Conveyance seat

The number of components required to restrict the movement of an operating section, when a cushion frame is moved in the height direction, and a link member, which is for moving the cushion frame, is reduced. The seat is provided with: a drive link that is rotatably attached to the cushion frame and that moves the cushion frame in the height direction according to rotation thereof; a gear part that engages with the drive link and that rotates the drive link; a link-rotation restricting member for restricting the rotation range of the drive link; an operating section that accepts an operation for adjusting the height of the cushion frame; and a rotation application section for rotating the drive link via the gear part according to the operating section. The movement of the operating section is restricted as a result of the link-rotation restricting member abutting against the rotation application section.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a conveyance seat, and more particularly to a conveyance seat which allows a height of a seat cushion to be adjusted.

BACKGROUND ART

A conveyance seat provided with a height device which enables adjusting a height of a seat cushion has been known.

For example, as described in Patent Document 1, the height device is mounted between the seat cushion and a vehicle body floor, and includes a pair of front links provided on a seat front side and a rear link provided on a seat rear side. Further, the rear link serves as a drive link and enables adjusting a height of a seat main body.

Furthermore, in the invention described in Patent Document 1, an operation lever which operates the driving of the height device is mounted on an outer side of the drive link in a seat width direction, and a brake unit which regulates the driving of the height device is provided between the drive link and the operation lever.

Moreover, in the invention described in Patent Document 1, providing a restriction member configured to restrict a rotation range for each of the drive link and the operation lever imposes a limitation on a position adjustment range of the seat cushion and an operation range of the operation lever.

CITATION LIST

Patent Literature

SUMMARY OF INVENITON

Technical Problem

However, in the conventional technology, the mechanism which restricts the rotation ranges of the drive link and the operation lever is complicated, and the number of components is large.

In view of the above-described problem, it is an object of the present invention to provide a conveyance seat which enables reducing the number of components required to restrict the movement of an operating section, which is operated when a cushion frame is moved in a height direction, and a link member configured to move the cushion frame.

Solution to Problem

According to a conveyance seat of the present invention, the problem can be solved by a conveyance seat in which a height of a cushion frame is adjustable, including: a link member which is rotatably mounted on the cushion frame and moves the cushion frame in a height direction in correspondence with a rotation; a gear part which engages with the link member and rotates the link member; a link-rotation restricting member which restricts a rotation range of the link member; an operating section which accepts an operation to adjust the height of the cushion frame; and a rotation application section which rotates the link member via the gear part in correspondence with an operation of the operating section, in which the movement of the operating section is restricted when the link-rotation restricting member abuts on the rotation application section.

According to the conveyance seat, the movement of the operating section can be also restricted by the link-rotation restricting member which restricts the rotation range of the link member. Consequently, as compared with a case were a member which restricts the movement of the operating section is provided separately from the link-rotation restricting member, the number of components can be reduced.

That is, according to the conveyance seat, it is possible to reduce the number of components required to restrict the movements of the operating section, which is operated when the cushion frame is moved in the height direction, and the link member configured to move the cushion frame.

In the conveyance seat, preferably, the rotation application section includes a first protruding portion and a second protruding portion which protrude from an outer peripheral portion, the link-rotation restricting member is arranged between the first protruding portion and the second protruding portion, and the movement of the operating section is restricted when the first protruding portion and the second protruding portion abut on the link-rotation restricting member.

With this configuration, the rotation range of the rotation application section and the operation range of the operating section can be restricted with a simple configuration.

In the conveyance seat, preferably, each of the first protruding portion and the second protruding portion is a flange bent from the outer peripheral portion of the rotation application section toward the inside in a seat width direction.

With this configuration, the rigidity of the first protruding portion and the second protruding portion can be improved. Moreover, when the first protruding portion and the second protruding portion are configured to protrude on the inner side in the seat width direction, the first protruding portion and the second protruding portion can be arranged at positions where they do not interfere with the other members.

In the conveyance seat, preferably, the cushion frame includes side frames arranged on side portions, the link-rotation restricting member protrudes from each side frame toward the outer side in the seat width direction via a through hole provided in the side frame, and the operating section and the rotation application section are mounted on one of the right and left side frames which has the link-rotation restricting member mounted thereto.

When the link-rotation restricting member is mounted on the side to which loads from the operating section and the rotation application section are apt to be applied, the movement of the operating section can be more easily restricted by the link-rotation restricting member.

In the conveyance seat, preferably, the rotation application section includes a shock absorbing portion configured to absorb a shock when at least one of the first protruding portion and the second protruding portion abuts on the link-rotation restricting member.

With this configuration, it is possible to absorb a shock when at least one of the first protruding portion and the second protruding portion abuts on the link-rotation restricting member. Consequently, when an occupant operates the operating section, it is possible to alleviate a shock received upon reaching a limit of the operation range.

In the conveyance seat, preferably, the shock absorbing portion includes: a first notch portion which is formed in the first protruding portion on the side opposite to the side facing the second protruding portion; and a second notch portion which is formed in the second protruding portion on the side opposite to the side facing the first protruding portion.

With this configuration, a shock when the first protruding portion and the second protruding portion abut on the link-rotation restricting member can be absorbed with a simple configuration. Consequently, when the occupant operates the operating section, it is possible to further alleviate the shock received upon reaching the limit of the operation range.

In the conveyance seat, preferably, a cushion material arranged on the inner side of the cushion frame is provided, the cushion material vertically overlaps a part of the link-rotation restricting member inside the side frame in the seat width direction, and the cushion material does not vertically overlap a part of the link-rotation restricting member outside the side frame in the seat width direction.

With this configuration, since the cushion material can be arranged in a necessary portion, an increase in weight can be suppressed.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the number of components required to restrict the movements of the operating section, which is operated when the cushion frame is moved in the height direction, and the link member configured to move the cushion frame.

According to the present invention, the rotation range of the rotation application section and the operation range of the operating section can be restricted with a simple configuration.

According to the present invention, the rigidity of the first protruding portion and the second protruding portion can be improved.

According to the present invention, the movement of the operating section can be further easily restricted by the link-rotation restricting member.

According to the present invention, when an occupant operates the operating section, it is possible to alleviate a shock received upon reaching the limit of the operation range.

According to the present invention, a shock when the first protruding portion and the second protruding portion abut on the link-rotation restricting member can be absorbed with a simple configuration.

According to the present invention, an increase in weight can be suppressed.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Vehicle Seat According to First Embodiment

A vehicle seat S according to a first embodiment (which will be referred to as this embodiment hereinafter) of the present invention will now be described hereinafter with reference toFIG. 1toFIG. 9.

In this embodiment, as the vehicle seat S, a vehicle seat mounted in a vehicle will be described as its example, but it may be a seat mounted in an aircraft or a ship which travels on a place other than the ground without being restricted to a vehicle seat mounted in a ground traveling vehicle with wheels such as an automobile or a railcar.

Further, the embodiment described below is just an example which facilitates the understanding of the present invention, and it does not restrict the present invention. That is, shapes, dimensions, arrangements, and others of members described below can be modified or improved without deviating from the purpose of the present invention, and it is needless to say that their equivalents are included in the present invention.

It is to be noted that “up-and-down”, “front-to-back”, and “right-and-left” directions in the following description coincide with “up-and-down”, “front-to-back”, and “right-and-left” directions when seen from an occupant of the vehicle seat S, respectively.

[Configuration of Vehicle Seat S]

The vehicles seat S according to this embodiment has an appearance shown inFIG. 1. It is to be noted that, inFIG. 1, a part of the vehicle seat S (which is specifically a front end corner portion of a seat cushion S1) is shown as a configuration with a surface skin material1aremoved therefrom for the convenience of illustration.

The vehicle seat S has, as main constituent elements, the seat cushion S1which becomes a sitting part supporting the buttocks of a seat occupant, a seatback S2which becomes a backrest part supporting the back of the seat occupant, and a headrest S3which is arranged above the seatback S2and supports the head of the seat occupant.

The seat cushion S1is constituted by mounting a cushion material1bon a cushion frame10which forms a framework shown inFIG. 2and covering the cushion material1bwith a surface skin material1a.

The seatback S2is constituted by mounting a non-illustrated cushion material on a non-illustrated seatback frame and covering it with the surface skin material1a.

The headrest S3is constituted by arranging a non-illustrated cushion material on a non-illustrated core material and covering it with the surface skin material1a.

It is to be noted that the surface skin material1aprovided on the vehicle seat S is made of, e.g., a material such as cloth or leather.

Furthermore, the cushion material1bis an urethane base material molded by foam molding with the use of, e.g., an urethane foaming material.

A description will now be given on the configuration of the cushion frame10with reference toFIG. 2.

