Vehicle seat

Abstract

To further simplify the configuration of a structure for switching between setting and cancelling of a slide lock according to the position of a seat body in a slide movement range.SOLUTION: A relay unit 40 for switching between setting and cancelling of the slide lock of a seat body comprises: a first rotor 44 that rotates in conjunction with the rotating movement of a seat back; a second rotor 45 that is able to engage with or disengage from the first rotor 44; and a third rotor 46 that rotates between a cancelling position and a setting position of the slide lock. When the seat body is in a walk-in section, the second rotor 45 engages with the first rotor 44, and rotates integrally with the first rotor 44 in conjunction with the rotating movement of the seat back, thereby causing it to reach the cancelling position accompanying the third rotor 46. When the seat body moves beyond the front end of the walk-in section, the second rotor 45 separates from the first rotor 44 and rotates relative to the first rotor 44, and the third rotor 46 in the cancelling position rotates toward the setting position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle seat, and more particularly to a vehicle seat configured to release a restriction (slide lock) on the sliding movement of a seat body in conjunction with a rotational movement of a seat back. [Background technology]

[0002] Vehicle seats that allow the seat body to slide and the seat back to rotate (fold and stand) are already well known. Some of these vehicle seats have a mechanism for releasing the restriction on the sliding movement of the seat body (hereinafter referred to as a slide lock) in conjunction with the rotation of the seat back. With this configuration, the slide lock is released when the seat back is rotated to a predetermined folding angle.

[0003] Also, among vehicle seats, there are some in which the accessible section in the sliding movement range of the seat body changes depending on the tilting angle of the seat back (see, for example, Patent Document 1). According to the vehicle seat described in Patent Document 1, when the seat back is in an upright position, the seat body is restricted from entering the section in the sliding movement range where the seat cushion can be flipped up. In other words, in the vehicle seat described in Patent Document 1, the possible angle of the tilting angle of the seat back is determined depending on the position of the seat body in the sliding movement range. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 9-188169 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the conventional configuration in which the slide lock is released in conjunction with the rotation of the seat back, as described above, the slide lock is released when the seat back is rotated to a predetermined tilt angle. Furthermore, in the conventional configuration, if the seat back is rotated further thereafter, the slide lock is usually maintained in the released state.

[0006] On the other hand, a configuration may be considered in which the setting / release of the slide lock is switched depending on the position of the seat body in the sliding movement range, just as the angle that the seat back can assume as a reclining angle is determined depending on the position of the seat body in the sliding movement range. For example, while the seat body is moving toward one end of a predetermined section of the sliding movement range, the seat back rotates to a predetermined reclining angle, thereby releasing the slide lock. After that, when the seat body passes one end of the predetermined section, the slide lock is set again.

[0007] The above-described switching between setting and releasing the slide lock is difficult to achieve with a conventional configuration in which the slide lock is kept in the released state when the seat back is rotated to a predetermined tilt angle. In addition, it is desirable for the mechanism for switching between setting and releasing the slide lock according to the position of the seat body within the sliding range to be as simple as possible.

[0008] In addition, as in the vehicle seat described in Patent Document 1, there are cases where the seat body is restricted from exceeding one end of a predetermined section in the sliding movement range when the seat back is in an upright position. It is desirable that the mechanism for realizing such a configuration be as simple as possible.

[0009] Therefore, the present invention has been made in consideration of the above problems, and its object is to provide a vehicle seat having a simpler mechanism for switching between setting and releasing the slide lock depending on the position of the seat body within the sliding movement range. Another object of the present invention is to provide a mechanism for restricting the seat body from exceeding one end of a predetermined section in its sliding range when the seat back is in an upright position, with a simpler configuration. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The above-mentioned problem is solved by a vehicle seat of the present invention, which comprises a seat body having a seat back that rotates in a reclining direction, a slide rail mechanism that slides the seat body, and a restriction switching mechanism that operates to switch between setting and releasing a restriction on the sliding movement of the seat body by the slide rail mechanism, and the restriction switching mechanism includes a first rotating body that rotates in conjunction with the rotating movement of the seat back when the seat back rotates until the reclining degree reaches a predetermined level or more, a second rotating body that rotates integrally with the first rotating body when engaged with the first rotating body and rotates relatively to the first rotating body when released from the engaged state with the first rotating body, and a release position that releases the restriction. and a set position which sets the restriction, and while the seat body is in a specified section within a sliding movement range, the second rotating body is engaged with the first rotating body, and when the first rotating body rotates in conjunction with the rotational movement of the seat back, the second rotating body rotates integrally with the first rotating body, taking the third rotating body with it, thereby bringing the third rotating body to the release position, and when the seat body moves toward one end of the specified section within the sliding movement range and passes over that end, the second rotating body disengages from the first rotating body and rotates relative to the first rotating body, thereby causing the third rotating body, which is in the release position, to rotate toward the set position, thereby solving the problem.

[0011] The vehicle seat of the present invention configured as described above is provided with a restriction switching mechanism that operates to switch between setting and releasing the restriction (slide lock) on the sliding movement of the seat body. This restriction switching mechanism has a first rotating body that rotates in conjunction with the rotating movement of the seat back, a second rotating body that can be engaged and disengaged with the first rotating body, and a third rotating body that rotates back and forth between a position where the slide lock is released and a position where the slide lock is set. When the seat body is in a predetermined section within the sliding movement range, the second rotating body engages with the first rotating body that rotates in conjunction with the rotating movement of the seat back, and rotates integrally with the first rotating body while taking the third rotating body with it. This allows the third rotating body to reach the release position of the slide lock. On the other hand, when the seat body moves toward one end of the predetermined section in the sliding movement range and passes the one end, the second rotating body is released from the engagement state with the first rotating body and rotates relative to the first rotating body. This allows the third rotating body, which is in the release position, to rotate relative to the second rotating body toward the slide lock setting position. With the above-described configuration, it is possible to realize a mechanism for switching between setting and releasing the slide lock depending on the position of the seat body within the sliding movement range, that is, a restriction switching mechanism, with a relatively simple configuration.

[0012] In addition, a preferred configuration for the above-mentioned vehicle seat is that it is provided with an up-and-down moving member that moves up and down in the vertical direction between a position where it engages with a movement-restricting member located at a position beyond the one end of the specified section and a position where it overcomes the movement-restricting member, and the seat body can slide to the position beyond the one end only when the up-and-down moving member is in a position where it overcomes the movement-restricting member, and the up-and-down moving member rises a distance corresponding to the degree of reclining when the seat back is rotated. In the above configuration, the movement restricting member is disposed at one end of a predetermined section in the sliding movement range of the seat body. Meanwhile, the vehicle seat is provided with a vertically movable member that moves up and down between a position where it is engaged with the movement restricting member and a position where it passes over the movement restricting member, and when the seat back rotates, it rises by a distance according to the degree of reclining. Also, the seat body can slide to a position beyond the one end only when the vertically movable member is in a position where it passes over the movement restricting member. With the above configuration, it is possible to realize, with a relatively simple configuration, a mechanism for restricting the seat body from exceeding one end of a predetermined section in its sliding range when the seat back is in the upright position.

[0013] In addition, a more preferred configuration for the above-mentioned vehicle seat is such that the seat back is rotatable both in a first orientation, which is a reclining orientation, and in a second orientation, which is an upright orientation, and is provided with a rotational motion restriction mechanism that operates to restrict the rotational motion of the seat back to the second orientation, and when the seat body passes over one end of the specified section, the rotational motion restriction mechanism operates to restrict the rotational motion of the seat back to the second orientation in response to action from a member located at a position beyond the one end. In the above configuration, when the seat body exceeds one end of a predetermined range in the sliding movement range, the rotational movement restriction mechanism restricts the rearward tilt of the seat back. This restricts the uprighting of the seat back when the seat body is in a position beyond the one end of the predetermined range in the sliding movement range, and makes it possible to appropriately prevent the occupant from sitting in the vehicle seat at that point.

[0014] In addition, to describe a more preferred configuration for the above-mentioned vehicle seat, the restriction switching mechanism may include a casing for attaching each of the first rotating body, the second rotating body and the third rotating body to the seat main body. In the above configuration, the first rotating body, the second rotating body and the third rotating body can be properly attached to the seat main body via the casing, and the casing can properly prevent foreign matter from adhering to each rotating body.

[0015] In addition, to describe a more preferable configuration of the above vehicle seat, it is preferable that the seat body has a seat cushion that supports the buttocks of an occupant, and the casing is disposed under the seat cushion. In the above configuration, by positioning the casing under the seat cushion, the restriction switching mechanism is made less noticeable and it is possible to minimize the effect on the seating comfort felt by an occupant when seated in the vehicle seat.

[0016] Furthermore, describing a more preferred configuration for the above-mentioned vehicle seat, the casing is formed with a protrusion that protrudes from the surface to which each of the components is attached, and the protrusion is formed by cutting out a portion of the casing and preferably abuts against at least one of the first rotating body, the second rotating body and the third rotating body. In the above configuration, at least one of the first, second and third rotating bodies abuts against the protrusion formed by cutting and raising a part of the casing, whereby the rotation path of the rotating body (the rotating body abutting against the protrusion) is restricted by the protrusion, so that the rotating body rotates appropriately.

