Vehicle seat

A vehicle seat has a first member and a second member bonded to each other with an adhesive agent is provided with a projecting portion that projects from an adhering surface of the first member toward the second member with one end to the other end in a protruding direction of the projecting parts held on the inner side of an outer edge of the adhering surface. An adhesive agent layer formed by the adhesive agent interposed between the first member and the second member surrounds the projecting portion while in contact with the outer circumferential surface of the projecting portion.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a National Stage Entry application of PCT Application No. PCT/JP2013/074612, filed Sep. 12, 2013, which claims the foreign priority benefit of Japanese Patent Application No. 2012-201221, filed Sep. 13, 2012, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Disclosed herein is a vehicle seat, and in particular, a vehicle seat that has a first member and a second member bonded to each other with an adhesive agent.

When a vehicle seat is assembled, there are cases where components of this vehicle seat are bonded to each other with an adhesive agent. Especially when seat components are resin molded products that cannot be bonded to each other with welding, a bonding method using an adhesive agent is employed.

In some configurations in which components are bonded to each other with an adhesive agent, a projecting portion is formed to protrude from the adhering surface of a component (i.e., the surface of a component which faces another component) toward another component (e.g., refer to Japanese Patent Document No. 2008-273053 A (“the '053 Document”)).

To give a more specific description of the bonding method described in the '053 Document, when components are placed close to each other at an adhering step, a projecting portion of a component is abutted against an adhesive agent layer coated on the other component in the direction from a tip end thereof. Then, the layered adhesive agent is pressed and widened by the projecting portion, thereby spreading out over a wide area. As a result, this enables the components to adhere well to each other while suppressing air from being trapped in the adhesive agent layer, or so-called voids from being generated therein.

In particular, according to the bonding method described in the '053 Document, the projecting portion is formed in the component such that it linearly and continuously extends from one end of the bonded surface of the component to the other end. Thus, when the components to be mutually bonded are placed close to each other and the above projecting portion is pressed against the adhesive agent, the adhesive agent is widened on the sides of the projecting portion and along the continuously extending direction of the projecting portion. As a result, the bonding method described in the '053 Document enables the components to adhere to each other in good condition without the need to apply an adhesive agent at multiple sites on the adhering surface of the component to which the adhesive agent is to be applied.

However, according to the bonding method described in the '053 Document, as described above, the projecting portion is continuously formed from one end to the other end of the bonded surface of the component, which is provided with the projecting portion. In this configuration, it is difficult to suppress the adhesive agent from being deformed and sticking out from the edges in a direction along which the projecting portion is continuously formed. Therefore, for example, if a load is input along the above continuing direction, the bonded components may be separated from each other.

For example, if a first member and a second member can be fitted to each other, an adhesive agent layer is formed between the first and second members around their fitting parts. In this configuration, it is necessary to stabilize the bonding state of both members so that their fitting state is maintained in good condition. In addition, it is necessary to further improve a bonding strength at which the first member adheres to the second member and a fitting strength at which one of the members fits into the other member.

Moreover, if the first member and the second member are fittable to each other, it is necessary to configure the first and second members such that one of these does not rotate relative to the other while maintaining their stiffness.

If the above projecting portion extends on the bonded surface in a predetermined direction, when a load is placed in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the projecting portion, the bonded members are, in many cases, released from the bonding state. In this case, they may be separated easily from each other. For this reason, if a projecting portion is formed to extend in a predetermined direction, it is necessary to further improve a strength at which both members adhere to each other.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, various embodiments of the present invention have been made in view of the foregoing problems, and an object of them is to provide a vehicle seat that has a configuration in which a projecting portion protrudes from an adhering surface of a first member toward a second member in order to adhere the first member to the second member with an adhesive agent. If a load is input in any given direction, this vehicle seat is still capable of maintaining a stable state where the first member is bonded to the second members by suppressing a deformation of the adhesive agent.

Another object is to: when a first member and a second member constitute a fitting structure, stabilize a bonding state of both members so that their fitting state can be maintained in good condition; and further improve a bonding strength at which the first member adheres to the second member and a fitting strength at which one of the members fits into the other member.

A further another object is to, when a first member and a second member constitute a fitting structure, provide a configuration in which one of the members does not rotate relative to the other member while maintaining their stiffness.

A still another object is to, when a projecting portion that extends in a predetermined direction is formed, further improve a strength at which a first member adheres to a second member.

A vehicle seat as described herein has overcome problems as described above. This vehicle seat includes: a first member; and a second member bonded to the first member with an adhesive agent. A projecting portion that protrudes from an adhering surface of the first member toward the second member is formed with one end to the other end in a protruding direction of the projecting portion held on an inner side of an outer edge of the adhering surface. An adhesive agent layer formed of the adhesive agent interposed between the first member and the second member makes contact with an outer circumferential surface of the projecting portion while surrounding the projecting portion.

According to the vehicle seat configured above, the projecting portion that protrudes from the adhering surface of the first member toward the second member is formed with one end to the other end in the protruding direction of the projecting portion held on the inner side of the outer edge of the adhering surface. Thus, as opposed to a case where a portion of a projecting portion sticks out from the outer edge of an adhering surface, the adhesive agent can be suppressed from being deformed and sticking out outward from the adhering surface through this portion. Furthermore, since the adhesive agent layer formed of the adhesive agent makes contact with the outer circumferential surface of the projecting portion while surrounding the projecting portion, the adhesive agent is suppressed from being deformed in all directions by the projecting portion. Because of these effects, the vehicle seat configured above can stabilize the state where the first member is bonded to the second member, preventing the mutually bonded members from being separated from each other.

In the vehicle seat described above, the projecting portion may include a plurality of projecting parts formed on the adhering surface. The first member may have a second projecting portion that protrudes from a portion of the adhering surface which is between the plurality of projecting parts. The second member may have a fitting hole into which the second projecting portion fits.

According to the configuration described above, the projecting parts formed around a portion in which the first member fits into the second member can suppress the adhesive agent from being deformed around this portion. Consequently, it is possible to maintain the fitting state of both members in good condition.