As shown inFIG. 2, the cushion frame10has an outer shape which is a substantially rectangular frame shape when seen from above. Moreover, the cushion frame10has, as main constituent elements, a pair of side frames11constituting right and left end portions in a seat width direction respectively, a pan frame12constituting a front end portion of the cushion frame10, and a coupling pipe24(a pipe frame) which couples the right and left side frames11at a rear end portion.

The right and left (pair of) side frames11are arranged to be separated from each other in the seat width direction so that a width of the cushion frame10can be defined, and also arranged to extend in a front-to-back direction. Additionally, the coupling pipe24is mounted on the rear side of the side frames11, and the right and left side frames11are coupled on the rear side through the coupling pipe24.

Specifically, cylindrical end portion sleeves28are formed on the rear end sides of the side frames11, respectively. Further, the coupling pipe24can be inserted into the end portion sleeves28, and welding the end portion sleeves28and the coupling pipe24in a state where the coupling pipe24has been inserted in the end portion sleeves28of the right and left side frames11causes joining the side frames11and the coupling pipe24.

Further, the pan frame12is secured and bonded to the front sides of the right and left side frame11, and the right and left side frames11are coupled with each other on the front side through the pan frame12.

The pan frame12is mainly configured to support the femoral region of a seat occupant (an occupant), and it is a frame formed of a metal plate material whose upper surface is formed into a nearly flat and substantially rectangular shape.

Furthermore, pressure receiving members25are installed on the pan frame12and the coupling pipe24. AlthoughFIG. 2shows an example where S springs are used as the pressure receiving members25, the pressure receiving members25may be leaf springs.

In this embodiment, locking members26are mounted at rear end portions of the pressure receiving members25, respectively. Moreover, front ends of the pressure receiving members25are locked by protrusions of the pan frame12, and the locking members26provided at the rear ends of the pressure receiving members25are locked to the coupling pipe24, whereby the pressure receiving members25are mounted in the cushion frame10.

Further, a rear end portion of the cushion frame10is coupled with the non-illustrated seatback frame through a non-illustrated reclining mechanism. It is to be noted that a well-known configuration can be adopted as the seatback frame, and hence a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Furthermore, the cushion frame10is coupled with slide rail mechanisms30installed on a vehicle body floor through height mechanisms H.

Each slide rail mechanism30has a lower rail32fixed on the vehicle body floor and an upper rail31which slides back and forth on the lower rail32as main constituent elements.

A fixing bracket33is disposed to each upper rail31, and a front link34and a drive link40of the height mechanism H are disposed to the fixing bracket33.

As described above, the cushion frame10is coupled with the slide rail mechanisms30through the fixing brackets33, the front links34, and the drive links40.

Thus, when the upper rails31slide on the lower rails32, the cushion frame10slides back and forth on the lower rails32by following the upper rails31.

[Configuration of Height Mechanism H]

The configuration of each height mechanism H will now be described hereinafter with reference toFIG. 2toFIG. 9. The height mechanism H is a mechanism configured to adjust a height of the cushion frame10to the slide rail mechanism30.

In this embodiment, the height mechanism H has the front link34, the drive link40, a link-rotation restricting member50, an operation member60, and a gear part70as main constituent elements.

The operation member60is a member configured to accept a height adjusting operation using the height mechanism H from an occupant.

Specifically, as shown inFIG. 3andFIG. 4, the operation member60includes an operating section61arranged on the front side and a rotation application section62arranged on the rear side.

The operating section61is a handle which accepts an operation for adjusting the height of the cushion frame10. Specifically, a grip portion68which is gripped by an occupant is mounted to a front end of the operating section61, and the operation for adjusting the height of the cushion frame10can be performed by moving up and down the operating section61in a state where the grip portion68is gripped.

Further, the rotation application section62is a member which transmits an operation of the operating section61to the gear part70and engages (meshes) with the gear part70. Furthermore, the rotation application section62can rotate around a rotation shaft65of the gear part70, and the rotation application section62rotates around the rotation shaft65in correspondence with an operation of the operating section61. Consequently, a gear (which is specifically a pinion gear71) constituting the gear part70can be rotated.

Here, as shown inFIG. 7, the gear part70has the pinion gear71which meshes with a sector gear41of the drive link40. Moreover, when the pinion gear71rotates in correspondence with an operation of the operating section61, a position of the sector gear41which meshes with the pinion gear71fluctuates.

It is to be noted that the gear part70functions as a brake unit which rotates the pinion gear71upon an input from the operation member60or restricts the rotation of the pinion gear71upon any other input.

Here, particulars of the configuration of the drive link40will now be described.

As shown inFIG. 7, the drive link40has the sector gear41, an opening portion42, a through hole43, and a pivot shaft44.

The drive link40is formed of a metal plate member and provided on the side frame11on the outer side (the left side in this example) in the seat width direction in the side frames11constituting the cushion frame10.

The sector gear41is a gear tooth portion provided on an outer shape which is a substantially fan shape of the drive link40. This sector gear41meshes with the pinion gear71, and the drive link40rotates around the pivot shaft44as a rotation center in correspondence with the rotation of the pinion gear71.

The opening portion42is a substantially rectangular opening formed in a substantially central portion of the drive link40. Further, the link-rotation restricting member50extending in the seat width direction is inserted into the opening portion42.

The through hole43is a hole formed on a rear end side of the drive link40, the end portion sleeve28of the side frame11is inserted into the through hole43, and the coupling pipe24is welded to the inside of the end portion sleeve28.

Consequently, the coupling pipe24held by each end portion sleeve28can likewise rotate with the drive link40in correspondence with the rotation of the drive link40.

Furthermore, the pivot shaft44is provided at the front end of the drive link40and mounted so that it can rotate to the fixing bracket33. Specifically, the drive link40and the fixing bracket33can rotate on the pivot shaft44with the use of a shaft member such as a pin. Specifically, the drive link40can rotate in correspondence with the turning of the pinion gear71and a change in position of the sector gear41which meshes with the pinion gear71.

Moreover, the pivot shaft44is fixed to the fixing bracket33, and the pivot shaft44can swing together with the fixing bracket33in accordance with the upper rail31.

Giving a description on an operation of the thus configured height mechanism H, when an occupant who is a seat occupant performs a height adjustment operation to the operation member60, the pinion gear71rotates through the operating section60. When the pinion gear71rotates, a meshing position of the pinion gear71and the sector gear41changes. Accordingly, the drive link40rotates around the pivot shaft44, and the drive link40and the front link34thereby swing while rotating.

As described above, when the drive link40and the front link34rotate, the cushion frame10moves up and down, and the heights of the cushion frame10and the vehicle seat S are adjusted.

[Mechanism for Restricting Rotation Range of Drive Link40]

A description will be given on a mechanism which restricts a rotation range of the drive link40with reference toFIG. 8.

As shown inFIG. 8, when the pinion gear71turns, the drive link40rotates around the pivot axis44.

For example, in a case where the pinion gear71rotates the drive link40downward (counterclockwise) around the pivot shaft44, when the upper end of the opening portion42abuts on the link-rotation restricting member50, the downward rotation of the drive link40is restricted.

Likewise, in a case where the pinion gear71rotates the drive link40upward (clockwise) around the pivot shaft44, when the lower end of the opening portion42abuts on the link-rotation restricting member50, the upward rotation of the drive link40is restricted.

As described above, since the link-rotation restricting member50has been inserted into the opening portion42, the rotation range of the drive link40is restricted.

[Mechanism for Restricting Operation Range of Operating Section61]

A mechanism which restricts an operation range of the operating section61will now be described. Specifically, in this embodiment, restricting a rotation range of the rotation application section62integrated with the operating section61enables the restriction of the operation range of the operating section61.

As shown inFIG. 3, on a rear end side of the rotation application section62, a first protruding portion63A and a second protruding portion63B as flanges bent from an outer peripheral portion66toward the inner side in the seat width direction are provided.

The first protruding portion63A and the second protruding portion63B are separated from each other in the up-and-down direction, and the columnar link-rotation restricting member50fixed to the cushion frame10is arranged between the first protruding portion63A and the second protruding portion63B.

As described above, the link-rotation restricting member50is a member which restricts the rotation of the drive link40, and the link-rotation restricting member50protrudes on the seat outer side through the opening portion42of the drive link40and a through hole11A of the side frame11as shown inFIG. 6andFIG. 7.

As shown inFIG. 6, the link-rotation restricting member50has a large-diameter portion51whose diameter is larger than that of the through hole11A of the side frame11and a small-diameter portion52whose diameter is smaller than that of the through hole11A of the side frame11. Further, in a state where the small-diameter portion52of the link-rotation restricting member50has been inserted in the through hole11A of the side frame11, the link-rotation restricting member50is fixed to the fixing bracket55and the side frame11by welding or the like.

