JP7741386B2 - Locking device and vehicle seat - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a locking device and a vehicle seat.

A locking device for fixing a vehicle seat in a position where an occupant can sit is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). This locking device has a latch mechanism that engages with a striker provided on the vehicle body, and a cover to protect the latch mechanism.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2019-194058

In the locking device disclosed in Patent Document 1, the cover is provided with multiple engagement claws for engaging with the latch mechanism. This makes manufacturing the cover and latch mechanism complicated, and assembly can be cumbersome.

In light of the above background, the present invention aims to provide a locking device that restricts relative movement between components using a simple structure.

In order to solve the above problem, one aspect of the present invention is a seat (2) having a support member (15) connected to the frame of the seat (2), a latch mechanism (16) connected to the support member, and a cover (17) provided around the support member and the latch mechanism, the support member having a support hole (23), the latch mechanism having a latch member (25) supported by the case and removably engaging with the striker (14), and the cover having a main body portion (30) provided to cover at least a portion of the support member and the latch mechanism, and a latch member (26) provided on the main body portion. The locking device (1) is provided on a vehicle seat and has a cover hole (35) through which the striker passes, an engagement portion (36) extending from the main body into the support hole and fitting into the support hole and engaging with the edge of the support hole, and a plurality of ribs (50) provided on the main body and abutting against at least one of the case and the support member, the plurality of ribs being spaced apart from one another and abutting against at least one of the case and the support member from different directions. The locking device (1) is provided on a vehicle seat and connects to a striker provided on the vehicle body to secure the seat to the vehicle body.

This aspect of the locking device allows for the relative movement of components to be restricted with a simple structure. It also simplifies manufacturing and assembly.

In the above aspect, the ribs may include a plurality of first ribs (51) that contact at least one of the case and the support member from the front-to-rear direction, a plurality of second ribs (52) that contact at least one of the case and the support member from the left-to-right direction, and a plurality of third ribs (53) that contact at least one of the case and the support member from the top-to-bottom direction.

In this configuration, the cover restricts relative movement between the case and the support member in six directions: front-to-back, up-down, and left-to-right. This allows the seat to be securely fixed to the vehicle body.

In the above aspect, at least one of the first ribs may abut against the support member, and the second rib and the third rib may abut against the case.

According to this aspect, the support member is restricted from moving in the front-to-rear direction by the first rib. The case is restricted from moving in the up-down and left-to-right directions by the second and third ribs. Therefore, the support member and case are each restricted from moving in at least two directions. This allows the seat to be securely fixed to the vehicle body.

In the above aspect, it is preferable that at least one of the multiple first ribs is positioned above the engagement portion, at least one of the multiple first ribs is positioned below the engagement portion, at least one of the multiple second ribs is positioned above the engagement portion, at least one of the multiple second ribs is positioned below the engagement portion, at least one of the multiple third ribs is positioned above the engagement portion, and at least one of the multiple third ribs is positioned below the engagement portion.

In this embodiment, the first rib, second rib, and third rib are positioned above and below the engagement portion, respectively. This allows for stable support of the support member and latch mechanism.

In the above aspect, the support member has a first support portion (20) facing the front-rear direction and connected to the frame, and a second support portion (21) extending forward from a first side in the left-right direction of the first support portion and facing the left-right direction, the support hole is formed in at least the first support portion, the case is connected to the first side of the second support portion, and the main body portion has a first cover portion (31) facing the front-rear direction and provided behind the support member and the latch mechanism, and a second support portion (21) extending forward from the first side in the left-right direction of the first cover portion. The latch mechanism has a second cover portion (32) that extends toward the first support portion, faces the left and right directions, and is provided on the first side of the latch mechanism; the cover hole is formed in at least the first cover portion; the engagement portion has a first abutment portion (41) that extends forward from the first support portion, and a second abutment portion (42) that is provided on the first support portion adjacent to the first directional protrusion; the first abutment portion abuts against a second side that is opposite the first side of the second support portion, and the second abutment portion abuts against the edge of the support hole from the first side and engages with the edge.

According to this aspect, at least a portion of the support member and latch mechanism is covered by the cover from the rear and the first side in the left-right direction. This allows the support member and latch mechanism to be protected from two directions. Furthermore, the first and second contact portions of the engagement part abut against the support member, restricting left-right and up-down movement of the support member and latch mechanism. This allows the seat to be securely fixed to the vehicle body.

