Vehicle seat

Abstract

A vehicle seat (50) includes a seat cushion (52), a seat back (54), a lifting link mechanism (58) that displaces the seat cushion (52) by displacing a sector gear (78), and a motor (10) with a reduction gear. The motor (10) with a reduction gear has a pinion (30C) that meshes with the sector gear (78), and a first limiter (26C) and a second limiter (28E) that stop rotation of the pinion (30C) to one side. The sector gear (78) is displaced to one side by rotating the pinion (30C) to one side. Displacement of the sector gear (78) to one side is stopped by stopping rotation of the pinion (30C) to one side with the first limiter (26C) and the second limiter (28E). The sector gear (78) is displaced to the other side by rotating the pinion (30C) to the other side. Rotation of the pinion (30C) to the other side is stopped by limiting displacement of the sector gear (78) to the other side.

Description

[0001] Citation of relevant applications

[0002] This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-089770, filed on May 22, 2020, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to a vehicle seat. Background Technology

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses an electric motor with a speed reducer for moving a seat cushion of a vehicle seat in the vertical direction. The electric motor with a speed reducer described in this document includes a pinion gear that engages with a mechanism for moving the seat cushion in the vertical direction. Furthermore, the electric motor with a speed reducer includes a mechanism for limiting the rotational range of the pinion gear to a predetermined range.

[0005] Existing technical documents

[0006] Patent documents

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-016331. Summary of the Invention

[0008] Furthermore, if the rotation range of the pinion gear in the aforementioned motor with a reducer is set to correspond to the range of movement of the seat cushion in the vertical direction, then the range of movement of the seat cushion in the vertical direction can be limited to a predetermined range by means of the motor with the reducer. However, in this configuration, the rotation range of the pinion gear must be set for each vehicle seat whose range of movement of the seat cushion in the vertical direction is different, making it difficult to achieve the commonality of the motor with the reducer.

[0009] In view of the above facts, the purpose of this disclosure is to provide a vehicle seat that enables the common use of an electric motor for shifting the seat cushion or seat back.

[0010] The vehicle seat of the first aspect of this disclosure includes: a seat cushion that supports the buttocks of a seated passenger; a seat back that supports the back of a seated passenger; a shifting mechanism having a driven gear supported in a manner that allows shifting to one side and the other side, and shifting the driven gear to one side and the other side to shift the seat cushion or the seat back to one side and the other side; and an electric motor having an output gear that rotates due to operation and meshes with the driven gear, and a stop portion that stops the rotation of the output gear to one side, shifting the driven gear to one side by rotating the output gear to one side, stopping the shift of the driven gear to one side by stopping the rotation of the output gear to one side by using the stop portion, shifting the driven gear to another side by rotating the output gear to another side, and stopping the rotation of the output gear to another side by restricting the shift of the driven gear to another side.

[0011] This configuration allows for the sharing of motors that move seat cushions or seat backs. Attached Figure Description

[0012] The above-mentioned objects, other objects, features, and advantages of this disclosure will become clearer with reference to the accompanying drawings and the following detailed description. The accompanying drawings are described below.

[0013] Figure 1 This is a side view showing the vehicle seat according to this embodiment.

[0014] Figure 2 This is a side view showing the lifting linkage mechanism.

[0015] Figure 3 It is an exploded 3D diagram representing an electric motor with a speed reducer.

[0016] Figure 4 This is an exploded 3D diagram representing an electric motor with a speed reducer, showing the relationship between... Figure 3 A diagram viewed from the opposite side.

[0017] Figure 5 It is an exploded perspective view showing the eccentric shaft, stationary gear, transmission gear, and output gear body that make up part of the reducer.

[0018] Figure 6 It is a cross-sectional view after cutting off the eccentric shaft, fixed gear, transmission gear and output gear body that constitute part of the reducer along the axial direction of the output shaft.

[0019] Figure 7 This is a side view of the sector gear and pinion of the travel specification A.

[0020] Figure 8It is a diagram that compares the rotation range of the sector gear with that of the pinion.

[0021] Figure 9 This is a side view of the sector gear and pinion of the travel specification B.

[0022] Figure 10 This is a side view of the sector gear and pinion with stroke specification C.

[0023] Figure 11 It is a diagram that compares the rotation range of the sector gear with that of the pinion.

[0024] Figure 12 This is a side view showing other specifications of sector gears and pinions.