In the vehicle seat described above, the second projecting portion may be formed to be symmetric with respect to both a first virtual plane and a second virtual plane, the first virtual plane being perpendicular to the adhering surface, the second virtual plane being perpendicular to both the adhering surface and the first virtual plane. Each projecting portion may be formed at a position opposite to a region on the outer circumferential surface of the second projecting portion, the region being other than a farthest region from a line of intersection of the first virtual plane and the second virtual plane.

According to the configuration described above, enlargement of the first member can be prevented even if the projecting parts are formed on both sides of the second projecting portion.

In the vehicle seat described above, the projecting portion or each projecting portion may be a bead portion formed into a curved shape as seen from the protruding direction.

According to the configuration described above, the projecting portion or projecting parts are formed into a curved shape as seen from the protruding direction thereof and thus have a considerable length as seen from this direction. Therefore, it is possible to effectively suppress the deformation of the adhesive agent in proportion to this length, further improving the strength at which the first member adheres to the second member.

The vehicle seat described above may further include: a seat main body on which an occupant is to sit; link members provided on both sides of the vehicle seat in a width direction of the vehicle seat, the link members supporting the seat main body in such a way that the seat main body can move upward and downward relative to the base member positioned under the seat main body; a pipe member disposed between the link members in the width direction; and a connection member connecting the link members to the pipe member. When the first member is the connection member and the second member is the link member, the projecting portion may be integrally molded with the connection member.

According to the configuration described above, integrally molding the connection member and the projecting portion or projecting parts improves stiffness of the connection member itself when it is attached.

In the vehicle seat described above, a through-hole may be formed in each link member. The connection member may have a fitting projection protruding from a portion of the adhering surface which is different from a portion with the projecting portion formed, the fitting projection fitting into the through-holes. A region of at least a portion of the outer circumferential surface of the fitting projection may be formed into a flat surface.

According to the configuration described above, the fitting projection functions as a rotation stopper, preventing the connection member from rotating relative to the link members.

In the vehicle seat described above in which the fitting projection is formed in the connection member, the connection member may include: a base portion provided with the adhering surface as one side surface; and a rotation stopper, when the connection member is inserted into the pipe member, mating with an engaged portion formed in the pipe member, thereby suppressing the connection member from rotating relative to the pipe member. The rotation stopper may be formed on a non-adhering surface of the base portion which is positioned on an opposite side of the adhering surface. In the base portion, a region in which the rotation stopper is formed on the non-adhering surface may be different from a region in which the projecting portion is formed on the adhering surface.

According to the configuration described above, when both the rotation stopper and the projecting portion are formed in the base portion of the connection member, these two parts are formed on the respective surfaces of the base portion positioned opposite to each other. Therefore, a process of forming the parts is performed easily.

In the vehicle seat described above, a cutout portion may be formed on a circumference of the through-hole. The connection member may have a rotation stopper disposed within the cutout portion when the fitting projection fits into the through-holes, the rotation stopper suppressing the connection member from rotating relative to the link member. A first fastening hole that takes the shape of a circular hole may be formed at an end of the link member, the first fastening hole being formed to secure the link member to the seat main body. A second fastening hole that takes the shape of a circular hole may be formed at the other end of the link member, the second fastening hole being formed to secure the link member to the base member. The cutout portion may be formed to not traverse a virtual straight line passing through both centers of the first fastening hole and the second fastening hole.

According to the configuration described above, even if the cutout portion is formed in each link member as a hole into which the rotation stopper formed in the connection member fits, the cutout portion does not traverse a portion of each link member which is positioned between the first fastening hole and the second fastening hole. Therefore, it is possible to ensure stiffness of the portion of each link member which is positioned between the first fastening hole and the second fastening hole.

The vehicle seat described above may include: a seatback frame provided in a seatback of the vehicle seat; a seat cushion frame provided in a seat cushion of the vehicle seat; a reclining unit having a casing fixed to the seatback frame; and a connection bracket connecting the seatback frame to the seat cushion frame by being fixed to both the seat cushion frame and the casing. If the first member is the connection bracket and the second member is at least one member of the seat cushion frame and the casing, each projecting portion may be a bead portion that protrudes toward the at least one member and extends along an outer side of the casing.

According to the configuration described above, the bead portion is formed along the outer edge of the casing as the projecting portion. Therefore, it is possible to suppress effectively a deformation of the adhesive agent in proportion to the length of the bead portion in the longitudinal direction, resulting in improvement of the strength at which at least one member of the casing and the seat cushion adheres to the connection bracket.

In the vehicle seat described above, an elongated hole may be formed in a region of the first member which faces the second member with the adhesive agent layer therebetween, the elongated hole extending in a direction crossing the bead portion. The adhesive agent layer may partially stick out from the elongated hole.

According to the configuration described above, the adhesive agent that sticks out from the elongated hole formed to extend in the direction crossing the bead portion allows the first member to adhere to the second member through the outer edge of the elongated hole. In addition, the longitudinal direction of the elongated hole crosses the bead portion. Specifically, when a load perpendicular to the bead portion acts, the above configuration can still maintain a stable state where the first member adheres to the second member, because the first member adheres to the second member through the outer edge of the above elongated hole that extends in the same direction as that in which the load acts.

According to an embodiment, an adhesive agent is suppressed from being deformed outward from an adhering surface. In addition, the adhesive agent is suppressed from being deformed in all directions by a projecting portion. As a result, this makes it possible to maintain a stable state where a first member is bonded to a second member, suppressing the bonded members from being separated from each other.

According to an embodiment, a projecting portion formed around a portion in which the first member fits into the second member suppresses the adhesive agent from being deformed around this portion, maintaining a fitting state of both members in good condition.

According to an embodiment, even if projecting parts are formed on both sides of a second projecting portion, enlargement of the first member is prevented.

According to an embodiment, a projecting portion has a considerable length as seen from a protruding direction thereof, and the adhesive agent can be suppressed effectively from being deformed in proportion to this length. This further improves a strength at which the first member adheres to the second member.