Here, as shown inFIG. 6, the cushion material1bis arranged on the link-rotation restricting member50on the inner side of the side frame11in the seat width direction. That is, the cushion material1bis provided above at least a part of the large-diameter portion51of the link-rotation restricting member50provided on the inner side of the side frame11in the seat width direction.

On the other hand, the cushion material1bis not provided above the small-diameter portion52of the link-rotation restricting member50provided on the inner side of the side frame11in the seat width direction.

Furthermore, as shown inFIG. 9, when the operating section61of the operation member60has been pulled up, namely, when the operating section61has rotated upward around the rotation shaft65, the first protruding portion63A abuts on the link-rotation restricting member50, whereby the upward movement of the operating section61is restricted.

Likewise, when the operating section61of the operation member60has been pressed down, namely, when the operating section61has rotated downward around the rotation shaft65, the second protruding portion63B abuts on the link-rotation restricting member50, whereby the downward movement of the operating section61is restricted.

With this configuration, the rotation range (the operation range) of the operating section61can be suppressed in a fixed range as shown inFIG. 9.

Moreover, as shown inFIG. 3andFIG. 4, a shock absorbing section64configured to absorb a shock when the first protruding portion63A and the second protruding portion63B have abutted on the link-rotation restricting member50is provided in the rotation application section62.

Specifically, in the rotation application section62, a first notch portion64A is provided on a side of the first protruding portion63A opposed to a side facing the second protruding portion63B (or the link-rotation restricting member50).

Providing the first notch portion64A facilitates the bending of the first protruding portion63A when the first protruding portion63A has abutted on the link-rotation restricting member50, thereby improving the shock absorbing properties.

Additionally, in the rotation application section62, a second notch portion64B is provided on a side of the second protruding portion63B opposite to a side facing the first protruding portion63A (or the link-rotation restricting member50).

Providing the second notch portion64B facilitates the bending of the second protruding portion63B when the second protruding portion63B has abutted on the link-rotation restricting member50, thereby improving the shock absorbing properties.

As described above, the first notch portion64A and the second notch portion64B formed in the rotation application section62function as the shock absorbing section64.

Consequently, when the rotation application section62has abutted on the link-rotation restricting member50, a shock which is transmitted to an occupant's hands can be alleviated.

The above-described vehicle seat S according to this embodiment is a conveyance seat which enables adjusting the height of the cushion frame10. The vehicle seat S includes the drive link40(an example of the link member) which is rotatably mounted to the cushion frame10and moves the cushion frame in the height direction in correspondence with a rotation, the gear part70which engages with the drive link40and rotates the drive link40, the link-rotation restricting member50which restricts the rotation range of the drive link40, the operating section60which accepts an operation to adjust the height of the cushion frame10, and the rotation application section62which rotates the drive link40through the gear part70in accordance with an operation of the operating section60. When the link-rotation restricting member50abuts on the rotation application section62, the movement of the operating section60is restricted.

According to the vehicle seat S of this embodiment, the movement of the operating section60can be also restricted by the link-rotation restricting member50which restricts the rotation range of the drive link40. Consequently, as compared with a case where a member which restricts the movement of the operating section60is provided separately from the link-rotation restricting member50, the number of components can be reduced.

That is, according to the vehicle seat S of this embodiment, it is possible to reduce the number of components required to restrict the movement of the operating section60, which is operated when the cushion frame10is moved in the height direction, and that of the drive link40configured to move the cushion frame10.

Further, in the vehicle seat S, the rotation application section62has the first protruding portion63A and the second protruding portion63B which protrude from the outer peripheral portion66, and the link-rotation restricting member50is arranged between the first protruding portion63A and the second protruding portion63B. Furthermore, when the first protruding portion63A and the second protruding portion63B abut on the link-rotation restricting member50, the movement of the operating section60is restricted.

With this configuration, the rotation range of the rotation application section62and the operation range of the operating section60can be restricted with the simple configuration.

Moreover, in the vehicle seat S, each of the first protruding portion63A and the second protruding portion63B is a flange bent toward the inner side in the seat width direction from the outer peripheral portion66of the rotation application section62.

With this configuration, the rigidity of the first protruding portion63A and the second protruding portion63B can be improved. Additionally, protruding the first protruding portion63A and the second protruding portion63B toward the inner side in the seat width direction enables arranging the first protruding portion63A and the second protruding portion63B at positions where they do not interfere with other members.

Further, in the vehicle seat S, the cushion frame10has the side frames11arranged on the side portions, and the link-rotation restricting member50protrudes outward in the seat width direction from the side frame11via the through hole11A provided in the side frame11. The operating section60and the rotation application section62are mounted on one of the right and left side frames11to which the link-rotation restricting member50is mounted.

Mounting the like-rotation restricting member50to the side where a load can be easily applied from the operating section60and the rotation application section62facilitates the restriction of the movement of the operating section60with the use of the link-rotation restricting member50.

Furthermore, in the vehicle seat S, the rotation application section62includes the shock absorbing section64configured to absorb a shock when at least one of the first protruding portion63A and the second protruding portion63B has abutted on the link-rotation restricting member50.

With this configuration, it is possible to absorb the shock when at least one of the first protruding portion63A and the second protruding portion63B has abutted on the link-rotation restricting member50. Consequently, when an occupant operates the operating section60, a shock received when a limit of the operation range has been reached can be eased.

Moreover, in the vehicle seat S, the shock absorbing section64has the first notch portion64A which is formed on the side of the first protruding portion63A opposite to the side facing the second protruding portion63B and the second notch portion64B which is formed on the side of the second protruding portion63B opposite to the side facing the first protruding portion63A.

With this configuration, it is possible to absorb a shock when the first protruding portion63A and the second protruding portion63B have abutted on the link-rotation restricting member50by using the simple configuration. Consequently, when the occupant operates the operating section60, a shock received when the limit of the operation range has been reached can be further alleviated.

Additionally, the vehicle seat S includes the cushion material1barranged on the inner side of the cushion frame10. The cushion material1bvertically overlaps a part of the link-rotation restricting member50inside the side frame11in the seat width direction and the cushion material1bdoes not vertically overlap a part of the link-rotation restricting member50outside the side frame11in the seat width direction.

With this configuration, since the cushion material1bcan be arranged on a necessary portion, an increase in weight can be suppressed.

Other Embodiments

The present invention is not restricted to the foregoing embodiment.

For example, in the foregoing embodiment, the operating section61and the rotation application section62are integrated as one member, but the operating section61and the rotation application section62may be configured as different members.

Further, in the foregoing embodiment, both the first protruding portion63A and the second protruding portion63B are provided to the rotation application section62, but only one of them may be provided.

Furthermore, in the foregoing embodiment, both the first notch portion64A and the second notch portion64B are provided to the rotation application section62, but only one of them may be provided.

Vehicle Seat According to Second Embodiment

A vehicle seat according to a second embodiment will now be described. Before giving a description as to the vehicle seat according to the second embodiment, a problem concerning the conveyance seat will be described.

There is a conveyance seat in which a reclining mechanism which tilts a seatback to a seat cushion. For example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2016-166020 discloses a mechanism which rotates a reclining shaft inserted in side frames of a seatback by using an actuator.

(Problem Solved by Vehicle Seat according to Second Embodiment)

Meanwhile, in the invention according to the prior art, when the actuator is in contact with a frame member, a vibration in the driving of the actuator is apt to be transmitted through the frame member. Here, a problem is to improve the mounting properties of an elastic member configured to suppress the transmission of the vibration of the actuator.

Means for Solving Problem

In view of the above-described problem, it is an object of the present invention to provide a conveyance seat which can improve the mounting properties of an elastic member configured to reduce a vibration transmitted from an actuator to a frame member.

The problem can be solved by a conveyance seat according to the following second embodiment, the vehicle seat including a pad which supports an occupant, a frame member which abuts on the pad, an actuator mounted to the frame member, and an elastic member which is provided between the frame member and the actuator and abuts on each of the frame member and the actuator, the elastic member having a covering portion which extends toward the actuator and covers a part of the actuator.

According to the conveyance seat, in a state where the actuator is covered with the elastic member arranged between the actuator and the frame member, the actuator can be mounted to the frame member. Consequently, the elastic member arranged between the actuator and the frame member can be easily mounted.

Further, since the actuator is mounted to the frame member through the elastic member, the vibration transmitted from the actuator to the frame member can be reduced.

In the conveyance seat, preferably, the pad has an accommodation space which accommodates the elastic member and the frame member.

With this configuration, the elastic member can be arranged in the accommodation space of the pad.

In the conveyance seat, preferably, the actuator and the elastic member are mounted on the inner side of the frame member in the seat width direction.

With this configuration, the actuator and the elastic member do not protrude from the frame member toward the outside in the seat width direction. Consequently, the conveyance seat can be configured compact in the seat width direction.

In the conveyance seat, preferably, the frame member is a seatback frame including the side frames arranged on the right and left sides, the actuator is mounted to each side frame, the elastic member is arranged between the side frame and the actuator and abut on each of the side frame and the actuator.

