Vehicle seat

Abstract

A vehicle seat includes a seat cushion including a seat cushion frame as an internal skeleton of the seat cushion, a footrest rotatably provided at a front portion of the seat cushion frame, a lift driving mechanism configured to raise and lower the front portion, and a footrest tilting mechanism configured to rotate the footrest in conjunction with an operation of the lift driving mechanism.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] JP 2000-037255 A discloses a vehicle seat that includes an ottoman, which is a footrest for a seated occupant and can be tilted between a stowed position and an active position.

[0003] JP 2015-003573 A discloses a vehicle seat in which the angle of the tilt panel at the front of the seat cushion can be changed by a feed screw drive. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In the vehicle seat disclosed in JP 2000-037255 A, the foot pedal tilts in conjunction with the forward and backward sliding of the vehicle seat. However, in actual vehicle use, the seating posture would be more comfortable if the occupant's lower legs (which are free when performing the lifting operation of the front side of the seat cushion) were supported by the foot pedal, thus requiring improvement.

[0005] As a vehicle seat, there exists a type of vehicle seat capable of tilting the seat back while maintaining an angle with the seat cushion surface. When the seat back is tilted and the entire seat cushion surface tilts upward during the tilting operation, the front side of the seat cushion becomes higher, which increases the burden on the buttocks supporting the thighs. Therefore, it is necessary to divide the seat cushion surface into front and rear sections, and maintain the tilt angle of the front section during the tilting operation to achieve a more comfortable sitting posture. It is not preferable to use the feed screw drive device disclosed in JP 2015-003573 A for the tilting operation and the accompanying angle adjustment of the front seat cushion surface, as this would increase the structural complexity and the number of parts and cost.

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide a vehicle seat that enables a more comfortable seating posture.

[0007] A vehicle seat according to some embodiments of the present invention includes: a seat cushion including a seat cushion frame as an internal skeleton of the seat cushion; a foot pedal rotatably disposed at the front of the seat cushion frame; a lift drive mechanism configured to raise and lower the front; and a foot pedal tilt mechanism configured to rotate the foot pedal in conjunction with the operation of the lift drive mechanism.

[0008] The seat frame can be coupled to an upper track that slidably engages with a lower track laid on the floor. The lifting drive mechanism may include: a lifting screw having one end rotatably supported by the upper track; and a lifting arm having one end coupled to the front of the seat frame and another end including a nut unit screwed onto the lifting screw; and a lifting motor configured to rotate the nut unit. The lifting arm can be raised by rotation of the nut unit driven by the lifting motor, thereby raising the front portion.

[0009] The foot pedal tilting mechanism can be configured to: rotate the foot pedal to a standing position by lifting the front of the seat frame according to the operation of the lifting drive mechanism; and rotate the foot pedal to a folded storage position by lowering the front of the seat frame according to the operation of the lifting drive mechanism.

[0010] The foot pedal may include a base plate and a sliding plate slidably engaged with the base plate as a footrest member. In the use posture, the footrest range is expanded relative to the storage posture by sliding and extending from the base plate via the sliding plate.

[0011] The seat frame can be coupled to an upper track that slidably engages with a lower track laid on the floor. The lifting drive mechanism may include: a lifting screw having one end rotatably supported by the upper track; and a lifting arm having one end coupled to the front of the seat frame and another end including a nut unit screwed onto the lifting screw, and a lifting motor configured to rotate the nut unit. The foot pedal tilting mechanism may include: a push arm having one end rotatably coupled to the other end of the lifting screw; and a sliding plate rotatably coupled to the other end of the push arm and serving as a footrest member for the foot pedal. The foot pedal may be configured such that rotation of the nut unit driven by the lifting motor raises the lifting arm, causing the lifting screw to lift, and the push arm pushes the sliding plate upward by the lifting screw, thereby placing it in a use position.

[0012] With the above configuration, the sitting posture becomes more comfortable.

[0013] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a vehicle seat includes: a seat cushion comprising a seat cushion frame housed within the seat cushion and a seat base cushion serving as a seat surface; a seat cushion disc serving as a frame for the front side of the seat base cushion; a seat cushion plate coupled to the front of the seat cushion disc for forward sliding; a frame tilting mechanism configured to tilt the seat cushion frame; and a seat cushion plate driving mechanism configured to slide the seat cushion plate in a fore-and-aft direction in conjunction with the operation of the frame tilting mechanism.

[0014] The seat plate can be rotatably coupled to the seat frame, which can be tilted by the operation of the frame tilting mechanism, and the seat plate can be controlled such that the tilt of the seat plate is maintained by the seat plate drive mechanism.

[0015] The seat plate drive mechanism can be configured to slide the seat plate forward during a tilting operation that raises the front of the seat frame.