[0017] In addition, describing a more preferred configuration for the above-mentioned vehicle seat, the restriction switching mechanism may have a cable for a first rotating body connected to the first rotating body to link the rotational movement of the first rotating body with the rotational movement of the seat back, and a cable for a third rotating body connected to the third rotating body and pulled by the third rotating body which rotates toward the release position to release the restriction. In the above-mentioned configuration, the use of the first rotating body cable makes it possible to appropriately link the rotating motion of the first rotating body with the rotating motion of the seat back, and the use of the third rotating body cable makes it possible to appropriately release the slide lock by utilizing the rotating motion of the third rotating body.

[0018] In addition, describing a more preferred configuration for the above-mentioned vehicle seat, it is preferable that the cable for the first rotating body and the cable for the third rotating body are respectively pulled toward the corresponding rotating body from the same direction relative to the first rotating body and the third rotating body. In the above configuration, when viewed from the first rotating body and the third rotating body, the cable for the first rotating body and the cable for the third rotating body are pulled in from the same direction, respectively. By routing each cable in this manner, it is possible to properly route each cable while reducing the routing space.

[0019] In addition, describing a more preferred configuration for the above-mentioned vehicle seat, the restriction switching mechanism further has a cable for a second rotating body connected to the second rotating body, and when the seat body passes over one end of the specified section, the cable for the second rotating body is pulled by an operating body that operates in response to an action from a member located at a position beyond the one end, and when the cable for the second rotating body is pulled by the operating body, the second rotating body is released from an engagement state with the first rotating body and rotates relative to the first rotating body, and the cable for the first rotating body and the cable for the second rotating body are each pulled toward the corresponding rotating body from the same direction for both the first rotating body and the second rotating body. In the above configuration, by using the cable for the second rotating body, it is possible to release the engagement between the second rotating body and the first rotating body and to rotate the second rotating body appropriately relative to the first rotating body. Also, when viewed from the first rotating body and the second rotating body, the cable for the first rotating body and the cable for the second rotating body are pulled in from the same direction. By routing each cable in this manner, it is possible to properly route each cable while reducing the routing space.

[0020] In addition, describing a more preferred configuration for the above-mentioned vehicle seat, the seat body has a seat cushion that supports the buttocks of an occupant, and a seat cushion frame that forms the skeleton of the seat cushion has a pair of side portions, a front end connecting portion that connects the side portions at a front end of the seat cushion frame, and a rear connecting portion that connects the side portions at a position rearward of the front end connecting portion, and the first rotating body, the second rotating body and the third rotating body are preferably arranged between the front end connecting portion and the rear connecting portion. In the above-mentioned configuration, the first rotating body, the second rotating body, and the third rotating body are disposed in the space between the front end connecting portion and the rear end connecting portion of the seat cushion frame, which makes it possible to appropriately dispose each rotating body within the seat while preventing the seat from becoming large.

[0021] In addition, in a more preferred configuration of the above vehicle seat, the first rotating body and the third rotating body may rotate about a common rotation axis. In the above-mentioned configuration, since the first and third rotating bodies rotate about a common rotation axis, the number of parts is reduced compared to a case in which each rotating body has its own rotation axis, which makes it possible to prevent the seat from becoming large. Effect of the Invention

[0022] According to the vehicle seat of the present invention, the mechanism for switching between setting and releasing the slide lock depending on the position of the seat body within the sliding movement range can be configured more simply. Furthermore, according to the vehicle seat of the present invention, the mechanism for restricting the seat body from exceeding one end of a predetermined section in the sliding movement range when the seat back is in the upright position can be configured more simply. In addition, according to the vehicle seat of the present invention, the raising of the seat back is restricted when the seat body is in a position beyond one end of a specified section in the sliding movement range, thereby appropriately preventing the occupant from sitting in the vehicle seat at such a point. In addition, according to the vehicle seat of the present invention, the first rotating body, the second rotating body and the third rotating body can each be appropriately attached to the seat main body via the casing, and the casing can appropriately suppress the adhesion of foreign matter to each rotating body. Furthermore, according to the vehicle seat of the present invention, the restriction switching mechanism can be made less noticeable, and the effect on the seating comfort felt by an occupant when seated in the vehicle seat can be reduced. Furthermore, according to the vehicle seat of the present invention, the protrusion formed by cutting and raising a part of the casing makes it possible to appropriately rotate the rotating body that comes into contact with the protrusion. In addition, according to the vehicle seat of the present invention, the first rotating body cable enables the rotational movement of the first rotating body to be appropriately linked to the rotational movement of the seat back, and the third rotating body cable enables the slide lock to be appropriately released. Furthermore, according to the vehicle seat of the present invention, it is possible to appropriately route each of the first rotating body cable and the third rotating body cable while reducing the routing space. According to the vehicle seat of the present invention, the second pivot body cable can appropriately release the engagement between the second pivot body and the first pivot body, and the second pivot body cable can be appropriately routed while reducing the routing space. Furthermore, according to the vehicle seat of the present invention, it is possible to appropriately arrange the first rotating body, the second rotating body, and the third rotating body within the seat while suppressing an increase in size of the seat. Furthermore, according to the vehicle seat of the present invention, by sharing the same rotation shaft for the first rotating body and the third rotating body, the number of parts can be reduced and it is possible to prevent the seat from becoming larger. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing an overall view of a vehicle seat according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] 6 is a diagram showing a correspondence relationship between a sliding range of a seat body and a seat posture. FIG. [Diagram 3]4 is a perspective view of the seat cushion frame as viewed from below. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a slide lock mechanism. [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 is a side view showing a state before the first interlocking unit operates. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a side view showing a state in which the first interlocking unit is in operation. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a side cross-sectional view showing a state before the second interlocking unit operates. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a side cross-sectional view showing a state in which the second interlocking unit is in operation. [Figure 9A] 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating a state in which the seat body is locked by a movement restricting member. [Figure 9B] 13 is a diagram showing a state in which the seat body is free from restriction by the movement restricting member. FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a side view showing a state before the third interlocking unit operates. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a side view showing a state in which the third interlocking unit is in operation. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a front view showing a state before the restriction switching mechanism is operated. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a front view showing a state in which the restriction switching mechanism is in operation (part 1). [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a front view showing a state in which the restriction switching mechanism is in operation (part 2). DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0024] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as the present embodiment) will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiment described below is merely an example for facilitating understanding of the present invention, and does not limit the present invention. In other words, the present invention can be modified and improved without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and of course, the present invention includes equivalents thereof.

[0025] <<Basic structure of vehicle seats>> First, the basic configuration of the vehicle seat according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. In the following description, the "front-rear direction" refers to the front-rear direction of the vehicle seat, specifically the direction that coincides with the front-rear direction (traveling direction) of the vehicle. Also, the "width direction" refers to the width direction of the vehicle seat, specifically the direction that coincides with the lateral width direction (left-right direction) of the vehicle.

[0026] In addition, the positions and postures of the various seat parts described below are for when the vehicle seat is in a normal state, unless otherwise specified. Here, the normal state means a state in which the vehicle seat is available for sitting, more specifically, a state in which the seat back 2 is in an upright position.

[0027] The vehicle seat according to this embodiment (hereinafter referred to as "this seat S") is used as a rear seat of a vehicle (strictly speaking, a seat in the second row or later). This seat S is composed of a seat body Sh and a slide rail mechanism 30 that slides the seat body Sh in the front-rear direction. When the seat body Sh slides slightly forward from its normal position (a seatable position), the space behind this seat S in the vehicle interior is used as a luggage space (i.e., a luggage compartment).

[0028] To give an overview of the structure of the seat body Sh, as shown in Fig. 1, the seat body Sh is composed of a seat cushion 1 on which an occupant sits, a seat back 2 against which the occupant leans, and a headrest 3 that supports the occupant's head. The seat cushion 1 and the seat back 2 are constructed by assembling padding materials 1a, 2a such as urethane to a frame that forms the framework of the seat cushion 1 and the seat back 2, and further covering the padding materials 1a, 2a with covering materials 1b, 2b. The structures of the seat cushion 1 and the seat back 2 are generally similar to those of known structures.

[0029] The lower end of the seat back 2 and the rear end of the seat cushion 1 are connected via a reclining mechanism 20. This reclining mechanism 20 has the same configuration as a known reclining mechanism. More specifically, the reclining mechanism 20 includes a reclining lock mechanism (not shown) therein. Normally, this reclining lock mechanism is in a state in which the rotational movement of the seat back S2 is restricted (locked). On the other hand, when an occupant operates a release lever 21 provided on the side end of the seat cushion 1, the state of the reclining lock mechanism transitions from a locked state to an unlocked state.