As described above, since the elastic member is arranged between the actuator and the side frame, the transmission of the vibration to the side frame can be suppressed.

In the conveyance seat, preferably, the side frame has a through hole pierced in the seat width direction, the actuator has a bolt inserted in the through hole, the elastic member is mounted to the bolt, and the side frame is sandwiched between a fastening member mounted to the bolt and the elastic member.

With this configuration, when the actuator is fastened to the frame member from the outer side in the seat width direction by the fastening member, damage on the elastic member can be suppressed.

In the conveyance seat, preferably, the side frame has a concave portion which is recessed toward the inner side in the seat width direction, and the actuator is mounted in the concave portion.

With this configuration, a length of the bolt of the actuator protruding from the outer side of the side frame can be shortened. Consequently, an interference of the bolt of the actuator with members in the seat can be suppressed.

Furthermore, since the actuator can be mounted to a high-rigidity portion of the side frame, the vibration of the side frame can be effectively suppressed.

In the conveyance seat, preferably, an airbag module mounted to the side frame is provided, and a portion on the side frame to which the airbag module is mounted is a position other than the concave portion.

With this configuration, it is possible to suppress the transmission of the vibration of the actuator to the airbag module mounting portion. Consequently, an erroneous operation of an airbag can be prevented, and the airbag can be safely unfolded.

In the conveyance seat, preferably, the side frame has a bead, and an upper end of the concave portion is placed between the bead and the through hole.

Since the bead is formed on the side frame this manner, the rigidity of the side frame can be improved.

In the conveyance seat, preferably, the seatback frame has a lower frame which couples lower portions of the right and left side frames, and the elastic member does not abut on the lower frame.

With this configuration, a through hole configured to mount the actuator to the lower frame does not have to be formed. Thus, the design freedom can be improved. Moreover, since a length of the lower frame in the seat width direction can be shortened, a size of the lower frame can be reduced.

In the conveyance seat, preferably, a pressure receiving member mounted to the seatback frame is provided, the pressure receiving member has a first mounting portion mounted to the seatback frame and a second mounting portion placed below the first mounting portion and mounted to the seatback frame, and the elastic member is arranged between the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion in the up-and-down direction.

With this configuration, it is possible to suppress the transmission of the vibration to the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion of the pressure receiving member through the seatback frame.

(Effects of Conveyance Seat according to Second Embodiment)

According to the conveyance seat of the following second embodiment, the vibration transmitted from the actuator to the frame member can be reduced.

According to the conveyance seat of the following second embodiment, the elastic member can be arranged in the accommodation space of the pad.

According to the conveyance seat of the following second embodiment, the conveyance seat can be configured compact in the seat width direction.

According to the conveyance seat of the following second embodiment, the transmission of the vibration to the side frame can be suppressed.

According to the conveyance seat of the following second embodiment, when the actuator is fastened to the frame member from the outer side in the seat width direction by the fastening member, the damage to the elastic member can be suppressed.

According to the conveyance seat of the following second embodiment, the interference of the bolt of the actuator with the members in the seat can be suppressed.

According to the conveyance seat of the following second embodiment, the transmission of the vibration of the actuator to the mounting portion of the airbag can be suppressed.

According to the conveyance seat of the following second embodiment, the rigidity of the side frame can be improved.

According to the conveyance seat of the following second embodiment, the size of the lower frame can be reduced.

According to the conveyance seat of the second embodiment, the transmission of the vibration from the pressure receiving member to the occupant can be suppressed.

A description will be given below on a vehicle seat S200as the conveyance seat according to the second embodiment of the present invention (which will be referred to as a second embodiment hereinafter) with reference toFIG. 10toFIG. 17.

In the second embodiment, as an example of the vehicle seat S200, a vehicle seat mounted in a vehicle will be described, but it may be a seat mounted in an aircraft or a ship which travels on a place other than the ground without being restricted to a vehicle seat mounted in a ground traveling vehicle with wheels such as an automobile or a railcar.

It is to be noted that the second embodiment described below is just an example which facilitates the understanding of the present invention, and it does not restrict the present invention. That is, shapes, dimensions, arrangements, and others of members described below can be modified or improved without deviating from the purpose of the present invention, and it is needless to say that their equivalents are included in the present invention.

It is to be noted that “up-and-down”, “front-to-back”, and “right-and-left” directions in the following description coincide with “up-and-down”, “front-to-back”, and “right-and-left” directions when seen from an occupant of the vehicle seat S200, respectively.

[Configuration of Vehicle Seat S200]

The vehicles seat S200according to the second embodiment has an appearance shown inFIG. 10. It is to be noted that, inFIG. 10, a part of the vehicle seat S200(which is specifically a front end corner portion of a seat cushion S202) is shown as a configuration with a surface skin material R removed therefrom for the convenience of illustration.

The vehicle seat S200has, as main constituent elements, a seatback S201which becomes a backrest part supporting the back of a seat occupant, the seat cushion S202which becomes a sitting part supporting the buttocks of the seat occupant, and a headrest S203which is arranged above the seatback S201and supports the head of the seat occupant.

The seatback S201is constituted by mounting a pad U on a seatback frame210which forms a framework shown inFIG. 11and covering it with the surface skin material R.

The seat cushion S202is constituted by mounting the pad U on a seat cushion frame220which forms a framework shown inFIG. 11and covering it with the surface skin material R.

The headrest S203is constituted by arranging a non-illustrated cushion material on a non-illustrated core material and covering it with the surface skin material R.

It is to be noted that the surface skin material R provided on the vehicle seat S200is made of a material such as cloth or leather.

Furthermore, the pad U is an urethane base material molded by foam molding with the use of, e.g., an urethane foaming material.

[Configuration of Seat frame F]

A description will now be given on the configuration of a seat frame F as a frame member which becomes the framework of the vehicle seat S200with reference toFIG. 11.

As shown inFIG. 11, the seat frame F is mainly constituted of the seatback frame210and the seat cushion frame220. The seatback frame210forms a framework of the seatback S201, and the seat cushion frame20forms a framework of the seat cushion S202.

As shown inFIG. 11, the seatback frame210includes an inverted U-shaped upper frame211, a pair of side frames212forming right and left end portions in a seat width direction, and a lower frame213which couples lower end portions of the pair of side frames212with each other.

The upper frame211is welded to the side frames212at lower portions of the upper frame211on both sides.

Furthermore, a headrest mounting portion is mounted to an upper end of the upper frame211by welding. The headrest mounting portion is a tubular body into which two headrest stays suspended from the headrest S203are inserted.

As shown inFIG. 11, a rotation shaft225of a reclining mechanism235is mounted between the lower end portions of the right and left side frames212in a state where the rotation shaft225pierces through the right and left side frames212.

As shown inFIG. 11andFIG. 12, the rotation shaft225rotates by power given by an actuator250. Giving a specific description, the rotation shaft225is inserted into an insertion hole formed in the actuator250and engages with an output shaft of the actuator250. Thus, when the output shaft of the actuator250turns, the rotation shaft225inserted in the output shaft turns. As a result, driving force of the actuator250is transmitted to the reclining mechanism235through the rotation shaft225, and the reclining mechanism235finally operates.

It is to be noted that operating a non-illustrate reclining operating section causes driving the actuator250. Consequently, the reclining mechanism235is operated, and an angle of the seatback S201to the seat cushion S202can be adjusted.

Moreover, the side frame212is a tabular frame having a U-shaped cross section, and a concave portion212A is formed below a flat plate portion which serves as a side plate.

The concave portion212A is a portion formed by denting the flat plate portion of the side frame212inward in the seat width direction.

Additionally, as shown inFIG. 11,FIG. 13, andFIG. 17, a through hole212C is formed in the concave portion212A, and a bolt253extending outward in the seat direction from a mounting portion251of the actuator250is inserted into the through hole212C.

It is to be noted that an elastic member252which has an outer shape slightly larger than the cylindrical mounting portion251and has a hole, into which the bolt253can be inserted, formed at the center thereof is disposed to the bolt253. The elastic member252is a cap-shaped member disposed in a state where it covers an end portion of the mounting portion251. For example, the elastic member252is made of rubber.

Specifically, as shown inFIG. 14, the elastic member252has an abutting portion252A arranged between the mounting portion251and the side frame212, a through hole252B which is provided in the abutting portion252A and into which the bolt253is inserted, and a covering portion252C which extends from the abutting portion252A toward the actuator250and covers a part of the mounting portion251.

Further, in a state where the bolt253is inserted into the through hole252B of the elastic member252and the covering portion252C of the elastic member252is fitted on the mounting portion251, the bolt253is inserted into the through hole212C of the side from212from the inner side in the seat width direction. Furthermore, a nut254as a fastening member is fastened to an end portion of the bolt253protruding from the side frame212to the outer side in the seat width direction.

