitating backward tilt of an upper body of the occupant, the
upper body of the occupant sinks into the conveyance seat and a
shock on a neck portion is effectively absorbed.
[0005] Due to a demand to improve fuel consumption of a vehicle,
etc., a seat frame is desired to have a reduced weight. Even in a
seat frame in which a waist portion supporting member is provided,
while maintaining a function of stably supporting a waist portion
of an occupant by the waist portion supporting member, a challenge
is to downsize the waist portion supporting member to further
reduce the weight.
SUMMARY
[0006] The present disclosure is achieved in consideration with the
above challenges and an embodiment of the present disclosure
provides a seat frame including a waist portion supporting member
which is capable of being downsized while stably supporting a waist
portion of an occupant.
[0007] The challenge is solved in an embodiment of a seat frame for
a conveyance seat, including a seat cushion frame that forms a
frame of a sitting part of the conveyance seat, a seatback frame
that forms a frame of a backrest part of the conveyance seat, and a
waist portion supporting member coupled to a lower frame which is
included in the seatback frame. The waist portion supporting member
has a coupling region extending in a seat width direction, the
coupling region being coupled to the lower frame, and a waist
portion supporting region extending from the coupling region toward
the seat cushion frame and supporting a waist portion of an
occupant. The waist portion supporting region is longer in the seat
width direction than the coupling region.
[0008] With the above seat frame, while ensuring the size of the
waist portion supporting region supporting the waist portion of the
occupant in the waist portion supporting member, the coupling
region coupling the waist portion supporting member to the seatback
frame can be downsized. That is, with the above seat frame, by
providing the waist portion supporting member which is capable of
being downsized while stably supporting the waist portion of the
occupant by a wide surface, the seat frame having a high shock
absorbing property for rear surface collision, the seat frame whose
weight is reduced can be implemented.
[0009] In the above seat frame, the waist portion supporting member
may have a bent portion formed by bending at least one of end
portions of the waist portion supporting member in the seat width
direction to an inner side in the seat width direction. By doing
so, rigidity of the waist portion supporting region supporting the
waist portion of the occupant in the waist portion supporting
member can be improved. That is, with the above seat frame, by more
stably supporting the waist portion of the occupant, the shock
absorbing property for rear surface collision can be improved.
[0010] In the above seat frame, the bent portion may have an
extending region that extends toward the lower frame. By doing so,
in a case where a load is applied to the waist portion supporting
region supporting the waist portion of the occupant in the waist
portion supporting member, by abutting the extending region of the
bent portion with the lower frame to deform the extending region, a
shock can be absorbed by the bent portion. That is, with the above
seat frame, by improving a shock absorbing property by the waist
portion supporting member, the shock absorbing property for rear
surface collision can be improved.
[0011] In the above seat frame, the waist portion supporting member
may have a cutout portion formed around a connection portion
between the waist portion supporting region and the bent portion.
By doing so, at the time of forming the bent portion in the waist
portion supporting member, deformation of the waist portion
supporting region supporting the waist portion of the occupant can
be suppressed. The bent portion can also be more precisely formed.
That is, with the above seat frame, by the waist portion supporting
region capable of more stably supporting the waist portion of the
occupant and enhancing the rigidity more, the shock absorbing
property for rear surface collision can be improved.
[0012] In the above seat frame, the connection portion may have a
reinforcing region formed in a shape that projects toward the lower
frame. By doing so, rigidity of the connection portion connecting
the waist portion supporting region and the bent portion can be
enhanced. Thereby, in a case where a load is applied to the waist
portion supporting region, the extending region of the bent portion
can be highly precisely abutted with the lower frame. Thus, a shock
absorbing property of the bent portion can be improved.
[0013] In the above seat frame, the bent portion has a member
attachment portion to which a member is attached. By doing so, a
space in the seat outer side direction from the bent portion can be
effectively utilized. Thereby, space utilization efficiency inside
the conveyance seat is improved. Thus, a size increase in the
conveyance seat can be suppressed.
[0014] In the above seat frame, the lower frame has a forward
extending region that extends to face the extending region of the
bent portion in a lower portion of the lower frame. By doing so, at
the time of the waist portion supporting region receiving a load,
the extending region of the bent portion extending on the seat rear
side and the forward extending region of the lower frame extending
on the seat front side are easily abutted with each other. Thus,
the load received by the waist portion supporting region is easily
transmitted to the lower frame.
[0015] In the above seat frame, the lower frame has a bead portion
that extends in the seat width direction and projects toward the
sitting part, the extending region of the bent portion has a
recessed portion recessed toward the sitting part, and the recessed
portion and the bead portion are arranged at positions to face each
other. By doing so, contact between the bead portion of the lower
frame projecting on the seat front side and the bent portion is
suppressed. Thus, a size increase in the seat frame can be
suppressed.
[0016] In the above seat frame, the waist portion supporting member
is formed in a shape that spreads in the seat width direction from
the coupling region toward the waist portion supporting region. By
doing so, the load received by the waist portion supporting region
can be efficiently divided to the coupling region. Since the waist
portion supporting region and the coupling region are stably
connected, the rigidity of the waist portion supporting region can
be enhanced.
[0017] In the above seat frame, the waist portion supporting member
has a region formed with a recessed and projected edge in a lower
portion of the waist portion supporting region. By doing so, weight
of the waist portion supporting member can be reduced, and the
weight of the seat frame can also be reduced.
[0018] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the
seat frame having a high shock absorbing property for rear surface
collision, the seat frame whose weight is reduced can be
implemented.
[0019] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the
waist portion of the occupant is more stably supported, so that the
shock absorbing property for rear surface collision can be
improved.
[0020] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the
shock absorbing property by the waist portion supporting member is
improved, so that the shock absorbing property for rear surface
collision can be improved.
[0021] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the
waist portion supporting region is capable of more stably
supporting the waist portion of the occupant and the rigidity is
more enhanced. Thus, the shock absorbing property for rear surface
collision can be improved.
[0022] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the
extending region of the bent portion precisely abuts the lower
frame, so that the shock absorbing property of the bent portion can
be improved.
[0023] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the
space utilization efficiency inside the conveyance seat is
improved, so that the size increase in the conveyance seat can be
suppressed.
[0024] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the
load received by the waist portion supporting region is easily
transmitted to the lower frame.
[0025] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the
contact between the bead portion of the lower frame projecting on
the seat front side and the bent portion is suppressed, so that the
size increase in the seat frame can be suppressed.
[0026] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the
load received by the waist portion supporting region is efficiently
divided to the coupling region, so that the rigidity of the waist
portion supporting region can be enhanced.
[0027] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the
weight of the waist portion supporting member can be reduced, and
the weight of the seat frame can also be reduced.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0028] Various embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the
drawings, in which:
[0029] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle seat;
[0030] FIG. 2 is perspective view of a vehicle seat frame according
to a first embodiment;
[0031] FIG. 3 is a left side view of the vehicle seat frame
according to the first embodiment;
[0032] FIG. 4 is a right side view of the vehicle seat frame
according to the first embodiment;
[0033] FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of major portions of FIG. 2, the
enlarged view of an attachment part of a waist portion supporting
member;
[0034] FIG. 6 is a back view of the attachment part of the waist
portion supporting member;
[0035] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the attachment part of
the waist portion supporting member;
[0036] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the waist portion supporting
member;
[0037] FIG. 9 is an upper surface view of the waist portion
supporting member;
[0038] FIG. 10 is a side view of the waist portion supporting
member;
[0039] FIG. 11 is a front view showing a state where a wire harness
is attached to the waist portion supporting member;
[0040] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a vehicle seat frame
according to a second embodiment;
[0041] FIG. 13 is a side view of the vehicle seat frame according
to the second embodiment;
[0042] FIG. 14 is a partially enlarged view of attachment points of
S springs in the vehicle seat frame according to the second
embodiment;
[0043] FIG. 15 is a partially enlarged view of the inside of a
cushion side frame in the vehicle seat frame according to the
second embodiment;
[0044] FIG. 16 is a partially enlarged view of a rail back surface
in the vehicle seat frame according to the second embodiment;
[0045] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a vehicle seat frame
according to a modified example of the first embodiment;
[0046] FIG. 18 is an exploded perspective view of a side airbag
mechanism;
[0047] FIG. 19 is a side view showing a state where a support
member and a stay cloth attachment plate are attached to a seatback
side frame;
[0048] FIG. 20 is a side view showing a state where an airbag
module is further attached in FIG. 19;
[0049] FIG. 21 is a side view from the seat inner side of the
seatback side frame to which the side airbag mechanism is
attached;
[0050] FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line
XXII-XXII of FIG. 21;
[0051] FIG. 23 is cross-sectional view taken along the line
XXIII-XXIII of FIG. 20;
[0052] FIG. 24 is a perspective view from the right side of a front
surface of the support member;
[0053] FIG. 25 is a perspective view from the left side of the
front surface of the support member;
[0054] FIG. 26 is a perspective view from a rear surface of the
support member;
[0055] FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view for illustrating a state
of the support member when a load is received from the seat outer
side;
[0056] FIG. 28 is a side view of the vehicle seat;
[0057] FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line
XXIX-XXIX of FIG. 28;
[0058] FIG. 30 is a front view of the stay cloth attachment
plate;
[0059] FIG. 31 is a view showing a state where an inner stay cloth
and an outer stay cloth are attached to the stay cloth attachment
plate;
[0060] FIG. 32 is an exploded, perspective view of a side airbag
mechanism;
[0061] FIG. 33 is a perspective view of a support member;
[0062] FIG. 34 is a partially enlarged perspective view of a
fitting portion;
[0063] FIG. 35 is a directional view of the XXXV direction of the
fitting portion;
[0064] FIG. 36 is a side view in which a state where the support
member and an airbag module are attached is seen from the seat
outer side;
[0065] FIG. 37 is a side view in which the state where the support
member and the airbag module are attached is seen from the seat
inner side; and
[0066] FIG. 38 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line
XXXVIII-XXXVIII of FIG. 37.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0067] The present disclosure relates to an embodiment of a seat
frame for a conveyance seat, including a seat cushion frame that
forms a frame of a sitting part of the conveyance seat, a seatback
frame that forms a frame of a backrest part of the conveyance seat,
and a waist portion supporting member coupled to a lower frame
which is included in the seatback frame. The waist portion
supporting member has a coupling region that extends in the seat
width direction, the coupling region being coupled to the lower
frame, and a waist portion supporting region that extends from the
coupling region toward the seat cushion frame and supports a waist
portion of an occupant, and the waist portion supporting region is
longer in the seat width direction than the coupling region. In the
following embodiment, a case where the seat frame according to the
present disclosure is applied to a seat frame for a vehicle
(hereinafter, referred to as the vehicle seat frame) is
described.