[0025] Figure 13 It is a diagram that compares the rotation range of the sector gear with that of the pinion. Detailed Implementation

[0026] use Figures 1 to 8 The vehicle seat 50 according to the embodiment will be described below. In the figures, arrows FR and UP represent the front side (front in the fore-aft direction) and upper side (upper in the vertical direction) of the seat as viewed from a passenger sitting in the vehicle seat 50, respectively. Furthermore, in the following description, the right side and left side of the seat refer to the right and left sides of the seat as viewed from a passenger sitting in the vehicle seat 50, respectively. In the following description, these directions may sometimes be treated only as fore-aft, vertical, and horizontal directions.

[0027] like Figure 1 As shown, the vehicle seat 50 includes: a seat cushion 52 that supports the buttocks of a seated passenger; a seat back 54 that supports the back of a seated passenger and is mounted on the rear end of the seat cushion 52; and a headrest 56 that supports the head of a seated passenger and is mounted on the upper end of the seat back 54. Furthermore, the vehicle seat 50 includes a lifting linkage mechanism 58 that enables the seat cushion 52 to move in the vertical direction of the seat, and a motor 10 with a reducer that powers the motor that actuates the lifting linkage mechanism 58.

[0028] The seat cushion 52 is constructed by mounting a seat cushion 60 covered with a surface material to a seat cushion frame 62, etc.

[0029] like Figure 2As shown, the lifting linkage mechanism 58 includes: a pair of left and right side frames 64, which are spaced apart in the seat width direction and extend in the front-rear direction; a front axle 66, which connects to the front portions of the pair of left and right side frames 64 in the left-right direction; and a rear axle 68, which connects to the rear portions of the pair of left and right side frames 64 in the left-right direction. The pair of left and right side frames 64, the front axle 66, and the rear axle 68 constitute part of the seat cushion frame 62. In addition, the left and right ends of the front axle 66 and the rear axle 68 can rotate in the left-right direction as the rotation axis when they are inserted into the pair of left and right side frames 64.

[0030] The lifting linkage mechanism 58 includes a pair of upper guide rails 70 disposed on the lower side of a pair of left and right side frames 64. These pair of upper guide rails 70, together with a lower guide rail (not shown), constitute a seat sliding guide rail 72. Moreover, the pair of upper guide rails 70 slide along the lower guide rail fixed to the floor of the vehicle body, thereby moving the seat cushion 52 in the fore-and-aft direction.

[0031] The lifting linkage mechanism 58 includes a pair of left and right front connecting portions 74. One end of each front connecting portion 74 is joined to the left and right ends of the front axle 66 by welding or the like, and the other end is connected to the front end of a pair of left and right upper guide rails 70 in a manner that allows rotation in the left-right direction. Additionally, the lifting linkage mechanism 58 includes a pair of left and right rear connecting portions 76. One end of each rear connecting portion 76 is joined to the left and right ends of the rear axle 68 by welding or the like, and the other end is connected to the rear end of a pair of left and right upper guide rails 70 in a manner that allows rotation in the left-right direction.

[0032] The lifting linkage mechanism 58 includes a sector gear 78, which serves as a driven gear and is joined to the rear axle 68 by welding or the like. This sector gear 78 is positioned on the right side relative to the left side frame 64, and is arranged close to the left side frame 64 in the left-right direction. The detailed structure of the sector gear 78 will be described in detail later. Furthermore, the sector gear 78 meshes with a pinion 30C of a motor 10 with a reducer, which is fixed to the left side frame 64.

[0033] Next, use Figures 3-6The motor 10 with a speed reducer will be described. Furthermore, the arrows Z, R, and C, appropriately indicated in the figure, represent the axial, radial, and circumferential sides of the output gear, i.e., the pinion 30C, respectively. Conversely, the opposite sides of arrows Z, R, and C represent the axial, radial, and circumferential sides of the output gear, i.e., the pinion 30C, respectively. Additionally, when only axial, radial, and circumferential directions are indicated, unless otherwise specified, they represent the axial, radial, and circumferential directions of the pinion 30C.

[0034] like Figure 3 , Figure 4 as well as Figure 5 As shown, the motor 10 with a speed reducer in this embodiment is an electric seat motor for moving the seat cushion of a vehicle seat in the vertical direction. The aforementioned motor 10 with a speed reducer includes a DC motor, i.e., a motor 12. Furthermore, the motor 10 with a speed reducer includes a speed reducer 14 for reducing the rotation of the rotating shaft 12A of the motor 12 and transmitting it to an output gear body 30, which serves as an output section. In addition, the motor 10 with a speed reducer includes a housing 16 in which the motor 12 is mounted and the speed reducer 14 is internally located.