It is to be noted that, in a state where the elastic member is mounted to cover the mounting portion251of the actuator250as described above, the actuator250can be mounted on the side frame212. Consequently, the elastic member252hardly comes off the actuator250. Moreover, when the elastic member252has been put on the mounting portion251of the actuator250, the covering portion252C of the elastic member252can be visually confirmed from various angles, and hence whether the elastic member252has been mounted can be easily confirmed.

When the actuator250is fixed to the side frame212at a position other than the rotation shaft225in this manner, the fixation of the actuator250can be strengthened.

Further, the actuator250is not in direction contact with the side frame212. That is, the elastic member252is arranged between the actuator250and the side frame212. In other words, a surface of the elastic member252on the inner side in the seat width direction abuts on the mounting portion251of the actuator250, and a surface of the elastic member252on the outer side in the seat width direction abuts on the side frame212.

When the actuator250is mounted on the side frame212through the elastic member252in this manner, the vibration of the actuator250is hardly transmitted to the side frame212.

Further, the elastic member252is arranged on the inner side of the side frame212in the seat width direction. That is, the side frame212is sandwiched between the elastic member252and the nut254. With this configuration, since the nut254screwed to the bolt253does not directly come into contact with the elastic member252, the elastic member252can be prevented from being damaged by the nut254at the time of the fastening using the nut254.

It is to be noted that, as shown inFIG. 12, the mounting portion251of the actuator250is mounted on the side frame212but, on the other hand, it is not mounted on the lower frame213. Since the mounting portion251of the actuator250is mounted on the side frame212alone in this manner, the vibration is hardly transmitted from the mounting portion251to the lower frame213.

Further, as shown inFIG. 13, the actuator250is accommodated in an accommodation space280formed in the pad U.

Furthermore, as shown inFIG. 10andFIG. 15, an airbag module260is mounted on the outer side of the side frame212in the seat width direction.

Specifically, as shown inFIG. 11, an airbag mounting hole212D and an airbag mounting hole212E are formed in the flat plate portion of the side frame212, and the airbag module260is mounted in the airbag mounting hole212D and the airbag mounting hole212E.

Here, as shown inFIG. 15, the airbag module260has, as main constituents, an airbag261, an inflator262, a stud bolt263, and a retainer264.

The airbag module260is fixed to the side frame212in the following manner. The stud bolt263extends from the inflator262toward the inner side in the seat width direction. Furthermore, in a state where the stud bolt263has been inserted in the airbag mounting hole212D of the side frame212, when a nut265is screwed and fastened from the inner side in the seat width direction, the airbag module260is mounted to the side frame212.

Giving a description on an operation of the airbag module260, the inflator262generates a gas by accepting an operation signal in correspondence with a collision of a vehicle, and the airbag261inflates upon accepting injection of the gas generated by the inflator262. At this time, when stay cloth270held by an end portion of the surface skin material R and a stay cloth mounting clip271fixed to the side frame212is pressed, the end portion of the surface skin material R is fractured, and the airbag261inflates and expands from a fractured portion to the outside of the seatback S201.

It is to be noted that, as shown inFIG. 11, in the vehicle seat S200according to the second embodiment, the airbag mounting hole212D and the airbag mounting hole212E configured to mount the airbag module260are provided at positions different from that of the concave portion212A.

In other words, the airbag mounting hole212D and the airbag mounting hole212E configured to mount the airbag module260are formed at positions higher than that of a step portion212B which is an upper end of the concave portion212A of the side frame212.

Furthermore, as shown inFIG. 11, an inverted F-shaped bead212F is formed on the flat plate portion of the side frame212, whereby the strength of the flat plate portion of the side frame212is improved.

Moreover, the step portion212B of the side frame212is placed between a lower end of the seat frame F and the concave portion212A of the side frame212. That is, an upper end of the concave portion212A is placed between the lower end of the seat frame F and the concave portion212A of the side frame212.

Additionally, the airbag mounting hole212D and the airbag mounting hole212E are formed at positions across the bead212F, and the strength of the mounting portion of the airbag module260is thereby improved.

Further, as shown inFIG. 11, a pressure receiving member215which receives a load from an occupant is installed at a central portion of the seatback frame210. Specifically, the pressure receiving member215is supported by the seatback frame210on a first mounting portion216and a second mounting portion217.

Here, the pressure receiving member215supports the back of an occupant, and is constituted of an elastic member such as a leaf spring or an S spring.

The first mounting portion216is a member locked to the side frame212. Further, the first mounting portion216may be locked to the upper frame211provided above the pressure receiving member215or a cross member which is installed on the upper frame211.

The second mounting portion217is a member which is provided below the first mounting portion216and locked to the lower frame213coupling the right and left side frames212.

In this manner, the pressure receiving member215is fixed to the seatback frame210by the first mounting portion216and the second mounting portion217.

It is to be noted that the elastic member252is arranged between the first mounting portion216and the second mounting portion217in the up-and-down direction. With this configuration, the vibration of the actuator250is hardly transmitted to the pressure receiving member215through the first mounting portion216and the second mounting portion217.

A description will now be given on the seat cushion frame220.

As shown inFIG. 11, the seat cushion frame220has an outer shape which is a square frame shape when viewed from above. Furthermore, the seat cushion frame220has, as main constituent elements, right and left cushion side frames221constituting right and left end portions in the seat width direction respectively, a pan frame222coupling front end portions of the right and left cushion side frames221with each other, and a coupling pipe224coupling rear end portions of the right and left cushion side frames221with each other. For example, the coupling pipe224is a hollow member such as a round pipe.

It is to be noted that the seatback frame210is coupled with the seat cushion frame220through the reclining mechanisms235and coupling brackets223, and an angle of the seat back frame210to the seat cushion frame220can be adjusted by the reclining mechanisms235as described above.

Moreover, the seat cushion frame220is coupled with slide mechanisms230through height mechanisms240.

Each of the slide mechanisms230has, as main constituent elements, a lower rail231fixed to a vehicle body floor and an upper rail232which slides back and forth on the lower rail231.

The height mechanisms240are mounted on the upper rails232, and the seat frame F slides with the upper rails232on the lower rails231when the upper rails232slide on the lower rails231, respectively.

Additionally, each height mechanism240has a plurality of links, and electrically or manually rotating the links enables adjusting a height of the seat cushion frame220to the vehicle body floor (or the upper rails232). It is to be noted that a well-known mechanism can be used as each height mechanism240, and hence its particulars will be omitted.

As described above, in the vehicle seat S according to the second embodiment, the elastic member252is mounted on the mounting portion251of the actuator250, and the actuator250is mounted on the side frame212through the elastic member252. Consequently, the transmission of the vibration of the actuator250to the seatback frame210including the side frames212can be suppressed.

The vehicle seat S200(an example of the conveyance seat) according to the second embodiment has the pad U which supports an occupant, the seat frame F (an example of the frame member) which abuts on the pad U, the actuator250mounted on the seat frame F, and the elastic member252which is provided between the seat frame F and the actuator250and abuts on each of the seat frame F and the actuator250, and the elastic member252extends toward the actuator250and has the covering portion252C which covers a part of the actuator250.

According to the vehicle seat S200, in a state where the elastic member252arranged between the actuator250and the seat frame F has been put on the actuator250, the actuator250can be mounted on the seat frame F. Consequently, the mounting of the elastic member252arranged between the actuator250and the seat frame F can be facilitated.

Further, since the actuator250is mounted on the seat frame F through the elastic member252, the vibration transmitted from the actuator250to the seat frame F can be reduced.

In the vehicle seat S200, the pad U has the accommodation space280in which the elastic member252and the side frame212are accommodated.

With this configuration the elastic member252can be arranged in the accommodation space280of the pad U.

In the vehicle seat S200, the actuator250and the elastic member252are mounted on the inner side of the seat frame F in the seat width direction.

With this configuration, the actuator250and the elastic member do not protrude from the seat frame F toward the outer side in the seat width direction. As a result, the vehicle seat S200can be configured compact in the seat width direction.

In the vehicle seat S200, the frame member is the seatback frame210including the side frames212arranged on the right and left sides. The actuator250is mounted on each side frame212, and the elastic member252is provided between the side frame212and the actuator250and abuts on each of the side frame212and the actuator250.

Providing the elastic member252between the actuator250and the side frame212in this manner enables suppressing the transmission of the vibration to the side frame212.

In the vehicle seat S200, the side frame212has the through hole212C pierced in the seat width direction, and the actuator250has the bolt253inserted into the through hole212C. The elastic member252is mounted to the bolt253, and the side frame212is sandwiched between the nut254(an example of the fastening member) mounted to the bolt253and the elastic member252.