[0068] Hereinafter, a vehicle seat according to the embodiment of
the present disclosure and a vehicle seat frame that forms a frame
of the vehicle seat is described with reference to FIGS. 1 to
16.
[0069] In the following description, the "front to back direction"
indicates the front to back direction when seen from a seated
person of the vehicle seat, the direction matching with the driving
direction of a vehicle. The "seat width direction" indicates the
lateral direction of the vehicle seat, matching with the right and
left direction when seen from the seated person of the vehicle
seat. The "height" direction indicates the height direction of the
vehicle seat, matching with the up and down direction when the
vehicle seat is seen from the front.
Configuration of Vehicle Seat S
[0070] Firstly, based on FIG. 1, a basic configuration of a vehicle
seat S according to a first embodiment is described. As shown in
FIG. 1, the vehicle seat S has a seatback S1, a seat cushion S2,
and a headrest S3. In a lower portion of the seat cushion S2, slide
rail mechanisms 30 for slidingly moving a seat main body (major
portion of the vehicle seat S) in the front to back direction are
provided.
[0071] The vehicle seat S has a vehicle seat frame F1 shown in FIG.
2 as a framework thereof. FIG. 3 shows a left side view of the
vehicle seat frame F1, and FIG. 4 shows a right side view of the
vehicle seat frame F1. Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4,
a configuration of the vehicle seat frame F1 is described.
Configuration of Vehicle Seat Frame F1
[0072] As shown in FIG. 2, the vehicle seat frame F1 includes major
constituent elements including a seatback frame 10 and a seat
cushion frame 20.
[0073] The seatback frame 10 has an inverted-U-shaped upper frame
11, a seatback side frame 12L serving as a left end portion in the
seat width direction, a seatback side frame 12R serving as a right
end portion in the seat width direction, and a lower frame 13
bridged between lower end portions of the seatback side frame 12L
and the seatback side frame 12R. Between the lower end portions of
the seatback side frame 12L and the seatback side frame 12R, a
reclining shaft 14 of a reclining mechanism 50 is set in a state of
passing through the seatback side frame 12L and the seatback side
frame 12R. By operating a reclining operation portion 51, the
reclining mechanism 50 is activated, so that an angle of the
seatback frame 10 can be adjusted.
[0074] S springs 17, 18 serving as pressure receiving members are
respectively bridged between center portions and between lower
portions of the seatback side frame 12L and the seatback side frame
12R. Right and left end portions of the lower S spring 18 are
locked onto hook portions 19B of S spring hook brackets 19 provided
respectively in the seatback side frames 12L, 12R. Each of the S
spring hook brackets 19 is fixed to the seatback side frame by a
fixing portion 19A, and a welding bead is formed from the fixing
portion 19A toward the hook portion 19B, so that rigidity of the S
spring hook bracket is enhanced. Right and left end portions of the
center-side S spring 17 are locked onto locking portions 17A
provided respectively in the seatback side frames 12L, 12R.
[0075] A pressure receiving member 15 that supports the back of a
seated person of the vehicle seat S from the rear side is provided
between the seatback side frame 12L and the seatback side frame
12R. This pressure receiving member 15 is formed by a planar spring
(Pullmaflex.RTM.) and held in a state where the pressure receiving
member is hung onto an upper cross member 16 coupling both end
portions of the upper frame 11 by wires, etc. Specifically
speaking, the pressure receiving member 15 is formed by a pair of
right and left side wires 15A, plural cross wires 15B extended
between the side wires 15A, and a center wire 15C arranged in
center portions of the cross wires 15B in parallel to the side
wires 15A. Upper end portions of the side wires 15A are attached to
the upper cross member 16, and lower end portions of the side wires
15A are attached to and held by the S spring 17.
[0076] By combining the pressure receiving member 15 to the S
spring 17 as described above, a pressure receiving characteristic
of the S spring 17 can be actively utilized over a wide range
including the pressure receiving member 15 while reducing the
number of parts.
[0077] As shown in FIG. 2, a waist portion supporting member 100
that supports a waist portion of an occupant seated in the vehicle
seat S is attached to a center part of the lower frame 13. By
suppressing the waist portion of the occupant from coming in
backward at the time of rear surface collision and facilitating
backward tilt of an upper body of the occupant, this waist portion
supporting member 100 performs a function of letting the upper body
of the occupant sink into the vehicle seat S and effectively
absorbing a shock on a neck portion. Details of a shape of the
waist portion supporting member 100 and a configuration of coupling
with the lower frame 13 are described below.
[0078] Next, the seat cushion frame 20 serving as a framework of a
sitting part of the vehicle seat S is described. As shown in FIG.
2, the seat cushion frame 20 has an outer shape of a square frame
when seen from the upper side, and includes major constituent
elements of a cushion side frame 21L positioned in a left end
portion in the seat width direction, a cushion side frame 21R
positioned in a right end portion in the seat width direction, and
a pan frame 22 forming a front end portion of the seat cushion
frame 20. An upper part of a rear end portion of the cushion side
frame 21L is attached to a lower end portion of the seatback side
frame 12L via a coupling bracket.
[0079] Lower parts of rear end portions of the cushion side frame
21L and the cushion side frame 21R are coupled to each other by a
member extending along the seat width direction as shown in FIG. 2.
This member is a coupling pipe 24 serving as a hollow member,
specifically, a round pipe. Both end portions in the seat width
direction of the coupling pipes 24 are supported by the cushion
side frame 21L and the cushion side frame 21R via end portion
sleeves serving as tubular members.
[0080] Plural S springs 25 serving as bottom portion supporting
members are provided between the cushion side frame 21L and the
cushion side frame 21R and placed side by side in the seat width
direction. The S springs 25 are provided for supporting a bottom
portion of the occupant which is a seated person, and extend along
in the front to back direction. Front end portions of the S springs
25 are fixed to an upper end surface of the pan frame 22. Rear end
portions of the S springs 25 are secured to the above coupling pipe
24 by engagement hooks 26 and L-angle-shaped fixing brackets 27
arranged between the cushion side frame 21L and the cushion side
frame 21R.
[0081] The vehicle seat S also includes a height adjustment
mechanism 40 configured to adjust a height of the seat cushion S2.
This height adjustment mechanism 40 is arranged between the seat
cushion frame 20 and upper rails 32 of the slide rail mechanisms
30. Each of the slide rail mechanisms 30 includes a lower rail 31
and the upper rail 32. By the upper rails 32 to which the seat
cushion frame 20 is coupled sliding with respect to the lower rails
31, the vehicle seat frame F1 is movable in the front to back
direction. By the occupant operating a height adjustment operation
portion 46, height of the seat main body including the seat cushion
S2 is adjusted by the height adjustment mechanism 40.
[0082] A left side surface shape of the vehicle seat frame F1 is
described based on FIG. 3. As shown in FIG. 3, a side surface of
the seatback side frame 12L is formed in a shape that extends to
become wider from a coupling point to the upper frame 11 toward a
coupling point to the seat cushion frame 20. Plural holes including
airbag attachment holes 12a and stay cloth clip attachment holes
12b are formed on the side surface of the seatback side frame
12L.
[0083] An airbag module is fastened to the air bag attachment holes
12a by bolts. Clips are attached to a stay cloth at two points in a
lower portion on one side in the seat width direction at the time
of attachment. By respectively attaching the two clips attached to
the stay cloth to the stay cloth clip attachment holes 12b at two
points of the seatback side frame 12L, the stay cloth is fixed to
the seatback frame 10. Since the airbag attachment holes 12a and
the stay cloth clip attachment holes 12b are arranged close to each
other, an airbag can be efficiently deployed in the stay cloth.
Therefore, the airbag is promptly deployed in the direction guided
by the stay cloth.