[0035] The reducer 14 includes: a worm gear 18 fixed to the rotating shaft 12A of the motor 12; a helical gear 20 meshing with the worm gear 18 as a first gear; and an eccentric shaft 22 integrally disposed with the helical gear 20.

[0036] Furthermore, the reducer 14 includes: a transmission gear 24 and a locking gear 26 supported on the eccentric shaft 22; and a fixed gear 28 meshing with the locking gear 26. Additionally, the reducer 14 includes a slide plate 52 as a rotation limiting member, which is supported on the fixed gear 28 and restricts the rotation of the transmission gear 24 by engaging with it. Furthermore, the reducer 14 includes an output gear body 30, which meshes with the transmission gear 24 and has a pinion 30C whose axial direction is in the same direction as the helical gear 20, the transmission gear 24, and the locking gear 26 (the direction of arrow Z and the direction opposite to arrow Z), and is coaxially arranged with the helical gear 20.

[0037] Additionally, the motor 10 with a speed reducer includes a spring 32 for suppressing loosening in the axial direction, such as the eccentric shaft 22 and the helical gear 20. Furthermore, the motor 10 with a speed reducer includes a cover plate 34, which is fixed to the housing 16 to house the speed reducer 14 within the housing 16.

[0038] like Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, the housing 16 is formed using resin material. The housing 16 includes a motor mounting portion 16A, which fixes the rotation shaft 12A of the motor 12 in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction (arrow Z direction). Additionally, the housing 16 includes a reducer receiving recess 16C that houses the reducer 14. The reducer receiving recess 16C is formed as a recess that is open on one axial side (arrow Z direction side).

[0039] like Figure 3 As shown, the reducer receiving recess 16C is configured to include: a bottom wall portion forming the bottom of the reducer receiving recess 16C; and a side wall portion 16E extending axially from the outer periphery of the bottom wall portion and having an inner periphery that is substantially cylindrical. A cylindrical bushing portion is erected at the center of the bottom wall portion of the reducer receiving recess 16C, and the bushing portion is inserted into the end of the rotation center shaft 40 on the other axial side with a gap. In addition, a spring 32 is arranged around the bushing portion of the bottom wall portion. Furthermore, a resin washer 36 is sandwiched between the bottom wall portion and the spring 32.

[0040] Three fixed gear engaging portions 16G are formed on the inner periphery of the side wall portion 16E of the reducer receiving recess 16C. These fixed gear engaging portions 16G are fitted with a portion of the fixed gear 28 (described later) to restrict the circumferential rotational displacement of the fixed gear 28. A cylindrical column portion 16I is provided in each of the three fixed gear engaging portions 16G.

[0041] The cover plate 34 is formed using steel plate or similar materials. An exposure opening 34A is formed in the cover plate 34 to expose the pinion 30C to the outside of the reducer receiving recess 16C in the housing 16. Furthermore, an annular rib 34B, bent towards the other side of the axial direction, is formed at the periphery of the exposure opening 34A in the cover plate 34.

[0042] A helical tooth is formed on the outer periphery of the worm gear 18. By fixing the motor 12, which is in the state of fixing the worm gear 18 to the rotating shaft 12A, to the housing 16, the worm gear 18 is disposed on the bottom wall side of the reducer receiving recess 16C of the housing 16 and on the inner peripheral surface side of the side wall 16E.

[0043] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the helical gear 20 is formed using resin material. Multiple external teeth are formed on the outer periphery of the helical gear 20 to mesh with the teeth of the worm gear 18. Furthermore, the eccentric shaft 22, described later, is fixed to the central axis of the helical gear 20 by insert molding. In addition, the helical gear 20 is rotatably supported on the housing 16 via the eccentric shaft 22 and the rotation center shaft 40.

[0044] like Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, the eccentric shaft 22 is formed using a metallic material, and it can rotate integrally with the helical gear 20 by embedding a portion of it into the helical gear 20. Specifically, the eccentric shaft 22 includes a circular plate portion 22A formed as a circular plate extending radially with the axial direction as its thickness direction. The outer periphery of the circular plate portion 22A is formed with an uneven shape along its circumferential direction. Furthermore, with the axial center of the circular plate portion 22A aligned with the rotation center of the helical gear 20, the circular plate portion 22A is fixed to the inner periphery of the helical gear 20.