In the above aspect, the main body has a third cover part (33) including an upper third cover part (33a) that connects the upper part of the first cover part and the upper part of the second cover part and faces in the vertical direction, and a lower third cover part (33b) that connects the lower part of the first cover part and the lower part of the second cover part and faces in the vertical direction, and the multiple third ribs may include upper third ribs (53a) provided on the upper third cover part and lower third ribs (53b) provided on the lower third cover part.

According to this aspect, at least a portion of the support member and latch mechanism are covered from above and below by the cover. This allows the support member and latch mechanism to be protected from above and below. In addition, because the third rib is provided on the third cover portion, the strength of the third rib in the above and below directions can be increased.

In the above aspect, at least one of the multiple first ribs may connect the rear end of the second rib to the rear end of the upper third rib or the lower third rib.

In this embodiment, the second rib and the third rib are connected by the first rib. This increases the rigidity of the second rib and the third rib.

In the above embodiment, the cover may be symmetrical from top to bottom.

This configuration allows the same cover, support member, and latch mechanism to be used for another locking device installed on the opposite side of the vehicle body. Therefore, the components required for the left and right locking devices can be standardized.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a vehicle seat equipped with the locking device described in any one of the above aspects.

This aspect makes it possible to provide a vehicle seat equipped with a locking device that restricts relative movement between components with a simple structure.

In the above aspect, the seat frame has side frames (10) to which the support members are connected and reinforcing members (13) that span between the left and right side frames, and the joints (22) between the support members and the side frames are preferably offset above or below the joints between the reinforcing members and the side frames.

In this embodiment, the support member is connected to the side frame at a different position than the reinforcing member. This increases the strength of the side frame.

In order to solve the above problem, one aspect of the present invention is a seat (2) having a support member (15) connected to the frame of the seat (2), a latch mechanism (16) connected to the support member, and a cover (17) provided around the support member and the latch mechanism, the support member having a support hole (23), the latch mechanism having a latch member (25) supported by the case and removably engaging with the striker (14), and the cover having a main body portion (30) provided to cover at least a portion of the support member and the latch mechanism, and a latch member (26) provided on the main body portion. The locking device (1) is provided on a vehicle seat and has a cover hole (35) through which the striker passes, an engagement portion (36) extending from the main body into the support hole and fitting into the support hole and engaging with the edge of the support hole, and a plurality of ribs (50) provided on the main body and abutting against at least one of the case and the support member, the plurality of ribs being spaced apart from one another and abutting against at least one of the case and the support member from different directions. The locking device (1) is provided on a vehicle seat and connects to a striker provided on the vehicle body to secure the seat to the vehicle body.

This aspect of the locking device allows for the relative movement of components to be restricted with a simple structure. It also simplifies manufacturing and assembly.

In the above aspect, the ribs may include a plurality of first ribs (51) that contact at least one of the case and the support member from the front-to-rear direction, a plurality of second ribs (52) that contact at least one of the case and the support member from the left-to-right direction, and a plurality of third ribs (53) that contact at least one of the case and the support member from the top-to-bottom direction.

In this configuration, the cover restricts relative movement between the case and the support member in six directions: front-to-back, up-down, and left-to-right. This allows the seat to be securely fixed to the vehicle body.

In the above aspect, at least one of the first ribs may abut against the support member, and the second rib and the third rib may abut against the case.

According to this aspect, the support member is restricted from moving in the front-to-rear direction by the first rib. The case is restricted from moving in the up-down and left-to-right directions by the second and third ribs. Therefore, the support member and case are each restricted from moving in at least two directions. This allows the seat to be securely fixed to the vehicle body.

In the above aspect, it is preferable that at least one of the multiple first ribs is positioned above the engagement portion, at least one of the multiple first ribs is positioned below the engagement portion, at least one of the multiple second ribs is positioned above the engagement portion, at least one of the multiple second ribs is positioned below the engagement portion, at least one of the multiple third ribs is positioned above the engagement portion, and at least one of the multiple third ribs is positioned below the engagement portion.

In this embodiment, the first rib, second rib, and third rib are positioned above and below the engagement portion, respectively. This allows for stable support of the support member and latch mechanism.