[0084] Plural fragile portions are formed around a lower side end
portion of the seatback side frame 12L. The fragile portions are
points where strength is lowered in order to promote deformation of
the frame. In the present embodiment, the fragile portions are made
as holes formed in a bead-like shape recessed to the seat inner
side from an outer peripheral surface of the seatback side frame
12L or in a frame. By providing such fragile portions in the
seatback side frame, the seatback side frame is deformed at points
of the fragile portions at the time of rear surface collision, so
that a shock is efficiently absorbed.
[0085] As shown in FIG. 3, a bead portion 12c extending in the seat
width direction from the side surface of the seatback side frame
12L (12R) to a back surface, the bead portion being recessed to the
seat inner side functions as the fragile portion. A hole provided
on the seat upper side of the bead portion on the back surface of
the seatback side frame 12L (12R) also functions as the fragile
portion. A hole 12f provided around a seat lower side end portion
on the side surface of the seatback side frame 12L (12R) also
functions as the fragile portion.
[0086] The S spring hook bracket 19 is provided on the upper side
of a bead portion 12c functioning as the fragile portion. By
applying a load of the occupant to the S spring hook bracket 19 at
the time of rear surface collision, deformation easily occurs at
the point of the bead portion 12c functioning as the fragile
portion. Thereby, a shock absorbing property can be improved.
[0087] Reinforcing portions for improving strength are formed in
the seatback side frame 12L (12R), so that strength of selected
parts is ensured. For example, a substantially L-shaped bead
portion 12d provided on the side surface of the seatback side frame
12L (12R) functions as the reinforcing portion. A substantially
I-shaped bead portion 12e provided on the seat front side of the
bead portion 12d on the side surface of the seatback side frame 12L
(12R) also functions as the reinforcing portion.
[0088] As shown in FIG. 3, bead portions 21a, 21b extending from a
center portion to a front portion (regions projected to the seat
outer side) are provided respectively in an upper side end portion
and in a lower side end portion on the side surface of the seatback
side frame 12L. The height adjustment operation portion 46 of the
height adjustment mechanism 40 is arranged between the upper bead
portion 21a and the lower bead portion 21b. In such a way, by
effectively utilizing a space between the upper bead portion 21a
and the lower bead portion 21b, the vehicle seat S can be compactly
formed.
[0089] Next, a right side surface shape of the vehicle seat frame
F1 is described based on FIG. 4. Since a side surface of the
seatback side frame 12R is the same as the side surface of the
seatback side frame 12L, description thereof is omitted, and a side
surface shape of the cushion side frame 21R is described below.
[0090] As shown in FIG. 4, on the side surface of the cushion side
frame 21R, bead portions 21c, 21d extending from a center portion
to a rear side portion are provided respectively in an upper side
end portion and in a lower side end portion. A distance between the
upper bead portion 21c and the lower bead portion 21d is gradually
enlarged from the seat front side to the seat rear side. A bead
portion 21e formed in a shape of three connected holes is provided
between the upper bead portion 21c and the lower bead portion 21d.
The three holes provided in the bead portion 21e may be used for
attachment of members. In such a way, by forming the holes for
attachment of members in the bead portion 21e, rigidity of a member
attachment part of the cushion side frame 21R can be improved.
Configuration of Waist Portion Supporting Member 100
[0091] Next, with reference to FIGS. 5 to 11, the details of the
configuration of the waist portion supporting member 100 provided
in the vehicle seat frame F1 according to the present embodiment is
described. In the following description, the directions of portions
of the waist portion supporting member 100 corresponds to the
direction at the time of attaching the waist portion supporting
member 100 to the lower frame 13.
[0092] FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of major portions of FIG. 2,
showing a coupling point of the waist portion supporting member 100
and the lower frame 13. FIG. 6 is a back view of the coupling point
of the waist portion supporting member 100 and the lower frame 13.
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VII-VII in
FIG. 6. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the waist portion
supporting member 100. FIG. 9 is an upper surface view of the waist
portion supporting member 100. FIG. 10 is a side view of the waist
portion supporting member 100. FIG. 11 shows a configuration
example in a case where a wire harness is attached to the waist
portion supporting member 100.
[0093] As shown in FIG. 5, the waist portion supporting member 100
is attached to the lower frame 13 in such a manner that a surface
supporting the waist portion (waist portion supporting region 120)
is placed between the reclining shaft 14 and the lower frame 13 in
the seat front to back direction. In such a way, by arranging the
waist portion supporting member 100 on the rear side of the
reclining shaft 14, even in a case where the waist portion
supporting member 100 is warped in a normal seating state, contact
with the reclining shaft 14 can be prevented. Thus, generation of a
contact sound can be suppressed.
[0094] As shown in FIG. 5, a flange portion 13b of the lower frame
13 extends in the seat width direction from a part where the lower
frame 13 is connected to the seatback side frame 12L to a part
where the lower frame 13 is connected to the seatback side frame
12R. End portions of the flange portion 13b are positioned
respectively in the vicinity of upper portions of parts where the
reclining shaft 14 passes through the lower frame 13.
[0095] As shown in FIGS. 8 to 10, the waist portion supporting
member 100 has a coupling region 110 coupled to the lower frame 13
(the coupling region 110 extending in the seat width direction),
the waist portion supporting region 120 extending from the coupling
region 110 to the seat front side and supporting the waist portion
of the occupant, a rearward extending region 130 extending from the
waist portion supporting region 120 to the seat rear side, bent
portions 140 formed by bending end portions in the seat width
direction of the waist portion supporting member 100 to the inner
side in the seat width direction, and connection portions 150
connecting the waist portion supporting region 120 and the bent
portions 140. Hereinafter, details of the portions of the waist
portion supporting member 100 are described.
[0096] Firstly, a configuration of the coupling region 110 in the
waist portion supporting member 100 is described. As shown in FIG.
9, length W1 in the seat width direction of the coupling region 110
is shorter than length W2 in the seat width direction of the waist
portion supporting region 120. In other words, the length W2 in the
seat width direction of the waist portion supporting region 120 is
longer than the length W1 in the seat width direction of the
coupling region 110.
[0097] In such a way, by making the length in the seat width
direction of the waist portion supporting region 120 longer than
the length in the seat width direction of the coupling region 110,
the coupling region 110 can be downsized while sufficiently
ensuring a surface of the waist portion supporting region 120 and
stably supporting the waist portion of the occupant. That is, with
the above configuration, while holding a waist portion supporting
function of the waist portion supporting member 100, the part
attached to the lower frame 13 can be downsized, and thereby, the
whole weight can be reduced.
[0098] As shown in FIG. 9, in a case where the waist portion
supporting member 100 is seen from the seat upper side, the waist
portion supporting member is formed in a shape of spreading
widthwise (width in the seat width direction) from the coupling
region 110 toward the waist portion supporting region 120 (for
example, a flare shape). By forming the coupling region 110 and the
waist portion supporting region 120 in such a shape, the coupling
region 110 can stably support the waist portion supporting region
120, and a load of the occupant received by the waist portion
supporting region 120 can be divided in a well-balanced manner and
transmitted to the coupling region 110.
[0099] As shown in FIG. 10, the coupling region 110 is formed in a
substantially L-like shape formed by bending a seat rear side
portion to be bent to the seat lower side. As shown in FIGS. 6 and
7, the coupling region 110 is welded and fixed to the lower frame
13 in the lower side end portion bent to the seat lower side.
[0100] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, on the rear surface side of the
coupling region 110, projected portions 111 projected towards the
seat lower side are formed in the seat lower side end portion at
positions on both sides of a bead portion 121 projecting to the
seat outer side of the lower frame 13. Respectively for the
projected portions 111, positioning holes 112 for determining a
coupling position of the coupling region 110 and the lower frame 13
are formed. The lower side end portion of the coupling region 110
is welded and fixed for example by arc welding at welded portions
200 positioned above bead portions 201 which are recessed to the
seat inner side of the lower frame 13. Welding is not limited to
arc welding but other welding methods such as laser welding may be
used. Further, as shown in FIG. 6, in the present embodiment, the
welded portions 200 and the positioning holes 112 are provided to
be positioned on the substantially straight line in the seat width
direction.
[0101] Next, a configuration of the waist portion supporting region
120 in the waist portion supporting member 100 is described. As
shown in FIG. 5, the waist portion supporting region 120 is a part
which is the surface supporting the waist portion at the time of
attaching the waist portion supporting member 100 to the lower
frame 13. As shown in FIG. 8, by forming plural circular and
substantially oval holes in the waist portion supporting region
120, weight of the waist portion supporting member 100 is
reduced.
[0102] The bent portions 140 and the connection portions 150 are
provided in end portions in the seat width direction of the waist
portion supporting region 120. As shown in FIG. 8, cutout portions
160 are provided around the connection portions 150 (that is, in
the seat front to back direction). By providing the cutout portions
160, deformation of the surface of the waist portion supporting
region 120 is suppressed at the time of bending the bent portions
140 to the inner side in the seat width direction.
[0103] As shown in FIGS. 8 and 10, bead-shaped reinforcing portions
151 projected towards the inner side of the waist portion
supporting member 100, that is, toward the lower frame 13, are
provided in the connection portions 150. By providing the
reinforcing portions 151, rigidity of the connection portions 150
is strengthened.
