Vehicle seat

A vehicle seat including: an outside cover; an inside cover; a side airbag module; a side frame; an outside reinforcement cloth that covers a seat width direction outer side of the side airbag module; and an inside reinforcement cloth that is disposed between the side frame and the side airbag module, that covers a seat width direction inner side of the side airbag module, that includes one seat front-rear direction end portion separated into seat upper and lower sides and fixed to the side frame in a manner that avoids the fixing portion, that includes another seat front-rear direction end portion joined to the inside cover at the join portion, and that is configured to transmit tension to the join portion during inflation and deployment of the side airbag.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is based on and claims priority under 35 USC 119 from Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-188888 filed on Oct. 15, 2019, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a vehicle seat.

Related Art

For example, Japanese Patent No. 4452598 discloses technology relating to a vehicle seat provided with a side airbag. In this related art, a reinforcement cloth is employed to stabilize an inflation direction of the side airbag. This reinforcement cloth is configured by a sheet shaped front face-side reinforcement cloth that covers a front face side and an inner side face disposed on a seat width direction inner side of an airbag unit, and a sheet shaped side face-side reinforcement cloth that covers an outer side face disposed on a seat width direction outer side of the airbag unit.

The front face-side reinforcement cloth is attached to a front face-side reinforcement cloth bracket, and the side face-side reinforcement cloth is attached to a side face-side reinforcement cloth bracket. A pair of screws are provided spaced apart in the up-down direction on the inner side face of the airbag unit, and an airbag bracket is fixed to the airbag unit in a state in which one seat front-rear direction end side of the front face-side reinforcement cloth is disposed between the pair of screws.

The airbag bracket is formed with an L-shaped cross-section profile as sectioned along a horizontal direction, and one side of the airbag bracket is fixed to the airbag unit. The front face-side reinforcement cloth bracket and the side face-side reinforcement cloth bracket are attached to the other side of the airbag bracket, and in this state, the other side of the airbag bracket is fixed to a side frame provided to a side section of a seatback frame configuring a framework of a seatback configuring a back section of the vehicle seat.

However, in Japanese Patent No. 4452598, one seat front-rear direction end side of the front face-side reinforcement cloth (referred to hereafter as the “inside reinforcement cloth”) is pinched between the airbag bracket and the airbag unit (referred to hereafter as the “side airbag module”), and the airbag bracket fixed to the side airbag module is fixed to the vehicle seat side frame in this state. This creates difficulty in attaching the front face-side reinforcement cloth and the side face-side reinforcement cloth (referred to hereafter as the “outside reinforcement cloth”) after the side airbag module has been fixed to the vehicle seat side frame.

SUMMARY

In consideration of the above circumstances, an object of the present disclosure is to obtain a vehicle seat that enables an inside reinforcement cloth and an outside reinforcement cloth to be attached even after a side airbag module has been fixed to a side frame.

A vehicle seat of a first aspect of the present disclosure includes: an outside cover that covers a seat width direction outer side surface of a seatback side section positioned on a seat width direction outer side of a seatback; an inside cover that covers a seat width direction inner side surface of the seatback side section and that includes one seat width direction end portion joined to one seat width direction end portion of the outside cover at a join portion; a side airbag module that is housed inside the seatback side section and that includes a side airbag configured to inflate and deploy toward the join portion on receiving a supply of gas: a side frame that extends in a seat up-down direction along the seatback side section with the side airbag module fixed to the side frame at a fixing portion; an outside reinforcement cloth that covers a seat width direction outer side of the side airbag module, that includes one seat front-rear direction end portion fixed to the side frame, that includes another seat front-rear direction end portion joined to the outside cover at the join portion, and that is configured to transmit tension to the join portion during inflation and deployment of the side airbag; and an inside reinforcement cloth that is disposed between the side frame and the side airbag module, that covers a seat width direction inner side of the side airbag module, that includes one seat front-rear direction end portion separated into seat upper and lower sides so as to be fixed to the side frame in a manner that avoids the fixing portion, that includes another seat front-rear direction end portion joined to the inside cover at the join portion, and that is configured to transmit tension to the join portion during inflation and deployment of the side airbag.

In the vehicle seat of the first aspect of the present disclosure, the seat width direction outer side surface of the side section positioned at the seat width direction outer side of the seatback is covered by the outside cover, and the seat width direction inner side surface of the side section is covered by the inside cover. The one seat width direction end portion of the inside cover is joined to the one seat width direction end portion of the outside cover at the join portion.

The side airbag module is housed inside the seatback side section. The side airbag module includes the side airbag configured to inflate and deploy toward the join portion on receiving a supply of gas. The side frame is provided to the seatback side section. The side frame extends along the seat up-down direction, and the side airbag module is fixed to the side frame.

The seat width direction outer side of the side airbag module is covered by the outside reinforcement cloth. The one seat front-rear direction end portion of the outside reinforcement cloth is fixed to the side frame, and the other seat front-rear direction end portion of the outside reinforcement cloth is joined to the outside cover at the join portion where the inside cover and the outside cover are joined together.

The inside reinforcement cloth is disposed between the side frame and the side airbag module, and the seat width direction inner side of the side airbag module is covered by the inside reinforcement cloth. The one seat front-rear direction end portion of the inside reinforcement cloth is separated into seat upper and lower sides and is fixed to the side frame in a manner that avoids the fixing portion where the side airbag module is fixed to the side frame. The other seat front-rear direction end portion of the inside reinforcement cloth is joined to the inside cover at the join portion.