In the above aspect, the support member has a first support portion (20) facing the front-rear direction and connected to the frame, and a second support portion (21) extending forward from a first side in the left-right direction of the first support portion and facing the left-right direction, the support hole is formed in at least the first support portion, the case is connected to the first side of the second support portion, and the main body portion has a first cover portion (31) facing the front-rear direction and provided behind the support member and the latch mechanism, and a second support portion (21) extending forward from the first side in the left-right direction of the first cover portion. The latch mechanism has a second cover portion (32) that extends toward the first support portion, faces the left and right directions, and is provided on the first side of the latch mechanism; the cover hole is formed in at least the first cover portion; the engagement portion has a first abutment portion (41) that extends forward from the first support portion, and a second abutment portion (42) that is provided on the first support portion adjacent to the first directional protrusion; the first abutment portion abuts against a second side that is opposite the first side of the second support portion, and the second abutment portion abuts against the edge of the support hole from the first side and engages with the edge.

According to this aspect, at least a portion of the support member and latch mechanism is covered by the cover from the rear and the first side in the left-right direction. This allows the support member and latch mechanism to be protected from two directions. Furthermore, the first and second contact portions of the engagement part abut against the support member, restricting left-right and up-down movement of the support member and latch mechanism. This allows the seat to be securely fixed to the vehicle body.

In the above aspect, the main body has a third cover part (33) including an upper third cover part (33a) that connects the upper part of the first cover part and the upper part of the second cover part and faces in the vertical direction, and a lower third cover part (33b) that connects the lower part of the first cover part and the lower part of the second cover part and faces in the vertical direction, and the multiple third ribs may include upper third ribs (53a) provided on the upper third cover part and lower third ribs (53b) provided on the lower third cover part.

According to this aspect, at least a portion of the support member and latch mechanism are covered from above and below by the cover. This allows the support member and latch mechanism to be protected from above and below. In addition, because the third rib is provided on the third cover portion, the strength of the third rib in the above and below directions can be increased.

In the above aspect, at least one of the multiple first ribs may connect the rear end of the second rib to the rear end of the upper third rib or the lower third rib.

In this embodiment, the second rib and the third rib are connected by the first rib. This increases the rigidity of the second rib and the third rib.

In the above embodiment, the cover may be symmetrical from top to bottom.

This configuration allows the same cover, support member, and latch mechanism to be used for another locking device installed on the opposite side of the vehicle body. Therefore, the components required for the left and right locking devices can be standardized.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a vehicle seat equipped with the locking device described in any one of the above aspects.

This aspect makes it possible to provide a vehicle seat equipped with a locking device that restricts relative movement between components with a simple structure.

In the above aspect, the seat frame has side frames (10) to which the support members are connected and reinforcing members (13) that span between the left and right side frames, and the joints (22) between the support members and the side frames are preferably offset above or below the joints between the reinforcing members and the side frames.

In this embodiment, the support member is connected to the side frame at a different position than the reinforcing member. This increases the strength of the side frame.

1 is a perspective view of a vehicle seat provided with a locking device according to an embodiment; Front perspective view of the locking device Rear perspective view of the locking device Perspective view of the cover Cross-sectional view of the locking device Cross-sectional view showing the positional relationship between the cover and the case

An embodiment in which the locking device 1 of the present invention is applied to a vehicle seat 2 for an automobile will be described below with reference to the drawings. The seat 2 in this embodiment is applied to the second row of a three-row minivan. Below, the front-to-rear, left-to-right, top-to-bottom directions are defined relative to the direction of travel of the automobile, but the present invention is not limited to this.

Seat 2 rests on floor 5, which defines the bottom of the vehicle interior. Seat 2 constitutes the rear seat located at the left end of the second row of seats.

As shown in FIG. 1, the seat 2 has a seat cushion 3 connected to the floor 5, a seat back 4 connected to the rear end of the seat cushion 3, and a headrest 6. The upper surface of the seat cushion 3 forms a seating surface on which an occupant sits. The seat cushion 3 is connected to the floor 5 via legs (not shown). The seat back 4 is supported at the rear end of the seat cushion 3 so that it can rotate around an axis extending in the left-right direction.

The seat 2 is configured so that it can be moved between a usage configuration in which an occupant can sit and a storage configuration in which it is folded onto the floor 5 by rotating the seat back 4. When the seat 2 is in the usage configuration, the seat back 4 stands upright relative to the floor 5 and forms a backrest. When the seat 2 is in the usage configuration, the seat back 4 rotates and folds forward, placing the seat 2 in the storage configuration. When the seat 2 is in the storage configuration, the seat back 4 extends approximately horizontally and overlaps the upper part of the seat cushion 3.

To prevent the seat 2 from shifting from the use position to the storage position unintentionally by the seat occupant, a locking device 1 is provided on the seat 2, and a striker 14 is provided on the vehicle body. The striker 14 is mounted on the wall that defines the passenger compartment, located to the left rear of the seat 2. The striker 14 is made of a roughly U-shaped metal member.