[0104] Next, a configuration of the bent portions 140 in the waist
portion supporting member 100 is described. As shown in FIG. 9, the
bent portions 140 are connected on the outer sides in the seat
width direction of the connection portions 150, and formed by
bending connection points to the connection portions 150
substantially perpendicularly rearward. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 10,
each of the bent portions 140 has a bent portion rearward extending
region 141 extending toward the seat rear side, that is, toward the
lower frame 13.
[0105] As shown in FIG. 7, a lower frame lower end portion 13a
serving as an end portion of the lower frame 13 on the seat lower
side is positioned on the seat lower side of a bent portion lower
end portion 142 serving as an end portion of the bent portion 140
on the seat lower side in the bent portion rearward extending
region 141 of the bent portion 140, and extends toward the seat
front side, that is, toward the waist portion supporting member
100. In such a way, as shown in FIG. 7, the bent portion rearward
extending region 141 and a forward extending region of a seat lower
portion of the lower frame 13 are arranged to be separated from
each other at positions to face each other.
[0106] In such a way, the bent portion rearward extending region
141 is arranged at a position where the region does not abut the
forward extending region of the lower frame 13 at a normal time.
However, at the time of rear surface collision, due to application
of a load of the occupant to the waist portion supporting region
120, the bent portion rearward extending region 141 abuts the
forward extending region of the lower frame 13, and the bent
portion 140 is deformed. Thereby, a shock is absorbed by the bent
portion 140 at the time of rear surface collision.
[0107] As shown in FIG. 7, along an edge on the seat rear side in
the bent portion 140, a recessed portion 143 recessed toward the
seat front side and a bead portion 201 projecting to the seat front
side of the lower frame 13 are arranged to face each other.
Thereby, abutment of the bead portion 201 of the lower frame 13
with the bent portion 140 at the normal time is suppressed. By
doing so, the waist portion supporting member 100 and the lower
frame 13 can be compactly formed. Thus, a size increase in the seat
frame can be suppressed.
[0108] As shown in FIG. 10, holes (member attachment holes 145) for
attaching some members forming the vehicle to the bent portion 140
are formed in the bent portion 140. In the present embodiment, two
member attachment holes 145 are provided in the bent portion 140.
However, the present disclosure is not limited to this but one or
three or more member attachment holes 145 may be formed.
[0109] For example, as shown in FIG. 11, by engaging a clip for
attaching a wire harness with the member attachment holes 145, the
wire harness can be attached to the bent portion 140. In such a
way, by providing the member attachment holes 145 capable of
attaching the members to the bent portion 140, a space from the
waist portion supporting member 100 to the seatback side frame 12L,
12R can be effectively utilized.
[0110] Next, the rearward extending region 130 in the waist portion
supporting member 100 is described. As shown in FIG. 8, an end
portion on the seat rear side of the rearward extending region 130
is positioned on the seat front side of an end portion on the seat
rear side of the bent portion 140. At the normal time, the rearward
extending portion 130 does not abut the lower frame 13. However, in
a case where a strong shock is received at the time of rear surface
collision, a load of the occupant is applied to the waist portion
supporting region 120, and thereby, the bent portion 140 abuts the
lower frame 13 and successively the rearward extending region 130
abuts the lower frame 13. The rearward extending region 130 has a
wider surface to abut the lower frame 13 than the bent portion 140.
Thus, by abutting the rearward extending region 130 with the lower
frame 13 to support the waist portion supporting region 120 at the
time of rear surface collision as described above, the waist
portion of the occupant can be not coming into the rear side at the
time of rear surface collision.
[0111] As shown in FIG. 8, by forming recessed portions 131 in an
edge portion on the seat lower side of the rearward extending
region 130, a recessed and projected edge portion is formed.
Further, plural circular- and substantially-oval-shaped holes are
formed on a surface of the rearward extending region 130. Thereby,
weight of the waist portion supporting member 100 is reduced.
[0112] With the vehicle seat frame F1 according to the present
embodiment described above, while ensuring the size of the waist
portion supporting region 120 that supports the waist portion of
the occupant in the waist portion supporting member 100, the
coupling region 110 coupling the waist portion supporting member
100 to the seatback frame 10 can be downsized. That is, with the
vehicle seat frame F1, by providing the waist portion supporting
member 100 which is capable of being downsized while stably
supporting the waist portion of the occupant on the wide surface, a
seat frame having a high shock absorbing property for rear surface
collision, the seat frame whose weight is reduced can be
realized.
[0113] The bent portions 140 are provided in the end portions in
the seat width direction of the waist portion supporting member
100. Thereby, rigidity of the waist portion supporting region 120
that supports the waist portion of the occupant can be improved in
the waist portion supporting member 100. That is, with the vehicle
seat frame F1, by more stably supporting the waist portion of the
occupant, the shock absorbing property for rear surface collision
can be improved.
[0114] The bent portion 140 has the bent portion rearward extending
region 141 extending toward the lower frame 13. Thereby, in a case
where a load is applied to the waist portion supporting region 120
that supports the waist portion of the occupant in the waist
portion supporting member 100, the extending region of the bent
portion 140 abuts the lower frame 130 and is deformed, so that a
shock can be absorbed by the bent portion 140. That is, with the
vehicle seat frame F1, by improving a shock absorbing property by
the waist portion supporting member 100, the shock absorbing
property for rear surface collision can be improved.
[0115] The cutout portion 160 is provided around the connection
portion 150 between the waist portion supporting region 120 and the
bent portion 140. Thereby, at the time of forming the bent portion
140 in the waist portion supporting member 100, deformation of the
waist portion supporting region 120 that supports the waist portion
of the occupant can be suppressed. The bent portion 140 can also be
formed very precisely. That is, with the vehicle seat frame F1, by
the waist portion supporting region capable of more stably
supporting the waist portion of the occupant and enhancing the
rigidity more, the shock absorbing property for rear surface
collision can be improved.
[0116] The reinforcing regions (reinforcing portions 151)
projecting toward the lower frame 13 are provided in the connection
portions 150. Thereby, the rigidity of the connection portions 150
connecting the waist portion supporting region 120 and the bent
portions 140 can be enhanced. Thereby, in a case where a load is
applied to the waist portion supporting region 120, the extending
regions of the bent portions 140 can very precisely abut the lower
frame 13. Thus, a shock absorbing property of the bent portions 140
can be improved.
[0117] The member attachment portions (member attachment holes
145), to which other members are attached, are formed in the bent
portion 140. Thereby, a space in the seat outer side direction from
the bent portion 140 can be effectively utilized. Thereby, space
utilization efficiency inside the seat is improved. Thus, a size
increase in the seat can be suppressed.
[0118] The above embodiment does not limit the present disclosure
but only suggests one example for facilitating understanding of the
present disclosure. The present disclosure can be changed and
improved without departing from the gist thereof, and the present
disclosure includes equivalents thereof as a matter of course.
[0119] For example, the example in which the waist portion
supporting member 100 according to the present embodiment is
applied to the vehicle seat frame including the mechanism where the
position adjustment mechanism (front and rear positions, upper and
lower positions, and angles of the seatback) of the vehicle seat S
is manually adjusted is described in the above embodiment. However,
the above waist portion supporting member 100 can similarly be
applied to a vehicle seat frame in which a position adjustment
mechanism of a vehicle seat S is adjusted by using an electric
actuator.
[0120] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a vehicle seat frame F2
serving as a framework of the vehicle seat S whose position
adjustment mechanism is electrically adjusted, and FIG. 13 is a
side view of the vehicle seat frame F2. FIG. 14 is a directional
view seen from the XIV direction of FIG. 12, the partially enlarged
view of attachment points of S springs 17, 18 in the vehicle seat
frame F2. FIG. 15 is a directional view seen from the XV direction
of FIG. 12, the partially enlarged view of the inside of a cushion
side frame 21L in the vehicle seat frame F2. FIG. 16 is a
directional view seen from the XVI direction of FIG. 12, the
partially enlarged view of a back surface of a lower rail 31 in the
vehicle seat frame F2.
[0121] As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, a configuration of a seatback
frame 10 of the vehicle seat frame F2 is generally the same as that
of the vehicle seat frame F1. Thus, different points are described
below.
[0122] As shown in FIGS. 12 and 14, in the vehicle seat frame F2,
an actuator 300 that generates a drive force for adjusting an angle
of a reclining mechanism 50 is attached to a portion around a
bonded part between a lower frame 13 and a seatback side frame 12R.
The actuator 300 includes a connector 301 to which a cable is
connected. Drive power, control signals, etc. are inputted to the
actuator 300 via the cable and the connector 301.
[0123] The connector 301 is arranged at a position overlapping with
an S spring hook bracket 19 provided in the side of the seatback
side frame 12R in the seat front-to-back direction. By arranging
the connector 301 and the S spring hook bracket 19 in such a way,
an inner space of the vehicle seat frame F2 can be effectively
utilized, and at the time of receiving a shock from the rear side,
the connector 301 can be protected.
[0124] As shown in FIG. 14, a locking portion 17A that locks the S
spring 17 is provided between upper and lower stay cloth clip
attachment holes 12b of the seatback side frame 12R. By arranging
the locking portion 17A between the stay cloth clip attachment
holes 12b in such a way, a part onto which force is applied at the
time of deploying the airbag can be reinforced. A locking portion
17A is also provided between stay cloth clip attachment holes 12b
in a seatback side frame 12L.
