Locking structure of flip-up seat for vehicle

Abstract

Provided is a lock structure for a flip-up seat for a vehicle, the lock structure being less likely to cause malfunctions due to a lower guide rail. In a lock structure (RK) of a flip-up seat (ST) for a vehicle, the seat (ST) is rotatably supported by an outer upper rail (STb), can be locked to an inner upper rail (5) by a lock part (7), and can be unlocked at a predetermined sliding position. The locking part (7) is provided with a hook clamping component (1) of an internal upper guide rail (5), a hook plate (73) which is arranged on the side of the seat (ST) and is clamped and locked with the hook clamping component (1) through rotation in a first direction, a connecting rod unit (4) enabling the hook plate (73) to rotate in a second direction opposite to the first direction, and a detection piece (511) which descends through rotation of the connecting rod unit (4). The inner lower rail (82) has a notch (82e) into which the detector (511) enters only when the seat (ST) is in a predetermined sliding position, and the hook plate (73) is rotated and unlocked by the rotation of the link unit (4) after the detector (511) enters the notch (82e).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a locking structure of a flip-up seat for a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a flip-up seat with the following structure: it slides relative to the floor of the vehicle compartment, flips up laterally, and can be stored in the side walls of the vehicle compartment. A lower rail is laid on the vehicle compartment floor, and a plate-shaped hook is mounted on an upper rail that slides in engagement with the lower rail, allowing it to rotate about an axis extending in the width direction. A U-shaped striker protrudes from the bottom of the seat. By rotating the hook and hooking it onto the striker, the seat is locked and cannot be flipped up. Furthermore, holes are formed in the bottom wall of the lower rail at predetermined positions within the sliding range that allows the seat to flip up. When the hook rotates, a portion of the hook enters the hole, allowing it to rotate to unlock.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 3287453 Summary of the Invention

[0006] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0007] In the technology described in Patent Document 1, the plate-shaped hook is formed of a thick plate to withstand impact. Furthermore, the hole at the bottom of the lower rail is formed to be wide and long in the longitudinal direction to allow the hook to enter. This disadvantageously makes it difficult to achieve the same bending strength in the portion of the lower rail where the hole is located as in the rest of the lower rail. Furthermore, small objects that fall into the lower rail may fall through the large hole and further into the floor, making them virtually impossible to retrieve. Therefore, it is desirable to provide a locking structure for a lift-up seat in a vehicle that is less susceptible to these disadvantages caused by the lower rail.

[0008] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a locking structure for a lift-type vehicle seat in which a malfunction caused by a lower rail is unlikely to occur.

[0009] Means for solving problems

[0010] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, one aspect of the present invention has the following configuration.

[0011] 1) A locking structure for a flip-up seat for a vehicle, wherein:

[0012] The vehicle lift seat is rotatably supported on one side of an outer upper rail that slides in engagement with an outer lower rail. The vehicle lift seat can be detachably locked to the inner upper rail that slides in engagement with the inner lower rail by a locking portion provided on the inner side, and can be unlocked from the inner upper rail at a predetermined sliding position.

[0013] The locking portion has:

[0014] a hook engaging component mounted on the inner upper guide rail;

[0015] a hook plate rotatably provided on the side of the vehicle lift seat and rotated in a first rotation direction to engage with the hook engaging member to enter a locked state;

[0016] a link unit that rotates the hook plate in a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction; and

[0017] a lock release detection member that descends in conjunction with the rotation of the link unit;

[0018] The inner lower rail has a hole or a cutout into which the lowered lock release detection member can enter only when the vehicle lift seat is in the prescribed sliding position.

[0019] The link unit rotates after the lock release detection member enters the hole or the notch, causing the hook plate to rotate in the second rotation direction and thereby release the lock.

[0020] 2) The locking structure of the flip-up seat for a vehicle according to 1), wherein:

[0021] The locking structure of the lift-up seat for a vehicle includes a base plate, which rotates in a third rotation direction in conjunction with the rotation of the link unit, and a downwardly protruding push piece portion is formed at the end portion of the third rotation direction which is the downward direction. The push piece portion is the lock release detection member.

[0022] 3) The locking structure of the flip-up seat for a vehicle according to 1), wherein:

[0023] The locking structure of the lift-up seat for a vehicle includes a rod-shaped pin that extends in the vertical direction, is supported so as to be movable vertically, and descends in conjunction with the rotation of the link unit. The pin serves as the lock release detector.

[0024] Effects of the Invention

[0025] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to achieve an effect that a malfunction caused by the lower rail is less likely to occur. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Figure 1 This is a front view illustrating the tilt-up operation of the seat ST locked by the locking structure RK of the tilt-up seat for a vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 2 This is a left side view showing a locked state of the locking structure RK1 which is a first embodiment of the locking structure RK.

[0028] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Cross-sectional view at the S3-S3 position in .

[0029] Figure 4A It is a left side view for explaining the unlocking operation of the lock mechanism RK1.

[0030] Figure 4B This is the first diagram for explaining the lock release operation.

[0031] Figure 4C FIG. 2 is a second diagram for explaining the lock release operation.

[0032] Figure 4D FIG3 is a third diagram for explaining the lock release operation.

[0033] Figure 4E FIG. 4 is a fourth diagram for explaining the lock release operation.

[0034] Figure 5 This is an enlarged left side view illustrating a locked state of the locking structure RK2 which is a second embodiment of the locking structure RK.