According to an embodiment, integrally molding the projecting portion and the connection member improves stiffness of the connection member itself when it is attached.

According to an embodiment, the fitting projection functions as the rotation stopper, preventing the connection member from rotating relative to the link member.

According to an embodiment, both the rotation stopper and the projecting portion are formed on the respective surfaces of the base portion in the connection member which are positioned opposite to each other. Therefore, a process of forming these parts is performed easily.

According to an embodiment, a cutout portion that acts as a hole into which the rotation stopper formed in the connection member fits does not traverse a portion of the link member which is positioned between the first fastening hole and the second fastening hole. Stiffness of this portion is thereby ensured.

According to an embodiment, a bead portion is formed along the outer edge of a casing, as a projecting portion. This makes it possible to suppress effectively the adhesive agent from being deformed in proportion to the length of the bead portion in the longitudinal direction, further improving the strength at which the connection bracket adheres to other members.

According to an embodiment, if a load perpendicular to the bead portion acts, it is still possible to stabilize the state where the first member adheres to the second member, because the first member adheres to the second member through the outer edge of an elongated hole that extends in the same direction as that in which the load acts.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A vehicle seat according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference toFIGS. 1 to 19. The embodiment that will be described below is an example for use in facilitating an understanding of the present invention and not intended to limit the present invention. Shapes, sizes, arrangements and the like of members that will be described below can be modified and improved without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and their equivalents are obviously included in the present invention.

In the following description, a front to back direction refers to a direction that is identical to a direction a vehicle travels in. A width direction refers to a direction along the width of the vehicle and corresponds to a width direction of a vehicle seat of the present invention. An upward to downward direction refers to an upward to downward direction of the vehicle.

Basic Configuration of Vehicle Seat

First, a description will be given of a basic configuration of a vehicle seat (referred to below as a main seat S) according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The main seat S has a seat main body Sh on which an occupant is to sit, as a primary constituent element; the seat main body Sh includes a seatback S1, a seat cushion S2and a headrest S3, as illustrated inFIG. 1. A seat frame F that forms the framework of the main seat S includes a seatback frame1constituting the seatback S1, and a seat cushion frame2constituting the seat cushion S2, as main components.

The seat cushion frame2is formed by integral molding of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) and equipped with side-portion frames6on both sides in the width direction, as illustrated inFIG. 2, each side-portion frame6extending in the front to back direction.

The seatback frame1is formed by integral molding of CFRP and equipped with side frames22on both sides in the width direction, as illustrated inFIG. 2, each side frame22extending in the upward to downward direction. Reclining units10are attached to the lower ends of the side frames22. These reclining units10are connected to the side-portion frames6at their rear ends by connection brackets11. Specifically, the lower ends of the side frames22are connected to the rear ends of the side-portion frames6through the reclining units10and the connection brackets11. The seatback frame1is thereby assembled to the seat cushion frame2.

Each reclining unit10in the main seat includes a substantially cylindrical casing10aand a drive mechanism (not shown) mounted in the casing10a. The casings10aare fixed to the outer surfaces of the side frames22in the width direction (the outer side surfaces of the side frames22) at the lower ends. When the drive mechanisms are actuated within the casings10a, the function of the reclining units10causes the seatback S1to rotate relative to the seat cushion frame2in the front to back direction, or in a direction in which it reclines.

The connection brackets11extend in the front to back direction, and their front ends are fixed to the outer surfaces of the side-portion frames6in the width direction (the outer side surfaces of the side-portion frames6). The rear ends of the connection brackets11are disposed at sites where the reclining units10are sandwiched between the rear ends and the outer side surfaces of the side frame22and fixed to the outer side surfaces of the casings10ain the reclining units10. Positioning the connection bracket11in this manner connects the seatback frame1to the seat cushion frame2.

As illustrated inFIG. 2, the main seat S is equipped with a slide rail mechanism4positioned under the seat main body Sh. The slide rail mechanism4is a base member that supports the seat main body Sh to be able to slide in the forward and backward directions, and is attached to a vehicle body floor. Furthermore, the main seat S is equipped with a height adjustment mechanism5positioned between the seat cushion frame2and the slide rail mechanism4in the upward to downward direction.

The height adjustment mechanism5is a mechanism that adjusts the height of the seat and actuated in response to an occupant's operation of an operating lever (not illustrated). As illustrated inFIGS. 3 and 4, the height adjustment mechanism5has rear-side links30and front-side links40that serve as link members, as primary constituent elements. In order to support the seat main body Sh to be able to move upward and downward respective to the slid rail mechanism4, the rear-side links30are provided on both sides of the slide rail mechanism4in the width direction, and the front-side links40are also provided on both sides of the slide rail mechanism4in the width direction.

To give a more specific description, the rear-side links30are arm-shaped members each made of CFRP and disposed on the inner sides of the side-portion frames6in the width direction. In addition, the rear-side links30are attached to the side-portion frames6at their rear ends through frame rear-side shaft pins61. These frame rear-side shaft pins61are inserted into and pass through shaft holes (not illustrated) formed at the rear ends of the side-portion frames6. As illustrated inFIG. 5, pin holes34c, each of which is a through-hole, are formed at ends of the rear-side links30. The frame rear-side shaft pins61are also inserted into and pass through these pin holes34c. In this manner, the rear-side links30are supported by the frame rear-side shaft pins61in such a way that they can rotate relative to the side-portion frames6in the upward and downward directions and the forward and backward directions.

Pin holes34dillustrated inFIG. 5are formed at the other end of the rear-side links30, and a rail rear-side shaft pin62is inserted into and passes through the pin holes34d. As illustrated inFIGS. 3 and 4, a movable rail4ain the slide rail mechanism4is provided with a link support projection4bthat protrudes upward from its upper surface; a shaft hole (not illustrated) into which the rail rear-side shaft pin62is inserted is formed in the link support projection4b. The rail rear-side shaft pin62is inserted into and passes through this shaft hole and the above pin holes34dwhereby the rear-side links30are supported to be able to rotate relative to the slide rail mechanism4in the upward and downward directions and the forward and backward directions.