The locking device 1 engages with the striker 14 to secure the seat back 4 to the vehicle body and restrict rotation of the seat back 4. Below, we will explain the details of the structure of the seat 2 and the locking device 1, assuming that the seat 2 is in the in-use position.

The seat back 4 has a rectangular seat back frame 7 that forms its skeleton, a padding member (not shown) supported by the seat back frame 7, and a skin material (not shown) that covers the surface of the padding member.

The seatback frame 7 has a pair of left and right side frames 10 extending vertically, an upper frame 11 connecting the upper ends of the side frames 10, and a lower frame 12 connecting the lower ends of the side frames 10. In this embodiment, the seatback frame 7 also includes a plurality of reinforcing members 13 extending laterally between the upper frame 11 and the lower frame 12 and connected at both ends to the left and right side frames 10, respectively.

In this embodiment, the seatback frame 7 includes four reinforcing members 13. The four reinforcing members 13 are arranged below the upper frame 11 at intervals in the vertical direction.

Two pillar guides 8 are provided on the upper frame 11. Each pillar guide 8 is tubular and extends vertically. The pillar guides 8 are positioned on the left and right of the upper frame 11 at a distance from each other, and are welded to the upper frame 11.

The headrest 6 comprises a headrest frame 9 that forms its skeleton, a padding member (not shown) attached to the headrest frame 9, and a skin material (not shown) that covers the outer surface of the padding member. At its lower end, the headrest frame 9 is provided with cylindrical headrest pillars 18 spaced apart on the left and right. The headrest pillars 18 are inserted into the pillar guides 8, thereby connecting the headrest 6 to the seat back 4.

The locking device 1 is connected to the side frame 10 of the seat back 4. The locking device 1 has a support member 15 connected to the side frame 10 and a latch mechanism 16 connected to the support member 15. A cover 17 is provided around the support member 15 and the latch mechanism 16.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the support member 15 connects the latch mechanism 16 and cover 17 to the side frame 10 and supports them on the left side frame 10. The support member 15 is made of a sheet metal member with an L-shaped cross section.

The support member 15 has a first support portion 20 and a second support portion 21.

The first support part 20 is located on the left side of the left side frame 10. The first support part 20 is connected to the left side frame 10 by two connecting parts 22.

The first support portion 20 is plate-shaped with a surface facing the front-to-rear direction. A support hole 23 that penetrates in the front-to-rear direction is provided in the approximate center of the first support portion 20 in the up-down direction. Two connecting portions 22 are provided at the top and bottom of the first support portion 20, respectively. The connecting portions 22 are plate-shaped and extend to the right from the first support portion 20. The two connecting portions 22 are each connected (welded in this embodiment) at their extending ends to the left side frame 10.

The upper joint 22 is located below the uppermost reinforcing member 13 (hereinafter referred to as the first reinforcing member 13A) and above the second-highest reinforcing member 13 (hereinafter referred to as the second reinforcing member 13B). The lower joint 22 is located below the second reinforcing member 13B and above the third-highest reinforcing member 13 (hereinafter referred to as the third reinforcing member 13C).

The upper joint 22 is joined to the left side frame 10 above the connection between the second reinforcing member 13B and the left side frame 10. The lower joint 22 is joined to the left side frame 10 below the connection between the second reinforcing member 13B and the left side frame 10. In other words, the two joints 22 are each positioned offset above or below the connection between the reinforcing member 13B and the side frame 10.

The second support portion 21 is smoothly connected to the left end of the first support portion 20. The second support portion 21 extends forward from the left end of the first support portion 20. The second support portion 21 is plate-shaped with a surface facing left and right. At least a portion of the support hole 23 extends to the second support portion 21. The latch mechanism 16 is coupled (fastened in this embodiment) to the left surface of the second support portion 21.

As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the latch mechanism 16 has a case 25 connected to the second support portion 21. A latch member 26 is supported on the case 25. The case 25 is box-shaped and has an asymmetrical shape. The case 25 has left and right surfaces facing left and right. The right surface of the case 25 is positioned so that at least a portion of it overlaps with the left surface of the second support portion 21. The right surface of the case 25 and the left surface of the second support portion 21 are fastened together by a bolt 27. The latch member 26 detachably engages with the striker 14 provided on the vehicle body. The latch member 26 is made of a metal or resin material.

