Vehicle seat

A vehicle seat comprises a frame member, a plate-shaped support member, and a blower. The frame member includes a pair of opposed frames disposed opposite to and separately from each other, and a first connecting frame by which the pair of opposed frames are connected. The plate-shaped support member is disposed between the pair of opposed frames and configured to receive a load from an occupant. The blower is attached to the support member, and part of the blower is disposed on a side of the first connecting frame that is opposite to an occupant side thereof.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application claims priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2017-058960 filed on Mar. 24, 2017, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to a vehicle seat including a blower.

2. Description of Related Art

A vehicle seat including a blower attached to seat springs slung between front and rear frames of a seat cushion is disclosed in JP 2014-223836 A.

SUMMARY

The blower disclosed in this prior-art document is attached to the center or its vicinity of the seat spring, and is thus liable to receive a load from an occupant seated on the seat.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a vehicle seat in which a load from an occupant can be made unlikely to be imposed on a blower.

It is another object of the present invention to increase a degree of flexibility in attachment of a blower.

It is yet another object of the present invention to effectively utilize a space inside a seat.

It is yet another object of the present invention to reduce vibrations and noises associated with the operation of a blower.

It is yet another object of the present invention to reduce transmission of operating noises of a blower to an occupant.

It is yet another object of the present invention to increase rigidity in an attachment structure for a blower.

It is yet another object to make a seat compact in size.

In order to achieve any of the above-mentioned objects, a vehicle seat according to the present invention comprises: a frame member including a pair of opposed frames disposed opposite to and separately from each other, and a first connecting frame by which the pair of opposed frames are connected; a plate-shaped support member disposed between the pair of opposed frames and configured to receive a load from an occupant; and a blower, wherein the blower is attached to the support member, and part of the blower is disposed on a side of the first connecting frame that is opposite to an occupant side thereof.

With this configuration, the load from an occupant can be supported by the first connecting frame because part of the blower is disposed on a side of the first connecting frame that is opposite to the occupant side thereof. Accordingly, the load from the occupant can made unlikely to be imposed on the blower.

The vehicle seat as described above may be configured to comprise a bracket mounted on a side of the support member opposite to an occupant side thereof, wherein at least part of the blower is attached to the bracket.

With this configuration, the degree of flexibility in attachment of the blower can be increased. Since the degree of flexibility in arrangement of the blower inside the seat can be increased, the space inside the seat can be utilized effectively.

The vehicle seat as described above may be configured such that the frame member includes a second connecting frame which is disposed separately from the first connecting frame and by which the pair of opposed frames are connected, wherein the support member includes a bridging wire by which the first connecting frame and the second connecting frame are bridged, and a plate-shaped plastic member formed integrally with the bridging wire, and wherein the blower is attached to the plastic member.

With this configuration, vibrations of the support member associated with the operation of the blower, and/or noises produced by the vibrations of the operating blower, can be made lower, in comparison with an alternative configuration in which the blower is attached to the bridging wire.

The vehicle seat as described above may be configured such that the plastic member includes a wall with which at least an impeller of the blower is covered as viewed from an occupant side thereof.

With this configuration, sound insulation against noises produced by rotation of the impeller can be achieved by the wall of the plastic member; therefore, the transmission of operating noises of the blower to an occupant can be reduced.

The vehicle seat as described above may be configured such that the plastic member includes a boss protruding toward a side opposite to an occupant side thereof, and wherein the blower is attached to the boss.

With this configuration, the degree of flexibility in attachment of the blower can be increased.

The vehicle seat as described above may be configured such that the boss is disposed on each side of the bridging wire in an opposing direction of the pair of opposed frames.

With this configuration, the blower laid astride a portion of the plastic member reinforced by the bridging wire is attached to both sides of that high-rigidity portion, so that greater rigidity can be provided in the attachment structure of the blower.

In the vehicle seat as described above, the plastic member may have a through hole in which a duct connected to the blower is disposed.

With this configuration, in comparison with an alternative configuration in which the duct is disposed around the support member, the seat can be designed to be compact in size.

The vehicle seat as described above may be configured such that the frame member is a cushion frame that constitutes a frame of a seat cushion, the pair of opposed frames being disposed separately from each other in a lateral direction, and front portions of the pair of opposed frames being connected by the first connecting frame, wherein the support member includes, at a front-side portion thereof, an inclined portion extending in an obliquely-frontward-and-upward direction, and wherein the blower is disposed under the inclined portion.

With this configuration, space-saving arrangement of the blower under the support member can be realized, and the seat can thus be designed to be compact in size.

The vehicle seat as described above may be configured such that the frame member is a cushion frame that constitutes a frame of a seat cushion, the pair of opposed frames being disposed separately from each other in a lateral direction, and front portions of the pair of opposed frames being connected by the first connecting frame, wherein the blower includes a front-side portion attached to the bracket and disposed under the first connecting frame, and a rear-side portion attached directly to the support member.

With this configuration, the degree of flexibility in attachment of the blower can be further increased. Since the degree of flexibility in arrangement of the blower inside the seat can be further increased, the space inside the seat can be utilized more effectively.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT(S)

Hereafter, one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, the front/rear (frontward/rearward), left/right (leftward/rightward; lateral) and upper/lower (upward/downward; vertical) directions will be designated with reference to a person (occupant) seated on the seat.

As shown inFIG. 1, the vehicle seat in the present embodiment is configured as a car seat S for use in a driver's seat, a passenger seat, or the like, such as to be installed in an automobile, and mainly includes a seat cushion S1and a seat back S2.

Inside the seat cushion S1, a cushion frame F1(as an example of a frame member) as shown inFIG. 2is incorporated, and constitutes a frame of the seat cushion S1. The seat cushion S1is configured to have the cushion frame F1upholstered with a pad material made of urethane foam or the like and an outer covering material made of fabrics, leather or the like. Although not shown in the drawing, the seat back S2includes a back frame that constitutes a frame of the seat back S2, and is configured to have the back frame upholstered with a pad material and an outer covering material.

The cushion frame F1includes left and right side frames11as a pair of opposed frames, a front frame12as a first connecting frame, a rear frame13as a second connecting frame, and a pan frame14as a restriction frame. In the present embodiment, the lateral direction corresponds to “opposing direction of the pair of opposed frames”, and the front-rear direction corresponds to “perpendicular direction perpendicular to the opposing direction (lateral direction) of the pair of opposed frames”. Also, in the present embodiment, the upper side corresponds to “occupant side”, and the lower side thus corresponds to “a side opposite to an occupant side”.

The left and right side frames11are elongate frames elongate in the front-rear direction and are disposed opposite to and separately from each other in the lateral direction. Each side frame11is made of sheet metal, and a portion adjacent to a peripheral edge thereof is so shaped as to extend laterally inward in cross section.

The front frame12and the rear frame13are disposed opposite to and separately from each other in the front-rear direction, and constitute a pair of connecting frames by which the left and right side frames11are connected. To be more specific, the front frame12and the rear frame13are made of metal pipe workpieces, and the front frame12connects front portions of the left and right side frames11. The rear frame13is disposed rearwardly separately from the front frame12, and connects rear portions of the left and right side frames11.

