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.

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

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) 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