[0035] Figure 6 It is a first left enlarged view for explaining the unlocking operation of the lock structure RK2.

[0036] Figure 7 It is a second enlarged left side view for explaining the unlocking operation of the lock structure RK2.

[0037] Figure 8 This is an enlarged left side view for explaining the operation of the lock mechanism RK2 from the unlocked state to the locked state.

[0038] Figure 9 This is a longitudinal sectional view showing a modified example of the locking structure RK2. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] The following describes one embodiment of the locking structure of the lift-up seat for a vehicle according to the present invention using the seat ST and the locking structure RK. Regarding the locking structure RK, a first embodiment of the locking structure RK1 and a second embodiment of the locking structure RK2 are described. Figure 1 The left and right directions correspond to the left and right directions of the passengers facing the direction of travel of the vehicle, and the front is Figure 1 The front of the paper is near the front, and the back is Figure 1 In addition, the left-right direction is the width direction of the vehicle and the seat ST.

[0040] The seat ST includes a seat cushion ST1 and a seat back ST2. The seat cushion ST1 includes a seat cushion frame ST1f inside, and the seat back ST2 includes a seat back frame ST2f inside. The seat back frame ST2f is capable of reclining relative to the seat cushion frame ST1f around an axis (not shown) extending left and right.

[0041] The seat ST is provided in the vehicle compartment in a manner that allows it to slide in the front-rear direction and is stored in the right wall of the vehicle compartment by being flipped up laterally. Figure 1 As shown, an inner lower rail 82 (hereinafter referred to as the lower rail 82) is provided on the floor FL of the vehicle compartment, extending in the front-to-rear direction and substantially embedded in the floor FL. The right side of the floor FL is raised one level to serve as the wheelhouse FLa, and an outer lower rail 81 is provided on the upper portion thereof, extending in the front-to-rear direction.

[0042] An upper guide rail STb, serving as an outer upper guide rail, is engaged with the outer lower guide rail 81 so as to be movable in the front-to-rear direction. A hinge STa is attached to the upper end of the upper guide rail STb, which is responsible for rotating about a rotation axis extending in the front-to-rear direction. Furthermore, a seat cushion frame ST1f, which is housed in the seat cushion ST1, is connected to the hinge STa. Thus, the seat cushion frame ST1f can rotate relative to the upper guide rail STb via the hinge STa. Specifically, the seat cushion ST1 rotates about the hinge STa between a storage position, indicated by a solid line, in which it is upright and housed within the right wall (not shown), and a use position, indicated by a dashed line, in which it is approximately horizontal. (See arrow DR1.)

[0043] A leg panel STc that rotates and rises and falls around the base is attached to the left end portion of the inner side of the lower surface of the seat cushion frame ST1f. Figure 1The leg panel STc is a plate-like component extending in a direction perpendicular to the paper surface. In the use position of the seat cushion ST1, the leg panel STc is locked and rotated in a posture extending in the vertical direction. At the end of the leg panel STc, a locking portion 7 included in the locking structure RK is provided. The locking portion 7 is freely removable relative to the hook engaging component 1 of the upper guide rail 5. The upper guide rail 5 is an inner upper guide rail engaged with the lower guide rail 82 in a manner that can move in the front-rear direction (see Figure 4A and Figure 4B The locking portion 7 can be locked in a state mounted on the hook engaging member 1. The locking structure RK is configured to include the locking portion 7 and the hook engaging member 1. The upper guide rail 5 is embedded in the lower guide rail 82 and engaged therewith.

[0044] (Locking structure RK1)

[0045] Next, see Figure 2 4 , the structure and operation of the first embodiment of the locking structure RK, that is, the locking structure RK1 will be described in detail. Figure 2 It is a left side view showing the locked state of the locking structure RK1 of the seat ST, corresponding to Figure 1 Arrow Y1 in the diagram. Figure 3 yes Figure 2 FIG4 is a left side view showing the unlocked state of the locking structure RK1.

[0046] First, see Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the lower guide rail 82 and the hook engaging member 1 mounted on the main body guide rail 5a of the upper guide rail 5 engaged with the lower guide rail 82 are described in detail. Figure 3 As shown in the middle cross section, the lower guide rail 82 has a bottom wall portion 82a, a side wall portion 82b, and a top wall portion 82c, and is generally U-shaped with an open upper side. The bottom wall portion 82a is fixed to the floor panel FLp disposed under the floor of the vehicle. A pair of side wall portions 82b are formed so as to stand upward from the left and right edges of the bottom wall portion 82a. The top wall portion 82c extends from the ends of the pair of side wall portions 82b in the left-right direction and approaches each other to form an eaves shape. The ends of the pair of top wall portions 82c are separated from each other in the left-right direction to form a gap 82d. A travel guide rail portion 82b1 protruding inward is formed at the lower portion of the inner surface of each side wall portion 82b. The upper surface of the travel guide rail portion 82b1 is an inclined surface that descends as it moves inward.

[0047] The upper guide rail 5 is substantially immersed in the space V inside the lower guide rail 82 and is accommodated in a manner that allows it to move in the front-rear direction. Figure 2 As shown, the upper guide rail 5 has a main body guide rail 5a and a pair of hook engaging members 1 mounted on the front and rear portions thereof. Rollers 2 are mounted on the front and rear portions of the main body guide rail 5a. Figure 3 As shown, the roller 2 includes a shaft portion 2b extending in the horizontal direction and disc-shaped contact portions 2a formed at the left and right ends of the shaft portion 2b, each having a larger diameter than the shaft portion 2b. The pair of contact portions 2a rolls on a pair of travel rail portions 82b1, thereby allowing the upper rail 5 to move smoothly and automatically in the horizontal direction within the space V inside the lower rail 82.