[0125] As shown in FIG. 13, on a side surface of the cushion side
frame 21L on the seat outer side, bead portions 21a, 21b extending
from a center portion to a front side portion are provided
respectively in an upper side end portion and a lower side end
portion. An actuator 310 that activates a movable portion of a
height adjustment mechanism 40 is attached between the upper and
lower bead portions 21a, 21b. By effectively utilizing a space
between the upper and lower bead portions 21a, 21b in such a way,
the vehicle seat S can be compactly formed.
[0126] The actuator 310 that activates the height adjustment
mechanism 40 includes a connector 311 to which a cable is
connected. Drive power, control signals, etc. are inputted to the
actuator 310 via the cable and the connector 311. As shown in FIGS.
12, 13, and 15, the connector 311 is arranged on the lower side of
a wire 320 for fixing a cover of the vehicle seat S. By arranging
the connector 311 on the lower side of the wire 320 in such a way,
at the time of receiving a shock from the upper side, the connector
311 can be protected.
[0127] As shown in FIG. 13, an actuator 350 that activates a slide
rail mechanism 30 is attached on the lower side of the lower rail
31.
[0128] As shown in FIG. 15, a cut and upward-bent portion 330, cut
and bent upward to the seat upper side from a hole portion 331, is
provided between respective attachment parts of the wire 310 and a
wire 321 of the cushion side frame 21L on a side surface of the
cushion side frame 21L on the seat inner side. By fixing a harness
to a part of this cut and upward-bent portion 330 extending in the
seat width direction with a binding tool (binding band), movement
in the seat width direction of the harness can be suppressed.
[0129] As shown in FIG. 16, a rail bottom bracket 340, in which
engagement holes 341 that engage claws of a foot cover of the
vehicle seat S are formed, is attached on a bottom surface of the
lower rail 31 on the seat rear side. By providing such a rail
bottom bracket 340, the foot cover can be stable fixed to the
vehicle seat frame F2.
[0130] The above cut and upward-bent portion 330 and the rail
bottom bracket 340 may also be provided in the vehicle seat frame
F1 as a matter of course.
Vehicle Seat Frame F1a Including Side Airbag Mechanism SA
[0131] Next, a vehicle seat frame F1a according to a modified
example of the vehicle seat frame F1 is described based on FIGS. 17
to 31. The vehicle seat frame F1a described below is different from
the vehicle seat frame F1 in a point that a side airbag mechanism
SA is attached to the seatback side frame 12L of the vehicle seat
frame F1 according to the first embodiment. However, the other
points are common between the vehicle seat frames. Hereinafter,
points that are different from the vehicle seat frame F1 are
described. First of all, outlines of the figures is briefly
described.
[0132] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the vehicle seat frame F1a,
and FIG. 18 is an exploded perspective view of the side airbag
mechanism SA attached to the vehicle seat frame Fla. Although
details are described below, as shown in FIG. 18, the side airbag
mechanism SA includes a support member 60, an airbag module 62, and
a stay cloth attachment plate 66.
[0133] FIG. 19 is a side view showing a state where the support
member 60 and the stay cloth attachment plate 66 are attached to a
seatback side frame 12L, and FIG. 20 is a side view showing a state
where the airbag module 62 is further attached in FIG. 19.
[0134] FIG. 21 is a side view from the seat inner side of the
seatback side frame 12L to which the side airbag mechanism SA is
attached. FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line
XXII-XXII of FIG. 21, and FIG. 23 is cross-sectional view taken
along the line XXIII-XXIII of FIG. 20.
[0135] FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the side of an outer plate
of the support member 60, FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the side
of an inner plate of the support member 60, and FIG. 26 is a
perspective view of the rear side of the support member 60. FIG. 27
is a view for illustrating a state of the support member when a
shock is received from the seat outer side.
[0136] FIG. 28 is a left side view of a seatback S1, and FIG. 29 is
a cross-sectional view taken along the line XXIX-XXIX of FIG. 28.
FIG. 30 is a front view of the stay cloth attachment plate 66, and
FIG. 31 shows a state where stay cloths are attached to the stay
cloth attachment plate 66.
[0137] As described above, the side airbag mechanism SA includes
the support member 60, the airbag module 62, and the stay cloth
attachment plate 66. As shown in FIG. 19, the support member 60 and
the stay cloth attachment plate 66 are attached side by side in the
up and down direction to abut a surface of the seatback side frame
12L on the seat outer side. As shown in FIG. 20, the airbag module
62 is arranged on the seat outer side of the support member 60 and
the stay cloth attachment plate 66, and the airbag module 62 is
attached to the seatback side frame 12L via the support member 60
and the stay cloth attachment plate 66.
[0138] The support member 60 is provided for supporting the
occupant in the seat width direction from external force applied to
the vehicle. For example, the support member is made of elastomer
resin such as thermo polyolefin (TPO) and thermoplastic
polyurethane (TPU). The support member 60 is attached to at least
one of the right seatback side frame 12R and the left seatback side
frame 12L, in the present embodiment, to the left seatback side
frame 12L.
[0139] The airbag module 62 is a device that absorbs a shock at the
time of collision of the vehicle and protects the occupant. In the
present embodiment, the airbag module 62 is a caseless airbag
module having no module case. However, the present disclosure is
not limited to this but the airbag module may have a module
case.
[0140] The airbag module 62 includes an airbag 62A and an inflator
62B. The airbag 62A and the inflator 62B are wrapped and held
together by a wrapping material. The inflator 62B is a device that
generates a gas in accordance with an input signal from a harness
64, and by inputting the gas generated by the inflator 62B into the
airbag 62A, the airbag 62A is opened and deployed.
[0141] Side surfaces of the airbag 62A are covered by the stay
cloths attached to the stay cloth attachment plate 66 and the
developing direction is guided by the stay cloths.
[0142] Details of a configuration of the support member 60 are now
described. As shown in FIGS. 24 to 26, the support member 60
includes an inner plate 60A fixed to the seatback side frame 12L on
the inner side in the seat width direction, an outer plate 60B
fixed to the seatback side frame 12L on the outer side in the seat
width direction, and plural ribs 60F coupling front portions of the
inner side plate 60A and the outer side plate 60B.
[0143] Front side end portions of the inner side plate 60A and the
outer side plate 60B are coupled to each other. The inner side
plate 60A and the outer side plate 60B are provided in such a
manner that a gap between both the plates increases from the front
side end portions to the rear side.
[0144] As shown in FIG. 24, the outer plate 60B is formed in a
substantially flat plate shape, and a length of the outer plate in
the up and down direction is substantially the same as that of the
inner plate 60A.
[0145] A first flange portion 60C and a second flange portion 60D
are respectively provided in an upper side end portion and a rear
side end portion of the outer plate 60B. The first flange portion
60C extends from the upper side end portion of the outer plate 60B
to the seat outer side, and the second flange portion 60D extends
from the rear side end portion of the outer plate 60B to the seat
outer side. The first flange portion 60C and the second flange
portion 60D are connected to each other at an upper rear side
corner portion of the outer plate 60B. By providing the first
flange portion 60C and the second flange portion 60D, an outer
shape of a vehicle seat S is maintained.
[0146] The airbag module 62 is arranged to abut the outer plate
60B. By the first flange portion 60C and the second flange portion
60D, an effect of preventing position displacement of the airbag
module 62 to the upper side and the rear side is also provided.
[0147] As shown in FIG. 25, the inner plate 60A is formed in a
level difference structure having a level difference between the
front side and the rear side in such a shape that the gap between
the inner plate 60A and the outer plate 60B is more on the rear
side than the front side.
[0148] As shown in FIG. 26, the ribs 60F extend in the seat front
to back direction and couple the inner plate 60A and the outer
plate 60B. The plural ribs 60F are provided, and the ribs 60F are
arranged at substantially equal intervals from the vicinity of
upper ends to the vicinity of lower ends between the inner plate
60A and the outer plate 60B. A length of the ribs 60F in the seat
front to back direction is shorter than a corresponding length of
the inner plate 60A and the outer plate 60B. A space is formed
between the inner plate 60A and the outer plate 60B on the seat
rear side of the ribs 60F. In such a space, a coupling part of an
upper frame 11 and the seatback side frame 12L is arranged. As
shown in FIG. 22, even at the time point when the occupant is not
seated, the ribs 60F and the seatback side frame 12L at least
partly abut each other.
[0149] By providing the ribs 60F in such a way, rigidity of the
inner plate 60A and the outer plate 60B is enhanced, so that a
property of holding the occupant can be enhanced, and a shock
absorbing property can also be enhanced. The length of the ribs 60F
in the seat front to back direction may reach the rear side of a
level different part of the inner plate 60A. By doing so, the
rigidity of the inner plate 60A and the outer plate 60B can be more
improved. As a matter of course, a shape of the ribs 60F is not
limited to the shape shown in the figures but may be for example a
flat plate shape extending in the up and down direction.
[0150] Next, an attachment structure of the support member 60 is
described. As shown in FIGS. 25 and 26, two screw attachment
portions 60E are provided in a rear side end portion of the inner
plate 60A.