With this configuration, when the actuator250is fastened to the frame member from the outer side in the seat width direction by the nut254, the damage given to the elastic member can be suppressed.

In the vehicle seat S200, the side frame212has the concave portion212A recessed inward in the seat width direction, and the actuator250is mounted on the concave portion.

With this configuration, a protruding length of the bolt253of the actuator250from the outer side of the side frame212can be shortened. Consequently, the interference of the bolt253of the actuator250with the members in the seat can be suppressed.

Furthermore, since the actuator250can be mounted on the high-rigidity portion of the side frame212, the vibration of the side frame212can be effectively suppressed.

In the vehicle seat S200, the airbag module260mounted on the side frame212is provided, and a portion of the side frame212on which the airbag module260is mounted is a position other than the concave portion212A.

With this configuration, it is possible to suppress the transmission of the vibration of the actuator250to the mounting portion for the airbag module260. Consequently, an erroneous operation of the airbag can be prevented, and the airbag can be stably unfolded.

In the vehicle seat S200, the side frame212has the bead212F, and the upper end of the concave portion212A (the step portion212B) is placed between the bead212F and the through hole212C.

Forming the bead212F on the side frame212in this manner enables improving the rigidity of the side frame212.

In the vehicle seat S200, the seatback frame210has the lower frame213which couples the lower portions of the right and left side frames212with each other, and the elastic member252does not abut on the lower frame213.

With this configuration, a through hole for mounting the actuator250on the lower frame213does not have to be formed. Thus, the design freedom of the lower frame213can be improved. Furthermore, since the length of the lower frame213in the seat width direction can be shortened, the size of the lower frame213can be reduced.

The vehicle seat S200has the pressure receiving member215which is mounted on the seatback frame210. The pressure receiving member215has the first mounting portion216which is mounted on the seatback frame210and the second mounting portion217which is placed below the first mounting portion216and mounted on the seatback frame210. The elastic member252is arranged between the first mounting portion216and the second mounting portion217in the up-and-down direction.

With this configuration, it is possible to suppress the transmission of the vibration of the pressure receiving member215to the first mounting portion216and the second mounting portion217via the seatback frame210.

Other Embodiments

The present invention is not restricted to the second embodiment.

For example, in the second embodiment, the description has been given as to the example where the elastic member252is provided to the mounting portion251of the actuator250which is mounted on the seatback frame210, but the elastic member252may be provided to the actuator250which is mounted on the seat cushion frame220.

Moreover, a part of the pad U may be notched so that the elastic member252mounted on the mounting portion251of the actuator250can be confirmed from behind the seat frame F.

Vehicle Seat According to Third Embodiment

A vehicle seat according to a third embodiment will now be described. Before giving a description on the vehicle seat according to the third embodiment, a problem concerning the conveyance seat will be described.

In general, the vehicle seat is formed by mounting a cushion pad on a seat frame and covering it with a trim cover. A trim cover end in such a vehicle seat is locked by sewing a U-shaped resin hook to the end of the trim cover and hooking the resin hook on the seat frame as described in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2016-088411.

(Problem to be Solved by Conveyance Seat according to Third Embodiment)

However, in the above-described vehicle seat, when an excessive load has been applied to the seat cushion and the trim cover has moved or when a seat surface of the seat cushion is configured to be raised (tilt up), there is a problem that the hook on the trim cover end is apt to come off.

In view of the above-described problem, it is an object of the present invention to provide a vehicle seat in which the detachment of a trim cover from a seat frame is suppressed by restricting a hooking member to the seat frame even when an excessive load has been applied to the seat cushion and the trim cover has moved or when a seat which can be tilted up is adopted.

Means for Solving Problem

According to a conveyance seat of the following third embodiment, the problem can be solve by the conveyance seat including a seat cushion, in which the seat cushion includes a cushion frame, a pad member mounted on the cushion frame, and a trim cover which covers the pad member, a hooking member having a protruding portion provided thereto is disposed to the trim cover, the cushion frame includes side frames each having an engagement portion which extends in a seat front-to-back direction provided thereto, and the protruding portion of the hooking member is inserted into and engaged with the engagement portion of the side frame.

In the thus configured conveyance seat according to the third embodiment, when the protruding portion of the hooking member is inserted into and engaged with the engagement portion of the cushion frame which extends in the seat front-to-back direction, a position of the hooking member in the seat front-to-back direction can be restricted. Thus, in a case where an excessive load has been applied to the seat cushion and the trim cover has moved or a case where a seat which can be tilted up is adopted, even when the hooking member has moved in a direction to be detached from the cushion frame, the detachment of the hooking member from the cushion frame can be suppressed.

Additionally, in the conveyance seat, preferably, the hooking member includes an outer arrangement portion which is arranged on the outer side of the side frame in the conveyance seat width direction in a state where the hooking member has been engaged with the side frame and an inner arrangement portion arranged on the inner side of the side frame in the conveyance seat width direction, and the protruding portion protrudes outward from the inner arrangement portion in the conveyance seat width direction.

In the above-described configuration, since the protruding portion protrudes outward from the inner side of the side frame in the seat width direction and engages with the engagement portion, the detachment of the hooking member from the cushion frame can be appropriately suppressed.

Further, in the conveyance seat, preferably, a concave portion recessed inward in the conveyance seat width direction is formed on the side frame, the concave portion includes an engagement surface portion on which the engagement portion is arranged, and a length of the outer arrangement portion in a front-to-back direction of the conveyance seat is formed longer than a length of the engagement surface portion.

In the above-described configuration, the outer arrangement portion of the hooking member abuts on the side frame, the inner arrangement portion abuts on an outer surface portion of the side frame at a position where the inner arrangement portion is separated from the outer arrangement portion in the seat width direction, and hence a position of the hooking member in the seat width direction is restricted.

Further, in the conveyance seat, preferably, the engagement portion is arranged ahead of the center of the seat cushion in the front-to-back direction.

In the above-described configuration, when the engagement portion of the side frame with which the protruding portion of the hooking member is arranged ahead of the center of the seat cushion, the detachment of the hooking member from the cushion frame can be suppressed when an occupant (a seat occupant) gets on or off.

Furthermore, in the conveyance seat, preferably, the engagement portion is arranged on the outer side of the side frame in the conveyance seat width direction.

In the above-described configuration, the workability at the time of hooking the hooking member on the engagement portion can be improved.

Moreover, in the conveyance seat, preferably, the engagement portion is provided inside an outer end surface of the side frame in the conveyance seat width direction.

In the above-described configuration, since the engagement portion is provided inside the outer end surface of the side frame, even if an occupant has come into contact with the outer end surface of the side frame when he/she carries out an operation to get on/off, the detachment of the hooking member from the cushion frame can be suppressed.

Additionally, in the conveyance seat, preferably, the side frame includes a main body portion and a bracket member mounted on the main body portion, and the engagement portion is formed on the bracket member.

In the above-described configuration, since the engagement portion is provided on the member different from the main body portion of the side frame, the design is facilitated.

Further, in the conveyance seat, preferably, the bracket member includes a base portion, and a mounting portion bent from the base portion, the main body portion of the side frame includes a flange portion extending inward in the conveyance seat width direction, and the attachment portion is fixed to the side frame at the flange portion.

In the above-described configuration, since the bracket member having the engagement portion formed thereto is stably mounted on the main body portion of the side frame, the hooking of the hooking member on the side frame is stabilized.

Furthermore, in the conveyance seat, preferably, the bracket member is fixed to the main body portion of the side frame in the conveyance seat width direction.

In the above-described configuration, since the bracket member having the engagement portion formed thereto is mounted on the main body portion of the side frame in the seat width direction, the hooking of the hooking member on the side frame is stabilized.

Moreover, in the conveyance seat, preferably, the bracket member is a part of a tilt mechanism which tilts the seat cushion.

In the above-described configuration, even in the conveyance seat which can tilt (tilt up) the seat cushion, the detachment of the hooking member from the cushion frame is suppressed at the time of a seat cushion tilt operation.

(Effects of Conveyance Seat according to Third Embodiment)

According to the conveyance seat of the third embodiment, when an excessive load has been applied to the seat cushion and the trim cover has moved or when the seat which can be tilted up is adopted, even if the hooking member has moved in a direction to be detached from the cushion frame, the detachment of the hooking member from the cushion frame is suppressed.

Further, according to the conveyance seat of the present invention, since the protruding portion protrudes outward in the seat width direction from the inner side of the side frame and engages with the engagement portion, the hooking member is appropriately inhibited from being detached from the cushion frame.

Additionally, according to the conveyance seat of the following third embodiment, the outer arrangement portion of the hooking member abuts on the side frame, the inner arrangement portion abuts on the engagement surface portion of the side frame at a position where the inner arrangement portion is separated from the outer arrangement portion in the seat width direction, and hence a position of the hooking member is restricted in the seat width direction.