The pan frame14is another connecting frame by which the left and right side frames11are connected, and is made of sheet metal. The pan frame14is disposed to connect front end portions of the left and right side frames11.

A plate-shaped support member20is disposed at an inner side of the cushion frame F1shaped like a picture frame, in other words, between the left and right side frames11. The support member20is a member configured to receive a load from an occupant through a pad material (not shown) of the seat cushion S1, and includes bridging wires100, reinforcing wires200, and a plate-shaped plastic member300. The bridging wires100and the reinforcing wires200are wires, of which a detailed description will be given later, disposed between the left and right side frames11. The bridging wires100and the reinforcing wires200are wires made of metal. The plastic member300is made of plastic, and so formed as to cover the bridging wires100and the reinforcing wires200through insert molding process or the like by which these wires are integrated with the plastic member300.

As shown inFIG. 3(a), the bridging wires100are arranged to bridge the front frame12and the rear frame13. In the present embodiment, a plurality of bridging wires100are arranged in the lateral direction. To be more specific, the bridging wires100include left and right first longitudinal wires110as left and right first bridging wires, and two second longitudinal wires120as second bridging wires.

The left and right first longitudinal wires110are disposed separately from each other in the lateral direction, and each include a front extension portion111and a rear extension portion112as an extension portion, a bent portion113, a front inclined portion114, a front hooked portion115, a rear inclined portion116, and a rear hooked portion117.

The front extension portion111and the rear extension portion112extend substantially in the front-rear direction. In the present embodiment, the front extension portion111may be referred to as “first extension portion”, and the rear extension portion112may be referred to as “second extension portion”.

The front inclined portion114extends from a front end of the front extension portion111in an obliquely-frontward-and-upward direction, and the rear inclined portion116extends from a rear end of the rear extension portion112in an obliquely-rearward-and-upward direction.

The front hooked portion115is a portion to be hooked on the front frame12, and extends out from a front end of the front inclined portion114substantially in a shape of an upwardly convexed segment of a circle. The rear hooked portion117is a portion to be hooked on the rear frame13, and extends out from an upper end of the rear inclined portion116substantially in a shape of a segment of a circle.

The bent portion113is formed between the front extension portion111and the rear extension portion112in the front-rear direction, and so bent as to protrude laterally outward, in a substantially U-shaped configuration, relative to the front and rear extension portions111,112. As shown inFIG. 6, the bent portion113is located above a plane PL extending through the extension portions111,112of the left and right first longitudinal wires110. In other words, the bent portion113is so formed as to protrude in an obliquely-laterally-outward-and-upward direction relative to the front and rear extension portions111,112. As shown inFIG. 3(a), the front extension portion111extends substantially frontward from one of laterally inner ends (i.e., the front end) of the bent portion113, while the rear extension portion112extends substantially rearward from the other of the laterally inner ends (i.e., the rear end) of the bent portion113.

The second longitudinal wires120are arranged side by side between the left and right first longitudinal wires110, and each include an extension portion121, a front inclined portion124, a front hooked portion125, a rear inclined portion126, and a rear hooked portion127.

The extension portion121extends in a substantially front-rear direction, and arranged substantially parallel to the front and rear extension portions111,112of the left and right first longitudinal wires110.

The front inclined portion124and the front hooked portion125are formed to have substantially the same shapes as those of the front inclined portion114and the front hooked portion115of the first longitudinal wire110, whereas the rear inclined portion126and the rear hooked portion127are formed to have substantially the same shapes as those of the rear inclined portion116and the rear hooked portion117of the first longitudinal wire110. In the present embodiment, the front hooked portions115,125of the longitudinal wires110,120may be referred to as “hooked portion formed in the bridging wire”.

The reinforcing wires200are so arranged as to cross the bridging wires100(first longitudinal wires110and second longitudinal wires120) as viewed from above. In the present embodiment, there are a plurality of reinforcing wires200arranged in the front-rear direction. To be more specific, the reinforcing wires200include a first transverse wire210and a second transverse wire220disposed in front of the first transverse wire210.

The first transverse wire210consists of a single wire, and includes a first wire portion211and left and right first support portions212as a first reinforcing wire, and left and right second wire portions213as a second reinforcing wire. The first wire portion211and the second wire portion213are so arranged as to cross the extension portions121of the second longitudinal wires120.

The first wire portion211extends in the lateral direction. As shown inFIG. 5, the first wire portion211runs to detour around sciatic positions SP corresponding to ischial regions of an occupant, and is partly located on the rear side of the sciatic positions SP. To be more specific, the first wire portion211includes left and right end portions211A, intermediate portions211B extending from laterally inner ends of the respective end portions211A and (as the first wire portion211is bent at these end portions) directed in obliquely-laterally-inward-and-rearward directions, and a center portion211C extending in the lateral direction and connecting rear ends of the left and right intermediate portions211B. The center portion211C is located on the rear side with respect to the sciatic positions SP. On the other hand, the left and right end portions211A are located on the front side with respect to the sciatic positions SP. It is to be understood that the left and right end portions211A may be located in the same front-rear position as those of the sciatic positions SP. In this description, the sciatic positions SP are positions corresponding to the lowermost portions of the ischial regions of the occupant.

The first support portions212extend rearward from left and right ends (i.e., laterally outer ends of the respective end portions211A) of the first wire portion211and (as the first support portions212are bent rearward from these end portions) are directed substantially in the front-rear direction. Each of the first support portions212extends along the front extension portion111and the rear extension portion112of a corresponding first longitudinal wire110substantially in the front-rear direction, and is located under the front extension portion111and the rear extension portion112. With this arrangement, the first support portion212serves to support the front extension portion111and the rear extension portion112of the first longitudinal wire110from below through the plastic member300, and further to support the bent portion113from below through the front extension portion111an the rear extension portion112. As shown inFIG. 3(a), the first transverse wire210is so arranged that portions of the first transverse wire210which cross the first longitudinal wires110(i.e., the first support portions212) are located under the front and rear extension portions111,112of the first longitudinal wires110while portions of the first transverse wire210which cross the second longitudinal wires120are located over the second longitudinal wires120. To be more specific, the first transverse wire210is configured such that the center portion211C of the first wire portion211and the laterally inner end portions of the second wire portions213are disposed above the extension portions121of the second longitudinal wires120.

The second wire portions213extend from rear ends of the first support portions212and (as the second wire portions213are bent laterally inward from these end portions) are directed in the laterally inward directions, and arranged adjacent the first wire portion211in a position rearward of the first wire portion211. To elaborate further, as shown inFIG. 5, the second wire portions213are located rearward of the center portion211C that is a portion located rearward of the sciatic positions SP.

As shown inFIG. 3(a), the second transverse wire220includes a center portion221, first intermediate portions222, second intermediate portions223, and end portions224.

The center portion221extends in the lateral direction, and disposed above the front inclined portions124of the left and right second longitudinal wires120so as to cross over the front inclined portions124.

The first intermediate portions222are bent and extend from left and right ends of the center portion221rearward, i.e., toward a direction to which one end (rear end) of each front inclined portion124is pointed.