[0016] Based on the above configuration, a vehicle seat can be provided that can prevent structural complexity and increase the number of parts and cost, while enabling a comfortable seating posture. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1A This is a side view showing the foot pedal of the vehicle seat in a stowed position according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 1B This is a side view showing the footrest of the vehicle seat in a usage position.

[0019] Figure 2A This is a side view showing the lifting drive mechanism and the foot pedal tilting mechanism when the foot pedal is in the retracted position.

[0020] Figure 2B This is a side view showing the lifting drive mechanism and the foot pedal tilting mechanism in an intermediate position between the foot pedal's stowed and used positions.

[0021] Figure 2C This is a side view showing the lifting drive mechanism and the foot pedal tilting mechanism when the foot pedal is in the retracted position.

[0022] Figure 3 This is a partial cross-sectional perspective view showing the rear of the foot pedal tilting mechanism.

[0023] Figure 4 This is a partial perspective view showing the front of the foot pedal tilting mechanism.

[0024] Figure 5 This is a partial perspective view showing a modified example of the front of the foot pedal tilting mechanism.

[0025] Figure 6A This is a side view showing a first posture mode of a vehicle seat according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 6B This is a side view showing the second posture mode of the vehicle seat.

[0027] Figure 7A This is a side view used to explain the state of the seat cushion drive mechanism in the first posture mode.

[0028] Figure 7B This is a side view used to explain the state of the seat cushion drive mechanism in the second posture mode.

[0029] Figure 8 This is a partial cutaway perspective view of the seat cushion drive mechanism, viewed from the lower left front. Detailed Implementation

[0030] In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth for purposes of explanation in order to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosed embodiments. However, it will be apparent that one or more embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and apparatuses are shown in an illustrative manner to simplify the accompanying drawings.

[0031] The following description of embodiments of the invention will be provided with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the same or similar parts and components throughout the drawings will be indicated by the same or similar reference numerals, and the description of these parts and components will be omitted or simplified. Furthermore, it should be noted that the drawings are schematic and therefore differ from actual embodiments.

[0032] The vehicle seat according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the vehicle seat ST (hereinafter referred to as seat ST). The up-down and fore-and-aft directions in this description are defined by… Figure 1A The arrows shown are defined as follows. The left and right directions correspond to the left and right directions of an occupant sitting facing forward in vehicle M; the left side is... Figure 1A The near side of the drawing, the right side is Figure 1A The far side in the drawing. This left-right direction is the width direction of the vehicle M and the seat ST. Figures 1A to 5 In this context, the right, left, up, down, forward, and backward directions are represented by RT, LT, UP, DN, FT, and RR, respectively. In the examples described below, vehicle M is a car.

[0033] like Figure 1A As shown, the seat ST includes a seat cushion SC, a footrest TM, and a seat back SB. The seat cushion SC includes a seat cushion frame 1 that serves as its skeleton, and upper rails 71 and 72 that serve as leg rests. The seat cushion frame 1 incorporates a tilting drive mechanism K1, a lifting drive mechanism K2, and a footrest tilting mechanism K3. The upper rails 71 and 72 engage with a lower rail 81 that extends in the front-rear direction and is laid on the floor FL of the vehicle M, and can slide in the front-rear direction. The footrest TM is located at the front of the seat cushion frame 1.

[0034] The seat back SB includes a backrest frame 3 that serves as the internal skeleton of the seat back SB and is capable of tilting and rotating about an inclined axis CLS (see arrow DR in Figure 1) that extends in the left-right direction, which changes the angle (θ) relative to the seat cushion SC.

[0035] like Figure 1B As shown, the seat ST can raise and lower the front of the seat cushion SC by operating the lifting drive mechanism K2 to rotate the seat cushion frame 1 around the axis CL10 extending in the left and right direction (see arrow DR1). Figure 1BThis illustrates the state in which the front of the seat cushion SC is raised during a lifting operation. This lifting operation can be performed by the seat cushion SC and the seat back SB as a whole, without changing the tilt angle θ between the seat cushion SC and the seat back SB.

[0036] In the ST seat, the footrest TM tilts and changes its posture according to the lifting operation. Specifically, as... Figure 1A As shown, during the lifting operation, when the seat cushion SC is lowered, the foot pedal TM is in a retracted position, wherein the foot pedal TM is folded along the seat cushion SC and extends in the vertical and horizontal directions. Figure 1B In the raised position shown, the foot pedal TM is in a standing use posture, with the foot pedal TM extending approximately horizontally (see arrow DR2).

