Seat swivel device

Abstract

The present application relates to a kind of seat rotating device, it is the seat rotating device that can make seat body between the seating position of seat body towards the front of vehicle and the boarding position of seat body towards the opening of vehicle door, with: bottom plate (100), fixed to the floor (FL) side of vehicle;Steering frame (200), be configured to the position of more upper than bottom plate (100), to the lower surface of seat body in a manner of not relative rotation relative to seat body is fixed;And linking unit (300), with bottom plate (100) and steering frame (200) are linked in a manner that steering frame (200) can rotate relative to bottom plate (100) between seating position and boarding position, linking unit (300) includes steering connecting rod (311) and the drive mechanism (321) fixed to the lower surface side of steering connecting rod (311).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a seat rotation device. Background Technology

[0002] Previously, seat rotation devices capable of rotating the seat body between a seated position and a passenger-alighting position were known. For example, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-147186 disclosed a seat rotation device comprising a base plate, a steering frame, and a drive unit (connecting unit).

[0003] The floor plate is fixed to the side of the vehicle floor. The steering frame is fixed to the lower surface of the seat body. The drive unit connects the floor plate and the steering frame in a manner that allows the steering frame to rotate relative to the floor plate between a seated position and a passenger position. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In the aforementioned Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-147186, the drive unit is located at the upper rear part of the steering frame (lower rear part of the seat cushion). If the drive unit is located at the upper rear part of the steering frame, the drive unit protrudes, and the vertical dimension of the seat rotation device becomes larger. As a result, when the occupant is seated, their buttocks come into contact with the drive unit, potentially causing discomfort. On the other hand, by moving the seat cushion upwards, the occupant's seating position is raised, eliminating the feeling of a foreign object. However, it is necessary to move the seat cushion upwards.

[0005] The present invention provides a seat rotation device having a compact structure that enables the seat rotation device to rotate.

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, a seat rotation device is capable of rotating a seat body between a seating position facing forward of the vehicle and a landing position facing the opening of the vehicle door. The device comprises: a base plate fixed to the floor side of the vehicle; a steering frame disposed above the base plate and fixed to the lower surface of the seat body in a manner that does not rotate relative to the seat body; and a connecting unit connecting the base plate and the steering frame in a manner that allows the steering frame to rotate relative to the base plate between the seating position and the landing position. The connecting unit comprises: a steering linkage connecting the base plate and the steering frame, having a fixed support portion and a movable support portion. The fixed support portion is rotatably fixed to the base plate at one end in a manner that allows rotation relative to the base plate, and the movable support portion is fixed to the steering frame at the other end in a manner that allows rotation about the fixed support portion relative to the base plate and relative to the steering frame. A steering link guide rail, fixed to the base plate, has a shape extending in the longitudinal direction; a steering link support slider, movable along the steering link guide rail, supports the steering link; a first guide rail, fixed to the base plate, is arranged with a predetermined gap in the left-right direction relative to the steering link guide rail, and has a shape extending in a straight line in the longitudinal direction; a first support slider, movable along the first guide rail, supports a first movable support portion provided on the steering frame; a second guide rail, fixed to the base plate, has a shape extending in a straight line between the steering link guide rail and the first guide rail, gradually approaching the steering link guide rail from the rear to the front; a second support slider, movable along the second guide rail, supports a second movable support portion provided on the steering frame; a rotating plate, rotatably provided on the movable support portion of the steering link; and a drive mechanism, fixed to the lower surface of the steering link to rotate the rotating plate about the movable support portion as the rotation center.

[0007] When the seat body moves from the seating position to the alighting position, the drive mechanism rotates the rotating plate clockwise around the movable support in a top view. Corresponding to the force of the rotating plate rotating around the movable support, the steering frame fixed to the rotating plate begins to rotate around the fixed support. The steering linkage support slide moves along the steering linkage guide rail, the first support slide moves along the first guide rail, and the second support slide moves along the second guide rail. As a result, the steering frame moves forward while rotating towards the steering linkage guide rail, and the seat body moves from the seating position to the alighting position. When the seat body moves from the alighting position to the seating position, the drive mechanism rotates counterclockwise in a top view, and the seat body moves from the alighting position to the seating position through the opposite action.

[0008] The above and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become clear from the following detailed description of the invention as understood in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 This is a 3D view of the rotating seats in the seating position.

[0010] Figure 2 It is a 3D view of the rotating seats at the boarding and alighting positions.

[0011] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the seat rotation device in the seating position according to Embodiment 1.

[0012] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the seat rotation device at the boarding / alighting position in Embodiment 1.