The second intermediate portions223are bent and extend from rear ends of the first intermediate portions222laterally outward. The second intermediate portions223are so arranged over the front extension portions111of the first longitudinal wires110that laterally outer end portions thereof cross over the front extension portions111.

The end portions224are bent and extend from laterally outer ends of the second intermediate portions223rearward, i.e., toward a direction to which one end (rear end) of each front extension portion111is pointed.

As shown inFIG. 3(b), the first intermediate portions222of the second transverse wire220are nonparallel to the front inclined portions124of the second longitudinal wires120as viewed from above. By extension, as shown inFIG. 3(c), the first intermediate portion222crosses the front inclined portion124as viewed from the left or right side. Herein, the front inclined portion124of the second longitudinal wire120may be referred to as “first portion”, the center portion221of the second transverse wire220may be referred to as “second portion”, and the first intermediate portion222of the second transverse wire220may be referred to as “third portion”.

Turning toFIG. 3(d), the end portion224of the second transverse wire220crosses the front extension portion111of the first longitudinal wire110, as viewed from the left or right side, and thus is nonparallel to the front extension portion111. Herein, the front extension portion111of the first longitudinal wire110may be referred to as “first portion”, the second intermediate portion223of the second transverse wire220may be referred to as “second portion”, and the end portion224of the second transverse wire220may be referred to as “third portion”.

As shown inFIG. 3(a), the plastic member300is configured to cover the bridging wires100and the reinforcing wires200, and connects the bridging wires100and the reinforcing wires200together. To be more specific, the bridging wires100and the reinforcing wires200are so arranged as to be kept out of contact with each other at crossovers, and spaced predetermined distances apart from each other, and the thus-spaced apart bridging and reinforcing wires100,200in entirety are covered with and connected together by the plastic member300. For this purpose, the plastic member300(to be more specific, plastic material of the plastic member300) exist in gaps each formed between a portion of the bridging wires100which crosses the reinforcing wires200and a corresponding portion of the reinforcing wires200which crosses that portion of the bridging wires100.

As shown inFIG. 4, the plastic member300is configured to include a base portion310, wire covering portions320, mount portions330, second support portions340, a front hook portion350as a hook portion, rear hook portions360, and a pair of left and right frame contact portions370.

The wire covering portions320are portions with which the bridging wires100and the reinforcing wires200enveloped therein are covered; in the present embodiment, the wire covering portions320have bead-shaped configuration which protrudes upward with respect to the base portion310and the mount portions330. The wire covering portions320include first longitudinal wire covering portions321with which the first longitudinal wires110are covered, second longitudinal wire covering portions322with which the second longitudinal wires120are covered, first transverse wire covering portions323with which the first transverse wire210is covered, and a second transverse wire covering portion324with which the second transverse wire220is covered. In the present embodiment, the first longitudinal wire covering portions321and the second longitudinal wire covering portions322may be referred to as “bridging wire covering portion”, and the first transverse wire covering portions323and the second transverse wire covering portion324may be referred to as “reinforcing wire covering portion”. The wire covering portions320are configured such that the bridging wires100and the reinforcing wires200are connected with plastic interposed therebetween particularly in each of portions thereof at which the bridging wire100and the reinforcing wire200are crossed by each other.

The base portion310is a portion interposed between the left and right first longitudinal wire covering portions321, and so provided as to connect adjacent first and second longitudinal wire covering portions321,322or adjacent second longitudinal wire covering portions322. The base portion310includes a horizontal portion311and an inclined portion312formed in a front-side portion of the support member20.

As shown in an enlarged view ofFIG. 8, the horizontal portion311extends along the extension portions121of the second longitudinal wires120, that is, substantially in the front-rear direction. On the upper surface of the horizontal portion311, a plurality of ribs313are formed which protrude upward, and of which the direction of protrusion is thus the same as that of the wire covering portions320. Each rib313joins to the wire covering portion(s)320so as to be integral with the wire covering portion(s)320. In other words, each rib313is so arranged as to extend from the wire covering portion(s)320. With this configuration, the plastic member300can be enhanced in rigidity, and the support member20can be enhanced in rigidity accordingly.

In the present embodiment, the ribs313include first ribs313A, second ribs313B, and third ribs313C.

The first ribs313A are disposed between the front and rear first transverse wire covering portions323and extend substantially in the front-rear direction. Each first rib313A has one end (rear end) joining to the wire covering portion320, particularly to the rear first transverse wire covering portion323that is one of the wire covering portions320located rearward (portion with which the second wire portions213are covered). The first rib313A has the other end (front end), and an upper surface so shaped as to incline in an obliquely-frontward-and-downward direction, so that the amount of protrusion of the first rib313A from the upper surface of the horizontal portion311(in other words, the height of the first rib313A) gradually decreases toward the front end. With this configuration, a touch of something stepped which would be produced by provision of the first ribs313A can be reduced so that the feel of seating for a person seated on the seat can be made more comfortable.

The second ribs313B and the third ribs313C are disposed between the first transverse wire covering portion323and the second transverse wire covering portion324, and extend obliquely with respect to the lateral direction. Each second rib313B has one end (front end) joining to the second longitudinal wire covering portion322and the other end (rear end) joining to the front first transverse wire covering portion323that is one of the wire covering portions located frontward (portion with which the first wire portion211is covered). With this configuration, the plastic member300can be further enhanced in rigidity, and the support member20can thus be further enhanced in rigidity. Each third rib313C extends parallel to or perpendicular to the second ribs313B. In the present embodiment, a latticed pattern of ribs are formed by the second ribs313B and the third ribs313C between the first transverse wire covering portion323and the second transverse wire covering portion324. With this configuration, the plastic member300can be still further enhanced in rigidity, and the support member20can thus be still further enhanced in rigidity.

The inclined portion312extends along the front inclined portions114,124of the longitudinal wires110,120from the front end of the horizontal portion311in an obliquely-frontward-and-upward direction (see alsoFIG. 14). As shown inFIG. 7, a seating sensor30is disposed on the upper surface of the inclined portion312. The seating sensor30is a known sensor for detecting the seating of an occupant on the car seat S. In the present embodiment, the seating sensor30is disposed between adjacent bridging wires100, specifically, between the second longitudinal wires120. To elaborate, the seating sensor30is disposed in a position at a center or its vicinity of the upper surface of the inclined portion312between the second longitudinal wire covering portions322. With this configuration, the seating sensor30is disposed between the rigidity-enhanced portions, of the plastic member300, reinforced by the adjacent second longitudinal wires120; therefore, the rigidity in the mounting structure for the seating sensor30can be enhanced. At a center or its vicinity of the inclined portion312, a substantially rectangular first through hole314extending through upper and lower sides thereof is formed. As shown inFIG. 9, a harness31extending from the seating sensor30is routed through the first through hole314, drawn out under the support member20, then directed frontward, and connected to a connector32attached to the pan frame14.