[0037] Next, we will refer to Figures 2A to 2C , Figure 3 and Figure 4 Describe the tilt drive mechanism K1, the lift drive mechanism K2, and the foot pedal tilt mechanism K3 in the seat ST. Figure 2A This is a side view showing the lifting drive mechanism K2 and the foot pedal tilting mechanism K3 when the foot pedal TM is in the stowed position. Figure 2B This is a side view showing the lifting drive mechanism K2 and the foot pedal tilting mechanism K3 when the foot pedal TM is in an intermediate position between the storage position and the use position. Figure 2C This is a side view showing the lifting drive mechanism K2 and the foot pedal tilting mechanism K3 when the foot pedal TM is in the stowed position. Figure 3 This is a partial cross-sectional perspective view showing the rear of the foot pedal tilting mechanism K3. Figure 4 This is a partial perspective view showing the front of the foot pedal tilting mechanism K3.

[0038] like Figure 2A As shown, the tilt drive mechanism K1 includes a tilt arm 12, a tilt motor 13, a tilt screw 14, and a sliding nut 15. A pair of side frames 11 extending in the front-rear direction are arranged on the left and right sides of the seat frame 1. The rear end of the tilt arm 12 is rotatably supported by a shaft portion 12a at the lower rear of the left side frame 11 about a shaft CL10 extending in the left-right direction. The tilt arm 12 extends forward and downward from the shaft portion 12a, and the shaft portion 12b is located at a middle position near the front end.

[0039] Shaft portion 12b rotatably supports the tilting arm 12 for rotation about shaft CL12 extending laterally relative to the upper rail 72. A sliding nut 15 is rotatably coupled to shaft portion 12c at the front end of the tilting arm 12, and screws onto tilting screw 14 extending in the front-rear direction, raising its front side and moving along tilting screw 14 by rotation (see DR3). The front end of tilting screw 14 is coupled to the drive shaft of tilting motor 13, which is rotatably supported by support portions 13a at the front of each side frame 11 (see DR3). Figure 3 It is supported around axis CL11.

[0040] With the above configuration, when the tilt motor 13 is operated to rotate the tilt screw 14, the sliding nut 15 moves along the tilt screw 14, as shown by arrow DR3. This causes the tilt arm 12 to rotate about the shaft portion 12b, and the seat frame 1 to move up and down (see arrow DR4). In other words, the operation of the tilt motor 13 causes the seat SC to perform a so-called tilting operation, in which the rear position moves up and down while the front position remains unchanged.

[0041] Next, the lifting drive mechanism K2 will be described. For example... Figure 2A and Figure 3 As shown, the lifting drive mechanism K2 includes lifting arms 21, lifting screws 22, lifting motors 23, shafts 231, and nut units 232. The lifting arms 21 are arranged in pairs on the left and right sides, and the rear end of each lifting arm is rotatably supported by a shaft portion 21a at the front of the side frame 11 about a shaft CL21 extending in the left-right direction. The nut units 232 are fixed to the front end of each lifting arm 21.

[0042] The lifting screw 22 is screwed into the nut unit 232, making its rear side higher. The front end (one end) of the lifting screw 22 is rotatably supported by the upper rail 71 about the axis CL22 extending in the left-right direction via the screw bracket 221.

[0043] like Figure 3 As shown, the drive shaft of the lifting motor 23 is coupled to the right nut unit 232, and the shaft 231 of the drive shaft coupled to the lifting motor 23 is coupled to the left nut unit 232. As a result, the portion of the nut unit 232 screwed onto the lifting screw 22 rotates according to the rotational operation of the lifting motor 23, and the left and right lifting arms 21 move along the lifting screw 22 with rotation (see...). Figure 3 (See arrow DR4 in the image). The lifting motor 23 and shaft 231 are supported by a support 233 that couples the lifting arms 21.

[0044] Reference Figures 2A to 2C Describe the operation of the lifting drive mechanism K2. Figure 2AThis shows the state where the nut unit 232 is positioned at the lowest point of the lifting screw 22. This is the state where the seat frame 1, i.e., the seat SC, is lowered to its lowest position. On the other hand, Figure 2C This shows the nut unit 32 positioned at the top of the lifting screw 22. This is the seat cushion SC raised to its highest position. Figure 2B The intermediate position between the lowest and highest positions is shown.

[0045] like Figures 2A to 2C As shown, when the lifting motor 23 rotates in a predetermined direction, the shaft portion 21a of the coupling lifting arm 21 and the side frame 11 is raised, and the side frame 11 rotates clockwise around the shaft portion 12b. In other words, this is a lifting operation that raises the front of the seat cushion SC.

[0046] The foot pedal tilting mechanism K3 is coupled to and arranged to operate in conjunction with the aforementioned lifting drive mechanism K2. The foot pedal tilting mechanism K3 includes a coupling part 222, a push arm 24, a base plate 25, a sliding plate 26, a guide shaft 16, and a support frame 17.