The cover 17 has a main body 30. The main body 30 covers at least a portion of the support member 15 and the latch mechanism 16. The main body 30 has a first cover part 31, a second cover part 32, and a third cover part 33. The first cover part 31 is a plate-shaped member with a surface facing in the front-to-rear direction. The second cover part 32 is a plate-shaped member that extends forward from the left end of the first cover part 31 and has a surface facing in the left-to-right direction. The third cover part 33 connects the first cover part 31 and the second cover part 32. The third cover part 33 is a plate-shaped member with a surface facing in the up-down direction.

The third cover part 33 includes an upper third cover part 33a and a lower third cover part 33b. The upper third cover part 33a connects the upper part of the first cover part 31 and the upper part of the second cover part 32. The lower third cover part 33b connects the lower part of the first cover part 31 and the lower part of the second cover part 32. The main body part 30 has a vertically symmetrical shape.

A cover hole 35 is formed in approximately the center of the first cover part 31 in the up-down direction. The cover hole 35 penetrates the first cover part 31 in the front-to-rear direction. In this embodiment, the cover hole 35 extends from the first cover part 31 to the second cover part 32. That is, at least a portion of the cover hole 35 penetrates the second cover part 32 in the left-to-right direction. The striker 14 is inserted into the cover hole 35 from the rear. An engagement part 36 is provided adjacent to the right side of the cover hole 35.

The engagement portion 36 protrudes forward from approximately the center of the first cover portion 31 in the vertical direction. The engagement portion 36 is inserted into the support hole 23 from the rear of the support member 15 and extends forward from the support member 15. The engagement portion 36 has a first abutment portion 40 and a second abutment portion 41.

The first abutment portion 40 is a hollow member having a short rod shape. The first abutment portion 40 has a shape that tapers in diameter from the base end (i.e., rear) to the tip end (i.e., front). A protrusion 37 extending forward from the tip end is provided at the tip end of the first abutment portion 40. The protrusion 37 opens to the left and has a semicircular shape when viewed from the front. The first abutment portion 40 abuts against the right surface of the second support portion 21 and clamps the support member 15 and case 25 in cooperation with the second cover portion 32. A recess 42 opening to the left is provided on the left side of the first abutment portion 40. The rear end of the recess 42 is connected to the cover hole 35. The recess 42 receives at least a portion of the striker 14 inserted into the cover hole 35 from behind. A second abutment portion 41 is provided adjacent to the right side of the first abutment portion 40.

The second abutment portion 41 is a member having a shorter protruding length than the first abutment portion 40. The second abutment portion 41 abuts against the edge of the support hole 23 from the left side. The second abutment portion 41 has a base portion 44 extending forward from the first cover portion 31 and a claw portion 45 connected to the base portion 44. The base portion 44 abuts against the edge of the support hole 23. The claw portion 45 bends and extends to the right from the base portion 44. The claw portion 45 abuts against and engages with the edge from the front. The upper and lower portions of the base portion 44 are continuous with a connecting wall 46. The upper portion of the base portion 44 and the first abutment portion 40 are connected by the connecting wall 46. The lower portion of the base portion 44 and the first abutment portion 40 are connected by the connecting wall 46.

As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the first cover part 31, second cover part 32, and third cover part 33 of the main body part 30 each have a plurality of ribs 50. The ribs 50 are provided on the surfaces of the first cover part 31, second cover part 32, and third cover part 33 facing the latch mechanism 16 or support member 15. Each rib 50 forms a protrusion extending in a predetermined direction. Below, the rib 50 provided on the first cover part 31 will be referred to as the first rib 51, the rib 50 provided on the second cover part 32 will be referred to as the second rib 52, and the rib 50 provided on the third cover part 33 will be referred to as the third rib 53, and the configuration of each will be explained.

The first ribs 51 include ribs 50 with three different configurations. In detail, the first ribs 51 include a first left-right rib 51a that extends in the left-right direction, a first up-down rib 51b that extends in the up-down direction, and a first case-contact rib 51c that contacts the case 25.

The first left-right rib 51a, the first up-down rib 51b, and the first case abutment rib 51c are each composed of a pair of ribs 50. One of the first left-right rib 51a, the first up-down rib 51b, and the first case abutment rib 51c is located above the engagement portion 36. The other of the first left-right rib 51a, the first up-down rib 51b, and the first case abutment rib 51c is located below the engagement portion 36.