As shown inFIG. 8, in the plastic member300, each second longitudinal wire covering portion322includes a first covering portion322A with which the front inclined portion124is covered, and the second transverse wire covering portion324includes a second covering portion324A with which the first intermediate portions222are covered, and the base portion310includes a connecting portion310A by which each first covering portion322A and the second covering portion324A are connected. As described above, the first intermediate portion222is nonparallel to the front inclined portion124; therefore, in comparison with an alternative configuration in which the first intermediate portion222is parallel to the front inclined portion124, the first covering portion322A and the second covering portion324A connected by the connecting portion310are rendered unlikely to rotate relative to each other, because they are in contorted positions relative to each other. In other words, the plastic member300is rendered unlikely to deform particularly at and around the connecting portions310A. With this configuration, the plastic member300can be enhanced in rigidity, and the support member20can thus be enhanced in rigidity.

The mount portions330are plate-shaped portions constituting front-side portions of the left and right side portions of the plastic member300, and so provided as to extend from the front end portions of the left and right first longitudinal wire covering portions321laterally outward. The mount portions330extend in the front-rear direction along the front inclined portions114,124of the longitudinal wires110,120. The mount portions330, in other words, portions of the plastic member300on which no wire covering portion320is provided, have a plurality of mounting holes331so formed as to extend through upper and lower sides thereof. The mounting holes331are holes for use in mounting other members to the support member20. Examples of other members to be mounted to the support member20may include, as shown inFIG. 9, harnesses81-83to be connected to electric components such as a motor and a sheet heater (not shown) installed in the car seat S. To be more specific, the harnesses81-83are held in a harness clip84known in the art and are mounted to the support member20by claws (not shown) of the harness clip84getting engaged in the mounting hole331. In this way, as the mounting holes331are formed in positions clear of the wire covering portions320, the mounting holes331for use in mounting the other members to the plastic member300can be provided with ease. Moreover, this is more advantageous as a structure for mounting other members, for example, in comparison with an alternative configuration in which a claw-shaped portion or the like adapted to engage with the other member is formed in the plastic member300, in that the support member20herein can be prevented from having an undesirably complicate structure. The harnesses81-83are connected to the connectors85attached to the pan frame14. The holes for use in mounting the other members may be provided any places as long as they are in positions clear of the wire covering portions320, for example, in the base portion310and/or other portions.

As shown inFIG. 4, the second support portions340are substantially plate-shaped portions constituting rear-side portions of the left and right side portions of the plastic member300, and so provided as to extend from the base portion310(specifically, the horizontal portion311and the rear end portion of the inclined portion312) in obliquely-laterally-outward-and-upward directions. The second support portions340are configured to envelop and cover the rear end portions of the front extension portions111of the first longitudinal wires110, the rear extension portions112and the bent portions113, the left and right end portions of the first transverse wire210, and the end portions224of the second transverse wire220. As shown inFIG. 9, ribs341,342protruding downward are formed on undersurfaces of the second support portions340. A plurality of ribs341extending substantially in the front-rear direction are arranged in the lateral direction. A plurality of ribs342extending substantially in the lateral direction are arranged in the front-rear direction. As shown inFIG. 6, each laterally extending rib342has a substantially triangular shape as viewed from the front or rear direction, and extends from a position laterally outward of the laterally outer end of the bent portion113to a position laterally inward of the laterally inner end of the bent portion113.

As shown inFIG. 8, in the present embodiment, each second support portion340includes a first covering portion340A with which the rear end portion of the front extension portion111of the first longitudinal wire110is covered, a second covering portion340B with which the end portion224of the second transverse wire220is covered, and a connecting portion340C by which the first covering portion340A and the second covering portion340B are connected. As described above, the end portion224is nonparallel to the front extension portion111; therefore, in comparison with an alternative configuration in which the end portion224is parallel to the front extension portion111, the first covering portion340A and the second covering portion340B are rendered unlikely to rotate relative to each other, and the second support portion340is rendered unlikely to deform particularly at and around the connecting portion340C. With this configuration, the plastic member300can be enhanced in rigidity, and the support member20can thus be enhanced in rigidity.

The front hook portion350is a portion to be hooked on the front frame12, and has a laterally elongate substantially semicylindrical shape. The front hook portion350is a portion of the plastic member300(i.e., plastic of which the plastic member300is made) with which the front hooked portions115,125of the longitudinal wires110,120are covered.

As shown inFIG. 4, the rear hook portions360are portions to be hooked on the rear frame13. The rear hook portions360include left and right first rear hook portions361, and a second rear hook portion362disposed between the left and right first rear hook portions361. The left and right first rear hook portions361are portions of plastic with which the rear hooked portions117of the corresponding first longitudinal wires110are covered, respectively. Similarly, the second rear hook portion362is a portion of plastic with which the rear hooked portions127of the two second longitudinal wires120are covered. As shown inFIG. 9 (a), (b), the harnesses81,82are routed through a gap between the left first rear hook portion361and the second rear hook portion362on the rear frame13. The gap between the first rear hook portion361and the second rear hook portion362forms a space recessed relative to the upper surfaces of the first rear hook portion361and the second rear hook portion362; therefore, arrangement of the harnesses81,82in this space can serve to reduce a touch of something stepped which would be produced by arrangement of the harnesses81,82.

As shown inFIG. 4, the frame contact portions370are portions contactable with position restriction surfaces14A (seeFIG. 10) of the pan frame14, which will be described later, from the laterally inner sides thereof, and are provided at the left and right sides of the front hook portion350. To be more specific, the frame contact portions370are configured to protrude at the left and right sides of the front hook portion350upward beyond the front hook portion350. The frame contact portions370have, at the laterally outer sides of their front portions, contact surfaces371contactable with the position restriction surfaces14A of the pan frame14.

As shown inFIG. 10, the pan frame14has a pair of position restriction surfaces14A facing laterally inward. To be more specific, the pan frame14includes a recess14B at a laterally middle region of a rear end portion thereof; the recess14B has a substantially U-shaped configuration which is recessed frontward, and left and right surfaces of the recess14B provide the position restriction surfaces14A. The plastic member300(support member20) is so disposed as to have its front end portion received inside the recess14B, and the frame contact portions370are disposed adjacent to the laterally inner sides of the left and right corresponding position restriction surfaces14A. To elaborate further, the contact surfaces371of the frame contact portions370are so located adjacent to the laterally inner sides of the corresponding position restriction surfaces14A as to face the position restriction surfaces14A. The contact surfaces371and the position restriction surfaces14A are each formed as an inclined surface which is inclined laterally outward toward a side (in the front-to-rear direction) on which the pan frame14and the support member20are arranged (i.e., toward rearward). As shown inFIG. 11, the frame contact portions370are so provided at the left and right ends of the front hook portions350as to protrude therefrom upward beyond the position restriction surfaces14A formed at the rear-side edges of the pan frame14.

As shown inFIG. 9andFIG. 11, the pan frame14made of sheet metal includes, at laterally outer sides of the recess14B, plate-shaped portions14C disposed on the laterally outer sides of the frame contact portions370. The harnesses82,83are disposed under the left plate-shaped portion14C. In the present embodiment, the harnesses82,83may be referred to as “electric wire(s)”. With this configuration, the harnesses82,83are disposed under the cushion frame F1having a greater rigidity; therefore, the harnesses82,83that are elastic members disposed inside the car seat S can be rendered unlikely to receive a force. The harnesses82,83are held in the harness clip86, and attached to the pan frame14by engagement of the harness clip86in a mounting hole14H formed in the plate-shaped portion14C.