[0047] like Figure 2A and Figure 3 As shown, the coupling portion 222 is fixed to the rear end (the other end) of each of the pair of lifting screws 22 and rotatably supports the rear end of the push arm 24 to rotate about an axis CL23 extending in the left-right direction. Figure 4 As shown, a pair of push arms 24 extend forward and are generally parallel, bending at the front to bring them closer together, and their tip portions are again parallel, and each has a shaft portion 24b. An elongated hole 24a extending in the front-rear direction is formed in the central portion of each push arm 24 in the front-rear direction.

[0048] The support frame 17 is a plate-like member coupling the front portions of the pair of left and right side frames 11, and a pair of shaft supports 161 that accommodate the guide shaft 16 in a left-right direction are fixed to the lower front surface of the support frame 17. In addition, a pair of support arms 171 that support the support shaft 172 in a left-right direction are fixed to the front portion of the support frame 17 so as to extend forward.

[0049] The guide shaft 16 is inserted into the elongated hole 24a of each of the pair of push arms 24. As a result, the push arms 24 are only allowed to move in the extension direction of the push arms 24 ( Figure 4 The sliding plate 26 moves in the front-back direction. A shaft portion 24b provided at the tip of each push arm 24 rotatably supports the sliding plate 26 to rotate about an axis CL25 extending in the left-right direction. The sliding plate 26 can slide in the front-back direction relative to the base plate 25 via a coupling structure (not shown) (see arrow DR5).

[0050] Based on the operation of the lifting drive mechanism K2 configured as described above, the foot pedal tilting mechanism K3 performs the following operations. Figure 2A At the lowest position of the seat frame 1 shown, the lifting motor 23 rotates in a predetermined direction to raise the pair of lifting arms 21. Therefore, as Figures 2B to 2C As shown, the rear of the lifting screw 22 is raised, and the position of the coupling portion 222 fixed to the rear end moves forward while tracing the rotational trajectory. Since the rear end of the push arm 24 is coupled to the coupling portion 222, the push arm 24 is pushed and moved forward by the coupling portion 222. This movement is guided in one direction (forward direction) through the engagement between the elongated hole 24a and the guide shaft 16.

[0051] At the lowest position of the seat frame 1, the guide shaft 16 is in its foremost position within the elongated hole 24a, and moves rearward as the lifting operation proceeds. The position of the guide shaft 16 is... Figure 2B The middle position shown is located at the middle position of the elongated hole 24a, and... Figure 2C The highest position shown is the last position.

[0052] When the push arm 24 is pushed forward by the coupling portion 222, the sliding plate 26, which is rotatably coupled to the shaft portion 24b at the tip of the push arm 24, is pushed forward. The sliding plate 26 is slidable relative to the substrate 25, and Figure 5 A pair of support arms 251 of the base plate 25 extending rearward from the base plate 25 are supported by a support shaft 172, such that the support arms 251 are rotatable but cannot move back and forth. Therefore, the base plate 25 rotates about the axis CL24 to a substantially horizontal position so as to be lifted as the axis portion 24b of the sliding plate 26 moves forward. Through this operation, the base plate 25 and the sliding plate 26 constituting the footrest member of the foot pedal TM are in a standing use posture.

[0053] The sliding plate 26 also slides as the base plate 25 rotates and extends forward according to the forward movement of the shaft portion 24b. That is, the base plate 25 and the sliding plate 26 extend further forward in the use posture than in the storage posture, and the footrest area can be expanded to support the occupant's lower legs with a wider area. The base plate 25 and the sliding plate 26 are covered with a flexible seat cushion material or the like to provide a good footrest feel.

[0054] By from Figure 2C The seat frame 1 shown rotates in the opposite direction at its highest position, lifting motor 23, performing a lowering operation that is the opposite of the lifting operation described above, and the foot pedal TM, composed of base plate 25 and sliding plate 26, is... Figure 2B Entering the middle position as shown Figure 2A The storage posture shown is shortened.

[0055] As described in detail above, in the vehicle seat ST, the foot pedal TM rotates and rises in conjunction with the lifting operation of the seat cushion SC performed by raising and lowering the front of the seat cushion frame 1. Then, when the front of the seat cushion SC is raised and the lower legs are free, the foot pedal TM automatically lifts and serves as a component for placing the lower legs, which makes the sitting posture more comfortable.

[0056] The guide structure formed by the guide shaft 16 of the push arm 24 can be Figure 5 The modified example shown is different from the above configuration. In this modified example, push arm 24A is used instead of push arm 24, and shaft bracket 162 is used instead of shaft bracket 161 of guide shaft 16. Push arm 24A and guide shaft 16 are engaged through round hole 24aA instead of elongated hole, and the movement of guide shaft 16 in the front-rear direction caused by this engagement is allowed by inserting guide shaft 16 into elongated hole 162a formed in shaft bracket 162.