As illustrated inFIGS. 3 and 4, of the rear-side links30provided on both sides in the width direction, for example, the rear-side link30positioned closer to the nearest door (referred to below as a one-end rear-side link30) has a substantially fan-shaped sector gear31embedded therein. The sector gear31engages with a pinion gear25. When the above operating lever is operated, this pinion gear25rotates, displacing where the gears engage with each other. As a result, the one-end rear-side link30rotates while moving between respective sites illustrated inFIGS. 3 and 4.

As illustrated inFIG. 5, a connection pipe35as a pipe member is placed between the rear-side links30provided on both sides in the width direction; the rear-side links30are interconnected by the connection pipe35. Thus, when the one-end rear-side link30rotates, the rear-side link30positioned on the opposite side (referred to below as the other-end rear-side link30) follows this movement, rotating in the same direction.

In the main seat S, the connection pipe35is not attached directly to both rear-side links30; joint members36are disposed between the rear-side links30and both ends of the connection pipe35, as illustrated inFIG. 7. The joint members36correspond to an example of a connection member and are resin molded products that connect the rear-side links30and the connection pipe35.

Each joint member36has a substantially cylindrical shape, and a hole is formed across each joint member36. When the rear-side links30are connected to the connection pipe35through the joint members36, the inner space of the connection pipe35, the through-holes in the joint members36, and the pin holes34cformed in the rear-side links30communicate with one another. In addition, the frame rear-side shaft pins61that have been inserted and passed through the pin holes34care also inserted into and pass through the through-holes in the joint members36. An exemplary configuration of each joint member36will be described later in detail.

The front-side links40, each of which is made of CFRP, are substantially V-shaped members in side view, and disposed on the inner sides of the side-portion frames6in the width direction. The front-side links40are attached to the front ends of the side-portion frames6through frame front-side shaft pins65. These frame front-side shaft pins65are inserted into and pass through shaft holes (not illustrated) formed at the front ends of the side-portion frames6.

The ends of the frame front-side shaft pins65are inserted into and pass through pin holes41c, as illustrated inFIG. 6, formed at the ends of the front-side links40. Consequently, the front-side links40are supported by the frame front-side shaft pins65in such a way that they can rotate relative to the side-portion frames6in the upward and downward directions and the forward and backward directions. Herein, the pin hole41cformed at the end of each front-side link40corresponds to a first fastening hole formed in order to secure the front-side links40to the side-portion frames6, or parts of the seat main body Sh.

The pin hole41cformed at the end of each front-side link40is formed into the shape of a circular hole. In the main seat S, as illustrated inFIG. 6, a metal bushing72is disposed in each pin hole41c;each frame front-side shaft pin65is inserted into the through-hole in the metal bushing72.

As illustrated inFIG. 6, a pin hole41dis formed at the other end of each front-side link40. Each pin hole41dis formed into the shape of a circular hole; a rail front-side shaft pin66is inserted into and passes through the pin holes41d.

As illustrated inFIGS. 3 and 4, the movable rail4ain the slide rail mechanism4is provided with a link support projection4dthat protrudes upward from its upper surface; a shaft hole (not illustrated) into which the rail front-side shaft pin66is inserted is formed in the link support projection4d. The rail front-side shaft pin66is inserted into and passes through this shaft hole and the above pin holes41dwhereby the front-side links40are supported to be able to rotate relative to the slide rail mechanism4in the upward and downward directions and the forward and backward directions. Herein, each pin hole41dcorresponds to a second fastening hole in order to secure the front-side links40to the slide rail mechanism4.

When the rear-side links30rotate, the side-portion frames6assembled to the rear-side links30by the frame rear-side shaft pins61move vertically. Together with this, the front-side links40assembled to the front ends of the side-portion frames6follows the rear-side links30, rotating while moving between sites illustrated inFIGS. 3 and 4.

As illustrated inFIG. 6, a connection pipe42as a pipe member is disposed between the front-side links40provided on both sides in the width direction and connects the front-side links40. A connection hole41gas a through-hole is formed at the center of each front-side link40in order to secure the connection pipe42to both front-side links40. Connection pins43as illustrated inFIG. 13are inserted into and pass through the respective connection holes41gwhile the connection holes41gcommunicate with the inner space of the connection pipe42.

Each connection pin43corresponds to another example of the connection member and is a resin molded product that connects the front-side link40and the connection pipe42. The connection pins43that have been inserted into and pass through the above connection holes41gare also inserted into and pass through the connection pipe42. Pin heads43aof the connection pins43are bonded to the outer surfaces of the front-side links40in the width direction (the outer side surfaces thereof). An exemplary configuration of each connection pin43will be described in detail later.

The front-side links40are each molded with CFRP as described above. A plurality of through-holes (i.e., the pin holes41cand41dand the connection hole41g) is formed in each front-side link40. In this case, a higher proportion of fibers existing in a portion of each front-side link40between the through-holes are aligned with one another in a direction from one of the through-holes to another through-hole. This makes it possible to reduce stretching of the portion between the through-holes when a load is input to a front-side link40such that the spacing between the through-holes increases. It is thus possible to stabilize the locations of the through-holes, that is, the locations of a shaft and a pin inserted into and passing through the through-holes.

It is of great importance to stabilize the locations at which the pin holes41cand41dare formed, because they serve as shaft holes into which shafts are inserted. For this reason, as compared with carbon fibers in other parts, a large proportion of carbon fibers in a portion of each front-side link40between the pin holes41cand41dare aligned with one another in a direction from one of the through-holes (i.e., the pin hole41c) to another through-hole (i.e., pin hole41d).

Adhering Structure between Sheet Constituent Members According to an Embodiment

The main seat S configured above employs a bonding technique using an adhesive agent as a technique for bonding sheet components. The adhering structure between sheet constituent members which is employed by the main seat S features. This adhering structure will be described below with reference toFIGS. 18 and 19. In the following description, one of two members bonded to each other with an adhesive agent is referred to as a first member X1and the other is referred to as a second member X2.