The first left-right ribs 51a are formed between the upper and lower ends of the first cover part 31 and the engaging part 36. Specifically, one of the first left-right ribs 51a is formed in approximately the center between the upper end of the first cover part 31 and the engaging part 36. The other first left-right rib 51a is formed in approximately the center between the lower end of the first cover part 31 and the engaging part 36. One of the first left-right ribs 51a is aligned with the other first left-right rib 51a in the front-to-rear and left-to-right directions. The protruding height of the first left-right ribs 51a gradually increases from the right side to the left side. The first left-to-right rib 51a abuts against the rear surface of the first support part 20.

The first vertical rib 51b is formed along the right edge of the first cover part 31. One of the first vertical ribs 51b is positioned above the other first vertical rib 51b. One of the first vertical ribs 51b is aligned with the other first vertical rib 51b in the front-to-back and left-to-right directions. The protruding height of the first vertical rib 51b is lower than the protruding height of the first left-to-right rib 51a. The first vertical rib 51b abuts against the rear surface of the first support part 20.

The case abutting first rib 51c is formed to surround the corner formed by the first cover part 31, the second cover part 32, and the third cover part 33. One side of the case abutting first rib 51c is positioned adjacent to the upper third cover part 33a. The other side of the case abutting first rib 51c is positioned adjacent to the lower third cover part 33b. One side of the case abutting first rib 51c is aligned with the other side of the case abutting first rib 51c in the front-to-back and left-to-right directions. The case abutting first rib 51c abuts against the rear surface of the case 25.

The second rib 52 is composed of a pair of ribs 50 extending in the front-to-rear direction. One of the second ribs 52 is positioned above the engagement portion 36. The other of the second ribs 52 is positioned below the engagement portion 36. One of the second ribs 52 is aligned with the other of the second ribs 52 in the front-to-rear and left-to-right directions. The rear end of the second rib 52 is connected to the left end of the case-contacting first rib 51c. The second rib 52 abuts against the left surface of the case 25.

The third rib 53 is composed of a pair of ribs 50 extending in the front-to-rear direction. The third rib 53 includes an upper third rib 53a and a lower third rib 53b. The upper third rib 53a is provided on the upper third cover portion 33a. The lower third rib 53b is provided on the lower third cover portion 33b. The upper third rib 53a is aligned with the lower third rib 53b in the front-to-rear and left-to-right directions. The lower end of the upper third rib 53a faces the upper end of the lower third rib 53b. The left surface of the third rib 53 is located to the right of the right end of the second rib 52. The lower surface of the upper third rib 53a is located above one upper surface of the second rib 52. The upper surface of the lower third rib 53b is located below the other lower surface of the second rib 52. The rear end of the upper third rib 53a and the rear end of one of the second ribs 52 are connected by one of the case-contacting first ribs 51c. The rear end of the lower third rib 53b and the other rear end of the second rib 52 are connected by the other of the case-contacting first ribs 51c. The upper third rib 53a abuts against the upper surface of the case 25. The lower third rib 53b abuts against the lower surface of the case 25.

As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the upper side of the case 25 abuts against one side of the second rib 52 and the upper third rib 53a. The lower side of the case 25 abuts against the other side of the case abutting first rib 51c, the other side of the second rib 52, and the lower third rib 53b. The abutment area between the upper third rib 53a and the case 25 is smaller than the abutment area between the lower third rib 53b and the case 25.

The effects of the locking device 1 according to this embodiment will be explained below. When the seat 2 is in the use position, the latch mechanism 16 engages with the striker 14. At this time, the relative movement of the support member 15 and latch mechanism 16 with the cover 17 is restricted by the cooperation of the engagement portion 36 and rib 50.

Specifically, forward movement of the support member 15 and latch mechanism 16 relative to the cover 17 is restricted by the claw portion 45 of the second abutment portion 41 engaging with the first support portion 20 from the front. Rearward movement of the support member 15 and latch mechanism 16 relative to the cover 17 is restricted by the multiple first ribs 51 abutting against the first support portion 20 and the case 25 from the rear. Leftward movement of the support member 15 and latch mechanism 16 relative to the cover 17 is restricted by the second abutment portion 41 abutting against the edge of the first support portion 20 from the left side and the second rib 52 abutting against the case 25 from the left side. Rightward movement of the support member 15 and latch mechanism 16 relative to the cover 17 is restricted by the first abutment portion 40 abutting against the second support portion 21 from the right side. Upward movement of the support member 15 and latch mechanism 16 relative to the cover 17 is restricted by the upper third rib 53a abutting against the case 25 from above. Downward movement of the support member 15 and latch mechanism 16 relative to the cover 17 is restricted by the lower third rib 53b abutting against the case 25 from below.