[0013] Figure 5 This is an exploded perspective view of the seat rotation device in the seating position according to Embodiment 1.

[0014] Figure 6 This is an exploded perspective view of the driving unit in Embodiment 1.

[0015] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing the positional relationship of the steering linkage in the seating position according to Embodiment 1.

[0016] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing the positional relationship of the steering linkages at the boarding and alighting positions in Embodiment 1.

[0017] Figure 9 This is a diagram showing the movement trajectory of the steering frame in Embodiment 1.

[0018] Figure 10 This is a perspective view of the seat rotation device in the seating position according to Embodiment 2.

[0019] Figure 11 This is an exploded perspective view of the seat rotation device at the boarding / alighting position in Embodiment 2. Detailed Implementation

[0020] Hereinafter, the rotating seats and seat rotating devices of various embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the embodiments described below, when numbers, quantities, etc. are mentioned, the scope of the present invention is not necessarily limited to the number, quantity, etc., unless specifically stated otherwise. The same reference numerals are used to designate the same parts and equivalent parts, and repeated descriptions are sometimes avoided. It is contemplated that the structures in the embodiments be appropriately combined and used.

[0021] The rotating seat shown below functions as a seat in a vehicle, particularly a vehicle seat. In the diagrams, "front" refers to the forward-moving side of the vehicle equipped with the rotating seat, "rear" refers to the reverse side of the vehicle, "left" refers to the left-hand side when viewed from the forward direction, "right" refers to the right-hand side when viewed from the forward direction, "up" refers to the upper side of the vehicle, and "down" refers to the lower side of the vehicle. The same applies to the following diagrams.

[0022] The rotating seat shown below is conceived as a seat located on the right side relative to the vehicle's direction of travel. However, in the case of a seat located on the left side relative to the vehicle's direction of travel, the structure shown below becomes a left-right symmetrical configuration.

[0023] (Implementation Method 1: Rotating Seat 1)

[0024] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The general structure of the rotating seat 1 in Embodiment 1 will be described. Figure 1 It is a 3D view of the rotating seats in the seating position. Figure 2 It is a 3D view of the rotating seats at the boarding and alighting positions.

[0025] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the rotating seat 1 includes a seat body 2 and a seat rotation device 10. The seat body 2 has a seat cushion 2a and a seat back 2b. The seat cushion 2a forms a seat portion that supports the buttocks of the occupant. The seat back 2b supports the back of the occupant sitting on the seat cushion 2a. The seat body 2 is disposed on the floor FL of the vehicle.

[0026] A pair of seat slide members 3 are installed on the floor FL, which allow the seat body 2 to slide relative to the floor FL in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The pair of seat slide members 3 are spaced apart in the width direction (left-right direction) of the vehicle. Each seat slide member 3 has a lower rail 3a and an upper rail 3b.

[0027] The lower track 3a is fixed to the floor FL in an attitude parallel to the vehicle's longitudinal direction. The upper track 3b is capable of relative displacement with respect to the lower track 3a in the vehicle's longitudinal direction (the length direction of the lower track 3a).

[0028] The seat rotation device 10 enables the seat body 2 to be in the seated position. Figure 1 The positions shown) and the boarding / alighting positions ( Figure 2 The seat body 2 rotates between the positions shown. The seating position is the position where the seat body 2 faces the front of the vehicle. The boarding / alighting position is the position where the seat body 2 faces the opening of the vehicle door (as shown). Figure 1 and Figure 2 The position of the support column 4 (on one side). The seat rotation device 10 is fixed to the lower surface of the seat body 2.

[0029] (Seat rotation device 10)

[0030] Next, refer to Figures 3 to 6 The structure of the seat rotation device 10 will be described. Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the seat rotation device 10 at the seating position. Figure 4 This is a 3D view of the seat rotation mechanism at the boarding and alighting position. Figure 5 This is an exploded perspective view of the seat rotation device 10. Figure 6 This is an exploded 3D view of the drive unit.

[0031] like Figures 3 to 5 As shown, the seat rotation device 10 includes: a base plate 100 fixed to the floor side of the vehicle; a steering frame 200 disposed above the base plate 100 and fixed to the lower surface of the seat body 2 in a manner that does not rotate relative to the seat body 2; and a connecting unit 300 that connects the base plate 100 and the steering frame 200 in a manner that allows the steering frame 200 to rotate relative to the base plate 100 between a seated position and a passenger alighting position.

[0032] A steering linkage guide rail R1, a first guide rail R11, and a second guide rail R12 are fixed on a base plate 100, which is stamped into a predetermined shape. Detailed configuration will be described later. The steering linkage guide rail R1 has a shape extending approximately to the right side of the base plate 100 in the longitudinal direction. In this embodiment, the steering linkage guide rail R1 has a shape extending in the longitudinal direction. The first guide rail R11 is positioned with a predetermined gap to the left relative to the steering linkage guide rail R1 and has a shape extending linearly in the longitudinal direction. The second guide rail R12 has a shape extending linearly between the steering linkage guide rail R1 and the first guide rail R11, gradually approaching the steering linkage guide rail R1 from the rear to the front.

[0033] like Figure 5 As shown, the steering linkage is guided by guide rail R1 to move the steering linkage support slider S1. The first guide rail R11 guides the movement of the first support slider S11. The second guide rail R12 guides the movement of the second support slider S12.

[0034] The steering frame 200 includes a front frame 210, a rear frame 220, a right frame 230, a left frame, and a central frame 250 connecting the front frame 210 and the rear frame 220. In this embodiment, the steering frame 200 is designed as a frame shape, but it is not limited to this method. The steering frame 200 may also be constructed using plates or the like.

[0035] A steering link fixing bracket 220b for fixing the steering link 311 is provided on the right side of the rear frame 220. A first movable support bracket 220c for mounting the first movable support P11 is provided on the left side of the rear frame 220. A second movable support P12 is provided in the central area of ​​the central frame 250.

[0036] like Figure 5 As shown, a support pin SP11 is provided on the first support sliding member S11, which is guided by the first guide rail R11. The support pin SP11 is rotatably fixed to the bracket 220c of the first movable support part by a nut N. A support pin SP12 is provided on the second support sliding member S12, which is guided by the second guide rail R12. The support pin SP12 is rotatably fixed to the second movable support part P12, which is located in the central region of the central frame 250, by a bushing B1 and a nut N.

[0037] (Connecting Unit 300)

[0038] Reference Figures 4 to 6The details of the connecting unit 300 are described below. The connecting unit 300 includes the aforementioned steering link guide rail R1, steering link support slider S1, first guide rail R11, first support slider S11, second guide rail R12, second support slider S12, and also includes a steering link 311 and a drive mechanism 321.

[0039] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the steering linkage 311 connects the base plate 100 and the steering frame 200, and has a fixed support P1 and a movable support P2. The fixed support P1 is rotatably fixed to the base plate 100 at one end (left side) so that it can rotate relative to the base plate 100. The movable support P2 is fixed to the steering frame 200 at the other end (right side) so that it can rotate relative to the base plate 100 with the fixed support P1 as the rotation center and can rotate relative to the steering frame 200.

[0040] Reference Figure 6 The steering linkage 311 has: a plate portion 311a located on the steering frame 200 side (upper side); a bracket portion 311b extending from the plate portion 311a at one end; and a mounting portion 311c descending towards the base plate 100 at the other end of the plate portion 311a.

[0041] The mounting portion 311c of the steering link 311 has a through hole 311h2 for riveting and fixing the bushing B1. The mounting portion 311c of the steering link 311 uses this through hole 311h2 to connect the bushing B2 (see reference) via bolt B2. Figure 5 It is fixed to the base plate 100 in a rotatable manner. The steering linkage 311 forms a fixed support P1 at the fixed position of the base plate 100.

[0042] A through hole 311h1 for riveting and fixing the bushing B1 is provided in the bracket portion 311b of the steering linkage 311. A sector gear plate shaft 320 is rotatably inserted through the through hole 311h1 from the lower side of the bracket portion 311b. The sector gear plate shaft 320 is supported on the sliding link plate 310. A through hole 310h is provided in the sliding link plate 310 at a position offset from the sector gear plate shaft 320. The core position of the sector gear plate shaft 320 constitutes a movable support portion P2.

[0043] return Figure 5 The support pin SP1 of the steering link support sliding member S1, which is guided by the guide rail R1, is fixed to the through hole 310h by the nut N via the bushing B1.

[0044] Here, the steering link support slider S1 moves linearly along the steering link guide rail R1. On the other hand, the steering link 311 rotates around the fixed support P1. At this time, the core position of the sector gear plate shaft 320, which is also the position where the movable support P2 and the support pin SP1 are misaligned due to the sliding link plate 310, causes the movable support P2 to move along an arc-shaped trajectory (see reference). Figure 9 (arrow Y11 in the image).

[0045] Refer again Figure 6 On the upper side of the bracket portion 311b, a sector gear plate 315, which serves as a rotating plate, is rotatably mounted to a sector gear plate shaft 320 via a bushing B1. A rack 315g is provided on the end face of the sector gear plate 315. The sector gear plate 315 is fixed to the sector gear plate shaft 320 by a washer W and a nut N.

[0046] On the upper surface of the sector gear plate 315, two fixing pins 319 are securely fixed by welding or the like, with the movable support P2 located across the core position of the sector gear plate shaft 320. These fixing pins 319 function as mounting bolts for the steering frame. Near the rack 315g on the upper surface of the sector gear plate 315, a switch cam 318 for detecting the rotational position of the sector gear plate 315 is fixed with bolt B2.

[0047] On the other hand, a drive mechanism 321 is mounted on the lower surface of the plate portion 311a using bolts B2. A pinion 321a protruding upward is provided in the drive mechanism 321. The pinion 321a protrudes upward from the through hole 311h3 provided in the plate portion 311a.

[0048] An intermediate gear shaft 312 is welded to the upper surface of plate portion 311a. A sector-shaped stop plate 313 and an intermediate gear 314, which serves as an idle gear, are axially supported by the intermediate gear shaft 312 via bushing B1. The intermediate gear 314 and the stop plate 313 are integrated by a convex-concave fit on both sides. A pinion 321a meshes with the intermediate gear 314, which constitutes a first-stage reduction mechanism that meshes with the sector-shaped gear plate 315.

[0049] In this embodiment, the rotation of the pinion 321a (7 teeth) is transmitted to the sector gear plate 315 (50 teeth) via the intermediate gear 314 (20 teeth). The reduction ratio i is i = 50 / 7. The intermediate gear 314 does not participate in the reduction ratio but only transmits rotation, thus not increasing the diameters of the pinion 321a and the sector gear plate 315, and appropriately maintaining the center-to-center distance between them. Furthermore, compared to the case where the pinion 321a and the sector gear plate 315 directly mesh, providing the intermediate gear 314 reduces the force load on each component.

[0050] The stop plate 313 limits the rotation of the steering link 311 by limiting the rotation of the sector gear plate 315. This limits the seating position and alighting position of the seat body 2. The limitation of the rotation of the steering link 311 will be explained in detail later.

[0051] On the upper surface of plate 311a, a protective cover 316 covering the pinion 321a and intermediate gear 314 is fixed with nuts N or the like. A limit switch 317 is fixed to the upper surface of the protective cover 316 with bolts B2. The limit switch 317 and the switch cam 318 function as a detection mechanism for detecting the rotational position of the sector gear plate 315.

[0052] (Rotation limit of steering link 311)

[0053] Next, refer to Figure 7 and Figure 8 The rotation limit of steering link 311 is described in detail. Figure 7 This is a diagram showing the positional relationship of the steering linkage 311 in the seating position. Figure 8 This is a diagram showing the positional relationship of the steering linkage 311 at the boarding and alighting positions. Figure 7 and Figure 8 To better understand the internal structure, a portion of the protective cover 316 is omitted from the illustration. The limit switch 317, which is fixed to the protective cover 316, is shown.

[0054] Reference Figure 7 The steering linkage 311 rotates around the fixed support P1 as the rotation center. Figure 7 The position of the steering linkage 311 shown is when the seat 1 is in the seated position. Figure 1 The position shown is in the indicated state. In this state, the switch cam 318 abuts against the limit switch 317. In this state, the switch cam 318 is in the ON state, detecting that it is in the seated position. The first radius line portion 313a of one side of the fan-shaped stop plate 313 (refer to...) Figure 6 It directly abuts against the pinion 321a, restricting the rotation of the intermediate gear 314.

[0055] Reference Figure 8When the rotating seat 1 is rotated from the seated position to the alighting position, the drive mechanism 321 causes the pinion 321a to rotate clockwise (G1 direction in the figure). This causes the intermediate gear 314 to rotate counterclockwise (G2 direction in the figure), and the sector gear plate 315 to rotate clockwise (G3 direction in the figure). When the steering linkage 311 begins to rotate (arrow T direction in the figure), the switch cam 318 disengages from the limit switch 317. In this state, the switch cam 318 is OFF, detecting the start of rotation of the rotating seat 1. The sector-shaped stop plate 313 rotates together with the intermediate gear 314. The arcuate portion 313b of the stop plate 313 does not abut against the pinion 321a, therefore it does not restrict the rotation of the intermediate gear 314.

[0056] When the steering linkage 311 rotates to the alighting position, the rotation of the pinion 321a is stopped by the drive mechanism 321. At this time, the second radius line portion 313c on the other side of the fan-shaped stop plate 313 (refer to...) Figure 6 It directly abuts against the pinion 321a, restricting the rotation of the intermediate gear 314.

[0057] (Rotation of steering frame 200)

[0058] Next, refer to Figure 9 The rotation of the steering frame 200 corresponding to the rotation of the steering linkage 311 described above will be explained. Figure 9 This is a diagram showing the movement trajectory of the steering frame 200.

[0059] The steering link 311 rotates around the fixed support P1. The movable support P2 of the steering link 311 is supported on the steering link support slider S1 and moves along the steering link guide rail R1. The steering link support slider S1 moves linearly along the steering link guide rail R1 (arrow Y1 in the figure), but because the movable support P2 is supported in a staggered position by the slider link plate 310, it moves on an arc-shaped trajectory (see reference). Figure 9 (See arrow Y11 in the figure). The movable support P2 moves from the seated position to the alighting position by an angle α degrees, as shown in the figure. This angle α corresponds to the angle between the first radius line portion 313a of one side and the second radius line portion 313c of the other side of the fan-shaped stop plate 313. This angle α can be appropriately changed to the required angle.

[0060] As the steering linkage 311 moves from the seated position to the alighting position, the two fixing pins 319 located on the upper surface of the sector gear plate 315 rotate clockwise around the movable support P2 (see reference). Figure 8The arrow G3 in the diagram moves. The fixing pin 319 is fixed to the steering link fixing bracket 220b of the steering frame 200, so a force that causes the steering frame 200 to rotate is applied to the steering frame 200. The direction of this force is guided by the first support slide S11 guided by the first guide rail R11 and the second support slide S12 guided by the second guide rail R12.

[0061] The first support slider S11 supports the steering frame 200 at the position of the first movable support P11. The second support slider S12 supports the steering frame 200 at the position of the second movable support P12.

[0062] Based on this structure, when the seat body 2 is moved from the seated position to the alighting position, the drive mechanism 321 causes the sector gear plate 315 to rotate clockwise around the movable support P2 in a top view. Figure 8 The steering linkage 311 fixed to the sector gear plate 315 rotates (in the direction of arrow G3) so that, corresponding to the force of the sector gear plate 315 rotating around the movable support P2, the steering linkage 311 starts to rotate around the fixed support P1.

[0063] Simultaneously, the steering link support slider S1 moves from the seated position to the alighting position along the steering link guide rail R1. Simultaneously, the first support slider S11 moves from the seated position to the alighting position along the first guide rail R11. Simultaneously, the second support slider S12 moves from the seated position to the alighting position along the second guide rail R12. Through this action, the steering frame 200 moves forward while rotating towards the steering link guide rail R1 (right side), and the seat body 2 moves from the seated position to the alighting position.

[0064] On the other hand, when moving the seat body 2 from the lowering position to the sitting position, the drive mechanism 321 causes the sector gear plate 315 to rotate counterclockwise around the movable support P2 in a direction relative to the top view. Figure 8 (in the opposite direction of arrow G3) rotates, thereby corresponding to the force of the sector gear plate 315 rotating around the movable support P2, and the steering linkage 311 fixed to the sector gear plate 315 begins to rotate around the fixed support P1.

[0065] Thus, the opposite action is performed: the steering link support slider S1 moves from the passenger position to the seated position along the steering link guide rail R1. Simultaneously, the first support slider S11 moves from the passenger position to the seated position along the first guide rail R11. At the same time, the second support slider S12 moves from the passenger position to the seated position along the second guide rail R12. Through this action, the steering frame 200 moves rearward while rotating towards the steering link guide rail R1 (left side), and the seat body 2 moves from the passenger position to the seated position.

[0066] When the seat body 2 returns from the boarding position to the seated position, the switch cam 318 abuts against the limit switch 317 (ON state), and the seated position is detected.

[0067] The positions of the steering linkage guide rails R1, R11, and R12 are as follows: Figure 9 As shown, the preferred steering linkage guide rail R1 has a shape that extends linearly in the longitudinal direction on the generally right side of the base plate 100, and is configured to gradually move towards the center as it moves forward. Preferably, the second guide rail R12 is arranged relative to the steering linkage guide rail R1 at a predetermined gap in the left direction, has a shape that extends linearly in the longitudinal direction, and is configured to gradually move towards the center as it moves forward.

[0068] Preferably, the second guide rail R12 has a shape that extends in a straight line between the steering link guide rail R1 and the first guide rail R11, gradually approaching the steering link guide rail R1 from the rear to the front, and the landing position of the second support slider S12 of the second guide rail R12 is located to the right of the steering link guide rail R1.

[0069] The more specific configuration positions of the steering link guide rail R1, the first guide rail R11, and the second guide rail R12 can be configured such that, as the steering frame 200 moves, they follow the trajectory of the support pin SP1 of the steering link support slider S1, the trajectory of the first moving support P11 of the first support slider S11, and the trajectory of the second moving support P12 of the second support slider S12.

[0070] (The role and effects of the implementation method)

[0071] Thus, according to this embodiment, since the drive mechanism 321 is arranged in the gap between the plate portion 311a formed on the lower surface of the steering linkage 311 and the base plate 100, the increase in vertical thickness and the upward protrusion of the drive mechanism 321 can be avoided, the extension of the connecting unit 300 to the rear can be suppressed, and the seat rotation device can be made compact.

[0072] Furthermore, because a large force is applied to the steering link 311 to rotate the steering frame 200, the steering link 311 is a thick plate with a wide shape, yet the drive mechanism 321, pinion 321a, and sector gear plate 315 of the connecting unit 300 can be integrally assembled onto the steering link 311. In this way, by maintaining both the strength of the steering link 311 and the installation of the connecting unit 300, the configuration efficiency of the equipment can be improved.

[0073] Furthermore, the drive mechanism 321, pinion 321a, intermediate gear 314, and sector gear plate 315 of the connecting unit 300 are integrally assembled onto the steering linkage 311. This structure allows for modular assembly where gear meshing depends on machining precision, improving ease of assembly and enabling precise assembly. Consequently, stable gear meshing suppresses abnormal noises and improves quietness.

[0074] Furthermore, since modular precision equipment can be pre-assembled onto the steering frame 200, assembly of the base plate 100 and the steering frame 200 can be easily performed.

[0075] Furthermore, a pinion 321a, an intermediate gear 314, and a sector gear plate 315 are arranged on the upper surface of the steering link 311, and a drive mechanism 321 is arranged on the lower surface of the steering link 311. Through modularization, an appropriate reduction ratio can be ensured and the distance between the sector gear plate 315 and the drive mechanism 321 can be maintained.

[0076] Furthermore, a stop plate 313 is integrally provided on the intermediate gear 314, and the rotation of the steering link 311 is restricted by the direct contact between the stop plate 313 and the pinion 321a. According to this structure, the contact under relatively small loads can suppress the deformation of the steering link 311.

[0077] Furthermore, two fixing pins 319 are provided on the sector gear plate 315 with respect to the movable support portion P2, and these two fixing pins are fixed to the steering frame 200. A large force is generated in the steering frame 200 and the sector gear plate 315 to rotate the steering frame 200, but the rotational force can be transmitted to the steering frame 200 through the fixing pins 319 arranged with respect to the movable support portion P2.

[0078] Furthermore, an intermediate gear 314 is provided between the pinion 321a and the rack 315g, and a stop plate 313 is fixed to the intermediate gear 314. The stop plate 313 has a fan-shaped shape and has: a first radius line portion 313a, which directly abuts against the pinion 321a when the seat body 2 is in the seated position; and a second radius line portion 313c, which directly abuts against the pinion 321a when the pinion 321a rotates and the seat body 2 is in the seated position.

[0079] The first radius line portion 313a and the second radius line portion 313c provided on the stop plate 313 are physically in direct contact with the pinion 321a, thereby enabling the rotation restriction of the sector gear plate 315, which is provided with the intermediate gear 314 and the rack 315g.

[0080] (Embodiment 2: Seat Rotation Device 10A)

[0081] Next, refer to Figure 10 and Figure 11 The structure of a seat rotating device 10A, a variation of the seat rotating device 10 described in Embodiment 1 above, will be explained. The basic structure of the seat rotating device 10A is the same as that of the seat rotating device 10. Therefore, in the following description, only the differences will be described, and the same reference numerals will be used to mark common structures in the figures, without repeating the description.

[0082] In the structure of the seat rotation device 10 of Embodiment 1 described above, a configuration is adopted in which the steering link 311 and the steering link support slide member S1 are connected by a sliding link plate 310. According to this configuration, the steering link support slide member S1 moves along a straight steering link guide rail R1. Figure 9 (See arrow Y1 in the image). The movable support P2 moves along an arc-shaped trajectory centered on the fixed support P1 (see reference). Figure 9 (arrow Y11 in the image).

[0083] On the other hand, in the structure of the seat rotation device 10A of this embodiment 2, such as Figure 11 As shown, a steering link support sliding member S21 is directly fixed to the support pin 311p of the steering link 311. The sector gear plate shaft 320, which forms the core of the movable support part P2, is directly mounted on the steering link 311.

[0084] For fixing the steering link support slider S21 to the steering link 311, the support pin 311p is disposed through the hole 330h in the guide plate 330 of the steering link support slider S21, and the nut N3 is tightened to the support pin 311p. According to this structure, the steering link guide rail R21 that guides the steering link support slider S21 has an arc shape along an arc-shaped trajectory centered on the fixed support portion P1 of the support pin 311p.

[0085] Even with the structure of the seat rotation device 10A in Embodiment 2, the same effect as the seat rotation device in Embodiment 1 can be achieved.

[0086] Those skilled in the art will understand that the above exemplary embodiments are specific examples of the following aspects.

[0087] (Method I)

[0088] In this seat rotation device, the seat body can rotate between a seating position facing forward of the vehicle and a landing position facing the opening of the vehicle door, wherein:

[0089] The base plate is fixed to the floor side of the aforementioned vehicle;

[0090] The steering frame, positioned above the aforementioned base plate, is fixed to the lower surface of the aforementioned seat body in a manner that prevents relative rotation with respect to the seat body; and

[0091] A connecting unit connects the base plate and the steering frame in a manner that allows the steering frame to rotate relative to the base plate between the seating position and the boarding / alighting position.

[0092] The above-mentioned connecting unit has:

[0093] The steering linkage connects the base plate to the steering frame and has a fixed support and a movable support. The fixed support is rotatably fixed to the base plate at one end so that it can rotate relative to the base plate. The movable support is fixed to the steering frame at the other end so that it can rotate relative to the base plate with the fixed support as the rotation center and can rotate relative to the steering frame.

[0094] The steering linkage guide rail is fixed to the aforementioned base plate and has a shape that extends in the front-rear direction;

[0095] The steering link support slider is movable along the steering link guide rail and supports the steering link.

[0096] The first guide rail is fixed to the base plate and is arranged with a predetermined gap in the left-right direction relative to the guide rail of the steering linkage, and has a shape that extends in a straight line in the front-back direction.

[0097] The first support sliding member is movable along the first guide rail and is used to support the first movable support portion disposed on the steering frame.

[0098] The second guide rail, fixed to the base plate, has a shape that extends in a straight line between the steering link guide rail and the first guide rail, gradually approaching the steering link guide rail from the rear to the front.

[0099] The second support slider is movable along the second guide rail and is used to support the second movable support portion disposed on the steering frame.

[0100] A rotating plate, rotatably mounted on the movable support portion of the steering linkage; and

[0101] The drive mechanism is fixed to the lower surface of the steering linkage so that the rotating plate can rotate about the movable support as the rotation center.

[0102] When the seat body moves from the seating position to the alighting position, the drive mechanism rotates the rotating plate clockwise around the movable support in a top view. Corresponding to the force of the rotating plate rotating around the movable support, the steering frame fixed to the rotating plate begins to rotate around the fixed support. Furthermore, the steering linkage support slider moves along the steering linkage guide rail, the first support slider moves along the first guide rail, and the second support slider moves along the second guide rail. Thus, the steering frame moves forward while rotating towards the steering linkage guide rail, and the seat body moves from the seating position to the alighting position.

[0103] When the seat body is moved from the boarding position to the seated position, the drive mechanism is rotated counterclockwise in a top view, thereby moving the seat body from the boarding position to the seated position through the opposite action.

[0104] According to this seat rotation device, since the drive mechanism is arranged in the gap between the lower surface of the steering linkage and the base plate, the increase in vertical thickness and the upward protrusion of the drive mechanism can be avoided, thus achieving a compact seat rotation device.

[0105] (Method II)

[0106] The seat rotation device according to method I

[0107] A rack is provided on the end face of the aforementioned rotating plate.

[0108] The aforementioned steering linkage has a plate portion located on the side of the aforementioned steering frame.

[0109] The drive mechanism is disposed on the lower surface of the bottom plate side of the plate portion, and the rotation of the drive mechanism is transmitted to the rack of the rotating plate disposed on the upper surface side of the plate portion as the rotation of the pinion.

[0110] According to this method, because it is equipped with a steering linkage and a drive mechanism, and transmits power to the rack of the rotating plate via a pinion, it can be modularized under conditions where gear meshing depends on machining precision, thereby improving ease of assembly and enabling precision assembly. As a result, the gear meshing is stable, suppressing abnormal noises and improving quietness.