The first member X1and the second member X2are members that the main seat S has as constituent elements; they are bonded with their adhering surfaces Sc facing each other, as illustrated inFIG. 18. The first member X1is provided with a projecting portion Xa that protrudes from its adhering surface Sc toward the second member X2. The end of this projecting portion Xa abuts against the adhering surface Sc of the second member X2upon the bonding.

In the bonding, for example, an adhesive agent is coated on the adhering surface Sc of the second member X2, and then the first member X1is moved toward the second member X2so that the adhering surfaces Sc of the first member X1and the second member X2are arranged close to each other. Then, the above projecting portion Xa presses and widens the uncured adhesive agent, thereby spreading it out over a wide area. Finally, an adhesive agent layer Gl (a hatched area inFIGS. 18 and 19) formed by the adhesive agent interposed between the first member X1and the second member X2is cured. In this way, the first member X1is bonded to the second member X2with the adhesive agent.

In the main seat S, as illustrated inFIGS. 18 and 19, the above projecting portion Xa is formed with an end to the other end in its protruding direction held on the inner side of an outer edge of the adhering surface Sc of the first member X1. This makes it possible to suppress the adhesive agent from being deformed outward from the adhering surfaces Sc.

To give a more specific description, if there is a configuration in which a portion of the projecting portion Xa protrudes from the outer edge of the adhering surface Sc, there is a risk that the adhesive agent may be deformed and stick out outward from the adhering surfaces Sc through the protruding portion of the projecting portion Xa. In contrast, in the main seat S, since the entire projecting portion Xa is held on the inner side of the outer edge of the adhering surface Sc, the adhesive agent can be suppressed from being deformed outward from the adhering surfaces Sc.

In the main seat S, as illustrated inFIG. 19, the adhesive agent layer Gl makes contact with the outer circumferential surface of the projecting portion Xa while surrounding the projecting portion Xa. In this configuration, when a load is placed on at least one member of the first member X1and the second member X2and transmitted to the adhesive agent layer Gl, a deformation of the adhesive agent is suppressed by the projecting portion Xa regardless of direction in which the load acts on the at least one member. In other words, because the adhesive agent layer Gl makes contact with the outer circumferential surface of the projecting portion Xa while surrounding the projecting portion Xa, the main seat S suppresses the adhesive agent from being deformed in all directions.

Due to the effects described above, the state where the first member X1is bonded to the second member X2in the main seat S can be maintained stably. Thus, when a load is input to the first member X1or the second member X2, it is possible to suppress a deformation of the adhesive agent, thereby preventing the second member X2bonded to the first member X1from being separated therefrom.

In the configuration illustrated inFIGS. 18 and 19, the projecting portion Xa is provided only in the first member X1; however this configuration is not limiting. The second member X2may also have a projecting portion Xa that protrudes from its adhering surface Sc toward the first member X1, provided the projecting portion Xa is formed in the first member X1.

A description will be given of an exemplary application of the above adhering structure that the main seat S employs.

First Exemplary Application

The adhering structure described above is applied to the main seat S, for example, in order to bond the joint members36to the respective rear-side links30. In the main seat S, actually, the joint members36are bonded to the respective rear-side links30with an adhesive agent, and the adhering structure According to an embodiment is employed as this adhering structure.

Before a description is given of the adhering structure between the joint member36and the rear-side link30, an exemplary configuration of the joint member36will be described. As illustrated inFIGS. 8 and 9, the joint member36includes a cylindrical portion36a, a flat disc-shaped base portion36bdisposed adjacent to the cylindrical portion36a, and a fitting projection36cprotruding from the base portion36b. Through-holes are formed in both the base portion36band the fitting projection36c. Both through-holes communicate with each other and also communicate with the interior of the cylindrical portion36a.

The cylindrical portion36ais a portion that is inserted into the connection pipe35and fits into it when the joint member36connects the rear-side link30and the connection pipe35. As illustrated inFIG. 9, convex portions36dare formed on the cylindrical portion36aat the end adjoining to the base portion36b;each cylindrical portion36aprotrudes outward from the outer circumferential surface thereof. Each convex portion36dis a substantially cuboid projection; the convex portions36dare formed at two sites about 180 degrees apart from each other in a circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion36a.

As illustrated inFIG. 7, rectangular notches35aare formed at two sites at each end of the connection pipe35while being about 180 degrees apart from each other in a circumferential direction of the connection pipe35. Each rectangular notch35acorresponds to an engaged portion. When the cylindrical portion36ais inserted into the connection pipe35, the above convex portions36dmate with the respective rectangular notches35a. To give a more specific description, the above convex portions36dare inserted into the respective notches35a.

By inserting the convex portions36dinto the notches35acorresponding to the convex portions36das described above, the joint member36can be suppressed from rotating relative to the connection pipe35while the cylindrical portion36ais inserted into the connection pipe35. Herein, the convex portions36dcorrespond to a rotation stopper included in the joint member36.

The base portion36bhas a somewhat larger outer diameter than that of the cylindrical portion36aand is bonded to the inner surface of the rear-side link30in the width direction (the inner side surface thereof) when the joint member36connects the rear-side link30to the connection pipe35. In the main seat S, the base portion36bis bonded to the rear-side link30with an adhesive agent. Accordingly, the base portion36bis provided with the adhering surface Sc as one of the side surfaces. More specifically, the surface of the base portion36bopposite to the cylindrical portion36ais the adhering surface Sc.

As illustrated inFIG. 10, projecting parts Xa, each of which protrudes in a hemispherical shape, are formed on the adhering surface Sc included in the base portion36b. In this exemplary application, the joint member36and the rear-side link30thus correspond to the first member X1and the second member X2, respectively.