[0151] Each of the screw attachment portions 60E is formed by a
screw through hole and a thick portion around the screw through
hole. The screw through hole is a hole through which a screw 61 is
inserted, and a through hole is provided in the inner plate 60A at
a corresponding position. In such a way, by providing the thick
portion around the screw through hole in the screw attachment
portion 60E, rigidity of the screw attachment portion 60E is
improved.
[0152] As shown in FIG. 22, the coupling part of the upper frame 11
and the seatback side frame 12L is arranged between the inner plate
60A and the outer plate 60B. Screw attachment holes are provided in
the upper frame 11 at positions to face the screw attachment
portions 60E, and the screw attachment portions 60E and the upper
frame 11 are fastened to each other by the screws 61. In such a
way, the support member 60 is fixed to the coupling part of the
upper frame 11 and the seatback side frame 12L.
[0153] The inner plate 60A of the support member 60 arranged on the
seat inner side is fastened to the coupling part of the upper frame
11 and the seatback side frame 12L, while the outer plate 60B
arranged on the seat outer side abuts, but is not fastened to a
part of the seatback side frame 12L on the seat outer side and
hence serves as a free end.
[0154] By fixing the inner part of the support member 60 and making
the outer part the free end in such a way, as shown in FIG. 27, in
a case where a load is added to the support member 60 from the
outside, the screw attachment portions 60E serve as a fixed end to
facilitate movement and deformation of the outer plate 60B, so that
the load can be released. That is, by the inner part of the support
member 60 serving as the fixed end and the outer part serving as
the free end, the property of absorbing a shock from the outside is
improved. Against a load from the seat inner side, since the ribs
60F of the support member 60 are supported by the seatback side
frame 12L, the property of holding the occupant can be
enhanced.
[0155] Since only the inner part of the support member 60 serves as
the fixed end, by providing the thick portions in the screw
attachment portions 60E serving as the fixed end, the rigidity of
the screw attachment portions 60E is improved, so that the support
member 60 can stably hold.
[0156] Since the inner plate 60A is arranged to overlap with a
height of a chest portion of the occupant, ribs of the occupant can
be properly protected by support of the inner plate 60A.
[0157] As described above, the support member 60 is attached by
arranging the inner plate 60A and the outer plate 60B over the
inner side and the outer side in the seat width direction in the
coupling part of the upper frame 11 and the seatback side frame
12L. Therefore, the support member 60 is arranged more compactly
than the one attached to the coupling part of the upper frame 11
and the seatback side frame 12L by using a space only on the outer
side in the seat width direction.
[0158] Next, a configuration of the stay cloth attachment plate 66
to which the stay cloths serving as a guide member that guides the
deployment direction of the airbag 62A of the airbag module 62 is
attached, and an attachment structure of the stay cloth attachment
plate is described.
[0159] The stay cloth attachment plate 66 is a thin-plate-shaped
resin plate. For example, the stay cloth attachment plate 66 may be
made of resin such as thermo polyolefin (TPO) and thermoplastic
polyurethane (TPU).
[0160] As shown in FIG. 30, the stay cloth attachment plate 66 is
formed by a substantially-rectangular-shaped rectangular region
66A, and a substantially-arch-shaped arch region 66B coupled to the
rectangular region 66A. In a center portion of the rectangular
region 66A, a first through hole 66C, a second through hole 66D,
and a third through hole 66E are formed along the longitudinal
direction of the rectangular region 66A. Washers 67 are provided
for the first through hole 66C and the third through hole 66E.
[0161] As shown in FIG. 18, a first attachment portion 62D and a
second attachment portion 62E of the airbag module 62 are
respectively inserted through the first through hole 66C and the
second through hole 66D. The first through hole 66C and the second
through hole 66D are arranged at positions to face an airbag
attachment hole 12a and an airbag attachment hole 12g of the
seatback side frame 12L. The first attachment portion 62D and the
second attachment portion 62E are stud bolts projecting from the
inflator 62B to the seat inner side.
[0162] The first attachment portion 62D of the airbag module 62 is
inserted through the first through hole 66C of the stay cloth
attachment plate 66 and the airbag attachment hole 12a of the
seatback side frame 12L from the seat outer side and fixed by using
a fastening tool such as a nut. Similarly, the second attachment
portion 62E of the airbag module 62 is inserted through the second
through hole 66D of the stay cloth attachment plate 66 and the
airbag attachment hole 12g of the seatback side frame 12L from the
seat outer side and fixed by using a fastening tool such as a nut.
Thereby, the stay cloth attachment plate 66 and the airbag module
62 are fixed to the seatback side frame 12L.
[0163] A configuration relating to attachment of the stay cloths to
the stay cloth attachment plate 66 is described. As shown in FIG.
30, in the stay cloth attachment plate 66, a first sewing portion
66F and a second sewing portion 66G, to which the stay cloths are
respectively sewn, are provided on the left side and the right side
of the first through hole 66C, the second through hole 66D, and the
third through hole 66E.
[0164] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 31, the stay cloth attachment
plate 66 is sewn to the inner stay cloth 68 at the first sewing
portion 66F and the second sewing portion 66G. The inner stay cloth
68 and the outer stay cloth 69 are sewn to each other at a stay
cloth sewing portion 70. Thereby, the stay cloth attachment plate
66, the inner stay cloth 68, and the outer stay cloth 69 are
integrated.
[0165] Holes are formed at two points of a first hole portion 68A
and a second hole portion 68B of the inner stay cloth 68. The first
hole portion 68A and the second hole portion 68B are respectively
arranged at positions overlapping with the first through hole 66C
and the second through hole 66D of the stay cloth attachment plate
66.
[0166] As shown in FIGS. 28 and 29, the side surface of the airbag
module 62 on the seat inner side is covered by the inner stay cloth
68, and the side surface on the seat outer side is covered by the
outer stay cloth 69. Respective end portions of the inner stay
cloth 68 and the outer stay cloth 69 are sewn together with a skin
73 of a cushion material 72 at a split portion 71. Thereby, in a
case where the gas generated by the inflator 62B is charged into
the airbag 62A, the bulging direction is guided by the inner stay
cloth 68 and the outer stay cloth 69, and the airbag 62A is
deployed while splitting the split portion 71.
[0167] Hereinafter, a supplementary description is given to a
relationship between attachment positions of the support member 60,
the stay cloth attachment plate 66, and the airbag module 62.
[0168] For example, as shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, a lower end of the
stay cloth attachment plate 66 is positioned above a bead portion
12c (fragile portion) formed in the seatback side frame 12L. In
such a way, by attaching the side airbag mechanism SA to the
seatback side frame 12L on the upper side of a deformed point at
the time of rear surface collision, deformation of an attached
point of the side airbag mechanism SA can be prevented. Thereby, a
shock onto the side airbag mechanism SA can be eased.
[0169] As shown in FIG. 20, in a seat side surface view, the
inflator 62B is arranged to overlap with both the support member 60
and the stay cloth attachment plate 66.
[0170] As shown in FIG. 23, part of the outer plate 60B of the
support member 60 (that is, on the side of the free end of the
support member 60) and the inflator 62B are arranged at the
positions overlapping with each other in a seat side surface
view.
[0171] As shown in FIG. 23, the second flange portion 60D serving
as a rear wall of the support member 60 and at least part of the
harness 64 are arranged at the positions overlapping with each
other in a seat rear surface view. In such a way, by the second
flange portion 60D receiving a load from the rear side, the harness
64 can be protected.
[0172] As shown in FIG. 23, thickness of the outer plate 60B of the
support member 60 is greater than thickness of the stay cloth
attachment plate 66. By doing so, the rigidity of the support
member 60 receiving a load in the seat width direction can be
enhanced more than the stay cloth attachment plate 66.
[0173] As shown in FIG. 23, at the time of a normal seating
posture, at least part of the support member 60 and at least part
of the stay cloth attachment plate 66 are positioned on the same
horizontal plane. In other words, at least part of the support
member 60 and at least part of the stay cloth attachment plate 66
overlap with each other in the up and down direction. Specifically,
an upper end portion of the arch region 66B of the stay cloth
attachment plate 66 and a lower end portion of the outer plate 60B
and a lower end portion of the second flange portion 60D of the
support member are placed at positions overlapping with each other
in the up and down direction.
[0174] As shown in FIG. 23, the upper frame 11, the inflator 62B,
and the harness 64 respectively have parts positioned on the
horizontal plane where part of the support member 60 and part of
the stay cloth attachment plate 66 overlap with each other in the
up and down direction.
[0175] In the present embodiment, the vehicle seat according to the
present disclosure is mainly described. However, the above
embodiment does not limit the present disclosure but only suggests
one example for facilitating understanding of the present
disclosure. The present disclosure can be changed and improved
without departing from the gist thereof, and the present disclosure
includes equivalents thereof as a matter of course.
[0176] For example, in the present embodiment, the configuration in
which the support member is attached to only one of the right and
left side frames is described. However, in order to enhance the
property of holding the occupant on both the sides of the seat,
symmetrically formed support members may be attached to both the
side frames.
[0177] For example, the support member 60 and the stay cloth
attachment plate 66 may be integrated. Specifically, the outer
plate 60B of the support member 60 and the stay cloth attachment
plate 66 may be integrated.