[0045] In addition, such as Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, the eccentric shaft 22 includes a support portion 22B that protrudes axially from the center of the circular plate portion 22A. One axial side of the support portion 22B is a first support portion 22B1 that rotatably supports the transmission gear 24 (described later). The other axial side of the support portion 22B is a second support portion 22B2, which is configured to have a larger diameter than the first support portion 22B1 and rotatably supports the locking gear 26 (described later). The axial centers of the first support portion 22B1 and the second support portion 22B2 are offset radially outward relative to the axial center of the circular plate portion 22A.

[0046] In addition, such as Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, a rotating center shaft insertion hole 22C is formed in the eccentric shaft 22. The rotating center shaft insertion hole 22C passes through the circular plate portion 22A, the first support portion 22B1, and the second support portion 22B2 in the axial direction, and is used for the insertion of the rotating center shaft 40. The axial center of the rotating center shaft insertion hole 22C (the axial center of the rotating center shaft 40 inserted into the rotating center shaft insertion hole 22C) coincides with the axial center of the circular plate portion 22A.

[0047] like Figure 4 and Figure 6 As shown, the output gear body 30, which serves as the output gear, is formed using a metallic material. The output gear body 30 includes a transmission gear engagement portion 30B that engages with the transmission gear 24. Figure 4 As shown, a receiving recess 30E is formed in the gear engagement portion 30B for transmission. The receiving recess 30E is open on the gear 24 side (the other side in the axial direction) and allows the gear body portion 24D of the gear 24 to be disposed inside. A plurality of internal teeth 30F that mesh with the external teeth 24A of the gear 24 are formed on the inner circumference of the radially outer side of the receiving recess 30E.

[0048] Furthermore, the output gear body 30 includes a pinion 30C, which is coaxially arranged with the transmission gear engagement portion 30B on one axial side relative to the transmission gear engagement portion 30B, and has a plurality of external teeth formed on its outer periphery. Additionally, the intermediate portion between the transmission gear engagement portion 30B and the pinion 30C in the output gear body 30 is a shaft-supported portion 30D supported by a rib 34B formed on the cover plate 34. Furthermore, a bearing bushing 42 made of resin or the like is engaged on the inner circumferential surface of the rib 34B. This prevents or suppresses metal-to-metal contact between the shaft-supported portion 30D of the output gear body 30 and the rib 34B of the cover plate 34. Finally, a rotating central shaft 40 formed of a metal rod is fixed to the central portion of the output gear body 30 by pressing or the like.

[0049] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the fixed gear 28 is formed by stamping or other processes on a metal material. The fixed gear 28 includes a main body 28A that is ring-shaped when viewed axially. The fixed gear 28 also includes three engaging protrusions 28B that protrude radially outward from the main body 28A. Then, with the engaging protrusions 28B engaged with the fixed gear engaging portion 16G of the housing 16, the fixed gear 28 is fixed to the housing 16 by engaging a thrust nut (not shown) with the post portion 16I.

[0050] In addition, a plurality of internal teeth 28D are formed on the inner periphery of the fixed gear body 28A, which mesh with the locking gear 26 described later.

[0051] Furthermore, the fixed gear 28 includes a second limiting portion 28E as a stop portion, which protrudes from the fixed gear body portion 28A toward the other side in the axial direction. The second limiting portion 28E protrudes from a circumferential portion of the fixed gear body portion 28A toward the other side in the axial direction.

[0052] Furthermore, a slide plate engaging hole 28F is formed on the axial side of the portion of the fixed gear body 28A of the fixed gear 28 where the internal teeth 28D are formed. The edge of the slide plate engaging hole 28F is rectangular when viewed axially, and a slide plate 52 is disposed within it. Additionally, in the edge of the slide plate engaging hole 28F, a second sliding surface 28G is formed, which is radially opposed to a pair of first sliding surfaces 52C of the slide plate 52 (described later). Furthermore, by arranging the first sliding surfaces 52C and the second sliding surfaces 28G opposite and close to each other, the rotation of the slide plate 52 relative to the fixed gear 28 is restricted. Furthermore, by allowing the first sliding surfaces 52C to slide on the second sliding surfaces 28G, the slide plate 52 and the transmission gear 24 are allowed to shift radially in one direction R1. Therefore, when the eccentric shaft 22 rotates, the transmission gear 24, which is supported by the first support portion 22B1 of the eccentric shaft 22, revolves around the axis center of the rotation center shaft 40 while the rotation of the transmission gear 24 is restricted.