[0048] Hook engaging members 1 are attached to the front and rear ends of the main body rail 5a so as not to interfere with the rollers 2, forming the upper rail 5. The two hook engaging members 1 have the same shape and are attached so as to face each other front and back. Therefore, the following description will focus on the hook engaging member 1 attached to the rear end as a representative example.

[0049] The hook engaging member 1 is formed of resin, for example, and is mounted on the upper rail 5 by a known mounting structure such as a snap structure (not shown). That is, the hook engaging member 1 may also be formed of metal or the like and mounted on the upper rail 5 by screw fastening or the like.

[0050] like Figure 2 As shown, the hook engaging member 1 includes a base portion 11, which is positioned within a space V within the lower rail 82 and is shaped to avoid interference with the roller 2, and an extension portion 12, which extends forward from the upper portion of the base portion 11 in an eave-like manner. The extension portion 12 extends longitudinally above the main rail 5a. A space V1 is formed below the extension portion 12, with the extension portion 12 serving as the ceiling wall.

[0051] The hook engagement member 1 is housed so as to be substantially embedded in the lower guide rail 82 , but the upper surface of the rear portion of the base 11 protrudes slightly above the upper surface of the lower guide rail 82 .

[0052] The locking structure RK1 includes a hook engaging component 1, which is arranged at the front and rear of the upper guide rail 5. The locking structure RK1 has a locking portion 7. Since the locking structure RK1 is symmetrical in shape, Figure 2 The lock structure RK1 disposed at the rear portion will be described as a representative example. The pair of lock structures RK1 are linked to each other in transition between the locked state and the unlocked state via a link unit 6 disposed at the center in the front-rear direction.

[0053] exist Figure 2In the rear locking structure RK1, a first shaft 74, a second shaft 75, a third shaft 61, and a fourth shaft 53 are provided as fixed shafts on the leg panel STc. The first shaft 74 is provided slightly below the center of the leg panel STc in the vertical direction, and the second shaft 75 is provided at a position spaced rearward and downward from the first shaft 74. The third shaft 61 is provided above the first shaft 74 at the center of the front and rear locking structures RK1 in the front-to-rear direction. The fourth shaft 53 is provided near the lower edge of the leg panel STc.

[0054] The link unit 6 includes a connecting plate 62 and a connecting rod 64 .

[0055] The connecting plate 62 is a slender metal plate-shaped member. The connecting plate 62 is supported at its longitudinal center by a third shaft portion 61 having an axis extending in the left-right direction, so as to be rotatable about the axis. The connecting plate 62 has rod connecting portions 631 and 632 at locations equidistant from the third shaft portion 61 in the longitudinal direction. One end portion of a slender connecting rod 64f, 64f, is rotatably connected to the rod connecting portions 631 and 632, respectively.

[0056] At the connection plate 62 Figure 2 The first end portion, which is the upper end, is formed with a locking portion 621 extending forward. A locking hole 621a is formed in the locking portion 621, and one end of the release wire 65 is locked in the locking hole 621a. The release wire 65 extends rearward and upward, and the other end is connected to a lock release lever (not shown).

[0057] The connecting plate 62 is pushed toward the Figure 2 As will be described later, when the occupant or the like releases the lock of the lock structure RK1, the lock release lever is operated to overcome the torque indicated by the arrow FR2, and the release wire 65 is pulled rearward and upward.

[0058] The locking portion 7 is composed of a relay plate 72, a vibration-proof plate 76, and a hook plate 73. The relay plate 72 has a base 721, a Figure 2 The connecting arm 722 extending upward from the center, the connecting portion 723 formed at the distal end of the connecting arm 722, and the protrusion 724, which protrudes upward and rearward in a tapering shape toward the distal end, are all formed in a plate-like shape. The restricting portion 721a extending downward from the protrusion 724 is formed in a generally arc-shaped shape centered on the axis of the first shaft portion 74. The base portion 721 is supported on the first shaft portion 74 so as to be rotatable about an axis extending in the left-right direction and is formed in a shape extending rearward.

[0059] The rear end portion of the connecting rod 64 is rotatably connected to the connecting portion 723 . Therefore, when the connecting plate 62 rotates around the third shaft portion 61 , the relay plate 72 rotates around the first shaft portion 74 via the connecting rod 64 .

[0060] The vibration-isolating plate 76 is arranged on the left side of the relay plate 72 so as to overlap the relay plate 72 integrally. Figure 2 The vibration-isolating plate 76 extends rearward from the first shaft portion 74 with a substantially uniform width, and the distal end of the vibration-isolating plate 76 is formed into a pin abutment portion 76a that is substantially arc-shaped with the axis of the first shaft portion 74 as the center.

[0061] The hook plate 73 has a plate-shaped base 731. The base 731 is supported by the second shaft 75 in a manner rotatable around an axis extending in the left-right direction. Figure 2 The hook plate 73 is pushed upward by a force applying member (not shown) to form a first extension portion 731a extending upward from the second shaft portion 75 and a second extension portion 731b extending rearward and downward. Figure 2 Apply force in the counterclockwise direction (see arrow FR1).

