Vehicle seat

The vehicle seat addresses the challenge of accommodating large packages by incorporating adjustable support legs that allow the seat cushion to be raised, ensuring proper storage and preventing contact with protruding luggage.

JP2025063800APending Publication Date: 2025-04-16TS TECH CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2024001463
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2023-12-08
Filing Date
2024-01-09
Publication Date
2025-04-16

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing vehicle seats with storage spaces below the seat cushion face challenges in accommodating large packages, as the seat cushion's height cannot be adjusted, leading to potential contact with protruding luggage and improper storage.

Method used

The vehicle seat incorporates support legs that can be switched between a storage position and a protruding position, allowing the seat cushion to be adjusted in height. These support legs are designed to support the seat cushion from below, even when luggage protrudes upward from the storage space.

Benefits of technology

This configuration enables suitable use of the storage space by allowing the seat cushion to be adjusted in height, accommodating luggage of varying sizes without risking contact between the seat cushion and protruding luggage.

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Abstract

To provide a vehicle seat that enables a storage space section (a storage space) provided at a position below a seat cushion to be utilized preferably, compared with conventional vehicle seats.SOLUTION: A vehicle seat S1 comprises: a seat cushion 1; a support base 40 that supports the seat cushion from below; a cushion swinging device 60 that swings the rear end of the seat cushion upward relative to the support base; and support legs 70 that are provided on the bottom surface of the seat cushion and support the seat cushion from below. The seat cushion 1 can be switched between a reference position at which an occupant can sit thereon and a deployment position at which the rear end of the seat cushion is swung upward from the reference position to expose the storage space section 48 provided in the support base 40. The support legs 70 support the seat cushion from below when the seat cushion 1 is positioned at the swing position between the reference position and the deployment position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1
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Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle seat, and more particularly to a vehicle seat provided with a seat cushion. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a vehicle seat is known that includes a seat cushion, a support base that supports the seat cushion from below, and a cushion rotating device that flips up a rear end portion of the seat cushion relative to the support base (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In the vehicle seat described in Patent Document 1, the seat cushion is configured to be switchable between a "standard position" in which an occupant can be seated and an "expanded position" in which the rear end of the seat cushion is rotated upward from the standard position to expose a storage space provided in the support base. Therefore, luggage can be stored by utilizing the storage space (luggage storage space) provided below the seat cushion. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2006-224780 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Incidentally, in a vehicle seat such as that disclosed in Patent Document 1, there has been a demand for a technique that enables more optimal use of the storage space provided below the seat cushion. For example, when a large item is stored in the storage space, if the item protrudes upward from the storage space, there is a risk that the seat cushion will come into contact with the item when the seat cushion is returned from the deployed position to the standard position. In other words, the height position of the seat cushion cannot be adjusted (the height position cannot be adjusted), and there is a risk that the item cannot be stored appropriately.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle seat that allows a storage space provided below a seat cushion to be utilized more effectively than in the past. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The above problem is solved by the vehicle seat of the present invention, which provides a vehicle seat equipped with a seat cushion, comprising a support base that supports the seat cushion from below, a cushion rotation device that rotates one end of the seat cushion in the front-rear direction or the width direction upward relative to the support base, and support legs that are provided on a bottom surface of the seat cushion or on an upper surface of the support base and support the seat cushion from below, wherein the seat cushion is configured to be switchable between a reference position where an occupant can be seated and an expanded position in which the one end of the seat cushion is rotated upward from the reference position to expose a storage space portion provided in the support base, and the support legs protrude from the bottom surface of the seat cushion or the upper surface of the support base and support the seat cushion from below when the seat cushion is located at a rotation position between the reference position and the expanded position. With the above-described configuration, a vehicle seat can be realized that allows for more efficient use of the storage space provided below the seat cushion than ever before. More specifically, the vehicle seat is provided with support legs that support the seat cushion from below, and the support legs support the seat cushion from below when the seat cushion is located at a "rotation position" between a "reference position" and an "expanded position". Therefore, by using the support legs, the height position of the seat cushion can be adjusted to support the seat cushion from below (the height position of the seat cushion can be adjusted). In this way, even if the luggage protrudes upward from the storage space, the luggage can be stored conveniently.