As shown in the bottom view ofFIG. 12, the plastic member300includes, at a front end portion thereof, an outer sidewall381and ribs382.

The outer sidewall381constitutes a laterally outer wall of a front end portion (including a laterally outer wall of the frame contact portion370) of the plastic member300.

The ribs382are configured to protrude downward, arranged to extend laterally inward from the outer sidewall381which extends substantially in the front-rear direction, and shaped to be adjoined to the upper portion of the front hook portion350. There are two ribs382arranged in the front-rear direction, of which one is disposed in a longitudinally front position near the rear end of the inclined contact surface371of the frame contact portion370, and the other is disposed in a longitudinally rear position that is rearward of the longitudinally front position. The ribs382are configured to be located over the front frame12when the front hook portion350is hooked on the front frame12.

As shown inFIG. 13, a blower40is disposed below the support member20. Although not illustrated in the drawing, the pad material of the seat cushion S1has a plurality of air vents formed in the upper surface and air passages connected to the air vents; an outlet40B of the blower40is connected via a duct50(seeFIG. 14) to the air passage. With this arrangement, the car seat S is configured such that air is caused to blow out from the upper surface of the seat cushion S1when the blower40is actuated.

The blower40is, for example, a sirocco fan, and includes a housing41, an impeller42, and a motor (not shown) for causing the impeller42to rotate.

The housing41includes a housing body44in which the impeller42and the motor are housed, a tubular outlet portion45extending rearward from the left end portion of the housing body44, and plate-shaped fixing portions46extending outward from the housing body44. At an upper surface of the housing body44, an intake port (not shown) for admitting air is formed; at a rear end of the outlet portion45, the outlet40B for blowing out air is formed. The fixing portions46include a first fixing portion46A, a second fixing portion46B and a third fixing portion46C. The first fixing portion46A is so formed as to extend from the housing body44in an obliquely-rightward-and-frontward direction, and the second fixing portion46B is so formed as to extend from the housing body44in an obliquely-leftward-and-frontward direction. The third fixing portion46C is so formed as to extend from the housing body44substantially rearward. Each fixing portion46has a through hole46H formed therein.

The blower40is attached to the support member20. To be more specific, the blower40includes a front-side portion attached via a bracket60to the support member20, and a rear-side portion attached directly to the support member20.

The bracket60is mounted on an underside of the support member20, and includes a plate-shaped bracket body61, bosses62A,62B, and through holes63A,63B. The bracket body61has a substantially U-shaped configuration, and has an opening61A formed therein in a position corresponding to the intake port of the blower40, which opening61A opens upward, downward and rearward. Each boss62A,62B is so formed as to have a cylindrical shape protruding downward from an undersurface of the bracket body61. The boss62A is provided at a right side of a front end portion of the bracket body61, and the boss62B is provided at a left side of the front end portion of the bracket body61. The through holes63A,63B are holes extending through upper and lower sides of the bracket body61. The through holes63A,63B are provided in such positions that the through hole63A is disposed at a right side of a rear end portion of the bracket body61and the through hole63B is disposed at a left side of the rear end portion of the bracket body61with the opening61A disposed therebetween.

As shown inFIG. 9, the plastic member300that constitutes the support member20includes right and left blower mount portions390R,390L to which the blower40is to be attached. The car seat S consistent with the present embodiment may be configured to have the blower40attached to a position varying according to its specifications. To be more specific, the blower40may be attached to either of the right blower mount portion390R and the left blower mount portion390L according to the specification of the car seat S. For example, when the car seat S is to be installed as the right seat, the blower40may be attached to the right blower mount portion390R; when the car seat S is to be installed as the left seat, the blower40may be attached to the left blower mount portion390L. Since the configurations of the right and left blower mount portions390R,390L are substantially the same as each other, the following detailed description will be directed mainly to the right blower mount portion390R.

The blower mount portion390R includes, as shown inFIG. 13, a plurality of cylindrical bosses391protruding downward from the undersurface of the plastic member300. The bosses391include a first boss391A, a second boss391B, and a third boss391C. The first boss391A, the second boss391B and the third boss391C are located in positions corresponding to the apexes of a triangle as viewed from below. To be more specific, the first boss391A and the second boss391B are located in positions laterally separated from each other; the third boss391C is located in a position rearward of the positions of the first boss391A and the second boss391B and between the first boss391A and the second boss391B in the lateral direction. The first boss391A is located on the front end portion of the right mount portion330; the second boss391B and the third boss391C are located in positions on the front end portion of the inclined portion312between the right first longitudinal wire110and the right second longitudinal wire120. To elaborate, the first boss391A is located at the right side of the right first longitudinal wire110, and the second boss391B and the third boss391C are located at the left side of the right first longitudinal wire110. In other words, the bosses391are located at both sides of the right first longitudinal wire110in the lateral direction.

As shown inFIG. 9, in the left blower mount portion390L, the first boss391A is located in a position on the front end portion of the inclined portion312between the left and right second longitudinal wires120; the second boss391B and the third boss391C are located in positions on the front end portion of the inclined portion312between the left second longitudinal wire120and the left first longitudinal wire110. To elaborate, in the left blower mount portion390L, the first boss391A is located at the right side of the left second longitudinal wire120; the second boss391B and the third boss391C are located at the left side of the left second longitudinal wire120. In other words, in the left blower mount portion390L as well, the bosses391A-391C are located at both sides of the left second longitudinal wire120in the lateral direction.

Hereinafter, one example of the way how to attach the blower40to the support member20is described.

As shown inFIG. 13, when the blower40is attached to the support member20, first, the bracket60is attached at the lower side of the support member20. To be more specific, the screw91is inserted through the through hole63A of the bracket60and screwed into the first boss391A, and the screw92is inserted through the through hole63B of the bracket60and screwed into the second boss391B. Thereafter, the blower40is attached to the lower sides of the bracket60and the support member20. To be more specific, the screw93is inserted through the through hole46H of the first fixing portion46A formed in the blower40, and screwed into the boss62A of the bracket60, and the screw94is inserted through the through hole46H of the second fixing portion46B and screwed into the boss62B of the bracket60, so that the front-side portion of the blower40is attached to the bracket60. Similarly, the screw95is inserted through the through hole46H of the third fixing portion46C formed in the blower40and screwed into the third boss391C of the plastic member300, so that the rear-side portion of the blower40is directly attached to the support member20.

In the present embodiment, the blower40is attached, partly through the bracket60, to the support member20; therefore, in comparison with an alternative embodiment in which the blower40in its entirety is attached directly to the support member20, the degree of flexibility in attachment of the blower40can be increased. Moreover, as the degree of flexibility in arrangement of the blower40inside the car seat S can be increased, the space inside the car seat S can be utilized effectively.

Particularly, in the present embodiment, part of the blower40, i.e., the front-side portion thereof, is attached to the bracket60, and the blower40is thereby attached to the support member20through the bracket60, and the rear-side portion thereof is directly attached to the support member20; therefore, the blower40can be attached in a position under the front hook portion350, which would be considered to be a position in which a boss for attachment is not easy to provide. Accordingly, the degree of flexibility in attachment of the blower40can be further increased. Also, the degree of flexibility in arrangement of the blower40inside the car seat S can be further increased, so that the space inside the car seat S can be utilized more effectively.