[0053] like Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the transmission gear 24 is formed into a generally circular plate shape by stamping or other processes on a metal material. The transmission gear 24 includes a transmission gear body portion 24D with a plurality of external teeth 24A formed on its outer periphery. A support hole 24B is formed at the center of the transmission gear body portion 24D, supporting a first support portion 22B1 on the eccentric shaft 22. Furthermore, the transmission gear 24 includes two limiting protrusions 24E protruding from a surface on the other side of the axial direction of the transmission gear body portion 24D. These two limiting protrusions 24E are arranged at equal intervals (180-degree intervals) circumferentially. Moreover, the rotation (self-rotation) of the transmission gear 24 about the first support portion 22B1 of the eccentric shaft 22 is limited by engaging the two limiting protrusions 24E with the slide plate 52 described later.

[0054] like Figure 3 and Figure 5As shown, the slide plate 52 is formed using a sheet metal, and the slide plate 52 is rectangular when viewed axially. The slide plate 52 is disposed inside the slide plate engagement hole 28F formed in the fixed gear 28 between the two limiting protrusions 24E of the transmission gear 24. Furthermore, in the outer periphery of the slide plate 52, the surfaces that are radially opposite to the two limiting protrusions 24E are respectively called engagement surfaces 52B. In addition, when the slide plate 52 is disposed between the two limiting protrusions 24E of the transmission gear 24, the displacement of the transmission gear 24 relative to the slide plate 52 in the direction opposite to the engagement surfaces 52B and the limiting protrusions 24E (radial direction R1) is restricted, and the rotation (self-rotation) of the transmission gear 24 relative to the slide plate 52 is also restricted. Furthermore, by allowing the limiting protrusion 24E to slide on the engaging surface 52B, the transmission gear 24 in the direction in which the engaging surface 52B and the limiting protrusion 24E slide (the other radial direction R2, which is orthogonal to the radial direction R1) is allowed to shift relative to the slide plate 52. Additionally, in the outer periphery of the slide plate 52, a pair of first sliding surfaces 52C are respectively arranged opposite and close to the second sliding surface 28G of the slide plate engaging hole 28F. Furthermore, an elongated through hole 52A (with the other radial direction R2 as the long side) is formed in the axial center of the slide plate 52 for the first support portion 22B1 of the eccentric shaft 22 to pass through. In this embodiment, the interval between the pair of engaging surfaces 52B of the slide plate 52 is set to a size smaller than the interval between the pair of first sliding surfaces 52C. Therefore, when viewed axially, the slide plate 52 is a rectangle with the pair of engaging surfaces 52B as the long side and the pair of first sliding surfaces 52C as the short side.

[0055] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, similar to the transmission gear 24, the locking gear 26 is formed into a circular plate shape by stamping or other processes on a metal material. On the outer periphery of the locking gear 26, external teeth 26B that mesh with the internal teeth 28D of the fixed gear 28 are formed along the entire outer periphery. Furthermore, a support hole 26B for supporting a second support portion 22B2 on the eccentric shaft 22 is formed at the center of the locking gear 26. In addition, the locking gear 26 includes a first limiting portion 26C, which protrudes radially outward and is fan-shaped when viewed axially, serving as a stop portion. The first limiting portion 26C is provided on a portion of the circumference of the locking gear 26. Furthermore, when the external teeth 26A of the locking gear 26 are engaged with the internal teeth 28D of the fixed gear 28, the first limiting portion 26C is disposed on the surface on the other side of the axial direction of the fixed gear body portion 28A of the fixed gear 28.

[0056] like Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, in the motor 10 with a speed reducer described above, the worm gear 18 rotates when the rotating shaft 12A of the motor 12 rotates. Furthermore, when the worm gear 18 rotates, the helical gear 20 meshing with it rotates together with the eccentric shaft 22.