[0030] When the reclining lock mechanism transitions to an unlocked state, the seat back 2 can be rotated in a forward or backward tilting direction. In other words, the seat back 2 can be rotated in both a lying down direction and an upright direction relative to the seat cushion 1. This rotational movement of the seat back 2 changes the degree of lying down of the seat back 2 (more simply, the angle (lying down angle) between the seat cushion 1 and the seat back 2). In the following description, of the directions in which the seat back 2 can be rotated, the lying down direction is referred to as the "first direction" and the upright direction is referred to as the "second direction."

[0031] To summarize the configuration of the slide rail mechanism 30, the slide rail mechanism 30 is disposed below the seat body Sh, and is provided as a pair with a gap therebetween in the width direction. As shown in FIG. 1, each slide rail mechanism 30 has a lower rail 31 and an upper rail 32. The lower rail 31 is fixed to the vehicle floor so that its extension direction is along the front-rear direction. The upper rail 32 is assembled so as to be slidable relative to the lower rail 31. The upper rail 32 slides (slides) relative to the lower rail 31, causing the seat body Sh fixed to the upper rail 32 to slide in the front-rear direction.

[0032] The slide rail mechanism 30 also has a slide lock mechanism for restricting the sliding of the upper rail 32 relative to the lower rail 31, in other words, the sliding movement of the seat body Sh. This slide lock mechanism is normally in a state in which the sliding movement of the seat body Sh is restricted (slide locked). On the other hand, when an occupant operates a release lever 39 provided on a side end of the seat cushion 1, the state of the slide lock mechanism transitions from a locked state to an unlocked state. Then, when the slide lock mechanism transitions to the unlocked state, the seat body Sh becomes able to slide in the front-rear direction.

[0033] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the sliding range of the seat body Sh is divided into two sections. One section is located at the rear of the two sections in the sliding range, and is the section in which the seat body Sh can be located when the seat S is in a normal state (i.e., a state in which a person can sit). When the seat body Sh is located in this section (hereinafter referred to as the "walk-in section R1"), the state of the reclining lock mechanism can be shifted from a locked state to an unlocked state by operating the release lever 21, and the seat back 2 can be rotated. Similarly, when the seat body Sh is located in the walk-in section R1, the slide lock is released by operating the release lever 39, and the seat body Sh can be freely slid.

[0034] The walk-in section R1 corresponds to a predetermined section in the present invention. In the following description, the position of the seat body Sh when it is in the walk-in section R1 is referred to as a "normal position."

[0035] Of the two sections, the other section is located further rearward in the sliding range and is set in order to use the space behind the seat S as a luggage compartment. In other words, when the seat body Sh is located within this section (hereinafter referred to as the "luggage compartment forming section R2"), a luggage compartment is formed behind the seat S. In addition, if the seat body Sh is moved forward within the luggage compartment forming section R2, it is possible to expand the luggage compartment.

[0036] In the following description, the position of the seat body Sh when it is within the luggage compartment forming section R2 will be referred to as the "luggage compartment forming position."

[0037] In addition, in this embodiment, when the seat body Sh attempts to enter the luggage compartment forming section R2 from the walk-in section R1, the seat body Sh cannot enter the luggage compartment forming section R2 unless the tilt angle of the seat back 2 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. That is, in this embodiment, when the seat body Sh slides through the walk-in section R1 toward its front end (corresponding to one end), the seat body Sh can pass over the front end position of the walk-in section R1 (i.e., the boundary position between the walk-in section R1 and the luggage compartment forming section R2) only if the tilt angle is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

[0038] As described above, in this embodiment, unless the reclining angle of the seat back 2 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the seat body Sh cannot enter the luggage compartment forming section R2. In other words, while the seat body Sh is located within the luggage compartment forming section R2, the seat back 2 is always in a forward tilted position. This is to prevent an occupant from forcing himself / herself to sit on the seat S in a situation where the distance between the seat body Sh and the vehicle seat located in front of it is very narrow when the seat body Sh is in the luggage compartment forming position.

[0039] In this embodiment, when the seat back 2 rotates in the first direction until the reclining angle reaches or exceeds a predetermined value, the slide lock is released in conjunction with this. Furthermore, as described above, when the seat back 2 is in a forward tilted position, the seat body Sh passes over the front end of the walk-in section R1 and enters the luggage compartment forming section R2. Furthermore, in this embodiment, in order to hold the seat body Sh at the luggage compartment forming position after entering the luggage compartment forming section R2, the released slide lock is reset when the seat body Sh reaches a predetermined position in the luggage compartment forming section R2.

[0040] As described above, in this embodiment, the slide lock is set / released depending on the tilt angle of the seat back 2 and the position of the seat body Sh in the sliding movement range. In other words, the seat S is provided with a mechanism that switches the slide lock on / off by operating in conjunction with the rotational movement of the seat back 2 and the sliding movement of the seat body Sh.

[0041] In the following, mechanisms that operate in conjunction with the rotational movement of the seat back 2 and the sliding movement of the seat body Sh in the seat S will be described, including a mechanism that operates to switch between setting and releasing the slide lock.

[0042] <<Mechanisms linked to the rotation of the seat back and the sliding of the seat body>> The seat S is equipped with four types of units (specifically, a first interlocking unit 70, a second interlocking unit 80, a third interlocking unit 90, and a relay unit 40, which will be described later) that function as mechanisms interlocked with the rotational movement of the seat back 2 and the sliding movement of the seat body Sh. Among these units, there is one that switches the state of the slide lock mechanism, i.e., sets and releases the slide lock. Below, the slide lock mechanism will be described first, and then each of the four types of units will be described.

[0043] (Slide lock mechanism) The slide lock mechanism will be described with reference to Figures 3 and 4. The slide lock mechanism has a rotating shaft 37 and a pressing bracket 38 shown in Figure 3, and a lock lever 33 and a lever support bracket 34 shown in Figure 4. The rotating shaft 37 and the pressing bracket 38 are provided on the seat body Sh (more specifically, the lower end portion of the seat cushion frame 10). The lock lever 33 and the lever support bracket 34 are provided on the upper rail 32.

[0044] 3 and 4, in this embodiment, a rail mounting bracket 15 is interposed between the lower end of the seat cushion frame 10 and the upper rail 32. That is, in this embodiment, the upper rail 32 is attached to the seat cushion frame 10, specifically, the lower end of the side frame 11, via the rail mounting bracket 15.

[0045] The rotating shaft 37 is a shaft body provided so as to extend along the width direction of the seat cushion frame 10. A release lever 39 is attached to the end of the rotating shaft 37. When the release lever 39 is operated so that the front end of the release lever 39 rotates upward and rearward, the rotating shaft 37 rotates around a central axis along the width direction.

[0046] The pressing brackets 38 are a pair of metal plate members provided on the left and right with a gap between them, and are each welded to the rotating shaft 37. Therefore, when the rotating shaft 37 rotates, each pressing bracket 38 rotates integrally with the rotating shaft 37. In addition, when each pressing bracket 38 rotates integrally with the rotating shaft 37, a pressing portion 38a formed on the lower part of each pressing bracket 38 descends in an arc shape.

[0047] Each pressing bracket 38 is provided with a biasing spring (not shown) and receives a biasing force from the biasing spring. As a result, each pressing bracket 38 and the rotating shaft 37 to which each pressing bracket 38 is welded are normally biased in a direction opposite to the direction of rotation when the release lever 39 is operated. As a result, each pressing bracket 38 is normally in a predetermined standby position.

[0048] The lock lever 33 is a metal member provided on each upper rail 32, and is rotatably attached to the upper rail 32 via a lever support bracket 34. The lock lever 33 is equipped with a lock claw (not shown). On the other hand, the lower rail is formed with a plurality of engagement holes (not shown) aligned along the extension direction thereof.

[0049] When the lock lever 33 is at one end position of its rotation range, the lock claw engages with one of a plurality of lock holes formed in the lower rail 31. When the lock lever 33 is in this state, sliding of the upper rail 32 relative to the lower rail 31 is restricted. That is, the slide lock is set when the lock lever 33 is at one end position of the rotation range. On the other hand, when the lock lever 33 is at the other end position of the rotation range, the lock claw disengages from the lock hole. When the lock lever 33 is in this state, sliding of the upper rail 32 relative to the lower rail 31 is permitted. That is, the slide lock is released when the lock lever 33 is at the other end position of the rotation range.

[0050] A biasing spring (not shown) is attached to the lock lever 33, and the lock lever 33 receives a biasing force from the biasing spring. By receiving the biasing force, the lock lever 33 is normally held at one end position of its rotation range, i.e., at the lock position where the lock claw engages with the lock hole.

[0051] 4, the lock lever 33 has a supported portion 33a supported by the lever support bracket 34 via a support shaft 35, and a protruding portion 33b extending outward in the width direction at a position continuous with the supported portion 33a. The protruding portion 33b is located directly below the pressing portion 38a of the pressing bracket 38. When the pressing portion 38a is lowered by the rotation of the pressing bracket 38, the protruding portion 33b is pressed down by the pressing portion 38a. As a result, the lock lever 33 rotates against the biasing force toward the other end position of the rotation range, that is, toward the unlocked position where the lock claw is released from the lock hole.