[0007] In this case, the support legs are provided on the bottom surface of the seat cushion, a storage recess is formed in the bottom surface of the seat cushion in which the support legs can be stored, and the support legs are configured to be switchable between a storage position stored in the storage recess and a protruding position protruding from the bottom surface of the seat cushion, and when the support legs are in the protruding position, the support legs support the seat cushion from below by abutting against the support base. With the above-described configuration, when the support legs are not in use, the support legs can be stored compactly in the storage recesses of the seat cushion. Furthermore, with the above-described configuration, the support legs come into contact with the support base, so that the seat cushion can be held at a predetermined height position (rotation position).

[0008] In this case, the cushion rotating device is attached to the support base and rotates the rear end of the seat cushion upward relative to the support base, the support base is arranged on the left and right sides in the width direction of the seat and has left and right side bases extending in the front-to-rear direction of the seat, a connecting member connecting rear portions of the left and right side bases, and a support member provided on the connecting member for supporting the support leg, and when the support leg is in the protruding position, the support leg abuts against the support member to support the seat cushion from below. As described above, when the support leg is in the protruding position, the support leg is supported by the support member. That is, the support leg is firmly supported by the support member provided on the connecting member that connects the left and right side bases of the support base. Therefore, the support leg can be supported more stably.

[0009] In this case, it is preferable that the support leg is rotatably attached to the seat cushion via a leg pivot shaft, and the support member supporting the support leg is disposed at a position rearward of the leg pivot shaft. As described above, in a vehicle seat in which the rear end of the seat cushion is rotated upward, by arranging the support member at a position rearward of the leg rotation axis provided on the seat cushion, the support leg can be supported more stably by the support member.

[0010] In this case, the support member has a plate-shaped support main body portion and a positioning member attached to the support main body portion for positioning the support leg, and the positioning member positions the support leg when the support leg is in contact with the support main body portion. With the above-described configuration, it is possible to prevent the support leg from slipping when the support leg comes into contact with the support member, and the support leg can be supported in a more stable manner.

[0011] In this case, it is preferable that a biasing member be attached to the rear surface of the seat cushion for biasing the support leg from the stored position side to the protruding position side. With the above-described configuration, the support legs can be easily extended to the extended positions, and the height position of the seat cushion can be easily adjusted using the support legs.

[0012] In this case, the support leg is attached to the seat cushion so as to be rotatable via a leg pivot shaft, and a regulating member for regulating the rotation of the support leg is attached to the leg pivot shaft or the peripheral portion of the leg pivot shaft on the rear surface of the seat cushion, and the regulating member preferably regulates the rotation of the support leg when the support leg is rotated to the protruding position. With the above-described configuration, the support legs can be restricted at the protruding positions, making it easier for the support legs to support the seat cushion and easier to adjust the height position of the seat cushion.

[0013] In this case, it is preferable that the support leg has an extension mechanism for extending or shortening the length of the support leg, and a fixing member for fixing the support leg at a predetermined extended position. With the above configuration, the support legs can be extended and retracted, and the height of the seat cushion can be adjusted to suit the size of the luggage. Alternatively, the seat cushion and the seat back can be arranged to have a continuous flat shape.

[0014] In this case, it is preferable to provide a detection unit that detects that the support leg is in contact with the support base, and a control unit that receives the detection result by the detection unit and notifies the user that the support leg is in contact with the support base. With the above-described configuration, the occupant can confirm that the support leg is protruding from the stored position to the protruding position, making it easier for the occupant to operate the pivoting movement of the seat cushion.