The adhering structure which has been described above is applied to the adhering structure between the joint member36and the rear-side link30. To give a more specific description, the entire projecting parts Xa are held on the inner side of the outer edge of the base portion36b. Furthermore, the adhesive agent layer Gl that is formed by the adhesive agent interposed between the base portion36band the rear-side link30makes contact with the outer circumferential surfaces of the projecting parts Xa while surrounding the projecting parts Xa, as illustrated inFIGS. 10 and 11A.

In the main seat S, the projecting parts Xa and the joint member36are integrally molded. To give a more specific description, when the joint member36is molded with a resin material, the projecting portion Xa and other parts of the joint member36are integrally molded. This improves the stiffness of the joint member36itself when it is attached.

As illustrated inFIGS. 8, 10 and 11A, the plurality of projecting parts Xa are formed on the adhering surface Sc of the base portion36b. In the main seat S, they are formed at two sites apart from each other. However, the two projecting parts Xa are not limiting and the number of projecting parts Xa can be set to an arbitrary number.

The fitting projection36cprotrudes from a portion of the adhering surface Sc of the base portion36bwhich is different from a portion thereof with the projecting parts Xa formed. This fitting projection36ccorresponds to a second projecting portion. To give a more specific description, the adhering surface Sc of the base portion36bis a circular surface. As illustrated inFIG. 10, the fitting projection36cis provided in a substantially central portion of this adhering surface Sc, and the projecting parts Xa are provided in portions of the adhering surface Sc which are positioned on both sides of the fitting projection36c. In other words, the fitting projection36cprotrudes from a portion of the adhering surface Sc sandwiched between the two projecting parts Xa.

As illustrated inFIG. 12, when the joint member36connects the rear-side link30to the connection pipe35, the fitting projection36cfits into the pin hole34cformed at the end of the rear-side link30. That is, in the main seat S, the pin hole34cformed at the end of the rear-side link30thus functions as a fitting hole.

In the main seat S, as described above, the fitting projection36cfits into the pin hole34c, and they adhere to each other with the adhesive agent so that the joint member36and the rear-side link30are interconnected. This enables the bonding state of the rear-side link30and the joint member36to be maintained firmly in comparison with a configuration in which the rear-side link30simply adheres to the joint member36.

In the main seat S, as described above, the projecting parts Xa are positioned on both sides of the fitting projection36c. With these projecting parts Xa formed on both sides of the fitting projection36c, the adhesive agent can be suppressed from being deformed around the fitting projection36cand the pin hole34c. Consequently, it is possible to maintain the fitting state of the fitting projection36cand the pin hole34cin good condition, thus enabling a more stable adhering state between the rear-side link30and the joint member36.

As illustrated inFIGS. 8 and 11A, the outer circumferential surface of the fitting projection36cincludes arc-shaped curved surface regions36earranged symmetrically, and flat surface regions36feach positioned between the arc-shaped curved surface regions36e. Thus, the flat regions that are at least partially formed on the outer circumferential surface of the fitting projection36cfulfil a function of preventing the rotation of the joint member36. As a result, the joint member36does not make (relative) rotation with respect to the rear-side link30.

As illustrated inFIG. 11A, the fitting projection36cis formed to be symmetric with respect to both a first virtual plane Vs1and a second virtual plane Vs2, in which the first virtual plane Vs1is perpendicular to the adhering surface Sc of the base portion36b, and the second virtual plane Vs2is perpendicular to both the adhering surface Sc and the first virtual plane Vs1. Assuming that the line of intersection of the first virtual plane Vs1and the second virtual plane Vs2is the center line of the fitting projection36c, each arc-shaped curved surface region36ecorresponds to the farthest region on the outer circumferential surface of the fitting projection36cfrom the above-mentioned center line. Each flat surface region36fcorresponds to a region other than the furthest region from the above center line.

In the main seat S, the projecting parts Xa are formed at the positions opposite to the respective flat surface regions36f. More specifically, they are formed at the positions opposite to the central portions of the respective flat surface regions36f, these central portions being closest to the above center line. By disposing the projecting parts Xa close to the center line of the fitting projection36cin this manner, enlargement of the joint member36can be prevented.

In the main seat S, each projecting portion Xa is formed into a substantially hemispherical shape. Further, it has a circular shape as seen from the protruding direction, as illustrated inFIG. 11A. However, this shape is not limiting; alternatively each projecting portion Xa may be a bead portion formed into a curved shape as seen from the protruding direction, as illustrated inFIG. 11B. Being such a bead portion formed in a curved shape, each projecting portion Xa has a considerable length as seen from the protruding direction. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress more effectively the deformation of the adhesive agent in proportion to this length, further improving the adhesion strength between the joint member36and the rear-side link30.

In the joint member36, the projecting parts Xa are formed on the adhering surface Sc of the base portion36b. In addition, as illustrated inFIG. 9, the above convex portions36dadjoin to each other on a non-adhering surface Sd of the base portion36bwhich is positioned on the opposite side to the adhering surface Sc. In other words, the convex portions36dare formed on the non-adhering surface Sd. Moreover, in the main seat S, the regions on the non-adhering surface Sd of the base portion36bin which the convex portions36dare formed are different from the regions on the adhering surface Sc in which the projecting parts Xa are formed. More specifically, in the main seat S, the convex portions36dformed on the front surface of the base portion36bare shifted in position from the projecting parts Xa formed on the rear surface thereof. This configuration eases a process of forming the convex portions36dand the projecting parts Xa in the base portion36b.

However, the above configuration is not limiting; alternatively the regions on the non-adhering surface Sd of the base portion36bin which the convex portions36dare formed may be aligned with or overlap the regions on the adhering surface Sc in which the projecting parts Xa are formed. This configuration increases the thickness of the base portion36b, making it possible to further improve the stiffness of the joint member36, although it is inferior in processing performance to the foregoing configuration (the configuration in which the convex portions36dformed on the front surface of the base portion36bare shifted from the projecting parts Xa formed on the rear surface thereof).