[0178] For example, the support member 60 and the stay cloth
attachment plate 66 may be coupled to each other by a coupling
member. Specifically, the outer plate 60B of the support member 60
and the stay cloth attachment plate 66 may be coupled to each other
by a metal or resin coupling plate.
Modified Example of Support Member
[0179] Next, a configuration of a seat frame to which a side airbag
mechanism SA1 including a support member 400 according to a
modified example is attached is described based on FIGS. 32 to 38.
In the example described below, matters other than the support
member 400 and a configuration relating to attachment of the
support member are the same as those of the vehicle seat frame F1a
shown in FIG. 17. Thus, hereinafter, the support member 400 and the
configuration relating to attachment of the support member will
mainly be described.
[0180] First of all, outlines of FIGS. 32 to 38 are described. FIG.
32 is an exploded perspective view of the side airbag mechanism
SA1. Although details are described below, as shown in FIG. 32, the
side airbag mechanism SA1 includes the support member 400 and an
airbag module 62. In the example shown in FIG. 32, a stay cloth is
omitted. However, by attaching a fixing tool such as a clip engaged
with a seatback side frame 12L to an end portion of the stay cloth
and locking the clip onto the seatback side frame 12L, the stay
cloth may be attached to the seatback side frame 12L.
[0181] FIG. 33 is a perspective view of the support member 400 in a
case where the outer side is seen from the seat inner side. FIG. 34
is a partially enlarged view of a fitting portion 410 in FIG. 33.
FIG. 35 is a directional view of the XXXV direction of the fitting
portion 410, that is, the view in which a side surface of the
fitting portion 410 is seen from the seat rear side.
[0182] FIG. 36 is a side view in which a state where the support
member 400 and the airbag module 62 are attached is seen from the
seat outer side. FIG. 37 is a side view in which the same state is
seen from the seat inner side. FIG. 38 is a cross-sectional view
taken along the line XXXVIII-XXXVIII of FIG. 37.
[0183] The support member 400 is provided for supporting the
occupant in the seat width direction from external force added to
the vehicle. For example, the support member is made of elastomer
resin such as thermo polyolefin (TPO) and thermoplastic
polyurethane (TPU). The support member 400 is attached to at least
one of the left seatback side frame 12L and a right seatback side
frame 12R, and in the present embodiment, the support member is
attached to the left seatback side frame 12L.
[0184] As shown in FIGS. 32 and 36, the airbag module 62 is
arranged on the seat outer side of the support member 400, and the
airbag module 62 is attached to the seatback side frame 12L via the
support member 400.
[0185] As shown in FIGS. 32 and 33, the support member 400 includes
an inner plate 400A fixed to the seatback side frame 12L on the
inner side in the seat width direction, an outer plate 400B fixed
to the seatback side frame 12L on the outer side in the seat width
direction, and ribs 400F coupling the inner plate 400A and the
outer plate 400B.
[0186] As shown in FIG. 33, the inner plate 400A is formed in a
level difference structure having a level difference between the
front side and the rear side in such a shape that a gap between the
inner plate and the outer plate 400B increases more on the rear
side than the front side.
[0187] The ribs 400F extend in the seat front to back direction and
couple the inner plate 400A and the outer plate 400B. Since the
ribs 400F are the same as the ribs 60F, details will not be
described. A space is formed between the inner plate 400A and the
outer plate 400B on the seat rear side of the ribs 400F. In such a
space, a coupling part of an upper frame 11 and the seatback side
frame 12L is arranged.
[0188] By providing the ribs 400F in such a way, rigidity of the
inner plate 400A and the outer plate 400B is enhanced, so that the
property of holding the occupant can be enhanced, and the shock
absorbing property can also be enhanced.
[0189] As shown in FIG. 32, the inner plate 400A and the outer
plate 400B are coupled to each other in a front side end portion of
the support member 400. The inner plate 400A and the outer plate
400B are formed in such a manner that the gap between both the
plates increases from the front side end portion to the rear
side.
[0190] As shown in FIG. 32, a first flange portion 400C and a
second flange portion 400D are provided respectively in an upper
side end portion and a rear side end portion of the outer plate
400B. The first flange portion 400C extends from the upper side end
portion of the outer plate 400B to the seat outer side, and the
second flange portion 400D extends from the rear side end portion
of the outer plate 400B to the seat outer side. The first flange
portion 400C and the second flange portion 400D are connected to
each other at an upper rear side corner portion of the outer plate
400B. By providing the first flange portion 400C and the second
flange portion 400D, an outer shape of a vehicle seat S is
maintained.
[0191] The airbag module 62 is arranged to be abutted with the
outer plate 400B. By providing the first flange portion 400C and
the second flange portion 400D, an effect of preventing position
displacement of the airbag module 62 to the upper side and the rear
side is also exerted. Now, a characteristic structure of the
support member 400 is described.
[0192] Unlike the outer plate 60B of the support member 60, the
outer plate 400B of the support member 400 extends downward to a
position to face a second attachment portion 62E (second stud bolt)
extending from an inflator 62B of the airbag module 62.
[0193] As shown in FIG. 32, in the outer plate 400B, a cutout
portion 400G is provided at a position to face a first attachment
portion 62D (first stud bolt), a bolt insertion hole 416 through
which the second attachment portion 62E is inserted is provided at
a position to face the second attachment portion 62E, and a slit
418 is provided on the upper and lower sides of the bolt insertion
hole 416.
[0194] As shown in FIG. 33, the fitting portion 410 is formed on a
surface of the outer plate 400B on the seat inner side. This
fitting portion 410 is a part to be fitted to an airbag attachment
hole 12g of the seatback side frame 12L.
[0195] As shown in FIG. 34, the fitting portion 410 has a projected
shape that projects to the seat inner side, and the bolt insertion
hole 416 (fitting hole) through which the second attachment portion
62E is inserted is formed in a center portion of the fitting
portion. The slit 418 that divides the fitting portion 410 into two
is formed and coupled to the bolt insertion hole 416. Among the
parts divided by the slit 418, a part positioned on the seat rear
side is a first projection portion 412, and a part positioned on
the seat front side is a second projection portion 414.
[0196] As shown in FIG. 35, the first projection portion 412 is
formed in a half column, and a projecting portion 424 is formed on
a side surface of the first projection portion. As shown in FIG.
38, by the outer plate 400B and the projecting portion 424 pinching
the seatback side frame 12L at the time of fitting the fitting
portion 410 of the support member 400 to the airbag attachment hole
12g of the seatback side frame 12L, rigidity in assembling of the
support member 400 and the seatback side frame 12L is improved, so
that generation of backlash is suppressed.
[0197] As shown in FIG. 34, a level difference portion 420 formed
by cutting part of a half column is formed in the second projection
portion 414, and further, a through hole 422 is formed in the level
difference portion 420. By providing the level difference portion
420 in the second projection portion 414, a locking portion 17A of
an S spring 17 and the fitting portion 410 can be arranged close to
each other. By doing so, the seatback side frame 12L, that is, the
seat frame can be downsized. By providing the through hole 422 in
the second projection portion 414 arranged on the seat front side,
while ensuring rigidity of the first projection portion 412 on the
seat rear side where a greater load is applied at the time of
development of the airbag module 62, the fitting portion 410 can be
easily deformed at the time of insertion of the second attachment
portion 62E.
[0198] Next, with reference to FIGS. 32, 37, and 38, a
configuration relating to attachment of the airbag module 62 and
the support member 400 to the seatback side frame 12L is
described.
[0199] The first attachment portion 62D of the airbag module 62
passes through the side of the cutout portion 400G (that is,
through a part where the support member 400 is not located) and is
inserted through an airbag attachment hole 12a of the seatback side
frame 12L. The second attachment portion 62E of the airbag module
62 passes through the bolt insertion hole 416 of the fitting
portion 410 and is inserted through the airbag attachment hole 12g
of the seatback side frame 12L.
[0200] As shown in FIG. 37, by fastening a nut 430 to the first
attachment portion 62D in a state where a washer 432 is arranged
between the seatback side frame 12L and the nut 430, the first
attachment portion 62D is fixed to the seatback side frame 12L.
[0201] By fitting the fitting portion 410 to the airbag attachment
hole 12g in a state where the second attachment portion 62E is
inserted through the bolt insertion hole 416 of the fitting portion
410, the fitting portion 410 and the second attachment portion 62E
are fixed to the seatback side frame 12L.
[0202] By making the diameter of the bolt insertion hole 416
smaller than the diameter of the second attachment portion 62E,
fitting force of the second attachment portion 62E inserted through
the bolt insertion hole 416 and the fitting portion 410 can be
enhanced. Thereby, generation of backlash at the time of attaching
the airbag module 62 to the seatback side frame 12L via the support
member 400 is suppressed.
[0203] By making the diameter of the bolt insertion hole 416
greater than the diameter of the second attachment portion 62E, the
second attachment portion 62E is easily inserted through the bolt
insertion hole 416. Thus, an assembling property of the airbag
module 62 can be improved.
[0204] By forming the slit 418 coupled to the bolt insertion hole
416, the first projection portion 412 and the second projection
portion 414 are easily deformed to the outer side from the bolt
insertion hole 416. Thus, the second attachment portion 62E is
easily inserted through the bolt insertion hole 416. In a state
where the second attachment portion 62E is inserted through the
bolt insertion hole 416, the first projection portion 412 and the
second projection portion 414 are deformed to open to the outer
side with respect to the bolt insertion hole 416. Thus, fitting
force of the airbag attachment hole 12g and the fitting portion 410
can be more enhanced. Thereby, attachment rigidity of the support
member 400 and the seatback side frame 12L can be improved.