[0015] In this case, the cushion rotation device is attached to the support base and rotates the rear end of the seat cushion upward relative to the support base, the support base is arranged on the left and right sides in the width direction of the seat and has left and right side bases extending in the fore-and-aft direction of the seat, and the support legs are attached to the side bases so as to be rotatable via leg rotation axes, protrude from the upper surface of the side bases, and abut against support members formed on the seat cushion to support the seat cushion from below. With the above-described configuration, the support legs protrude from the upper surface of the side base and are supported by the support members provided on the seat cushion, which allows the support legs and the support members to be arranged compactly.

[0016] In this case, the support legs are provided on the bottom surface of the seat cushion, and the cushion rotating device has a locking member provided on the bottom surface of the seat cushion and a striker provided on the support base and engaging with the locking member, the cushion rotating device locks the seat cushion when the seat cushion is in the reference position, and a plurality of the strikers are provided at predetermined intervals in the vertical direction, and the height position of the seat cushion relative to the support base can be changed by the locking member engaging with a predetermined striker. With the above-described configuration, the height position of the seat cushion can be adjusted in stages, thereby making it possible to more effectively utilize the storage space provided below the seat cushion. Effect of the Invention

[0017] According to the present invention, a vehicle seat can be realized that allows a storage space provided below the seat cushion to be used more effectively than ever before. For example, the height of the seat cushion can be adjusted to support the seat cushion from below. Therefore, even if the luggage protrudes slightly upward from the storage space, the luggage can be stored effectively. Furthermore, according to the present invention, when the support legs are not in use, the support legs can be stored compactly in the storage recesses of the seat cushion. Furthermore, according to the present invention, the support legs are firmly supported by the support members, so that the support legs can be supported more stably. Furthermore, according to the present invention, the support legs can be easily extended to the extended positions, and the height position of the seat cushion can be easily adjusted using the support legs. According to the present invention, the height of the seat cushion can be adjusted by extending or retracting the support legs, so that the height of the seat cushion can be changed according to the size of the luggage. Alternatively, the seat cushion and the seat back can be arranged to have a continuous flat shape. Furthermore, according to the present invention, the occupant can confirm that the support leg is extended to the extended position, making it easier for the occupant to operate the pivoting movement of the seat cushion. Furthermore, according to the present invention, the support legs and the support members can be arranged compactly. Furthermore, according to the present invention, the height position of the seat cushion can be adjusted in stages. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle seat according to a first embodiment; [Diagram 2] 13 is a diagram showing a state in which the seat cushion has been switched from the "standard position" to the "deployed position." FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 shows a state in which the seat cushion is in an "intermediate position" supported by the support legs, and shows a state in which the seating surfaces of the seat cushion and the seat back are flat. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a support base and a cushion rotating device. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a rear view of the seat cushion, showing the support legs and the cushion rotating device (lock member and release strap). [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of the seat cushion and support base with the support legs in the "stowed position." [Figure 7] 13 shows a state in which the support legs have been switched from the "storage position" to the "extending position" and are supported by the support members. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a vehicle seat according to a second embodiment, showing a state in which the seat cushion is in an "extended position." [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a support base and a cushion rotating device. [Figure 10] FIG. 4 is a rear view of the seat cushion, showing the support legs and the cushion rotating device (lock member). [Figure 11] 13 shows a state in which the support legs have been switched from the "storage position" to the "extending position" and are supported by the support members. FIG. [Figure 12A] This is a first modified example of the support legs and support members. [Figure 12B] This is a second modified example of the support legs and support members. [Figure 12C] This is a third modified example of the support legs and support members. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a vehicle seat according to a third embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a support base and a cushion rotating device. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is a view showing a state in which the seat cushion is in a "reference position" and a state in which the locking member is engaged with the striker (first engagement state). [Figure 16] FIG. 13 illustrates a state in which the seat cushion is in the "middle position" and a state in which the locking member is engaged with the striker (second engagement state). [Figure 17] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a vehicle seat according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 18]FIG. 2 is a side view of the vehicle seat, showing a state in which the seat cushion is supported by the support legs. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0019] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The present embodiment relates to a "vehicle seat" that allows the height position of the seat cushion to be adjusted so that a storage space provided below the seat cushion can be suitably used. In addition, the side of the vehicle seat where a seat occupant sits relative to the seat back (headrest) is the front side of the seat.