Since the blower40is attached to the plastic member300, vibrations of the support member20associated with the operation of the blower40, and/or noises produced by the vibrations of the operating blower40, can be made lower, in comparison with an alternative configuration in which the blower40is attached to the bridging wires100or other members made of metal.

Moreover, since the blower40is attached to the protruding bosses391provided on the plastic member300, the degree of flexibility in attachment of the blower40can be further increased in comparison, for example, with an alternative configuration in which the blower40is attached to a flat surface of the plastic member300.

Since the bosses391are located at the both sides of the bridging wires100, the blower40is attached to the plastic member300across the high-rigidity portion of the plastic member300reinforced by the bridging wires100. With this configuration, the rigidity in the attachment structure of the blower40can be increased.

As shown inFIG. 14, the blower40attached to the support member20is disposed under the inclined portion312of the plastic member300that constitutes the support member20. With this configuration, the space-saving arrangement of the blower40under the support member20can be realized, and the car seat S in which the blower40is included can thus be designed to be compact in size. Herein, the blower40is disposed to have the front-side portion thereof located under the front frame12made of metal.

As shown inFIG. 9, the inclined portion312of the plastic member300has second through holes315extending through upper and lower sides thereof in positions rearward of the second boss391B. The second through holes315are provided one at each of the left and right sides of the inclined portion312corresponding to the left and right blower mount portions390R,390L. As shown inFIG. 14, each second through hole315is a through hole in which a duct50connected to the outlet portion45of the blower40is to be disposed. With this configuration, in comparison with an alternative configuration in which the duct is disposed around the support member20, the cushion frame F1(seat cushion S1) can be designed to be compact in size, and the car seat S can thus be designed to be compact in size.

As shown inFIG. 5, a portion of the plastic member300(inclined portion312) between the front hook portion350and the second through hole315forms an insulating wall316that is a wall with which the housing body44of the blower40, and by extension, the impeller42housed in the housing body44, is covered, as viewed from above. With this configuration, sound insulation against noises produced by rotation of the impeller42can be achieved by the insulating wall316of the plastic member300; therefore, the transmission of operating noises of the blower40to an occupant can be reduced. It is to be understood that the insulating wall316may be provided to cover the blower40in its entirety (including the outlet portion45) as viewed from above.

According to the present embodiment as described above, the support member20which is configured to receive a load from an occupant can be made up of the bridging wires100, the reinforcing wires200and the plate-shaped plastic member300with which the bridging wires100and the reinforcing wires200are covered, as shown inFIG. 2. As a result, the load from an occupant can be received by a surface having an effective bearing area. In addition, the support member20can be designed to have an adequate flexibility so as to be more appropriate in comparison with an alternative configuration in which the support member is made of metal plate. Furthermore, the plate-shaped plastic member300can be reinforced by the bridging wires100and the reinforcing wires200both of which are made of metal, and thus the support member20can be designed to have an adequate rigidity. With these features, the feel of seating for a person seated on the car seat S can be made more comfortable. Since the plastic member300is configured to cover and retain the bridging wires100and the reinforcing wires200spaced out of contact with each other, noises which would otherwise be produced by contact of the wires can be prevented.

According to the present embodiment, as shown inFIGS. 3 and 4, each of the left and right first longitudinal wires110includes a substantially-U-shaped bent portion113protruding in an obliquely-laterally-outward-and-upward direction relative to the front or rear extension portion111,112; therefore, the left and right bent portions113can be so arranged as to sandwich and support an occupant from the left and right sides through the second support portions340of the plastic member300. With this configuration, the car seat S can be provided with an improved holding feature. On the other hand, the bent portions113are provided by bending portions of the left and right first longitudinal wires110; thus, in comparison with an alternative configuration in which a separate member having a feature so arranged as to sandwich and support an occupant from the left and right sides is provided, the number of parts of the car seat S can be reduced.

In the present embodiment, since the first support portions212of the first transverse wire210are configured to support the bent portions113through the extension portions111,112from below, the bent portions113can be supported by the first support portions212even when the first longitudinal wires110having the bent portions113are deformed downward upon seating of an occupant. As a result, excessive downward motion of the bent portions113, in other words, excessive lowering of the bent portions113can be suppressed. This serves to make it possible to retain the holding feature provided by the left and right bent portions113upon seating of an occupant.

In the present embodiment, since the first support portions212can support the both of the front and rear sides of the bent portions113, specifically, the both of the front extension portions111and the rear extension portions112, excessive lowering of the bent portions113upon deformation of the first longitudinal wires110can be suppressed effectively. Accordingly, the holding feature provided by the left and right bent portions113upon seating of an occupant can be retained more satisfactorily.

In the present embodiment, since portions of the first transverse wire210which cross the second longitudinal wires120are disposed over the second longitudinal wires120, the first transverse wire210including the first support portions212can be supported by the second longitudinal wires120. With this arrangement, when the first longitudinal wires110deform downward, excessive lowering of the first transverse wire210itself can be suppressed effectively by the first support portions212. As a result, the holding feature provided by the left and right bent portions113upon seating of an occupant can be retained still more satisfactorily.

In the present embodiment, since the plastic member300includes the plate-shaped second support portions340that cover the bent portions113, an occupant can be supported by a surface having an effective bearing area, so that the feel of seating for the occupant can be made more comfortable.

In the present embodiment, as shown inFIG. 6, the ribs342provided on the undersides of the second support portions340extend laterally inward beyond the bent portions113; therefore, the downward turn of the bent portions113on the laterally inner ends thereof can be suppressed by the support of the ribs342. With this feature, the left and right bent portions113can be constrained from so deforming as to get wide open laterally outside due to a load from an occupant; therefore, the holding feature provided by the left and right bent portions113upon seating of the occupant can be retained satisfactorily.

In the present embodiment, as shown inFIG. 5, the first wire portion211so located as to cross the longitudinal wires110,120is provided; therefore, the support member20which may receive a load from an occupant can be reinforced. Also, the first wire portion211is configured to have the center portion211C located on the rear side with respect to the sciatic positions SP, so as to detour around the sciatic positions SP; therefore, deterioration in the feel of seating for the occupant due to a touch of the first wire portion211on the ischial regions and their vicinities of an occupant can be reduced.

In the present embodiment, the second wire portions213are further provided in addition to the first wire portion211; therefore, the support member20can be reinforced more strongly. Moreover, since the second wire portions213are located in positions rearward of the center portion211C of the first wire portion211, so that deterioration in the feel of seating for the occupant due to a touch of the second wire portions213on the ischial regions and their vicinities of an occupant can be reduced.

In the present embodiment, as shown inFIG. 14, part of the blower40(the front-side portion of the blower40) attached to the support member20is located under the front frame12; therefore, a load from an occupant seated on the car seat S can be received and supported by the front frame12that is made of metal and thus has a greater rigidity. Accordingly, the load from the occupant can be made unlikely to be imposed on the blower40.