[0052] (First interlocking unit) Next, the first interlocking unit 70 will be described with reference to Figures 5 and 6. The first interlocking unit 70 is disposed at a side position of the side of the seat cushion frame 10 or the seatback frame 100, and is a mechanism that moves in conjunction with the rotational movement of the seatback 2. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the first interlocking unit 70 has a seatback side rotating body 71, a connecting link 72, a cable connecting link 73, and a link mounting bracket 74.

[0053] The seatback side rotating body 71 is a member having a substantially semicircular shape in a side view, and is disposed adjacent to the side frame 101 of the seatback frame 100 in the width direction. The seatback side rotating body 71 is supported in a state in which it can rotate relative to the seatback 2. More specifically, the seatback side rotating body 71 is supported by a shaft (reclining shaft 20a) of the reclining mechanism 20 that penetrates the side frame 101. The reclining shaft 20a is inserted into a shaft hole (not shown) formed in the seatback side rotating body 71, and when the seatback 2 rotates, it slides against the inner peripheral surface of the shaft hole. This allows the seatback side rotating body 71 to rotate relative to the seatback 2 around the reclining shaft 20a. In other words, as can be seen by comparing FIGS. 5 and 6, the seatback 2 rotates relative to the seatback side rotating body 71 when it rotates.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 6, when the seat back 2 rotates in the first direction and the reclining angle of the seat back 2 reaches a predetermined value, the seat back side rotating body 71 abuts against a pressing bracket 102 attached to the side frame 101. The pressing bracket 102 is a metal fitting attached to the outer surface of the side frame 101 and has a protruding portion 102a protruding outward in the width direction. When the seat back 2 rotates in the first direction until the reclining angle reaches a predetermined value, the protruding portion 102a abuts against the upper end of the seat back side rotating body 71. When the seat back 2 further rotates in the first direction from this point, the upper end of the seat back side rotating body 71 is pressed by the pressing bracket 102. As a result, the seat back side rotating body 71 rotates in the direction of the arrow f1 in FIG. 6 around the reclining shaft 20a.

[0055] The rotational movement of the seat back side rotating body 71 is transmitted to the cable connection link 73 via the connecting link 72, whereby the cable connection link 73 performs a rotational movement. More specifically, as shown in Fig. 5, the connecting link 72 is a member made of an elongated body, and one end in the longitudinal direction (strictly speaking, the upper end 72a) is connected to the seat back side rotating body 71. Therefore, when the seat back side rotating body 71 rotates, the connecting link 72 moves in the direction of the arrow f2 in Fig. 6.

[0056] On the other hand, the other end in the longitudinal direction of the connecting link 72 (strictly speaking, the lower end 72b) is connected to the rear lower end of a substantially sector-shaped cable connection link 73 as shown in Fig. 5. The cable connection link 73 is rotatably supported by a link attachment bracket 74 via a pivot shaft 73a provided at a portion of its upper end that is slightly forward of the rear end. When the connecting link 72 moves in the direction of arrow f2, the cable connection link 73 rotates about the pivot shaft 73a in the direction of arrow f3 in Fig. 6.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 5, the first cable C1 and the stopper release cable Cs are connected to the front end of the cable connection link 73. More specifically, each of the two cables C1 and Cs has an inner cable that functions as a cable body and an outer cable that covers the inner cable. The tip of the outer cable of each cable is held by a cable holding portion 74a formed by bending the front end of the link attachment bracket 74 outward in the width direction. The tip of the inner cable of each cable is fastened to cable fasteners 73b and 73c formed at the front end of the cable connection link 73. When the cable connection link 73 rotates, the stopper release cable Cs and the first cable C1 are pulled in the directions of the arrows f4 and f5 in FIG. 6, respectively.

[0058] On the other hand, in normal operation (strictly speaking, when the reclining angle of the seat back 2 is smaller than a predetermined angle), the stopper release cable Cs and the first cable C1 are urged in the directions opposite to the arrows f4 and f5 in Fig. 6 by the corresponding urging members, respectively. As a result, each movable part in the first interlocking unit 70 (i.e., the seat back side rotating body 71, the connecting link 72, and the cable connecting link 73) normally remains positioned in the standby position shown in Fig. 5.

[0059] (About the second interlocking unit) Next, the second interlocking unit 80 will be described with reference to Figures 7 and 8. The second interlocking unit 80 is disposed around the slide rail mechanism 30, and is a mechanism that moves in conjunction with the rotational movement of the seat back 2. As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the second interlocking unit 80 has a slide member 81, a movement conversion member 82, and a lifting bracket 83.

[0060] The slide member 81 is a member made of a metal plate, and as shown in Fig. 5, is placed on the upper wall of the rail mounting bracket 15 interposed between the seat cushion frame 10 and the upper rail 32. The slide member 81 is configured to be slidable in the front-rear direction on the rail mounting bracket 15. More specifically, the slide member 81 is biased forward by a biasing member (not shown). Therefore, the slide member 81 is normally located at the front end position within its sliding range.

[0061] On the other hand, a cable fastener 81a is provided at the rear end of the slide member 81 as shown in Fig. 5. An end of the inner cable of the stopper release cable Cs opposite to the end fastened to the cable connection link 73 is fastened to this cable fastener 81a. When the stopper release cable Cs is pulled in the direction of arrow f4 in Fig. 8 (the direction corresponding to arrow f4 in Fig. 6), the slide member 81 slides rearward against the biasing force of the above-mentioned biasing member.

[0062] The sliding motion of the slide member 81 is converted into a lifting motion of the lifting bracket 83 by the motion conversion member 82. More specifically, as shown in Fig. 7, the motion conversion member 82 is a member formed in the shape of the number "6", and its lower end is rotatably supported by the upper rail 32 (strictly speaking, a portion located above the lower rail 31) via a support shaft 82a. An engagement portion 82b formed on the upper end of the motion conversion member 82 engages with the front end of the slide member 81, and more specifically, is hooked onto the inner edge surface of an engagement hole (not shown) formed in the slide member 81.

[0063] On the other hand, the lifting bracket 83 is a vertically movable member that moves up and down in conjunction with the sliding movement of the slide member 81, and is disposed immediately before the motion conversion member 82. Also, a loose hole 83a extending in the vertical direction is formed at the upper end of the lifting bracket 83 as shown in FIG. 7. A cylindrical protrusion 32a protruding outward in the width direction from the upper end of the upper rail 32 is inserted into this loose hole 83a. Also, a semicircular notch 83b is formed at the rear end of the lifting bracket 83. A protrusion 82c protruding forward from the front end of the motion conversion member 82 engages with the inner edge surface of this notch 83b.

[0064] When the slide member 81 slides rearward, the engagement portion 82b of the motion conversion member 82 is pulled rearward by the slide member 81, so that the motion conversion member 82 rotates about the support shaft 82a in the direction of the arrow f11 in Fig. 8. When the motion conversion member 82 rotates, the protrusion 82c of the motion conversion member 82 pushes upward the inner edge surface of the notch 83b formed in the lift-up bracket 83. As a result, the lift-up bracket 83 rises (moves in the direction of the arrow f12 in Fig. 8) while the columnar protrusion 32a is guided by the inner edge surface of the loose hole 83a.

[0065] 7. In contrast, in normal cases (ie, when the slide member 81 is at the front end position of its sliding range), the lifting bracket 83 is located at the lower end position of the lifting range as shown in FIG.

[0066] Incidentally, when the seat body Sh moves forward in the walk-in section R1 and reaches the front end position of the section while the lift-up bracket 83 is at the lower end position, the locked portion 83c formed at the lower end of the lift-up bracket 83 is locked by the stopper SP in the lower rail 31 as shown in Fig. 9A. This stopper SP corresponds to a movement restricting member and is provided on the bottom wall of the lower rail 31, and more specifically, is disposed at the front end (one end) of the walk-in section R1. When the locked portion 83c is locked by the stopper SP, the seat body Sh cannot move forward any further, that is, cannot cross the walk-in section R1.

[0067] On the other hand, when the lift bracket 83 is at the upper end position and the seat body Sh moves forward in the walk-in section R1 and reaches the front end position of the section, the locked portion 83c climbs over the stopper SP as shown in Fig. 9B. In this state, the seat body Sh can move further forward beyond the walk-in section R1 (in other words, within the luggage compartment forming section R2).

[0068] As described above, in this embodiment, the lift bracket 83 moves up and down between a position where it is stopped by the stopper SP and a position where it climbs over the stopper SP in the vertical direction. The seat body Sh can slide to a position beyond the front end of the walk-in section R1 only when the lift bracket 83 is in the position where it climbs over the stopper SP.

[0069] As described above, each movable part of the second interlocking unit 80, including the lifting bracket 83, operates in conjunction with the rotation of the seat back 2. More specifically, when the stopper release cable Cs in the first interlocking unit 70 is pulled in the direction of the arrow f4 by the seat back 2 rotating in the first direction, each movable part of the second interlocking unit 80 operates. At this time, the lifting bracket 83 rises by a distance corresponding to the tilting angle of the seat back 2.