[0062] The end side of the second extension portion 731b of the hook plate 73 is formed into a hook portion 732, and the hook portion 732 is bent into a sickle shape and extends toward Figure 2 The front and lower part of the body becomes thinner as it approaches the end. Figure 2 In the locked state shown, the hook portion 732 rotates clockwise (first rotation direction) and enters the gap 82d between the pair of top wall portions 82c of the lower guide rail 82 from above (see also Figure 3 ) and enters the space V1 inside the extending portion 12 of the hook engaging component 1. Figure 2 The counterclockwise rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction is the second rotation direction, and the hook plate 73 is unlocked by rotating in the second rotation direction.

[0063] exist Figure 2 In the locked state shown, the upper front corner 734 of the first extension 731a abuts the limiting portion 721a of the relay plate 72, limiting further counterclockwise rotation of the hook plate 73. This maintains the lock. Furthermore, the first extension 731a is provided with a protruding pin 733 that protrudes to the left (toward the front of the drawing). In the locked state, the protruding pin 733 abuts the pin abutting portion 76a of the vibration-isolating plate 76. This structure prevents the hook plate 73 from loosening by abutting the vibration-isolating plate 76. Rotation of the hook plate 73 in the unlocking direction is limited by the relay plate 72.

[0064] Through the above structure, if Figure 2In the illustrated state, when the seat ST is lifted, that is, the leg panel STc is moved upward, the counterclockwise rotation of the hook plate 73 is restricted by the relay plate 72. As a result, the hook portion 732 is hooked on the extension portion 12, restricting the upward movement of the leg panel STc. In other words, the locked state is maintained.

[0065] The hole engagement unit 51 has a base plate 510 and an abutting rotating piece 513. The base plate 510 is a roughly triangular plate-like component extending in the front-to-back direction and having a larger width in the up-down direction at the center portion in the front-to-back direction. The front end portion of the base plate 510 is supported by the fourth shaft portion 53 so as to be rotatable around an axis extending in the left-right direction. A push piece portion 511 extending downward is formed at the rear end portion of the base plate 510. In addition, a rotation limiting pin 512 protruding to the left (near the front of the paper) is provided at a slightly rearward position of the roughly central portion of the base plate 510. The base plate 510 rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the connecting rod unit 6. Figure 2 Furthermore, the push piece portion 511 is formed on the rear side terminal portion of the base plate 510 in a downwardly protruding manner with the third rotation direction being the downward direction.

[0066] The base plate 510 is urged counterclockwise around the axis of the fourth shaft portion 53 by an unillustrated urging member (see arrow FR3), and is restricted from moving in the direction of rotation by an unillustrated restriction structure. Figure 2 Thus, the base plate 510 can be rotated counterclockwise from the rotation position shown. Figure 2 The illustrated posture is a clockwise rotation against the applied torque indicated by arrow FR3.

[0067] A rotation shaft 52 having an axis extending in the left-right direction is provided at the upper portion of the center portion in the front-back direction of the base plate 510. A contact rotation piece 513 is rotatably supported on the rotation shaft 52. The contact rotation piece 513 is rotatably supported by a biasing member (not shown). Figure 2 The counterclockwise force is applied (see arrow FR4). The abutting rotation piece 513 is restricted from further rotation by causing the rear lower edge portion to abut against the rotation restriction pin 512 of the base plate 510.

[0068] The upper edge of the contact rotating piece 513 is formed as a contact portion 513a having an inclined surface that tilts upward toward the front. The contact portion 513a is close to the connecting plate 62 in the locked state.

[0069] The contact rotation piece 513 can rotate clockwise against the urging torque indicated by the arrow FR4 .

[0070] The top wall portion 82c of the lower guide rail 82 is formed with Figure 3The cutout 82e is also shown in FIG. When the seat ST is in the sliding position where the flip-up lock can be released, the cutout 82e is located approximately directly below the push piece 511 that protrudes downwardly and slenderly from the rear end of the base plate 510, allowing the push piece 511 to enter. Figure 3 As shown, a portion of the top wall portion 82c on the left side of the lower rail 82 is cut away to form a cutout portion 82e.

[0071] (Lock release action of the lock mechanism RK1)

[0072] Next, see mainly Figure 2 and Figures 4A to 4E To illustrate the locking structure RK1 Figure 2 The locked state shown is unlocked.

[0073] When the occupant operates a release lever (not shown) against the biasing torque (arrow FR2 ) to release the lock, the release wire 65 is pulled as indicated by arrow DR3 .

[0074] Thus, the connecting plate 62 rotates clockwise by a certain angle from the first position P1 indicated by the two-dot chain line in the locked state to the second position P2 indicated by the two-dot chain line (see arrow DR4). Figure 4B This is indicated by arrow DR4a in the enlarged view. Figure 4B In this rotation, the connecting plate 62 and the hole engaging unit 51 abut against the abutment portion 513a of the rotating piece 513 (see Figure 2 ) interferes and attempts to rotate the contact rotating piece 513 counterclockwise. The counterclockwise rotation of the contact rotating piece 513 relative to the base plate 510 is restricted, and the contact portion 513a has an inclined surface. Figure 4C As shown, the abutting rotating piece 513 and the base plate 510 are pressed down as a whole and rotated clockwise around the fourth shaft portion 53 (see arrow DR5). When the base plate 510 rotates clockwise, if the cutout portion 82e of the lower guide rail 82 is not in a position corresponding to the push piece portion 511 that is rotating and descending, the push piece portion 511 abuts against the upper surface of the top wall portion 82c of the lower guide rail 82 to limit further rotation of the base plate 510. At this point, the rotation restriction of the hook plate 73 by the relay plate 72 is maintained at the same level as the base plate 510. Figure 2 same.