[0205] In the side airbag mechanism SA1 including the support
member 400 described above, a fastening point by using a nut can be
only one of the first attachment portion 62D and the second
attachment portion 62E extending from the airbag module 62, which
is the first attachment portion 62D. Thereby, the number of parts
and the number of fastening tasks can be reduced. Even in a case
where the fastening point is reduced in such a way, the first
attachment portion 62D and the second attachment portion 62E are
respectively fixed to the seatback side frame 12L. Thus, the
movement of the airbag module 62 to rotate with respect to the
seatback side frame 12L can be restricted.
Supplementary Note
[0206] A seat frame including the above-described support member is
expressed in for example the following embodiments.
[0207] In a first embodiment, a seat frame includes a support
member attached to a side frame of a seatback and arranged between
the side frame and an airbag unit, wherein the support member
includes a fitting portion fitted both to a first hole portion
formed in the side frame and to a first stud bolt extending from
the airbag unit, and a second stud bolt extending from the airbag
unit is fixed by using a fastening member in a state where the
second stud bolt is inserted through a second hole portion formed
in the side frame. With the seat frame of the first embodiment, by
fitting and fixing the first stud bolt of the airbag unit and the
side frame of the seatback to the fitting portion provided in the
support member together, and fastening and fixing the second stud
bolt to the side frame by using the fastening member, the number of
a required fastening point and the number of a required fastening
member can be reduced while suppressing rotation of the airbag
unit. Thereby, the number of man-hours needed for an attachment
task of the airbag unit can be reduced.
[0208] As a second embodiment, in the seat frame according to the
first embodiment, the fitting portion has a projected portion
fitted to the first hole portion in a state where the projected
portion is inserted through the first hole portion, the projected
portion has a fitting hole to which the first stud bolt is fitted
in a state where the first stud bolt is inserted through the
fitting hole, and the fitting portion is fitted to the first hole
portion in a state where the first stud bolt is inserted through
the fitting hole. With the seat frame of the second embodiment, the
support member can be more precisely assembled. The deployment
direction of the airbag unit can be stabilized.
[0209] As a third embodiment, in the seat frame according to the
first embodiment or the second embodiment, a slit is formed in the
fitting portion along the direction in which the first stud bolt is
inserted. With the seat frame of the third embodiment, the first
stud bolt is easily inserted through the hole of the fitting
portion. Since the fitting portion is easily deformed, the fitting
portion is easily attached to the hole of the side frame. Thereby,
workability of attaching the support member and the airbag unit to
the side frame can be improved.
[0210] As a fourth embodiment, in the seat frame according to the
third embodiment, the slit is formed to run from the fitting
portion to a connection portion between the fitting portion and the
support member. With the seat frame of the fourth embodiment, at
the time of inserting the first stud bolt through the hole of the
fitting portion, the fitting portion is easily deformed. Thus, the
first stud bolt is easily inserted through the fitting portion.
Since the fitting portion is easily deformed, the fitting portion
is easily attached to the hole of the side frame. Thereby, the
workability of attaching the support member and the airbag unit to
the side frame can be improved.
[0211] As a fifth embodiment, in the seat frame according to the
third embodiment or the fourth embodiment, the slit and the fitting
hole are coupled to each other. With the seat frame of the fifth
embodiment, the fitting portion is easily deformed. Thus, the first
stud bolt is easily inserted through the fitting portion and the
fitting portion is easily attached to the hole of the side frame.
Thereby, the workability of attaching the support member and the
airbag unit to the side frame can be improved.
[0212] As a sixth embodiment, in the seat frame according to the
third, fourth, or fifth embodiments, among first and second
projected portions formed by dividing the projected portion by the
slit, the first projected portion positioned on the seat front side
has a level difference portion. With the seat frame of the sixth
embodiment, the first projected portion of the fitting portion is
easily deformed. Thus, the first stud bolt is easily inserted
through the fitting portion and the fitting portion is easily
attached to the hole of the side frame. Thereby, the workability of
attaching the support member and the airbag unit to the side frame
can be improved.
[0213] As a seventh embodiment, in the seat frame according to the
sixth embodiment, a hole portion is formed in the level difference
portion. With the seat frame of the seventh embodiment, the first
projected portion of the fitting portion is easily deformed. Thus,
the first stud bolt is easily inserted through the fitting portion
and the fitting portion is easily attached to the hole of the side
frame. Thereby, the workability of attaching the support member and
the airbag unit to the side frame can be improved.
[0214] As an eighth embodiment, in the seat frame according to the
sixth or seventh embodiment, the second projected portion has a
projecting portion projecting from a side wall. With the seat frame
of the eighth embodiment, the side frame can be nipped between the
projecting portion and a surface of the support member. Thus,
rigidity in assembling of the support member to the side frame can
be improved.
TABLE OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
[0215] S: Vehicle seat [0216] S1: Seatback [0217] S2: Seat cushion
[0218] S3: Headrest [0219] SA: Side airbag mechanism [0220] SA1:
Side airbag mechanism [0221] F1, F2, F1a: Vehicle seat frame [0222]
10: Seatback frame [0223] 11: Upper frame [0224] 12L, 12R: Seatback
side frame [0225] 12a, 12g: Airbag attachment hole [0226] 12b: Stay
cloth clip attachment hole [0227] 12c, 12d, 12e: Bead portion
[0228] 12f: Hole [0229] 13: Lower frame [0230] 13a: Lower frame
lower end portion [0231] 13b: Flange portion [0232] 14: Reclining
shaft [0233] 15: Pressure receiving member [0234] 15A: Side wire
[0235] 15B: Cross wire [0236] 15C: Center wire [0237] 16: Upper
cross member [0238] 17, 18: S spring [0239] 17A: Locking portion
[0240] 19: S spring hook bracket [0241] 19A: Fixing portion [0242]
19B: Hook portion [0243] 19C: Bead portion [0244] 20: Seat cushion
frame [0245] 21L, 21R: Cushion side frame [0246] 21a, 21b, 21c,
21d, 21e: Bead portion [0247] 22: Pan frame [0248] 24: Coupling
pipe [0249] 25: S spring [0250] 26: Engagement hook [0251] 27:
Fixing bracket [0252] 30: Slide rail mechanism [0253] 31: Lower
rail [0254] 32: Upper rail [0255] 40: Height adjustment mechanism
[0256] 45: Link [0257] 46: Height adjustment operation portion
[0258] 50: Reclining mechanism [0259] 51: Reclining operation
portion [0260] 60: Support member [0261] 60A: Inner plate [0262]
60B: Outer plate [0263] 60C: First flange portion [0264] 60D:
Second flange portion [0265] 60E: Screw attachment portion [0266]
60F: Rib (coupling plate) [0267] 61: Screw [0268] 62: Airbag module
[0269] 62A: Airbag [0270] 62B: Inflator [0271] 62D: First
attachment portion [0272] 62E: Second attachment portion [0273] 64:
Harness [0274] 66: Stay cloth attachment plate [0275] 66A:
Rectangular region [0276] 66B: Arch region [0277] 66C: First
through hole [0278] 66D: Second through hole [0279] 66E: Third
through hole [0280] 66F: First sewing portion [0281] 66G: Second
sewing portion [0282] 67: Washer [0283] 68: Inner stay cloth [0284]
68A: First hole portion [0285] 68B: Second hole portion [0286] 69:
Outer stay cloth [0287] 70: Stay cloth sewing portion [0288] 71:
Split portion [0289] 72: Cushion material [0290] 73: Skin [0291]
100: Waist portion supporting member [0292] 110: Coupling region
[0293] 111: Projected portion [0294] 112: Positioning hole [0295]
120: Waist portion supporting region [0296] 121: Bead portion
[0297] 130: Rearward extending region [0298] 131: Recessed portion
[0299] 140: Bent portion [0300] 141: Bent portion rearward
extending region [0301] 142: Bent portion lower end portion [0302]
143: Recessed portion [0303] 145: Member attachment hole [0304]
150: Connection portion [0305] 151: Reinforcing portion [0306] 160:
Cutout portion [0307] 200: Welded portion [0308] 201: Bead portion
[0309] 300, 310, 350: Actuator [0310] 301, 311: Connector [0311]
320, 321: Wire [0312] 330: Cut and upward-bent portion [0313] 331:
Hole portion [0314] 340: Rail bottom bracket [0315] 341: Engagement
hole [0316] 400: Support member [0317] 400A: Inner plate [0318]
400B: Outer plate [0319] 400C: First flange portion [0320] 400D:
Second flange portion [0321] 400E: Screw attachment portion [0322]
400F: Rib (coupling plate) [0323] 400G: Cutout portion [0324] 410:
Fitting portion [0325] 412: First projection portion [0326] 414:
Second projection portion [0327] 416: Bolt insertion hole [0328]
418: Slit [0329] 420: Level difference portion [0330] 422: Through
hole [0331] 424: Projecting portion [0332] 430: Nut [0333] 432:
Washer
* * * * *