[0070] With the above-described configuration, in this embodiment, the seat body Sh is permitted to enter the luggage compartment forming section R2 only when the reclining angle of the seat back 2 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. The reclining angle of the seat back 2, which is set as a condition for permitting the seat body Sh to enter the luggage compartment forming section R2, is preferably set to an angle suitable for effectively preventing an occupant from sitting on the seat S.

[0071] (About the third interlocking unit) Next, the third interlocking unit 90 will be described with reference to Figures 10 and 11. The third interlocking unit 90 is a mechanism that moves in conjunction with the sliding movement of the seat body Sh. Strictly speaking, the third interlocking unit 90 moves when the seat body Sh slides forward in the walk-in section R1 and reaches the front end of the section. As shown in Figures 10 and 11, the third interlocking unit 90 has a trigger link 91, a cable connection link 92, intermediate links 93, 94, 95, and a standing restriction link 96.

[0072] The trigger link 91 is a member that extends long in the vertical direction, and is supported rotatably on the upper rail 32 (more precisely, a portion located above the lower rail 31) via a support shaft 91a. When the seat body Sh moving forward in the walk-in section R1 passes the front end of the section, the trigger link 91 rotates about the support shaft 91a. More specifically, an inclined step DC is formed in a portion of the bottom wall of the lower rail 31 that is beyond the front end of the walk-in section R1, as shown in FIG. 11. This step DC corresponds to a member that is located beyond the front end of the walk-in section R1, that is, at a predetermined position in the luggage compartment forming section R2.

[0073] When the trigger link 91 advances with the forward sliding movement of the seat body Sh and approaches the arrangement position of the step DC, it is acted upon by the step DC. More specifically, an abutment portion 91b is formed at the lower end of the trigger link 91. This abutment portion 91b abuts against the rear end of the step DC when the trigger link 91 approaches the arrangement position of the step DC. Then, when the seat body Sh slides further forward after the abutment portion 91b abuts against the step DC, as the seat body Sh moves forward, the trigger link 91 rotates in the direction of the arrow f9 in FIG. 11 so that the abutment portion 91b climbs up the step DC.

[0074] The pivoting motion of the trigger link 91 described above is transmitted to the cable connection link 92. As a result, the cable connection link 92 pulls the second cable C2. More specifically, the cable connection link 92 is pivotally supported at a predetermined location in the seat body Sh (for example, the side frame 11 of the seat cushion frame 10) via a support shaft 92a. An engagement end 92b is formed at the lower end of the cable connection link 92. As shown in FIG. 10, the engagement end 92b is engaged with an engagement end 91c formed at the upper end of the trigger link 91. As shown in FIG. 10, a cable fastener 92c is provided at the upper end of the cable connection link 92. An end of the inner cable of the second cable C2 is fastened to the cable fastener 92c.

[0075] When the trigger link 91 rotates in the direction of the arrow f9 in Fig. 11, the cable connection link 92 rotates so that the upper end where the cable fastening portion 92c is provided falls backward. As a result, the second cable C2 is pulled in the direction of the arrow f8 in Fig. 11. As described above, the trigger link 91 and the cable connection link 92 function as an operating body that is acted upon by the step DC when the seat body Sh moving forward approaches the step DC. The second cable C2 is pulled by the operation of both links.

[0076] Furthermore, when the cable connection link 92 rotates, the rotational motion is transmitted to the standing restriction link 96 via the multiple intermediate links 93, 94, 95, and as a result, the standing restriction link 96 operates. Specifically, of the multiple intermediate links 93, 94, 95, the intermediate link 93 located at the most front side extends long in the front-rear direction. One longitudinal end (front end) of the intermediate link 93 is attached to a link attachment part 92d provided in the cable connection link 92 slightly above the support shaft 92a.

[0077] A substantially V-shaped intermediate link 94 is disposed immediately behind the intermediate link 93 located at the foremost side. The intermediate link 94 is rotatably supported at a predetermined location in the seat body Sh (for example, the side frame 11 of the seat cushion frame 10) via a support shaft 94a provided at a bent portion of the intermediate link 94. The substantially V-shaped intermediate link 94 has a link attachment portion 94b at the end located at the more forward side to which the longitudinal end (rear end) of the intermediate link 93 located at the most forward side is attached. The other end located at the more rear side has a link attachment portion 94c at which the lower end of the intermediate link 95 extending long in the vertical direction is attached.

[0078] The standing restriction link 96 is generally dumbbell-shaped in a side view and extends in the front-rear direction, and is rotatably supported at a predetermined location in the seat body Sh (for example, the side frame 11 of the seat cushion frame 10) via a support shaft 96a provided in the center in the front-rear direction. A link attachment portion 96b is formed at the front end of the standing restriction link 96. The upper end of an intermediate link 95 extending in the vertical direction is attached to this link attachment portion 96b. A sideways trapezoidal restriction portion 96c is formed at the rear end of the standing restriction link 96.

[0079] When the cable connection link 92 rotates, the intermediate link 93 moves backward in response, the rear intermediate link 94 rotates about the support shaft 94a, and the rear intermediate link 95 moves downward. As a result, the standing restriction link 96 rotates about the support shaft 96a, specifically, in the direction of the arrow f10 in FIG.

[0080] The third interlocking unit 90 configured as above functions as a rotational motion restricting mechanism of the present invention, and restricts the standing motion of the seat back 2 (i.e., the rotational motion in the second direction) when the seat body Sh passes the front end position of the walk-in section R1 and enters the luggage compartment forming section R2. To explain in more detail, when the seat body Sh passes the front end position of the walk-in section R1, the seat back 2 is in a forward tilted position, and the tilting angle is equal to or larger than a predetermined value.

[0081] On the other hand, the seat back frame 100 is provided with an engagement block 97 shown in Fig. 10 at the lower end of the outer surface of the side frame 101. This engagement block 97 is a member shaped like a comma symbol in a side view, and part of its outer periphery is raised in a rectangular shape as shown in Fig. 10. In other words, an angular recess 97a is formed on the outer periphery of the engagement block 97.

[0082] The recess 97a is located at the lowest position on the outer circumferential surface of the engagement block 97 in the normal state, that is, when the seat back 2 is in the upright position, as shown in FIG. 10. On the other hand, when the seat back 2 is in the forward tilted position and the tilt angle is equal to or greater than a predetermined angle, the recess 97a is located slightly rearward and upward from the normal position. At this time, the standing restriction link 96 rotates about the support shaft 96a, and the rear end (i.e., the restriction portion 96c) is in a position slightly raised. When the recess 97a and the restriction portion 96c are located at the above position, they are engaged with each other as shown in FIG. 11, and specifically, the corner of the upper rear side of the restriction portion 96c fits into the angular recess 97a.

[0083] When the recess 97a and the restricting portion 96c are engaged with each other, a portion of the outer periphery of the engaging block 97 adjacent to the recess 97a (specifically, a rectangular protruding portion 97b) is engaged with the rear surface of the restricting portion 96c. As a result, the standing motion of the seat back 2 is restricted.

[0084] As described above, when the seat body Sh passes over the front end of the walk-in section R1, the third interlocking unit 90 receives the action of the step DC described above to pull the second cable C2 in the direction of the arrow f8 in Fig. 11 and restricts the standing movement of the seat back 2. In other words, when the seat body Sh passes over the front end of the walk-in section R1 and is in the luggage compartment forming section R2, the seat back 2 is restricted from standing up from the forward tilted position and is kept in the forward tilted position. As a result, it is possible to appropriately restrict (prevent) the occupant from sitting on the seat S while the seat body Sh is in the luggage compartment forming section R2.

[0085] (About the relay unit) Next, the relay unit 40 will be described. The relay unit 40 is a mechanism that operates in conjunction with the rotational movement of the seat back 2 and the sliding movement of the seat body Sh. More specifically, the relay unit 40 relays between the first interlocking unit 70 and the slide lock mechanism, and transmits the operation of the first interlocking unit 70 to the slide lock mechanism when the seat back 2 rotates in the first direction and the tilt angle becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined value. As a result, when the seat back 2 rotates in the first direction until the tilt angle becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the slide lock is released in conjunction with this.

[0086] In addition, the relay unit 40 relays between the second interlocking unit 80 and the slide lock mechanism, and when the seat body Sh slides forward through the walk-in section R1 and reaches the front end of said section, it uses the operation of the second interlocking unit 80 to reset the released slide lock (in other words, cancels the release of the slide lock).

[0087] As described above, the relay unit 40 corresponds to a restriction switching mechanism of the present invention, and operates to switch between setting and releasing the slide lock. First, the arrangement position of the relay unit 40 will be described below with reference to FIG.

[0088] In this embodiment, the relay unit 40 is attached to the lower part of the seat cushion 1 as shown in Fig. 3. More specifically, the relay unit 40 has a casing 43 for attaching members inside the unit to the seat body Sh. The casing 43 is made of a steel plate processed into a substantially dish shape, and each part of the relay unit 40 is housed inside the casing 43. The provision of the casing 43 suppresses adhesion of foreign matter to each part of the relay unit 40 (strictly speaking, the parts housed in the casing 43).