[0075] In contrast, Figure 4A As shown, when the seat ST is in the sliding position capable of being lifted up, the cutout portion 82e is in a position where the push piece portion 511 that is rotated and lowered can enter. Therefore, the push piece portion 511 enters the cutout portion 82e and allows the base plate 510 to rotate further clockwise (see FIG. Figure 4AIf the push piece 511 rotates to the extent of entering the cutout portion 82e, the connecting plate 62 will be separated from the front side of the abutting rotating piece 513 and continue to rotate until it reaches the position where the push piece 511 is pushed into the cutout portion 82e. Figure 4A The position of the solid line shown (see arrow DR52). Figure 4D As shown, the base plate 510 is connected to the base plate 510 by arrow FR3 (see Figure 2 ) shows the applied torque and returns to Figure 2 The locked position is shown (see Figure 4D Arrow DR6).

[0076] As the connecting plate 62 further rotates clockwise from the second position P2, permitted by the push-piece portion 511 entering the notch 82e, the connecting rod 64 moves further forward (see arrow DR42). Consequently, the relay plate 72 and the vibration-isolating plate 76 also rotate counterclockwise (see arrow DR53). Consequently, the restricting portion 721a of the relay plate 72 rotates upward and retracts, allowing the counterclockwise rotation of the hook plate 73, which is restricted by the restricting portion 721a.

[0077] As a result, the hook portion 732 rotates counterclockwise about the second shaft portion 75 and disengages from the space V1 (see arrow DR54). In other words, the hook portion 732 is no longer hooked to the extension portion 12 of the hook engagement member 1, entering the unlocked state. In this unlocked state, the hook portion 732 is allowed to rise, allowing the seat ST to be lifted. Thus, the push tab portion 511 functions as an unlock detector, detecting whether the sliding position of the seat ST is at a predetermined unlockable position.

[0078] Regarding the front locking mechanism RK1 in FIG4 , the release wire 65 is also pulled, causing the connecting plate 62 to rotate clockwise, thereby pulling the connecting rod 64f connected to the rod connecting portion 631 rearward (see arrow DR41 ). This causes the relay plate 72 to rotate clockwise (see arrow DR53 ), interlocking with the rear locking mechanism RK1 to release the lock.

[0079] If the lock is released by pulling the release wire 65, the passenger takes his hand off the release lever. As a result, the pulling of the release wire 65 is released, and the connecting plate 62 is rotated counterclockwise by the torque indicated by the arrow FR2, returning to the position in which the locking member is locked. Figure 2 At this time, Figure 4E As shown, the end of the connecting plate 62 abuts against the restored abutment rotating piece 513 from the front (see arrow DR4c), and the abutment rotating piece 513 is allowed to rotate clockwise, so it will rotate in this direction (see arrow DR6a), allowing the movement caused by the rotation of the connecting plate 62 to the rear.

[0080] Furthermore, if the passenger rotates the seat ST again to lower it and lock it, the kickstand (not shown) will first come into contact with the upper surface of the base 11 of the hook engaging member 1. The kickstand comes into contact with the upper surface of the base 11, causing the hook plate 73 to rotate clockwise against the urging torque indicated by the arrow FR1. When the hook plate 73 rotates clockwise, the hook portion 732 at the end enters the space V1 below the extension 12 of the hook engaging member 1, thereby becoming Figure 2 At this time, the base 721 of the relay plate 72 is a structure (not shown) that allows counterclockwise rotation by applying a torque exceeding a specified value to the connecting arm 722. Therefore, the protruding pin 733 abuts against the vibration-proof plate 76 integrated with the relay plate 72, pushes them up and passes over them, and after passing through, the relay plate 72 and the vibration-proof plate 76 rotate clockwise, as shown in FIG. Figure 2 The state shown is changed to a locked state that restricts the counterclockwise rotation of the hook plate 73.

[0081] The first embodiment of the locking mechanism RK described above achieves a structure that allows unlocking by simply forming a small hole or cutout (such as the cutout 82e) in the lower guide rail 82, which allows the push piece 511 to enter the narrow portion at the end of the base plate 510 that allows rotation. Depending on the shape of the base plate 510 and the desired rotation range, such a small hole or cutout can also be formed in the bottom wall 82a instead of the top wall 82c.

[0082] Therefore, according to the first embodiment of locking structure RK, namely locking structure RK1, a very small hole or cutout can be formed in the lower rail 82 to select whether or not the lock can be released. This allows the bending strength of the portion where the hole or cutout is formed to be substantially equal to the bending strength of the remaining portions. Furthermore, the undesirable situation of small objects falling into the lower rail 82 falling further below the floor and becoming unrecoverable is virtually eliminated. Thus, according to the first embodiment of locking structure RK, namely locking structure RK1, undesirable situations caused by the lower rail 82 are less likely to occur.

[0083] (Second method)

[0084] Next, see Figures 5 to 8 The second embodiment of the locking structure RK, that is, the locking structure RK2 will be described. Figure 5 It is an enlarged left side view illustrating the locked state of the locking structure RK2. Figure 6 It is a first left enlarged view for explaining the unlocking operation of the lock structure RK2. Figure 7 It is a second enlarged left side view for explaining the unlocking operation of the lock structure RK2. Figure 8 This is an enlarged left side view for explaining the operation of the lock mechanism RK2 from the unlocked state to the locked state.