This restricts the relative movement of the support member 15 and latch mechanism 16 with respect to the cover 17 in six directions: up/down, left/right, and front/rear. This prevents rattling between the support member 15 and latch mechanism 16 and the cover 17. This allows the seat 2 to be stably secured to the vehicle body. Furthermore, relative movement is restricted by at least the multiple ribs 50 provided on the cover 17. Because the ribs 50 have a relatively simple shape, the overall structure of the locking device 1 is simple. This also makes the locking device 1 easy to manufacture and assemble.

The ribs 50 include multiple first ribs 51, multiple second ribs 52, and multiple third ribs 53. The multiple first ribs 51 abut against at least one of the support member 15 and the case 25 from the rear. The multiple second ribs 52 abut against the case 25 from the left. The multiple third ribs 53 abut against the case 25 from above and below. As a result, the multiple ribs 50 restrict movement of the support member 15 and the case 25 relative to the cover 17 from four directions: rearward, leftward, and up and down. This prevents rattling between the support member 15 and the case 25 and the cover 17. Therefore, the seat 2 can be stably fixed to the vehicle body.

At least one of the first ribs 51 abuts against the support member 15 from behind. The second rib 52 abuts against the case 25 from the left. The third rib 53 abuts against the case 25 from above and below. As a result, the first rib 51 restricts movement of the support member 15 from the front relative to the cover 17. The second rib 52 restricts movement of the case 25 from the right relative to the cover 17. Furthermore, the third rib 53 restricts movement of the case 25 from above and below relative to the cover 17. Because the support member 15 and case 25 are connected, the first rib 51, second rib 52, and third rib 53 can restrict movement of the support member 15 and case 25 from four directions relative to the cover 17. This allows for stable support of the support member 15 and latch mechanism 16.

At least one of the multiple first ribs 51 is positioned above the engagement portion 36, and at least one of the multiple first ribs 51 is positioned below the engagement portion 36. At least one of the multiple second ribs 52 is positioned above the engagement portion 36, and at least one of the multiple second ribs 52 is positioned below the engagement portion 36. At least one of the multiple third ribs 53 is positioned above the engagement portion 36, and at least one of the multiple third ribs 53 is positioned below the engagement portion 36. As a result, the first rib 51, second rib 52, and third rib 53 are positioned above and below the engagement portion 36, respectively. Therefore, the multiple ribs 50 are positioned in a balanced manner around the engagement portion 36. This makes it easier to distribute the load acting on the ribs 50, and the support member 15 and latch mechanism 16 are stably supported by the cover 17.

The cover 17 has a third cover portion 33. The third cover portion 33 includes an upper third cover portion 33a that connects the upper portion of the first cover portion 31 and the upper portion of the second cover portion 32 and faces in the vertical direction. The third cover portion 33 also includes a lower third cover portion 33b that connects the lower portion of the first cover portion 31 and the lower portion of the second cover portion 32 and faces in the vertical direction. The multiple third ribs 53 include upper third ribs 53a provided on the upper third cover portion 33a and lower third ribs 53b provided on the lower third cover portion 33b. This allows the support member 15 and latch mechanism 16 to be covered from the vertical direction by the cover 17. This allows the support member 15 and latch mechanism 16 to be protected from the vertical direction. The third cover portion 33 may also be provided with third ribs 53. Therefore, it is easy to provide the third rib 53 on the cover 17 so that the third rib 53 abuts against the case 25 from above and below.

At least one of the first ribs 51 connects the rear end of the second rib 52 to the rear end of the upper third rib 53a or the lower third rib 53b. This connects the second rib 52 and the third rib 53 via the first rib 51. This increases the rigidity of the second rib 52 and the third rib 53. Therefore, even if a load is applied to the locking device 1, the cover 17 is less likely to deform, and the seat 2 can be stably secured.

The cover 17 is symmetrical from top to bottom. This allows the same cover 17 and case 25 to be used with another locking device 1 (not shown) that engages with a striker 14 (not shown) located on the right side of the vehicle body to secure the seat 2. Therefore, the cover 17 and case 25 required for both the left and right locking devices 1 can be standardized.

In addition, in this embodiment, the frame of the seat 2 includes side frames 10 to which support members 15 are connected, and reinforcing members 13 that span between the left and right side frames 10. The connecting portions 22 between the support members 15 and the side frames 10 are offset above or below the connecting portions between the reinforcing members 13 and the side frames 10. As a result, the support members 15 are connected to the side frames 10 at different positions in the height direction from the reinforcing members 13, thereby increasing the strength of the side frames 10.