[0020] First Embodiment First, a vehicle seat S1 of the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 1, the vehicle seat S1 is a vehicle seat, for example, a front seat (also called a front seat or a passenger seat) arranged at the front position of the vehicle. The vehicle seat S1 may be a middle seat or a rear seat.

[0021] The vehicle seat S1 comprises a seat body having a seat cushion 1, a seat back 2 and a headrest 3, a slide rail device 10 that supports the seat body so that it can move back and forth relative to the vehicle floor, a height link device 20 that connects the seat body to the vehicle floor so that it can be raised and lowered, and a reclining device 30 that connects the seat back 2 to the seat cushion 1 so that it can be rotated. The vehicle seat S1 also includes a support base 40 that is attached between the seat cushion 1 and the slide rail device 10 (height link device 20) and supports the seat cushion 1 from below, a storage container 50 that is removably attached to the support base 40, a cushion rotation device 60 that rotates the rear end of the seat cushion 1 upward relative to the support base 40, and support legs 70 that are attached to the bottom surface of the seat cushion 1 and support the seat cushion from below.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 2, the vehicle seat S1 is configured so that the seat cushion 1 can be adjusted between a “standard position” in which an occupant can sit, and an “expanded position” in which the rear end of the seat cushion 1 is rotated upward from the standard position to expose the storage container 50. In addition, the vehicle seat S1 is configured so that the seat cushion 1 can be arranged to an "intermediate position (predetermined rotation position)" between the "reference position" and the "deployed position" as shown in Fig. 3. In the "intermediate position" shown in Fig. 3, the support legs 70 protrude from the bottom surface of the seat cushion 1 and support the seat cushion 1 from below. The "middle position" is a position closer to the "reference position" within the range of rotational movement of the seat cushion 1 as shown in Fig. 3, but is not particularly limited thereto. The "middle position" may be a position closer to the "deployed position" within the range of rotational movement of the seat cushion 1, or may be a position midway between the "reference position" and the "deployed position".

[0023] 1, the seat cushion 1 is a seating portion that supports a seated person (occupant) from below, and includes a cushion frame 1a that serves as a framework, a padding material 1b that is placed on the cushion frame 1a, and a skin material 1c that covers the cushion frame 1a and the padding material 1b. The cushion frame 1a is, for example, a resin member (resin plate). The seat back 2 is a backrest portion that supports a seated occupant from behind, and includes a back frame 2a that serves as a skeleton, a pad material 2b, and a cover material 2c. The headrest 3 supports the head of a seated occupant from behind.

[0024] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the slide rail device 10 is arranged between the seat body and the vehicle floor in the vertical direction, and is equipped with left and right lower rails 11 fixed to the vehicle floor and extending in the fore-and-aft direction of the seat, left and right upper rails 12 supported slidably along the lower rails 11, a locking member 13 that locks the upper rails 12 against the lower rails 11 so that they cannot slide, and a rail operating lever (not shown) that releases the locked state of the locking member 13. A support base 40 and a seat cushion 1 (cushion frame 1a) are attached to the upper surfaces of the left and right upper rails 12 via height link devices 20.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 1, the height link device 20 is attached between the slide rail device 10 and the support base 40, and includes left and right first links 21 arranged on the front side of the seat, left and right second links 22 arranged on the rear side of the seat, a locking member (not shown) that locks the seat body so that it cannot be raised or lowered, and a height operating lever (not shown) that releases the locked state of the locking member. The height link device 20 can adjust the height of the seat body by using the second link 22 as a driving link, for example.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 1, the reclining device 30 includes a reclining body 31 that is driven when rotating the seat back 2 (back frame 2a), a back rotation shaft 32, a spiral spring 33 that urges the seat back 2 to rotate forward around the back rotation shaft 32, and a reclining operation lever (not shown) that is operated to release the locked state of the seat back 2.