[0085] The structure of the lower rail 82 and hook engagement member 1 in the locking mechanism RK2 is substantially identical to that of the locking mechanism RK1. Like the locking mechanism RK1, the locking mechanism RK2 is provided at the front and rear ends of the main body rail 5a of the upper rail 5, respectively, in a reversed arrangement. The following description will focus on the locking mechanism provided at the rear end and the linkage unit 4 that coordinates the operation of the pair of locking mechanisms RK2 provided at the front and rear ends, as a representative example.

[0086] like Figure 5 As shown, the leg panel STc is provided with a first shaft portion 74, a second shaft portion 75, and a third shaft portion 41 as fixed shaft portions. The first shaft portion 74 is provided slightly below the center of the leg panel STc in the vertical direction, and the second shaft portion 75 is provided at a position spaced rearward and downward from the first shaft portion 74. The third shaft portion 41 is provided above the first shaft portion 74 at the center position in the front-rear direction of the pair of front and rear locking structures RK2.

[0087] The link unit 4 includes a connecting plate 42 , a connecting rod 64 , and a pushing portion 45 .

[0088] The connecting plate 42 is a slender metal plate-shaped member. The connecting plate 42 is supported in the middle of its longitudinal direction by a third shaft portion 41 having an axis extending in the left-right direction so as to be rotatable about the axis. The connecting plate 42 has rod connecting portions 431 and 432 at positions equidistant from the third shaft portion 41 in the longitudinal direction. One end of a slender connecting rod 64f and 64 is rotatably connected to the rod connecting portions 431 and 432, respectively. Figure 5 The first end portion, which is the upper end, is formed with a locking portion 421 extending forward. A locking hole 421a is formed in the locking portion 421, and one end of the release wire 65 is locked in the locking hole 421a. The release wire 65 extends backward and upward, and the other end is connected to the lock release rod (not shown). The connecting plate 42 is pushed toward the locking plate 42 by a force-applying member (not shown). Figure 5 As will be described later, when the occupant or the like releases the lock of the locking structure RK2, the lock release lever is operated with a force that overcomes the torque indicated by the arrow FR5, thereby pulling the release wire 65 rearward and upward.

[0089] The connecting plate 42 has an extension portion 422 extending obliquely upward and rearward from the center portion in the longitudinal direction. A connecting portion 452 is formed on the extension portion 422, and a plate-shaped push plate 451 constituting the push portion 45 is mounted on the connecting portion 452 in a manner that allows it to rotate freely around an axis extending left and right. The push plate 451 has a bent portion 453 on the upper front edge of the connecting portion 452 that is bent to the right (deeper in the paper) and abuts against the end face of the connecting plate 42. The push plate 451 is pushed by a force-applying member (not shown) to Figure 5Therefore, the push plate 451 is restricted from rotating counterclockwise by making the bent portion 453 contact the upper edge of the push plate 451. That is, in the normal state, the relative posture of the push plate 451 with respect to the connecting plate 42 is maintained at Figure 5 The posture shown.

[0090] Push plate 451 to Figure 5 The rear lower portion of the push plate 451 extends with approximately the same width, and the end of the push plate 451 is made into a roughly arc-shaped abutment portion 451a centered on the connecting portion 452.

[0091] The locking mechanism RK2 includes a locking portion 7 having the same structure and operation as the locking portion 7 of the locking mechanism RK1 . Specifically, the locking portion 7 includes a first shaft portion 74 , a second shaft portion 75 , an intermediate plate 72 , a vibration-isolating plate 76 , and a hook plate 73 .

[0092] In addition, the locking structure RK2 has a pin lifting portion 3 between the locking portion 7 and the link unit 4. Figure 5 As shown, the pin lifter 3 comprises a column 31, a pin 32, and a coil spring 33. The leg panel STc includes a horizontally tilted portion STc1 that tilts upward 90 degrees, corresponding to the pin lifter 3. A vertically extending hole is formed in the tilted portion STc1, and the column 31 of the pin lifter 3 is supported vertically and extended in the vertical direction, extending through the hole.

[0093] The pin 32 includes a pin base 322 and a pin body 321. The post 31 and the pin base 322 are integrally formed, and the pin body 321 extends downward from a position near the rear of the lower surface of the pin base 322. A rod-shaped guide portion 323 extending downward is formed near the front of the lower surface of the pin base 322. A coil spring 33 is compressively sandwiched between the guide portion 323 and a folded portion STc2 formed locally at the lower edge of the leg panel STc. Therefore, the post 31 and the pin 32 are biased upward by the rebound force of the coil spring 33 (see arrow FR7). Thus, under normal conditions, the pin 32 is in its maximum raised position, where the pin base 322 abuts the flip-up portion STc1, restricting upward movement. The pin 32 is lowered by the application of a downward force that overcomes the rebound force of the coil spring 33, indicated by arrow FR7.

[0094] The top wall portion 82c of the lower guide rail 82 is formed with Figure 3 When the seat ST is in the sliding position where the flip lock can be released, the cutout portion 82e is located directly below the pin body 321 and allows the pin body 321 to enter. Figure 3 As shown, a portion of the top wall portion 82c on the left side of the lower rail 82 is cut away to form a cutout portion 82e.

[0095] exist Figure 5 In the locked state of the locking mechanism RK2 shown, the upper end portion of the column portion 31 of the pin lift portion 3 is located close to the abutment portion 451 a of the push plate 451 of the push portion 45 .