Further, according to the conveyance seat of the following third embodiment, since the engagement portion of the side frame with which the protruding portion of the hooking member engages is arranged ahead of the center of the seat cushion, the detachment of the hooking member from the cushion frame is suppressed when an occupant (a seat occupant) gets on or off.

Furthermore, according to the conveyance seat of the following third embodiment, the workability at the time of hooking the hooking member on the engagement portion is improved.

Moreover, according to the conveyance seat of the following third embodiment, since the engagement portion is provided on the inner side of the outer end surface of the side frame, even if an occupant has come into contact with the outer end surface of the side frame when he/she carries out an operation to get on/off, the detachment of the hooking member from the cushion frame is suppressed.

Additionally, according to the conveyance seat of the following third embodiment, since the engagement portion is provided on the member different from the main body portion of the side frame, the design can be facilitated.

Further, according to the conveyance seat of the following third embodiment, since the bracket member having the engagement portion formed thereto can be stably disposed to the main body portion of the side frame, the hooking of the hooking member to the side frame can be stabilized.

Furthermore, according to the conveyance seat of the following third embodiment, since the bracket member having the engagement portion formed thereto is disposed to the base portion of the side frame in the seat width direction, the hooking of the hooking member to the side frame is stabilized.

Moreover, according to the conveyance seat of the following third embodiment, even in the conveyance seat which can tilt (tilt up) the seat cushion, the hooking member is inhibited from being detached from the cushion frame at the time of a seat cushion tilt operation.

A description will be given below on a seat frame of a vehicle seat S300according to the third embodiment of the present invention (which will be referred to as the third embodiment hereinafter) with reference toFIG. 18toFIG. 25B. As a seat frame according to this embodiment, an example of a seat frame which forms a framework of a vehicle seat mounted in a vehicle will be described, but it is not restricted to the seat frame for the vehicle seat.

It is to be noted that the third embodiment described below is just an example which facilitates the understanding of the present invention, and it does not restrict the present invention. That is, shapes, dimensions, arrangements, and others of members described below can be modified or improved without deviating from the purpose of the present invention, and it is needless to say that their equivalents are included in the present invention.

In the following description, a “front-to-back” direction” means a front-to-back direction when viewed from an occupant of a vehicle seat, and it is a direction which coincides with a traveling direction of a vehicle.

A “seat width direction” means a breadth direction of the vehicle seat, and it coincides with a right-and-left direction when viewed from the occupant of the vehicle seat.

Additionally, an “up-and-down direction” means a height direction of the vehicle seat, and it coincides with an up-and-down direction when the vehicle seat is viewed from the front.

A “a seat inner direction” means an inner direction of the vehicle seat (a direction toward the center of the vehicle seat), and a “seat frame inner direction” means an inner direction of a seat frame (a direction toward the center of the seat frame).

(Configuration of Vehicle Seat S300)

A vehicle seat S300according to the third embodiment has an appearance shown inFIG. 18. It is to be noted that, inFIG. 1, a part of the vehicle seat S300(which is specifically a front end corner portion of a seat cushion S301) is shown as a configuration with a trim cover401removed therefrom for the convenience of illustration.

The vehicle seat S300has, as main constituent elements, the seat cushion S301which becomes a sitting part supporting the buttocks of a seat occupant, a seatback S302which becomes a backrest part supporting the back of the seat occupant, and a headrest S303which is arranged above the seatback S302and supports the head of the seat occupant. Each of the seat cushion S301and the seatback S302is constituted by mounting a cushion pad400on a later-described seat cushion frame301and a non-illustrated seatback frame and covering the cushion pad400with a trim cover401. It is to be noted that, as the seat cushion S301and the seatback S302, well-known configurations are adopted except for a tilt bracket320or a hooking member330which will be described later.

The seat cushion S301is constituted of the seat cushion frame301, the cushion pad400mounted on the seat cushion frame301, and the trim cover401which covers the seat cushion frame301and the cushion pad400.

The cushion pad400is made of a cushion material having elasticity, e.g., urethane foam, and the trim cover401is made of synthetic leather or cloth, and it is formed by sewing a plurality of surface skin materials.

(Outline of Seat Frame)

A description will be first given on an outline of a structure of the seat cushion frame301according to the third embodiment with reference toFIG. 19. The seat cushion frame301is supported by leg portions, and the leg portions have inner rails mounted thereto and assembled as a sliding type so that a positional adjustment is possible in the front-to-back direction between the inner rails and outer rails installed on a vehicle body floor. Further, a rear end portion of the seat cushion frame301is coupled with a non-illustrated seatback frame through a non-illustrated reclining mechanism.

As shown inFIG. 19, the seat cushion frame301has an outer shape which is a rectangular frame shape when viewed from above. Further, the seat cushion frame301has, as main constituent elements, side frames301aand301bconstituting end portions in the seat width direction, a pan frame301cconstituting a front end portion of the seat cushion frame1, and a coupling pipe301dwhich couples the right side frame301awith the left side frame301b.

The two (the pair of) side frames301aand301bare arranged to be separated from each other in the right-and-left direction to define a width of the seat cushion frame301, and they are arranged to extend in the front-to-back direction. Further, the coupling pipe301dis disposed on the rear side of the side frames301aand301b, and the right and left side frames301aand301bare coupled with each other on the rear side by the coupling pipe301d.

Furthermore, the pan frame301cis secured and bonded to the front side of the pair of side frames301aand301b, and the right and left side frames301aand301bare coupled with each other on the front side by the pan frame301c. More specifically, end portions of the pan frame301cin the right-and-left direction are fixed to flanges provided to the side frames301aand301bby fixing means, e.g., welding, respectively.

The pan frame301cis mainly configured to support the thigh of a seat occupant (an occupant), and it is a frame made of a metal plate material having an upper surface formed into a substantially flat and nearly rectangular shape. The pan frame301cincludes a front bent portion provided by bending the front end portion downward and a rear bent portion provided by bending the rear end portion downward. Moreover, a support surface whose upper surface is substantially flat is provided between the front bent portion and the rear bent portion. It is to be noted that end portions of the support surface in the right-and-left direction are fixed to the flanges of the side frames301aand301b, respectively (FIG. 19).

(Configuration of Side Frame)

A description will now be given below on the side frames301aand301band a tilt bracket320constituting the seat cushion frame301of the vehicle seat S300according to the third embodiment with reference toFIGS. 20A to 21B. Although one side frame301bwill be described below, the other side frame301ahas the same configuration.FIG. 20Ais a perspective view showing the tilt bracket320mounted on the side frame301bfrom the outer side in the seat width direction, andFIG. 20Bis a perspective view showing the tilt bracket320mounted on the side frame301bfrom the inner side in the seat width direction.FIG. 21Ais a front view of the tilt bracket320, andFIG. 21Bis a top view of the tilt bracket320.

As shown inFIGS. 20A and 20B, the side frame301bhas a side frame main body310extending in the seat front-to-back direction and the tilt bracket320mounted on the side frame main body310as main constituent elements, and a tilt mechanism (a tilt-up mechanism) such as a link member312is mounted.

The side frame main body310includes a flange portion310aextending in the seat frame inner direction. An upper mounting portion328of the later-described tilt bracket320is mounted on the flange portion310aby fastening members311aand311b.

Additionally, a front mounting portion322of the tilt bracket320is mounted on the side frame main body310by a fastening member313, and a rear mounting portion323of the tilt bracket320is mounted on the same by a fastening member314.

As shown inFIGS. 20A and 21A, the tilt bracket320includes a base portion321, the front mounting portion322provided at a front end portion of the base portion321, the rear mounting portion323provided at a rear end portion of the base portion321, and an extending portion324provided between the front mounting portion322and the rear mounting portion323. In the front mounting portion322and the rear mounting portion323, a mounting hole322aand a mounting hole323ainto which fastening members are inserted are provided, respectively.

An engagement concave portion325is provided to the extending portion324, and an engagement hole326extending in a longitudinal direction (the seat front-to-back direction) of the base portion321is formed in an engagement surface portion325awhich is a bottom portion of the engagement concave portion325. On the rear side of the extending portion324, a buckle mounting portion327configured to mount a non-illustrated seatback buckle is provided. A buckle mounting hole327ainto which a fastening member is inserted is provided in the buckle mounting portion327.

The upper mounting portion328bent from the base portion321is formed to the tilt bracket320, a mounting hole328ais formed on the front side of the upper mounting portion328, and a mounting hole328bis formed on the rear side of the upper mounting portion328.

As shown inFIG. 20B, the link member312is mounted between the side frame main body310and the front mounting portion322of the tilt bracket320through the fastening member313. In this embodiment, the link member312or the tilt bracket320is a part of the tilt mechanism (the tilt-up mechanism) which raises a seat surface of the seat cushion S301.