[0057] Furthermore, when the eccentric shaft 22 rotates, the transmission gear 24, supported on the first support portion 22B1 of the eccentric shaft 22, revolves around the rotation center axis 40. Specifically, when the eccentric shaft 22 rotates, the limiting protrusion 24E of the transmission gear 24 slides on the engaging surface 52B of the slide plate 52, while simultaneously moving radially (arrow R2 and the direction opposite to R2). Additionally, the first sliding surface 52C of the slide plate 52 slides on the second sliding surface 28G of the fixed gear 28, while the slide plate 52 and the transmission gear 24 move radially (arrow R1 and the direction opposite to R1). Thus, with the rotation of the transmission gear 24 supported on the first support portion 22B1 of the eccentric shaft 22 restricted, the transmission gear 24 revolves around the axis center of the rotation center axis 40.

[0058] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, when the transmission gear 24 revolves, the rotational force accompanying this revolution is transmitted from the external teeth 24A of the transmission gear 24 to the internal teeth 30F of the output gear body 30. As a result, the output gear body 30 rotates.

[0059] Furthermore, when the eccentric shaft 22 rotates, the stop gear 26, supported on the second support portion 22B2 of the eccentric shaft 22, revolves around the rotation center axis 40 and rotates on its own axis while meshing with the fixed gear 28. Additionally, as... Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, when the first limiting part 26C of the stop gear 26 abuts against the second limiting part 28E of the fixed gear 28, the revolution and rotation of the stop gear 26 are constrained. Specifically, when the rotating shaft 12A of the motor body 12 rotates to one side, the first limiting part 26C of the stop gear 26 abuts against the circumferential end face of the second limiting part 28E of the fixed gear 28. This stops the rotation of the pinion 30C to one side. This position of the pinion 30C is referred to as the "lower motor position M1". Conversely, when the rotating shaft 12A of the motor body 12 rotates to the other side, the first limiting part 26C of the stop gear 26 abuts against the circumferential end face of the second limiting part 28E of the fixed gear 28. This stops the rotation of the pinion 30C to the other side. This position of the pinion 30C is referred to as the "upper motor position M2". Furthermore, the rotation range of the pinion 30C, which is limited to a specified range due to the presence of the first limiting part 26C and the second limiting part 28E, is referred to as the "motor operating area M".

[0060] like Figure 7 As shown, the sector gear 78 is formed as a plate with its thickness in the left-right direction, and has a generally sector-shaped form when viewed from the side of the seat. The inner periphery of the sector gear 78 is joined to the rear axle 68 by welding or the like. Furthermore, the outer periphery of the sector gear 78 is positioned at the front relative to the rear axle 68. On the outer periphery of the sector gear 78, a plurality of external teeth 78A are formed along the circumferential direction of rotation of the rear axle 68 (in the direction of arrow D and in the opposite direction to arrow D), meshing with the pinion 30C of the motor 10 with a reducer. Here, the range of relative movement of the pinion 30C, which can mesh with the plurality of external teeth 78A formed on the outer periphery of the sector gear 78, relative to the sector gear 78 is referred to as the "system working area S". Furthermore, the system working area S corresponds to the range between the first non-meshing portion 78B and the second non-meshing portion 78C, described later.

[0061] The lower side of the portion of the outer periphery of the sector gear 78 with multiple external teeth 78A is a first non-meshing portion 78B, which cannot mesh with the pinion 30C of the motor 10 with a reducer. The position of the pinion 30C when it abuts against the first non-meshing portion 78B is referred to as the "lower system position S1". The upper side of the portion of the outer periphery of the sector gear 78 with multiple external teeth 78A is a second non-meshing portion 78C, which cannot mesh with the pinion 30C of the motor 10 with a reducer. The position of the pinion 30C when it abuts against the second non-meshing portion 78C is referred to as the "upper system position S2".

[0062] Moreover, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 7 As shown, when the pinion 30C of the motor 10 with the reducer rotates to one side (in the direction of arrow E), the sector gear 78 rotates together with the rear axle 68 in the circumference of rotation of the rear axle 68 to one side (in the direction of arrow D). This causes the seat cushion 52 to descend. Conversely, when the pinion 30C of the motor 10 with the reducer rotates to the other side (opposite to the direction of arrow E), the sector gear 78 rotates together with the rear axle 68 in the circumference of rotation of the rear axle 68 to the other side (opposite to the direction of arrow D). This causes the seat cushion 52 to rise. Here, the range of vertical movement of the seat cushion 52 is referred to as the "seat working area H". Furthermore, the position of the seat cushion 52 when it is at its lowest point is referred to as the "lower seat position H1". And, the position of the seat cushion 52 when it is at its highest point is referred to as the "upper seat position H2".