[0096] (Lock release action of the lock mechanism RK2)

[0097] Next, see Figure 6 and Figure 7 , the locking structure RK2 from Figure 5 The unlocking operation from the locked state shown will be described.

[0098] exist Figure 6 If the occupant overcomes the Figure 5 When a release lever (not shown) is operated by the urging torque indicated by the arrow FR5 , the release wire 65 is pulled as indicated by the arrow D61 .

[0099] As a result, the connecting plate 42 rotates clockwise (see arrow D62). If the connecting plate 42 rotates a certain angle together with the pushing plate 451 (see arrow D63), it interferes with the upper part of the column part 31 of the pin lifting part 3. If the force of the coil spring 33 is further overcome (see arrow D64), the connecting plate 42 rotates clockwise (see arrow D65). Figure 5 When the release line 65 is pulled (see arrow FR7), the push plate 451 presses the column portion 31 downward, causing the entire pin 32 to drop (see arrow D64).

[0100] When the seat ST is not in the tilt-up sliding position, even if the pin body 321 of the pin 32 descends, it abuts against the top wall 82c of the lower guide rail 82, thereby preventing further descent. In this state, when the connecting plate 42 is in the pivoted position, the corner 734 of the hook plate 73 still abuts against the restricting portion 721a of the base 721 of the relay plate 72, preventing the hook plate 73 from rotating and maintaining the lock.

[0101] On the other hand, when the seat ST is in the sliding position capable of being tilted upward, the notch 82e is located directly below the pin body 321, so the pin body 321 further descends and enters the notch 82e. This allows the release wire 65 to be further pulled and the connecting plate 42 to be further rotated clockwise (see FIG. Figure 7 : arrow D63).

[0102] Therefore, if Figure 7 As shown, the push plate 451 is separated from the interference with the column part 31 and is separated to the front side, and the column part 31 is driven by the force of the coil spring 33 (see Figure 5The connecting rod 64 is then pulled further forward, causing the base 721 of the relay plate 72 to fully rotate counterclockwise (see arrow D68). This releases the contact between the corner 734 of the hook plate 73 and the base 721 of the relay plate 72, allowing the hook plate 73 to rotate counterclockwise (see arrow D69). The hook portion 732 disengages from the space V1 of the hook engaging member 1, thereby unlocking the seat. Thus, the pin body 321 of the pin 32 functions as a lock release detector that detects whether the sliding position of the seat ST is at a predetermined unlockable position.

[0103] Regarding the locking structure RK2 on the front side, Figure 6 As shown, the connecting plate 42 is rotated clockwise by pulling the release wire 65 to pull the connecting rod 64f connected to the rod connecting portion 431 backward. As a result, the relay plate 72 of the front locking mechanism RK2 rotates clockwise, and the locking mechanism RK on the rear side is released.

[0104] If the lock is released by pulling the release lever, the passenger takes his hand off the release lever. Figure 8 As shown, the pulling of the release line 65 is released, and the connecting plate 42 is moved by the arrow FR2 (see Figure 5 ) and rotates counterclockwise (see arrow D72) to restore to Figure 5 At this time, the push plate 451 contacts the pillar portion 31 of the pin lifter 3 from the front, which has already been restored. Conversely, the push plate 451, since it is allowed to rotate clockwise, rotates in that direction (see arrow D73), passes over the pillar portion 31 and moves to the rear, and continues to rotate counterclockwise together with the connecting plate 42 (see arrow D74).

[0105] As a result, the connecting rod 64 and the connecting portion 723 are pressed backward (see arrow D741). Although the base 721 of the relay plate 72 wants to rotate clockwise, it abuts against the hook plate 73 in the unlocked position and maintains a state in which rotation is restricted (this state is in the unlocked position). Figure 8 (not shown in the figure).

[0106] Furthermore, if the occupant rotates the seat ST again and wants to lock it, the kickstand (not shown) will first abut against the upper surface of the base 11 of the hook engaging member 1, overcoming the force indicated by arrow FR1 (see FIG. Figure 5 ) shows the force torque causing the hook plate 73 to rotate clockwise (see Figure 8: Arrow D75). As a result, the hook portion 732 at the end enters the space V1 below the extension portion 12 of the hook engaging member 1 and becomes locked. As a result, the base 721 of the relay plate 72 is allowed to rotate clockwise (see arrow D76), becoming Figure 5 The illustrated locked state restricts the counterclockwise rotation of the hook plate 73 .

[0107] The locking mechanism RK2 described in detail above achieves a structure that allows unlocking to be selected simply by forming a small hole or cutout (such as the cutout 82e) in the lower rail 82, which allows the pin body 321, a thin rod-shaped member of the pin lifter 3, to enter. Depending on the shape of the pin lifter 3 and the setting of the lifting range, such a small hole or cutout can also be formed in the bottom wall 82a instead of the top wall 82c.

[0108] For example, Figure 9 As shown, the locking mechanism RK2 has a through-hole 5a1 formed in the main rail 5a of the upper rail 5, directly below the pin body 321. A through-hole 82a1 is formed in the bottom wall 82a of the lower rail 82, which is concentric with the through-hole 5a1 when the seat ST is in the sliding position for lifting the seat ST. Consequently, the pin body 321 of the pin 32, pressed by the push plate 451, passes through the through-hole 5a1 and enters the through-hole 82a1 of the lower rail 82 (arrow DR91). This entry also allows the hook plate 73 to rotate, releasing the hook.