In the present embodiment, as shown inFIG. 10, the pan frame14has a pair of left and right position restriction surfaces14A, and the support member20includes a pair of left and right frame contact portions370; thus, when the support member20in the state shown inFIG. 10tends to move in the left or right direction to a large extent, the frame contact portion370of the support member20comes in contact with the position restriction surface14A of the pan frame14from its laterally inner side. Accordingly, the support member20is restrained from further move in the left or right direction; thus, the lateral dislocation of the support member20can be restricted.

In the present embodiment, the support member20tends to move laterally along the front frame12on which the front hook portions350are hooked; therefore, provision of the frame contact portions370on both of the left and right sides of the front hook portion350can adequately cause the frame contact portions370to come in contact with the position restriction surfaces14A from the laterally inner sides thereof. Accordingly, the lateral dislocation of the support member20can be restricted more effectively.

In the present embodiment, the frame contact portions370are so provided as to protrude upward beyond the position restriction surfaces14A; therefore, even if the frame contact portions370involve some dimension errors, or when the pan frame14provided is configured to be movable upward and downward by a tilt mechanism, the position restriction surfaces14A can be caused to come in good contact with the frame contact portions370. Accordingly, the lateral dislocation of the support member20can be restricted still more effectively.

In the present embodiment, the support member20includes ribs382extending laterally inward from each outer sidewall381which includes the frame contact portion370; therefore, the rigidity of the outer sidewall381can be enhanced. With this feature, the rigidity of the frame contact portion370can also be enhanced, and the lateral dislocation of the support member20can be restricted satisfactorily by the contact of the frame contact portion370and the position restriction surface14A.

In the present embodiment, the frame contact portion370is so provided as to protrude upward beyond the front hook portion350; therefore, the contact surfaces371can be given a sufficiently large size. Accordingly, the position restriction surfaces14A can be caused to come in good contact with the frame contact portions370, and the lateral dislocation of the support member20can be restricted more satisfactorily.

In the present embodiment, the position restriction surfaces14A and the contact surfaces371are configured as slanted surfaces extending in obliquely-rearward-and-laterally-outward directions; therefore, in comparison with an alternative configuration in which the position restriction surfaces14A and the contact surfaces371are configured as surfaces perpendicular to the lateral direction, an impact which the position restriction surface14A and the contact surface371will have upon contact with each other can be reduced. Accordingly, the impact associated with restriction of dislocation of the support member20can be reduced.

Since the frame contact portions370are formed in the plastic member300made of plastic, noises which would be produced upon contact of the frame contact portion370with the position restriction surface14A provided on the pan frame14made of metal can be suppressed. Accordingly, the noises associated with restriction of dislocation of the support member20can be reduced.

Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. Specific configurations may be modified where appropriate without departing from the gist of the present invention as will be described below. In the following description, the same components as of the above-described embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, a duplicate description thereof will thus be omitted where appropriate, and a description of aspects different from those of the above-described embodiment will be given in detail.

For example, as shown inFIG. 15 (a), (b), a support member20configured according to a modified example includes left and right first longitudinal wires110and one third longitudinal wire130as a bridging wire; a first transverse wire210as a reinforcing wire; and a plastic member300with which the wires110,130,210are covered and integrated in one piece.

The third longitudinal wire130is disposed between the left and right first longitudinal wires110, and arranged to bridge the front frame12and the rear frame13. The third longitudinal wire130mainly includes a front-side first parallel portion131, a rear-side second parallel portion132, and a bent portion133disposed between the first parallel portion131and the second parallel portion132. The first parallel portion131and the second parallel portion132are disposed parallel to one straight line L extending substantially in the front-rear direction. To be more specific, the first parallel portion131and the second parallel portion132are disposed on the same straight line L as viewed from above and extend substantially in the front-rear direction. The bent portion133is so bent laterally as to swerve off the straight line L. To be more specific, the bent portion133includes a front portion133A so bent in a substantially U-shaped configuration as to protrude from the straight line L to the right side, and a rear portion133B so bent in a substantially U-shaped configuration as to protrude from the straight line L to the left side. As the rear end of the front portion133A and the front end of the rear portion133B are joined to form a laterally extending straight line, the bent portion133is configured to have a substantially S-shaped configuration as a whole.

The plastic member300includes a third longitudinal wire covering portion325as part of the wire covering portion320, with which the third longitudinal wire130is covered. The third longitudinal wire covering portion325has a bead-shaped configuration which protrudes upward with respect to the base portion310and the mount portion330, and includes a bent portion covering portion326with which the bent portion133is covered. The plastic member300also includes a thick portion317having a thickness greater than a surrounding portion. The thick portion317is formed, like the third longitudinal wire covering portion325, to have a bead-shaped configuration which protrudes upward with respect to the surrounding portion. The thick portion317includes a first thick portion317A and a second thick portion317B. The first thick portion317A is configured to have a substantially L-shaped configuration connecting two ends of a front-side opening326A formed by the bent portion covering portion326which are an end closer to the first parallel portion131and an end closer to the second parallel portion132. The second thick portion317B is configured to have a substantially L-shaped configuration connecting ends of a rear-side opening326B formed by the bent portion covering portion326which are an end closer to the first parallel portion131and an end closer to the second parallel portion132. With this configuration, a thick portion having a substantially rectangular closed outline shape is formed by the front-side portion of the bent portion covering portion326and the first thick portion317A, as well as the rear-side portion of the bent portion covering portion326and the second thick portion317B; therefore, in comparison with an alternative configuration in which no such thick portion317is provided, the rigidity of the plastic member300can be enhanced. Accordingly, the rigidity of the support member can be enhanced.

In the embodiment shown inFIG. 15, the seating sensor30is disposed inside the area surrounded by the front-side portion of the bent portion covering portion326and the first thick portion317A. With this arrangement, the seating sensor30is located inside the high-rigidity portion of the plastic member300reinforced by the third longitudinal wire130and the thick portion317; therefore, the rigidity in the attachment structure of the seating sensor30can be increased. Although the above description refers to the bead-shaped thick portion317as an example of a thick portion, this may not be an essential feature. In other words, the thick portion may have any shape without limitation as long as the thickness is greater than the surrounding portion. AlthoughFIG. 15shows a particular configuration in which the third longitudinal wire130as an example of a bridging wire includes a first parallel portion131, a second parallel portion132and a bent portion133, this may not be an essential feature. For example, the reinforcing wire may include a first parallel portion, a second parallel portion and a bent portion, and/or the both of the bridging wire and the reinforcing wire may include a first parallel portion, a second parallel portion and a bent portion.

In the above-described embodiment, each of the left and right first longitudinal wires110is illustrated to include one bent portion113, but this is not a required limitation; rather, a plurality of bent portions may be provided for each.

In the above-described embodiment, part of the first wire portion211as an example of a first reinforcing wire is illustrated as being located on the rear side with respect to the sciatic positions SP, but is not necessarily so, and may alternatively be located on the front side with respect to the sciatic positions SP. Also, the first wire portion211may be located in its entirety on the front side or on the rear side with respect to the sciatic positions SP.