[0027] The reclining body 31 has a known locking mechanism, and is capable of switching the state of the seat back 2 between a locked state in which the seat back 2 is fixed to the seat cushion 1 and an unlocked state in which the seat back 2 is rotatable relative to the seat cushion 1. The back rotation shaft 32 is supported in the seat width direction on the seat cushion 1 side and the seat back 2 side. One end of the spiral spring 33 is anchored on the seat cushion 1 side, and the other end is anchored on the seat back 2 side.

[0028] As shown in Figs. 1 to 4, the support base 40 is a frame member that supports the seat main body from below. The support base 40 comprises left and right side bases 41 arranged along the left and right upper rails 12, a front connecting member 42 connecting the front portions of each side base 41, and a rear connecting member 43 connecting the rear portions of each side base 41.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 4, the side base 41 extends long in the front-rear direction of the seat. The seat cushion 1 (cushion frame 1 a ) is attached to the front end portion of the side base 41 via a cushion rotation shaft 61 and a rotation bracket 62 . Furthermore, the seat back 2 (the back frame 2a) is attached to the rear end portion of the side base 41 via a connecting bracket 44.

[0030] A striker 64 that is long in the seat width direction is attached to the central portion in the longitudinal direction of the rear connecting member 43 via left and right brackets 45. The left and right brackets 45 are long brackets in the vertical direction, and are welded to straddle the upper and rear surfaces of the rear connecting member 43. The striker 64 is disposed above and spaced from the rear connecting member 43 and is engageable with a lock member 63 of the cushion rotating device 60 .

[0031] As shown in Figures 4 and 6, a support member 46 that supports the support leg 70 from below and a leg lock member 47 that is provided on the upper surface of the support member 46 are attached to both ends of the rear connecting member 43 in the longitudinal direction. The support member 46 has a plate-shaped support body portion 46a and a positioning member 46b that is attached to the support body portion 46a and is used to position the support leg 70. The support member 46 is disposed at a position rearward of the leg pivot shaft 71, as shown in FIG.

[0032] The support main body portion 46a is a substantially L-shaped plate member, and is welded to the upper surface and the front surface of the rear connecting member 43 so as to straddle the latter. The positioning member 46b positions the support leg 70 from the rear in a state in which the support leg 70 abuts against the support body portion 46a. The leg lock member 47 is a member that locks the support leg 70 in a state in which the support leg 70 is supported by the support member 46. The leg lock member 47 can sandwich the support leg 70 with the rear connecting member 43.

[0033] As shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 6, the storage container 50 is a container capable of storing an object, and is detachably attached to the storage space portion 48 provided in the center of the support base 40. As shown in FIG. The storage container 50 has a container body 51 and a container flange 52 provided over the entire upper edge portion of the container body 51 . A container flange 52 is supported from below by the left and right side bases 41, the front connecting member 42, and the rear connecting member 43. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, the rear end of the container flange 52 is placed on the upper surface of the rear connecting member 43 (support member 46). The rear end of container flange 52 may have a notch (notch groove) formed therein to prevent interference with support leg 70. Alternatively, the rear end of container flange 52 may extend rearward and have an opening (through hole) formed therein to prevent interference with support leg 70.

[0034] As shown in Figs. 1 to 6, the cushion rotating device 60 is a device that locks the rotating movement of the seat cushion 1 when the seat cushion 1 is in the "reference position". As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the cushion rotation device 60 includes a cushion rotation shaft 61 supported on the front end portion of the support base 40 (side base 41), and a rotation bracket 62 that connects the support base 40 and the seat cushion 1 via the cushion rotation shaft 61. As shown in Figures 1 and 5, the cushion rotation device 60 further includes a locking member 63 (latch member) provided on the bottom surface of the seat cushion 1, a striker 64 provided on the support base 40 (rear connecting member 43) and engaging with the locking member 63, and a release strap 65 for releasing the locked state of the locking member 63.