[0089] On the other hand, the seat cushion frame 10 has a front frame 12 bent into a U-shape at its front end, as shown in Fig. 3. This front frame 12 has side portions 13 forming both widthwise ends, and a front end connecting portion 14 forming the front end. This front end connecting portion 14 connects the side portions 13 to each other at the front end of the seat cushion frame 10. In addition, a rear connecting portion 16 that connects the side portions 13 to each other at a position rearward of the front end connecting portion 14 is welded to the lower portion of the front frame 12, as shown in Fig. 3.

[0090] 3, the casing 43 and the components inside the casing 43 are disposed between the front end connecting portion 14 and the rear connecting portion 16 in the front-rear direction. In this manner, in this embodiment, the relay unit 40 can be disposed more compactly by utilizing the space between the front end connecting portion 14 and the rear connecting portion 16 in the seat cushion frame 10. This makes it possible to effectively prevent the seat S from becoming larger due to the provision of the relay unit 40.

[0091] In the present embodiment, each part of the relay unit 40 including the casing 43 is disposed under the seat cushion 1. For this reason, the relay unit 40 becomes less noticeable, and it is possible to suppress an influence on the seating comfort felt by an occupant when sitting on the seat S.

[0092] Next, a specific configuration of the relay unit 40 will be described with reference to Figs. 12 to 14. Figs. 12 to 14 are views of the relay unit 40 as viewed from above (i.e., as viewed from the seating side). In the following description, "upper side" means higher in a direction perpendicular to the bottom surface of the casing 43, and "lower side" means lower in the same direction.

[0093] As shown in Figures 12 to 14, the relay unit 40 has, in addition to the casing 43 mentioned above, a fixed rotating shaft 41, a movable rotating shaft 42, a first rotating body 44, a second rotating body 45, a third rotating body 46, an engagement pin 47, a first coil spring 51, a second coil spring 52, a third coil spring 53, a first cable C1, a second cable C2 and a third cable C3.

[0094] The fixed rotation shaft 41 is a shaft fixed to the casing 43, and functions as a rotation shaft for the first rotating body 44 and the third rotating body 46. In other words, the fixed rotation shaft 41 functions as a common rotation shaft when the first rotating body 44 and the third rotating body 46 rotate, and both rotating bodies rotate around the fixed rotation shaft 41 (more specifically, around the fixed rotation shaft 41). With this configuration, the number of parts is reduced compared to the case where a rotation shaft is provided separately for each of the first rotating body 44 and the third rotating body 46, and as a result, the seat S is prevented from becoming large.

[0095] In this embodiment, the fixed rotation shaft 41 is provided at a position close to the center position of the casing 43. To explain in more detail, the portion of the casing 43 to which the fixed rotation shaft 41 is fixed is raised one step higher than the surrounding area, forming a base for the fixed rotation shaft 41. The fixed rotation shaft 41 also penetrates the first rotating body 44 and the second rotating body 45, and the upper end portion thereof is crimped to prevent both rotating bodies from coming off the fixed rotation shaft 41.

[0096] The movable rotation shaft 42 is a shaft attached to the third rotating body 46, and rotates integrally with the third rotating body 46 when the third rotating body 46 rotates. The movable rotation shaft 42 passes through the second rotating body 45, and functions as a rotation shaft when the second rotating body 45 rotates relative to the first rotating body 44. The upper end of the movable rotation shaft 42 is crimped, which prevents the second rotating body 45 from coming off the movable rotation shaft 42.

[0097] The casing 43 has a substantially rectangular outer shape in a plan view. As shown in FIG. 12, a portion of the casing 43 located slightly forward from a portion to which the fixed rotating shaft 41 is fixed is cut and raised to form a protruding portion (hereinafter, a first protruding portion 48). The first protruding portion 48 is a claw-shaped protruding portion protruding from the bottom surface of the casing 43 (in other words, the surface to which each of the first rotating body 44, the second rotating body 45, and the third rotating body 46 is attached). As shown in FIG. 13, the first protruding portion 48 abuts against the outer edge of the first rotating body 44 when the first rotating body 44 rotates around the fixed rotating shaft 41 (strictly speaking, when the first rotating body 44 rotates clockwise in FIG. 12). That is, the first protruding portion 48 defines one end position of the rotation range of the first rotating body 44 and restricts the first rotating body 44 from further rotating after reaching that position.

[0098] In addition, a portion of the casing 43 located diagonally forward of the portion to which the fixed rotating shaft 41 is fixed is cut and raised to form a protrusion (hereinafter, a second protrusion 49). This second protrusion 49 is a protrusion that protrudes in an arch shape from the bottom surface of the casing 43. As shown in FIG. 12, the second protrusion 49 is in contact with the lower surface of the third rotating body 46 under normal conditions. That is, the third rotating body 46 comes into sliding contact with the second protrusion 49 when rotating around the fixed rotating shaft 41. In this way, the second protrusion 49 comes into contact with the second rotating body 45 when the third rotating body 46 rotates, and the rotation path of the third rotating body 46 is regulated by the second protrusion 49. As a result, the third rotating body 46 rotates appropriately along the above-mentioned rotation path.

[0099] In addition to the second protrusion 49, a guide slit 50 is further provided in the casing 43 as a configuration for allowing the third rotating body 46 to rotate appropriately along its rotation path. The guide slit 50 is formed on the casing 43 on the side of the fixed rotation shaft 41, and extends in an arc shape along the rotation path of the third rotating body 46. An edge of the guide slit 50 engages with a slit engagement portion (not shown) provided on the third rotating body 46. By aligning the slit engagement portion with the edge of the guide slit 50, the third rotating body 46 rotates appropriately along the specified rotation path.

[0100] 3 and 12, a first cable C1, a second cable C2, and a third cable C3 are each drawn into the casing 43 from the outside of the casing 43. These cables are connected to corresponding rotating bodies among the first rotating body 44, the second rotating body 45, and the third rotating body 46 inside the casing 43, respectively.

[0101] In this embodiment, all of the three cables are pulled in from the same direction (specifically, from the front) when viewed from the casing 43. That is, the first cable C1, the second cable C2, and the third cable C3 are pulled in from the same direction toward the corresponding rotating body with respect to the first rotating body 44, the second rotating body 45, and the third rotating body 46, respectively. By routing the cables in this manner, the cable routing space around the casing 43 can be reduced, and each cable can be appropriately pulled into the casing 43.

[0102] The first rotating body 44 is a rotating body that rotates around the fixed rotating shaft 41 and is made of steel. When the seat back 2 rotates in the first direction until the tilt angle becomes equal to or larger than a predetermined size, the first rotating body 44 rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the seat back 2. To be more specific, as shown in FIG. 12, a tip end of an inner cable of a first cable C1 corresponding to a cable for the first rotating body is connected (hooked) to one end of the first rotating body 44 that is substantially C-shaped. Here, when the seat back 2 rotates in the first direction until the tilt angle becomes equal to or larger than a predetermined size, the first cable C1 is pulled in the direction of the arrow f5 in FIG. 6 by the first interlocking unit 70 described above. Then, by pulling the first cable C1, the first rotating body 44 rotates clockwise around the fixed rotating shaft 41 as shown in FIG. 13.

[0103] As described above, the rotational movement (forward tilting movement) of the seat back 2 is transmitted to the first rotation body 44 via the first cable C1, causing the first rotation body 44 to rotate. In other words, the first cable C1 is connected to the first rotation body 44 in order to link the rotational movement of the first rotation body 44 with the rotational movement of the seat back 2.

[0104] When the first rotating body 44 rotates clockwise around the fixed rotating shaft 41, it rotates to a position where its outer edge abuts against the first protrusion 48. Thereafter, the first rotating body 44 is held in the abutting position with the first protrusion 48 as long as the first cable C1 continues to be pulled (in other words, while the seat back 2 is tilted forward at an angle equal to or greater than a predetermined value).

[0105] A semicircular notch 44a is formed in the end of the first rotating body 44 opposite to the end to which the first cable C1 is connected. Furthermore, one end of a third coil spring 53 is hooked to the periphery of the portion of the first rotating body 44 through which the fixed rotating shaft 41 passes.

[0106] The second rotating body 45 is a member that can be engaged with and disengaged from the first rotating body 44, and is made of steel. When the second rotating body 45 is engaged with the first rotating body 44, it rotates integrally with the first rotating body 44, and when the second rotating body 45 is disengaged from the first rotating body 44, it rotates relative to the first rotating body 44. To explain in more detail, the second rotating body 45 has an outer shape that extends in a substantially linear manner, and as shown in Fig. 12, an engagement pin 47 is attached to the end in the extension direction. The engagement pin 47 is a substantially cylindrical pin that protrudes from the upper surface of the second rotating body 45.

[0107] In normal operation, an end of the first rotating body 44 engages with the engagement pin 47, and more specifically, a part of the outer circumferential surface of the engagement pin 47 fits into a notch 44a formed in the end of the first rotating body 44 and abuts against the inner edge surface of the notch 44a. When the first rotating body 44 rotates in this state, the second rotating body 45 also rotates clockwise along a rotation path centered on the fixed rotation shaft 41, as shown in FIG.