Due to the above configuration, in the present disclosure, when the side airbag inflates and deploys on receiving a supply of gas, the outside reinforcement cloth and the inside reinforcement cloth are stretched under inflation pressure from the side airbag such that tension is transmitted to the join portion between the inside cover to which the inside reinforcement cloth is joined and the outside cover to which the outside reinforcement cloth is joined. Accordingly, tensile stress concentrates at the join portion, causing the join portion to split open such that the side airbag inflates and deploys toward the seat front-rear direction front side of the vehicle seat.

Note that in the present disclosure, as described above, the one seat front-rear direction end portion of the inside reinforcement cloth is separated into seat upper and lower sides and is fixed to the side frame in a manner that avoids the fixing portion of the side airbag module. Thus, the present disclosure enables the inside reinforcement cloth to be fixed to the side frame after the side airbag module has been fixed to the side frame.

Namely, in the present exemplary disclosure, the inside reinforcement cloth can be fixed to the side frame before fixing the side airbag module to the side frame, and the inside reinforcement cloth can also be fixed to the side frame after the side airbag module has been fixed to the side frame.

In the present disclosure, “joining” encompasses stitching, welding, bonding, and the like. Moreover, in the present disclosure, the one seat front-rear direction end portion of the inside reinforcement cloth being “separated into seat upper and lower sides” encompasses for example cases in which the one seat front-rear direction end portion of the inside reinforcement cloth branches into seat upper and lower sides to form a two-pronged profile with respect to the other seat front-rear direction end portion of the inside reinforcement cloth, as well as cases in which the inside reinforcement cloth is divided into seat upper and lower sides.

A vehicle seat of a second aspect of the present disclosure is the vehicle seat of the first aspect, wherein the one seat front-rear direction end portion of the outside reinforcement cloth and the one seat front-rear direction end portion of the inside reinforcement cloth are jointly fixed to the side frame using a resin clip.

In the vehicle seat of the second aspect of the present disclosure, the one seat front-rear direction end portion of the outside reinforcement cloth and the one seat front-rear direction end portion of the inside reinforcement cloth are jointly fixed to the side frame using the resin clip. This facilitates the attachment operation and also enables a reduction in weight in comparison to cases in which the outside reinforcement cloth and the inside reinforcement cloth are fixed to the side frame using metal nuts and bolts.

A vehicle seat of a third aspect of the present disclosure is the vehicle seat of the first or the second aspect, wherein the side frame is provided with a recess forming a gap of at least a thickness of the inside reinforcement cloth between the side airbag module and the side frame in a state in which the side airbag module has been fixed to the side frame.

In the vehicle seat of the third aspect of the present disclosure, the recess is provided to the side frame. The recess forms the gap that has at least the thickness of the inside reinforcement cloth between the side airbag module and the side frame in a state in which the side airbag module has been fixed to the side frame. Namely, in the state in which the side airbag module has been fixed to the side frame, the inside reinforcement cloth can be disposed between the side frame and the side airbag module.

A vehicle seat of a fourth aspect of the present disclosure is the vehicle seat of any one of the first to the third aspects, further including: a notch that is formed in the one seat front-rear direction end portion of the inside reinforcement cloth so as to avoid the fixing portion where the side airbag module is fixed to the side frame; and a grippable grip portion that is provided at the one seat front-rear direction end portion of the outside reinforcement cloth so as to be disposed inside the notch in a state in which the one seat front-rear direction end portion of the outside reinforcement cloth has been superimposed on the one seat front-rear direction end portion of the inside reinforcement cloth.

In the vehicle seat of the fourth aspect of the present disclosure, the notch is formed in the one seat front-rear direction end portion of the inside reinforcement cloth, and the fixing portion of the side airbag module is avoided using this notch. The grippable grip portion is provided to the one seat front-rear direction end portion of the outside reinforcement cloth. The grip portion is set so as to be disposed inside the notch in the inside reinforcement cloth in a state in which the one seat front-rear direction end portion of the outside reinforcement cloth has been superimposed on the one seat front-rear direction end portion of the inside reinforcement cloth. Accordingly, the seat up-down direction positions of the inside reinforcement cloth and the outside reinforcement cloth with respect to the side frame are easier to ascertain.

A vehicle seat of a fifth aspect of the present disclosure is the vehicle seat of any one of the first to the fourth aspects, wherein the one seat front-rear direction end portion of the inside reinforcement cloth and the one seat front-rear direction end portion of the outside reinforcement cloth are respectively provided with a hook capable of being anchored to the side frame.

In the vehicle seat of the fifth aspect of the present disclosure, the one seat front-rear direction end portion of the inside reinforcement cloth and the one seat front-rear direction end portion of the outside reinforcement cloth are respectively provided with the hooks, and the hooks are capable of being anchored to the side frame. Providing the respective hooks to the inside reinforcement cloth and the outside reinforcement cloth in this manner enables the inside reinforcement cloth and the outside reinforcement cloth to be provisionally held by anchoring the respective hooks to the side frame during fixing of the inside reinforcement cloth and the outside reinforcement cloth to the side frame, thereby improving ease of operation.

As described above, the vehicle seat of the first aspect of the present disclosure enables the inside reinforcement cloth and the outside reinforcement cloth to be attached even after the side airbag module has been fixed to the side frame.