[0057] The vehicle seat according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to vehicle seat 2ST (hereinafter referred to as seat 2ST). First, reference will be made to... Figure 6A and Figure 6B Describe the outline of seat 2ST. Figure 6A This is a side view showing a first posture mode of a vehicle seat 2ST according to one aspect of the present invention. Figure 6B This is a side view showing the second posture mode of the vehicle seat.

[0058] The up / down and front / back directions in the following description are determined by... Figure 6A The arrows shown are defined as follows. The left and right directions correspond to the left and right directions of an occupant sitting 2 meters ahead in the vehicle; the left side is... Figure 6A The near side of the drawing, the right side is Figure 6A The far side in the drawing. This left-right direction is the width direction of the vehicle (2 meters) and the seat (2 seats). Figures 6A to 8 In this context, the right, left, up, down, forward, and backward directions are represented by RT, LT, UP, DN, FT, and RR, respectively. In the example described below, vehicle 2M is a car.

[0059] like Figure 6A and Figure 6B As shown, the seat 2ST includes a seat cushion 2SC, a seat back 2SB, and a supporting seat cushion 1026. The seat cushion 2SC includes a seat cushion frame 1001 that serves as its skeleton, and upper rails 1071 and 1072 that serve as leg rests. The seat cushion frame 1001 incorporates a lifting drive mechanism 2K1, a frame tilting mechanism 2K2, and a seat cushion drive mechanism 2K3. The upper rails 1071 and 1072 engage with a lower rail 1081 that extends in the front-rear direction and is laid on the floor 2FL of the vehicle 2M, and can slide in the front-rear direction. The supporting seat cushion 1026 is disposed at the front of the seat cushion frame 1001.

[0060] The seat back 2SB includes a flexible backrest cushion 1003C, indicated by a long dashed line, and a backrest frame 1003 serving as a skeleton, housed within the backrest cushion 1003C. The seat back 2SB is oriented around an inclined axis 2CLS extending in the left-right direction (see...). Figure 6A The arrow 2DR in the middle tilts and rotates, which changes the angle formed with the seat cushion 2SC.

[0061] The seat 2ST can perform a tilting operation by rotating the seat cushion frame 1001 and backrest frame 1003 as a whole around the axis 2CL10 extending in the left and right direction via the frame tilting mechanism 2K2 (see [link]). Figure 6A (Arrow 2DR1 in the image). Figure 6B The second posture mode is shown, in which the seat cushion frame 1001 and the backrest frame 1003 tilt from this position. Figure 6A The first pose pattern shown rotates clockwise (see arrow 2DR2).

[0062] In seat 2ST, the flexible seat base pad 1001C covering the seat cushion frame 1001 (in Figure 6A and Figure 6B The seat cushion (represented by a long dashed line) is divided into a front seat cushion 1001CF, which includes the front portion, and a rear seat cushion 1001CB, which includes the rear portion. The frame of the front seat cushion 1001CF is the seat plate 1017 (the details of which will be described later), and the frame of the rear seat cushion 1001CB is the side frame 1011.

[0063] In seat 2ST, when seat back 2SB tilts backward from the first posture mode to the second posture mode (see arrow 2DR2), rear seat cushion 1001CB tilts together with seat back 2SB, while the tilt angle of front seat cushion 1001CF remains approximately unchanged, and support cushion 1026 extends forward to expand the seat surface (see arrow 2DR21).

[0064] When the seat backrest 2SB reclines backward during the transition from the first posture mode to the second posture mode, the occupant 2H sitting on the seat 2ST enters a relaxed posture because the head 2Ha and body 2Hb above the hips 2He tilt backward. At this time, the thighs 2Hc do not rise unnecessarily and continue to be supported by the front seat cushion 1001CF. Therefore, the burden on the hips 2He that supports the thighs 2Hc is reduced.

[0065] Furthermore, since the support cushion 1026 supports the tip side of the thigh 2Hc and extends forward to contact the lower leg 2Hd, the area of ​​the seat surface where the thigh 2Hc rests is increased. Therefore, the reaction force received by the thigh 2Hc from the seat cushion 2SC is dispersed to reduce the reaction force per unit area, and the occupant 2H can sit more comfortably on the seat 2ST.

[0066] Next, we will refer to Figure 7A , Figure 7B and Figure 8 Describe the detailed structure of the lifting drive mechanism 2K1, the frame tilting mechanism 2K2, and the seat cushion drive mechanism 2K3 in seat 2ST. Figure 7A This is a side view used to explain the state of the seat cushion drive mechanism 2K3 in the first posture mode. Figure 7B This is a side view used to explain the state of the seat cushion drive mechanism 2K3 in the second posture mode. Figure 8 This is a partially cut-out perspective view of the seat cushion drive mechanism 2K3, viewed from the lower left front.