In the above embodiment, the locking device 1 is connected to the side frame 10 of the seat 2, but this is not limited to this. For example, the locking device 1 may be connected to another frame, such as the upper frame 11 of the seat 2.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1: Locking device 2: Seat 10: Side frame 13: Reinforcement member 14: Striker 15: Support member 16: Latch mechanism 17: Cover 20: First support portion 21: Second support portion 22: Joint portion 23: Support hole 25: Case 26: Latch member 30: Main body 31: First cover portion 32: Second cover portion 33: Third cover portion 33a: Upper third cover portion 33b: Lower third cover portion 35: Cover hole 36: Engagement portion 41: First contact portion 42: Second contact portion 50: Rib 51: First rib 52: Second rib 53: Third rib 53a: Upper third rib 53b: Lower third rib

Claims (10)

A locking device that is provided on a vehicle seat and that secures the seat to the vehicle body by connecting to a striker provided on the vehicle body,
a support member coupled to a frame of the seat, a latch mechanism coupled to the support member, and a cover provided around the support member and the latch mechanism;
The support member has a support hole,
the latch mechanism includes a case and a latch member supported by the case and releasably engaging with the striker;
the cover has a main body portion provided so as to cover at least a part of the support member and the latch mechanism, a cover hole provided in the main body portion and through which the striker passes, an engagement portion extending from the main body portion into the support hole, fitting into the support hole and engaging with an edge of the support hole, and a plurality of ribs provided on the main body portion and abutting against at least one of the case and the support member,
The locking device includes a plurality of ribs that are spaced apart from one another and contact at least one of the case and the support member from different directions. The locking device described in claim 1, wherein the ribs include a plurality of first ribs that contact at least one of the case and the support member from the front-to-rear direction, a plurality of second ribs that contact at least one of the case and the support member from the left-to-right direction, and a plurality of third ribs that contact at least one of the case and the support member from the top-to-bottom direction. The locking device described in claim 2, wherein at least one of the first ribs abuts against the support member, and the second rib and the third rib abut against the case. At least one of the plurality of first ribs is disposed above the engagement portion,
At least one of the plurality of first ribs is disposed below the engaging portion,
At least one of the plurality of second ribs is disposed above the engagement portion,
At least one of the plurality of second ribs is disposed below the engaging portion,
At least one of the plurality of third ribs is disposed above the engaging portion,
4. The locking device according to claim 2, wherein at least one of the plurality of third ribs is disposed below the engaging portion. the support member has a first support portion that faces in the front-rear direction and is connected to the frame, and a second support portion that extends forward from a first side in the left-right direction of the first support portion and faces in the left-right direction,
the support hole is formed at least in the first support portion,
the case is coupled to the first side of the second support;
the main body portion has a first cover portion that faces in the front-rear direction and is provided behind the support member and the latch mechanism, and a second cover portion that extends forward from the first side in the left-right direction of the first cover portion, faces in the left-right direction, and is provided on the first side of the latch mechanism,
the cover hole is formed at least in the first cover portion,
the engaging portion has a first abutment portion extending forward from the first support portion and a second abutment portion provided on the first support portion adjacent to the first abutment portion,
the first contact portion contacts a second side of the second support portion opposite to the first side,
5. The locking device according to claim 2, wherein the second contact portion contacts the edge portion of the support hole from the first side and engages with the edge portion. the cover has a third cover portion including an upper third cover portion that connects an upper portion of the first cover portion and an upper portion of the second cover portion and faces in the vertical direction, and a lower third cover portion that connects a lower portion of the first cover portion and a lower portion of the second cover portion and faces in the vertical direction,
The locking device according to claim 5 , wherein the plurality of third ribs include upper third ribs provided on the upper third cover portion and lower third ribs provided on the lower third cover portion. The locking device described in claim 6, wherein at least one of the multiple first ribs connects the rear end of the second rib to the rear end of the upper third rib or the lower third rib. A locking device according to claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the cover is symmetrical from top to bottom. A vehicle seat equipped with the locking device described in any one of claims 1 to 8. The frame of the seat includes side frames to which the support member is connected and a reinforcing member that is bridged between the left and right side frames,
The vehicle seat according to claim 9, wherein a joint portion between the support member and the side frame is disposed offset above or below a connection portion between the reinforcing member and the side frame.