[0063] like Figure 8As schematically shown, in the vehicle seat 50 of this embodiment, the aforementioned motor working area M is offset from the system working area S in such a way that it becomes a defined seat working area H. Specifically, the motor working area M is offset from the system working area S so that the lower end position H1 of the seat corresponds to the lower end position M1 of the motor, and the upper end position H2 of the seat corresponds to the upper end position S2 of the system.

[0064] (The function and effects of this implementation method)

[0065] Next, the function and effects of this embodiment will be explained.

[0066] like Figures 1-4 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, in the vehicle seat 50 of this embodiment described above, when the rotating shaft 12A of the motor body 12 of the motor 10 with a reducer rotates to one side, the pinion 30C rotates to one side (in the direction of arrow E), and the sector gear 78 rotates together with the rear axle 68 in the circumferential direction of the rear axle 68 (in the direction of arrow D). This causes the seat cushion 52 to descend. Furthermore, when the rotating shaft 12A of the motor body 12 of the motor 10 with a reducer rotates to one side, that is, when the pinion 30C rotates to one side, before the first limiting part 26C of the stop gear 28 abuts against the circumferential end face of the second limiting part 28E of the fixed gear 28, the rotation of the pinion 30C to one side stops before the first non-meshing part 78B of the sector gear 78 abuts. This stops the rotation of the sector gear 78 to one side, and the descent of the seat cushion 52 stops. In other words, the seat cushion 52 stops at the position corresponding to the lower end position H1 of the seat.

[0067] Conversely, when the rotating shaft 12A of the motor body 12 of the reducer-equipped motor 10 rotates to the other side, the pinion 30C rotates to the other side (opposite to the direction of arrow E), and the sector gear 78 rotates together with the rear axle 68 to the other side of the rotation circumference of the rear axle 68 (opposite to the direction of arrow D). As a result, the seat cushion 52 rises. Furthermore, when the rotating shaft 12A of the motor body 12 of the reducer-equipped motor 10 rotates to the other side, that is, when the pinion 30C rotates to the other side, the rotation of the sector gear 78 to the other side stops when the pinion 30C abuts against the second non-meshing portion 78C of the sector gear 78. Thus, the rotation of the sector gear 78 to the other side stops, and the rising of the seat cushion 52 stops. In other words, the seat cushion 52 stops at the position corresponding to the upper seat position H2. Furthermore, when the pinion 30C is in contact with the second non-meshing portion 78C of the sector gear 78, the pinion 30C cannot rotate further to the other side, and therefore, the rotation of the pinion 30C to the other side stops.

[0068] As explained above, in the vehicle seat 50 of this embodiment, when the seat cushion 52 stops descending at the lower end position H1, unnecessary force is not input from the pinion 30C of the motor 10 with a reducer to the lifting linkage mechanism 58, which includes the sector gear 78. This prevents discomfort to the seated passenger caused by deformation of the lifting linkage mechanism 58. In particular, the structure of this embodiment can suppress deformation of the lifting linkage mechanism 58 during descent of the seat back 54, which is prone to causing discomfort associated with deformation of the lifting linkage mechanism 58.

[0069] Furthermore, in the structure of the motor 10 with a reducer that constitutes part of the vehicle seat 50 of this embodiment, it is also possible to set it so that the lower end position H1 of the seat corresponds to the lower end position M1 of the motor and the upper end position H2 of the seat corresponds to the upper end position M2 of the motor. However, if set in this way, it is necessary to set the rotation range of the pinion 30C for each vehicle seat 50 where the seat working areas H are different. That is, it is necessary to set the shape and size of the first limiting part 26C of the stop gear 26 and the second limiting part 28E of the fixed gear 28 for each vehicle seat 50 where the seat working areas H are different. As a result, it is difficult to achieve the commonality of the motor 10 with the reducer.

[0070] However, in the structure of the vehicle seat 50 of this embodiment, the motor operating area M is offset from the system operating area S, so that the lower end position H1 of the seat corresponds to the lower end position M1 of the motor, and the upper end position H2 of the seat corresponds to the upper end position S2 of the system. In this structure, by adjusting the offset between the motor operating area M and the system operating area S for each vehicle seat 50 with different seat operating areas H, it is possible to use a motor 10 with a reducer of the same specification. That is, for vehicle seats 50 with different seat operating areas H, it is possible to achieve the sharing of the motor 10 with a reducer.