The vehicle seat of the second aspect of the present disclosure enables a reduction in costs in comparison to cases in which the outside reinforcement cloth and the inside reinforcement cloth are fixed to the side frame using metal nuts and bolts.

The vehicle seat of the third aspect of the present disclosure enables the inside reinforcement cloth to be fixed to the side frame even after the side airbag module has been fixed to the side frame.

The vehicle seat of the fourth aspect of the present disclosure enables the ease of operation to be improved when fixing the inside reinforcement cloth and the outside reinforcement cloth to the side frame.

The vehicle seat of the fifth aspect of the present disclosure enables the ease of operation to be improved when fixing the inside reinforcement cloth and the outside reinforcement cloth to the side frame.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Explanation follows regarding a vehicle seat according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, with reference to the drawings. Note that in the drawings, the arrow FR indicates a front side of the vehicle seat, the arrow UP indicates an upper side of the vehicle seat, and the arrow OUT indicates an outer side of the vehicle seat, as appropriate. Unless specifically stated otherwise, reference to front and rear, upward and downward, and left and right directions refers to front and rear in a front-rear direction of the vehicle seat, upward and downward in an up-down direction of the vehicle seat, and left and right in a left-right direction (seat width direction) of the vehicle seat.

Vehicle Seat Configuration

First, explanation follows regarding configuration of the vehicle seat according to the present exemplary embodiment.

Vehicle Seat

FIG. 1illustrates a vehicle seat10according to the present exemplary embodiment. For example, the vehicle seat10configures a driver's seat, and includes a seat cushion12on which an occupant sits, a seatback14to support the back of the occupant, and a headrest (not illustrated in the drawings) to support the head of the occupant. The seatback14is provided so as to be capable of swinging about a shaft13disposed along the seat width direction at a seat front-rear direction rear end portion of the seat cushion12, and the headrest is provided at a seat up-down direction upper end of the seatback14.

The seatback14includes a seatback body14A disposed at a seat width direction central portion, and seatback side portions (side sections)14B provided integrally to both seat width direction outer side end portions of the seatback body14A.

The seatback side portions14B respectively protrude toward the seat front-rear direction front side, and are formed such that a protrusion amount thereof decreases on progression from the seat width direction outer side toward the seatback body14A. A non-illustrated vehicle side door is disposed at the seat width direction outer side of the seatback side portion14B that, out of the left and right seatback side portions14B, is disposed on a vehicle width direction outer side.

FIG. 2is a cross-section illustrating the seatback side portion14B disposed on the seat width direction outer side of the seatback14, in a state sectioned along a substantially horizontal direction. As illustrated inFIG. 2, a seatback side frame (referred to hereafter as the “side frame”)18is provided extending in the seat up-down direction inside the seatback side portion14B so as to follow the seatback side portion14B.

Side Frame

In the present exemplary embodiment, the side frame18has a substantially back-to-front C-shaped cross-section profile opening toward the seat width direction inner side as sectioned along the horizontal direction. Note that although not illustrated in the drawings, out of the left and right seatback side portions14B, the cross-section profile of the side frame18in the seatback side portion14B disposed on the vehicle width direction inner side is configured in a substantially C-shape.

The side frame18includes an outside wall18A extending along the seat front-rear direction, a front side wall18B bent toward the seat width direction inner side from a seat front-rear direction front end of the outside wall18A, and a rear side wall18C bent toward the seat width direction inner side from a seat front-rear direction rear end of the outside wall18A.

A recess19that is recessed toward the seat width direction inner side is formed to a front portion18A1side including a seat front-rear direction central portion of the outside wall18A of the side frame18. A side airbag module (referred to hereafter as the “airbag module”)20, described later, is assembled to a seat front-rear direction rear portion18A2side of the outside wall18A of the side frame18.

A seatback pad22formed from a shock-absorbent member configured from foamed urethane or the like is provided at a seat front-rear direction front side and rear side of the side frame18, including at the seat width direction inner side of the side frame18.

Seatback Pad

In the present exemplary embodiment, the seatback pad22is configured including a pad front portion24provided at a front portion side of the seatback14, and a pad rear portion26provided at a rear portion side of the seatback14. The pad front portion24is configured including a pad body24A provided to the seatback body14A so as to span across the seatback body14A between the left and right seatback side portions14B, and pad side portions24B provided to the left and right seatback side portions14B.

Namely, the pad body24A gives the seatback body14A of the seatback14its shape, and each of the pad side portions24B gives the corresponding seatback side portion14B of the seatback14its shape. Accordingly, the pad side portion24B is thicker than the pad body24A, and protrudes toward the seat front-rear direction front side.

Note that the pad rear portion26is provided further toward the seat front-rear direction rear side than the side frame18.

Side Airbag Module

In the present exemplary embodiment, the airbag module20is disposed running in the seat width direction at the outside of the side frame18, and at the seat front-rear direction rear side of the pad side portion24B disposed in the seatback side portion14B on the vehicle width direction outer side out of the left and right seatback side portions14B.

The airbag module20includes a housing case30, a side airbag (not illustrated in the drawings) housed inside the housing case30in a folded state, and an inflator32, serving as a gas supply unit to supply gas into the side airbag housed inside the housing case30. The side airbag is formed in a bag shape from cloth, a resin sheet, or the like, and is configured to deploy into a vehicle cabin interior35while inflating on receiving a supply of gas from the inflator32.