[0067] like Figure 7A and Figure 7B As shown, the lifting drive mechanism 2K1 includes a lifting arm 1012, a lifting motor 1013, a lifting screw 1014, and a sliding nut 1015. A pair of side frames 1011 extending in the front-rear direction are arranged on the left and right sides of the seat frame 1001. The rear end of the lifting arm 1012 is rotatably supported by a shaft portion 1012a at the rear of the left side frame 1011 about a shaft 2CL10 extending in the left-right direction. The lifting arm 1012 extends forward and downward from the shaft portion 1012a, and the shaft portion 1012b is located at a middle position near the front end.

[0068] The lifting arm 1012 is rotatably supported at shaft portion 1012b by an upper rail 1072 about a left-right extending shaft 2CL12. A sliding nut 1015 is rotatably coupled to shaft portion 1012c at the front end of the lifting arm 1012. The sliding nut 1015 is screwed onto a lifting screw 1014, which is higher at the front and extends in the front-rear direction, and moves along the lifting screw 1014 by rotation (see arrow 2DR3). The front end of the lifting screw 1014 is coupled to the drive shaft of the lifting motor 1013. The lifting motor 1013 is rotatably supported by a support portion 1013a at the front of each side frame 1011 about a left-right extending shaft 2CL11. Figure 8 As shown, the side frame 1011 is configured by combining an inner frame 1011a on the inside and an outer frame 1011b on the outside. The lifting arm 1012, lifting screw 1014, etc. are accommodated and arranged between the inner frame 1011a and the outer frame 1011b.

[0069] With the above configuration, when the lifting motor 1013 is operated to rotate the lifting screw 1014, the sliding nut 1015 moves along the lifting screw 1014, as shown by arrow 2DR3. Therefore, the lifting arm 1012 rotates about the shaft portion 1012b, and the seat frame 1001 moves up and down (see arrow 2DR4). In other words, the operation of the lifting motor 1013 causes the rear position of the seat 2SC to move up and down, while the height of the front remains unchanged.

[0070] Next, the frame tilting mechanism 2K2 will be described. For example... Figure 7A , Figure 7B and Figure 8 As shown, the frame tilting mechanism 2K2 includes a tilting arm 1021, a tilting screw 1022, a tilting motor 1023, a shaft 1231, and a nut unit 1232. The tilting arms 1021 are arranged in pairs on the left and right sides, and the rear end of each tilting arm is rotatably supported by a shaft portion 1021a at the front of the side frame 1011 about a shaft 2CL21 extending in the left-right direction. The nut unit 1232 is fixed to the front end of each tilting arm 1021.

[0071] The tilting screw 1022 is screwed into the nut unit 1232, making its rear side higher. The front end of the tilting screw 1022 is rotatably supported by the upper rail 1071 around the axis 2CL22 extending in the left-right direction.

[0072] like Figure 8 As shown, shaft 1231, which is coupled to the drive shaft of tilt motor 1023, is coupled to nut unit 1232. As a result, the portion of nut unit 1232 screwed onto tilt screw 1022 rotates according to the rotational operation of tilt motor 1023, and tilt arm 1021 moves along tilt screw 1022 (see arrow 2DR4).

[0073] In the first posture mode described above, the nut unit 1232 is positioned at the lowest position within the range of motion on the tilting screw 1022, and in the second posture mode, the nut unit 1232 is positioned at the highest position within the range of motion on the tilting screw 1022.

[0074] When the tilting motor 1023 rotates in a predetermined direction in the first posture mode, the nut unit 1232 is raised to the second posture mode, and the shaft portion 1021a of the coupling tilting arm 1021 and the side frame 1011 is raised, while the side frame 1011 rotates clockwise about the shaft portion 1012b. That is, the side frame 1011 rotates, causing the front side to lift.

[0075] The seat cushion drive mechanism 2K3 is coupled and arranged to operate in conjunction with the frame tilting mechanism 2K2. The seat cushion drive mechanism 2K3 includes a disc support 1016, a seat cushion disc 1017, a seat cushion arm 1024, a seat cushion 1025, a supporting seat cushion 1026, and a coupling rod 1027 (see [link]). Figure 8 ).

[0076] The disc supports 1016, arranged in pairs on the left and right sides, are plate-like members arranged in a longitudinally extending position in the front-rear direction, and the rear end of each disc support is rotatably supported by a shaft portion 1016a at the center position of the side frame 1011 in the front-rear direction about an axis 2CL16 extending in the left-right direction. A seat cushion 1017 is fixed across the front of the pair of left and right disc supports 1016 and integrated with the disc supports 1016. Figure 8 As shown, the seat cushion 1017 has a pair of left and right guide slots 1017a extending longitudinally in the front-rear direction.