[0108] On the other hand, the second rotating body 45 is supported by the movable rotating shaft 42 as shown in Fig. 12. Also, a tip end of an inner cable of a second cable C2 corresponding to a cable for the second rotating body is connected to an end of the second rotating body 45 opposite to the side where the engagement pin 47 is attached. Here, the second cable C2 is pulled in the direction of an arrow f8 in Fig. 13 by the third interlocking unit 90 when the seat body Sh moves forward in the walk-in section R1 and reaches the front end of the section.

[0109] Then, by pulling the second cable C2, the second rotating body 45 rotates clockwise around the movable rotating shaft 42 as shown in Fig. 14. This rotational movement releases the engagement between the first rotating body 44 and the second rotating body 45, and the second rotating body 45 rotates clockwise relative to the first rotating body 44 as shown in the same figure. When the second rotating body 45 rotates relative to the first rotating body 44, the end of the first rotating body 44 on the side where the notch 44a is formed slides under the end of the second rotating body 45 on the side where the engagement pin 47 is attached as shown in Fig. 14.

[0110] Further, one end of a third coil spring 53 is hooked to the periphery of the portion of the second rotating body 45 through which the movable rotating shaft 42 passes.

[0111] The third rotating body 46 is a rotating body that rotates around the fixed rotating shaft 41, and is made of steel. As shown in Figs. 12 to 14, the third rotating body 46 has a semicircular outer shape, and is disposed below the first rotating body 44 and the second rotating body 45. In other words, the remaining two rotating bodies are disposed above the third rotating body 46 in a stacked state.

[0112] The third rotating body 46 is supported rotatably on the fixed rotating shaft 41, on which the first rotating body 44 is also supported. Here, the first rotating body 44 and the third rotating body 46 are supported separately from each other on the fixed rotating shaft 41. Therefore, the two rotating bodies can rotate (rotate relative to each other) around the fixed rotating shaft 41 independently of each other.

[0113] 12, the movable rotation shaft 42 is erected at a portion of the third rotating body 46 that is located diagonally rearward from the portion through which the fixed rotation shaft 41 penetrates. As described above, the second rotating body 45 is rotatably supported by this movable rotation shaft 42.

[0114] The third rotating body 46 configured as described above moves back and forth between a set position and a release position of the slide lock by rotating about the fixed rotation shaft 41. Here, the "set position" refers to the position of the third rotating body 46 when the slide lock is set, specifically the position of the third rotating body 46 shown in Fig. 12. The "release position" refers to the position of the third rotating body 46 when the slide lock is released, specifically the position of the third rotating body 46 shown in Fig. 13.

[0115] More specifically, as shown in FIG. 12, one end of an inner cable of the third cable C3 corresponding to the third rotating body cable is connected to the lateral front end of the third rotating body 46. Meanwhile, the other end of the inner cable of the third cable C3 is connected to the pressing bracket 38 of the slide lock mechanism as shown in FIG. 4. Here, the pressing bracket 38 is always biased by a biasing member (not shown). Therefore, the pressing bracket 38 is normally held in a position when the slide lock is set by the biasing force of the biasing member (specifically, a position when the pressing portion 38a of the pressing bracket 38 is somewhat raised above the protruding portion 33b of the lock lever 33). In addition, the third cable C3 connected to the pressing bracket 38 is also biased by the above biasing force, and is pulled in the direction of the arrow f6 in FIG. 12.

[0116] On the other hand, when the third rotating body 46 rotates from the set position toward the release position around the fixed rotating shaft 41 (for ease of understanding, rotates clockwise), the third cable C3 is pulled in the direction of the arrow f7 in FIG. 13 against the above-mentioned biasing force. This causes the pressing bracket 38 to rotate and the pressing portion 38a to press down the protruding portion 33b of the lock lever 33. As a result, the lock lever 33 reaches the unlocked position and the slide lock is released. When the third rotating body 46 rotates toward the release position as described above, the third cable C3 is pulled by the third rotating body 46, and each portion of the slide lock mechanism is actuated to release the slide lock.

[0117] Incidentally, the rotation of the third rotating body 46 toward the release position is realized by the first rotating body 44 and the second rotating body 45 rotating together in an engaged state. To be more specific, when the first rotating body 44 rotates clockwise in an engaged state, the second rotating body 45 also rotates clockwise along a rotation path centered on the fixed rotation shaft 41. At this time, the second rotating body 45 pushes the third rotating body 46 clockwise via the movable rotation shaft 42. That is, the second rotating body 45 rotates integrally with the first rotating body 44 while taking the third rotating body 46 with it. As a result, the third rotating body 46 rotates clockwise around the fixed rotation shaft 41, and finally reaches the release position.

[0118] On the other hand, when the engagement between the first rotating body 44 and the second rotating body 45 is released, the third rotating body 46 is released from the pressure applied by the second rotating body 45 and returns to the set position. Specifically, the second rotating body 45 rotates relative to the first rotating body 44 around the movable rotating shaft 42, thereby releasing the engagement with the first rotating body 44. As a result, the second rotating body 45 stops rotating along the rotation path around the fixed rotating shaft 41. As a result, the pressure from the second rotating body 45 to the third rotating body 46 is eliminated. On the other hand, the biasing force applied to the pressing bracket 38 acts on the third rotating body 46 via the third cable C3. Therefore, the third rotating body 46, released from the pressure applied by the second rotating body 45, rotates counterclockwise around the fixed rotating shaft 41 due to the biasing force and returns to the set position.

[0119] To explain the configuration of the third rotating body 46 in more detail, an end of a first coil spring 51 is hooked to a portion of the third rotating body 46 that is located slightly rearward of the portion to which the tip end of the inner cable of the third cable C3 is connected, as shown in Fig. 12. Furthermore, ends of a second coil spring 52 and a third coil spring 53 are hooked to the rear end of the third rotating body 46, as shown in the same figure.

[0120] Also, as shown in FIG. 12, the outer cable of the second cable C2 is held at one of the widthwise end portions of the third rotating body 46, which is located opposite the side to which the inner cable of the third cable C3 is connected.

[0121] Furthermore, a portion of the third rotating body 46 slightly closer to the third cable C3 than the portion through which the fixed rotating shaft 41 passes is cut upward to form a claw-shaped protrusion 46a. This claw-shaped protrusion 46a is normally in contact with the outer edge of the first rotating body 44 as shown in Fig. 12. In this state, the rotational movement of the first rotating body 44 relative to the third rotating body 46 (strictly speaking, counterclockwise rotational movement) is restricted.

[0122] The first coil spring 51 is an urging member hooked to the casing 43 and the third rotating body 46 at an oblique position rearward of the fixed rotating shaft 41. The first coil spring 51 urges the third rotating body 46 counterclockwise about the fixed rotating shaft 41. Therefore, when the third rotating body 46 rotates clockwise about the fixed rotating shaft 41 (i.e., when rotating toward the release position), it rotates against the urging force of the first coil spring 51. On the other hand, when the third rotating body 46 returns from the release position to the set position, it receives the urging force of the first coil spring 51 and quickly returns to the set position.

[0123] The second coil spring 52 is a biasing member hooked to the rear end of each of the second rotating body 45 and the third rotating body 46. The second coil spring 52 biases the second rotating body 45 toward one end position in a rotation range when the second rotating body 45 rotates around the movable rotating shaft 42. Here, the one end position in the rotation range is a position where the second rotating body 45 can engage with the first rotating body 44, specifically, a position where a notch 44a formed at an end of the first rotating body 44 fits into an engagement pin 47 attached to the second rotating body 45 as shown in FIG. 12. The second rotating body 45 is normally positioned at one end position in the above rotation range due to the biasing force of the second coil spring 52. On the other hand, when the second rotating body 45 rotates around the movable rotating shaft 42 from one end position to the other end position in the above rotation range, it rotates against the biasing force of the second coil spring 52.

[0124] The third coil spring 53 is a biasing member hooked to the first rotating body 44 and the third rotating body 46 behind the fixed rotating shaft 41. The third coil spring 53 biases the first rotating body 44 so that the relative position of the first rotating body 44 with respect to the third rotating body 46 is a predetermined position (specifically, a position where the first rotating body 44 abuts against the claw-shaped protrusion 46a as shown in FIG. 12). Therefore, when the first rotating body 44 rotates relative to the third rotating body 46, it rotates against the biasing force of the third coil spring 53. In other words, when the third rotating body 46 rotates relative to the first rotating body 44, it rotates against the biasing force of the third coil spring 53.

[0125] Next, the operation of each part of the relay unit 40 will be described in relation to the rotational operation of the seat back 2 and the sliding operation of the seat body Sh. In the following, a case in which the seat body Sh is slid forward from its normal position to be positioned within the luggage compartment forming section R2 will be described as an example.

[0126] First, when the seat body Sh is in a normal position (i.e., a predetermined position in the walk-in section R1), the seat back 2 rotates in a first direction. Eventually, the seat back 2 reaches a predetermined angle, specifically, a tilt angle at which the pressing bracket 102 of the first interlocking unit 70 abuts against the seat back side rotating body 71. When the seat back 2 further tilts forward from that point, the pressing bracket 102 presses the seat back side rotating body 71 forward. As a result, the first interlocking unit 70 pulls the first cable C1 in the direction of the arrow f5 in FIG. 6.