Second Exemplary Application

The adhering structure according to an embodiment is applied to the main seat S in order to bond the above-mentioned connection pins43to the respective front-side links40. In the main seat S, actually, the connection pins43are bonded to the respective front-side links40with an adhesive agent, and the adhering structure According to an embodiment is employed as this adhering structure.

Before a description is given of the adhering structure between the connection pin43and the front-side link40, an exemplary configuration of the connection pin43will be described. As illustrated inFIG. 13, the connection pin43includes a flat, disc shaped pin head43aand a cylindrical pin main body43badjoining to the pin head43a.

When the connection pin43secures the connection pipe42to the front-side link40, the pin main body43bis inserted into the connection hole41gformed in the front-side link40. Then, the pin main body43bis inserted into the connection pipe42, fitting into the connection pipe42.

The pin head43ahas a larger outer diameter than the pin main body43b. When the connection pin43secures the connection pipe42to the front-side link40, it is bonded to the outer side surface of the front-side link40, or more specifically to the outer edge of the connection hole41g. Accordingly, the pin head43ais provided with the adhering surface Sc as one of the side surfaces. More specifically, the surface of the pin head43aon which the pin main body43bis positioned is the adhering surface Sc. As illustrated inFIG. 13, the region on the outer side surface of the front-side link40to which the pin head43aadheres, or the outer edge of the connection hole41g, is more recessed than other regions.

As illustrated inFIG. 13, projecting parts Xa, each of which protrudes in a hemispherical shape, are formed on the adhering surface Sc of the pin head43a. In this exemplary application, the connection pin43and the front-side link40correspond to the first member X1and the second member X2, respectively. In the main seat S, as illustrated inFIG. 14, the plurality of projecting parts Xa are formed on the adhering surface Sc of the pin head43aand positioned at both sides of the pin main body43b. To give a more specific description, two projecting parts Xa are formed about 180 degrees apart from each other in a circumferential direction of the pin head43a.

The adhering structure of the present invention is employed as the adhering structure between the connection pin43and the front-side link40. To give a more specific description, the whole of each projecting portion Xa is held on the inner side of the outer edge of the pin head43a. In addition, as illustrated inFIG. 14, an adhesive agent layer Gl that is formed by the adhesive agent interposed between the pin head43aand the front-side link40makes contact with the outer circumferential surfaces of the projecting parts Xa while surrounding the projecting parts Xa.

To describe the front-side link40, as described above, the carbon fibers contained in the CFRP between through-holes formed in the front-side link40are aligned with one another along a direction from one of the through-holes to another through-hole. To give a strict description, the front-side link40is formed such that a higher proportion of carbon fibers are aligned with one another along a direction from one of the through-holes to another through-hole. The combination between this configuration and the adhering structure of the present invention enables the adhering state of the connection pin43and the front-side link40to be maintained more firmly.

To give a more specific description, adjusting the alignment of the carbon fibers in the above manner suppresses the front-side link40from being deformed (in particular, deformed to expand) between the through-holes. This makes it possible to suppress the portions of the front-side link40which are abutted against the projecting parts Xa of the connection pin43from being displaced in conjunction with the deformation of the front-side link40. Therefore, the location of each projecting portion Xa relative to the front-side link40is maintained. As a result, the adhering state of the connection pin43and the front-side link40is maintained more firmly.

The connection pin43is equipped with claw-shaped projections43c, each of which protrudes from the adhering surface Sc of the pin head43a. As illustrated inFIG. 14, each claw-shaped projection43cprotrudes from a region of the adhering surface Sc which is positioned between the pin main body43band each projecting portion Xa. In the main seat S, the two claw-shaped projections43care formed about 180 degrees apart from each other in a circumferential direction of the pin head43a.

As illustrated inFIG. 15, cutout portions41hare formed on the outer edge of the connection hole41gin the front-side link40, each cutout portion41hbeing a rectangular notch. The cutout portions41hare formed at two sites about 180 degrees apart from each other in a direction along the outer circumference of the connection hole41g.

When the pin main body43bof the connection pin43is inserted and fits into the connection hole41gin order to attach the connection pin43to the front-side link40, the above claw-shaped projections43care inserted into the corresponding cutout portions41hand disposed therein. This can suppress the connection pin43from rotating relative to the front-side link40when the connection pin43is attached to the front-side link40. Therefore, the claw-shaped projections43ccorrespond to a rotation stopper provided in the connection pin43in order to suppress the connection pin43from rotating relative to the front-side link40.

As described above, the cutout portions41hthat accommodate the above claw-shaped projections43care formed on the circumference of the connection hole41gin the front-side link40. To describe a relationship of the cutout portions41hand the pin holes41cand41din the front-side link40, as illustrated inFIG. 15, the cutout portions41hformed at two sites are formed so as not to traverse a virtual straight line Va that passes through the centers of the pin holes41cand41d. In this case, if the cutout portions41hare formed in the front-side link40, the stiffness of the front-side link40is still ensured.

To give a more specific description, in a configuration in which the pin holes41cand41dare formed at both ends of the front-side link40, it is important to ensure the stiffness of the region between the pin holes41cand41d. For this reason, when the cutout portions41h traverse the region between the pin holes41cand41d, or in particular the above virtual straight line Va, it is difficult to ensure the stiffness of the region between the pin holes41cand41d. In the main seat S, however, neither of the cutout portions41htraverses the above virtual straight line Va, in which case stiffness of the region between the pin holes41cand41dis ensured appropriately.

Third Example

The adhering structure according to an embodiment is applied to the main seat S in order to fix the above connection brackets11to the respective side-portion frames6in the seat cushion frame2and to the respective casings10ain the reclining units10. In the main seat S, actually, the connection brackets11are bonded to the side-portion frames6and the casings10awith an adhesive agent, and the adhering structure according to an embodiment is employed as this adhering structure.

As illustrated inFIG. 16, a connection bracket11is equipped with a flange11aformed by bending an upper end of the connection bracket11inward in the width direction. Of this flange11a, the front-side portion extends along the upper edge of the side-portion frame6at the rear end and the rear-side portion extends along the upper edge of the casing10ain the reclining unit10. When the seatback frame1is connected to the seat cushion frame2by the connection bracket11, this connection bracket11is positioned such that the flange11ais hooked on both the upper edge of the rear end of the side-portion frame6and the upper edge of the casing10a. This position corresponds to the attachment position of the connection bracket11.