[0071] Furthermore, in vehicle seats 50 where the seat working area H is wider than in the embodiments described above, such as... Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, it is sufficient to use sector gears 80 and 82 as driven gears by setting a greater number of external teeth 78A. In addition, the parts of sector gears 80 and 82 corresponding to the aforementioned sector gear 78 are marked with the same symbols as sector gear 78.

[0072] Here, Figure 5 The sector gear 78 shown is configured for stroke A. Additionally, Figure 9 The sector gear 80 shown is configured with stroke specification B. Figure 10 The sector gear 82 shown is configured with a stroke of specification C. Furthermore, as... Figure 11 As shown, by offsetting the motor working area M from the system working area S, which employs the structure of each sector gear 78, 80, 82, it can correspond to the working area H of each seat.

[0073] Furthermore, in examples using sector gears 78, 80, and 82 of various specifications, an example is described where the rotation of pinion 30C to the other side is stopped by abutting the second non-meshing portion 78C of sector gear 78; however, this disclosure is not limited to this. For example, as... Figure 12 As shown, a long groove 84A, serving as a limiting groove, is formed in the sector gear 84, which is the driven gear, and a limiting pin 86 is inserted into this long groove 84A. Furthermore, it can be configured such that when the sector gear 84 rotates together with the rear shaft 68 to the other side of the circumferential direction of the rear shaft 68 (the side opposite to the direction of arrow D), the edge of the long groove 84A abuts against the limiting pin 86, thereby stopping the rotation of the sector gear 84 to the other side and stopping the rotation of the pinion 30C to the other side.

[0074] In addition, such as Figure 13 As shown, the motor operating region M can also be offset from the system operating region S to become the same as... Figure 11 The settings shown are the opposite of the settings shown.

[0075] Furthermore, the structure described above for enabling the common use of the motor 10 with a speed reducer can also be applied to enabling the common use of the motor that enables the mechanism for tilting the seat back 54 relative to the seat cushion 52 or the motor that enables the mechanism for sliding the seat cushion 52 in the front-to-back direction of the seat.

[0076] The above describes one embodiment of the present disclosure. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the above. In addition to the above, various modifications and implementations can be made without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure.

[0077] Furthermore, although this disclosure has been described with reference to embodiments, it should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments and structures. This disclosure also includes various modifications and variations within the same scope. In addition, various combinations and methods, including other combinations and methods with only one element, or more than one or less, also fall within the scope and concept of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A vehicle seat, the vehicle seat comprising: A seat cushion that supports the buttocks of a seated passenger; A seat back that supports the back of the seated passenger; A shifting mechanism having a driven gear supported in a manner that allows it to shift to one side and the other side, and shifting the driven gear to one side and the other side to shift the seat cushion or the seat back to one side and the other side; and An electric motor has an output gear that rotates due to operation and meshes with a driven gear, and a stopping part that stops the rotation of the output gear to one side. The driven gear is displaced to one side by rotating the output gear to one side; the displacement of the driven gear to one side is stopped by stopping the rotation of the output gear to one side using the stopping part; the driven gear is displaced to another side by rotating the output gear to the other side; and the rotation of the output gear to the other side is stopped by limiting the displacement of the driven gear to the other side. The displacement mechanism is a lifting linkage mechanism that moves the seat cushion in the vertical direction of the seat. The seat cushion is moved downwards by shifting the driven gear to one side. The seat cushion is moved upwards by shifting the driven gear to the other side. The stopping part stops the rotation of the output gear to one side, thus preventing load from being input from the output gear to the lifting linkage mechanism.

2. The vehicle seat as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The driven gear is provided with a non-meshing part that cannot mesh with the output gear. The displacement of the driven gear to the other side is stopped by bringing the output gear, which is rotating to the other side, into contact with the non-engaging part.

3. The vehicle seat as described in claim 1, characterized in that, A limiting groove for inserting a limiting pin is formed in the driven gear. When the driven gear shifts to the other side, the shift is stopped by bringing the edge of the limiting groove into contact with the limiting pin.

4. The vehicle seat as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The stopping part limits the rotation range of the output gear by stopping the rotation of the output gear to the other side. Before the output gear can be stopped from rotating to the other side by using the stopping part, the rotation of the output gear to the other side is stopped by restricting the displacement of the driven gear to the other side.

Images