In the above-described embodiment, the first transverse wire210is illustrated as a single wire including a first wire portion211and a first support portions212as an example of a first reinforcing wire, and two second wire portions213as an example of a second reinforcing wire, but this is not an essential configuration. For example, a wire constituting a first wire portion211and first support portions212as a first reinforcing wire and two wires constituting two second wire portions213respectively as a second reinforcing wire may be provided as separate parts. If the wire constituting the first reinforcing wire and the wire constituting the second reinforcing wire are provided as separate parts, the second reinforcing wire may not be made up of two wires but may be a single wire. It is to be understood that a single-wire configuration for the first reinforcing wire and the second reinforcing wire may serve to reduce the number of wires, and by extension can reduce the number of parts in the car seat S, in comparison with an alternative configuration in which the first reinforcing wire and the second reinforcing wire are provided as different parts.

In the above-described embodiment, each first support portion212is configured to extend along the front and rear extension portions111,112in the front-rear direction, and located under the front and rear extension portions111,112to support the extension portions111,112from below, but this is not an essential arrangement. For example, the first support portion may be configured to extend in the lateral direction and to cross under one of the front extension portion111and the rear extension portion112to support the one of the extension portions from below. Furthermore, the first reinforcing wire may not include a first support portion.

In the above-described embodiment, the second transverse wire220as a reinforcing wire is illustrated to include a center portion221(second portion) and a first intermediate portion222(third portion), wherein the first intermediate portion222is nonparallel to the front inclined portion124(first portion) of the second longitudinal wire120(bridging wire), but this is not an essential configuration. For example, the bridging wire instead of the reinforcing wire may be configured to include the second portion and the third portion wherein the third portion of the bridging wire may be nonparallel to the first portion of the reinforcing wire. In this alternative configuration, the plastic member may preferably be configured to include a first covering portion with which the first portion of the reinforcing wire is covered, a second covering portion with which the third portion of the bridging wire is covered, and a connecting portion by which the first covering portion and the second covering portion are connected, in order to increase the rigidity of the support member.

In the above-described embodiment, the bridging wires100and the reinforcing wires200are entirely covered with the plastic member300, but may not necessarily so, and may be partly exposed to outside. For example, the bridging wires100and the reinforcing wires200may be so arranged as to be spaced apart from, thus kept out of contact with each other, and connected together by being covered with the plastic member at their crossovers only, while the other portions such as bent portions113may be left uncovered with the plastic member.

In the above-described embodiment, the wire covering portion320are configured to protrude upward, that is, to be disposed on the occupant side, but may not necessarily so, and may, for example, be configured to protrude downward, that is, to be disposed on the side opposite to the occupant side. Alternatively, the wire covering portion320may be configured to protrude upward and downward both.

In the present embodiment, the description has been given on the premise that the frame contact portion370of the support member20and the position restriction surface14A of the pan frame14are arranged to come in direct contact with each other, but this is not an essential configuration. For example, referring toFIG. 11, rubber, felt or the like may be disposed on either one of the contact surface371of the frame contact portion370and the position restriction surface14A, so that the frame contact portion370and the position restriction surface14A are configured to come in contact with each other through the rubber, felt or the like. With this configuration, noises and impact upon contact of the contact surface371and the position restriction surface14A can be reduced.

In the above-described embodiment, the frame contact portion370is provided to protrude upward beyond the front hook portion350, but this is not an essential feature; for example, the frame contact portion protruding upward may not be provided in the plastic member, and the laterally outer side surfaces of the front hook portions may be configured to serve as a frame contact portion. In the above-described embodiment, the position restriction surface14A and the frame contact portion370are provided on the front sides of the cushion frame F1and the support member20, but may not necessarily so, and may be provided on the rear side thereof, for example. Moreover, the position restriction surfaces and the contact surfaces may be surfaces substantially perpendicular to the lateral direction. Furthermore, the frame including the position restriction surface and the frame on which the support member is hooked may be one and the same member.

In the above-described embodiment, the blower40is provided with its front-side portion attached to the support member20through the bracket60and its rear-side portion attached directly to the support member, but this is not an essential configuration. For example, the blower as a whole may be attached to the bracket, and attached through the bracket to the support member. Alternatively, the blower as a whole may be attached directly to the support member.

In the above-described embodiment, the blower40is disposed under the inclined portion312, but may not necessarily so; for example, referring toFIG. 14, the blower may be disposed under the horizontal portion311. In the above-described embodiment, the front-side portion of the blower40is disposed under the front frame12, but may not necessarily so; for example, it may be the rear-side portion as an example of part of the blower that is disposed under the rear frame13as another example of the first connecting frame.

In the above-described embodiment, the blower40is exemplified by the sirocco fan, but may not necessarily so, and may be a propeller fan, a turbo fan, or the like, for example. In the above-described embodiment, the car seat S is configured to cause air to be blown out by the operation of the blower40, but may not necessarily so, and may be configured to cause air to be sucked in by the operation of the blower. Moreover, the blower may be a device switchable between blowing out and sucking in of air with its function of switching the direction of rotation of the impeller.

In the above-described embodiment, the frame member is exemplified by the cushion frame F1, but may not necessarily so; for example, the frame member may be a back frame that constitutes a frame of the seat back S2. To be more specific, the car seat S may be configured such that a plate-shaped support member including a bridging wire, a reinforcing wire and a plastic member is disposed inside the back frame shaped like a picture frame, wherein the configuration as in the seat cushion S1of the above-described embodiment is applied to the seat back S2. It is to be understood that in this configuration, the front side of the support member disposed inside the back frame corresponds to “an occupant side” thereof and the rear side thereof corresponds to “a side thereof opposite to the occupant side”. It is also to be understood that in this configuration, assuming that the side frames of the back frame inside which the support member is disposed are adopted as a pair of opposed frames, the upward-downward direction may be referred to as “perpendicular direction perpendicular to the opposing direction (lateral direction) of the pair of opposed frames”.

The car seat S in some instances may be configured such that the upper and lower frames of the back frame shaped like a picture frame inside which the support member is disposed are adopted as a pair of opposed frames. Furthermore, the car seat S in some other instances may be configured such that the front and rear frames of the cushion frame shaped like a picture frame inside which the support member is disposed as in the above-described embodiment are adopted as a pair of opposed frames. In these instances, the left and right side frames of the back frame or cushion frame may be adopted as a connecting frame. The car seat S in some instances may be configured such that the bridging wires are slung between the rear frame13and the pan frame14, for example.

In the above-described embodiment, the support member20is illustrated as including bridging wires100, reinforcing wires200and a plastic member300, but this is not an essential configuration. For example, feasible configurations of the support member may not include any reinforcing wires. Alternatively, other feasible configurations of the support members may include: a support member consisting of bridging wires only, a plate-shaped support member consisting of plastic only, a support member made of sheet metal, and the like, which are adoptable in certain circumstances.

In the above-described embodiment, the car seat S to be installed in an automobile is illustrated as an example of a vehicle seat, but feasible applications may not be limited thereto; for example, the vehicle seat may be a seat to be installed in a vehicle other than an automobile, such as a rail car, a ship, and an aircraft, etc.

Furthermore, any of the elements explained in relation to the above-described embodiment and modified examples may be implemented in combination as desired.