[0109] As described above, the second embodiment of locking structure RK, namely locking structure RK2, allows for the formation of a very small hole or cutout in the lower rail 82, allowing for selective unlocking. This allows the bending strength of the portion where the hole or cutout is formed to be substantially equal to that of the remaining portions. Furthermore, there is virtually no risk of small objects falling into the lower rail 82 falling further below the floor and becoming unrecoverable. Thus, the second embodiment of locking structure RK, locking structure RK2, reduces the risk of problems associated with the lower rail 82.

[0110] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment and procedure, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention.

[0111] The material of each component is not limited to the above, and all components may be made of metal, or components having sliding portions or the sliding portions may be made of a resin having high sliding properties such as polyacetal resin.

[0112] Transportation vehicles include not only cars, railways, but also ships, airplanes, drones and other aircraft, and refer to moving objects that carry people.

[0113] In the above description, the up, down, left, right, front, and back directions are provided as examples for convenience of description, and the orientation of the flip-up seat ST relative to the vehicle is not specified and is free.

[0114] Description of Reference Numerals

[0115] 1 hook engagement part

[0116] 11 base

[0117] 12 extension

[0118] 2 rollers

[0119] 2a contact part

[0120] 2b shaft

[0121] 3-pin lifting unit

[0122] 31 column

[0123] 32 pins

[0124] 321 pin body

[0125] 322 pin base

[0126] 323 Guidance Department

[0127] 33 coil spring

[0128] 4-link unit

[0129] 41 3rd axis

[0130] 42 connecting plate

[0131] 421 Carding Department

[0132] 421a fixing hole

[0133] 422 extension

[0134] 431, 432 rod connection part

[0135] 45 Promotion Department

[0136] 451 push plate

[0137] 451a contact portion

[0138] 452 connection part

[0139] 453 bending part

[0140] 5 Upper guide rail

[0141] 5a main rail

[0142] 5a1 through hole

[0143] 51-hole snap-in unit

[0144] 510 base plate

[0145] 511 film pushing department

[0146] 512 rotation limiting pin

[0147] 513 abutting rotating piece

[0148] 513a contact portion

[0149] 52 rotating shaft

[0150] 53 4th axis

[0151] 6-link unit

[0152] 61 3rd axis

[0153] 62 connecting plate

[0154] 621 Carding Department

[0155] 621a fixing hole

[0156] 631, 632 rod connection

[0157] 64, 64f connecting rod

[0158] 65 release line

[0159] 7 Locking part

[0160] 72 relay board

[0161] 721 base

[0162] 721a Restriction Department

[0163] 722 connecting arm

[0164] 723 connection

[0165] 724 salient

[0166] 73 hook plate

[0167] 731 base

[0168] 731a 1st extension

[0169] 731b Second extension

[0170] 732 hook department

[0171] 733 protruding pin

[0172] 734 corner

[0173] 74 1st shaft

[0174] 75 2nd shaft

[0175] 76 anti-vibration plate

[0176] 76a pin abutment portion

[0177] 81 external lower rail

[0178] 82 internal lower guide rail (lower guide rail)

[0179] 82a bottom wall portion

[0180] 82a1 through hole

[0181] 82b side wall

[0182] 82b1 travel guide rail

[0183] 82c top wall

[0184] 82d gap

[0185] 82e incision

[0186] FL floor

[0187] FLa wheel cover

[0188] FLp underfloor panel

[0189] P1 1st position

[0190] P2 2nd position

[0191] RK, RK1, RK2 locking structure

[0192] ST Seat

[0193] STa hinge

[0194] STb upper guide rail

[0195] STc Leg Panels

[0196] STc1 folded part

[0197] STc2 reentrant part

[0198] ST1 chair cushion

[0199] ST1f Chair Cushion Frame

[0200] ST2 Chair Back

[0201] ST2f chair back frame

[0202] V, V1 space

Claims

1. A locking structure for a flip-up seat for a vehicle, wherein: The vehicle lift seat is rotatably supported on one side of an outer upper rail that slides in engagement with an outer lower rail. The vehicle lift seat can be detachably locked to the inner upper rail that slides in engagement with the inner lower rail by a locking portion provided on the inner side, and can be unlocked from the inner upper rail at a predetermined sliding position. The locking portion has: a hook engaging component mounted on the inner upper guide rail; a hook plate rotatably disposed on one side of the vehicle lift seat and rotated in a first rotation direction to engage with the hook engaging member to enter a locked state; a link unit configured to rotate the hook plate in a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction; as well as a lock release detection member that descends in conjunction with the rotation of the link unit; The inner lower rail has a hole or a cutout into which the lowered lock release detection member can enter only when the vehicle lift seat is in the prescribed sliding position. The link unit rotates after the lock release detection member enters the hole or the notch, causing the hook plate to rotate in the second rotation direction and thereby release the lock.

2. The locking structure of the flip-up seat for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein: The locking structure of the lift-up seat for a vehicle includes a base plate, which rotates in a third rotation direction in conjunction with the rotation of the link unit, and a downwardly protruding push piece portion is formed at the end portion of the third rotation direction which is the downward direction. The push piece portion is the lock release detection member.

3. The locking structure of the flip-up seat for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein: The locking structure of the lift-up seat for a vehicle includes a rod-shaped pin that extends in the vertical direction, is supported so as to be movable vertically, and descends in conjunction with the rotation of the link unit. The pin serves as the lock release detector.

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