[0077] like Figure 7B and Figure 8 As shown, the seat cushion 1025 includes a flat base 1252 and a curved portion 1253 that curves downward from the front end of the base 1252, and is formed in an L-shape in the side view. Figure 8 As shown, a downwardly protruding plate-shaped protrusion 1250 and a downwardly protruding and then folded-back joining portion 1251 are formed on the lower surface of the base 1252.

[0078] The protrusion 1250 is coupled to a plate coupling portion 1024b at the front end of the seat cushion arm 1024 for rotation about an axis 2CL17 extending in the left-right direction, and the engagement portion 1251 engages within a guide slot 1017a of the seat cushion plate 1017. With these features, the seat cushion plate 1025 slides along the seat cushion plate 1017 in the front-rear direction. The support cushion 1026 is a flexible seat cushion member attached to cover at least the outer surface of the seat cushion plate 1025.

[0079] The seat arm 1024 includes a base 1241 formed as an elongated plate and arranged in a forward-backward direction, and a screw support 1242 formed at the rear end of the base 1241. The screw support 1242 is fixed to the upper end of the tilting screw 1022, and the front tip portion of the base 1241 is rotatably coupled to a plate coupling portion 1024b relative to the protrusion 1250 of the seat plate 1025, as described above. As a result, the seat arm 1024 is arranged in a higher tilting posture with the front tip portion, and the position of the front tip portion varies according to the tilting change of the tilting screw 1022 caused by the movement of the nut unit 1232.

[0080] like Figure 8As shown, the coupling rod 1027 is fixed to the rod coupling portion 1024a of the pair of left and right seat cushion arms 1024. As a result, the pair of seat cushion arms 1024 operate in conjunction with each other.

[0081] The aforementioned frame tilting mechanism 2K2 and seat cushion drive mechanism 2K3 are linked only by the rotational operation of the tilting motor 1023. Specifically, this is achieved through the rotational operation of the tilting motor 1023. Figure 7A The first posture pattern shown Figure 7B The mode change operation of the second posture mode shown is described.

[0082] In the first posture mode where the nut unit 1232 is in its lowest position, when the tilting motor 1023 rotates in a predetermined direction and the rotation is transmitted to the nut unit 1232 via the shaft 1231, the nut unit 1232 is lifted on the screwed-on tilting screw 1022. Therefore, the tilting arm 1021, to which the nut unit 1232 is fixed, is raised, and the side frame 1011, which pivotally supports the tilting arm 1021 at the shaft portion 1021a, is also raised.

[0083] Here, since the lifting drive mechanism 2K1 is not operated, the side frame 1011 rotates around the axis 2CL12. Figure 7A The rotation is clockwise. Therefore, the trajectory of the shaft portion 1021a becomes arc-shaped, and the tilting screw 1022 is lifted counterclockwise around the shaft 2CL22 as the nut unit 1232 is lifted. As a result, the seat arm 1024, fixed to the tip of the tilting screw 1022, moves as a whole with the tilting screw 1022, and the plate coupling portion 1024b at the tip of the seat arm 1024 moves forward along the arc-shaped trajectory around the shaft 2CL22 by a distance greater than the upward movement. Therefore, the seat plate 1025 coupled to the plate coupling portion 1024b is substantially pushed forward. At this time, the seat plate 1025 supporting the seat plate 1025 so that the slidable and engageable seat disc 1017 and the disc support 1016 integrated with the seat disc 1017 can rotate around the shaft 2CL16, but the tilt angle is generally maintained to allow the seat plate 1025 to move forward. In other words, the tilt angle of the front seat cushion 1001CF, which has the seat cushion plate 1017 as its skeleton, is maintained approximately in the first posture mode. On the other hand, the support cushion 1026 attached to the seat cushion plate 1025 extends forward, and the seat surface is substantially enlarged by the control of the seat cushion plate drive mechanism 2K3.

[0084] like Figure 8 As shown, a recessed portion 1017b with a central portion recessed rearward is formed at the front end of the seat cushion 1017, and the seat plate 1025 enters the recessed portion 1017b in the first posture mode. As a result, in the first posture mode, the shape of the supporting seat cushion 1026 and the front seat cushion 1001CF is continuous and without protrusions, and the appearance quality is improved.

[0085] As described above, in one aspect of the vehicle seat of the present invention, the rear seat cushion 1001CB on the rear side of the seat base cushion 1001C is tilted so as to be raised, while maintaining an angle formed with the seat back 2SB, by means of... Figure 7A The first posture pattern shown Figure 7B The tilting operation of the second posture mode shown (see Figure 6B (See arrow 2DR2 in the image). That is, the seat cushion 1017 is rotatably coupled to the seat frame 1001, which tilts via the operation of the frame tilting mechanism 2K2, and the seat cushion 1017 is controlled such that the tilt is maintained by the seat plate drive mechanism 2K3. Therefore, during the tilting operation where the front of the seat frame 1001 is raised, the front seat cushion 1001CF, with the seat cushion 1017 as its skeleton, generally maintains a first posture mode. On the other hand, the support seat cushion 1026 extends forward, and the seat surface is substantially enlarged by the control of the seat plate drive mechanism 2K3.