[0111] (Method III)

[0112] The rotating device according to method II

[0113] An intermediate gear is provided between the aforementioned pinion and the aforementioned rack.

[0114] A stop plate is fixed to the aforementioned intermediate gear.

[0115] The aforementioned stop plate has a fan-shaped shape and restricts the rotation of the intermediate gear by having a first radius portion that directly abuts the pinion when the seat body is in the seated position and a second radius portion that directly abuts the pinion when the pinion rotates and the seat body is in the alighting position.

[0116] According to this method, the first and second radius sections of the stop plate are physically in direct contact with the pinion, thereby enabling the rotation restriction of the rotating plate equipped with the intermediate gear and rack.

[0117] (Method IV)

[0118] The seat rotation device according to any one of methods I to III

[0119] Two fixing pins are provided on the aforementioned rotating plate, spaced apart from the aforementioned movable support.

[0120] The two aforementioned fixing pins are fixed to the aforementioned steering frame.

[0121] According to this method, a large force is generated to rotate the steering frame, but the rotational force can be transmitted to the steering frame through a fixed pin configured with a movable support.

[0122] Embodiments of the present invention have been described, but should be considered as illustrative rather than restrictive in all respects. The scope of the invention is defined by the claims and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

Claims

1. A seat rotation device capable of rotating a seat body between a seated position facing forward of a vehicle and a landing position facing the opening of a vehicle door, wherein, have: The base plate is fixed to the floor side of the vehicle; A steering frame is positioned above the base plate and is fixed to the lower surface of the seat body in a manner that does not rotate relative to the seat body; as well as A connecting unit connects the base plate and the steering frame in a manner that allows the steering frame to rotate relative to the base plate between the seated position and the alighting position. The connection unit includes: A steering linkage that connects the base plate to the steering frame has a fixed support and a movable support. The fixed support is rotatably fixed to the base plate at one end so as to be able to rotate relative to the base plate, and the movable support is fixed to the steering frame at the other end so as to be able to rotate relative to the base plate about the fixed support and to be able to rotate relative to the steering frame. The steering linkage guide rail is fixed to the base plate and has a shape that extends in the front-rear direction; A steering link support slider is movable along the steering link via a guide rail to support the steering link. The first guide rail, fixed to the base plate, is configured relative to the steering linkage by a predetermined gap in the left-right direction and has a shape that extends in a straight line in the front-back direction. The first support slider is movable along the first guide rail and is used to support the first movable support portion disposed on the steering frame. The second guide rail, fixed to the base plate, has a shape that extends in a straight line between the steering link guide rail and the first guide rail, gradually approaching the steering link guide rail from the rear to the front. The second support slider is movable along the second guide rail and is used to support the second movable support portion disposed on the steering frame. A rotating plate is rotatably mounted on the movable support portion of the steering linkage; as well as The drive mechanism is fixed to the lower surface of the steering linkage so that the rotating plate can rotate about the movable support as the rotation center. When the seat body moves from the seating position to the alighting position, the drive mechanism rotates the rotating plate clockwise around the movable support in a top-view orientation. Corresponding to the force of the rotating plate's rotation around the movable support, the steering frame fixed to the rotating plate begins to rotate around the fixed support. Furthermore, the steering linkage supports sliding members along the steering linkage guide rail. The first support sliding member moves along the first guide rail, and the second support sliding member moves along the second guide rail. Thus, the steering frame moves forward while rotating towards the steering linkage guide rail, and the seat body moves from the seating position to the alighting position. When the seat body is moved from the boarding position to the seated position, the drive mechanism is rotated counterclockwise in a top view, thereby moving the seat body from the boarding position to the seated position through the opposite action described above.

2. The seat rotation device according to claim 1, A rack is provided on the end face of the rotating plate. The steering linkage has a plate portion located on the side of the steering frame. The drive mechanism is disposed on the lower surface of the bottom plate side of the plate portion, and the rotation of the drive mechanism is transmitted to the rack of the rotating plate disposed on the upper surface side of the plate portion as the rotation of the pinion.

3. The seat rotation device according to claim 2, An intermediate gear is provided between the pinion and the rack. A stop plate is fixed to the intermediate gear. The stop plate has a fan-shaped design and restricts the rotation of the intermediate gear by having a first radius portion that directly abuts the pinion when the seat body is in the seated position and a second radius portion that directly abuts the pinion when the pinion is rotating and the seat body is in the alighting position.

4. The seat rotation device according to claim 1, Two fixing pins are provided on the rotating plate, separated from the movable support portion. The two fixing pins are fixed to the steering frame.

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