[0127] When the first cable C1 is pulled, the first rotating body 44 rotates clockwise around the fixed rotating shaft 41 in the relay unit 40 as shown in FIG. 13. At this time, the notch 44a formed at the end of the first rotating body 44 engages with the engagement pin 47. That is, the second rotating body 45 and the first rotating body 44 are engaged with each other. Therefore, when the first rotating body 44 rotates, the second rotating body 45 rotates along a rotation path around the fixed rotating shaft 41. At this time, the second rotating body 45 rotates while pressing the movable rotating shaft 42. As a result, the third rotating body 46 rotates clockwise around the fixed rotating shaft 41 against the biasing force of the first coil spring 51. That is, the second rotating body 45 rotates integrally with the first rotating body 44 while rotating together with the third rotating body 46. As a result, the third rotating body 46, which was initially in the set position, rotates to the release position. Then, by rotating to the release position, the third rotating body 46 pulls the third cable C3 in the direction of the arrow f7 in FIG.

[0128] As described above, the third cable C3 is pulled as described above, and the slide lock is released, and the seat body Sh is allowed to slide freely in the front-rear direction. The seat body Sh then moves forward in the walk-in section R1 and eventually passes the front end of the section R1. At this time, the abutment portion 91b formed at the lower end of the trigger link 91 approaches and abuts against the step DC provided on the bottom surface of the lower rail 31. When the seat body Sh further slides forward from this point, the trigger link 91 rotates so that the abutment portion 91b climbs up the step DC. As a result, the third interlocking unit 90 pulls the second cable C2 in the direction of the arrow f8 in FIG. 11.

[0129] When the second cable C2 is pulled, in the relay unit 40, the second rotating body 45 rotates about the movable rotating shaft 42 while resisting the biasing force of the second coil spring 52, as shown in Fig. 14. That is, the second rotating body 45 rotates relative to the first rotating body 44. As a result, the notch 44a is disengaged from the engagement pin 47, and the second rotating body 45 is released from the engagement state with the first rotating body 44. Note that, by releasing the engagement state between the first rotating body 44 and the second rotating body 45, the end of the first rotating body 44 on the side where the notch 44a is formed slides under the second rotating body 45.

[0130] Furthermore, as the engagement between the first rotating body 44 and the second rotating body 45 is released, the second rotating body 45 no longer presses the movable rotating shaft 42. As a result, the third rotating body 46, which had been in the release position until then, rotates in the opposite direction due to the biasing force of the first coil spring 51 and the biasing force (the biasing force in the direction of the arrow f6 in FIG. 14) transmitted from the slide lock mechanism side via the third cable C3. That is, the third rotating body 46 rotates relative to the first rotating body 44 from the release position toward the set position. Then, when the third rotating body 46 reaches the set position, the third cable C3 is pulled toward the slide lock mechanism side again.

[0131] As described above, the third cable C3 is pulled as described above, and the slide lock is set again. In other words, after the reclining angle of the seat back 2 reaches or exceeds a predetermined value, the slide lock that was released is reset by the seat body Sh entering the luggage compartment forming section R2. As a result, the position of the seat body Sh can be held (locked) within the luggage compartment forming section R2. [Explanation of symbols]

[0132] 1 seat cushion 2 Seat back 1a, 2a Pad material 1b,2b Skin material 3 Headrest 10 Seat cushion frame 11 Side frame 12 Front Frame 13 Side 14 Front end connection part 15 Rail Mounting Bracket 16 Rear connection part 20 Reclining mechanism 20a Reclining axis 21 Release lever 30 Slide rail mechanism 31 Lower rail 32 Upper Rail 32a Cylindrical protrusion 33 Lock lever 33a Supported part 33b Protruding part 34 Lever support bracket 35 Support shaft 37 Rotational Axis 38 Pressing bracket 38a Pressing part 39 Release lever 40 Relay unit 41 Fixed rotating shaft 42 Movable pivot axis 43 Casing 44 First Rotating Body 44a Cutout 45 Second Rotating Body 46 Third Rotation 47 Engagement pin 48 First protrusion (protrusion) 49 Second protrusion (protrusion) 50 Guide slit 51 First coil spring 52 Second coil spring 53 Third coil spring 70 First interlocking unit 71 Seat side rotating body 72 Links 72a upper end, 72b lower end 73 Cabled Links 73a pivot shaft, 73b, 73c cable fastener 74 Link mounting bracket 74a Cable holder 80 Second interlocking unit 81 Slide member 81a Cable fastener 82 Motion conversion parts 82a Support shaft, 82b Engagement part, 82c Projection part 83 Lifting bracket 83a loose hole, 83b notch, 83c engaged portion 90 Third interlocking unit 91 Trigger Link 91a Support shaft, 91b Contact part, 91c Engagement end part 92 Cabled Links 92a Support shaft, 92b Engagement end 92c Cable fastener, 92d Link attachment 93,94,95 Intermediate links 94a Support shaft, 94b, 94c Link attachment part 96 Standing Control Link 96a support shaft, 96b link mounting portion, 96c restriction portion 97 Engagement Block 97a depression, 97b protuberance 100 Seat back frame 101 Side frame 102 Pressing bracket 103 Pressing part C1 First cable (cable for first rotating body) C2 Second cable (cable for second rotating body) C3 Third cable (cable for third rotating body) Cs Stopper release cable DC step R1 Walk-in section (prescribed section) R2 Luggage compartment formation section S Book Sheet Sh Seat body (vehicle seat) SP stopper

Claims

1. A vehicle seat equipped with a slide rail mechanism for sliding a seat body forward and backward, The seat body includes a seat cushion that supports the buttocks of an occupant and a seat back that rotates in a reclining direction, The seat cushion has a seat cushion frame that constitutes a skeleton of the seat cushion, the slide rail mechanism has a pair of upper rails attached to the seat cushion frame and slidingly moved together with the seat body, The upper rail is attached to the seat cushion frame via a rail mounting bracket, The rail mounting bracket has side wall portions facing each other and an upper wall portion connecting the side wall portions at upper portions of the side wall portions, a linkage unit attached to one of the pair of upper rails, the linkage unit enabling the seat body to move beyond one end of a predetermined section in a sliding movement range of the seat body when the seat back rotates and a tilting angle becomes equal to or larger than a predetermined size; A vehicle seat characterized in that the interlocking unit has a slide member that is placed on the upper wall portion of the rail mounting bracket when viewed from the seat width direction and is slidable in the fore-and-aft direction on the rail mounting bracket.

2. The interlocking unit further has a motion conversion member that engages with the slide member above the upper wall portion of the rail mounting bracket and is configured to be rotatable relative to the forward / backward sliding motion of the slide member, When viewed from the seat width direction, at least a portion of the motion conversion member is accommodated between the side wall portions of the rail mounting bracket, 2. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, wherein an upper end of the motion conversion member is disposed so as to be positioned higher than the upper wall portion of the rail mounting bracket.

3. The interlocking unit further has a lifting bracket, The lift bracket engages with a protrusion protruding forward from a front end of the motion conversion member, and moves up and down via the motion conversion member in conjunction with the sliding movement of the slide member, 3. The vehicle seat according to claim 2, wherein a part of an upper end of the lifting bracket is moved higher than the upper wall portion of the rail mounting bracket when viewed in the seat width direction.

4. A vehicle seat as described in Claim 3, characterized in that when the lifting bracket is moved upward, its upper end in a side view is located outside the rail mounting bracket.

5. A vehicle seat as described in claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the lifting bracket is positioned so that its upper end is positioned lower than the upper end of the motion conversion member.

6. The interlocking unit has a cable attached thereto for sliding the slide member in a forward and backward direction, 6. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, wherein the cable is disposed above the rail mounting bracket.

7. A vehicle seat as described in Claim 6, characterized in that, when viewed in the seat width direction, the cable extends from the rear end of the slide member toward the rear of the rail mounting bracket.

8. The slide rail mechanism has a lock lever provided on a side of the upper rail and configured to release the restriction of the slide rail mechanism by being pressed in an up-down direction, A pressure bracket is disposed on the seat cushion frame. The pressure bracket abuts against the lock lever and is pressed in the vertical direction to release the restriction of the slide rail mechanism. The pressing bracket is welded to a rotation shaft provided to extend along a width direction of the seat cushion frame, 2. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, wherein the rotation shaft is attached to the rail mounting bracket.

9. A vehicle seat as described in Claim 8, characterized in that the pressure bracket is positioned inward in the seat width direction relative to the rail mounting bracket.

10. The rail mounting bracket has a rear wall portion connecting the side wall portions at rear portions of the side wall portions, 2. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, wherein the rear wall portion has a shape that extends downward and inclined toward the rear of the seat relative to the upper portion of the rear wall portion, at least a portion of a lower portion that is located lower than the upper portion of the rear wall portion.

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