[0086] As a result, in the second posture, the burden on the thighs 2Hc and buttocks 2He of the seated occupant 2H can be reduced, and the occupant 2H can sit more comfortably. Furthermore, the tilting operation and the forward extension operation of the support seat cushion 1026 can be performed in conjunction with each other solely through the operation of the tilting motor 1023. Consequently, no additional motor is needed to perform the operation of the seat cushion drive mechanism 2K3 for moving the support seat cushion 1026 in and out, preventing structural complexity and increases in the number of parts and cost.

[0087] Vehicles M and 2M include not only vehicles such as automobiles and railway vehicles, but also flying bodies such as ships, airplanes, and drones, and refer to mobile bodies that carry people. Furthermore, the directions up, down, left, right, front, and back in the above description are example directions defined for ease of description, and the orientation of seats ST and 2ST relative to the vehicle is undefined and free.

[0088] Embodiments of the invention have been described above. However, the invention may be practiced in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. Therefore, these embodiments should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive in all respects, and the scope of the invention is indicated by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description, and is therefore intended to cover all variations falling within the meaning and equivalents of the claims.

[0089] Furthermore, the effects described in the embodiments of the present invention are merely a list of the best effects achieved by the present invention. Therefore, the effects of the present invention are not limited to those described in the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A vehicle seat, comprising: A seat cushion, which includes a seat cushion frame that serves as the internal skeleton of the seat cushion; Foot pedals, which are rotatably mounted at the front of the seat frame; A lifting drive mechanism configured to raise and lower the front section; as well as A foot pedal tilting mechanism is configured to rotate the foot pedal in conjunction with the operation of a lifting drive mechanism.

2. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, wherein The seat frame is coupled to an upper track that slidably engages with a lower track laid on the floor, and The lifting drive mechanism includes: The lifting screw has one end that is rotatably supported by the upper rail, and The lifting arm has one end coupled to the front of the seat frame and the other end including a nut unit screwed onto a lifting screw, and a lifting motor configured to rotate the nut unit. The lifting arm is raised by rotating a nut unit driven by a lifting motor to elevate the front section.

3. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, wherein the foot pedal tilting mechanism is configured to: The lifting drive mechanism raises the front of the seat frame, rotating the foot pedal to a standing position; and The operation of the lifting drive mechanism lowers the front of the seat frame, rotating the foot pedals to a folded and stowed position.

4. The vehicle seat according to claim 3, wherein The foot pedal includes a base plate and a sliding plate that slidably engages with the base plate, serving as a footrest component. In the usage posture, the footrest range is expanded relative to the storage posture by sliding the sliding plate from the base plate and extending outwards.

5. The vehicle seat according to claim 3, wherein The seat frame is coupled to an upper track that slidably engages with a lower track laid on the floor. The lifting drive mechanism includes: The lifting screw has one end that is rotatably supported by the upper rail, and The lifting arm has one end coupled to the front of the seat frame and the other end including a nut unit screwed onto a lifting screw, and a lifting motor configured to rotate the nut unit. The foot pedal tilting mechanism includes: A push arm, having one end rotatably coupled to the other end of a lifting screw, and A sliding plate, rotatably coupled to the other end of the push arm and serving as a footrest for the foot pedal, and The foot pedal is configured such that the lifting arm is raised by rotating the nut unit driven by the lifting motor, which in turn raises the lifting screw, and the push arm pushes the sliding plate upward by the lifting screw, thus putting it into the use position.

6. A vehicle seat, comprising: A seat cushion, comprising a seat cushion frame housed within the seat cushion and a seat base cushion serving as the seat surface; Seat cushion plate, which serves as the framework for the front side of the seat base pad; Seat cushion plate, which is coupled to the front of the seat cushion plate so as to slide forward; A frame tilting mechanism configured to tilt the seat cushion frame; as well as The seat cushion drive mechanism is configured to slide the seat cushion in the fore-and-aft direction in conjunction with the operation of the frame tilting mechanism.

7. The vehicle seat according to claim 6, wherein The seat cushion plate is rotatably coupled to the seat cushion frame. The seat cushion frame tilts via the operation of the frame tilting mechanism, and The seat cushion is controlled such that the tilt of the seat cushion is maintained by the seat cushion drive mechanism.

8. The vehicle seat according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the seat cushion drive mechanism is configured to slide the seat cushion forward during a tilting operation that raises the front of the seat cushion frame.

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