When the connection bracket11is disposed in the above attachment position, the lower edge of the connection bracket11is positioned over the frame rear-side shaft pin61attached to the lower portion of the side-portion frame6at the rear end, as illustrated inFIG. 17. In other words, the lower edge of the connection bracket11is partially cut out in a substantially triangle shape so that when the connection bracket11is attached to the side-portion frame6, the lower edge of the connection bracket11does not cover the attachment position of the frame rear-side shaft pin61. Consequently, when the frame rear-side shaft pin61is attached to the side-portion frame6, it is not interfered with by the connection bracket11, so it can be attached smoothly to the frame rear-side shaft pin61.

When the connection bracket11is disposed at the above attachment position, the inner surface of the connection bracket11in the width direction (the inner side surface of the connection bracket11) faces both the side-portion frame6and the casing10a. Specifically, the inner side surface of the connection bracket11is bonded to both the side-portion frame6and the casing10a. This means that the connection bracket11is provided with the inner side surface as the adhering surface Sc.

As illustrated inFIG. 16, a projecting portion Xa is formed on the adhering surface Sc of the connection bracket11, the projecting portion Xa being formed of a bead portion curved in an arched shape. When the connection bracket is bonded to both the side-portion frame6and the casing10a, the projecting portion Xa is abutted against the outer side surface of the side-portion frame6at the rear end. In this exemplary application, accordingly, the connection bracket11and the side-portion frame6correspond to the first member X1and the second member X2, respectively.

The adhering structure of the present invention is applied to the adhering structure between the connection bracket11and the side-portion frame6. To give a more specific description, the entire projecting portion Xa is held on the inner side of the outer edge of the connection bracket11. In addition, as illustrated inFIG. 16, the adhesive agent layer Gl that is formed of the adhesive agent interposed between the connection bracket11and the side-portion frame6makes contact with the outer circumferential surface of the projecting portion Xa while surrounding the projecting portion Xa.

The adhering structure is applied to the main seat S when the connection bracket11adheres to the side-portion frame6, but it can also be used when the connection bracket11adheres to the casing10ain the reclining unit10. In other words, if the connection bracket11is the first member X1, at least one member of the side-portion frame6in the seat cushion frame2and the casing10ain the reclining unit10may be the second member X2. Furthermore, the projecting portion Xa may be any given portion that projects toward the at least one member.

When the seatback frame1is connected to the seat cushion frame2by the connection bracket11, the projecting portion Xa formed on the inner side surface of the connection bracket11is disposed close to the casing10ain the reclining unit10. In this way, the projecting portion Xa protrudes toward the side-portion frame6of the seat cushion frame2. In the main seat S, the projecting portion Xa is a bead portion that protrudes in an arched shape along the outer side of the circular casing10a. As described above, the formation of the bead along the outer side of the casing10aas the projecting portion Xa can suppress effectively the deformation of the adhesive agent in proportion to the extension length of the bead portion. Consequently, it is possible to further improve the adhesive strength between the connection bracket11and the side-portion frame6.

As illustrated inFIG. 17, when the seatback frame1is connected to the seat cushion frame2by the connection bracket11, the projecting portion Xa is positioned slightly forward of the rear edge of the side-portion frame6in the front to back direction. Moreover, the rear side of the side-portion frame6is also formed in an arched shape along the outer side of the casing10a. Accordingly, the bead portion formed in the connection bracket11as the projecting portion Xa is formed along the rear end of the side-portion frame6.

The adhesive agent is coated on a substantially entire area of the inner side surface, or the adhering surface Sc, of the connection bracket11which faces the side-portion frame6. In other words, the adhesive agent layer Gl is formed in an entire space sandwiched by the side-portion frame6and a portion of the connection bracket11which faces the side-portion frame6.

As illustrated inFIGS. 16 and 17, elongated holes11bare formed within the region of the connection bracket11which faces the side-portion frame6with the adhesive agent layer Gl therebetween, each elongated hole11bextending in a direction that intersects the bead portion as the projecting portion Xa. In the main seat S, two elongated holes11bare formed at different locations in the upward to downward direction. Note that the number of elongated holes11bcan be set to an arbitrary number.

Parts of the adhesive agent layer Gl stick out from the respective elongated holes11b. Then, the adhesive agent layer Gl that has stuck out from the elongated holes11bgoes round from the outer edge of each elongated hole11bto the inner side thereof in the width direction and is cured. As described above, the connection bracket11adheres to the side-portion frame6through the inner side surface, or the adhering surface Sc. In this case, since the adhesive agent that has stuck out from the elongated holes11band gone round from the outer edge of each elongated hole11bto the inner side thereof in the width direction is cured, the connection bracket11adheres to the side-portion frame6more firmly.

The longitudinal direction in which each elongated hole11bextends crosses the bead portion, or the projecting portion Xa. By crossing this longitudinal direction of each elongated hole11bover the bead portion or the projecting portion Xa in this way, the adhering state of the connection bracket11and the side-portion frame6can be stabilized even when a load perpendicular to the bead portion acts.

To give a more specific description, suppose only the bead portion which is the projecting portion Xa is formed on the connection bracket11. When a load perpendicular to the bead portion is input to the connection bracket11, the connection bracket11may be separated easily from the side-portion frame6. In contrast, suppose the elongated holes11bare formed to cross the bead portion, and the connection bracket11adheres to the side-portion frame6with the adhesive agent that has moved round from the outer edge of each elongated hole11bto the inner side thereof in the width direction. When a load acts on the connection bracket11in a direction perpendicular to the bead portion, the adhering strength can be ensured sufficiently. Therefore, it is possible to maintain a stable state where the connection bracket11adheres to the side-portion frame6.

TABLE OF REFERENCE NUMERALS