FIG. 3is a cross-section sectioned along line A-A inFIG. 2. As illustrated inFIG. 3, in the housing case30, a pair of stud bolts33,34that are spaced apart in the seat up-down direction are provided arrayed in the length direction of the inflator32(in the seat up-down direction) on an inside face30A at the seat width direction inner side of the housing case30.

Side Frame, Airbag Module

As illustrated inFIG. 3, in the present exemplary embodiment, the outside wall18A of the side frame18is provided with an attachment mount18A3to which the inflator32is attached. The attachment mount18A3projects toward the seat width direction outer side, and a pair of through holes36,38are formed through the attachment mount18A3so as to be arrayed in the seat up-down direction.

The stud bolts33,34are inserted through the respective through holes36,38, and nuts40,42are fastened to the stud bolts33,34inserted through the respective through holes36,38. Namely, the airbag module20is fixed to the outside wall18A of the side frame18by the stud bolts33,34and the nuts40,42(configuring a fixing portion45).

In this manner, the inside face30A of the housing case30abuts the attachment mount18A3in a state in which the airbag module20has been fixed to the side frame18. As described above, the attachment mount18A3is formed to the outside wall18A of the side frame18so as to project toward the seat width direction outer side. Accordingly, when the attachment mount18A3is taken as a reference, recesses toward the seat width direction inner side (an upper side recess18A4, a lower side recess18A5) are formed at the upper side and lower side of the attachment mount18A3respectively.

Accordingly, in the present exemplary embodiment, in a state in which the airbag module20has been fixed to the side frame18, and the inside face30A of the housing case30is abutting the attachment mount18A3of the side frame18, a gap43is formed between the inside face30A of the housing case30and the upper side recess18A4of the side frame18, and a gap47is formed between the inside face30A of the housing case30and the lower side recess18A5of the side frame18.

Inside Cover, Outside Cover

As illustrated inFIG. 2, in the present exemplary embodiment, the pad front portion24is provided further toward the seat width direction inner side than the side frame18, and further toward the seat front-rear direction front side than the airbag module20as well as the side frame18.

A front face (seat width direction inner side surface of the side frame18)24B1each of the pad side portions24B and a front face24A1of the pad body24A of the pad front portion24are covered by an inside cover44.

An outer face (seat width direction outer side surface of the side frame18)24B2of the pad side portion24B, a seat width direction outer side of the airbag module20, and a rear face26A of the pad rear portion26are covered by an outside cover46.

As illustrated inFIG. 4, one seat width direction end portion44A of the inside cover44(referred to hereafter simply as the “one end portion44A of the inside cover44”) and one seat width direction end portion46A of the outside cover46(referred to hereafter simply as the “one end portion46A of the outside cover46”) are folded back and joined to one another (configuring a join portion48). The join portion48is disposed on the outer face24B2of the corresponding pad side portion24B so as to be toward the side of the front face24B1of the pad side portion24B.

FIG. 4is an enlarged view illustrating the join portion48where the inside cover44, the outside cover46, and an inside reinforcement cloth50and an outside reinforcement cloth52, described below, are joined together. In the present exemplary embodiment, “joining” encompasses stitching, welding, bonding, and the like. This also applies to joining other than at the join portion48.

Inside Reinforcement Cloth, Outside Reinforcement Cloth

As illustrated inFIG. 2, in the present exemplary embodiment, the seat width direction inner side of the airbag module20is covered by the inside reinforcement cloth50and the seat width direction outer side of the airbag module20is covered by the outside reinforcement cloth52so as to wrap the airbag module20from the outside.

Namely, in the present exemplary embodiment, the inside reinforcement cloth50is provided between the airbag module20and the side frame18. Note that the inside reinforcement cloth50and the outside reinforcement cloth52are formed in belt shapes using fabric, resin sheets or the like that stretch less readily than the inside cover44and the outside cover46.

As illustrated inFIG. 2andFIG. 4, one seat front-rear direction end portion50A of the inside reinforcement cloth50(referred to hereafter simply as the “one end portion50A of the inside reinforcement cloth50”) is fixed to the rear side wall18C of the side frame18(this will be described later). Another seat front-rear direction end portion50B of the inside reinforcement cloth50(referred to hereafter simply as the “other end portion50B of the inside reinforcement cloth50”) is folded back on itself and joined to the one end portion44A of the inside cover44(configuring a join portion54).

One seat front-rear direction end portion52A of the outside reinforcement cloth52(referred to hereafter simply as the “one end portion52A of the outside reinforcement cloth52”) is also fixed to the rear side wall18C of the side frame18(this will be described later). Another seat front-rear direction end portion52B of the outside reinforcement cloth52(referred to hereafter simply as the “other end portion52B of the outside reinforcement cloth52”) is folded back on itself and joined to the one end portion46A of the outside cover46(configuring a join portion56).

The inside reinforcement cloth50and the inside cover44are joined together at the join portion54, and the outside reinforcement cloth52and the outside cover46are joined together at the join portion56. In this state, the inside reinforcement cloth50, the inside cover44, the outside cover46, and the outside reinforcement cloth52are joined together at the join portion48.

Note that as described above, the inside reinforcement cloth50is provided between the airbag module20and the side frame18. More specifically, the inside reinforcement cloth50is provided between the inside face30A of the airbag module20and the outside wall18A of the side frame18.

The side frame18and the airbag module20are disposed further toward the seat front-rear direction rear side than the corresponding pad side portion24B. In other words, the pad side portion24B is disposed at the seat front-rear direction front side of the airbag module20.

Accordingly, the inside reinforcement cloth50is joined to the outside reinforcement cloth52and the like in a state in which the inside reinforcement cloth50has been fixed to the rear side wall18C of the side frame18, provided between the outside wall18A of the side frame18and the housing case30of the airbag module20, passed between a front face30B of the housing case30and a rear face24B3of the pad side portion24B, made to run around the outer face24B2of the pad side portion24B, and folded back on itself at the join portion48.

On the other hand, the outside reinforcement cloth52joined to the inside reinforcement cloth50and the like in a state in which the outside reinforcement cloth52has been fixed to the rear side wall18C of the side frame18, made to run around an outside face30C of the housing case30of the airbag module20, passed the outer face24B2side of the pad side portion24B, and folded back on itself at the join portion48.

An escape path58through which the side airbag escapes into the vehicle cabin interior35during deployment of the side airbag is provided between the inside reinforcement cloth50and the outside reinforcement cloth52. The join portion48configures an exit point of the escape path58.

Accordingly, on actuation of the inflator32of the airbag module20, gas is supplied into the side airbag, causing the side airbag to inflate toward the escape path58. As the side airbag inflates, the inside reinforcement cloth50and the outside reinforcement cloth52are stretched as a result of inflation pressure from the side airbag, causing a concentration of stress on the other end portion50B of the inside reinforcement cloth50and the other end portion52B of the outside reinforcement cloth52.

The join portion48where the inside cover44and the outside cover46as well as the inside reinforcement cloth50and the outside reinforcement cloth52are stitched together accordingly splits open, and the side airbag deploys toward the seat front-rear direction front side of the seatback side portion14B through the exit point of the escape path58. Namely, the side airbag is deployed between the occupant sitting on the vehicle seat10and the corresponding non-illustrated vehicle side door.

Side Frame, Inside Reinforcement Cloth

In the present exemplary embodiment, as illustrated inFIG. 2, an anchor tab31juts out from a leading end of the rear side wall18C of the side frame18toward the seat front-rear direction front side and the seat width direction inner side. The anchor tab31has a length that enables J-hooks62or the like, described later, to be anchored thereto.

FIG. 5is a plan view illustrating the inside reinforcement cloth50and the outside reinforcement cloth52. As illustrated inFIG. 5, a seat up-down direction central portion of the one end portion50A of the inside reinforcement cloth50is formed with a substantially C-shaped notch60opening toward the one seat width direction end side.

As illustrated inFIG. 2andFIG. 3, the notch60is set with a dimension that does not overlap with the attachment mount18A3for the inflator32that is provided to the outside wall18A of the side frame18. The one end portion50A side of the inside reinforcement cloth50is formed with a two-pronged profile including an upper part50A1and a lower part50A2that are separated into seat upper and lower sides by the notch60.

As described previously, in a state in which the airbag module20has been fixed to the side frame18, the inside face30A of the housing case30abuts the attachment mount18A3of the side frame18, while the gap43is formed between the inside face30A of the housing case30and the upper side recess18A4of the side frame18at the upper side of the attachment mount18A3. Moreover, the gap47is formed between the inside face30A of the housing case30and the lower side recess18A5of the side frame18at the lower side of the attachment mount18A3.

Accordingly, even in the state in which the airbag module20has been fixed to the side frame18, the upper part50A1of the inside reinforcement cloth50can be inserted into the gap43on the upper side recess18A4side of the side frame18, and the lower part50A2of the inside reinforcement cloth50can be inserted into the gap47on the lower side recess18A5side of the side frame18.

As illustrated inFIG. 5andFIG. 6, for example, the J-hooks62are joined by welding or the like to respective leading end portions of the upper part50A1and the lower part50A2on the one end portion50A side of the inside reinforcement cloth50(configuring weld portions65).

As illustrated inFIG. 1andFIG. 2, the J-hooks62are capable of being anchored to the anchor tab31. By anchoring the J-hooks62of the upper part50A1and the lower part50A2to the anchor tab31, the one end portion50A of the inside reinforcement cloth50is provisionally held with respect to the rear side wall18C of the side frame18.

FIG. 7is a perspective view illustrating relevant portions ofFIG. 1in an enlarged state. As illustrated inFIG. 1andFIG. 7, the rear side wall18C of the side frame18is formed with plural fixing holes64arrayed in the seat up-down direction to allow insertion of resin clips66into the respective fixing holes64.

As illustrated inFIG. 2, each of the clips66is configured including a circular plate shaped head68, and a neck70provided with a thread70A. In a state in which the neck70has been inserted into the corresponding fixing hole64, the thread70A is anchored to and held in the fixing hole64.

Each of the clips66is fixed to the rear side wall18C of the side frame18in a state in which the head68thereof is abutting the periphery of the corresponding fixing hole64. In the following explanation, reference is made simply to the clips66, without distinguishing between the heads68and the necks70of the clips66.

As illustrated inFIG. 7, the one end portion50A of the inside reinforcement cloth50is formed with fixing holes72corresponding to the fixing holes64. In the present exemplary embodiment, the upper part50A1of the one end portion50A of the inside reinforcement cloth50is formed slightly longer in the seat up-down direction than the lower part50A2.

Thus, the fixing holes72are provided at two locations arrayed in the seat up-down direction on the upper part50A1, and at a single location on the lower part50A2. Note that the upper part50A1and the lower part50A2may be configured with substantially the same length as each other in the seat up-down direction, in which case the fixing holes72may be provided at two locations on both the upper part50A1and the lower part50A2. However, in consideration of the ease of attaching the inside reinforcement cloth50, it is preferable for the clips66to be provided at fewer locations.

Tension is transmitted to the inside reinforcement cloth50during inflation and deployment of the side airbag. Accordingly, as an example, in the present exemplary embodiment, circles are stitched into the inside reinforcement cloth50concentrically to the fixing holes72so as to form reinforcement portions74that provide peripheral reinforcement to the fixing holes72.

Side Frame, Outside Reinforcement Cloth

As illustrated inFIG. 5, a rectangular grip portion76that is grippable by a technician projects in the seat front-rear direction from a seat up-down direction central portion of the one end portion52A of the outside reinforcement cloth52. A seat up-down direction dimension L1of the grip portion76is set slightly smaller than a seat up-down direction dimension L2of the notch60in the inside reinforcement cloth50. The grip portion76is set so as to be disposed inside the notch60in the inside reinforcement cloth50in a state in which the one end portion52A of the outside reinforcement cloth52has been superimposed on the one end portion50A of the inside reinforcement cloth50.

A J-hook78is provided to the grip portion76on the one end portion52A side of the outside reinforcement cloth52. The one end portion52A of the outside reinforcement cloth52is provisionally held with respect to the rear side wall18C of the side frame18by anchoring the J-hook78to the anchor tab31of the side frame18illustrated inFIG. 2.

Namely, in the present exemplary embodiment, as illustrated inFIG. 2andFIG. 7, the J-hooks62provided to the upper part50A1and the lower part50A2on the one end portion50A side of the inside reinforcement cloth50are each anchored to the anchor tab31of the side frame18, and the J-hook78provided to the grip portion76on the one end portion52A side of the outside reinforcement cloth52is anchored to the anchor tab31of the side frame18.

As described above, the grip portion76is set so as to be disposed inside the notch60in the inside reinforcement cloth50in a state in which the one end portion52A of the outside reinforcement cloth52has been superimposed on the one end portion50A of the inside reinforcement cloth50. Accordingly, in the present exemplary embodiment, in a state in which the J-hooks62provided to the upper part50A1and the lower part50A2of the inside reinforcement cloth50have been anchored to the anchor tab31of the side frame18, the grip portion76is disposed between the upper part50A1and the lower part50A2such that the J-hooks62and the J-hook78are disposed arrayed in the seat up-down direction at positions that do not interfere with each other.

Similarly to the inside reinforcement cloth50, the one end portion52A of the outside reinforcement cloth52is formed with fixing holes80to allow insertion of the clips66at positions corresponding to the fixing holes64formed in the rear side wall18C of the side frame18. During inflation and deployment of the side airbag, tension is transmitted to the outside reinforcement cloth52similarly to in the case of the inside reinforcement cloth50. Accordingly, as an example, in the present exemplary embodiment, circles are stitched into the outside reinforcement cloth52concentrically to the fixing holes80so as to form reinforcement portions82that provide peripheral reinforcement to the fixing holes80.

The fixing holes80in the outside reinforcement cloth52, the fixing holes72in the inside reinforcement cloth50, and the fixing holes64in the rear side wall18C of the side frame18are set so as to overlap with each other in a state in which the J-hooks62on the inside reinforcement cloth50side have been anchored to the anchor tab31, and the J-hook78on the outside reinforcement cloth52side has been anchored to the anchor tab31.

In a state in which the respective fixing holes80,72,64are overlapping each other, the clips66are inserted into the fixing holes80,72,64, and the clips66are then fixed to the rear side wall18C of the side frame18so as to fix the one end portion50A of the inside reinforcement cloth50and the one end portion52A of the outside reinforcement cloth52to the rear side wall18C of the side frame18.

Operation and Advantageous Effects of Vehicle Seat

Next, explanation follows regarding operation and advantageous effects of the vehicle seat according to the present exemplary embodiment.

As illustrated inFIG. 1andFIG. 2, in the present exemplary embodiment, the front face24B1of the pad side portion24B of the pad front portion24is covered by the inside cover44and the outer face24B2of the pad side portion24B is covered by the outside cover46at the seatback side portion14B positioned on the seat width direction outer side of the seatback14. The one end portion44A of the inside cover44and the one end portion46A of the outside cover46are joined together at the join portion48.

Out of the left and right seatback side portions14B, the airbag module20is housed inside the seatback side portion14B positioned on the vehicle width direction outer side. The airbag module20includes the non-illustrated side airbag configured to inflate and deploy toward the join portion48on receiving a supply of gas. The seatback side portion14B is further provided with the side frame18, and the airbag module20is fixed to this side frame18.

The seat width direction outer side of the airbag module20is covered by the outside reinforcement cloth52, and the one end portion52A of the outside reinforcement cloth52is fixed to the side frame18, while the other end portion52B of the outside reinforcement cloth52is joined to the outside cover46at the join portion48where the inside cover44and the outside cover46are joined together.

The inside reinforcement cloth50is disposed between the side frame18and the airbag module20, such that the seat width direction inner side of the airbag module20is covered by the inside reinforcement cloth50. The one end portion50A of the inside reinforcement cloth50is separated into seat upper and lower sides, and is fixed to the side frame18in a manner that avoids the fixing portion45where the airbag module20is fixed to the side frame18. The other end portion50B of the inside reinforcement cloth50is joined to the inside cover44at the join portion48.

Due to the above configuration, in the present exemplary embodiment, when the side airbag inflates and deploys on receiving a supply of gas, the outside reinforcement cloth52and the inside reinforcement cloth50are stretched under inflation pressure from the side airbag such that tension is transmitted to the join portion48between the inside cover44to which the inside reinforcement cloth50is joined and the outside cover46to which the outside reinforcement cloth52is joined.

Accordingly, tensile stress concentrates at the join portion48, causing the join portion48to split open such that the side airbag inflates and deploys toward the seat front-rear direction front side of the vehicle seat10(into the vehicle cabin interior35).

Note that in the present exemplary embodiment, the airbag module20is covered by the outside reinforcement cloth52and the inside reinforcement cloth50. Accordingly, although not illustrated in the drawings, inflation of the side airbag inside the seatback side portion14B can be suppressed in comparison to cases in which, for example, a shock-absorbent member such as a pad is provided between the outside reinforcement cloth52and the inside reinforcement cloth50.

Namely, in the present exemplary embodiment, during inflation and deployment of the side airbag, the side airbag is suppressed from inflating inside the seatback side portion14B, enabling wasted deployment potential of the side airbag to be reduced, and enabling the ability of the side airbag to split open the join portion48to be improved.

Moreover, in the present exemplary embodiment, the inside reinforcement cloth50is disposed between the side frame18and the airbag module20. Accordingly, during inflation and deployment of the side airbag, the side frame18suppresses the side airbag from inflating toward the seat width direction inner side inside the seatback side portion14B, enabling wasted deployment potential of the side airbag to be reduced, and enabling the speed with which the side airbag splits open the join portion48to be increased.

As described above, in the present exemplary embodiment, the one end portion50A of the inside reinforcement cloth50is separated into seat upper and lower sides and fixed to the side frame18in a manner that avoids the fixing portion45of the airbag module20. This enables the inside reinforcement cloth50to be fixed to the side frame18after the airbag module20has been fixed to the side frame18.

Namely, in the present exemplary embodiment, the inside reinforcement cloth50can be fixed to the side frame18before fixing the airbag module20to the side frame18, and the inside reinforcement cloth50can also be fixed to the side frame18after the airbag module20has been fixed to the side frame18.

Accordingly, in the present exemplary embodiment, the inside reinforcement cloth50and the outside reinforcement cloth52can be attached even after the airbag module20has been fixed to the side frame18, thus enabling the ease of attachment to be improved.

More specific explanation follows regarding the manner in which the one end portion50A of the inside reinforcement cloth50is separated into seat upper and lower sides so as to avoid the fixing portion45of the airbag module20. In the present exemplary embodiment, as illustrated inFIG. 5, the notch60is formed in the one end portion50A of the inside reinforcement cloth50, such that the one end portion50A of the inside reinforcement cloth50is formed with a two-pronged profile including the upper part50A1and the lower part50A2by the notch60. The notch60is set with a dimension so as not to overlap with the attachment mount18A3for the inflator32, illustrated inFIG. 3. The one end portion50A of the inside reinforcement cloth50is thus able to avoid the fixing portion45(seeFIG. 1) where the airbag module20is fixed to the side frame18.

Moreover, as illustrated inFIG. 3, the side frame18is provided with the upper side recess18A4at the upper side of the attachment mount18A3, and the lower side recess18A5at the lower side of the attachment mount18A3. The upper side recess18A4and the lower side recess18A5are set such that, in a state in which the airbag module20has been fixed to the side frame18, the gaps43,47between the side frame18and the airbag module20are formed with at least the thickness of the inside reinforcement cloth50.

In this manner, even in a state in which the airbag module20has been fixed to the side frame18, the upper part50A1of the inside reinforcement cloth50can be inserted into the gap43on the upper side recess18A4side of the side frame18, and the lower part50A2of the inside reinforcement cloth50can be inserted into the gap47on the lower side recess18A5side of the side frame18.

Due to the above configuration, the present exemplary embodiment enables the inside reinforcement cloth50to be disposed between the side frame18and the airbag module20in a state in which the airbag module20has been fixed to the side frame18.

Moreover, as illustrated inFIG. 5, in the present exemplary embodiment, the grippable grip portion76is provided to the one end portion52A of the outside reinforcement cloth52. The grip portion76is set so as to be disposed inside the notch60in the inside reinforcement cloth50in a state in which the one end portion52A of the outside reinforcement cloth52has been superimposed on the one end portion50A of the inside reinforcement cloth50.

Accordingly, as illustrated inFIG. 7, the seat up-down direction positional relationships of the inside reinforcement cloth50and the outside reinforcement cloth52with respect to the side frame18are easier to ascertain. This enables the ease with which an operation to fix the inside reinforcement cloth50and the outside reinforcement cloth52to the side frame18can be performed to be improved as a result.

Moreover, as illustrated inFIG. 1, in the present exemplary embodiment, the one end portion52A of the outside reinforcement cloth52and the one end portion50A of the inside reinforcement cloth50are jointly fixed to the side frame18using the resin clips66.

The present exemplary embodiment thereby facilitates the attachment operation, enabling a reduction in costs and also enabling a reduction in weight in comparison to a non-illustrated example in which the outside reinforcement cloth52and the inside reinforcement cloth50are fixed to the side frame18using metal nuts and bolts.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the one end portion50A of the inside reinforcement cloth50and the one end portion52A of the outside reinforcement cloth52are respectively provided with the J-hooks62,78. The J-hooks62,78are capable of being anchored to the anchor tab31of the side frame18(seeFIG. 2).

Providing the respective J-hooks62,78to the inside reinforcement cloth50and the outside reinforcement cloth52in this manner enables the inside reinforcement cloth50and the outside reinforcement cloth52to be provisionally held by anchoring the respective J-hooks62,78to the side frame18during fixing of the inside reinforcement cloth50and the outside reinforcement cloth52to the side frame18. The present exemplary embodiment thus enables ease of operation to be improved.

Moreover, anchoring the J-hooks62,78to the side frame18enables shear force acting on the clips66to be dispersed when tension is transmitted to the inside reinforcement cloth50and the outside reinforcement cloth52during inflation and deployment of the side airbag.

Supplementary Explanation Regarding Present Exemplary Embodiment

Next, explanation follows regarding modified examples of the vehicle seat according to the exemplary embodiment described above.

Inside Reinforcement Cloth, Outside Reinforcement Cloth

In the exemplary embodiment described above, as illustrated inFIG. 7, the reinforcement portions74are provided in concentric circles around the fixing holes72formed in the inside reinforcement cloth50, and the reinforcement portions82are provided in concentric circles around the fixing holes80formed in the outside reinforcement cloth52.

However, since it is sufficient that the inside reinforcement cloth50and the outside reinforcement cloth52are prevented from tearing at the fixing holes72,80when tension is transmitted to the inside reinforcement cloth50and the outside reinforcement cloth52during inflation and deployment of the side airbag, there is no limitation thereto.

For example, as in a first modified example illustrated inFIG. 8, respective stitched portions84may be provided on the J-hook62side of the fixing holes72so as to span the entire seat up-down direction ranges of the upper part50A1and the lower part50A2of the inside reinforcement cloth50. Moreover, a stitched portion86may be provided on the J-hook78side of the fixing holes80so as to span the entire seat up-down direction range of the one end portion52A of the outside reinforcement cloth52.

In the exemplary embodiment described above, as illustrated inFIG. 7andFIG. 8, the one end portion50A of the inside reinforcement cloth50and the one end portion52A of the outside reinforcement cloth52are provided with the respective J-hooks62,78. However, if there is no need for the J-hooks62,78to be provisionally held with respect to the side frame18, the J-hooks62,78may be omitted.

In cases in which the J-hooks62,78are not provided, as in a second modified example illustrated inFIG. 9, the reinforcement portions74are provided in concentric circles around the fixing holes72in the upper part50A1and the lower part50A2of the inside reinforcement cloth50, and the reinforcement portions82are provided in concentric circles around the fixing holes80in the outside reinforcement cloth52. Moreover, in cases in which the J-hooks62,78(seeFIG. 7) are not provided, the anchor tab31illustrated inFIG. 10does not have to be formed to the rear side wall18C of the side frame18.

Instead of the configuration illustrated inFIG. 9, as in a third modified example illustrated inFIG. 11, stitched portions84may be provided at a leading end side of the respective fixing holes72so as to span the entire seat up-down direction ranges of the upper part50A1and the lower part50A2of the inside reinforcement cloth50. Moreover, a stitched portion86may be provided at a leading end side of the fixing holes80so as to span the entire seat up-down direction range of the one end portion52A of the outside reinforcement cloth52. Note that the reinforcement portions74,82illustrated inFIG. 7and the stitched portions84,86illustrated inFIG. 8may be omitted in cases in which, for example, the strength at the peripheries of the fixing holes72,80is already sufficient.

Seatback Side Frame

In the exemplary embodiment described above, as illustrated inFIG. 3, the attachment mount18A3that is abutted by the inside face30A of the housing case30of the airbag module20in a state in which the airbag module20has been fixed to the side frame18is formed projecting toward the seat width direction outer side.

Accordingly, in a state in which the inside face30A of the housing case30is abutting the attachment mount18A3of the side frame18, the gap43is formed between the inside face30A of the housing case30and the upper side recess18A4of the side frame18, and the gap47is formed between the inside face30A of the housing case30and the lower side recess18A5of the side frame18. Accordingly, the present exemplary embodiment enables the upper part50A1of the inside reinforcement cloth50to be inserted into the gap43, and enables the lower part50A2of the inside reinforcement cloth50to be inserted into the gap47.

Since it is sufficient to be able to insert the upper part50A1and the lower part50A2of the inside reinforcement cloth50between the inside face30A of the housing case30and the side frame18in this manner, the present exemplary embodiment is not limited thereto. Namely, the inside face30A of the housing case30does not have to abut the attachment mount18A3of the side frame18.

As an example,FIG. 12is an enlarged cross-section corresponding toFIG. 3, illustrating relevant portions of a modified example. As illustrated inFIG. 12, heads88A of bolts88and washers (not illustrated in the drawings) or the like may be utilized to form a gap90between the inside face30A of the housing case30and the attachment mount18A3of the side frame18. This gap90may be utilized for insertion of the upper part50A1and the lower part50A2of the inside reinforcement cloth50.

Although explanation has been given regarding an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the present disclosure is not limited to such an exemplary embodiment. Obviously, the exemplary embodiment and various modified examples may be employed in combination, and various embodiments may be implemented within a range not departing from the spirit of the present disclosure.