Rotating device and manufacturing method thereof

Abstract

Provided are a rotating device capable of securing a space on one side of a seat cushion and a method for manufacturing the rotating device. The rotating device (2) is provided between the floor (5) and the seat cushion (11) to rotatably support the seat cushion with respect to the floor. The rotation device (2) includes a base plate (56) provided on a floor side, a rotatable plate (71) provided on a seat cushion side and rotatably supported by the base plate, a rotation actuator (53) that rotates the rotatable plate relative to the base plate, and a rotation locking device (54) that selectively prohibits rotation of the rotatable plate relative to the base plate. Wherein the rotary actuator and the rotary locking device are attached to the lower surface of the base plate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a rotating device and a manufacturing method thereof. Background Art

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses a vehicle seat device that is rotatable about a vertical axis relative to a floor. The vehicle seat device includes: a base portion that is disposed on the floor via a slide device; a rotatable portion that is disposed on a seat cushion and rotatably supported by the base portion; and a rotary actuator that rotates the rotatable portion relative to the base portion. Prior art literature Patent Literature Patent Document 1: JP2020-132093A Summary of the invention The task to be accomplished by the present invention

[0004] When the rotary actuator is disposed above the rotatable portion, the available space between the seat cushion and the rotatable portion is reduced. In this case, there arises a problem that other devices such as an electronic control device and a blower cannot be easily installed under the seat cushion. In addition, the rotary device is generally provided with a rotation locking device for limiting the rotation of the rotatable portion relative to the base portion. When the rotation locking device is disposed above the rotatable portion, there arises a problem that the space between the seat cushion and the rotatable portion becomes smaller.

[0005] In view of the above background, an object of the present invention is to provide a rotating device capable of ensuring a space on one side of a seat cushion. Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for manufacturing a rotating device. How to complete the task

[0006] In order to accomplish this task, one aspect of the present invention provides a rotating device (2) disposed between a floor (5) and a seat cushion (11) to rotatably support the seat cushion relative to the floor, the rotating device comprising: a base plate (56) disposed on one side of the floor; a rotatable plate (71) disposed on one side of the seat cushion and rotatably supported by the base plate; a rotary actuator (53) that rotates the rotatable plate relative to the base plate; and a rotation locking device (54) which selectively inhibits rotation of the rotatable plate relative to the base plate, Wherein, the rotary actuator and the rotary locking device are attached to the lower surface of the base plate.

[0007] According to this aspect, since the rotation drive and the rotation locking device are arranged below the base plate, it is possible to secure a space on the seat cushion side.

[0008] In the above aspect, preferably, the rotation locking device includes a retainer (122) protruding downward from the lower surface of the base plate and a locking claw (121) rotatably supported by the retainer and configured to pass through the base plate and engage with the rotatable plate, The retainer includes a peripheral wall (123) and a pair of end walls (124), the peripheral wall (123) extending in a circumferential direction centered on a first axis (A), the first axis being a rotation axis of the rotatable plate, and the pair of end walls extending radially inward from both ends of the peripheral wall toward the first axis, and The locking claw is rotatably supported by the pair of end walls and is provided with a pair of arm portions (121A) rotatably supported by the corresponding end walls and in sliding contact with the corresponding end walls.

[0009] According to this aspect, the rattling sound of the locking claw relative to the retainer in the rotation direction can be suppressed. Thus, the rattling sound of the rotatable plate relative to the base plate in the rotation direction can be suppressed.

[0010] In the above aspect, preferably, each of the pair of end walls passes through an opening (126) formed in the base plate and extends above the base plate, and the second axis (B) which is the rotation axis of the pair of arms is located above the base plate.

[0011] According to this aspect, the distance between the rotation axis of the locking claw and the tip of the locking claw can be reduced. Therefore, the space required for the rotation of the locking claw can be reduced.

[0012] In the above aspect, preferably, a gear (116) centered on the rotation axis is provided on the lower surface of the rotatable plate, and the rotary actuator has a pinion (115) meshing with the gear, and the second axis is located above the gear.

[0013] According to this aspect, the distance between the rotation axis of the locking pawl and the tip end of the locking pawl can be further reduced.

[0014] In the above aspect, preferably, the rotary actuator includes an electric motor (111) and a reduction mechanism (112), the reduction mechanism reduces the rotation speed of the electric motor and transmits the rotation of the electric motor to the pinion, and the electric motor and the reduction mechanism are arranged under the base plate.

[0015] According to this aspect, it is possible to secure a space on the seat cushion side of the rotatable plate.

[0016] In the above aspect, preferably, the rotation actuator and the rotation locking device are arranged at point-symmetrical positions around the first axis.

[0017] According to this aspect, interference between the rotation actuator and the rotation locking device can be avoided.

[0018] In the above aspect, preferably, the base plate is formed into a circular shape, an annular fixing member (66) is attached to the outer peripheral edge of the base plate, a pair of laterally extending transverse members (57) are respectively attached to the front and rear ends of the base plate, and the pair of transverse members are connected to the members on one side of the floor.

[0019] According to this aspect, the base plate can be supported by the floor side member in a stable manner against the front-rear load applied from the seat cushion side member to the rotatable plate.

[0020] In the above aspect, preferably, the fixing member comprises a cylindrical tube wall (67) centered on the first axis, an inner flange (68) extending from an upper edge of the tube wall above the upper surface of the rotatable plate, and a plurality of connectors (69) extending from a lower edge of the tube wall below the lower surface of the base plate, A slidable member (85) is provided on the inner flange, and The slidable member includes a vertical wall portion (85A) abutting against the inner peripheral edge of the inner flange and extending in the vertical direction, a lower wall portion (85B) extending radially outward relative to the first axis from the lower end of the vertical wall portion along the lower surface of the inner flange, and an upper wall portion (85C) extending radially outward relative to the first axis from the upper end of the vertical wall portion along the upper surface of the inner flange, The lower wall portion is longer than the upper wall portion in a radial direction centered on the first axis.

[0021] According to this aspect, the sliding contact area between the rotatable plate and the lower wall portion of the slidable member can be maximized. As a result, the peripheral edge of the rotatable plate can be supported by the slidable member in a stable manner.

[0022] In the above aspect, preferably, the rotatable plate is provided with a plurality of locking holes (132) that can be selectively engaged by the locking claws, A reinforcing plate (155) is provided at a position corresponding to one of the plurality of locking holes (132A) of the rotatable plate, and The reinforcing plate is provided with a through hole (155A) at a position opposite to the locking hole.

[0023] According to this aspect, the locking hole can be reinforced. Therefore, the rotation of the rotatable plate relative to the base plate can be reliably restricted.

[0024] In the above aspect, preferably, the locking claw is provided with a claw portion (121C) configured to protrude into the locking hole from below, and the claw portion has a tapered shape having a width gradually narrowing toward a distal end thereof.

[0025] According to this aspect, since the claw portion of the locking claw can be fitted into the locking hole with minimal play, the rotation of the rotatable plate relative to the base plate can be restricted in a reliable manner.

[0026] In the above aspect, preferably, the reinforcing plate has a thickness greater than that of the rotatable plate, and the through hole is shorter than the locking hole in a circumferential direction about the first axis.

[0027] According to this aspect, the claw portion of the locking claw contacts the reinforcing member having high rigidity, so that damage to the rotatable plate can be minimized.

[0028] In the above aspect, preferably, the rotatable plate is attached to the seat cushion via a fixed bracket (72), and a plurality of rollers (166) are interposed between the lateral member and the fixed bracket.

[0029] According to this aspect, since the outer peripheral portion of the fixing bracket is supported from below by the rollers, inclination and deformation of the fixing bracket are suppressed, so that the position of the seat cushion can be stabilized.

[0030] In the above aspect, preferably, the plurality of rollers are arranged on an imaginary circle (C) centered on the first axis, and when viewed from the direction of the first axis, the imaginary circle completely overlaps with the fixed bracket.

[0031] According to this aspect, when the rotatable plate rotates relative to the base plate, the rollers can always support the fixed bracket from below.

[0032] Another aspect of the present invention provides a method for manufacturing a rotating device (2) disposed between a floor (5) and a seat cushion (11) to rotatably support the seat cushion relative to the floor, The rotating device comprises a base plate (56), a rotatable plate (71) opposite to the base plate, an annular bearing (78) interposed between the base plate and the rotatable plate, and a fixing member (66) attached to the outer peripheral edge of the base plate. The fixing member comprises a tubular wall (67) accommodated by the base plate and the rotatable plate, an inner flange (68) extending from the upper edge of the tubular wall above the rotatable plate, and a plurality of connectors (69) arranged on the lower edge of the tubular wall. The method comprises the following steps: placing the base plate, the bearing, and the rotatable plate in a layered arrangement, wherein the fixing member is disposed along peripheral edges of the base plate and the rotatable plate; bending the plurality of connectors radially inward relative to the tube wall, wherein the base plate and the rotatable plate are interposed between the inner flange and the plurality of connectors, The plurality of connectors are welded to the base plate.

[0033] According to this aspect, the base plate, the bearing, the rotatable plate and the fixed member are integrally assembled by bending the connecting piece, which facilitates welding of the connecting piece and the base plate.

[0034] In the above aspect, preferably, the plurality of connection members are bent toward the base plate from a direction perpendicular to the base plate.

[0035] According to this aspect, the connecting member can be easily bent.

[0036] Patent document (JP2019-181977A) discloses a vehicle seat in which a retainer for a connector for holding an electronic component is provided under the seat cushion. The vehicle-side wiring harness is connected to the connector. This facilitates the connection between the vehicle-side wiring harness and the electric component.

[0037] When the seat cushion is set on the floor via the rotating device, the position of the connector changes according to the rotation of the seat cushion. This causes a problem that the wire harness on the vehicle side is pulled and loosened.

[0038] In view of the above background, another aspect of the present invention has a task of suppressing pulling and slack of a wire harness in a vehicle seat having a swivel device.

[0039] Another aspect of the present invention provides a vehicle seat (301), which includes a seat body (303) and a rotating device (302) arranged between a floor (305) and the seat body to rotatably support the seat body, the rotating device including a base portion (351) arranged on one side of the floor and a rotatable portion (352) rotatably supported by the base portion and attached to the seat body, wherein at least one of the seat body and the rotatable portion is provided with an electric device (501), and a connector (509) is provided at the end of a wiring harness (508) extending from the electric device, and the connector is supported by the base portion.

[0040] According to this aspect, since the connector is provided on the base portion that does not rotate relative to the floor, the connector does not rotate even when the seat body rotates. Thus, in the vehicle seat having the rotating device, the tension and slack of the wire harness can be avoided.

[0041] In the above aspect, preferably, the base portion is connected to a center plate (357) and a pair of side portions of the center plate attached to the floor and a retainer (521) extending laterally and connected to left and right side plates, and the rotatable portion includes a rotatable plate (371) rotatably supported by the center plate and a fixed bracket (372) connected to both the rotatable plate and the seat body, and the connector is supported by the retainer.

[0042] According to this aspect, the holder can be attached to the base portion with good stability. In addition, the left and right side plates can be reinforced by the holder.

[0043] In the above aspect, preferably, the center plate is connected to upper surfaces of the left and right side plates, and the holder is connected to lower surfaces of the left and right side plates.

[0044] According to this aspect, the holder can be placed utilizing the space defined below the left and right side panels and the center panel.

[0045] In the above aspect, preferably, the fixing bracket is vertically disposed between the rotatable plate and the seat body, and the electric device is disposed on an upper surface of the fixing bracket.

[0046] According to this aspect, the electric device can be accommodated in the space defined between the fixing bracket and the seat body.

[0047] In the above aspect, preferably, the electric device is a blower (501) having an air inlet (501A) at a lower surface thereof, and the fixing bracket is provided with an opening (504) vertically opposite to the air inlet.

[0048] According to this aspect, the blower can draw air from the opening provided in the fixing bracket.

[0049] In the above aspect, preferably, the seat body is provided with a seat cushion (311) connected to the fixed bracket, the electric device is composed of a blower (501) arranged in the lower part of the seat cushion, the air inlet (501A) is arranged on the lower surface of the blower, and the fixed bracket is provided with an opening (504) vertically passing through the fixed bracket to be opposite to the air inlet.

[0050] According to this aspect, the blower can draw air from the air inlet through the opening provided on the fixing bracket.

[0051] In the above aspect, preferably, the rotating device is arranged on the floor via a sliding device (304), and the sliding device is provided with a pair of lower rails (337) fixed to the floor and extending in the front-to-rear direction on both sides and a pair of upper rails (338) slidably supported by the corresponding lower rails, and the left and right side plates (358) are respectively connected to the left and right upper rails.

[0052] According to this aspect, the seat body can be disposed on the floor so as to be slidable in the front-rear direction.

[0053] In the above aspect, preferably, the center plate is formed in a disk shape, the left and right side plates protrude forward beyond a front end of the center plate, and retainers are connected to the front ends of the left and right side plates.

[0054] According to this aspect, the holder can be accommodated in the space defined in front of the center plate.

[0055] In the above aspects, preferably, The seat body comprises a seat cushion (311) and a seat back (312), The seat cushion comprises a seat cushion frame (314) forming a skeleton structure, a cushion supported by the seat cushion frame, and a skin material covering the cushion. The seat cushion frame includes a pair of seat cushion side members (318) extending in the front-rear direction on both sides, a front member (319) extending transversely between the front ends of the left and right seat cushion side members, and a rear member (321) extending transversely between the rear ends of the left and right seat cushion side members, A flexible support member (322) for supporting the user's hips spans between the front member and the rear member, The rotating device is provided with a support tube (387) extending vertically along the rotating axis of the rotating device and opening at both ends. The center plate and the rotatable portion are disposed on the outer circumference of the support tube, One of the center plate and the rotatable portion is rotatable relative to the support tube, and The wiring harness extends through the support tube from above the rotatable plate to below the center plate.

[0056] According to this aspect, since the wire harness passes near the rotation axis of the rotating device, when the rotating device rotates, displacement of the wire harness extending between the electric device and the connector is minimized. In addition, the wire harness can be protected by the support pipe.

[0057] In the above aspect, preferably, the base portion includes a center plate (357) and a pair of side plates (358) connected to both sides of the center plate and attached to the floor, and the rotatable portion includes a rotatable plate (371) rotatably supported by the center plate and a fixed bracket (372) connected to the rotatable plate and the seat body, and the connector is connected to the lower surface of the center plate.

[0058] According to this aspect, the holder can be accommodated in the space defined below the center plate.

[0059] Patent document (JP2022-144716A) discloses a vehicle seat device having an extension / retraction device at the front end of a seat cushion. When the extension / retraction device is extended forward, the seat cushion extends forward.

[0060] It is conceivable to apply both the rotating device and the extending / retracting device to the vehicle seat device. However, when the extending / retracting device is in the extended state, the extending / retracting device may interfere with the structure of the vehicle interior in a manner that hinders the rotation of the rotating device.

[0061] In view of the above background, yet another aspect of the present invention has a task of smoothly performing a rotating operation in a vehicle seat device having both a rotating device and an extending / retracting device.

[0062] In order to accomplish this task, another aspect of the present invention provides a vehicle seat device (601), comprising A seat body (603) comprising a seat cushion (611), a seat back (612) and an extension / retraction device that moves forward and backward in a horizontal direction, a rotating device (602) disposed between a floor (605) and the seat cushion to rotatably support the seat cushion about a first axis extending in a vertical direction, a control device (820) for controlling the extension / retraction device and the rotation device, and an operating switch (862) configured to be operated by a user and to send a rotation command to the control device to rotate the rotating device, wherein the control device performs rotation control of the rotation device based on a signal from the rotation operation switch, and performs extension / retraction control of the extension / retraction device in association with the rotation control.

[0063] According to this aspect, since the control device performs the extension / retraction control in association with the rotation control, it is possible to prevent the extension / retraction device from interfering with the structure in the vehicle when the rotation device rotates. Therefore, the vehicle seat device can be rotated smoothly.

[0064] In the above aspect, preferably, the control device starts the rotation control of the rotation device after the extension control has made the horizontal extension amount of the extension device equal to or less than a predetermined upper limit extension amount.

[0065] According to this aspect, since the rotating device starts rotating after the extending / retracting device is retracted, interference between the extending / retracting device and the structure within the vehicle can be reliably avoided.

[0066] In the above aspect, preferably, the control means starts rotation control of the rotation means simultaneously with starting extension / retraction control for reducing an extension amount of the extension / retraction means to be equal to or less than a predetermined upper limit extension amount.

[0067] According to this aspect, the rotating device can quickly start rotating.

[0068] In the above aspect, preferably, before the rotation control of the rotation device is completed, the control device reduces the extension amount of the extension / retraction device to be equal to or less than the upper limit extension amount through extension / retraction control.

[0069] According to this aspect, the rotating device can be rotated while avoiding interference between the extending / retracting device and the structure within the vehicle.

[0070] In the above aspect, preferably, the control device performs rotation control and extension / retraction control based on a mapping that defines the relationship between the rotation angle of the rotation device and the maximum extension amount of the extension / retraction device, so that the extension amount of the extension / retraction device is maintained equal to or less than the upper limit extension amount at each rotation angle.

[0071] According to this aspect, interference between the extending / retracting device and the structure within the vehicle can be reliably avoided at every rotation angle of the rotating device.

[0072] In the above aspect, preferably, when the seat body is rotated outward from an initial position facing the front of the vehicle, the control device does not perform extension / retraction control in association with rotation control.

[0073] According to this aspect, the seat body can make the extension / retraction device protrude toward the outside of the vehicle. This makes it easier for the user to get on and off the vehicle.

[0074] In the above aspect, preferably, the seat device also includes a proximity sensor (870), which detects the proximity state between the extending / retracting device and the structure within the vehicle, and the extending / retracting device performs extending / retracting control based on the signal from the proximity sensor, so that the distance between the extending / retracting device and the structure is maintained equal to or greater than a predetermined lower limit value.

[0075] According to this aspect, the interference between the extending / retracting device and the structure in the vehicle can be reliably avoided at each rotation angle of the rotating device. In addition, the interference between the extending / retracting device and the article temporarily placed in the vehicle can be avoided.

[0076] In the above aspect, preferably, a pair of lower rails (637) are arranged on the floor so as to support corresponding upper rails (638) in a slidable manner, the pair of upper rails are connected to each other by a pair of transverse members (657), and the rotating device includes a base plate (656) connected to the pair of transverse members, a rotatable plate (671) rotatably supported by the base plate and a plate-like fixed bracket (672) having a vertically facing surface, the fixed bracket is connected to the rotatable plate (671) at the vertically facing surface, and the seat cushion is connected to the upper surface of the fixed bracket.

[0077] According to this aspect, the seat body is slidable on the floor and rotatably supported on the floor.

[0078] In the above aspect, preferably, a lighting device (851) is provided on a lower surface of the fixing bracket, and the control device turns on the lighting device during execution of the rotation control.

[0079] According to this aspect, the lighting device can remind the user that the seat body is rotating. Since the lighting device illuminates the floor, it is less likely to annoy the user.

[0080] In the above aspect, preferably, the pair of transverse members are connected to each other by a connecting member (853), a lighting device (851) is provided on the lower surface of the connecting member, and the control device turns on the lighting device while performing rotation control.

[0081] According to this aspect, the lighting device can remind the user that the seat body is rotating. Since the lighting device illuminates the floor, it is less likely to annoy the user.

[0082] In the above aspect, preferably, the base plate and the rotatable plate are rotatably supported by a support tube (687) extending vertically and opening at both ends, and the extension / retraction device includes a movable member (801) arranged on the frame of the seat cushion so as to be slidable in the front and rear directions, an airbag (813) that expands when compressed air is supplied to move the movable member, and a compressor (817) that supplies compressed air to the airbag via a tube (818) extending through the support tube.

[0083] According to this aspect, the compressor can be placed on the floor. In addition, since the pipe passes near the rotation axis of the rotating device, the pipe is prevented from swinging even when the rotating device rotates.

[0084] In the above aspect, preferably, the rotation means comprises a rotation locking means (654) which selectively prohibits the rotation of the rotatable plate relative to the base plate, The rotation locking device includes a retainer (722) protruding downward from the lower surface of the base plate and a locking claw (721) rotatably supported by the retainer to engage the rotatable plate by extending through the base plate, The retainer is provided with an end wall portion (724) protruding above the base plate through an opening (726) formed in the base plate, The locking claw is rotatably supported by the end wall portion about a second axis (B2), The rotatable plate is supported on an upper surface of the base plate via a bearing (678), and the second axis is disposed at the same height as the bearing.

[0085] According to this aspect, since the second shaft is disposed at the same height as the bearing, the vertical dimension of the rotating device can be minimized.

[0086] In the above aspect, preferably, the rotatable plate is formed with a locking hole (732) that can be selectively engaged by the locking claw, The base plate is formed with an insertion hole 731, The locking claw is rotatable between a locking position in which the locking claw passes through the insertion hole and enters the locking hole, and a release position in which the locking claw is released from the insertion hole and the locking hole. A biasing member (734) is disposed between the locking pawl and the retainer, and The biasing member (734) extends radially relative to the first axis such that an end of the biasing member on one side of the first axis overlaps the second axis or an imaginary line extending from the second axis when viewed from the top.

[0087] According to this aspect, the locking pawl, the retainer, and the biasing member can be compactly arranged in the radial direction relative to the first axis.

[0088] In the above aspect, preferably, a gear (716) centered on the first axis is provided on the lower surface of the rotatable plate, and the second axis is located radially outside the gear relative to the first axis.

[0089] According to this aspect, when the locking pawl rotates, interference between the locking pawl and the gear can be avoided.

[0090] Another aspect of the present invention provides a method for controlling a vehicle seat device (601), the vehicle seat device comprising A seat body (603) comprising a seat cushion (611), a seat back (612) and an extension / retraction device that moves forward and backward in a horizontal direction, a rotating device (602) disposed between a floor (605) and the seat cushion to rotatably support the seat cushion about a first axis extending in a vertical direction, a control device (820) for controlling the extension / retraction device and the rotation device, and an operating switch (862) configured to be operated by a user and to send a rotation command to the control device to rotate the rotating device, wherein the control device performs rotation control of the rotation device based on a signal from the rotation operation switch, and performs extension / retraction control of the extension / retraction device in association with the rotation control.

[0091] According to this aspect, since the control device performs the extending / retracting control in association with the rotating control, it is possible to prevent the extending / retracting device from interfering with the structure inside the vehicle when the rotating device is rotated.

[0092] When the seat body is rotated by the rotating device, it is preferred to remind the occupants sitting in other seats to avoid contact with the seat body. In view of the above background, another aspect of the present invention has the task of reminding the occupants when the seat body is rotated in a vehicle seat having a rotating device. Another aspect of the present invention provides a method for manufacturing a vehicle seat that reminds the occupants of the rotation of the seat body.

[0093] In order to accomplish this task, another aspect of the present invention provides a vehicle seat (1001), which includes a seat body (1010), a rotating device (1011) for supporting the seat body on a floor (1007) so that it is rotatable around a vertical axis, a display device arranged on the seat body, and a control device (1064) for controlling the rotating device and the display device, wherein the control device controls the display device according to the operating state of the rotating device.

[0094] According to this aspect, the vehicle seat equipped with the rotating device can alert the occupant by using the display device when the seat body is rotated.

[0095] In the above aspect, preferably, the control device is configured to cause the display device to display the rotation direction of the seat body according to the rotation direction of the rotation device.

[0096] According to this aspect, the display device can provide a display indicating the rotation direction of the seat body.

[0097] In the above aspect, preferably, the control device is configured to cause the display device to display a first warning display indicating that the seat body will start rotating before the rotating device starts operating.

[0098] According to this aspect, the display device can alert the occupant that the seat main body is about to start rotating.

[0099] In the above aspect, preferably, the seat body is provided with a sensor (1072) for detecting the position of an object around the seat body, and the control device estimates the possibility of a collision between the seat body and the object based on the position of the object obtained from the sensor, and when there is a possibility that the seat body will collide with the object, a second warning display indicating that the seat body will collide with the object is displayed.

[0100] According to this aspect, the display device can alert the occupant of the possibility that the seat main body may collide with another object.

[0101] In the above aspect, preferably, the seat body includes a seat cushion (1012) supported by the rotating device and a seat back (1013) extending upward from the rear of the seat cushion, and the display device includes a first display device (1054) arranged on the rear surface of the seat back.

[0102] According to this aspect, the occupant located behind the seat main body can be alerted.

[0103] In the above aspect, preferably, the first display device has a plurality of light emitting units (1055) arranged laterally, and the control device causes the plurality of light emitting units (1055) to be sequentially lit in the transverse direction according to the rotation direction of the rotating device.

[0104] According to this aspect, the rotation direction of the seat can be notified to the occupant located behind the seat body.

[0105] In the above aspect, preferably, the seat body further includes a headrest (1014) provided at the top of the seat back, and the display device includes a second display device (1070) provided on a rear surface of the headrest.

[0106] According to this aspect, the occupant located behind the seat main body can be alerted.

[0107] In the above aspect, preferably, the seat cushion includes a center portion (1012A) and a pair of shoulders (1012B) arranged on both sides of the center portion and protruding upward relative to the center portion, and the display device includes a third display device (1071) arranged on at least one of the left and right shoulders of the seat cushion.

[0108] According to this aspect, it is possible to remind the occupant on one side of the seat body. In addition, the occupant sitting on the seat body can also know the rotation direction.

[0109] In the above aspect, preferably, the third display device is provided on an upper surface of one of the pair of shoulders and extends in the front-rear direction.

[0110] According to this aspect, the occupant on one side of the seat body can be reminded. In addition, the occupant sitting on the seat body can also know the rotation direction.

[0111] In the above aspect, preferably, the seat body is provided with a cover (1050) attached to the lower portion of the seat cushion and surrounding the rotating device, and the display device includes a fourth display device (1074) provided on the rear surface of the cover (1050).

[0112] According to this aspect, the occupant located behind the seat main body can be alerted.

[0113] In order to accomplish the above-mentioned task, another aspect of the present invention provides a method for manufacturing a vehicle seat, comprising the following steps: setting a display device on a seat body; supporting the seat body on the floor via a rotating device so that the seat body can rotate around a vertical axis; and setting a control device for the seat body, wherein the control device controls the display device according to the operating state of the rotating device.

[0114] According to this aspect, it is possible to provide a method for manufacturing a vehicle seat that alerts an occupant to rotation of a seat body.

[0115] In Patent Document 1, a rotatable member is rotatably supported on an upper surface of a base member via balls. A fixed member (cover member) fixed to the base member extends above the rotatable member, opposes the rotatable member via an annular slidable member, and prevents the rotatable member from detaching from the base member.

[0116] When the slidable member receives a load from the rotatable member and the cover member, there is a possibility that the slidable member may be displaced relative to the rotatable member and the cover member. If the slidable member is displaced, the rotation resistance of the rotatable member increases, and smooth rotation of the rotatable member may be prevented. In view of the above background, another aspect of the present invention has a task of suppressing the displacement of the slidable member in the vehicle seat device.

[0117] In order to accomplish this task, another aspect of the present invention provides a vehicle seat (1201), which includes a rotating device (1202) disposed between a floor (1205) and a seat cushion (1211) to rotatably support the seat cushion, The rotating device comprises a base portion (1251) disposed on the floor and a rotatable portion (1252) rotatably supported on the base portion. The base portion includes a base plate (1255) having a surface facing a vertical direction and a fixing member (1266) extending upward from the base plate, The rotatable portion includes a rotatable plate (1271) rotatably supported on the upper surface of the base plate via a bearing (1277), A flange portion (1268) is provided on the upper end of the fixed member so as to be opposed to the upper surface of the rotatable plate via a slidable member (1285), and The slidable member is disposed radially further outside the rotatable plate than the bearing, and is provided with a locking portion (1287) that protrudes into a locking hole (1289) formed in the rotatable plate.

[0118] According to this aspect, by causing the locking portion of the slidable member to enter the locking hole of the rotatable plate, the sliding member is fixed to the rotatable plate. Thus, in the vehicle seat device, displacement of the slidable member can be suppressed.

[0119] In the above aspect, preferably, the bearing includes a plurality of balls (1278) and a retainer (1279) retaining the plurality of balls, and when viewed from a radial direction of the rotatable plate, the locking portion overlaps with the plurality of balls.

[0120] According to this aspect, the vertical size of the rotating device can be minimized.

[0121] In the above aspect, preferably, the rotatable plate is provided with a bearing groove (1281), which is recessed upward and extends in an annular shape along the circumferential direction centered on the rotation axis of the rotatable plate, and receives the bearing therein, and the sliding member is arranged in the rotatable plate radially further outward than the bearing groove.

[0122] According to this aspect, since the bearing groove and the slidable member do not overlap each other when viewed from the vertical direction, the vertical size of the rotating device can be minimized.

[0123] In the above aspect, preferably, the sliding member is provided with a ring portion (1286) extending in a ring shape around the rotation axis of the rotatable plate, and the locking portion is one of a plurality of locking portions provided on the lower surface of the ring portion, the lower surface of the ring portion is in contact with the rotatable plate, and the upper surface of the ring portion is in sliding contact with the lower surface of the flange portion.

[0124] According to this aspect, direct contact between the rotatable plate and the flange portion is avoided over the entire circumference of the rotatable plate.

[0125] In the above aspect, preferably, an upper surface of the ring portion is inclined downward toward a radially outer side of the rotatable plate.

[0126] According to this aspect, the contact area between the upper surface of the slidable member and the flange portion is reduced, so that the rotation resistance of the rotatable plate is minimized. When the rotatable plate is tilted relative to the base plate and the fixed member, the contact area between the upper surface of the slidable member and the flange portion is increased, so that the fixed member can hold the rotatable plate in a highly stable manner.

[0127] In the above aspect, preferably, the ring portion has a vertical thickness that decreases toward an outer side in a radial direction of the rotatable plate.

[0128] According to this aspect, the contact area between the upper surface of the slidable member and the flange portion is reduced, so that the rotation resistance of the rotatable plate is reduced. When the rotatable plate is tilted relative to the base plate and the fixed member, the contact area between the upper surface of the slidable member and the flange portion is increased, so that the fixed member can hold the rotatable plate with good stability.

[0129] In the above aspect, preferably, the locking hole vertically passes through the rotatable plate, and the locking portion penetrates the locking hole and protrudes below the locking hole.

[0130] According to this aspect, the locking portion is prevented from slipping out of the locking hole, so that the slidable member is fixed to the rotatable plate in a stable manner.

[0131] In the above aspect, preferably, each locking portion includes a first locking portion (1287A) provided with a claw portion configured to pass through the corresponding locking hole and engage with a lower edge of the locking hole.

[0132] According to this aspect, the locking portion is prevented from slipping out of the locking hole, so that the slidable member is fixed to the rotatable plate in a stable manner.

[0133] In the above aspect, preferably, the seat device is provided with a plurality of second locking portions (1287B) extending in a circumferential direction centered on the rotation axis of the rotatable plate.

[0134] According to this aspect, the locking portion is prevented from slipping out of the locking hole, so that the slidable member is fixed to the rotatable plate in a stable manner.

[0135] In the above aspect, preferably, the rotatable plate is provided with a protrusion (1272) extending in a ring shape with the rotation axis of the rotatable plate as the center in the portion thereof located above the bearing groove, and the upper surface of the ring portion is located below the upper end of the protrusion.

[0136] According to this aspect, the vertical size of the rotating device can be minimized. Effects of the Invention

[0137] One aspect of the present invention provides a rotating device (2) disposed between a floor (5) and a seat cushion (11) to rotatably support the seat cushion relative to the floor, the rotating device comprising: a base plate (56) disposed on one side of the floor; a rotatable plate (71) disposed on one side of the seat cushion and rotatably supported by the base plate; a rotary actuator (53) that rotates the rotatable plate relative to the base plate; and a rotation locking device (54) which selectively inhibits rotation of the rotatable plate relative to the base plate, Wherein, the rotary actuator and the rotary locking device are attached to the lower surface of the base plate.

[0138] According to this aspect, since the rotation drive and the rotation locking device are arranged below the base plate, it is possible to secure a space on the seat cushion side.

[0139] In the above aspect, preferably, the rotation locking device includes a retainer (122) protruding downward from the lower surface of the base plate and a locking claw (121) rotatably supported by the retainer and configured to pass through the base plate and engage with the rotatable plate, The retainer includes a peripheral wall (123) and a pair of end walls (124), the peripheral wall (123) extending in a circumferential direction centered on a first axis (A), the first axis being a rotation axis of the rotatable plate, and the pair of end walls extending radially inward from both ends of the peripheral wall toward the first axis, and The locking claw is rotatably supported by the pair of end walls and is provided with a pair of arm portions (121A) rotatably supported by the corresponding end walls and in sliding contact with the corresponding end walls.

[0140] According to this aspect, the rattling sound of the locking claw relative to the retainer in the rotation direction can be suppressed. Thus, the rattling sound of the rotatable plate relative to the base plate in the rotation direction can be suppressed.

[0141] In the above aspect, preferably, each of the pair of end walls passes through an opening (126) formed in the base plate and extends above the base plate, and the second axis (B) which is the rotation axis of the pair of arms is located above the base plate.

[0142] According to this aspect, the distance between the rotation axis of the locking claw and the tip of the locking claw can be reduced. Therefore, the space required for the rotation of the locking claw can be reduced.

[0143] In the above aspect, preferably, a gear (116) centered on the rotation axis is provided on the lower surface of the rotatable plate, and the rotary actuator has a pinion (115) meshing with the gear, and the second axis is located above the gear.

[0144] According to this aspect, the distance between the rotation axis of the locking pawl and the tip end of the locking pawl can be further reduced.

[0145] In the above aspect, preferably, the rotary actuator includes an electric motor (111) and a reduction mechanism (112), the reduction mechanism reduces the rotation speed of the electric motor and transmits the rotation of the electric motor to the pinion, and the electric motor and the reduction mechanism are arranged under the base plate.

[0146] According to this aspect, it is possible to secure a space on the seat cushion side of the rotatable plate.

[0147] In the above aspect, preferably, the rotation actuator and the rotation locking device are arranged at point-symmetrical positions around the first axis.

[0148] According to this aspect, interference between the rotation actuator and the rotation locking device can be avoided.

[0149] In the above aspect, preferably, the base plate is formed into a circular shape, an annular fixing member (66) is attached to the outer peripheral edge of the base plate, a pair of laterally extending transverse members (57) are respectively attached to the front and rear ends of the base plate, and the pair of transverse members are connected to the members on one side of the floor.

[0150] According to this aspect, the base plate can be supported by the floor side member in a stable manner against the front-rear load applied from the seat cushion side member to the rotatable plate.

[0151] In the above aspect, preferably, the fixing member comprises a cylindrical tube wall (67) centered on the first axis, an inner flange (68) extending from an upper edge of the tube wall above the upper surface of the rotatable plate, and a plurality of connectors (69) extending from a lower edge of the tube wall below the lower surface of the base plate, A slidable member (85) is provided on the inner flange, and The slidable member includes a vertical wall portion (85A) abutting against the inner peripheral edge of the inner flange and extending in the vertical direction, a lower wall portion (85B) extending radially outward relative to the first axis from the lower end of the vertical wall portion along the lower surface of the inner flange, and an upper wall portion (85C) extending radially outward relative to the first axis from the upper end of the vertical wall portion along the upper surface of the inner flange, The lower wall portion is longer than the upper wall portion in a radial direction centered on the first axis.

[0152] According to this aspect, the sliding contact area between the rotatable plate and the lower wall portion of the slidable member can be maximized. As a result, the peripheral edge of the rotatable plate can be supported by the slidable member in a stable manner.

[0153] In the above aspect, preferably, the rotatable plate is provided with a plurality of locking holes (132) that can be selectively engaged by the locking claws, A reinforcing plate (155) is provided at a position corresponding to one of the plurality of locking holes (132A) of the rotatable plate, and The reinforcing plate is provided with a through hole (155A) at a position opposite to the locking hole.

[0154] According to this aspect, the locking hole can be reinforced. Therefore, the rotation of the rotatable plate relative to the base plate can be reliably restricted.

[0155] In the above aspect, preferably, the locking claw is provided with a claw portion (121C) configured to protrude into the locking hole from below, and the claw portion has a tapered shape having a width gradually narrowing toward a distal end thereof.

[0156] According to this aspect, since the claw portion of the locking claw can be fitted into the locking hole with minimal play, the rotation of the rotatable plate relative to the base plate can be restricted in a reliable manner.

[0157] In the above aspect, preferably, the reinforcing plate has a thickness greater than that of the rotatable plate, and the through hole is shorter than the locking hole in a circumferential direction about the first axis.

[0158] According to this aspect, the claw portion of the locking claw contacts the reinforcing member having high rigidity, so that damage to the rotatable plate can be minimized.

[0159] In the above aspect, preferably, the rotatable plate is attached to the seat cushion via a fixed bracket (72), and a plurality of rollers (166) are interposed between the lateral member and the fixed bracket.

[0160] According to this aspect, since the outer peripheral portion of the fixing bracket is supported from below by the rollers, inclination and deformation of the fixing bracket are suppressed, so that the position of the seat cushion can be stabilized.

[0161] In the above aspect, preferably, the plurality of rollers are arranged on an imaginary circle (C) centered on the first axis, and when viewed from the direction of the first axis, the imaginary circle completely overlaps with the fixed bracket.

[0162] According to this aspect, when the rotatable plate rotates relative to the base plate, the rollers can always support the fixed bracket from below.

[0163] Another aspect of the present invention provides a method for manufacturing a rotating device (2) disposed between a floor (5) and a seat cushion (11) to rotatably support the seat cushion relative to the floor, The rotating device comprises a base plate (56), a rotatable plate (71) opposite to the base plate, an annular bearing (78) interposed between the base plate and the rotatable plate, and a fixing member (66) attached to the outer peripheral edge of the base plate. The fixing member comprises a tubular wall (67) accommodated by the base plate and the rotatable plate, an inner flange (68) extending from the upper edge of the tubular wall above the rotatable plate, and a plurality of connectors (69) arranged on the lower edge of the tubular wall. The method comprises the following steps: placing the base plate, the bearing, and the rotatable plate in a layered arrangement, wherein the fixing member is disposed along peripheral edges of the base plate and the rotatable plate; bending the plurality of connectors radially inward relative to the tube wall, wherein the base plate and the rotatable plate are interposed between the inner flange and the plurality of connectors, The plurality of connectors are welded to the base plate.

[0164] According to this aspect, the base plate, the bearing, the rotatable plate and the fixed member are integrally assembled by bending the connecting piece, which facilitates welding of the connecting piece and the base plate.

[0165] In the above aspect, preferably, the plurality of connection members are bent toward the base plate from a direction perpendicular to the base plate.

[0166] According to this aspect, the connecting member can be easily bent. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0167] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a seat according to an embodiment of the present invention Figure 2 This is a top view of the rotating device. Figure 3 This is a bottom view of the rotating device Figure 4 A top view of the rotating device with the rotatable plate omitted from the figure Figure 5 This is an exploded perspective view of the rotating device Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the rotating device. Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of the rotating device. Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of the rotating device. Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the rotation locking device Fig.10 A top view of the rotary locking device Fig.11 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the locking claw is engaged with one of the first to fourth locking holes Fig.12 is a perspective view of the base side peeling suppression unit and the rotatable side peeling suppression unit Fig.13 It is a side view of the base side peeling suppression unit and the rotatable side peeling suppression unit Fig.14 This is a cross-sectional view of the roller Fig.15 is a perspective view of a seat according to an embodiment of the present invention Fig.16 This is a top view of the rotating device. Fig.17 This is a bottom view of the rotating device Fig.18 is a perspective view of the rotating device Fig.19 This is an exploded perspective view of the rotating device Fig. 20 This is a cross-sectional view of the rotating device. Fig.21 This is a cross-sectional view of the rotating device. Fig. 22 This is a cross-sectional view of the rotating device. Fig.23 is a bottom view of a vehicle seat according to another embodiment of the present invention Fig.24 A bottom view of a vehicle seat according to another embodiment Fig.25 is a cross-sectional view of a vehicle seat according to another embodiment Fig.26 is a perspective view of a vehicle seat device according to an embodiment of the present invention Fig. 27 This is a top view of the rotating device. Fig.28 This is a bottom view of the rotating device Fig.29 A top view of the rotating device with the rotatable plate omitted from the figure Fig.30 This is an exploded perspective view of the rotating device Fig.31 This is a cross-sectional view of the rotating device. Fig.32 This is a cross-sectional view of the rotating device. Fig.33 This is a cross-sectional view of the rotating device. Fig.34 is a perspective view of the rotation locking device Fig.35 A top view of the rotary locking device Fig.36 is a diagram showing a state in which the locking claw is engaged with one of the first to fourth locking holes Fig.37 is a perspective view of the base side peeling suppression unit and the rotatable side peeling suppression unit Fig.38 It is a side view of the base side peeling suppression unit and the rotatable side peeling suppression unit Fig.39 This is a cross-sectional view of the roller Fig.40 is a perspective view of the extension / retraction device Fig.41is a cross-sectional view showing the initial state of the extension / retraction device Fig.42 is a cross-sectional view showing the extending / retracting device in an extended state Fig.43 is a cross-sectional view showing the extension / retraction device in the maximum extension state Fig.44 is a block diagram showing a control system of a vehicle seat device Fig.45 This is a bottom view of the fixed bracket Fig.46 is a bottom view of a rotating device according to a modified embodiment of the present invention Fig.47 is a perspective view of a vehicle seat device when viewed from the rear Fig.48 is a flowchart showing the process of extension and retraction control performed by the control device Fig.49 is a flowchart showing the process of rotation control performed by the control device Fig.50 is a top view of a vehicle equipped with a seat according to an embodiment of the present invention Fig.51 is a perspective view of a seat equipped with a first display device Fig.52 This is a cross-sectional view of the rotating device. Fig.53 is a block diagram showing a control system of a seat including a first display device Fig.54 is a flowchart showing the process of rotation control performed by the control device Fig.55 is a diagram showing various displays of the first display device Fig.56 is a diagram showing a modified example of the first display device Fig.57 is a perspective view of a seat including a second display device Fig.58 is a perspective view of a seat including a third display device Fig.59 is a block diagram showing a control system of a seat including a third display device Fig.60 is a diagram showing a second reminder display Fig.61 is a diagram of a seat including a fourth display device Fig.62 is a perspective view of the seat including the display Fig.63 is a block diagram showing a control system of a seat including a display Fig.64is a diagram showing various displays displayed on the display Fig.65 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a modified example of a second reminder display displayed on a display. Fig.66 is a perspective view of the vehicle's cockpit equipped with seats Fig.67 is a top view of a vehicle equipped with a seat including an air bag Fig.68 is a top view showing the rotation control performed by the control device Fig.69 is a top view showing a modified example of the rotation control performed by the control device Fig.70 is a perspective view of a seat according to an embodiment of the present invention Fig.71 This is a top view of the rotating device. Fig.72 This is a bottom view of the rotating device Fig.73 A top view of a rotating device with its rotatable plate omitted from the figure Fig.74 is a bottom view of the rotatable plate to which the reinforcement plate is attached Fig.75 is a top view of a rotatable plate to which a sliding member is attached Fig.76 This is an exploded perspective view of the rotating device Fig.77 This is a cross-sectional view of the rotating device. Fig.78 This is a cross-sectional view of the rotating device. Fig.79 is a perspective view of the rotation locking device DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0168] The rotating device applied to a vehicle seat according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Alternatively, the rotating device can be applied to seats in other vehicles such as trains, airplanes, ships, etc.

[0169] like Figure 1 As shown, the vehicle seat device 1 includes a rotating device 2. The vehicle seat device 1 also includes a seat body 3 and a sliding device 4. The rotating device 2 is arranged on a floor 5 via the sliding device 4. The seat body 3 includes a seat cushion 11 and a seat back 12. The seat cushion 11 supports the buttocks of the user from below. The seat back 12 extends upward from the rear end of the seat cushion 11. The seat back 12 supports the back of the user from the rear.

[0170] The seat cushion 11 includes a seat cushion frame 14 forming a skeleton structure, a cushion supported by the seat cushion frame 14, and a skin material covering the surface of the cushion. The seat cushion frame 14 includes a pair of seat cushion side members 18 extending in the front-to-rear direction on both sides thereof, front members 19 extending laterally between the front ends of the seat cushion side members 18, and rear members 21 extending laterally between the rear ends of the seat cushion side members 18. A flexible support member 22 that supports the user's buttocks spans between the front member 19 and the rear member 21. The support member 22 preferably includes a plurality of metal wires and a flexible resin plate connected to the metal wires. Figure 1 and 16 As shown, a pair of side covers 23 are provided on both sides of the seat cushion 11. Each side cover 23 is supported by the corresponding seat cushion side member 18, and hides the end and skin material of the cushion from view. The side covers 23 are preferably made of a resin material.

[0171] like Figure 1 As shown, the seat back 12 includes a seat back frame 25 forming a skeleton structure, a cushion supported by the seat back frame 25, and a skin material covering the surface of the cushion. The seat back frame 25 includes a pair of seat back side members 29 extending vertically on both sides thereof, an upper member 31 extending transversely between the upper ends of each seat back side member 29, a lower member 32 extending transversely between the lower ends of each seat back side member 29, and an intermediate member 33 extending transversely between each seat back side member 29 at a vertical midpoint between the upper member 31 and the lower member 32. The left and right seat back side members 29, the upper member 31, the lower member 32, and the intermediate member 33 are formed by stamping and forming metal sheets. A flexible support member 34 supporting the back of the user spans between the left and right seat back side members 29, the intermediate member 33, and the lower member 32. The support member 34 is preferably formed by a plurality of metal wires. The lower ends of the left and right seat back side members 29 are connected to the rear ends of the corresponding seat cushion side members 18 via reclining devices 35 .

[0172] like Figure 1 and 5 As shown, the sliding device 4 includes a pair of lower rails 37 extending in the front-to-back direction on both sides and a pair of upper rails 38 supported by the corresponding lower rails 37 so as to be slidable in the front-to-back direction. Each lower rail 37 is connected to the floor 5 via front and rear legs 39. A sliding locking device (not shown in the figure) is provided between each lower rail 37 and the corresponding upper rail 38. The left and right sliding locking devices are connected to each other by a sliding operating rod 41 extending laterally. The user can slide the upper rail 38 relative to the lower rail 37 by operating the sliding operating rod 41.

[0173] like Figures 1 to 5As shown, the rotating device 2 is provided between the floor 5 and the seat cushion 11 to rotatably support the seat cushion 11 relative to the floor 5. The rotating device 2 includes a base portion 51, a rotatable portion 52, a rotating actuator 53, and a rotation locking device.

[0174] The base portion 51 is disposed on one side of the floor 5. In this embodiment, the base portion 51 is disposed on the floor 5 via the slide device 4. The base portion 51 includes a circular base plate 56 facing vertically. The base plate 56 is supported by the left and right upper rails 38 via the front and rear transverse members 57. Each transverse member 57 extends laterally and is connected to the left and right upper rails 38 at its respective ends. The left and right ends of the front transverse member 57 are connected to the front ends of the corresponding upper rails 38. The left and right ends of the rear transverse member 57 are connected to the rear ends of the corresponding upper rails 38.

[0175] like Figure 2 and 3 As shown, the front and rear transverse members 57 are arranged at a certain distance from each other in the front-to-back direction. The base plate 56 and the front and rear transverse members 57 are preferably formed by metal sheets. Each transverse member 57 is preferably composed of a channel member with an open side facing downward. The front-to-back dimensions of the left and right end portions 57A of each transverse member 57 are greater than the front-to-back dimensions of its central portion 57B. Each of the left and right end portions 57A has an upper surface facing upward. A plurality of reinforcing structures 59 are formed in the central portion 57B of each transverse member 57. Each reinforcing structure 59 can be composed of beads. Each reinforcing structure 59 preferably extends in the lateral direction. In addition, each reinforcing structure 59 can extend outward and backward in an inclined direction from the center of the central portion 57B.

[0176] like Figure 3 and 5 As shown, the front and rear transverse members 57 and the base plate 56 are preferably fastened together with bolts and nuts. The front and rear transverse members 57 are connected to each other through the base plate 56. The front part of the base plate 56 is connected to the front transverse member 57 at the first connection point 58A, the second connection point 58B and the third connection point 58C. The first connection point 58A is centrally arranged at the front end of the base plate 56 with respect to the transverse direction. The second connection point 58B is arranged at the left rear side of the first connection point 58A. The third connection point 58C is located at the right rear side of the first connection point 58A.

[0177] The rear portion of the base plate 56 is connected to the front transverse member 57 at the fourth connection point 58D, the fifth connection point 58E and the sixth connection point 58F. The fourth connection point 58D is centrally disposed at the rear end of the base plate 56 with respect to the transverse direction. The fifth connection point 58E is located to the left front of the fourth connection point 58D. The sixth connection point 58F is located to the right front of the fourth connection point 58D.

[0178] like Figures 5 to 8 As shown, a first raised portion 61 is formed in the center of the base plate 56, and the first raised portion 61 is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape. A circular first bearing hole 62 passes through the center of the first raised portion 61 in the thickness direction. The first bearing hole 62 is centered on the vertically extending axis A (first axis). Preferably, an annular edge wall 63 protruding upward or downward is formed along the edge of the first bearing hole 62.

[0179] like Figures 2 to 8 As shown, the annular fixing member 66 is connected to the peripheral edge of the base plate 56. The fixing member 66 includes a tube wall 67 extending vertically along the peripheral edge of the base plate 56, an inner flange 68 extending radially inward from the upper end of the tube wall 67, and a plurality of connectors 69 arranged at the lower end of the tube wall 67. The inner flange 68 is formed into an annular shape and faces vertically. Each connector 69 is bent during assembly and extends along the lower surface of the base plate 56. The peripheral edge of the base plate 56 is arranged between the inner flange 68 and the connector 69 with respect to the vertical direction. Each connector 69 arranged at the front and rear of the base plate 56 is preferably maintained between the base plate 56 and the corresponding horizontal member 57 with respect to the vertical direction. Each connector 69 is welded to the base plate 56. In addition, the fixing member 66 can be formed by combining multiple separate components. A plurality of reinforcing structures can be arranged at the boundary between the tube wall 67 and the inner flange 68. Each reinforcing structure can be, for example, a recess, a rib, etc.

[0180] like Figure 2 and Figures 5 to 8 As shown, the rotatable portion 52 is provided on the seat cushion 11 and is rotatably supported by the base portion 51. The rotatable portion 52 is provided with a rotatable plate 71 rotatably supported on the upper surface of the base plate 56. In addition, the rotatable portion 52 includes a fixing bracket 72 connecting the rotatable plate 71 to the seat cushion frame 14. The rotatable plate 71 and the fixing bracket 72 are formed of metal sheets.

[0181] The rotatable plate 71 is formed in a disk shape with a vertically facing surface. A circular second bearing hole 75 passes through the center of the rotatable plate 71 in the thickness direction. The second bearing hole 75 is centered on the axis A. An annular edge wall 76 protruding upward or downward may be formed along the peripheral edge of the second bearing hole 75.

[0182] like Figure 5 and 6As shown, the rotatable plate 71 is supported on the upper surface of the base plate 56 via a bearing 78. The bearing 78 is formed into an annular shape centered on the axis A. The bearing 78 is arranged between the upper surface of the periphery of the base plate 56 and the lower surface of the periphery of the rotatable plate 71. The bearing 78 is preferably a thrust bearing. In this embodiment, the bearing 78 is a ball bearing. The ball bearing includes a plurality of balls and an annular retainer that rotatably supports each ball. A first bearing groove 81 for accommodating the lower portion of the bearing 78 is formed on the upper surface of the periphery of the base plate 56. A second bearing groove 82 for accommodating the upper portion of the bearing 78 is formed on the lower surface of the periphery of the rotatable plate 71. A space 84 is defined between the center portion of the rotatable plate 71 and the first raised portion 61 of the base plate 56.

[0183] like Figure 8 As shown, the fixing member 66 extends above the outer periphery of the rotatable plate 71. More specifically, the inner flange 68 of the fixing member 66 extends upward from the outer periphery of the rotatable plate 71. The inner flange 68 is fitted with a slidable member 85 thereon. The slidable member 85 includes: a vertical wall portion 85A that abuts the inner peripheral edge of the inner flange 68 and extends in the vertical direction; a lower wall portion 85B that extends radially outward from the lower end of the vertical wall portion 85A along the lower surface of the inner flange 68 with the axis A as the center; and an upper wall portion 85C that extends radially outward from the upper end of the vertical wall portion 85A along the upper surface of the inner flange 68 with the axis A as the center. The outer periphery of the rotatable plate 71 is in sliding contact with the inner flange 68 via the lower wall portion 85B of the slidable member 85. The lower wall portion 85B is longer than the upper wall portion 85C in the radial direction with the axis A as the center. Thereby, the sliding contact area between the rotatable plate 71 and the lower wall portion 85B of the slidable member 85 can be maximized, and the slidable member 85 can support the edge of the rotatable plate 71 in a highly stable manner.

[0184] The fixing member 66 can press the rotatable plate 71 toward the base plate 56 via the slidable member 85. The slidable member 85 is in sliding contact with a portion of the rotatable plate 71 that is radially outward of the second bearing groove 82. The slidable member 85 is preferably in sliding contact with the outer peripheral edge of the rotatable plate 71. The slidable member 85 is made of a resin material having a smaller friction coefficient than metal. The slidable member 85 may be divided into a plurality of separate pieces.

[0185] like Figure 5 and 6As shown, the vertically extending support tube 87 is assembled into the first bearing hole 62 and the second bearing hole 75. The support tube 87 has a cylindrical structure with its upper and lower ends open. The support tube 87 is made of metal. An annular rib 88 that bulges outward is formed on the outer periphery of the support tube 87. A cylindrical bushing 91 is attached to the inner peripheral edge of the second bearing hole 75 of the rotatable plate 71. The bushing 91 is supported by the portion of the support tube 87 located above the annular rib 88. A retaining ring 92 is assembled on the portion of the support tube 87 located above the bushing 91. The upper end of the support tube 87 is curled to form an expanded diameter portion 93. The bushing 91 and the retaining ring 92 are retained between the annular rib 88 and the expanded diameter portion 93. Thus, the position of the rotatable plate 71 relative to the support tube 87 in the vertical direction is maintained. Therefore, the support tube 87 is rotatably supported in the second bearing hole 75 of the rotatable plate 71 via the bushing 91.

[0186] The first bearing hole 62 of the base plate 56 is disposed below the annular rib 88. The portion of the support tube 87 below the annular rib 88 may be rotatably supported by the first bearing hole 62, or may be welded to the first bearing hole 62. The base plate 56 and the rotatable plate 71 are fixedly centered on the axis A through the support tube 87.

[0187] like Figure 8 As shown, an annular protrusion 95 that bulges upward is formed in a portion of the rotatable plate 71 radially inward of the second bearing recess 82. The protrusion 95 is formed in an annular shape centered on the axis A. A plurality of bolts 96 extend upward from the protrusion 95. The bolts 96 may be formed of stud bolts.

[0188] like Figure 5 and 8 As shown, this structure includes a fixed bracket 72 composed of a vertically facing plate member. The fixed bracket 72 is preferably formed in a rectangular shape when viewed from above. A recessed portion 101 that is recessed downward is formed in the center of the fixed bracket 72. An opening 102 vertically passes through the center of the recess 101. A plurality of fastening holes 103 pass through the bottom of the recess 101 to accommodate each bolt 96, respectively. The rotatable plate 71 and the fixed bracket 72 are fastened to each other by screwing nuts 104 to corresponding bolts 96. When viewed from above, the fixed bracket 72 is larger than the rotatable plate 71. The fixed bracket 72 is opposite to the front and rear transverse members 57 in the vertical direction.

[0189] The fixing bracket 72 is connected to the left and right seat-cushion side members 18 by using fasteners such as bolts and nuts. A load cell may be interposed between one of the respective seat-cushion side members 18 and the fixing bracket 72.

[0190] The rotary actuator 53 is configured to rotate the rotatable plate 71 relative to the base plate 56. Figure 3 and Figure 6As shown, the rotary actuator 53 is attached to the lower surface of the base plate 56. The rotary actuator 53 is placed in front of the axis A. The rotary actuator 53 includes an electric motor 111 and a reduction mechanism 112. The rotary actuator 53 does not have a worm reduction mechanism. In this embodiment, the reduction mechanism 112 includes a pinion 115 fixedly assembled to the output shaft 113 of the electric motor 111 and a gear 116 connected to the rotatable plate 71. The pinion 115 and the gear 116 are spur gears. Gear 116 is a gear centered on the axis A. Gear 116 is fixedly attached to the lower surface of the rotatable plate 71 via a spacer 117 and is placed in the space 84. The number of teeth of gear 116 is greater than the number of teeth of pinion 115.

[0191] The rotary actuator 53 is fixedly attached to the lower surface of the base plate 56. The rotary actuator 53 may be attached to the lower surface of the base plate 56 via a bracket. The output shaft 113 of the rotary actuator 53 extends upward from the speed reduction mechanism 112. The output shaft 113 passes through a through hole 119 formed in the base plate 56 and extends into the space 84. The pinion 115 fixedly assembled to the output shaft 113 is placed in the space 84 and meshes with the gear 116. Therefore, the electric motor 111 and the speed reduction mechanism 112 are placed below the base plate 56.

[0192] The rotation locking device 54 selectively prevents the rotatable plate 71 from rotating relative to the base plate 56. Figure 3 and Figures 7 to 10 As shown, the rotation locking device 54 is attached to the lower surface of the base plate 56. The rotation locking device 54 includes a retainer 122 extending downward from the lower surface of the base plate 56 and a locking claw 121 rotatably supported by the retainer 122 and configured to pass through the base plate 56 to engage the rotatable plate 71. The locking claw 121 is movable between a locking position and a release position, where the locking claw 121 engages with the rotatable plate 71 and where the locking claw 121 releases the rotatable plate 71. The locking claw 121 and the retainer 122 are formed of metal sheets.

[0193] The retainer 122 is provided with a peripheral wall 123 extending in a circumferential direction centered on the axis A, and a pair of end walls 124 extending radially inward or toward the axis A from both ends of the peripheral wall 123, and the axis A is the rotation axis of the rotatable plate 71. The retainer 122 is also provided with a bottom plate 125, which extends along the lower surface of the base plate 56 and is fixedly attached to the lower surface of the base plate 56. The bottom plate 125 extends along the lower surface of the first protrusion 61. The peripheral wall 123 and the end wall 124 protrude downward from the bottom plate 125. The end wall 124 is connected to the bottom plate 125. The peripheral wall 123 may be connected to the bottom plate 125. The peripheral wall 123 and the end wall 124 are formed by bending a metal sheet. The peripheral wall 123 and the end wall 124 may be formed by combining a plurality of metal sheet pieces.

[0194] A pair of openings 126 vertically penetrate the bottom plate 125 and the first raised portion 61. Each opening 126 is formed at a position corresponding to the corresponding end wall 124. Each end wall 124 is provided with an extension 124A that passes through the corresponding opening 126 and extends above the base plate 56. The upper end of each extension 124A is disposed in the space 84. The upper end of each extension 124A protrudes above the gear 116.

[0195] The locking claw 121 includes a pair of arm portions 121A rotatably supported by corresponding end walls 124, a beam portion 121B connecting the ends of the respective arm portions 121A to each other, and a claw portion 121C protruding from the beam portion 121B. Each arm portion 121A is rotatably supported by a corresponding extension portion 124A around an axis B (second axis) forming the rotation axis of the locking claw 121. Axis B is located above the base plate 56 and may be located above the gear 116. Each arm portion 121A passes through a corresponding opening 126 and extends from within the space 84 to below the base plate 56. Each arm portion 121A extends along the corresponding end wall 124 and is in sliding contact with the corresponding end wall 124. The beam portion 121B is disposed below the base plate 56 and extends in the horizontal direction. In addition, the beam portion 121B extends in a circumferential direction centered on the axis A. The claw portion 121C is disposed at the center of the beam portion 121B with respect to its length direction. Each arm portion 121A has an arm base end portion 121E supported by an extension portion 124A and an arm terminal portion 121F extending from the arm base end portion 121E and bent. A beam portion 121B is connected to the arm terminal portion 121F.

[0196] The base plate 56 and the bottom plate 125 are formed with an insertion hole 131 passing therethrough in a vertical direction. The insertion hole 131 extends in a circumferential direction around the axis A. A plurality of locking holes 132 are formed in the rotatable plate 71 and can be selectively engaged by the locking claws 121. Each locking hole 132 is elongated in a circumferential direction centered on the axis A. The respective locking holes 132 are arranged at positions rotationally symmetrical about the axis A. When the rotatable plate 71 is at any one of a plurality of predetermined rotational positions relative to the base plate 56, the insertion hole 131 is opposite to the corresponding locking hole 132.

[0197] like Figure 3 As shown, the rotation locking device 54 is located on the left side of the axis A. The rotation actuator 53 is arranged on the right side of the axis A. The rotation actuator 53 and the rotation locking device 54 are arranged at positions that are point-symmetrical about the axis A. When viewed from the top, the rotation locking device 54 and the rotation actuator 53 are arranged between the front and rear transverse members 57.

[0198] When the rotatable plate 71 is in the initial position, the seat body 3 faces forward. Figure 2As shown, the locking hole 132 includes first to fourth locking holes 132A to 132D. When the rotatable plate 71 is in the initial position, the first locking hole 132A is arranged on the left side of the axis A, the second locking hole 132B is arranged in front of the axis A, the third locking hole 132C is arranged on the left side of the axis A, and the fourth locking hole 132D is arranged on the rear side of the axis A. The respective locking holes 132 are arranged at 90 degree intervals around the axis A. When the rotatable plate 71 is in the initial position, the first locking hole 132A is opposite to the insertion hole 131 in the vertical direction.

[0199] like Figure 7 As shown, when the claw portion 121C of the locking claw 121 passes through the insertion hole 131 and is fitted into one of the respective locking holes 132 , the rotation of the rotatable plate 71 relative to the base plate 56 is prevented.

[0200] The locking claw 121 is rotatable between a locking position and a release position, in which the claw portion 121C enters one of the locking holes 132 and the insertion hole 131, and in which the claw portion 121C is spaced downward from the insertion hole 131 and the locking hole 132. In other words, the locking claw 121 is movable between a locking position in which it engages the rotatable plate 71 and a release position in which it is disengaged from the rotatable plate 71. A biasing member 134 is provided between the locking claw 121 and the retainer 122 to push the locking claw 121 toward the locking position. In this embodiment, the biasing member 134 is composed of a tension coil spring. Preferably, the biasing member 134 is connected between the arm portion 121A and the peripheral wall 123.

[0201] When the locking claw 121 is in the locking position, the beam portion 121B and the arm terminal portion 121F extend along the lower surface of the base plate 56. At this time, each arm base end portion 121E passes through the corresponding opening 126 and extends vertically. When the locking claw 121 is in the release position, the beam portion 121B and the arm terminal portion 121F are spaced apart downward from the lower surface of the base plate 56. In addition, the terminal end of the claw portion 121C is located below the base plate 56.

[0202] like Fig.10 As shown, the locking claw 121 is connected to the manual operating lever through a control cable 141. The control cable 141 has a tubular outer shell 143 and an inner cable 144 slidably accommodated in the outer shell 143. One end of the outer shell 143 is connected to a shell locking portion 145 of the retainer 122. The shell locking portion 145 protrudes downward from the bottom plate 125. The other end of the outer shell 143 is connected to the seat cushion frame 14 or the side cover 23. One end of the inner cable 144 is connected to a cable locking portion 146 provided on the beam portion 121B of the locking claw 121. The other end of the inner cable 144 is connected to a manual operating lever (not shown in the figure). Preferably, the manual operating lever is rotatably supported by the seat cushion frame 14 or the side cover 23.

[0203] When the user pulls the manual operation lever, the control cable 141 pulls the locking claw 121 from the locked position to the released position. As a result, the rotatable portion 52 becomes rotatable relative to the base portion 51. When the user releases the manual operation lever, the locking claw 121 moves from the released position to the locked position under the urging force of the biasing member 134. Therefore, the rotation locking device 54 is switched between the locked state and the released state by the manual operation of the user.

[0204] The rotation locking device 54 includes a lock release actuator 151 that moves the locking claw 121 from the locking position to the release position. The lock release actuator 151 includes an electric motor 152, a speed reduction mechanism 153 that reduces the rotation speed of the electric motor and transmits the driving force of the electric motor 152, and an arm 154 fixed to the output shaft of the speed reduction mechanism 153. The arm 154 is configured to engage the locking claw 121. One of the respective arm terminal portions 121F of the locking claw 121 is provided with a contact portion 121G that protrudes downward. The arm 154 moves the locking claw 121 from the locking position to the release position by pressing the contact portion 121G.

[0205] The electric motor 152 and the speed reduction mechanism 153 are preferably supported by at least one of the holder 122 and the base plate 56. When the electric motor 152 is driven by the power supplied thereto, the arm 154 rotates against the urging force of the biasing member 134, and the arm 154 moves the locking claw 121 from the locking position to the releasing position. When the electric motor 152 is stopped when the power supply to the electric motor 152 is stopped, the locking claw 121 moves from the releasing position to the locking position under the urging force of the biasing member 134. At this time, the arm 154 and the electric motor 152 rotate by being pushed by the contact portion 121G.

[0206] When the locking pawl 121 is moved from the locking position to the releasing position by the control cable 141 , the locking pawl 121 is released from the arm 154 , so that the lock release actuator 151 does not act as a resistance.

[0207] like Figure 2 and 7 As shown, the reinforcing plate 155 is attached to a portion of the upper surface of the rotatable plate 71 corresponding to the first locking hole 132A. The reinforcing plate 155 is preferably welded to the rotatable plate 71. The reinforcing plate 155 faces vertically and extends in a circumferential direction around the axis A. The thickness of the reinforcing plate 155 is greater than the thickness of the rotatable plate 71. As a result, the reinforcing plate 155 increases the section modulus and the second moment of area of ​​the portion of the rotatable plate 71 around the first locking hole 132A.

[0208] A through hole 155A opposite to the first locking hole 132A is formed in the reinforcing plate 155. Both circumferential ends of the through hole 155A with respect to the axis A are located between the circumferential ends of the first locking hole 132A. In other words, the circumferential length of the through hole 155A with respect to the axis A is shorter than the circumferential length of the first locking hole 132A. The radial width of the through hole 155A is preferably equal to the radial width of the first locking hole 132A.

[0209] like Fig.11 As shown, the claw portion 121C has a tapered shape whose width narrows toward its distal end. This allows the claw portion 121C to easily enter the locking hole 132. In addition, when the claw portion 121C enters the first locking hole 132A, the claw portion 121C abuts against the two circumferential ends of the through hole 155A. At this time, the claw portion 121C does not contact the circumferential end of the first locking hole 132A relative to the axis A. When the rotatable plate 71 is in the reference rotation position, or when the seat body 3 faces forward, the locking claw 121 engages with the through hole 155A of the reinforcing plate 155, so that the seat body 3 is firmly restricted from rotating when facing forward. As shown in FIG. Fig.11 As shown in the right part of the figure, since the reinforcing plate 155 is not provided in combination with the second to fourth locking holes 132B to 132D, the insertion depth of the claw portion 121C into the second to fourth locking holes 132B to 132D is greater. In other embodiments, the reinforcing plate 155 may also be provided in the second to fourth locking holes 132B to 132D.

[0210] like Figure 2 , 12 As shown in Figures 1 and 13, a plurality of base-side peeling suppression units 161 are provided on the upper surfaces of the front and rear transverse members 57. The respective base-side peeling suppression units 161 may be arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction around the axis A. In this embodiment, the base-side peeling suppression units 161 are disposed at the left and right end portions 57A of the front transverse member 57 and the left and right end portions 57A of the rear transverse member 57. Thus, the four base-side peeling suppression units 161 are arranged at 90-degree intervals around the axis A.

[0211] Each base side peeling inhibition unit 161 includes a bottom plate 162 connected to the corresponding transverse member 57, a first base side hook 163 and a second base side hook 164 arranged on the bottom plate 162, a roller support wall 165 arranged on the bottom plate 162, and a roller 166 rotatably supported by the roller support wall 165.

[0212] The bottom plate 162 extends along the upper surface of the end portion 57A of the lateral member 57, and is attached to the end portion 57A by welding, using bolts, etc. The bottom plate 162 extends in the circumferential direction around the axis A. The first base side hook 163 is provided along the outer peripheral edge of the bottom plate 162 and extends in the circumferential direction centered on the axis A. The first base side hook 163 protrudes upward from the bottom plate 162 and opens downward.

[0213] The roller support wall 165 extends along the inner peripheral edge of the bottom plate 162 in the circumferential direction around the axis A. A pair of reinforcing walls 167 are respectively provided at each circumferential end of the roller support wall 165, which are orthogonal to the roller support wall 165 and the bottom plate 162 and connected to the roller support wall 165 and the bottom plate 162. The bottom plate 162, the first base side hook 163, the roller support wall 165 and the reinforcing wall 167 are preferably formed by stamping a continuous metal sheet.

[0214] Connected to the roller support wall 165 is a roller shaft 171 extending radially outward about the axis A. The roller 166 is rotatably supported on the roller shaft 171. The end of the roller shaft 171 away from the roller support wall 165 is provided with an enlarged head 173, which has a larger diameter than the roller shaft 171. A biasing member 175 is provided between the enlarged head 173 and the roller 166 to bias the roller 166 radially inward relative to the axis A. The biasing member 175 is preferably composed of a wave washer or a bowl-shaped washer.

[0215] like Fig.14 As shown in FIG. 1 , the roller 166 is a tapered roller, and its outer diameter increases toward the radial outside. The roller 166 contacts the lower surface of the fixed bracket 72. The roller 166 is interposed between the fixed bracket 72 and the front transverse member 57 or the rear transverse member 57 in the vertical direction. Figure 2 As shown, the roller 166 is arranged on an imaginary circle C centered on the axis A. When viewed from the direction along the axis A, the imaginary circle C is arranged so as to completely overlap with the fixed bracket 72. Thus, when the rotatable plate 71 rotates relative to the base plate 56, the roller 166 is always in contact with the fixed bracket 72.

[0216] like Fig.14 As shown, an annular contact surface 181 centered about the axis A is defined on the lower surface of the fixed bracket 72. Each roller 166 contacts the contact surface 181. The contact surface 181 is inclined downward about the axis A toward its radially inward portion.

[0217] like Fig.12 and 13As shown, each second base side hook 164 is connected to the upper surface of the bottom plate 162. The second base side hook 164 is disposed between the first base side hook 163 and the roller 166 with respect to the radial direction centered on the axis A. The second base side hook 164 has a stem portion 164A extending upward from the bottom plate 162, and a head portion 164B provided at the upper end of the stem portion 164A and wider than the stem portion 164A in the radial direction.

[0218] like Fig.12 and 13 As shown, a plurality of rotatable side peeling suppression units 183 are provided on the lower surface of the fixed bracket 72. The individual rotatable side peeling suppression units 183 are preferably arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction around the axis A. In this embodiment, the rotatable side peeling suppression units 183 are provided at four positions of the fixed bracket 72, namely, at the left front, right front, left rear and right rear parts thereof. The four rotatable side peeling suppression units 183 are arranged on an imaginary circle centered on the axis A and are spaced 90 degrees apart from each other. Each rotatable side peeling suppression unit 183 includes an upper plate 184 connected to the lower surface of the fixed bracket 72, a rotatable side hook 185 protruding downward from the upper plate 184, and a locking member 186.

[0219] The upper plate 184 extends along the lower surface of the fixing bracket 72 and is connected to the lower surface of the fixing bracket 72 by welding, using bolts, etc. The upper plate 184 extends in a circumferential direction around the axis A. The rotatable side hook 185 extends along the outer peripheral edge of the upper plate 184 or in a circumferential direction centered on the axis A. The rotatable side hook 185 protrudes downward from the upper plate 184 and opens upward.

[0220] The locking piece 186 is provided along the inner peripheral edge of the upper plate 184 and extends in the circumferential direction around the axis A. The locking piece 186 extends downward from the inner peripheral edge of the upper plate 184 and then bends and extends radially inward relative to the axis A.

[0221] The rotation position of the rotatable portion 52 when the seat cushion 11 faces the front of the vehicle is defined as a reference rotation position. When the rotatable portion 52 is in the reference rotation position, the first base-side hook 163 of each base-side peeling suppression unit 161 is opposite to the rotatable side hook 185 of the corresponding rotatable side peeling suppression unit 183 vertically opposite thereto, with a gap defined therebetween. In addition, the second base-side hook 164 of each base-side peeling suppression unit 161 and the locking piece 186 of the corresponding rotatable side peeling suppression unit 183 are opposite to each other in the vertical direction, with a gap defined therebetween. The gap between each first base-side hook 163 and the corresponding rotatable side hook 185 is smaller than the gap between each second base-side hook 164 and the corresponding locking piece 186. As a result, when a load is applied to the seat body 3, the first base-side hook 163 of the base-side peeling suppression unit 161 engages the rotatable side hook 185 of the rotatable side peeling suppression unit 183, so that the peeling of the rotatable portion 52 from the base portion 51 is suppressed. Furthermore, when a further load is applied to the seat body 3 , the second base-side hook 164 engages the lock piece 186 , so that separation of the rotatable portion 52 from the base portion 51 is suppressed.

[0222] Even when the rotatable part 52 is rotated 90 degrees (+90 degrees) clockwise, 90 degrees (-90 degrees) counterclockwise, or 180 degrees (-180 degrees) counterclockwise from the reference rotation position, the first base side hook 163 of the base side peeling inhibition unit 161 and the rotatable side hook 185 of the rotatable side peeling inhibition unit 183 are opposite to each other, and the second base side hook 164 and the locking member 186 are opposite to each other.

[0223] One of the side covers 23 is preferably provided with a rotation operation switch (not shown in the figure) for rotating the seat cushion 11. The rotation operation switch sends a signal to the control device according to the user's operation. The rotation operation switch responds to the user's operation, for example, the first signal corresponds to a 90-degree rotation to the right, the second signal corresponds to a 90-degree rotation to the left, and the third signal corresponds to a 180-degree rotation to the left. The control device is composed of an electronic control device and is an arithmetic processing unit, which includes a microprocessor (MPU), a non-volatile memory, a volatile memory and an interface. The control device realizes various applications by causing the microprocessor to execute a program stored in the non-volatile memory. Preferably, the control device controls the electric motor 111 of the rotary actuator 53 and the electric motor 152 of the lock release actuator 151 according to the signal from the rotation operation switch.

[0224] Next, a method for manufacturing the vehicle seat device 1 will be discussed below. First, a ridge forming process is performed on the support tube 87 to form the annular rib 88. Next, the bushing 91 is assembled into the second bearing hole 75 of the rotatable plate 71, and the gear 116 is attached to the rotatable plate 71. The support tube 87 is then inserted into the second bearing hole 75. Next, the retaining ring 92 is attached to the support tube 87. Then, the upper end of the support tube 87 is curled to form the expanded diameter portion 93. In this way, the rotatable plate 71 is rotatably supported by the support tube 87.

[0225] Next, the base plate 56, the bearing 78, and the rotatable plate 71 are placed one on top of the other, and the fixing member 66 is placed around the outer periphery of the base plate 56 and the rotatable plate 71. More specifically, first, the lower portion of the support pipe 87 is inserted into the first bearing hole 62 of the base plate 56. At this time, the bearing 78 is interposed between the rotatable plate 71 and the base plate 56. Next, the fixing member 66 to which the sliding member 85 is attached is placed on the outer periphery of the rotatable plate 71 and the base plate 56. At this time, the inner flange 68 contacts the upper surface of the rotatable plate 71 via the lower wall portion 85B of the slidable member 85.

[0226] Next, the connecting piece 69 is bent inwardly along the radial direction of the tube wall 67, so that the base plate 56 and the rotatable plate 71 are interposed between the inner flange 68 and the connecting piece 69. At this time, it is preferred that the connecting piece 69 bends toward the base plate 56 from a direction perpendicular to the base plate 56. In this way, the base plate 56, the bearing 78, the rotatable plate 71 and the fixing member 66 are integrally combined together.

[0227] Next, the connecting piece 69 is welded to the base plate 56. Since the base plate 56, the bearing 78, the rotatable plate 71, and the fixing member 66 are integrally combined by the connecting piece 69, welding between the connecting piece 69 and the base plate is facilitated.

[0228] Next, the rotation actuator 53 is attached to the base plate 56 , and the pinion 115 and the gear 116 are meshed with each other. Furthermore, the rotation locking device 54 is attached to the base plate 56 together with the lock release actuator 151 .

[0229] Next, the front and rear lateral members 57 to which the base-side peeling suppressing unit 161 is attached are connected to the base plate 56. Furthermore, the fixing bracket 72 to which the rotatable-side peeling suppressing unit 183 is attached is attached to the rotatable plate 71. In this way, the rotating device 2 is assembled.

[0230] Then, the front and rear lateral members 57 are connected to the left and right upper rails 38 of the slide device 4 provided on the floor 5. Then, the seat body 3 is attached to the fixing bracket 72. Thus, the vehicle seat device 1 is assembled in the above-described manner.

[0231] The effects of the rotating device 2 according to this embodiment will be discussed below. In this rotating device 2, since the rotating actuator 53 and the rotating locking device 54 are arranged below the base plate 56, a space can be created on the side (upper side) of the rotatable plate 71 facing the seat cushion 11.

[0232] The arm portion 121A of the locking claw 121 is in sliding contact with the corresponding end wall 124 of the holder 122 in the circumferential direction about the axis A. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the rattling sound of the locking claw 121 in the rotation direction of the rotatable plate 71 relative to the holder 122. Thus, it is possible to suppress the rattling sound of the rotatable plate 71 in the rotation direction relative to the base plate 56.

[0233] Since the axis B which is the rotation axis of the arm portion 121A is disposed above the base plate 56 or the gear 116, the distance between the rotation axis of the locking claw 121 and the tip of the claw portion 121C of the locking claw 121 can be minimized. As a result, the space required for the rotation of the locking claw 121 can be minimized.

[0234] like Fig.15 As shown, the vehicle seat 301 is provided with a rotating device 302. In addition, the vehicle seat 301 includes a seat body 303 and a sliding device 304. The rotating device 302 is arranged on a floor 305 via the sliding device 304. The seat body 303 includes a seat cushion 311 and a seat back 312. The seat cushion 311 supports the user's buttocks from below. The seat back 312 extends upward from the rear of the seat cushion 311. The seat back 312 supports the user's back from the rear. The rotating device 302 is arranged between the floor 305 and the seat body 303, and rotatably supports the seat body 303.

[0235] The seat cushion 311 includes a seat cushion frame 314 forming a skeleton structure, a cushion supported by the seat cushion frame 314, and a skin material covering the surface of the cushion. The seat cushion frame 314 includes a pair of seat cushion side members 318 extending in the front-to-rear direction on both sides, a front member 319 extending laterally between the front ends of the left and right seat cushion side members 318, and a rear member 321 extending laterally between the left and right seat cushion side members 318. A flexible support member 322 that supports the user's buttocks spans between the front member 319 and the rear member 321. The support member 322 preferably includes a plurality of metal wires and a flexible resin plate connected to the wires. Fig.15 As shown, a pair of side covers 323 are provided on both sides of the seat cushion 311. The side covers 323 are supported by the seat cushion side members 318 and hide the ends and the skin material of the cushion. The side covers 323 are preferably formed of a resin material.

[0236] like Fig.15As shown, the seat back 312 includes a seat back frame 325 forming a skeleton structure, a cushion supported by the seat back frame 325, and a skin material covering the surface of the cushion. The seat back frame 325 includes a pair of seat back side members 329 extending vertically on both sides, an upper member 331 extending transversely between the upper ends of the left and right seat back side members 329, a lower member 332 connected between the lower ends of the left and right seat back side members 329, and an intermediate member 333 extending transversely between the vertically middle parts between the upper member 331 and the lower member 332 of the left and right seat back side members 329. The left and right seat back side members 329, the upper member 331, the lower member 332, and the intermediate member 333 are formed by bending and stamping a metal sheet. A flexible support member 334 supporting the back of the user spans between the left and right seat back side members 329, the intermediate member 333, and the lower member 332. The support member 334 is preferably formed of a plurality of metal wires. The lower ends of the left and right seat back side members 329 are connected to the rear ends of the corresponding seat cushion side members 318 via the reclining devices 335 .

[0237] like Fig.15 and 20 As shown, the sliding device 304 includes a pair of lower rails 337 extending in the front-to-back direction on both sides and a pair of upper rails 338 supported by the corresponding lower rails 337 so as to be slidable in the front-to-back direction. Each lower rail 337 is connected to the floor 305 via front and rear legs 339. A sliding locking device (not shown in the figure) is provided between each lower rail 337 and the corresponding upper rail 338. The left and right sliding locking devices are connected to each other by a sliding operating rod 341 extending laterally. The user can allow the upper rail 338 to slide relative to the lower rail 337 by operating the sliding operating rod 341.

[0238] like Figures 15 to 20 As shown, the rotating device 302 is disposed between the floor 305 and the seat cushion 311, and rotatably supports the seat cushion 311 relative to the floor 305. The rotating device 302 includes a base portion 351, a rotatable portion 352, an electric actuator 353, and a rotation locking device 354.

[0239] The base portion 351 is disposed on the floor 305. In this embodiment, the base portion 351 is disposed on the floor 305 via the slide device 304. The base portion 351 has a base plate 356 that faces vertically and extends laterally. In this embodiment, the base plate 356 includes a disk-shaped center plate 357 disposed in a laterally central portion thereof and a pair of side plates 358 connected to both sides of the center plate 357. The base plate 356 is preferably formed of a metal sheet. In another other embodiment, the center plate 357 and the left and right side plates 358 are formed of a continuous metal sheet piece.

[0240] Each side plate 358 has a front-to-rear dimension that increases toward the left and right ends thereof. The left and right side plates 358 protrude further forward than the front end of the center plate 357. The left and right side plates 358 protrude rearward from the rear end of the center plate 357. The lateral inner edge of each side plate 358 is formed into an arcuate shape corresponding to the outer contour of the center plate 357. The side plates 358 and the center plate 357 are preferably fastened together with bolts and nuts.

[0241] The left end of the base plate 356 passes over the left slide 304 and extends to the left beyond the left slide 304. The left end of the base plate 356 is connected to the left upper rail 338. The right end of the base plate 356 passes over the right slide 304 and extends to the right beyond the right slide 304. The right end of the base plate 356 is connected to the right upper rail 338. The base plate 356 is supported by the slide 304 so as to be movable in the front-rear direction relative to the floor 305. The edges of the left and right side plates 358 are provided with edge walls extending downward. The edge walls improve the rigidity of the left and right side plates 358.

[0242] like Fig. 20 and 21 As shown, the center plate 357 is provided with a first raised portion 361 raised downward from the center thereof. The first raised portion 361 is formed in a cylindrical shape with a bottom. The first raised portion 361 extends downward beyond the left and right side plates 358. The first raised portion 361 is arranged to overlap with the left and right sliding devices 304 when viewed from the side. A circular first bearing hole 362 is formed in the center of the first raised portion 361 and penetrates in the thickness direction thereof. The first bearing hole 362 is centered on the axis A1 extending vertically. An annular edge wall 363 protruding upward or downward may be formed at the edge of the first bearing hole 362.

[0243] like Fig.19 , 20 As shown in Figures 22 and 33, the base portion 351 is provided with an annular fixing member 366 extending upward from the base plate 356. The fixing member 366 is provided on the outer periphery of the center plate 357. The fixing member 366 includes a cylindrical peripheral wall 367 extending upward along the outer peripheral edge of the center plate 357, an inner flange 368 extending radially inward from the upper end of the peripheral wall 367, and a plurality of connectors 369 provided on the lower end of the peripheral wall 367. The inner flange 368 is formed in an annular shape and has a vertically facing surface. Each connector 369 is bent during assembly and extends to the lower surface side of the center plate 357. The outer peripheral edge of the center plate 357 is arranged between the inner flange 368 and the connector 369 in the vertical direction. Some of the connectors 369 are interposed between the center plate 357 and one of the side plates 358 in the vertical direction. The fixing member 366 is preferably welded to at least one of the center plate 357 and the side plates 358.

[0244] like Figures 18 to 20 As shown, the rotatable portion 352 is provided on the seat cushion 311 and is rotatably supported by the base portion 351. The rotatable portion 352 is provided with a rotatable plate 371 rotatably supported on the upper surface of the base plate 356. The rotatable portion 352 also includes a fixing bracket 372 connecting the rotatable plate 371 to the seat cushion frame 314. The rotatable plate 371 and the fixing bracket 372 are formed of metal sheets.

[0245] like Figures 18 to 21 As shown, the rotatable plate 371 is formed in a disk shape with a vertically facing surface. A second raised portion 374 raised downward is formed at the center of the rotatable plate 371. The second raised portion 374 is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape. A circular second bearing hole 375 is defined at the center of the second raised portion 374 and penetrates in its thickness direction. The second bearing hole 375 is centered on the axis A1. An annular edge wall 376 protruding upward or downward may be formed at the edge of the second bearing hole 375.

[0246] like Fig. 22 As shown, the rotatable plate 371 is supported on the upper surface of the center plate 357 via a bearing 378. The bearing 378 is formed in an annular shape centered on the axis A1. The bearing 378 is arranged between the upper surface of the periphery of the center plate 357 and the lower surface of the periphery of the rotatable plate 371. The bearing 378 is preferably a thrust bearing. In this embodiment, the bearing 378 is a ball bearing. The ball bearing includes a plurality of balls and an annular retainer that rotatably holds each ball. A first bearing groove 381 for accommodating the lower portion of the bearing 378 is formed on the upper surface of the periphery of the center plate 357. A second bearing groove 382 for accommodating the upper portion of the bearing 378 is formed on the lower surface of the outer circumference of the rotatable plate 371.

[0247] like Fig. 20 As shown, the diameter of the second protrusion 374 is smaller than the diameter of the first protrusion 361. Therefore, when viewed from above, the second protrusion 374 is located inside the first protrusion 361. A space 384 is defined between the rotatable plate 371 and the center plate 357.

[0248] like Fig. 22 As shown, the slidable member 385 is provided between the upper surface of the outer peripheral portion of the rotatable plate 371 and the fixing member 366. The outer peripheral portion of the rotatable plate 371 is in sliding contact with the inner flange 368 via the slidable member 385. The fixing member 366 can press the rotatable plate 371 toward the base plate 356 via the slidable member 385.

[0249] like Fig.21As shown, a vertically extending support pipe 387 is inserted into the first bearing hole 362 and the second bearing hole 375. The support pipe 387 has a cylindrical shape with both upper and lower ends open. The support pipe 387 is made of metal. A plurality of annular ribs 388 and 389 that bulge outward are formed on the outer circumference of the support pipe 387. In this embodiment, a first annular rib 388 and a second annular rib 389 are provided on the outer circumference of the support pipe 387. The second annular rib 389 is spaced apart from the first annular rib 388 downward.

[0250] The movement of the rotatable plate 371 in the vertical direction is limited by the annular ribs 388 and 389. The edge of the second bearing hole 375 of the rotatable plate 371 is held between the first annular rib 388 and the second annular rib 389. A cylindrical bushing 391 is attached to the edge of the first bearing hole 362 of the base plate 356. The bushing 391 is supported by a portion of the support tube 387 located below the second annular rib 389. A retaining ring 392 is provided below the bushing 391. The lower end of the support tube 387 is curled outward to form an expanded diameter portion 393. The bushing 391 and the retaining ring 392 are held between the second annular rib 389 and the expanded diameter portion 393. The support tube 387 is rotatably supported in the first bearing hole 362 of the base plate 356 via the bushing 391. The rotatable plate 371 can be connected to the support tube 387 by welding or the like. In addition, the rotatable plate 371 can be rotatably supported by the support tube 387. The support tube 387 positions the base plate 356 and the rotatable plate 371 on the axis A1.

[0251] like Fig. 20 As shown, a plurality of upwardly raised protrusions 395 are formed in a portion of the rotatable plate 371 between the second raised portion 374 and the second bearing recess 382. Each raised protrusion 395 is provided with an upwardly extending bolt 396. Each bolt 396 may be formed of a stud bolt.

[0252] like Fig.18 and 19 As shown, the fixed bracket 372 is formed in a plate shape with a vertically facing surface. When viewed from above, the fixed bracket 372 is preferably formed in a rectangular shape. A fourth recess 401 that is recessed downward is formed in the center of the fixed bracket 372. An opening 402 that penetrates vertically is formed in the center of the fourth recess 401. By screwing the nut 404 to the bolt 396, the rotatable plate 371 and the fixed bracket 372 are fastened to each other. When viewed from above, the fixed bracket 372 is larger than the rotatable plate 371. The fixed bracket 372 is opposite to the left and right side plates 358 in the vertical direction.

[0253] The fixing brackets 372 are connected to the left and right seat cushion side members 318 using fasteners such as bolts and nuts. A load cell 406 may be interposed between one of the respective seat cushion side members 318 and the fixing bracket 372.

[0254] The electric actuator 353 rotates the rotatable portion 352 relative to the base portion 351. Fig. 20 and 21 As shown, the electric actuator 353 includes an electric motor 411 and a reduction mechanism 412. The electric actuator 353 does not have a worm reduction mechanism. In this embodiment, the reduction mechanism 412 includes a first gear 415 assembled to the output shaft 413 of the electric motor 411 and a second gear 416 connected to the rotatable plate 371. The first gear 415 and the second gear 416 are spur gears. The second gear 416 is centered on the axis A1. The second gear 416 is connected to the lower surface of the second protrusion 374 of the rotatable plate 371 and is arranged in the space 384. The number of teeth of the second gear 416 is greater than the number of teeth of the first gear 415.

[0255] The electric motor 411 is provided with a motor case 418 connected to the lower surface of the center plate 357. The output shaft 413 of the electric motor 411 extends upward from the motor case 418. The output shaft 413 passes through a through hole 419 formed in the center plate 357 and extends into the space 384. The first gear 415 assembled to the output shaft 413 is placed in the space 384 and meshes with the second gear 416.

[0256] The rotation locking device 354 selectively prohibits the rotatable portion 352 from rotating relative to the base portion 351. Fig.25 As shown, the rotation locking device 354 is provided with a locking claw 421 movably supported on one of the base portion 351 and the rotatable portion 352. The locking claw 421 is movable between a locking position and a release position, in which the locking claw 421 engages the other of the base portion 351 and the rotatable portion 352, and in which the locking claw 421 releases the other of the base portion 351 and the rotatable portion 352.

[0257] The rotation locking device 354 is provided with a holder 422 that rotatably supports the locking claw 421. In this embodiment, the holder 422 is provided on the upper surface of the rotatable plate 371.

[0258] The rotatable plate 371 is provided with a plurality of first locking holes (not shown in the figure), and the locking claw 421 can pass through the plurality of first locking holes. The central plate 357 of the base portion 351 is provided with a plurality of second locking holes 436, and the locking claw 421 can be assembled into the plurality of second locking holes. The locking claw 421 passes through one of the respective first locking holes and is assembled into the corresponding second locking hole 436, resulting in the rotatable plate 371 being prevented from rotating relative to the central plate 357. In other words, the rotation of the rotatable portion 352 relative to the base portion 351 is limited. The respective second locking holes 436 are arranged at rotationally symmetrical positions around the axis A1.

[0259] The locking claw 421 rotates between a locking position, in which the locking claw 421 enters the first locking hole and the second locking hole 436, and a release position, in which the locking claw 421 is released from the first locking hole and the second locking hole 436. In other words, the locking claw 421 can be displaced between a locking position in which it engages the base portion 351 and a release position in which it releases the base portion 351. A biasing member is provided between the locking claw 421 and the retainer 422 to push the locking claw 421 toward the locking position. In this embodiment, the biasing member is a tension coil spring.

[0260] The rotation locking device 354 includes a lock release actuator 451 that moves the locking claw 421 from the locking position to the releasing position. The lock release actuator 451 includes an electric motor 452 and an arm 453 provided on an output shaft of the electric motor 452. The arm 453 engages with the locking claw 421.

[0261] like Fig.19 As shown, a plurality of base-side peeling suppression units 461 are provided on the upper surfaces of the left and right side plates 358. A plurality of rotatable side peeling suppression units 463 are provided on the lower surface of the fixed bracket 372. The rotational position of the rotatable portion 352 when the seat cushion 311 faces the front of the vehicle is defined as a reference rotational position. When the rotatable portion 352 is in the reference rotational position, each base-side peeling suppression unit 461 is opposite to the corresponding rotatable side peeling suppression unit 463, and a gap in the vertical direction is defined between them. As a result, when a load is applied to the seat body 303, the base-side peeling suppression unit 461 and the rotatable side peeling suppression unit 463 engage with each other, so that the peeling or lifting of the rotatable portion 352 from the base portion 351 is suppressed.

[0262] A plurality of base side sliding contact portions 466 are provided on the upper surfaces of the left and right side plates 358. A plurality of rotatable side sliding contact portions (not shown) are provided on the lower surface of the fixed bracket 372. When the rotatable portion 352 is in the reference rotation position, each base side sliding contact portion 466 is in sliding contact with the corresponding rotatable side sliding contact portion via a slidable member (not shown). This suppresses the rattling sound of the rotatable portion 352 relative to the base portion 351.

[0263] The vehicle seat is equipped with an electric device. The electric device includes, for example, a blower, a seat heater, an electric reclining device, an electric armrest device, a seat lifting device, a display device, an electric massage device, a compressor, an electronic control device, various sensors, etc. The above-mentioned electric motor 411, the electric motor 452 of the lock release actuator 451, and the weighing sensor 406 are also included in the electric device. In this embodiment, the blower 501 and the control device 502 are provided as electric devices on at least one of the seat body 303 and the rotatable part 352.

[0264] The blower 501 is provided with an electric motor serving as a driving source of the blower. The blower 501 is provided with an air inlet 501A and an air outlet 501B for sucking air from the outside. The air outlet 501B is preferably connected to an air passage formed in the seat cushion 311 and the seat back 312 via a duct 505. The air passage is preferably formed in the pad and extends toward the seating surface of the seat cushion 311 and the seat back 312.

[0265] The blower 501 is preferably arranged on the upper surface of the fixed bracket 372. The fixed bracket 372 is vertically arranged between the rotatable plate 371 and the seat body 303. Therefore, the blower 501 as an electric device can be accommodated by using the space defined between the fixed bracket 372 and the seat body 303. The blower 501 is preferably fastened to the fixed bracket 372 by using a fastening member such as a screw. The blower 501 is preferably arranged at the front of the fixed bracket 372. The air inlet 501A is arranged on the lower surface of the blower 501 and opens downward. The fixed bracket 372 has an opening 504 that penetrates vertically in its portion opposite to the air inlet 501A. The opening 504 extends forward and reaches the front edge of the fixed bracket 372. Thus, the blower 501 can inhale air from the air inlet 501A via the opening 504 arranged in the fixed bracket 372.

[0266] A wire harness 508 extends from the blower 501. A connector 509 is provided at an end of the wire harness 508.

[0267] The control device 502 is an electronic control device and forms an arithmetic processing unit including a microprocessor (MPU), a nonvolatile memory, a volatile memory, and an interface. The control device 502 realizes various applications by causing the microprocessor to execute a program stored in the nonvolatile memory. The control device 502 is connected to the electric motor 411 of the electric actuator 353, the electric motor 452 of the lock release actuator 451, the blower 501, the weighing sensor 406, etc.

[0268] The wire harness 511 extends from the control device 502. A connector 512 is provided at an end of the wire harness 511.

[0269] Wire harnesses 508 and 511 pass through the interior of support tube 387 and extend from above rotatable plate 371 to below center plate 357. Wire harnesses 508 and 511 can be tied together. In other embodiments, wire harness 508 can extend from blower 501 to control device 502, and connector 509 can be connected to control device 502.

[0270] The base portion 351 includes a retainer 521 extending laterally and connected to the left and right side plates 358. The retainer 521 is preferably made of, for example, resin or metal. Since the retainer 521 is connected to the left and right side plates 358, the retainer 521 can be attached to the base portion 351 with good stability. In addition, the left and right side plates 358 can be reinforced by the retainer 521. The retainer 521 is preferably connected to the lower surface of the left and right side plates 358. Thus, the retainer 521 can be placed by using the space defined below the left and right side plates 358 and the center plate 357. The retainer 521 is preferably connected to the front end of the left and right side plates 358. Thus, the retainer 521 can be accommodated by using the space defined in front of the center plate 357. The retainer 521 is preferably fastened to the left and right side plates 358 by using a fastening member such as a bolt.

[0271] The front-to-rear dimension of the middle portion 521A of the retainer 521 is smaller than the front-to-rear dimension of the left and right end portions 521B of the retainer 521. The rear edge of the middle portion 521A is located further forward than the rear edges of the left and right end portions 521B. The rear edge of the middle portion 521A is located in front of the front edge of the center plate 357.

[0272] The vertical dimension of the left and right end portions 521B is larger than the vertical dimension of the middle portion 521A. A plurality of connector support portions 523 are formed at the left and right end portions 521B of the retainer 521. The connector support portions 523 are preferably formed by holes for receiving the connectors 509 and 512. The connector support portions 523 preferably penetrate the left and right end portions 521B in the front-to-back direction. Each connector 509, 512 is supported by the corresponding connector support portion 523, and the connection portion faces forward. Therefore, each connector 509 and 512 is supported by the base portion 351 via the retainer 521.

[0273] The wire harness 525 extends from the electric motor 411. A connector 526 is provided at an end of the wire harness 525. The connector 526 is supported by the corresponding connector support portion 523, and the connection portion faces forward.

[0274] The connector 529 of each vehicle-side wiring harness 528 is connected to the corresponding connectors 509 , 512 , and 526 .

[0275] In this vehicle seat 301, the connectors 509 and 512 are arranged on the base portion 351 which does not rotate relative to the floor 305, so that the connectors 509 and 512 do not rotate even when the seat body 303 rotates. Thus, in this vehicle seat 301 provided with the rotating device 302, the tension and relaxation of the wire harnesses 508 and 511 can be avoided.

[0276] Since the wire harnesses 508 and 511 pass through the interior of the support tube 387 and extend from above the rotatable plate 371 to below the center plate 357, the wire harnesses 508 and 511 are allowed to pass through a portion adjacent to the rotation axis of the rotating device 302. Thus, displacement of the wire harnesses 508, 511 can be minimized when the rotating device 302 rotates. In addition, the wire harnesses 508 and 511 can be protected by the support tube 387.

[0277] The specific embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and can be widely modified in various ways in implementation. For example, the retainer 521 may be connected to the rear end portion of the lower surface of the left and right side plates 358. In addition, the retainer 521 may be connected to only one of the left and right side plates 358. In addition, a plurality of retainers 521 may be provided and connected to the left and right side plates 358 and the center plate 357, respectively.

[0278] In other embodiments, the retainer 521 may be disposed only on the center plate 357, such as Figure 23 to Figure 25 The retainer 521 is preferably connected to the lower surface of the center plate 357. The retainer 521 is preferably disposed on the lower surface of the center plate 357, opposite to the electric motor 411 or away from the electric motor 411.

[0279] Each connector may be directly supported by any one of the left and right side plates 358 and the center plate 357 without using the holder 521. For example, each connector may be fastened to the lower surface of any one of the left and right side plates 358 and the center plate 357 by using a fastening member such as a resin fastener. In addition, each connector and the corresponding holder 521 may be integrally formed so that each holder 521 may also serve as the corresponding connector.

[0280] A vehicle seat according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The vehicle seat can be applied to, for example, a car or a single-compartment vehicle. The vehicle to which the vehicle seat of this embodiment is applied is preferably an autonomous driving vehicle.

[0281] like Fig.26 As shown, the vehicle seat device 601 includes a rotating device 602. The vehicle seat device 601 also includes a seat body 603 and a sliding device 604. The rotating device 602 is arranged on a floor 605 via the sliding device 604. The seat body 603 includes a seat cushion 611 and a seat back 612. The seat cushion 611 supports the user's buttocks from below. The seat back 612 extends upward from the rear of the seat cushion 611. The seat back 612 supports the user's back from the rear.

[0282] The seat cushion 611 is provided with an extending / retracting device 613 that extends and retracts in a horizontal direction.

[0283] The seat cushion 611 includes a seat cushion frame 614 forming a skeleton structure, a cushion supported by the seat cushion frame 614, and a skin material covering the surface of the cushion. The seat cushion frame 614 includes a pair of seat cushion side members 618 extending in the front-to-rear direction on both sides, a front member 619 extending laterally between the front ends of the left and right seat cushion side members 618, and a rear member 621 extending laterally between the left and right seat cushion side members 618. A flexible support member 622 that supports the user's buttocks spans between the front member 619 and the rear member 621. The support member 622 preferably includes a plurality of metal wires and a flexible resin plate attached to the metal wires. Fig.26 As shown, a side cover 623 is provided on each side of the seat cushion 611. The side cover 623 is supported by the seat cushion side member 618 and hides the end portion and the skin material of the cushion. The side cover 623 is preferably formed of a resin material.

[0284] The extending / retracting device 613 is provided on the front member 619. The extending / retracting device 613 extends and retracts the front end of the seat cushion 611 in the front-rear direction. The configuration of the extending / retracting device 613 will be described later.

[0285] like Fig.26 As shown, the seat back 612 includes a seat back frame 625 forming a skeleton structure, a cushion supported by the seat back frame 625, and a skin material covering the surface of the cushion. The seat back frame 625 includes a pair of seat back side members 629 extending vertically on both sides, an upper member 631 extending transversely between the upper ends of the left and right seat back side members 629, a lower member 632 extending transversely between the lower ends of the left and right seat back side members 629, and an intermediate member 633 extending transversely between the left and right seat back side members 629 at a point vertically middle between the upper member 631 and the lower member 632. The left and right seat back side members 629, the upper member 631, the lower member 632, and the intermediate member 633 are formed by stamping a metal sheet. A flexible support member 634 supporting the back of a user spans between the left and right seat back side members 629, the intermediate member 633, and the lower member 632. The support member 634 is preferably formed of a plurality of metal wires. The lower ends of the left and right seat back side members 629 are connected to the rear ends of the corresponding seat cushion side members 618 via the reclining device 635 .

[0286] like Fig.26 and 30As shown, the sliding device 604 includes a pair of lower rails 637 extending in the front-to-back direction on both sides and a pair of upper rails 638 supported by the corresponding lower rails 637 so as to be slidable in the front-to-back direction. Each lower rail 637 is connected to the floor 605 via front and rear legs 639. A sliding locking device (not shown in the figure) is provided between each lower rail 637 and the corresponding upper rail 638. The left and right sliding locking devices are connected to each other by a sliding operating rod 641 extending laterally. The user can allow the upper rail 638 to slide relative to the lower rail 637 by operating the sliding operating rod 641.

[0287] like Figures 26 to 30 As shown, the rotating device 602 is disposed between the floor 605 and the seat cushion 611, and rotatably supports the seat cushion 611 relative to the floor 605. The rotating device 602 includes a base portion 651, a rotatable portion 652, a rotation actuator 653, and a rotation locking device 654.

[0288] The base portion 651 is disposed on one side of the floor 605. In this embodiment, the base portion 651 is disposed on the floor 605 via a slide device 604. The base portion 651 is provided with a circular base plate 656 having a vertically facing surface. The base plate 656 is supported by the left and right upper rails 638 via a pair of front and rear transverse members 657. Each transverse member 657 extends laterally between the left and right upper rails 638 at the corresponding end. The left and right ends of the front transverse member 657 are connected to the front end of the corresponding upper rail 638. The left and right ends of the rear and front transverse members 657 are connected to the rear end of the corresponding upper rail 638.

[0289] like Fig. 27 and 28 As shown, the front and rear transverse members 657 are spaced apart from each other in the front-to-back direction. The base plate 656 and the front and rear transverse members 657 are preferably formed by metal sheets. Each transverse member 657 preferably has a channel cross section, which has an open side facing downward. The front-to-back dimensions of the left and right end portions 657A of each transverse member 657 are greater than the front-to-back dimensions of its central portion 657B. The left and right end portions 657A of each transverse member 657 have an upper surface facing the vertical direction. A plurality of reinforcing structures 659 are formed in the central portion 657B. The reinforcing structure 659 can be composed of beads. The reinforcing structure 659 preferably extends in the lateral direction. In addition, the reinforcing structure 659 can extend obliquely from the center of the central portion 657B, particularly extending laterally outward and backward.

[0290] like Fig.28 and 30As shown, the front and rear transverse members 657 are preferably fastened to the base plate 656 with bolts and nuts. Therefore, the front and rear transverse members 657 are connected to each other through the base plate 656. The front part of the base plate 656 is connected to the front transverse member 657 at the first connection point 658A, the second connection point 658B and the third connection point 658C. The first connection point 658A is centrally arranged at the front end of the base plate 656 with respect to the lateral direction. The second connection point 658B is arranged at the left rear side of the first connection point 658A. The third connection point 658C is arranged at the rear right side of the first connection point 658A.

[0291] The rear portion of the base plate 656 is connected to the front transverse member 657 at the fourth connection point 658D, the fifth connection point 658E and the sixth connection point 658F. The fourth connection point 658D is centrally disposed at the rear end of the base plate 656 with respect to the transverse direction. The fifth connection point 658E is located to the left front of the fourth connection point 658D. The sixth connection point 658F is located to the right front of the fourth connection point 658D.

[0292] like Figure 30 to Figure 33 As shown, a first raised portion 661 raised downward is formed in the center of the base plate 656. The first raised portion 661 is formed in a cylindrical shape with a bottom. A circular first bearing hole 662 passes through the center of the first raised portion 661. The first bearing hole 662 is centered on the vertically extending axis A2 (first axis). An annular edge wall 663 protruding upward or downward is formed along the edge of the first bearing hole 662.

[0293] like Figures 27 to 33 As shown, an annular fixing member 666 is connected to the peripheral edge of the base plate 656. The fixing member 666 includes a tube wall 667 extending upward along the peripheral edge of the base plate 656, an inner flange 668 extending radially inward from the upper end of the tube wall 667, and a plurality of connectors 669 arranged at the lower end of the tube wall 667. The inner flange 668 is formed in an annular shape and has a vertically facing surface. The connector 669 is bent when assembled and extends along the lower surface side of the base plate 656. The peripheral edge of the base plate 656 is arranged between the inner flange 668 and each connector 669 in the vertical direction. Each connector 669 arranged at the front and rear of the base plate 656 is preferably maintained between the base plate 656 and the corresponding horizontal member 657 in the vertical direction. Each connector 669 is welded to the base plate 656. In addition, the fixing member 666 can be formed by combining a plurality of separate components. A plurality of reinforcing structures may be provided at the boundary between the tube wall 667 and the inner flange 668. The reinforcing structures may be, for example, recesses, ribs, and the like.

[0294] like Fig. 27 and Figure 30 to Figure 33As shown, the rotatable portion 652 is disposed on the seat cushion 611 and is rotatably supported by the base portion 651. The rotatable portion 652 has a rotatable plate 671 rotatably supported on the upper surface of the base plate 656. The rotatable portion 652 also includes a fixing bracket 672 connecting the rotatable plate 671 to the seat cushion frame 614. The rotatable plate 671 and the fixing bracket 672 are formed of metal sheets.

[0295] The rotatable plate 671 is formed as a disk having a vertically facing surface. A circular second bearing hole 675 vertically passes through the center of the rotatable plate 671. The second bearing hole 675 is centered on the axis A2. An annular edge wall 676 protruding upward or downward may be formed along the edge of the second bearing hole 675.

[0296] like Fig.30 and 31 As shown, the rotatable plate 671 is supported on the upper surface of the base plate 656 via a bearing 678. The bearing 678 is formed in an annular shape centered on the axis A2. The bearing 678 is arranged between the upper surface of the periphery of the base plate 656 and the lower surface of the periphery of the rotatable plate 671. The bearing 678 is preferably a thrust bearing. In this embodiment, the bearing 678 is a ball bearing. The ball bearing includes a plurality of balls and an annular retainer that rotatably holds each ball. A first bearing groove 681 for accommodating the lower portion of the bearing 678 is formed on the upper surface of the periphery of the base plate 656. A second bearing groove 682 for accommodating the upper portion of the bearing 678 is formed on the lower surface of the periphery of the rotatable plate 671. A space 684 is formed between the center portion of the rotatable plate 671 and the first raised portion 661 of the base plate 656.

[0297] like Fig.33 As shown, the fixing member 666 extends above the outer periphery of the rotatable plate 671. More specifically, the inner flange 668 of the fixing member 666 extends upward from the outer periphery of the rotatable plate 671. The slidable member 685 is assembled on the inner flange 668. The slidable member 685 includes: a vertical wall portion 685A, which abuts the inner peripheral edge of the inner flange 668 and extends in the vertical direction; a lower wall portion 685B, which extends from the lower end of the vertical wall portion 685A along the lower surface of the inner flange 668 in the radially outward direction relative to the axis A2; and an upper wall portion 685C, which extends from the upper end of the vertical wall portion 685A along the upper surface of the inner flange 668 radially outward relative to the axis A2. The outer periphery of the rotatable plate 671 is in sliding contact with the inner flange 668 via the lower wall portion 685B of the slidable member 685. The lower wall portion 685B has a larger radial dimension relative to the axis A2 than the upper wall portion 685C. Thereby, the sliding contact area between the rotatable plate 671 and the lower wall portion 685B of the slidable member 685 can be increased, and the slidable member 685 can support the edge of the rotatable plate 671 with good stability.

[0298] The fixing member 666 can press the rotatable plate 671 toward the base plate 656 via the slidable member 685. The slidable member 685 is in sliding contact with a portion of the rotatable plate 671 that is closer to the periphery than the second bearing groove 682. The slidable member 685 is preferably in sliding contact with the peripheral edge of the rotatable plate 671. The slidable member 685 is made of a resin material having a smaller friction coefficient than metal. The slidable member 685 may be divided into a plurality of parts.

[0299] like Fig.30 and 31 As shown, the vertically extending support tube 687 is inserted into the first bearing hole 662 and the second bearing hole 675. The support tube 687 has a cylindrical shape and is open at both its upper and lower ends. The support tube 687 is made of metal. An annular rib 688 that bulges outward is formed on the outer periphery of the support tube 687. A cylindrical bushing 691 is attached to the edge of the second bearing hole 675 of the rotatable plate 671. The bushing 691 is supported by a portion of the support tube 687 located just above the annular rib 688. A retaining ring 692 is assembled on a portion of the support tube 687 located just above the bushing 691. The upper end of the support tube 687 is curled to form an expanded diameter portion 693. The bushing 691 and the retaining ring 692 are retained between the annular rib 688 and the expanded diameter portion 693. Thus, the position of the rotatable plate 671 relative to the support tube 687 in the vertical direction is determined. The support pipe 687 is rotatably supported in the second bearing hole 675 of the rotatable plate 671 via the bushing 691 .

[0300] The first bearing hole 662 of the base plate 656 is located below the annular rib 688. The portion of the support tube 687 directly below the annular rib 688 may be rotatably supported by the first bearing hole 662 or may be welded to the first bearing hole 662. The support tube 687 positions the base plate 656 and the rotatable plate 671 on the axis A2.

[0301] like Fig.33 As shown, an annular protrusion 695 that bulges upward is formed in a portion of the rotatable plate 671 located radially inside the second bearing recess 682. The annular protrusion 695 is formed in an annular shape centered on the axis A2. The annular protrusion 695 is provided with a plurality of bolts 696 extending upward. The bolts 696 may be formed of stud bolts.

[0302] like Fig.30 and 33As shown, the fixed bracket 672 is formed in a plate shape with a vertically facing surface. When viewed from above, the fixed bracket 672 is preferably formed in a rectangular shape. A downward recess 701 is formed in the center of the fixed bracket 672. An opening 702 passes vertically through the center of the recess 701. A plurality of fastening holes 703 pass through the bottom of the recess 701 and receive bolts 696 passing therethrough. By screwing nuts 704 onto the bolts 696, the rotatable plate 671 and the fixed bracket 672 are fastened to each other. When viewed from above, the fixed bracket 672 is larger than the rotatable plate 671. The fixed bracket 672 is vertically opposite to the front and rear transverse members 657.

[0303] The fixing bracket 672 is connected to the left and right seat cushion side members 618 by using fasteners such as bolts and nuts. A load cell may be interposed between one of the respective seat cushion side members 618 and the fixing bracket 672.

[0304] The rotary actuator 653 rotates the rotatable plate 671 relative to the base plate 656. Fig.28 and 31 As shown, the rotary actuator 653 is attached to the lower surface of the base plate 656. The rotary actuator 653 is arranged in front of the axis A2. The rotary actuator 653 includes an electric motor 711 and a reduction mechanism 712. The rotary actuator 653 does not have a worm reduction mechanism. In this embodiment, the reduction mechanism 712 includes a pinion 715 assembled to the output shaft 713 of the electric motor 711 and a gear 716 fixed to the rotatable plate 671. The pinion 715 and the gear 716 are spur gears. The gear 716 is centered on the axis A2. The gear 716 is connected to the lower surface of the rotatable plate 671 via a spacer 717 and is arranged in the space 684. The gear 716 has more teeth than the pinion 715.

[0305] The rotary actuator 653 is attached to the lower surface of the base plate 656. The rotary actuator 653 may be attached to the lower surface of the base plate 656 via a bracket. An output shaft 713 of the rotary actuator 653 extends upward from the speed reduction mechanism 712. The output shaft 713 passes through a through hole 719 formed in the base plate 656 and extends into the space 684. A pinion 715 assembled to the output shaft 713 is disposed in the space 684 and meshes with a gear 716. The electric motor 711 and the speed reduction mechanism 712 are disposed below the base plate 656.

[0306] The rotation lock 654 selectively prevents the rotatable plate 671 from rotating relative to the base plate 656. Fig.28 and 32-35, the rotation locking device 654 is attached to the lower surface of the base plate 656. The rotation locking device 654 includes a retainer 722 protruding downward from the lower surface of the base plate 656, and a locking claw 721 rotatably supported by the retainer 722, penetrating the base plate 656 and engaging with the rotatable plate 671. The locking claw 721 is movable between a locking position and a release position, where the locking claw 721 engages the rotatable plate 671, and where the locking claw 721 releases the rotatable plate 671. The locking claw 721 and the retainer 722 are formed of metal sheets.

[0307] The retainer 722 has a peripheral wall portion 723 extending in a circumferential direction centered on the axis A2 which is the rotation axis of the rotatable plate 671 and a pair of end wall portions 724 extending radially inwardly from the respective ends of the peripheral wall portion 723 relative to the axis A2. The retainer 722 also includes a bottom plate 725, which extends along the lower surface of the base plate 656 and is attached to the lower surface of the base plate 656. The bottom plate 725 extends along the lower surface of the first protrusion 661. The peripheral wall portion 723 and the end wall portion 724 protrude downward from the bottom plate 725. The end wall portion 724 is connected to the bottom plate 725. The peripheral wall portion 723 may be connected to the bottom plate 725. The peripheral wall portion 723 and the end wall portion 724 are formed by bending a metal sheet. The peripheral wall portion 723 and the end wall portion 724 may also be formed by combining a plurality of metal sheets.

[0308] A pair of openings 726 vertically penetrate the bottom plate 725 and the first raised portion 661. The respective openings 726 are formed at positions corresponding to the respective end wall portions 724. Each end wall portion 724 has an extension portion 724A extending through the corresponding opening 726 to a point above the base plate 656. The upper end of each extension portion 724A is disposed in the space 684. The upper end of each extension portion 724A extends upward beyond the gear 716.

[0309] The locking claw 721 includes a pair of arms 721A rotatably supported by corresponding end wall portions 724, a beam portion 721B connecting the ends of each arm 721A to each other, and a claw portion 721C protruding from the beam portion 721B. Each arm 721A is rotatably supported around the axis B2 (second axis) by a corresponding extension portion 724A. The axis B2 constitutes the rotation axis of the locking claw 721. The axis B2 is located above the base plate 656 and can be located above the gear 716. Each arm 721A passes through the corresponding opening 726 and extends from the space 684 below the base plate 656. Each arm 721A extends along the corresponding end wall portion 724 and is in sliding contact with the corresponding end wall portion 724. The beam portion 721B is placed below the base plate 656 and extends in the horizontal direction. In addition, the beam portion 721B extends in a circumferential direction centered on the axis A2. The claw portion 721C is provided at the center of the beam portion 721B with respect to its longitudinal direction. Each arm portion 721A has an arm base end portion 721E supported by the corresponding extension portion 724A, and an arm terminal portion 721F bent and extending from the arm base end portion 721E. The beam portion 721B is connected to the arm terminal portion 721F.

[0310] The axis B2 extends in the horizontal direction. The axis B2 is arranged at the same height as the bearing 678 in the vertical direction. More specifically, the axis B2 is located below the upper end of the bearing 678 and above the lower end of the bearing 678. The axis B2 is arranged in the annular bearing 678. Since the axis B2 is arranged at the same height as the bearing 678, the vertical size of the rotating device 602 can be minimized. The axis B2 is arranged radially outward from the gear 716 relative to the axis A2. Thus, when the locking claw 721 rotates, interference between the locking claw 721 and the gear 716 can be avoided.

[0311] The base plate 656 and the bottom plate 725 are formed with an insertion hole 731 passing through in a vertical direction. The insertion hole 731 extends in a circumferential direction centered on the axis A2. A plurality of locking holes 732 are formed in the rotatable plate 671 and can selectively engage with the locking claw 721. Each locking hole 732 extends in a circumferential direction centered on the axis A2. The respective locking holes 732 are arranged at positions rotationally symmetrical about the axis A2. When the rotatable plate 671 is in one of a plurality of predetermined rotation positions relative to the base plate 656, the insertion hole 731 is aligned with the corresponding locking hole 732. The locking claw 721 passes through the insertion hole 731 and enters the locking hole 732 in the locked position, and is released from the insertion hole 731 and the locking hole 732 in the released position.

[0312] like Fig.28As shown, the rotation locking device 654 is arranged on the left side of the axis A2. The rotation actuator 653 is arranged to the right side of the axis A2. The rotation actuator 653 and the rotation locking device 654 are arranged at a point-symmetrical position around the axis A2. In the top view, the rotation locking device 654 and the rotation actuator 653 are arranged between the front and rear transverse members 657.

[0313] When the rotatable plate 671 is in the initial position, the seat body 603 faces forward. Fig. 27 As shown, the locking hole 732 includes first to fourth locking holes 732A to 732D. When the rotatable plate 671 is in the initial position, the first locking hole 732A is located on the left side of the axis A2, the second locking hole 732B is located in front of the axis A2, the third locking hole 732C is located on the left side of the axis A2, and the fourth locking hole 732D is located at the rear of the axis A2. The respective locking holes 732 are arranged at 90 degree intervals around the axis A2. When the rotatable plate 671 is in the initial position, the first locking hole 732A is aligned with the insertion hole 731 in the vertical direction.

[0314] like Fig.32 As shown, the claw portion 721C of the locking claw 721 passes through the insertion hole 731 and is fitted into one of the respective locking holes 732 , thereby restricting the rotation of the rotatable plate 671 relative to the base plate 656 .

[0315] The locking claw 721 is rotatable between a locking position and a release position, where the claw portion 721C enters one of the locking holes 732 and the insertion hole 731, and the claw portion 721C is released downward from the insertion hole 731 and the locking hole 732. In other words, the locking claw 721 is movable between a locking position and a release position, where the locking claw 721 is engaged with the rotatable plate 671, and the locking claw 721 is released from the rotatable plate 671. A biasing member 734 is provided between the locking claw 721 and the retainer 722 to push the locking claw 721 toward the locking position. In this embodiment, the biasing member 734 is composed of a tension coil spring. Preferably, the biasing member 734 is connected between the arm portion 721A and the peripheral wall portion 723. The end of the biasing member 734 on one side of the axis A2 preferably overlaps the axis B2 or an imaginary line extending from the axis B2. Thereby, the locking pawl 721 , the retainer 722 , and the biasing member 734 can be compactly arranged in the radial direction with respect to the axis A2 .

[0316] When the locking claw 721 is in the locking position, the beam portion 721B and the arm end portion 721F extend along the lower surface of the base plate 656. At this time, the arm base end portion 721E passes through the opening 726 and extends vertically. When the locking claw 721 is in the release position, the beam portion 721B and the arm end portion 721F are spaced downward from the lower surface of the base plate 656. In addition, the end of the claw portion 721C is located below the base plate 656.

[0317] like Fig.35 As shown, the locking claw 721 is connected to the manual operating lever through the control cable 741. The control cable 741 has a tubular outer shell 743 and an inner cable 744 slidably accommodated in the outer shell 743. One end of the outer shell 743 is fixed to the shell locking portion 745 of the retainer 722. The shell locking portion 745 protrudes downward from the bottom plate 725. The other end of the outer shell 743 is fixed to the seat cushion frame 614 or the side cover 623. One end of the inner cable 744 is connected to the cable engaging portion 746 provided on the beam portion 721B of the locking claw 721. The other end of the inner cable 744 is connected to the manual operating lever (not shown in the figure). The manual operating lever is preferably rotatably supported by the seat cushion frame 614 or the side cover 623.

[0318] When the user pulls the manual operating lever, the control cable 741 pulls the locking claw 721 from the locked position to the released position. This allows the rotatable portion 652 to rotate relative to the base portion 651. When the user releases the manual operating lever, the locking claw 721 moves from the released position to the locked position under the urging force of the biasing member 734. Therefore, the rotation locking device 654 can be switched between the locked state and the released state by the manual operation of the user.

[0319] The rotation locking device 654 includes a lock release actuator 751 that moves the locking claw 721 from the locked position to the released position. The lock release actuator 751 includes an electric motor 752, a speed reduction mechanism 753 that transmits the driving force of the electric motor 752 at a reduced rotation speed, and an arm 754 provided on the output shaft of the speed reduction mechanism 753. The arm 754 engages the locking claw 721. One of the respective arm terminal portions 721F of the locking claw 721 is provided with a contact portion 721G that protrudes downward. The arm 754 moves the locking claw 721 from the locked position to the released position by pressing the contact portion 721G.

[0320] The electric motor 752 and the speed reduction mechanism 753 are preferably supported by at least one of the holder 722 and the base plate 656. When the electric motor 752 is driven by the power supplied to the electric motor 752, the arm 754 rotates against the urging force of the biasing member 734, and the arm 754 moves the locking claw 721 from the locking position to the releasing position. When the electric motor 752 is stopped by stopping the power supply to the electric motor 752, the locking claw 721 moves from the releasing position to the locking position under the urging force of the biasing member 734. At this time, the arm 754 and the electric motor 752 rotate by being pushed by the contact portion 721G.

[0321] When the locking pawl 721 is moved from the locking position to the releasing position by the control cable 741 , the locking pawl 721 is released from the arm 754 , so that the lock release actuator 751 does not act as a resistance.

[0322] like Fig. 27 and 32 As shown, the reinforcing plate 755 is connected to a portion of the upper surface of the rotatable plate 671 corresponding to the first locking hole 732A. The reinforcing plate 755 is preferably welded to the rotatable plate 671. The reinforcing plate 755 has a vertically facing surface and extends in a circumferential direction around the axis A2. The thickness of the reinforcing plate 755 is greater than the thickness of the rotatable plate 671. As a result, the reinforcing plate 755 increases the section modulus and the second moment of inertia of the portion of the rotatable plate 671 adjacent to the first locking hole 732A.

[0323] A through hole 755A is formed in the reinforcing plate 755, which is opposite to the first locking hole 732A. The respective circumferential ends of the through hole 755A with respect to the axis A2 are arranged between the two ends of the first locking hole 732A. More specifically, along the circumferential direction centered on the axis A2, the through hole 755A is shorter than the first locking hole 732A. The width of the through hole 755A in the radial direction relative to the axis A2 is preferably equal to the width of the first locking hole 732A in the radial direction relative to the axis A2.

[0324] like Fig.36 As shown, the claw portion 721C has a tapered shape whose width narrows toward the end. This allows the claw portion 721C to be easily assembled into the locking hole 732. In addition, when the claw portion 721C enters the first locking hole 732A, the claw portion 721C abuts against the two circumferential ends of the through hole 755A about the axis A2. At this time, the claw portion 721C does not contact the two circumferential ends of the first locking hole 732A about the axis A2. When the rotatable plate 671 is in the reference rotation position, or when the seat body 603 faces forward, the locking claw 721 engages with the through hole 755A of the reinforcing plate 755, so that the rotation of the seat body 603 is particularly firmly restricted when facing forward. As shown Fig.36As shown in the right figure of , since the reinforcing plate 755 is not disposed in any of the second to fourth locking holes 732B to 732D, the insertion depth of the claw portion 721C into the second to fourth locking holes 732B to 732D is relatively large. In other embodiments, the reinforcing plate 755 may also be provided with the second to fourth locking holes 732B to 732D.

[0325] like Fig. 27 , 37 As shown in Figures 38 and 40, a plurality of base-side peeling suppression units 761 are provided on the upper surfaces of the front and rear transverse members 657. The respective base-side peeling suppression units 761 may be arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction centered on the axis A2. In this embodiment, the base-side peeling suppression units 761 are provided at the left and right end portions 657A of the front transverse member 657 and the left and right end portions 657A of the rear transverse member 657. Therefore, the four base-side peeling suppression units 761 are arranged at 90-degree intervals around the axis A2.

[0326] Each base side peeling inhibition unit 761 includes a bottom plate 762 connected to the corresponding transverse member 657, a first base side hook 763 and a second base side hook 764 arranged on the bottom plate 762, a roller support wall arranged on the bottom plate 762, and a roller 766 rotatably supported by the roller support wall 765.

[0327] The bottom plate 762 extends along the upper surface of the end portion 657A and is connected to the end portion 657A by welding, bolting, etc. The bottom plate 762 extends in a circumferential direction centered on the axis A2. The first base side hook 763 is provided along the outer peripheral edge of the bottom plate 762 and extends in a circumferential direction centered on the axis A2. The first base side hook 763 protrudes upward from the bottom plate 762 and opens downward.

[0328] The roller support wall 765 extends in a circumferential direction centered on the axis A2 along the inner peripheral edge of the bottom plate 762. Each circumferential end of the roller support wall 765 may be provided with a pair of reinforcing walls 767, which are orthogonal to the roller support wall 765 and the bottom plate 762 and connected to the roller support wall 765 and the bottom plate 762. The bottom plate 762, the first base side hook 763, the roller support wall 765 and the reinforcing wall 767 may be formed by stamping a continuous metal sheet.

[0329] The roller shaft 771 is connected to the roller support wall 765 and extends radially outward relative to the axis A2. The roller 766 is rotatably supported on the roller shaft 771. An enlarged head 773 having a larger diameter than the roller shaft 771 is provided at the end of the roller shaft 771 away from the roller support wall 765. A biasing member 775 is provided between the enlarged head 773 and the roller 766 to urge the roller 766 in a radially inward direction relative to the axis A2. The biasing member 775 is preferably a wave washer or a disc spring.

[0330] like Fig.39 As shown, the rollers 766 are tapered rollers whose outer diameter increases toward the radial outside. Each roller 766 contacts the lower surface of the fixed bracket 672. The rollers 766 are located between the fixed bracket 672 and the front and rear transverse members 657 in the vertical direction. Fig. 27 As shown, the roller 766 is arranged on an imaginary circle C2 centered on the axis A2. The imaginary circle C2 is arranged so that when viewed from a direction extending along the axis A2, the entire imaginary circle C2 overlaps the fixed bracket 672. Therefore, even if the rotatable plate 671 rotates relative to the base plate 656, the roller 766 can always maintain contact with the fixed bracket 672.

[0331] like Fig.39 As shown, an annular contact surface 781 centered on the axis A2 is formed on the lower surface of the fixed bracket 672. Each roller 766 contacts the contact surface 781. The contact surface 781 is inclined downward in a radially inward direction relative to the axis A2.

[0332] like Fig.37 and 38 As shown, the second base side hook 764 is connected to the upper surface of the bottom plate 762. The second base side hook 764 is disposed between the first base side hook 763 and the roller 766 in the radial direction centered on the axis A2. The second base side hook 764 includes a stem portion 764A extending upward from the bottom plate 762, and a head portion 764B provided at the upper end of the stem portion 764A and wider than the stem portion 764A in the radial direction centered on the axis A2.

[0333] like Fig.37 and 38As shown, a plurality of rotatable side peeling suppression units 783 are provided on the lower surface of the fixed bracket 672. The individual rotatable side peeling suppression units 783 are preferably arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction centered on the axis A2. In this embodiment, rotatable side peeling suppression units 783 are provided at four locations or at the left front, right front, left rear and right rear of the fixed bracket 672. The four rotatable side peeling suppression units 783 are arranged on an imaginary circle centered on the axis A2 and are spaced 90 degrees apart from each other. Each rotatable side peeling suppression unit 783 has an upper plate 784 connected to the lower surface of the fixed bracket 672, a rotatable side hook 785 protruding downward from the upper plate 784, and a locking member 786.

[0334] The upper plate 784 extends along the lower surface of the fixing bracket 672 and is connected to the lower surface of the fixing bracket 672 by welding, bolting, etc. The upper plate 784 extends in a circumferential direction centered on the axis A2. The rotatable side hook 785 extends along the outer peripheral edge of the upper plate 784 in a circumferential direction centered on the axis A2. The rotatable side hook 785 protrudes downward from the upper plate 784 and opens upward.

[0335] The locking piece 786 extends in a circumferential direction centered on the axis A2 along the inner peripheral edge of the upper plate 784. The locking piece 786 extends downward from the inner peripheral edge of the upper plate 784, then bends and extends radially inward around the axis A2.

[0336] The rotation position of the rotatable portion 652 when the seat cushion 611 faces the front of the vehicle is defined as a reference rotation position. When the rotatable portion 652 is in the reference rotation position, the first base side hook 763 of each base side peeling suppression unit 761 is vertically opposed to the rotatable side hook 785 of the corresponding rotatable side peeling suppression unit 783, with a gap defined therebetween. In addition, the second base side hook 764 of each base side peeling suppression unit 761 is vertically opposed to the locking piece 786 of the corresponding rotatable side peeling suppression unit 783, with a gap defined therebetween. The distance between the first base side hook 763 and the rotatable side hook 785 is smaller than the distance between the second base side hook 764 and the locking piece 786. As a result, when a load is applied to the seat body 603, the first base side hook 763 of each base side peeling suppression unit 761 is engaged with the rotating side hook 785 of the corresponding rotatable side peeling suppression unit 783, and the base portion 651 is prevented from peeling off from the rotatable portion 652. Furthermore, when a further load is applied to the seat body 603 , the second base-side hook 764 and the lock piece 786 engage with each other, so that the separation of the rotatable portion 652 from the base portion 651 is suppressed.

[0337] Even when the rotatable portion 652 is rotated 90 degrees to the right (+90 degrees), 90 degrees to the left (-90 degrees) or 180 degrees to the left (-180 degrees) from the reference rotation position, the first base side hook 763 of each base side peeling inhibition unit 761 and the rotatable side hook 785 of the corresponding rotatable side peeling inhibition unit 783 are opposite to each other, and each second base side hook 764 is opposite to the corresponding locking piece 786.

[0338] Next, the extending / retracting device 613 will be described below. Fig.26 and 40 As shown, the extension / retraction device 613 is provided on the front member 619, and extends and retracts in the front-to-back direction. The extension / retraction device 613 includes a movable member 801 supported by the front member 619 so as to be movable in the front-to-back direction, and an extension / retraction actuator 802 that moves the movable member 801 in the front-to-back direction relative to the front member 619. The movable member 801 is movable between a protruding position and a retracted position, in which the movable member 801 protrudes forward relative to the front member 619, and in which the movable member 801 retracts rearward from the protruding position.

[0339] The front member 619 is formed of a metal sheet and has a main surface facing vertically. The front member 619 extends in the lateral direction and has a certain width in the front-rear direction. The lateral center portion of the front member 619 is provided with a groove portion 805 that is recessed downward and extends in the front-rear direction. The groove portion 805 is formed by a bottom wall and a pair of side walls arranged on both sides of the bottom wall. The groove portion 805 opens at the front end of the front member 619. The left and right side walls extend downward from the lateral inner ends of the left and right base portions. The left and right side walls are formed into a plate shape facing the lateral direction.

[0340] Preferably, the movable member 801 is supported by the front member 619 via a rail so as to be movable in the front-rear direction. The extension / retraction actuator 802 is disposed in the groove portion 805. The extension / retraction actuator 802 includes a housing 811 disposed in the groove portion 805, a drive member 812 disposed in the housing 811, and a pair of air bags 813 disposed on the extension side and the retraction side of the drive member 812 and configured to be inflated when supplied with compressed air.

[0341] The housing 811 is formed into a box shape and fixed to the upper surface of the bottom wall. Figures 41 to 43 As shown, the driving member 812 is formed into a plate-like shape having a main surface facing the front-rear direction, and extends laterally within the housing 811. The pair of airbags 813 includes a front airbag 813A between the front surface of the driving member 812 and the front wall of the housing 811, and a rear airbag 813B between the rear surface of the driving member 812 and the rear wall of the housing 811.

[0342] like Fig.44 As shown, the front airbag 813A and the rear airbag 813B are connected to a compressor 817 that generates compressed air via a control valve 816. The control valve 816 has an outlet. The control valve 816 can take an expansion mode, a contraction mode, and a holding mode. The expansion mode is used to connect the front airbag 813A to the compressor 817 and the rear airbag 813B to the outlet, the contraction mode is used to connect the rear airbag 813B to the compressor 817 and the front airbag 813A to the outlet, and the holding mode is used to connect the front airbag 813A and the rear airbag 813B to neither the outlet nor the compressor 817. The control valve 816 and the compressor 817 are controlled by a control device 820 to be described later.

[0343] The control valve 816 may be preferably connected to the compressor 817, the front airbag 813A, and the rear airbag 813B via a plurality of tubes 818 through which compressed air passes. The control valve 816 and the compressor 817 are preferably disposed on the floor 605. In this case, the tube 818 connecting the control valve 816 to the front airbag 813A and the rear airbag 813B preferably passes through the support tube 687 of the rotating device 602. In addition, the compressor 817 may be disposed on the floor 605, and the control valve 816 may be disposed on the lower surface of the seat cushion 611 or the upper surface of the fixed bracket 672. In this case, the tube 818 connecting the compressor 817 to the control valve 816 preferably passes through the support tube 687 of the rotating device 602. According to this aspect of the present invention, the compressor 817 may be placed on the floor 605. In addition, since the tube 818 passes near the axis A2 of the rotating device 602, the tube 818 is prevented from shaking even when the rotating device 602 rotates. As Fig.46 As shown, the compressor 817 can be disposed on the lower surface of the base plate 656 .

[0344] like Fig.41 As shown, the movable member 801 is provided with a support plate portion 825, which is placed above the extension / retraction actuator 802 and connected to the extension / retraction actuator 802. The support plate portion 825 is formed in a plate shape having a surface facing vertically. The support plate portion 825 is slidably mounted on the upper surface of the upper wall of the housing 811 of the extension / retraction actuator 802. The driving member 812 passes through a slit that is elongated in the front-to-back direction and formed in the upper wall of the housing 811, protrudes upward, and is connected to the support plate portion 825.

[0345] like Fig.40As shown, the movable member 801 is provided with a vertical plate portion 827, which extends downward from the protruding end of the support plate portion 825 to the protruding side of the front member 619. In other words, the vertical plate portion 827 extends downward from the front end of the support plate portion 825 along the front end of the front member 619. In a side view, the vertical plate portion 827 is bent into an arched shape with its protruding side facing forward. The support plate portion 825 and the vertical plate portion 827 are preferably formed by stamping a metal sheet. Preferably, reinforcing ribs are arranged on the support plate portion 825 and the vertical plate portion 827.

[0346] When the compressor 817 is driven, and the control valve 816 supplies compressed air to the front airbag 813A and discharges compressed air from the rear airbag 813B, the front airbag 813A receives the supply of compressed air and expands, while the rear airbag 813B discharges air and shrinks. As a result, the drive member 812 and the movable member 801 connected to the drive member 812 move in the retracting direction. When the compressor 817 is driven, and the control valve 816 supplies compressed air to the rear airbag 813B and discharges compressed air from the front airbag 813A, the rear airbag 813B receives the supply of compressed air and expands, while the front airbag 813A discharges air and shrinks. As a result, the drive member 812 and the movable member 801 connected to the drive member 812 move in the protruding direction. When the compressor 817 stops, and the control valve 816 disconnects the front airbag 813A and the rear airbag 813B, the compressed air is kept in the front airbag 813A and the rear airbag 813B. As a result, the positions of the driving member 812 and the movable member 801 connected to the driving member 812 are maintained.

[0347] like Fig.41 As shown, the extending / retracting device 613 is provided with a skin material winding mechanism 830. The skin material winding mechanism 830 includes a pair of brackets 831 extending downward on both sides of the lower surface of the support plate portion 825 of the movable member 801, a pair of link arms 832 rotatably supported by the corresponding brackets 831, a support shaft 834 spanning between the front ends of the respective link arms 832, and a pair of springs 835 for pushing the corresponding link arms 832 to the initial position.

[0348] The left and right brackets 831 are located between the housing 811 and the side wall of the groove portion 805. The upper end of each link arm 832 is supported by the corresponding bracket 831 so as to be rotatable around a rotation axis extending in the lateral direction. A slit 833 is formed in the bottom wall of the groove portion 805, vertically penetrates and is elongated in the lateral direction. The upper portion 832A of each link arm 832 passes through the slit 833 and protrudes below the groove portion 805. The lower portion 832B of each link arm 832 extends backward relative to its upper portion 832A. The lower portion 832B of each link arm 832 and the support shaft 834 are arranged below the groove portion 805.

[0349] like Fig.41 and 43 As shown, each link arm 832 rotates between a winding position and a pay-out position. Fig.41 As shown, when the link arm 832 is in the winding position, the upper portion 832A extends downward from the rotation axis, and the lower portion 832B extends rearward from the lower end of the upper portion 832A. At this time, the support shaft 834 is located at the rear of the rotation axis. When the link arm 832 is in the unwinding position, the upper portion 832A extends forward and downward from the rotation axis, and the lower portion 832B extends downward from the lower end of the upper portion 832A. At this time, the support shaft 834 is located below the rotation axis. Fig.43 As shown, support shaft 834 moves forward as linkage arm 832 rotates from the winding position to the unwinding position.

[0350] The portion of the cushion 837 that forms the front of the seat cushion 611 extends beyond the support plate portion 825 of the movable member 801 and reaches the front of the vertical plate portion 827. The portion of the skin material 838 that forms the front of the seat cushion 611 is arranged along the outer surface of the cushion 837. The end of the skin material 838 extends rearward from the lower end of the vertical plate portion 827, wraps around the support shaft 834, and extends forward from the support shaft 834 to engage the skin locking portion 841 provided at the front end of the bottom wall. Preferably, the edge of the skin material 838 is provided with a hook that locks to the skin locking portion 841. The skin material 838 passes below, behind and above the support shaft 834 and extends in a ring shape.

[0351] like Fig.41 and Fig.42 As shown in FIG. 8 , when the movable member 801 moves from the retracted position to the extended position, the support shaft 834 moves toward the protruding side (forward) together with the movable member 801. Fig.43As shown, when the support shaft 834 is pulled by the epidermis material 838, the link arm 832 overcomes the biasing force of the spring 835 and rotates toward the release position, so that the support shaft 834 moves further to the protruding side (forward). This shortens the distance between the support shaft 834 and the epidermis locking portion 841. As a result, the epidermis material 838 is sent out from the support shaft 834 toward the movable member 801. Thus, the tension of the epidermis material 838 is adjusted. Therefore, the movable member 801 can move smoothly to the protruding side without being pulled by the epidermis material 838. On the contrary, when the movable member 801 moves from the protruding position to the retracted position, the support shaft 834 moves to the retracted side (backward) together with the movable member 801. In addition, since the link arm rotates toward the winding position under the biasing force of the spring 835, the support shaft 834 moves further to the retracted side (backward). This increases the distance between the support shaft 834 and the epidermis locking portion 841. As a result, the skin material 838 is pulled from the support shaft 834 toward the skin locking portion 841. Thereby, the tension of the skin material 838 is adjusted, and the slack of the skin material 838 is suppressed.

[0352] like Fig.44 As shown, the rotation actuator 653 of the rotation device 602, the lock release actuator 751 of the rotation lock device 654, and the extension / retraction actuator 802 of the extension / retraction device 613 are controlled by the control device 820. The control device 820 is an electronic control device, and is an arithmetic processing unit including a microprocessor (MPU), a non-volatile memory, a volatile memory, and an interface. The control device 820 realizes various applications by causing the microprocessor to execute a program stored in the non-volatile memory. The control device 820 is preferably provided in a vehicle provided with the seat body 603.

[0353] In addition, the control device 820 can control the lighting state of multiple lighting devices 851. Fig.45 As shown, the lighting device 851 can be provided on, for example, the lower surface of the fixing bracket 672. The lighting device 851 can be arranged on the lower surface of the fixing bracket 672 along the circumferential direction about the axis A2. Fig.46 As shown, the front and rear transverse members 657 may be connected to a pair of connecting members 853 extending in the front-rear direction on both sides, and the lighting device 851 may be provided on the lower surface of each connecting member 853. Fig.47As shown, the lower cover 855 and the upper cover 856 can be arranged around the rotating device 602, and the lighting device 851 can be arranged on at least one of the lower cover 855 and the upper cover 856. The lower cover 855 is preferably arranged around the base plate 656, the front and rear transverse members 657, and the left and right upper rails 638. The upper cover 856 is preferably arranged around the rotatable plate 671 and the fixed bracket 672. The lower cover 855 and the upper cover 856 can be configured to be relatively rotatable around the axis A2. For example, the lighting device 851 can be arranged at the lower end of the lower cover 855.

[0354] like Fig.44 As shown, the control device 820 is connected to an extension / retraction operation switch 861 and a rotation operation switch 862 for a user to operate the vehicle seat device 601. The extension / retraction operation switch 861 has an extension button and a retraction button, and outputs an extension / retraction command to the control device 820 according to the operation state of the extension button and the retraction button. The extension / retraction command includes an extension command and a retraction command. The rotation operation switch 862 has a left rotation button and a right rotation button, and outputs a rotation command to the control device 820 according to the operation state of the left rotation button and the right rotation button. The rotation command includes a left rotation command and a right rotation command.

[0355] A rotation sensor 865 that detects the rotation state of the rotating device 602 and an extension / retraction sensor 867 that detects the extension / retraction position of the extension / retraction device 613 are connected to the control device 820. The rotation sensor 865 may be a sensor known per se, such as a rotary encoder that detects the rotation angle of the electric motor 711 of the rotary actuator 653 or a proximity sensor that detects the relative position between the front and rear lateral members 657 and the fixed bracket 672. The extension / retraction sensor 867 may be a sensor known per se, such as a stroke sensor or a proximity sensor, that detects the position of the movable member 801 relative to the front member 619.

[0356] The control device 820 performs an extension / retraction control for extending / retracting the extending / retracting device 613 and a rotation control for rotating the rotating device 602 .

[0357] The control device 820 is based on Fig.48The extension and retraction control process shown in the figure is used to control the extension / retraction device 613. When receiving the extension / retraction command from the extension / retraction operation switch 861, the control device 820 starts the extension / retraction control. The control device 820 first obtains the current extension amount of the extension / retraction device 613 based on the signal from the extension / retraction sensor 867 (S1). The extension amount of the extension / retraction device 613 is 0 when the movable member 801 is in the retracted position, and increases in value as the movable member 801 moves toward the extension side. Next, it is determined whether the extension / retraction command is an extension command (S2).

[0358] If the extension / retraction command is an extension command (the determination result in S2 is yes), the control device 820 obtains the current rotation angle of the rotating device 602 based on the signal from the rotation sensor 865 (S3). Next, the control device 820 determines the first upper limit extension amount of the extension / retraction device 613 based on the rotation angle of the rotating device 602 (S4). The control device 820 can determine the first upper limit extension amount based on the rotation angle by referring to the first upper limit extension map, in which the relationship between the rotation angle and the first upper limit extension amount is defined. The first upper limit extension amount is set so that when the rotating device 602 is at each rotation angle, the extension / retraction device 613 does not interfere with the structure existing around the vehicle seat device 601 such as the center console and the door.

[0359] Next, the control device 820 determines whether the current extension amount of the extension / retraction device 613 is less than the first upper limit extension amount (S5). If the current extension amount of the extension / retraction device 613 is less than the first upper limit extension amount (the determination result in S5 is yes), the control device 820 performs extension control of the compressor 817 and the control valve 816 so that the extension / retraction device 613 is extended by a predetermined amount (S6). The extension control drives the compressor 817 to supply compressed air to the rear airbag 813B and discharge compressed air from the front airbag 813A. As a result, the movable member 801 moves to the extension side, and the extension / retraction device 613 is extended.

[0360] If the current extension amount of the extension / retraction device 613 is not less than the first upper limit extension amount (the determination result in S5 is No), the control device 820 performs the maintenance control of the compressor 817 and the control valve 816 (S7) so as to maintain the extended state of the extension / retraction device 613. By the maintenance control, the compressor 817 is maintained in a non-operating state, and the control valve 816 cuts off the communication with the front airbag 813A and the rear airbag 813B. As a result, the sizes of the front airbag 813A and the rear airbag 813B are maintained, and the position of the movable member 801 is maintained.

[0361] When the extension / retraction command is a retraction command (the determination result in S2 is No), the control device 820 performs retraction control of the compressor 817 and the control valve 816 (S8) so that the extension / retraction device 613 is retracted by a predetermined amount. Through the retraction control, the compressor 817 is driven, compressed air is supplied to the front airbag 813A, and compressed air is discharged from the rear airbag 813B. As a result, the movable member 801 moves in the retraction direction, and the extension / retraction device 613 is retracted.

[0362] The control device 820 is based on Fig.49 The control device 820 controls the rotating device 602 according to the rotation control process shown. The control device 820 starts the rotation control when receiving the rotation command from the rotation operation switch 862. The control device 820 first obtains the current rotation angle of the rotating device 602 based on the signal from the rotation sensor 865 (S11). Next, based on the rotation command from the rotation operation switch 862, it is determined whether the rotation command is a left rotation command (S12).

[0363] If the rotation command is a left rotation command (the determination result in S12 is YES), the control device 820 sets a target rotation angle by adding -90 degrees to the current rotation angle (S13).

[0364] Next, the control device 820 sets the second upper limit extension amount of the extension / retraction device 613 based on the current rotation angle and the target rotation angle (S14). The second upper limit extension amount can be set for each of the following ranges: 0 to 90 degrees, 90 to 180 degrees, 0 to -90 degrees, and -90 to -180 degrees. The second upper limit extension amount is preferably set to be equal to or less than the minimum value of the first upper limit extension amount in each rotation angle range. Preferably, the relationship between the current rotation angle, the target rotation angle, and the second upper limit extension amount is predefined in the mapping.

[0365] Next, the control device 820 obtains the current extension amount of the extending / retracting device 613 based on the signal from the extending / retracting sensor 867 (S15). Next, the control device 820 determines whether the current extension amount of the extending / retracting device 613 is equal to or less than the second upper limit extension amount (S16).

[0366] If the current extension amount of the extending / retracting device 613 is equal to or less than the second upper limit extension amount (the determination result in S16 is YES), the control device 820 performs counterclockwise rotation control until the current rotation angle reaches the target rotation angle (S17).

[0367] If the current extension amount of the extending / retracting device 613 is greater than the second upper limit extension amount (the determination result in S16 is No), the control device 820 performs the retraction control until the current extension amount of the extending / retracting device 613 reaches the second upper limit extension amount (S18). Once the current extension amount of the extending / retracting device 613 reaches the second upper limit extension amount, the control device 820 performs the left rotation control until the current rotation angle reaches the target rotation angle (S17).

[0368] If the rotation command is a clockwise rotation command (the determination result in S12 is No), the control device 820 sets a target rotation angle by adding 90 degrees to the current rotation angle (S19).

[0369] Next, the control device 820 sets a second upper limit extending amount of the extending / retracting device 613 based on the current rotation angle and the target rotation angle ( S20 ).

[0370] Next, the control device 820 obtains the current extension amount of the extending / retracting device 613 based on the signal from the extending / retracting sensor 867 (S21). Next, the control device 820 determines whether the current extension amount of the extending / retracting device 613 is equal to or less than the second upper limit extension amount (S22).

[0371] If the current extension amount of the extending / retracting device 613 is equal to or less than the second upper limit extension amount (the determination result in S22 is YES), the control device 820 performs clockwise rotation control until the current rotation angle reaches the target rotation angle (S23).

[0372] If the current extension amount of the extending / retracting device 613 is greater than the second upper limit extension amount (the determination result in S22 is No), the control device 820 performs retraction control until the current extension amount of the extending / retracting device 613 reaches the second upper limit extension amount (S24). Once the current extension amount of the extending / retracting device 613 reaches the second upper limit extension amount, the control device 820 performs clockwise rotation control until the current rotation angle reaches the target rotation angle (S23).

[0373] In the above-described embodiment, the control device 820 performs the rotation control of the rotating device 602 based on the signal from the rotation operation switch 862, and performs the extension / retraction control of the extension / retraction device 613 according to the rotation control. According to this aspect, since the control device 820 performs the extension / retraction control according to the rotation control, it is possible to prevent the extension / retraction device 613 from interfering with the structure in the vehicle when the rotating device 602 rotates. Thereby, the vehicle seat device 601 can be smoothly rotated.

[0374] The control device 820 starts the rotation control of the rotating device 602 after reducing the horizontal extension amount of the extending / retracting device 613 to a preset second upper limit extension amount or less through the extending / retracting control. According to this aspect, since the rotating device 602 starts to rotate after the extending / retracting device 613 is retracted, interference between the extending / retracting device 613 and the structure in the vehicle can be reliably avoided.

[0375] The control device 820 can start the rotation control of the rotating device 602 at the same time as starting the extension / retraction control for reducing the extension amount of the extension / retraction device 613 to a preset second upper limit extension amount or less. In other words, the control device 820 can start controlling the rotation of the rotating device 602 before the extension amount of the extension / retraction device 613 becomes equal to or less than the second upper limit extension amount. According to this aspect, the rotating device 602 can start rotating quickly. In this case, the control device 820 preferably reduces the extension amount of the extension / retraction device 613 to the second upper limit extension amount or less by the extension / retraction control before the rotation control of the rotating device 602 is completed.

[0376] The control device 820 performs the rotation control and the extension / retraction control based on the mapping that defines the relationship between the rotation angle of the rotation device 602 and the second upper limit extension amount of the extension / retraction device 613, so that the extension amount of the extension / retraction device 613 is equal to or less than the upper limit extension amount at each rotation angle. According to this aspect of the invention, it is possible to reliably avoid interference between the extension / retraction device 613 and the structure in the vehicle at each rotation angle of the rotation device 602.

[0377] The control device 820 can turn on the lighting device 851 while performing the rotation control. According to this aspect, the lighting device 851 can remind the user that the seat body 603 is rotating. Since the lighting device 851 illuminates the floor 605, the user is appropriately reminded.

[0378] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment and can be modified and implemented in various ways. For example, the control device 820 can start controlling the rotation of the rotating device 602 after the extending / retracting device 613 is retracted to the most retracted state (initial state) by the extending / retracting control. In addition, the control device 820 can start the rotation control of the rotating device 602 while starting the extending / retracting control to retract the extending / retracting device 613 to the most retracted state (initial state).

[0379] In addition, the extending / retracting device 613 may be provided with a proximity sensor that detects the proximity state between the extending / retracting device 613 and the structure in the vehicle. The control device 820 preferably performs extending / retracting control based on a signal from the proximity sensor so that the distance between the extending / retracting device 613 and the structure is maintained at a predetermined lower limit or more.

[0380] Hereinafter, a vehicle seat applied to a vehicle seat 1001 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, front and rear, left and right, and upper and lower are defined based on a vehicle 1002 provided with the seat 1001.

[0381] like Fig.50 As shown, the vehicle 1002 includes a body 1003 and a cabin 1004 defined in the body 1003. The body 1003 may have a known construction per se, including, for example, a frame 1005 including side beams of the vehicle 1002 and a door 1006 through which passengers can enter and exit the cabin 1004. The seat 1001 is arranged on a floor 1007 defining the bottom of the cabin 1004. The floor 1007 of the vehicle 1002 is provided with a front right seat 1001A, a front left seat 1001B, a middle right seat 1001C, a middle left seat 1001D, and a rear seat 1001E. The front right seat 1001A, the front left seat 1001B, the middle right seat 1001C, and the middle left seat 1001D are each composed of a seat 1001 for a single passenger. The rear seat 1001E is composed of a seat 1001 for two passengers. The front right seat 1001A is a driver's seat. The front right seat 1001A, the front left seat 1001B, the middle right seat 1001C and the middle left seat 1001D may have the same structure. The following description of this embodiment will be directed to the front left seat 1001B.

[0382] like Fig.50 and Fig.51 As shown, the seat 1001 has a seat body 1010 and a rotating device 1011 that rotatably supports the seat body 1010 on the floor 1007 around a vertical axis (axis A3). The seat body 1010 includes a seat cushion 1012 supported by the rotating device 1011 and a seat back 1013 extending upward from the rear of the seat cushion 1012. The seat body 1010 also includes a headrest 1014 disposed on the top of the seat back 1013. The seat body 1010 has a headrest 1014 connected to the top of the seat back 1013. The seat back 1013 is pivotally supported by the seat cushion 1012.

[0383] The seat 1001 further includes a slide device 1016 that supports the seat body 1010 on the floor 1007 so as to be movable in the front-rear direction. The slide device 1016 is attached to the floor 1007. A rotating device 1011 is provided on the top of the slide device 1016.

[0384] The seat cushion 1012 includes a center portion 1012A and a pair of shoulders 1012B provided on both sides of the center portion 1012A and protruding upward relative to the center portion 1012A. The seat cushion 1012 includes, for example, a seat cushion frame forming a skeleton structure, a seat cushion pad 1019 supported by the seat cushion frame, and a skin material 1020 covering the outer surface of the seat cushion pad 1019. The seat cushion frame may have a structure known per se, and may include, for example, a pair of seat cushion side members 1021 (see Fig.52 ), a front member connected between the front ends of the left and right seat cushion side members 1021, and a rear member connected between the rear ends of the left and right seat cushion side members 1021. The seat cushion 1012 further includes a pair of seat cushion side covers 1022 that cover the left and right seat cushion side members 1021 from both sides. The seat cushion side covers 1022 may be made of, for example, a resin material.

[0385] The seat back 1013 includes a seat back frame forming a skeleton structure, a seat back cushion 1024 supported by the seat back frame, and a skin material 1020 covering the outer surface of the seat back cushion 1024. The seat back frame may have a structure known per se, and may include, for example, a pair of seat back side members extending vertically on both sides, an upper member connected between upper ends of left and right seat back side members, and a lower member connected between lower ends of left and right seat back side members.

[0386] The seat back 1013 further includes a seat back cover 1025 provided at the rear of the seat back frame. The seat back cover 1025 is attached to the rear side of the seat back frame. The seat back cover 1025 defines the rear outer surface of the seat back 1013. The seat back cover 1025 may be made of, for example, a resin material.

[0387] like Fig.52 As shown, the slide device 1016 includes a pair of lower rails 1027 extending in the front-rear direction on both sides and a pair of upper rails 1028 supported by the respective lower rails 1027 so as to be slidable in the front-rear direction. The slide device 1016 is, for example, an electric slide device known per se, which includes an electric motor provided on the upper rails 1028, a screw rotatably connected to the electric motor, and a threaded hole provided on the upper rails 1028 into which the screw is screwed. Each lower rail 1027 is attached to the floor 1007 via front and rear feet. Each upper rail 1028 is connected to the rotating device 1011.

[0388] The rotating device 1011 includes a base portion 1029 provided on the floor 1007 via a slide device 1016, a rotatable portion 1030 provided on the seat cushion 1012 via a seat cushion side member 1021, and an electric actuator 1031 that rotates the rotatable portion 1030 relative to the base portion 1029. The rotating device 1011 also includes an angle sensor 1032 (see Fig.53 ), which detects the angle of the rotatable portion 1030 relative to the base portion 1029. The angle sensor 1032 may be, for example, a rotary encoder.

[0389] The base portion 1029 is provided with a base plate 1033 having a main surface facing vertically and extending laterally. The base plate 1033 includes a disk-shaped center plate 1034 provided at a laterally central portion thereof, and a pair of side plates 1035 connected to the left and right edges of the center plate 1034, respectively. The base plate 1033 is preferably formed of a metal sheet. Each side plate 1035 is fastened to the center plate 1034 with bolts and nuts. In other embodiments, the center plate 1034 and the left and right side plates 1035 may be formed of a continuous metal sheet.

[0390] A circular first bearing hole 1036 is formed in the center of the center plate 1034 and penetrates in the thickness direction. The first bearing hole 1036 is centered on the vertically extending axis A3.

[0391] The left end of the base plate 1033 is connected to the left upper rail 1028. The right end of the base plate 1033 is connected to the right upper rail 1028. The base plate 1033 is supported by the slide device 1016 so as to be movable in the front-rear direction relative to the floor 1007.

[0392] The rotatable portion 1030 includes a rotatable plate 1037 rotatably supported on the upper surface of the base plate 1033 and a fixing bracket 1038 connecting the rotatable plate 1037 to the seat cushion 1012. The rotatable plate 1037 and the fixing bracket 1038 are formed of sheet metal. The rotatable plate 1037 and the fixing bracket 1038 are preferably fastened together by using bolts and nuts.

[0393] The rotatable plate 1037 is formed in a disk shape having a surface facing vertically. The rotatable plate 1037 is supported on the upper surface of the center plate 1034 via a bearing 1039. The bearing 1039 is formed in an annular shape centered on the axis A3. The bearing 1039 is placed between the upper surface of the outer periphery of the center plate 1034 and the lower surface of the outer periphery of the rotatable plate 1037. The bearing 1039 is preferably a thrust bearing. In this embodiment, the bearing 1039 is composed of a ball bearing.

[0394] The circular second bearing hole 1040 passes through the center of the rotatable plate 1037 in the thickness direction. The second bearing hole 1040 is centered on the axis A3. The support tube 1041 is inserted into the first bearing hole 1036 of the center plate 1034 and the second bearing hole 1040 of the rotatable plate 1037.

[0395] The fixing bracket 1038 is formed in a plate shape having a vertically facing surface. The fixing bracket 1038 is preferably formed larger than the rotatable plate 1037 when viewed from above. The fixing bracket 1038 faces the left and right side plates 1035 in the vertical direction. The fixing bracket 1038 is connected to the left and right seat cushion side members 1021 with fasteners such as bolts and nuts.

[0396] The electric actuator 1031 includes an electric motor 1043. The electric motor 1043 is attached to the lower surface of the center plate 1034 via its motor housing 1044. An output shaft 1043A of the electric motor 1043 passes through the center plate 1034 and extends upward.

[0397] A gear 1045 centered on the axis A3 is fixed to the rotatable plate 1037. A pinion 1046 meshing with the gear 1045 is mounted on the output shaft 1043A of the electric actuator 1031. Thus, when the electric actuator 1031 is driven, the rotatable plate 1037 rotates relative to the center plate 1034.

[0398] like Fig.51 As shown, the seat body 1010 is provided with a cover 1050 attached to the lower portion of the seat cushion 1012 and surrounding the rotating device 1011. The cover 1050 includes a lower cover 1051 and an upper cover 1052. The lower cover 1051 can be connected to the fixed bracket 1038 of the rotatable part 1030. The upper cover 1052 can be connected to the side plate 1035 of the base part 1029. The lower cover 1051 is preferably arranged around the base part 1029 and the left and right upper rails 1028 of the rotating device 1011. The upper cover 1052 is preferably arranged around the rotatable part 1030. The upper cover 1052 is configured to be rotatable around the axis A3 relative to the lower cover 1051. The lower cover 1051 and the upper cover 1052 can be made of, for example, a resin material.

[0399] The first display device 1054 is provided on the seat body 1010. The first display device 1054 is a device for visually notifying the occupant of the state of the seat 1001. The first display device 1054 displays at least one of the rotation direction of the seat body 1010, the rotation speed of the seat body 1010, the rotation start time of the seat body 1010, and the possibility of collision between the seat body 1010 and surrounding obstacles during rotation. The first display device 1054 is preferably composed of a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display, or a display device having a plurality of light-emitting units such as LEDs. In this embodiment, the first display device 1054 includes a plurality of light-emitting units 1055 arranged laterally.

[0400] The first display device 1054 includes a housing 1056 in which a plurality of light emitting units 1055 are disposed. The housing 1056 extends in a lateral direction. The light emitting units 1055 are arranged one by one in a lateral direction on a rear surface of the housing 1056.

[0401] The light emitting unit 1055 may have a known structure, including, for example, a plurality of light sources and a light emitting unit that emits light from the light sources. Each light source may have a different emission color. Predetermined characters and symbols are formed on the light emitting unit. When the light source emits light, the corresponding characters and symbols light up. By combining the emission colors and the characters and symbols, the light emitting unit 1055 visually communicates the state of the seat 1001 to the occupant.

[0402] In the present embodiment, seven light emitting units 1055 are provided. In addition, each light emitting unit 1055 is configured to emit two different colors. One of the seven light emitting units 1055 has a circular symbol 1058. The remaining six light emitting units 1055 have a triangular symbol 1059. Among the six triangular symbols 1059, three triangular symbols 1059 point to the right. The remaining three triangular symbols 1059 point to the left. The circular symbol 1058 is arranged at the transverse center portion of the housing 1056. The three triangular symbols 1059 pointing to the right are arranged one by one on the right side of the circular symbol 1058. The three triangular symbols 1059 pointing to the left are arranged one by one on the left side of the circular symbol 1058.

[0403] like Fig.51As shown, the first display device 1054 is provided on the rear surface of the seat back 1013. The first display device 1054 may be provided so that the symbols 1058 and 1059 provided on the light emitting unit 1055 are exposed through an opening provided in the seat back cover 1025. The first display device 1054 may be provided in the seat back 1013 by fitting the housing 1056 into the opening of the seat back 1013. Alternatively, the housing 1056 may be connected to the left and right seat back side members. The symbols provided on the light emitting unit 1055 are preferably arranged on the same plane as the surface of the seat back cover 1025. As a result, the symbols 1058 and 1059 illuminated by the light emitted from the light emitting unit 1055 are visible to the occupant located behind the seat 1001.

[0404] The seat 1001 is provided with a first input device 1062 for receiving a command of the operation of the rotating device 1011. The first input device 1062 may be, for example, a touch panel display or a mechanical switch. In this embodiment, the first input device 1062 is a mechanical switch. The first input device 1062 is provided on the right seat cushion side cover 1022.

[0405] like Fig.53 As shown, the seat 1001 also includes a rotating device 1011 and a control device 1064 that controls the first display device 1054. In this embodiment, the first input device 1062, the rotating device 1011, and the first display device 1054 are connected to the control device 1064. The control device 1064 is a computer including an arithmetic processing unit (a processor such as a CPU or an MPU) and a storage device (a memory such as a ROM, a RAM, etc.), and is configured to execute various processes required for rotating the seat 1001. The fact that the control device 1064 is configured to execute various processes means that the arithmetic processing unit (processor) constituting the control device 1064 is programmed to read necessary data and application software from the storage device (memory) according to the operation input from the first input device 1062, and execute a predetermined arithmetic process according to the software.

[0406] Refer again Fig.51 , the first input device 1062 includes a right rotation switch 1062A for rotating the seat body 1010 to the right and a left rotation switch 1062B for rotating the seat body 1010 to the left. When the occupant presses the right rotation switch 1062A, the first input device 1062 outputs a right rotation signal to the control device 1064 to rotate the seat body 1010 to the right by a predetermined angle. In addition, when the occupant presses the left rotation switch 1062B, the first input device 1062 outputs a left rotation signal to the control device 1064 to rotate the seat body 1010 to the left by a predetermined angle. The predetermined angle may be 90 degrees.

[0407] Next, a method for manufacturing the vehicle seat 1001 constructed as described above will be discussed.

[0408] First, prepare the seat body 1010. Attach the seat cushion pad 1019 and the seat back pad 1024 to the corresponding frames. More specifically, place the seat cushion pad 1019 on the seat cushion pad frame from above. Also, place the seat back pad 1024 on the seat back frame from the front. Place the skin material 1020 on the pads 1019, 1024 and the frame.

[0409] The first display device 1054 is attached to the seat back cover 1025. More specifically, the first display device 1054 is assembled into a pre-formed opening of the seat back cover 1025 from the rear side of the seat back cover 1025. The seat back cover 1025 to which the first display device 1054 is pre-attached can be placed on the seat back frame from the rear. The seat cushion side cover 1022 covers the corresponding seat cushion side member 1021 from the lateral direction. The seat body 1010 assembled with the first display device 1054 is prepared in this way.

[0410] Next, the control device 1064 is attached to the seat body 1010. The control device 1064 may be attached to the seat cushion frame or to the seat back frame.

[0411] Next, the seat body 1010 is attached to the floor 1007. More specifically, first, the rotating device 1011 is attached to the seat body 1010. The fixing bracket 1038 of the rotating device 1011 may be connected to the seat cushion side members 1021 of the left and right seat cushion frames by using fasteners such as bolts and nuts.

[0412] Next, the slide device 1016 is attached to the rotating device 1011. More specifically, the left end of the base plate 1033 of the rotating device 1011 may be connected to the upper left rail 1028 of the slide device 1016, and the right end of the base plate 1033 of the rotating device 1011 may be connected to the upper right rail 1028 of the slide device 1016.

[0413] Next, the slide device 1016 is attached to the floor 1007. More specifically, the lower rail 1027 of the slide device 1016 is attached to the floor 1007. As described above, the seat body 1010 is supported by the floor 1007.

[0414] Next, the first display device 1054 , the rotating device 1011 , and the sliding device 1016 are connected to the control device 1064 .

[0415] Note that the process of supporting the seat body 1010 on the floor 1007 is not limited to the above process. For example, the rotating device 1011 may be attached to the seat body 1010, and thereafter the sliding device 1016 may be attached to the floor 1007. Then, the rotating device 1011 and the sliding device 1016 may be combined with each other. Furthermore, the rotating device 1011 may be attached to the floor 1007 via the sliding device 1016. Thereafter, the seat body 1010 may be attached to the rotating device 1011. The control device 1064 may be attached to the seat body 1010 after the seat body 1010 is attached to the floor 1007.

[0416] like Fig.54 and Fig.55 As shown, upon receiving the rotation signal from the first input device 1062, the control device 1064 performs rotation control of the rotation device 1011 that rotates the seat body 1010. In addition, the control device 1064 controls the first display device 1054 according to the operation state of the rotation device 1011. Fig.54 As shown, first, the control device 1064 causes the first display device 1054 to display a first warning display indicating that the seat body 1010 has started to rotate (ST1001). The first warning display can be displayed for a predetermined time. The predetermined time can be, for example, about 1 second to 3 seconds. In this embodiment, Fig.55 As shown in (A), when the control device 1064 receives a clockwise rotation signal from the first input device 1062 to rotate the seat body 1010 clockwise, a first warning display consisting of a lighted circular symbol 1058 and three triangle symbols 1059 pointing to the right is started. The illuminated color can be one of two colors. By displaying the first warning display on the first display device 1054 immediately before the rotation device 1011 starts to operate, the first display device 1054 can remind the occupant that the seat body 1010 is about to start rotating.

[0417] Next, the control device 1064 causes the first display device 1054 to display the rotation direction of the seat body 1010 according to the rotation direction of the rotating device 1011. In this embodiment, the control device 1064 causes the first display device 1054 to display a rotation display consisting of sequentially lighting up the individual lighting units 1055 one after another in the lateral direction (ST1002). When a predetermined time has passed after the first warning display is displayed, the rotation display may be started. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. Fig.55(B) shows, by sequentially lighting up three triangle symbols 1059 pointing to the right from the triangle symbol closest to the circular symbol 1058 to the triangle symbol immediately to the right, a clockwise rotation display indicating a clockwise rotation of the seat body 1010 is realized. After lighting up the triangle symbol 1059 farthest from the circular symbol 1058, the control device 1064 then lights up the triangle symbol 1059 closest to the circular symbol 1058 again. The illuminated color may be the same as the color used for the first warning display. Thus, the first display device 1054 is able to perform a display corresponding to the clockwise rotation of the seat body 1010. Therefore, the rotation direction of the seat 1001 can be communicated to the occupant located behind the seat body 1010.

[0418] Furthermore, after a prescribed time has passed since the start of the first warning display, the control device 1064 starts to rotate the electric motor 1043 of the rotating device 1011 in the corresponding rotation direction (ST1003). Therefore, when the control device 1064 receives a clockwise rotation signal from the first input device 1062, the control device 1064 rotates the electric motor 1043 to rotate the seat body 1010 clockwise. Conversely, when the control device 1064 receives a left rotation signal from the first input device 1062, the control device 1064 rotates the electric motor 1043 to rotate the seat body 1010 to the left.

[0419] When it is determined based on the angle sensor 1032 that the rotation angle of the seat body 1010 has reached the predetermined angle (Yes in ST1004), the control device 1064 stops the rotation display (ST1005). The angle sensor 1032 preferably detects the rotation angle of the seat body 1010 by using the state before the seat body 1010 starts to rotate as a reference. The predetermined angle may be, for example, about 70 to 80 degrees.

[0420] After the rotation display is stopped, the control device 1064 causes the first display device 1054 to display a stop display indicating that the execution of the rotation control has stopped (ST1006). The stop display may be displayed for a predetermined time. The predetermined time may be about 1 second to 3 seconds. In this embodiment, Fig.55 (C) As shown in FIG. 1005, the stop display may include lighting up the circular symbol 1058. The color of the illuminated light may be the same as the color used for the first warning display and the clockwise rotation display. When the control device 1064 determines that the rotation angle of the seat body 1010 has reached 90 degrees based on the angle sensor 1032 (Yes in ST1007), the control device 1064 stops the rotation of the electric motor 1043 (ST1008). Thus, the first display device 1054 can remind the occupant that the rotation control (rotation of the seat body 1010) has stopped.

[0421] When the control device 1064 receives a left rotation signal from the first input device 1062, the first warning display may be displayed by lighting up the circular symbol 1058 and three triangular symbols 1059 pointing to the left. The left rotation display indicating the left rotation of the seat body 1010 may include lighting up the three triangular symbols 1059 pointing to the left in sequence from the triangular symbol closest to the circular symbol 1058 to the triangular symbol immediately to the left. After lighting up the triangular symbol 1059 farthest from the circular symbol 1058, the control device 1064 may light up the triangular symbol 1059 closest to the circular symbol 1058 again. Stopping the display may include lighting up the circular symbol 1058. The illuminated colors of these displays in the left rotation control may be the same as the colors used for display in the right rotation control.

[0422] As described above, the control device 1064 causes the first display device 1054 to display the first warning display, the rotation display and the stop display according to the rotation state of the seat body 1010, so that the control device 1064 can remind the occupant behind the seat body 1010 in an appropriate manner.

[0423] The number of light emitting units 1055 and the symbols used can be changed. Fig.56 As shown, four arrow symbols 1068 pointing to the right can be arranged one by one on the right side of the circular symbol 1058 disposed in the center of the housing 1056. In addition, four arrow symbols 1068 pointing to the left can be arranged one by one on the left side of the circular symbol 1058. The control device 1064 can light up the respective arrow symbols 1068 pointing to the right in the right rotation control. In addition, the control device 1064 can light up the respective arrow symbols 1068 pointing to the left in the left rotation control. As a result, the direction in which the seat body 1010 rotates can be more clearly communicated to the occupant located behind the seat body 1010.

[0424] The position of the display device can be changed. Fig.57 As shown, the display device may include a second display device 1070 provided on the rear surface of the headrest 1014. The configuration of the second display device 1070 may be similar to that of the first display device 1054. The second display device 1070 may be provided on the headrest 1014 so that the housing 1056 is accommodated in a recess provided in the pad of the headrest 1014. The light emitting unit 1055 may be provided to be exposed through an opening provided in the skin material 1020 of the headrest 1014. Thus, an occupant located behind the seat body 1010 can be reminded in an appropriate manner.

[0425] In addition, if Fig.58As shown, the display device may include a third display device 1071 disposed on at least one of the left and right shoulders 1012B of the seat cushion 1012. The configuration of the third display device 1071 is similar to that of the first display device 1054. The third display device 1071 is disposed on the upper surface of the shoulder 1012B and extends in the front-rear direction. In this embodiment, among the six triangular symbols 1059, three triangular symbols 1059 are arranged in a row in front of the circular symbol 1058 and point forward, and the remaining three triangular symbols 1059 are arranged in a row behind the circular symbol 1058 and point backward. The third display device 1071 may be disposed on the shoulder 1012B, and its housing 1056 is placed in a recess provided in the seat cushion pad 1019. The light emitting unit 1055 may be provided to be exposed through an opening provided in the skin material 1020 of the seat cushion 1012.

[0426] A clockwise rotation display indicating a clockwise rotation of the seat body 1010 may be displayed by lighting three triangle symbols 1059 pointing to the rear in sequence from the triangle symbol closest to the circular symbol 1058 to the triangle symbol immediately behind. In addition, a counterclockwise rotation display indicating a counterclockwise rotation of the seat body 1010 may be displayed by lighting three triangle symbols 1059 pointing to the front in sequence from the triangle symbol closest to the circular symbol 1058 to the triangle symbol immediately ahead. These lighting patterns allow for appropriate reminders of an occupant who is close to the seat body 1010. In addition, an occupant seated on the seat body 1010 is also able to confirm the rotation direction.

[0427] The seat body 1010 may be provided with a distance sensor 1072 as a sensor for detecting the position of an object around the seat body 1010. The distance sensor 1072 may be provided at a front end of each of the left and right seat cushion side covers 1022. The distance sensor 1072 may be, for example, a radar sensor, a sonar sensor, a capacitive sensor, a camera, etc. In this embodiment, the distance sensor 1072 is constituted by a sonar sensor.

[0428] like Fig.59 As shown, the distance sensor 1072 is connected to the control device 1064. The distance sensor 1072 transmits ultrasonic waves in a predetermined range around the seat body 1010 and receives reflected waves reflected by the object. The distance sensor 1072 sends a detection result of detecting the presence or absence of a three-dimensional object and the distance to the three-dimensional object to the control device 1064 based on the time required to transmit and receive the ultrasonic waves.

[0429] Upon receiving a rotation signal from the first input device 1062, the control device 1064 performs rotation control of the rotation device 1011 that rotates the seat body 1010. First, the control device 1064 estimates the possibility of a collision between the seat body 1010 and the object based on the position of the object obtained from the distance sensor 1072. When the control device 1064 detects an object within the rotation trajectory of the seat body 1010 when the seat body 1010 rotates, the control device 1064 can estimate that there is a possibility of a collision between the seat body 1010 and the object. If the control device 1064 determines that there is a possibility of a collision between the seat body 1010 and the object, the control device 1064 causes the third display device 1071 to display a second warning display indicating that the seat body 1010 is about to collide with the object. In this embodiment, as Fig.60 As shown, the second warning display is displayed by lighting up the circular symbol 1058. At this time, the luminous color can be another luminous color different from the luminous color used for the first warning display, the rotation display, and the stop display. Thus, the third display device 1071 can remind the occupant of the possibility that the seat body 1010 may collide with another object. When the control device 1064 determines that there is no possibility of collision between the seat body 1010 and the object, the control device 1064 can perform the above-mentioned rotation control.

[0430] Thus, the distance sensor 1072 allows the display device to alert the occupant that the seat body 1010 may collide with another object.

[0431] The position of the display device can also be changed. Fig.61 As shown, the display device may include a fourth display device 1074, which is provided on the rear surface of the cover 1050 placed around the rotating device 1011. The configuration of the fourth display device 1074 is similar to that of the first display device 1054. The fourth display device 1074 may be provided so that the light emitting portion 1055 is exposed through an opening provided in the upper cover 1052. The fourth display device 1074 can appropriately remind an occupant located behind the seat body 1010.

[0432] like Fig.62 As shown, the display device may be composed of a display 1075 such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display. The display 1075 may be located at the bottom of the seat back cover 1025. A seat icon 1076 having the shape of the seat body 1010 when viewed from above may be depicted in the center of the display 1075. Distance sensors 1072 that detect the position of objects around the seat body 1010 are provided at the front and rear ends of the left and right seat cushion side members 1021.

[0433] The seat 1001 has a second input device 1078 for receiving an operation on the slide device 1016. In this embodiment, the second input device 1078 is a mechanical switch. The second input device 1078 is provided on the right seat cushion side cover 1022. The second input device 1078 has a forward movement switch 1078A for moving the seat body 1010 forward and a backward movement switch 1078B for moving the seat body 1010 backward.

[0434] like Fig.63 As shown, the distance sensor 1072, the first input device 1062, the second input device 1078, the rotating device 1011, and the sliding device 1016 are connected to the control device 1064. When the occupant is pressing the forward movement switch 1078A, the second input device 1078 sends a forward movement signal to the control device 1064. In addition, when the occupant is pressing the backward movement switch 1078B, the second input device 1078 sends a backward movement signal to the control device 1064.

[0435] In the first warning display indicating that the seat body 1010 starts to rotate, two arrow icons 1079 indicating the rotation direction may be displayed on the display 1075 on the left and right sides of the seat icon 1076, respectively. Fig.64 As shown, when the seat body 1010 is rotated to the left, in the first warning display, an arrow icon 1079 pointing upward and left is displayed on the right side of the display 1075, and an arrow icon 1079 pointing downward and right is displayed on the left side of the display 1075.

[0436] A rotation display indicating that the seat body 1010 is rotating may be displayed by blinking arrow icons 1079 displayed on both sides of the seat icon 1076 .

[0437] In the second warning display indicating that the seat body 1010 may collide with an object, a collision risk icon 1080 may be displayed on the display 1075. In addition, the second warning display may indicate the position where the collision between the seat body 1010 and the object will occur by the position of the collision risk icon 1080 displayed on the display 1075. For example, Fig.64 As shown, if the seat body 1010 is about to collide with an object on the front and left side of the seat body 1010 , a collision risk icon 1080 may be displayed on the upper portion and left side of the display 1075 .

[0438] A stop display indicating that the rotation of the seat body 1010 is completed may be displayed by turning off the arrow icons 1079 displayed on both sides of the seat icon 1076 .

[0439] The control device 1064 preferably performs movement control based on the signal from the second input device 1078 to move the seat body 1010. At this time, the control device 1064 preferably causes the display 1075 to display a third warning display indicating that the seat body 1010 has started to move. Fig.64 As shown, when the seat body 1010 is moved backward, in the third warning display, an arrow icon 1081 pointing downward may be displayed at the bottom of the display 1075. By flashing the arrow icon 1081 displayed at the bottom of the display 1075, a moving display indicating that the seat body 1010 is moving may be displayed. By turning off the arrow icon 1081 displayed at the bottom of the display 1075, a moving stop display indicating that the movement of the seat body 1010 is completed may be displayed.

[0440] The shape of the display 1075 and the second warning display indicating that the seat body 1010 may collide with an object can be changed. Fig.65 As shown, the display 1075 may be elongated in the lateral direction. The second warning display not only informs the occupant of the possibility that the seat body 1010 may collide with an object, but also informs the occupant of the approximate position of the object that may collide with the seat body 1010, and informs the occupant that the seat body 1010 will not rotate. For example, the second warning display may be displayed by lighting a rotation prohibition icon 1082 and an arrow icon 1083 indicating that the rotation of the seat body 1010 is prohibited in addition to the collision risk icon 1080. The arrow icon 1083 may be configured to visually convey to the occupant the positional relationship between the seat body 1010 and the object that may collide with the seat body 1010.

[0441] The rotation prohibition icon 1082 is disposed at a transverse center portion of the display 1075. The rotation prohibition icon 1082 may be formed by including letters "NG" in a circular symbol.

[0442] The collision risk icon 1080 may indicate the position of an object that may collide with the seat body 1010 relative to the seat body 1010. When the object that may collide is located on the right side of the seat body 1010, the collision risk icon 1080 may be displayed on the right side of the rotation prohibition icon 1082. When the object that may collide is located on the left side of the seat body 1010, the collision risk icon 1080 may be displayed on the left side of the rotation prohibition icon 1082.

[0443] Arrow icons 1083 are preferably displayed between the rotation prohibition icon 1082 and the collision risk icon 1080. The number of arrow icons 1079 displayed may be changed based on the distance between the seat body 1010 and the object that may collide with the seat body 1010 provided by the distance sensor 1072. Fig.65As shown, when the object that may collide with the seat body 1010 is away from the seat body 1010, three arrow icons 1079 are displayed between the rotation prohibition icon 1082 and the collision risk icon 1080. Thus, the occupant can grasp the approximate position of the object that may collide with the seat body 1010.

[0444] In the above embodiment, the display device is disposed in the seat body 1010, but it may also be disposed in any other structure disposed around the seat body 1010. For example, Fig.66 As shown, the display 1075 may be provided on the instrument panel 1084, the door trim 1085, the rear side trim 1086, or the roof 1087 (ceiling). The display 1075 may display a seat icon 1076 corresponding to the shape of each of the individual seats 1001 when viewed from above. When a specific seat 1001 is rotated or moved, various displays may be displayed on the corresponding seat icon 1076. This allows the occupant to recognize the state of each seat 1001.

[0445] like Fig.67 As shown, each seat body 1010 can be provided with a support structure for supporting the posture of the seated occupant when the seat body 1010 is rotating. In this embodiment, the support structure includes a plurality of air bags 1088, which can be inflated by the supply of air. The inflated air bags 1088 press the occupant sitting on the seat 1001. The air bags 1088 are arranged on the left and right shoulders 1012B and the left and right sides of the seat back 1013. The upper part of the air bag 1088 arranged on each shoulder 1012B is configured to expand upward and laterally inward by the supply of air. The front part of the air bag 1088 arranged in each side of the seat back 1013 is configured to expand forward and laterally inward when air is supplied. The air bag 1088 can be connected to the control device 1064 via a supply device (not shown) that supplies air to the air bag 1088.

[0446] like Fig.68 As shown, the control device 1064 can inflate the airbag 1088 according to the rotation of the seat body 1010. Fig.68 As shown in (A), when the control device 1064 does not receive a rotation signal from the first input device 1062, the control device 1064 does not inflate the airbag 1088. When receiving a predetermined rotation signal from the first input device 1062, the control device 1064 performs a corresponding rotation control. Fig.68 As shown in (B), when the left rotation control is performed, the control device 1064 starts to inflate the two air bags 1088 provided on the right side of the shoulder 1012B and the right side of the seat back 1013. Fig.68As shown in (C), the control device 1064 starts to inflate the two air bags 1088 and then rotates the seat body 1010 to the left. When the seat body 1010 is rotating, as the rotation angle of the seat body 1010 increases, the control device 1064 can increase the size of the two air bags 1088 on the right side. Fig.68 As shown in (D), when the rotation of the seat body 1010 ends, the control device 1064 stops the expansion of the two air bags 1088 provided on the right side. Fig.68 As shown in (E), when the rotation of the seat body 1010 is completed, the airbag 1088 can be deflated.

[0447] As described above, when the seat body 1010 is rotated, the control device 1064 inflates the airbag 1088 on the side opposite to the rotation direction of the seat body 1010. As a result, the airbag 1088 supports the posture of the occupant seated on the seat body 1010 so that the occupant does not tilt in the direction opposite to the rotation direction of the seat body 1010 when the seat body 1010 starts to rotate or is rotating.

[0448] In other embodiments, when the rotation of the seat body 1010 ends, the control device 1064 may inflate the airbag 1088 on the same side as the rotation direction of the seat body 1010. As a result, the airbag 1088 supports the posture of the occupant seated on the seat body 1010 so that the occupant does not tilt toward the same side as the rotation direction of the seat body 1010 when the rotation of the seat body 1010 stops.

[0449] The arrangement of airbags 1088 can vary. For example, Fig.69 As shown, the seat body 1010 may be provided with a pair of armrests 1090 provided on both sides of the seat back 1013. Each armrest 1090 may have a known construction per se, including an armrest frame forming a skeleton structure, an armrest pad supported by the armrest frame, and a skin material 1020 covering the outer surface of the armrest pad. An airbag 1088 is also provided to each armrest 1090. The interior of each airbag 1088 provided in the corresponding armrest 1090 is expanded laterally inwardly by air supply.

[0450] like Fig.69 As shown in (A), when the control device 1064 does not receive the rotation signal from the first input device 1062, the control device 1064 does not inflate the airbag 1088. Fig.69 As shown in (B), for example, when the left rotation control is performed, the control device 1064 inflates the three air bags 1088 provided on the right shoulder 1012B, the right side of the seat back 1013, and the right armrest 1090. Fig.69As shown in (C), after the three air bags 1088 on the right side are inflated, the control device 1064 rotates the seat body 1010 to the left. Fig.69 As shown in (D), when the rotation of the seat body 1010 is completed, the control device 1064 ends the inflation of the three air bags 1088 on the right side. Fig.69 As shown in (E), when the rotation of the seat body 1010 is completed, it is preferred that all the air bags 1088 are deflated.

[0451] In other embodiments, the support structure may be a device that pushes the seat back cushion 1024 forward. For example, the support structure may include a movable frame rotatably supported by each side of the seat back frame and a motor that rotates the movable frame. When the movable frame rotates forward, the seat back cushion 1024 may protrude forward so as to push the corresponding side of the occupant forward. In addition, the support structure may be a cylinder disposed between the seat back frame and the seat back cushion 1024. By extending the cylinder forward, the seat back cushion 1024 may protrude forward and push the corresponding side of the occupant forward.

[0452] The support structure may be incorporated in each armrest 1090. Each armrest 1090 may have a known configuration per se, including, for example, a rotation mechanism that rotates the armrest 1090 relative to the seat back 1013 and an armrest angle sensor that detects the angle of the armrest 1090 relative to the seat back 1013. The rotation mechanism and the armrest angle sensor may be connected to the control device 1064. When performing rotation control, the control device 1064 preferably rotates the rotation mechanism based on the armrest angle sensor so that the armrest 1090 is in a position extending in the horizontal direction. At this time, the control device 1064 preferably rotates the rotation mechanism of the armrest 1090 on the side opposite to the rotation direction of the seat body 1010. As a result, the armrest 1090 supports the posture of the passenger seated on the seat body 1010 so that the passenger does not tilt in the direction opposite to the rotation direction of the seat body 1010 when the seat body 1010 is rotating.

[0453] By combining the first display device 1054, the second display device 1070, the third display device 1071, the fourth display device 1074, and the fifth display device 1075, a plurality of display devices may be provided on the seat 1001. A speed sensor that detects the rotation speed of the seat body 1010 may be connected to the control device 1064. Based on the rotation speed detected by the speed sensor, the control device 1064 may make the rotation speed of the seat body 1010 at the start of rotation less than the rotation speed of the seat body 1010 during its steady-state rotation. In addition, the first input device 1062 may include a plurality of speed switches that change the rotation speed of the seat body 1010. In addition, a weight sensor that detects the weight applied to the seat cushion 1012 may be connected to the control device 1064. The control device 1064 may change the rotation speed of the seat body 1010 according to the weight of the occupant seated on the seat body 1010 or the weight of the luggage placed on the seat body 1010. When the weight sensor exceeds a predetermined threshold, the control device 1064 may cause the display device to display a warning message for prohibiting the rotation of the seat body 1010 .

[0454] Hereinafter, a rotating device 1202 applied to a vehicle seat according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In other embodiments, the rotating device 1202 may be applied to seats in other vehicles such as trains, airplanes, ships, etc. Hereinafter, front-to-back, left-to-right, and up-down directions will be defined with respect to a vehicle.

[0455] like Fig.70 As shown, the vehicle seat device 1201 includes a rotating device 1202. In addition, the vehicle seat device 1201 includes a seat body 1203 and a sliding device 1204. The rotating device 1202 is arranged on a floor 1205 via the sliding device 1204. The seat body 1203 includes a seat cushion 1211 and a seat back 1212. The seat cushion 1211 supports the user's buttocks from below. The seat back 1212 extends upward from the rear of the seat cushion 1211. The seat back 1212 supports the user's back from the rear.

[0456] The seat cushion 1211 includes a seat cushion frame 1214 forming a skeleton structure, a cushion supported by the seat cushion frame 1214, and a skin material covering the surface of the cushion. The seat cushion frame 1214 includes a pair of seat cushion side members 1218 extending in the front-rear direction on both sides, a front member 1219 extending between the front ends of the left and right seat cushion side members 1218, and a rear member 1221 extending between the rear ends of the left and right seat cushion side members 1218. A flexible support member 1222 supporting the user's buttocks spans between the front member 1219 and the rear member 1221. The support member 1222 preferably includes a plurality of metal wires and a flexible resin plate attached to each metal wire. A pair of side covers 1223 are provided on both sides of the seat cushion 1211. Each side cover 1223 is supported by the corresponding seat cushion side member 1218, and hides the end of the cushion and the decoration so as not to be seen. The side cover 1223 is preferably formed of a resin material.

[0457] The seat back 1212 includes a seat back frame 1225 forming a skeleton structure, a cushion supported by the seat back frame 1225, and a skin material covering the surface of the cushion. The seat back frame 1225 includes a pair of seat back side members 1229 extending vertically on both sides, an upper member 1231 extending between the upper ends of the left and right seat back side members 1229, a lower member 1232 extending between the lower ends of the left and right seat back side members 1229, and an intermediate member 1233 extending between the left and right seat back side members 1229 vertically in the middle of the upper member 1231 and the lower member 1232. The left and right seat back side members 1229, the upper member 1231, the lower member 1232, and the intermediate member 1233 are formed by stamping a metal sheet. A flexible support member 1234 supporting the user's back spans between the left and right seat back side members 1229, the middle member 1233 and the lower member 1232. The support member 1234 is preferably formed of a plurality of metal wires. The lower ends of the left and right seat back side members 1229 are connected to the rear ends of the corresponding seat cushion side members 1218 via a tilting device 1235.

[0458] like Figure 70 to Figure 72 As shown, the sliding device 1204 includes a pair of lower rails 1237 extending in the front-to-back direction on both sides and a pair of upper rails 1238 supported by the corresponding lower rails 1237 so as to be slidable in the front-to-back direction. Each lower rail 1237 is fixed to the floor 1205 via front and rear legs 1239. A sliding locking device (not shown in the figure) is provided between each lower rail 1237 and the corresponding upper rail 1238. The left and right sliding locking devices are connected to each other by a sliding operating rod 1241 extending laterally. The user can slide the upper rail 1238 relative to the lower rail 1237 by operating the sliding operating rod 1241.

[0459] like Figure 70 to Figure 72 As shown, the rotating device 1202 is disposed between the floor 1205 and the seat cushion 1211 and is configured to rotate the seat cushion 1211 relative to the floor 1205 about the first axis A4 (rotation axis). The rotating device 1202 includes a base portion 1251, a rotatable portion 1252, a rotation actuator 1253, and a rotation locking device 1254.

[0460] The base portion 1251 is arranged on one side of the floor 1205. In this embodiment, the base portion 1251 is arranged on the floor 1205 via the sliding device 1204. The base portion 1251 is provided with a base plate 1255 having a vertically facing surface. The base plate 1255 is composed of a circular plate. The base portion 1251 also has a vertical wall 1256 protruding upward from the peripheral edge of the base plate 1255. The base plate 1255 is supported by the left and right upper rails 1238 via a pair of front and rear transverse members 1257. Each transverse member 1257 extends laterally and is connected to the left and right upper rails 1238 at its respective ends. The left and right ends of the front transverse member 1257 are connected to the front end of the corresponding upper rail 1238. The left and right ends of the rear transverse member 1257 are connected to the rear end of the corresponding upper rail 1238.

[0461] like Fig.71 and 72 As shown, the front and rear transverse members 1257 are arranged to be a certain distance from each other in the front-rear direction. The base plate 1255 and the front and rear transverse members 1257 are preferably formed of metal sheets. A plurality of reinforcing structures extending in the transverse direction can be formed in the central portion of each transverse member 1257.

[0462] like Fig.72 As shown, the front and rear transverse members 1257 are connected to each other via a base plate 1255 .

[0463] like Fig.72 and 76 As shown in Figures 78, a first raised portion 1261 that is raised downward is formed in the center of the base plate 1255. The first raised portion 1261 is formed in a cylindrical shape with a bottom. A circular first bearing hole 1262 is formed in the center of the first raised portion 1261 and penetrates in the thickness direction. The first bearing hole 1262 is centered on the first axis A4 extending vertically. An annular edge wall 1263 that protrudes upward or downward may be formed at the edge of the first bearing hole 1262 (see Figure 78). Fig.77 ).

[0464] like Fig.71 and 76As shown in Figures 78 to 78, the base portion 1251 also includes a fixing member 1266 extending upward from the base plate 1255. The fixing member 1266 has a tube wall 1267 extending upward from the base plate 1255 and an inner flange portion 1268 extending radially inward from the upper end of the tube wall 1267. The inner flange portion 1268 is formed in an annular shape and has a vertically facing surface. The outer circumferential surface of the tube wall 1267 is preferably located inside the inner circumferential surface of the vertical wall 1256 of the base plate 1255. Preferably, the fixing member 1266 is fixed to the base plate 1255, for example, by welding the lower portion of the outer circumferential surface of the tube wall 1267 of the fixing member 1266 to the upper portion of the inner circumferential surface of the vertical wall 1256 of the base plate 1255. A gap is formed between the inner flange portion 1268 and the base plate 1255. The fixing member 1266 can be formed by combining a plurality of members. A plurality of reinforcing structures may be provided at the boundary between the tube wall 1267 and the inner flange portion 1268. The reinforcing structures may be, for example, recesses, ribs, and the like.

[0465] like Figures 71 to 78 As shown, the rotatable portion 1252 is fixed to the seat cushion 1211 and is rotatably supported by the base portion 1251. The rotatable portion 1252 includes a rotatable plate 1271 rotatably supported on the upper surface of the base plate 1255. The rotatable plate 1271 is formed in the shape of a disk having a vertically facing surface. The rotatable plate 1271 is formed of a metal sheet. The central portion of the rotatable plate 1271 has a second raised portion 1272 consisting of a convex portion that bulges upward. The second raised portion 1272 extends in an annular shape with the first axis A4 as the center. A circular second bearing hole 1273 penetrating in the thickness direction is defined in the center of the rotatable plate 1271 by the inner peripheral edge of the second raised portion 1272. The second bearing hole 1273 is centered on the first axis A4. An annular edge wall 1274 protruding upward or downward may be formed on the inner peripheral edge of the second raised portion 1272 (refer to Fig.77 ).

[0466] like Fig.71 and 75 As shown, the rotatable plate 1271 also includes a plurality of third protrusions 1275 that protrude upward. The third protrusions 1275 are preferably formed integrally with the second protrusions 1272. More specifically, the third protrusions 1275 are arranged to protrude radially outward from the outer peripheral portion of the second protrusion 1272. In this embodiment, four third protrusions 1275 are arranged at equal intervals around the second protrusion 1272. A corresponding bolt 1276 extending upward is provided on the upper surface of each third protrusion 1275. The bolt 1276 can be composed of a stud bolt.

[0467] like Fig.77 and 78As shown, the upper surface of the peripheral edge of the rotatable plate 1271 is opposite to the lower surface of the inner flange portion 1268. More specifically, the peripheral edge of the rotatable plate 1271 is seated in the gap defined between the inner flange portion 1268 of the fixing member 1266 and the base plate 1255.

[0468] like Figures 76 to 78 As shown, the rotatable plate 1271 is supported on the upper surface of the base plate 1255 via a bearing 1277. In this embodiment, the bearing 1277 is composed of a thrust bearing known per se, which includes a plurality of balls 1278 and an annular retainer 1279 that rotatably supports each ball 1278. The retainer 1279 has an annular shape centered on the first axis A4. The bearing 1277 is arranged between the upper surface of the outer periphery of the base plate 1255 and the lower surface of the outer periphery of the rotatable plate 1271. More specifically, when viewed from above, the retainer 1279 is located on a portion of the rotatable plate 1271 that is radially more outward than the third protrusion 1275 and radially more inward than the inner peripheral edge of the inner flange portion 1268 of the fixed member 1266.

[0469] The rotatable plate 1271 has a first bearing groove 1281 which is recessed upward, extends annularly in a circumferential direction centered on the first axis A4 of the rotatable plate 1271, and accommodates the bearing 1277 therein. The first bearing groove 1281 is recessed upward from the lower surface of the outer peripheral portion of the rotatable plate 1271. In addition, it is preferred that a second bearing groove 1282 recessed downward is formed on the upper surface of the outer peripheral portion of the base plate 1255 to accommodate the lower portion of the bearing 1277. A space 1284 is defined between the first protrusion 1261 of the base plate 1255 and the second protrusion 1272 of the rotatable plate 1271.

[0470] like Fig.74 and 76As shown in Figure 78, the rotatable plate 1271 is provided with a slidable member 1285, which slides on the inner flange portion 1268 of the fixed member 1266. The slidable member 1285 is made of a resin material having a smaller friction coefficient than metal. The slidable member 1285 is arranged on the rotatable plate 1271 radially more outward than the bearing 1277. In other words, the slidable member 1285 is arranged in a portion of the rotatable plate 1271 radially more outward than the first bearing groove 1281. The slidable member 1285 includes a ring portion 1286 extending annularly around the first axis A4 of the rotatable plate 1271 and a plurality of locking portions 1287 arranged on the lower surface of the ring portion 1286. The surface of the ring portion 1286 faces the vertical direction. The upper surface of the ring portion 1286 is in sliding contact with the lower surface of the inner flange portion 1268 of the fixed member 1266. The ring portion 1286 has a vertical thickness that decreases toward the radial outer portion of the rotatable plate 1271. In other words, the upper surface of the ring portion 1286 may be inclined downward toward the radially outer side of the rotatable plate 1271. The lower surface of the ring portion 1286 is in contact with the rotatable plate 1271. Since the ring portion 1286 is disposed over the entire circumference of the rotatable plate 1271, direct contact between the rotatable plate 1271 and the inner flange portion 1268 is avoided. The slidable member 1285 may be divided into a plurality of parts.

[0471] The plurality of locking portions 1287 protrude downward from the lower surface of the ring portion 1286. The plurality of locking portions 1287 include a plurality of first locking portions 1287A and a plurality of second locking portions 1287B. The plurality of first locking portions 1287A form a pair, one located at the front of the ring portion 1286 and the other located at the rear thereof. The lower end of each first locking portion 1287 may be provided with a claw portion 1288 extending in the radially outward direction of the rotatable plate 1271. The plurality of second locking portions 1287B are preferably arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the ring portion 1286. In this embodiment, three second locking portions 1287B are arranged on each lateral side of the first locking portion 1287A.

[0472] The rotatable plate 1271 is provided with corresponding locking holes 1289 for receiving the locking portions 1287A and 1287B of the slidable member 1285. The locking hole 1289 passes through the rotatable plate 1271 in the vertical direction. Each of the locking portions 1287A and 1287B enters the corresponding locking hole 1289 from above and protrudes below the locking hole 1289. The claw portion 1288 provided at the lower end of each first locking portion 1287A is engaged by the lower edge of the corresponding locking hole 1289. Each second locking portion 1287B is preferably fitted into the corresponding locking hole 1289. Thus, the slidable member 1285 is attached to the rotatable plate 1271.

[0473] When the slidable member 1285 is attached to the rotatable plate 1271, the plurality of locking portions 1287 overlap the bearing 1277 when viewed from the radial direction of the rotatable plate 1271 or from the side. In addition, the upper surface of the ring portion 1286 is located below the upper end of the second protrusion 1272 or the upper surface thereof. The rotatable plate 1271 may be provided with a downwardly recessed annular receiving groove for receiving the ring portion 1286.

[0474] The inner flange portion 1268 of the fixing member 1266 can press the rotatable plate 1271 toward the base plate 1255 via the slidable member 1285. This suppresses upward displacement of the rotatable plate 1271.

[0475] like Fig.76 As shown, the rotatable portion 1252 also includes a fixing bracket 1291 that connects the rotatable plate 1271 to the seat cushion frame 1214. The fixing bracket 1291 is formed in a plate shape having a vertically facing surface. The fixing bracket 1291 can be connected to the left and right seat cushion side members 1218. An opening 1293 vertically passes through the center of the fixing bracket 1291. A plurality of fastening holes 1294 are formed around the opening 1293, and bolts 1276 provided on the third protrusion 1275 pass through these fastening holes 1294. By screwing nuts with these bolts 1276 together, the rotatable plate 1271 and the fixing bracket 1291 are fastened to each other.

[0476] like Figures 76 to 78 As shown, the vertically extending support tube 1301 is inserted into the first bearing hole 1262 and the second bearing hole 1273. The support tube 1301 is a cylinder with both upper and lower ends open. The support tube 1301 is made of metal. An annular rib 1302 that bulges outward is formed on the outer periphery of the support tube 1301. The first bearing hole 1262 of the base plate 1255 is located below the annular rib 1302. A cylindrical bushing 1303 is attached to the edge of the second bearing hole 1273 of the rotatable plate 1271. The bushing 1303 is supported by a portion of the support tube 1301 located above the annular rib 1302. The support tube 1301 is rotatably supported by the second bearing hole 1273 of the rotatable plate 1271 via the bushing 1303. The support tube 1301 places the base plate 1255 and the rotatable plate 1271 on the first axis A4.

[0477] The rotary actuator 1253 rotates the rotatable plate 1271 relative to the base plate 1255. Fig.72 and 77As shown, the rotary actuator 1253 is attached to the lower surface of the base plate 1255. The rotary actuator 1253 includes an electric motor 1311 and a reduction mechanism 1312. In this embodiment, the reduction mechanism 1312 includes a pinion 1315 assembled to the output shaft 1313 of the electric motor 1311 and a gear 1316 attached to the rotatable plate 1271. The pinion 1315 and the gear 1316 are composed of spur gears. The gear 1316 is centered on the first axis A4. The gear 1316 is attached to the lower surface of the rotatable plate 1271 via a spacer 1317 and is arranged in the space 1284. The number of teeth of the gear 1316 is greater than the number of teeth of the pinion 1315.

[0478] The rotary actuator 1253 may be attached to the lower surface of the base plate 1255. The output shaft 1313 of the rotary actuator 1253 extends upward from the speed reduction mechanism 1312. The output shaft 1313 passes through a through hole 1319 formed in the base plate 1255 and extends into the space 1284. The pinion 1315 assembled to the output shaft 1313 is disposed in the space 1284 and meshes with the gear 1316. The electric motor 1311 and the speed reduction mechanism 1312 are thus disposed below the base plate 1255.

[0479] The rotation lock 1254 selectively inhibits the rotation of the rotatable plate 1271 relative to the base plate 1255. Fig.72 , 78 As shown in FIGS. 79 and 80 , the rotation locking device 1254 is attached to the lower surface of the base plate 1255. The rotation locking device 1254 is, for example, a known device per se, which has a holder 1322 provided on the lower surface of the base plate 1255, a locking claw 1321 rotatably supported by the holder 1322, and a lock release actuator 1351 that rotates the locking claw 1321. The locking claw 1321 is supported by the holder 1322 so as to be rotatable around the second axis B4.

[0480] like Fig.73 and 78 As shown, the insertion hole 1331 passes vertically through the base plate 1255 to allow the locking claw 1321 to pass therethrough. A plurality of locking holes 1332 are formed in the rotatable plate 1271 and can selectively engage with the locking claw 1321. The plurality of locking holes 1332 are preferably arranged at 90 degree intervals around the first axis A4. The plurality of locking holes 1332 are preferably arranged between the plurality of third protrusions 1275 so as to alternate with the plurality of third protrusions. When the rotatable plate 1271 is in each predetermined rotation position relative to the base plate 1255, the insertion hole 1331 faces one of the plurality of locking holes 1332.

[0481] like Fig.74 and 76As shown in Figures 78 to 78, the reinforcing plate 1341 is attached to the lower surface of the rotatable plate 1271. The reinforcing plate 1341 has a vertically facing surface and extends in a circumferential direction centered on the first axis A4. The reinforcing plate 1341 can be formed by a plurality of parts, which together form an annular member centered on the first axis A4. In this embodiment, the reinforcing plate 1341 is composed of four parts. The central portion of each part of the reinforcing plate 1341 is preferably opposite to the corresponding locking hole 1332. Both ends of each part of the reinforcing plate 1341 in the circumferential direction can cover the opening of the corresponding third protrusion 1275. The reinforcing plate 1341 can be attached to the rotatable plate 1271 by using fasteners such as bolts and nuts. Alternatively, the reinforcing plate 1341 can be attached to the rotatable plate 1271 by welding. The thickness of the reinforcing plate 1341 is preferably greater than the thickness of the rotatable plate 1271. The reinforcing plate 1341 increases the section modulus and the second moment of inertia of the rotatable plate 1271 around each of its locking holes 1332. As Fig.74 As shown, a through hole 1342 facing each locking hole 1332 is formed in a central portion of a corresponding portion of the reinforcing plate 1341 .

[0482] like Fig.78 As shown, the locking claw 1321 is movable between a locking position and a release position, in which the locking claw 1321 engages the rotatable plate 1271, and in which the locking claw 1321 releases the rotatable plate 1271. At the locking position, the locking claw 1321 passes through the insertion hole 1331 and fits into one of the plurality of locking holes 1332 and the corresponding through hole 1342. Fig.79 As shown, a biasing member 1334 is provided between the locking claw 1321 and the retainer 1322 to urge the locking claw 1321 toward the locking position. The biasing member 1334 may be a tension coil spring.

[0483] The lock release actuator 1351 moves the lock claw 1321 from the lock position to the release position. Fig.78 and 79 As shown, the lock release actuator 1351 includes an electric motor 1352, a speed reduction mechanism 1353, and an arm 1354 assembled to the output shaft of the speed reduction mechanism 1353. The arm 1354 is configured to engage the locking claw 1321. When the electric motor 1352 is driven, the arm 1354 rotates against the biasing force of the biasing member 1334, and the arm 1354 moves the locking claw 1321 from the locking position to the releasing position. When the electric motor 1352 is stopped, the locking claw 1321 moves from the releasing position to the locking position under the urging force of the biasing member 1334.

[0484] Note that in other embodiments, the rotation locking device 1254 can be changed between the locked state and the released state by manual operation of the user.

[0485] like Fig.71 As shown, a plurality of base-side peeling suppressing units 1361 may be provided on the upper surfaces of the front and rear transverse members 1257. The base-side peeling suppressing units 1361 may have a known configuration including, for example, a first base-side hook 1363 and a second base-side hook 1364.

[0486] A plurality of rotatable side peeling inhibiting units may be provided on the lower surface of the fixed bracket 1291. Each of the plurality of rotatable side peeling inhibiting units may have a structure known per se, which includes a rotating side hook vertically opposed to the first base side hook 1363 at a certain interval and a locking piece vertically opposed to the second base side hook 1364 at a certain interval.

[0487] When a load is applied to the seat body 1203, the first base-side hook 1363 of each base-side peeling inhibiting unit 1361 engages with the rotatable side hook of the corresponding rotatable side peeling inhibiting unit, so that the rotatable portion 1252 is prevented from moving away from or peeling off the base portion 1251. In addition, when a further load is applied to the seat body 1203, the second base-side hook 1364 of each base-side peeling inhibiting unit 1361 engages with the locking piece of the corresponding rotatable side peeling inhibiting unit, so that the rotatable portion 1252 is prevented from moving away from or peeling off the base portion 1251.

[0488] Next, a method for manufacturing the vehicle seat device 1201 will be described below. First, the support pipe 1301 is subjected to a bulge forming process to form the annular rib 1302. Next, the bushing 1303 is attached to the second bearing hole 1273 of the rotatable plate 1271, and the gear 1316 is attached thereto. Thereafter, the support pipe 1301 is inserted into the second bearing hole 1273. In this way, the rotatable plate 1271 is rotatably supported by the support pipe 1301.

[0489] Next, the base plate 1255, the bearing 1277 and the rotatable plate 1271 are placed one on top of the other, and the fixing member 1266 is placed around the periphery of the base plate 1255 and the rotatable plate 1271. First, the slidable member 1285 is attached to the rotatable plate 1271. More specifically, after each of the locking portions 1287A and 1287B of the slidable member 1285 is passed through the corresponding locking hole 1289, the claw portion 1288 provided at the lower end of the first locking portion 1287A is engaged by the lower edge of the corresponding locking hole 1289. As a result, each locking portion 1287 is prevented from coming out of the corresponding locking hole 1289, so that the slidable member 1285 is fixed to the rotatable plate 1271 in a stable manner. Next, the lower portion of the support pipe 1301 is inserted into the first bearing hole 1262 of the base plate 1255. At this time, the bearing 1277 is interposed between the rotatable plate 1271 and the base plate 1255. The fixing member 1266 is then attached to the base plate 1255. Specifically, the lower portion of the outer peripheral surface of the fixing member 1266 and the upper portion of the inner peripheral surface of the vertical wall 1256 of the base plate 1255 may be welded to each other. At this time, the lower surface of the inner flange portion 1268 contacts the upper surface of the slidable member 1285. In this way, the base plate 1255, the bearing 1277, the rotatable plate 1271, the fixing member 1266, and the slidable member 1285 are assembled.

[0490] Thereafter, the rotation actuator 1253 is attached to the base plate 1255, and the pinion 1315 is meshed with the gear 1316. Furthermore, the rotation locking device 1254 including the lock release actuator 1351 is attached to the base plate 1255. In this way, the rotation device 1202 is assembled.

[0491] Thereafter, the front and rear lateral members 1257 are connected to the left and right upper rails 1238 of the slide device 1204 provided on the floor 1205. Then, the seat body 1203 is attached to the fixing bracket 1291. Thus, the vehicle seat device 1201 is assembled in the above-described manner.

[0492] Since the slidable member 1285 is fixed to the rotatable plate 1271 in this manner, it is possible to suppress displacement of the slidable member 1285. Since the locking portion 1287 overlaps with the bearing 1277 when viewed from the radial direction of the rotatable plate 1271, it is possible to minimize the thickness of the rotating device 1202 in the vertical direction. In addition, since the slidable member 1285 does not overlap with the first bearing groove 1281 and is disposed below the upper surface of the second protrusion 1272 when viewed from the vertical direction, it is possible to further reduce the thickness of the rotating device 1202 in the vertical direction.

[0493] The upper surface of the ring portion 1286 is inclined downward toward the radially outer side of the rotatable plate 1271. This reduces the contact area between the upper surface of the ring portion 1286 and the inner flange portion 1268, thereby reducing the rotation resistance of the rotatable plate 1271. In addition, when the rotatable plate 1271 is inclined relative to the base plate 1255 and the fixed member 1266, for example, when a load is applied to the seat body 1203, the contact area between the upper surface of the slidable member 1285 and the inner flange portion 1268 increases, so that the fixed member 1266 can hold the rotatable plate 1271 in a stable manner. Reference numerals list

[0494] 1: Vehicle seat device 2: Rotating device 3: Seat body 4: Sliding device 5: Floor 11: Seat Cushion 37: Lower track 38: Upper track 51: base part 52: rotatable part 53: Rotation actuator 54: Rotation locking device 56: Base plate 57: Horizontal member 66: Fixed component 67: Pipe wall 68: Inner flange 69: Connector 71: Rotatable plate 72: Fixed bracket 85: Slidable member 85A: Vertical wall portion 85B: Lower wall 85C: Upper wall 111: Electric motor 112: Speed ​​reduction mechanism 113: Output shaft 115: Pinion gear 116: Gear 121: Locking claw 121A: Arm 121B: Beam 121C: claw 122: retainer 123: Peripheral wall 124: End wall 126: opening 131: insertion hole 132: Locking hole 151: Lock release actuator 152: Electric motor 153: Speed ​​reduction mechanism 154: Arm 155: Reinforcement plate 155A: Through hole 161: Base side peeling suppression unit 163: First base side hook 164: Second base side hook 165: Roller support wall 166: Roller 181: Contact surface 183: Rotatable side peeling suppression unit 185: Rotatable side hook 186: Locking piece

Claims

1. A rotating device, disposed between a floor and a seat cushion to rotatably support the seat cushion relative to the floor, the rotating device comprising: a base plate disposed on one side of the floor; a rotatable plate disposed on one side of the seat cushion and rotatably supported by the base plate; a rotary actuator that rotates the rotatable plate relative to the base plate; as well as a rotation locking device that selectively inhibits rotation of the rotatable plate relative to the base plate, Wherein, the rotary actuator and the rotary locking device are attached to the lower surface of the base plate.

2. The rotation device according to claim 1, wherein the rotation locking device comprises a retainer protruding downward from the lower surface of the base plate and a locking claw rotatably supported by the retainer and configured to pass through the base plate and engage with the rotatable plate, The holder includes a peripheral wall extending in a circumferential direction centered on a first axis, which is a rotation axis of the rotatable plate, and a pair of end walls extending radially inward from both ends of the peripheral wall toward the first axis, and The locking claw is rotatably supported by the pair of end walls, and is provided with a pair of arm portions rotatably supported by and in sliding contact with the corresponding end walls.

3. The rotating device according to claim 2, wherein: Each of the pair of end walls passes through an opening formed in the base plate and extends above the base plate, and a second axis, which is a rotation axis of the pair of arm portions, is located above the base plate.

4. The rotating device according to claim 3, wherein: A gear centered on the rotation axis is provided on the lower surface of the rotatable plate, and the rotary actuator has a pinion gear meshing with the gear, with the second axis being located above the gear.

5. The rotating device according to claim 4, wherein: The rotary actuator includes an electric motor and a speed reduction mechanism that reduces a rotation speed of the electric motor and transmits the rotation of the electric motor to the pinion gear, and the electric motor and the speed reduction mechanism are disposed below the base plate.

6. The rotating device according to claim 2, wherein: The rotary actuator and the rotary locking device are arranged at point-symmetrical positions around the first axis.

7. The rotating device according to claim 2, wherein: The base plate is formed in a circular shape, an annular fixing member is attached to the outer peripheral edge of the base plate, a pair of transversely extending lateral members are respectively attached to the front and rear ends of the base plate, and the pair of lateral members are connected to the members on one side of the floor.

8. The rotating device according to claim 7, wherein the fixing member comprises a cylindrical tube wall centered on the first axis, an inner flange extending from an upper edge of the tube wall above the upper surface of the rotatable plate, and a plurality of connectors extending from a lower edge of the tube wall below the lower surface of the base plate, A slidable member is provided on the inner flange, and The slidable member includes a vertical wall portion abutting against the inner peripheral edge of the inner flange and extending in the vertical direction, a lower wall portion extending radially outward relative to the first axis from the lower end of the vertical wall portion along the lower surface of the inner flange, and an upper wall portion extending radially outward relative to the first axis from the upper end of the vertical wall portion along the upper surface of the inner flange, The lower wall portion is longer than the upper wall portion in a radial direction centered on the first axis.

9. The rotating device according to claim 2, wherein: The rotatable plate is provided with a plurality of locking holes that can be selectively engaged by the locking claws, A reinforcing plate is provided at a position corresponding to one of the plurality of locking holes of the rotatable plate, and The reinforcing plate is provided with a through hole at a position opposite to the locking hole. 10 . The rotating device according to claim 9 , wherein the locking claw is provided with a claw portion configured to protrude into the locking hole from below, and the claw portion has a tapered shape having a width gradually narrowing toward a distal end thereof.

11. The rotating device according to claim 10, wherein: The reinforcing plate has a greater thickness than the rotatable plate, and the through hole is shorter than the locking hole in a circumferential direction about the first axis.

12. The rotating device according to claim 7, wherein: The rotatable plate is attached to the seat cushion via a fixing bracket, and a plurality of rollers are interposed between the lateral member and the fixing bracket. 13 . The rotating device according to claim 12 , wherein the plurality of rollers are arranged on an imaginary circle centered on the first axis, and when viewed from the direction of the first axis, the imaginary circle completely overlaps with the fixed bracket.

14. A method for manufacturing a rotating device provided between a floor and a seat cushion to rotatably support the seat cushion relative to the floor, in, The rotating device includes a base plate, a rotatable plate opposite to the base plate, an annular bearing interposed between the base plate and the rotatable plate, and a fixing member attached to an outer peripheral edge of the base plate, The fixing member comprises a tubular wall accommodated by the base plate and the rotatable plate, an inner flange extending from an upper edge of the tubular wall above the rotatable plate, and a plurality of connectors arranged on a lower edge of the tubular wall. The method comprises the following steps: placing the base plate, the bearing, and the rotatable plate in a layered arrangement, wherein the fixing member is disposed along peripheral edges of the base plate and the rotatable plate; bending the plurality of connectors radially inward relative to the tube wall, wherein the base plate and the rotatable plate are interposed between the inner flange and the plurality of connectors, The plurality of connectors are welded to the base plate.

15. The method for manufacturing a rotating device according to claim 14, wherein: The plurality of connection members are bent from a direction perpendicular to the base plate toward the base plate.

Images