In the third embodiment, the engagement hole326of the tilt bracket320corresponds to an engagement portion into which a hook portion333(a protruding portion) of the later-described hooking member330is inserted.

(Configurations of Trim Cover and Hooking Member)

FIGS. 22A to 22Cshow the hooking member330according to the third embodiment.FIG. 22Ais a perspective view of the hooking member330sewed to the trim cover401,FIG. 22Bis a B-B cross-sectional view ofFIG. 22A, andFIG. 22Cis a C-C cross-sectional view ofFIG. 22A.

As shown inFIG. 22A, the hooking member330which is made of a resin and has a J-shaped cross section has been sewed to an end portion of the trim cover401. The hooking member330includes a base portion331, a curved portion332formed by curving the base portion331, and the hook portion333extending from the curved portion332.

The hooking member330has the hook portion333at an end portion on the opposite side of the portion sewed to the trim cover401. Further, on the J-shaped inner side of the hooking member330, an accommodating portion334to accommodate the extending portion324of the tilt bracket320is formed.

As shown inFIG. 22A, the hook portion333is formed to extend from a part of the curved portion332. Specifically, a distance L between a first side end surface331aand a second side end surface331bof the base portion331in a longitudinal direction (a length L of the base portion331in the longitudinal direction) is set longer than a distance between a first side end surface333aand a second side end surface333bof the hook portion333in the longitudinal direction (a length of the hook portion333in the longitudinal direction).

In other words, the hook portion333is formed in such a manner that the first side end surface333aof the hook portion333is present on the second side end surface331bside rather than the first side end surface331aof the base portion331and the second side end surface333bof the hook portion333is present on the first side end surface331aside rather than the second side end surface331bof the base portion331.

As shown inFIG. 22C, the hook portion333is formed in such a manner that its protruding direction becomes a direction toward the J-shaped inner side (in other words, a direction toward the base portion331).

When the extending portion324of the tilt bracket320is accommodated in the accommodating portion334of the hooking member330and the hook portion333(the protruding portion) of the hooking member330is engaged with the engagement hole326(the engagement portion) of the tilt bracket320, the trim cover401is mounted on the seat cushion frame301.

FIGS. 23A and 23BandFIG. 24show a state where the hook portion333of the hooking member330provided at the end portion of the trim cover401is engaged with the engagement hole326of the tilt bracket320. It is to be noted that, inFIGS. 23A and 23BandFIG. 24, the trim cover401is omitted for the purpose of illustration.

In a state where the cushion pad400has been placed on the seat cushion frame301, the trim cover401covers the outer side of the side frame301bin the seat width direction, and the hooking member330is engaged with the tilt bracket320from the lower end side of each of the side frames301aand301b.

Further, the extending portion324of the tilt bracket320is positioned in the accommodating portions334of the hooking member330, and the hook portion333of the hooking member330is locked in the engagement hole326of the tilt bracket320. In this manner, the hooking member330is disposed to the side frame301b.

FIG. 24is a perspective explanatory drawing showing a cross section of the periphery of the hook portion333and the engagement hole326, and it is an explanatory drawing showing a state where the hook portion333is engaged with the engagement hole326. In a state where the hooking member330is engaged with the engagement hole326, the hook portion333of the hooking member330, the extending portion324of the tilt bracket320, and the base portion331of the hooking member330are arranged in the order from the outer side in the seat width direction.

In a state where the hooking member330is engaged with the tilt bracket320of the side frame301b, the base portion331(the outer arrangement portion) is arranged on the outer side of the tilt bracket320in the seat width direction, the hook portion333(the inner arrangement portion) is arranged on the inner side of the tilt bracket320in the seat width direction, and the hook portion333(the protruding portion) protrudes on the side toward the base portion331(the outer side) in the seat width direction.

Thus, the base portion331(the outer arrangement portion) of the hooking member330abuts on the tilt bracket320, the hook portion333(the inner arrangement portion) abuts on the outer surface portion of the tilt bracket320at a position separated from the base portion331(the outer arrangement portion) in the seat width direction, and hence a position of the hooking member330in the seat width direction is restricted.

Further, as shown inFIGS. 25A and 25B, in a state where the hooking member330is engaged with the tilt bracket320, a position of the first side end portion333aof the hook portion333in the seat front-to-back direction is restricted by the first end portion326aof the engagement hole326, and a position of the second side end surface333bof the hook portion333in the seat front-to-back direction is restricted by the second end portion326bof the engagement hole326.

That is, since engaging the hook portion333of the hooking member330with the engagement hole326causes the position of the hooking member330in the seat front-to-back direction to be restricted to an extending range of the engagement hole326, when an excessive load has been applied to the seat cushion and the trim cover has moved or when a seat which can be tilted up is adopted, the hooking member is inhibited from being detached from the seat cushion frame301even if the hooking member330has moved in a direction to be detached from the seat cushion frame301.

Furthermore, assuming that a length of the engagement surface portion325aof the engagement concave portion325, which is recessed inward in the seat width direction, in the seat front-to-back direction is I (FIG. 25A), a length L of the base portion331(the outer arrangement portion) in the seat front-to-back direction (FIG. 25B) is formed longer than the length I of the engagement surface portion325a(L> I).

Thus, the base portion331(the outer arrangement portion) of the hooking member330abuts on the tilt bracket320(the side frame), the hook portion333(the inner arrangement portion) abuts on the outer surface portion of the tilt bracket320(the outer surface of the extending portion324) at a position separated from the base portion331in the seat width direction, and hence a position of the hooking member330in the seat width direction is restricted.

In the vehicle seat S300according to the third embodiment, since the engagement hole326(the engagement portion) is arranged on the outer side of each of the side frames301aand30bin the seat width direction, the workability at the time of hooking the hooking member330to the engagement hole326is improved.

In the vehicle seat S300according to the third embodiment, since the engagement hole326(the engagement portion) is arranged on the inner side of the outer end surface of each of the side frames301aand30bin the seat width direction, even if an occupant has touched the outer end portion of the side frames301aor301bat the time of performing an operation to get on/off, the hooking member330is inhibited from being detached from the seat cushion frame301.

In the vehicle seat S300according to the third embodiment, each of the side frames301aand301bincludes the tilt bracket320mounted on the side frame main body310, the engagement hole326(the engagement portion) is formed in the tilt bracket320, and hence an effect to facilitate designing each member can be exerted.

In the vehicle seat S300according to the third embodiment, the tilt bracket320includes the upper mounting portion328which extends toward the inner side in the seat width direction, and the upper mounting portion328is fixed on the flange portion310aof the side frame main body310. Thus, the tilt bracket320is stably mounted on the side frame main body310, and hence an effect to stabilize the hooking of the hooking member330to each of the side frames301aand301bcan be exerted.

In the vehicle seat S300according to the third embodiment, since the tilt bracket320having the engagement hole326(the engagement portion) formed therein is fixed to the side frame main body310of each of the side frames301aand301bin the seat width direction, an effect to stabilize the hooking of the hooking member330to each of the side frames301aand301bcan be exerted.

In the vehicle seat S300according to the third embodiment, the seat cushion S301can be tilted (tilted up), and the tilt bracket320is a part of the tilt mechanism which tilts the seat cushion S301, but a position of the hooking member330is appropriately restricted, and hence the hooking member330is inhibited from being detached from each of the side frames301aand301bin a tilt operation of the seat cushion S301.

The third invention is not restricted to the foregoing embodiment. InFIG. 21A, as an example of the engagement portion provided in the tilt bracket320(the side frame), the example of the engagement hole326has been illustrated, but the engagement portion is not limited to a hole configuration. For example, the engagement hole may take a configuration of, e.g., a groove, a notch, or a concave portion having a restricting surface which restricts a position of the hooking member330in a longitudinal direction of the side frame (the seat front-to-back direction).

InFIG. 22A, the example where the one hook portion333(the protruding portion) is provided is shown, but the number of the protruding portion is not restricted thereto, and the number of the protruding portions can be two or more as long as the hooking member330can be stably locked.

In the above-described third embodiment, as shown inFIG. 20A, the example where the engagement hole326(the engagement portion) is provided in the tilt bracket320which is a part of each of the side frames301aand301bhas been illustrated, but the position at which the engagement portion is arranged is not restricted thereto, and the engagement portion can be provided in a member, e.g., the side frame main body310constituting each of the side frames301aand301b.

The description has been given on the vehicle seat mounted in a vehicle as an example of the conveyance seat according to the third embodiment. The conveyance seat according to this embodiment is not restricted to the vehicle seat, and its use application is not restricted in particular as long as it is a seat frame of a seat constituted by covering the cushion pad mounted on the seat frame with the cover member, especially a seat adopting a structure in which the cover member is hooked on the seat frame. For example, the conveyance seat according to the present invention can be also used as a seat frame of a conveyance seat used in a conveyance other than vehicles.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST