Seat support device

Abstract

A seat support device includes a base member, a first swing member, and a second swing member to which a seat of a vehicle is fixed, one of the base member and the first swing member includes two first rail portions extending in a first direction, and the other of the base member and the first swing member includes two second rail portions extending in a second direction. The other of the base member and the first swing member rotatably supports a plurality of first rollers, and one of the first swing member and the second swing member includes two second rail portions extending in a second direction. The other of the first swing member and the second swing member rotatably supports a plurality of second rollers, the plurality of first rollers respectively support the lower portion, the upper portion, and the side portion of each of the two first rail portions, and the plurality of second rollers respectively support the lower portion, the upper portion, and the side portion of each of the two second rail portions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a seat support device. Background Art

[0002] There is a seat support device that supports a vehicle seat so as to be swingable in a predetermined direction. The seat support device includes a base member fixed to the floor side of the vehicle, a support member that supports the seat, and a plurality of balls disposed between the base member and the support member. By rotating the plurality of balls, the support member swings relative to the base member in a predetermined direction (for example, refer to Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2019-156143).

[0003] In the above technology, the base member, the support member, and the balls are in point contact. Therefore, the balls are worn and the diameters of the balls become smaller, and the swing of the seat may become unstable. In addition, the position of the support member is displaced in a direction other than the swing direction with respect to the base member, and the swing of the support member with respect to the base member may also become unstable. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a seat support device that ensures stable swinging of a seat.

[0005] The above object can be achieved by a seat support device including a base member, a first swing member, and a second swing member that fixes a vehicle seat. One of the base member and the first swing member includes two first rail portions extending in a first direction, and the other of the base member and the first swing member supports a plurality of first rollers so as to be rotatable. The plurality of first rollers support the two first rail portions so as to be swingable in the first direction. One of the first swing member and the second swing member includes two second rail portions extending in a second direction different from the first direction, and the other of the first swing member and the second swing member supports a plurality of second rollers so as to be rotatable. The plurality of second rollers support the two second rail portions so as to be swingable in the second direction. The plurality of first rollers respectively support the lower portion, the upper portion, and the side portion of each of the two first rail portions, and the plurality of second rollers respectively support the lower portion, the upper portion, and the side portion of each of the two second rail portions.

[0006] In the above structure, the seat support device may include a first motor supported by the base member and a second motor supported by the first swing member. The first swing member includes a first gear portion that receives power from the first motor and extends along the first direction. The second swing member includes a second gear portion that receives power from the second motor and extends along the second direction.

[0007] In the above structure, it is also possible that the base member and the first swing member are each in a frame shape, the first motor is surrounded by the base member, the second motor is surrounded by the first swing member, and the first rollers that support the side portions of the two first rail portions are located between the two first rail portions or at positions sandwiching the two first rail portions, and the second rollers that support the side portions of the two second rail portions are located between the two second rail portions or at positions sandwiching the two second rail portions.

[0008] In the above structure, it is also possible that the plurality of first rollers include side rollers that support the side portions of the first rail portion, the first direction is an arc direction centered on a predetermined position, and when observing the first rail portion and the side rollers in a direction orthogonal to the plane including the first direction, the side rollers are retracted from the center line passing through the center of the first rail portion in the first direction and the predetermined position, and the axis of the side rollers is inclined with respect to the center line such that the closer the axis is to the predetermined position, the closer it is to the center line.

[0009] In the above structure, it is also possible that the base member supports the plurality of first rollers so as to be rotatable, the first swing member includes the two first rail portions and supports the plurality of second rollers so as to be rotatable, and the second swing member includes the two second rail portions.

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a seat support device that ensures stable swinging of the seat. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Hereinafter, the features, advantages, and technical and industrial importance of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings, in which like reference numerals denote like components, and in the drawings:

[0012] Figure 1 is a schematic explanatory view of the seat support device.

[0013] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the seat support device.

[0014] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the appearance of the base member.

[0015] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the appearance of the first swing member.

[0016] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the appearance of the second swing member.

[0017] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the appearance of the seat support device after removing the first motor, the second motor, the beam member, etc.

[0018] Figure 7 It is an explanatory diagram of the rail part and the side roller.

[0019] Figure 8A It is a schematic diagram of a modified example of a transmission mechanism that transmits power from a first motor to a first swing member.

[0020] Figure 8B It is a schematic diagram of a modified example of a transmission mechanism that transmits power from a first motor to a first swing member.

[0021] Figure 8C It is a schematic diagram of a modified example of a transmission mechanism that transmits power from a first motor to a first swing member. Detailed implementation mode

[0022] Structure of the seat support device

[0023] Figure 1 It is a schematic explanatory diagram of the seat support device 1. A seat S is fixed to the upper part of the seat support device 1. The seat support device 1 can slide in the front-rear direction FB of the vehicle on a rail 100 fixed to the floor of the vehicle. The seat support device 1 supports the seat S so as to be swingable in a first direction D1 and a second direction D2. The first direction D1 is an arc direction along the left-right direction LR and centered on a predetermined position above the seat support device 1. The second direction D2 is an arc direction along the front-rear direction FB of the vehicle and centered on a predetermined position above the seat support device 1. In addition, when observing the seat support device 1 from the up-down direction UP, the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 are substantially orthogonal to each other.

[0024] Figure 2 It is a perspective view of the seat support device 1. The seat support device 1 includes a base member 10, a first swing member 40, and a second swing member 70. The base member 10 is supported so as to be slidable in the front-rear direction FB on the rail 100. Specifically, a slider 110 engages with the rail 100 in a slidable manner. The base member 10 is fixed to the slider 110. The base member 10 supports the first swing member 40 so as to be swingable in the first direction D1. The first swing member 40 supports the second swing member 70 so as to be swingable in the second direction D2. Thus, the seat support device 1 supports the seat S so as to be swingable in the first direction D1 and the second direction D2.

[0025] Structure of the base member

[0026] Figure 3This is a perspective view of the base member 10. The base member 10 includes two support members 11 and two support members 12. The support members 11 and 12 are, for example, made of metal, but are not limited thereto. The two support members 11 face each other separated from each other in the left - right direction LR and extend along the front - back direction FB. The two support members 12 face each other separated from each other in the front - back direction FB and extend along the left - right direction LR. The two support members 11 and the two support members 12 are connected in such a way that the base member 10 forms a frame shape. The support member 12 extends in an L - shape. The support member 12 includes a side wall portion 12a and an upper wall portion 12b. The upper wall portion 12b is bent from above the side wall portion 12a toward the inside of the base member 10 at a substantially right angle with respect to the side wall portion 12a.

[0027] One upper roller 21, two lower rollers 22, and two side rollers 23 are rotatably supported on the two support members 12 respectively. The upper roller 21, the lower rollers 22, and the side rollers 23 are each cylindrical. The upper roller 21 is supported for rotation by a bracket 31a fixed to the side wall portion 12a and a bracket 31b fixed to the upper wall portion 12b. The lower rollers 22 are rotatably supported on the side wall portion 12a by brackets 32 fixed to the side wall portion 12a. The two lower rollers 22 are separated from each other in the left - right direction LR. The side rollers 23 are rotatably supported on the upper wall portion 12b. The two side rollers 23 are separated from each other in the left - right direction LR. The axes of the upper roller 21 and the lower rollers 22 are along the front - back direction FB. The upper roller 21 and the lower rollers 22 are separated from each other in the up - down direction UP. The axes of the two side rollers 23 are inclined with respect to the up - down direction UP, and the details will be described later. The upper roller 21, the lower rollers 22, and the side rollers 23 are an example of the first rollers.

[0028] Two beam members 13 are installed between the two support members 12. The beam members 13 are, for example, made of metal, but are not limited thereto. The two beam members 13 are separated from each other in the left - right direction LR and extend along the front - back direction FB. The frame - shaped base member 10 is prevented from deforming by the beam members 13. A holding member 14 is fixed to the two beam members 13. The holding member 14 supports the first motor M1. A pinion G1 is fixed to the tip of the first motor M1. The rotation axis of the first motor M1 is along the front - back direction FB. L - shaped plates 15 are fixed to the two beam members 13 respectively. Two rubber members 16 are installed on the L - shaped plates 15.

[0029] In addition, the driving of the first motor M1 and the second motor M2 described later is controlled by a seat ECU (Electronic Control Unit).

[0030] Structure of the first swing member

[0031] Figure 44 is an external perspective view of the first swing member 40. The first swing member 40 includes two support members 41 and two rail portions 42. The support members 41 and the rail portions 42 are made of metal, for example, but are not limited thereto. The two support members 41 are separated from each other in the left-right direction LR and face each other, and extend along the front-back direction FB. The two rail portions 42 are separated from each other in the front-back direction FB and face each other, and extend along the left-right direction LR. The two support members 41 and the two rail portions 42 are connected so that the base member 10 becomes a frame shape.

[0032] The two rail portions 42 are respectively arranged along Figure 1 The track portion 42 is formed by Figure 3 The upper roller 21, the two lower rollers 22, and the two side rollers 23 shown are supported so as to be able to swing in the first direction D1. The rail portion 42 is an example of a first rail portion. Figure 3 The rubber member 16 shown contacts the base member 10 , thereby defining a swing range of the first swing member 40 relative to the base member 10 in the first direction D1 .

[0033] The support member 41 extends in an L-shape. The support member 41 includes a side wall portion 41a and an upper wall portion 41b. The upper wall portion 41b is bent from above the side wall portion 41a toward the inside of the first swing member 40 at a substantially right angle to the side wall portion 41a.

[0034] The two supporting members 41 each support an upper roller 51, two lower rollers 52, and two side rollers 53 in a rotatable manner. The upper roller 51, the lower roller 52, and the side rollers 53 are each cylindrical. The upper roller 51 is rotatably supported by a bracket 61a fixed to the side wall portion 41a and a bracket 61b fixed to the upper wall portion 41b. The lower roller 52 is rotatably supported on the side wall portion 41a by the bracket 62 fixed to the side wall portion 41a. The two lower rollers 52 are separated from each other in the front-to-back direction FB. The side roller 53 is rotatably supported on the upper wall portion 41b. The two side rollers 53 are separated from each other in the front-to-back direction FB. The respective axes of the upper roller 51 and the lower roller 52 are along the left-right direction LR. The upper roller 51 and the lower roller 52 are separated from each other in the up-down direction UP. The respective axes of the two side rollers 53 are inclined relative to the up-down direction UP. The upper roller 51 , the lower roller 52 , and the side rollers 53 are examples of second rollers.

[0035] Between two support members 41, two beam members 43 are installed. The beam members 43 are made of metal, for example, but are not limited thereto. The two beam members 43 are separated from each other in the front-rear direction FB and extend along the left-right direction LR. The frame-shaped first swing member 40 is restrained from deforming by the beam members 43. A holding member 44 is fixed to the two beam members 43. The holding member 44 supports the second motor M2. A pinion G2 is fixed to the top end of the second motor M2. The rotation axis of the second motor M2 extends along the left-right direction LR. On the upper wall portions 41b of the two support members 41, two L-shaped plates 45 separated from each other in the front-rear direction FB are respectively fixed. A rubber member 46 is installed on the L-shaped plate 45.

[0036] An L-shaped plate 47 is fixed to one of the two beam members 43. A gear portion g1 is fixed to the L-shaped plate 47. The teeth of the gear portion g1 are arranged in an arc shape along the left-right direction LR. The pitch circle diameter of the gear portion g1 is substantially the same as the diameter of the arc-shaped track portion 42. The gear portion g1 meshes with the pinion G1 rotated by the first motor M1 shown in Figure 3 Thus, the power of the first motor M1 is transmitted to the first swing member 40. Therefore, the swing of the first swing member 40 in the first direction D1 can be controlled by the first motor M1. For example, the first motor M1 is controlled by a seat ECU according to the acceleration of the vehicle detected by a main ECU that comprehensively controls the vehicle, so that the swing of the first swing member 40 in the first direction D1 can be controlled.

[0037] In addition, the upper roller 51, the lower roller 52, and the side roller 53 are respectively the same members as the upper roller 21, the lower roller 22, and the side roller 23. The brackets 61a, 61b, and 62 are respectively the same members as the brackets 31a, 31b, and 32. The beam members 43 and the holding members 44 are respectively the same members as the beam members 13 and the holding members 14. The second motor M2 is the same as the first motor M1. The pinion G2 is the same member as the pinion G1. Thus, the number of types of suppression components is reduced, and the manufacturing cost is cut.

[0038] Structure of the second swing member

[0039] Figure 5 is an external perspective view of the second swing member 70. The second swing member 70 includes two track portions 71 and two support members 72. The track portions 71 and the support members 72 are made of metal, for example, but are not limited thereto. The two track portions 71 face each other separated from each other in the left-right direction LR and extend along the front-rear direction FB. Mounting portions 71a are provided at both ends of the track portion 71. A seat S is fixed to the mounting portion 71a. The two support members 72 face each other separated from each other in the front-rear direction FB and extend along the left-right direction LR. The two track portions 71 and the two support members 72 are connected in such a manner that the base member 10 becomes a frame shape.

[0040] The two rail portions 71 are respectively arc-shaped and extend along Figure 1 the second direction D2 as shown. The rail portion 71 is supported by Figure 4 an upper roller 51, two lower rollers 52, and two side rollers 53 as shown so as to be swingable along the second direction D2. The rail portion 71 is an example of the second rail portion. Further, by either one of the two support members 72 coming into contact with Figure 4 the rubber member 46 as shown, the swing range of the second swing member 70 relative to the first swing member 40 in the second direction D2 is defined.

[0041] A beam member 73 is installed between the two support members 72. The beam member 73 is, for example, made of metal, but is not limited thereto. The beam member 73 extends along the front-rear direction FB. The box-shaped second swing member 70 is prevented from being deformed by the beam member 73. A gear portion g2 is fixed to the beam member 73. The teeth of the gear portion g2 are arranged in an arc shape along the front-rear direction FB. The pitch circle diameter of the rail portion 42 is substantially the same as the diameter of the arc-shaped rail portion 71. The gear portion g2 meshes with a pinion G2 rotated by Figure 4 a second motor M2 as shown. Thus, the power of the second motor M2 is transmitted to the second swing member 70. Therefore, the swing of the second swing member 70 in the second direction D2 can be controlled by the second motor M2. For example, the second motor M2 is controlled by a seat ECU according to the acceleration of the vehicle detected by a main ECU that comprehensively controls the vehicle, so that the swing of the second swing member 70 in the second direction D2 can be controlled.

[0042] Figure 6 is an external perspective view of the seat support device 1 with the first motor M1, the second motor M2, the beam members 13, 43, and 73, etc. removed. The lower surface of the rail portion 42 is supported by two lower rollers 22. Similarly, the lower surface of the rail portion 71 is supported by two lower rollers 52. Here, the lower roller 22 is in line contact with the rail portion 42, and the lower roller 52 is in line contact with the rail portion 71. Therefore, for example, the contact area between the lower roller 22 in line contact with the rail portion 42 and the rail portion 42 is larger than the contact area between a ball in point contact with the rail portion 42 and the rail portion 42. Therefore, the stress applied to the lower roller 22 and the lower roller 52 is smaller than the stress applied to such a ball. Therefore, the wear of the lower rollers 22 and 52 is suppressed as compared with such a ball. Thus, the swings of the first swing member 40 and the second swing member 70 are stabilized.

[0043] As described above, the lower surface of the rail portion 42 is supported by two lower rollers 22, and the upper surface of the rail portion 42 is supported by the upper roller 21. Thereby, the positional deviation of the first swing member 40 with respect to the base member 10 in the vertical direction UP is restricted. Similarly, the lower surface of the rail portion 71 is supported by two lower rollers 52, and the upper surface of the rail portion 71 is supported by the upper roller 51. Thereby, the positional deviation of the second swing member 70 with respect to the first swing member 40 in the vertical direction UP is restricted. In this way, the positional deviation in the vertical direction UP is restricted, so that the swinging of the first swing member 40 and the second swing member 70 is stabilized.

[0044] The inner side surface of the rail portion 42 is supported by two side rollers 23. Thereby, the positional deviation of the first swing member 40 with respect to the base member 10 in the front-rear direction FB is restricted. Similarly, the inner side surface of the rail portion 71 is supported by two side rollers 53. Thereby, the positional deviation of the second swing member 70 with respect to the first swing member 40 in the left-right direction LR is restricted. In this way, the positional deviation is restricted, so that the swinging of the first swing member 40 and the second swing member 70 is stabilized.

[0045] In addition, flanges are formed at both ends of each of the lower rollers 22 and 52, but it is not limited thereto. Further, flanges are formed at one end of each of the upper rollers 21 and 51, but it is not limited thereto.

[0046] As Figure 3 shown, the first motor M1 is surrounded by the base member 10. Similarly, as Figure 4 shown, the second motor M2 is surrounded by the first swing member 40. Further, as Figure 6 shown, the side rollers 23 are located between the two rail portions 42, and the side rollers 53 are located between the two rail portions 71. Thereby, miniaturization of the seat support device 1 can be achieved.

[0047] In addition, the side rollers 23 may also be located at positions sandwiching the two rail portions 42. By disposing the side rollers 23 outside the two rail portions 42 in this way, a space for surrounding and disposing the first motor M1 by the base member 10 can be ensured. Similarly, the side rollers 53 may also be located at positions sandwiching the two rail portions 71. By disposing the side rollers 53 outside the two rail portions 71, a space for surrounding and disposing the second motor M2 by the first swing member 40 can be ensured.

[0048] Figure 7 is an explanatory view of the rail portion 42 and the side rollers 23. Figure 7 is a view of the rail portion 42 and the base member 10 as viewed from the front-rear direction FB. In other words, Figure 7 is a view of the rail portion 42 and the side rollers 23 as viewed from a direction orthogonal to the plane including the first direction D1. In Figure 7A predetermined position C, a center line CL, and a shaft center 23A are shown. The predetermined position C is the center of a first direction D1 in the arc direction. The center line CL passes through the predetermined position C and through the center in the first direction D1 of the rail portion 42. The shaft center 23A is the shaft center of the side roller 23. In addition, in Figure 7 a cross-section of the side roller 23 is shown.

[0049] The side roller 23 is engaged with a bolt 231 in a rotatable manner. Nuts 232 and 233 are screwed on the lower end side of the bolt 231. The nuts 232 and 233 sandwich a cut piece 12b1 of the upper wall portion 12b of the support member 12. The cut piece 12b1 cuts off a part of the upper wall portion 12b and is bent obliquely with respect to the upper wall portion 12b. Thus, the shaft center 23A of the side roller 23 is inclined with respect to the center line CL.

[0050] The two side rollers 23 are retracted from the center line CL. The shaft center 23A of the side roller 23 is inclined with respect to the center line CL in such a manner that the closer the shaft center 23A is to the predetermined position C, the closer it is to the center line CL. Specifically, the shaft center 23A passes through the predetermined position C. Therefore, when the rail portion 42 swings in the first direction D1 with respect to the side roller 23, sliding of the rail portion 42 on the outer peripheral surface of the side roller 23 is suppressed. Thus, sliding noise is suppressed, and wear of the side surface of the rail portion 42 and the outer peripheral surface of the side roller 23 is also suppressed. In addition, the rail portion 71 and the side roller 53 are also the same, sliding noise is suppressed, and wear of the rail portion 71 and the side roller 53 is suppressed.

[0051] Modified Example

[0052] Figures 8A to 8C is a schematic view of a modified example of a transmission mechanism that transmits power from a first motor M1 to a first swing member 40. In the above embodiment, as Figure 4 shown, the rail portion 42 and the gear portion g1 are separately provided. In contrast, in Figure 8A the example, a gear portion 42g is provided in a region on one side below the rail portion 42a. By meshing a pinion G1 with the gear portion 42g, the pinion G1 also functions as a lower roller that supports the lower portion of the rail portion 42a. In this way, the number of components is reduced.

[0053] In Figure 8B the example, a gear portion 42g is provided near the center below the rail portion 42b. The pinion G1 supports the lower portion of the rail portion 42b between the two lower rollers 22. Thus, the rail portion 42b is stably supported.

[0054] In Figure 8CIn the example, a gear portion 42g is formed on the upper side of the rail portion 42c. By meshing the pinion G1 with the gear portion 42g, the pinion G1 also functions as an upper roller that supports the upper portion of the rail portion 42c. In this way, the number of components is suppressed.

[0055] In the above-described embodiment, the base member 10 supports the upper roller 21, the lower roller 22, and the side roller 23, and the first swing member 40 has a rail portion 42 that is supported by these rollers so as to be swingable. For example, it may be that the base member 10 has a rail portion, and the first swing member 40 supports a plurality of rollers that roll relative to the rail portion. In the above-described embodiment, the first swing member 40 supports the upper roller 51, the lower roller 52, and the side roller 53, and the second swing member 70 has a rail portion 71 that is supported by these rollers so as to be swingable. For example, it may be that the first swing member 40 has a rail portion, and the second swing member 70 supports a plurality of rollers that roll relative to the rail portion.

[0056] In the above-described embodiment, the upper portion of the rail portion 42 is supported by one upper roller 21, but it may be supported by a plurality of upper rollers. In the above-described embodiment, the lower portion of the rail portion 42 is supported by two lower rollers 22, but it may be supported by three or more lower rollers. In the above-described embodiment, the side portion of the rail portion 42 is supported by two side rollers 23, but it may be supported by one side roller, or may be supported by three or more side rollers 23. The same applies to the rail portion 71, the upper roller 51, the lower roller 52, and the side roller 53.

[0057] As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, but the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments, and various modifications and changes can be made within the scope of the gist of the present invention described in the claims.

Claims

1. A seat support device, wherein: The seat support device includes a base member, a first swing member, and a second swing member to which a vehicle seat is fixed. One of the base member and the first swing member includes two first rail portions extending along a first direction, The other of the base member and the first swing member supports a plurality of first rollers so as to be rotatable, and the plurality of first rollers supports the two first rail portions so as to be swingable in the first direction. One of the first swing member and the second swing member includes two second rail portions extending in a second direction different from the first direction. The other of the first swing member and the second swing member supports a plurality of second rollers so as to be rotatable, and the plurality of second rollers supports the two second rail portions so as to be swingable in the second direction. The plurality of first rollers respectively support the lower portion, the upper portion and the side portion of each of the two first rail portions, The plurality of second rollers respectively support the lower portion, the upper portion, and the side portions of the two second rail portions.

2. The seat support device according to claim 1, wherein: The seat support device includes a first motor supported by the base member and a second motor supported by the first swing member. The first swing member includes a first gear portion, the first gear portion is transmitted with power from the first motor and extends along the first direction, The second swing member includes a second gear portion to which power is transmitted from the second motor and extends in the second direction.

3. The seat support device according to claim 2, wherein: The base member and the first swing member are frame-shaped. The first motor is surrounded by the base member, The second motor is surrounded by the first swing member, The first roller supporting the side portions of the two first rail portions is located between the two first rail portions or at a position sandwiching the two first rail portions. The second roller supporting the side portions of the two second rail portions is located between the two second rail portions or at a position sandwiching the two second rail portions.

4. The seat support device according to claim 1, wherein: The plurality of first rollers include side rollers supporting side portions of the first rail portion, The first direction is a circular arc direction centered at a predetermined position, When observing the first rail portion and the side roller from a direction orthogonal to a plane including the first direction, the side roller retreats from a center line passing through the center of the first rail portion in the first direction and the predetermined position, and the axis of the side roller is inclined relative to the center line in such a manner that the closer the axis is to the predetermined position, the closer it is to the center line.

5. The seat support device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The base member supports the plurality of first rollers so as to be rotatable. The first swing member includes the two first rail portions, and supports the plurality of second rollers so as to be rotatable. The second swinging member includes the two second rail portions.

Images