[0035] The pivot bracket 62 is a member that pivots the seat cushion 1 (the rear end portion of the seat cushion 1) upwardly (flips up and rotates) about the cushion pivot shaft 61 relative to the support base 40. The locking member 63 protrudes downward from the bottom surface of the seat cushion 1, and is attached to a position corresponding to a striker 64 provided on the support base 40. The locking member 63 engages with the striker 64 from a rear position of the striker 64, thereby bringing the seat cushion 1 into a locked state. The release strap 65 is connected to the lock member 63 and extends so as to be exposed from the rear end portion of the seat cushion 1.

[0036] In the cushion rotating device 60, when an occupant rotates the seat cushion 1 from the "deployed position" shown in Figures 1 and 2 to the "reference position", the locking member 63 engages with the striker 64, thereby locking the seat cushion 1. Furthermore, the cushion rotating device 60 releases the locked state of the seat cushion 1 when the occupant pulls the release strap 65.

[0037] As shown in Figs. 3 and 5 to 7, the support leg 70 is a member that supports the seat cushion 1 at an "intermediate position" and is attached to the rear end portion of the bottom surface of the seat cushion 1. The support leg 70 is rotatably attached to the seat cushion 1 via a leg pivot shaft 71, and is switchable between a "storage position" in which it is stored in a storage recess 1d formed in the bottom surface of the seat cushion 1, and a "protruding position" in which it protrudes from the bottom surface of the seat cushion 1. As shown in FIG. 3, when the support legs 70 are in the "protruding position", the support legs 70 abut against the support members 46, thereby supporting the seat cushion 1 in the "intermediate position".

[0038] As shown in Figure 3, the support leg 70 is a U-shaped rod-shaped member with an extension mechanism, and has left and right leg body portions 70a, left and right leg extension portions 70b that are receivably attached to the extended ends of the left and right leg body portions 70a, and a leg connecting portion 70c that connects the extended ends of the left and right leg extension portions 70b. The support leg 70 further includes an extension mechanism 70d that extends and retracts the leg extension 70b to the leg main body 70a, and a fixing member 70e that fixes the leg extension 70b in a predetermined extended position. By providing the extension mechanism 70d and the fixing member 70e, the length of the support leg 70 can be appropriately adjusted, and the height position of the seat cushion 1 can be changed. The structure of the extension mechanism 70d is not particularly limited, and for example, a folding structure may be used to realize the extension and retraction of the support leg 70. The support leg 70 does not necessarily have to have the extension mechanism 70d.

[0039] 6 and 7, a biasing spring 72 (biasing member) that biases the support leg 70 from the stored position side to the protruding position side is attached to the rear surface of the seat cushion 1. The biasing spring 72 is wound around and fixed to the leg rotation shaft 71. This makes it easier to project the support legs 70 to the "projected positions", and makes it easier to use the support legs 70 to support the seat cushion 1 at a predetermined height. It is preferable that a stopper (not shown) for holding the support leg 70 at the "storage position" is attached to the storage recess 1d of the seat cushion 1. In this way, the support leg 70 can be held at the storage position against the biasing force of the biasing spring 72.

[0040] In the above configuration, a restricting member 73 for restricting the rotation of the support leg 70 is attached to the rear end portion of the leg rotation shaft 71 on the rear surface of the seat cushion 1, as shown in FIG. The restricting member 73 is a plate-shaped member that restricts the rotation of the support leg 70 when the support leg is rotated to the "protruding position" shown in FIG. By doing so, the support legs 70 can be restricted at the "protruding positions", making it easier to support the seat cushion 1 by the support legs 70. Also, the height position of the seat cushion 1 can be easily adjusted.

[0041] In the above configuration, the support member 46 that supports the support leg 70 is disposed at a position rearward of the leg rotation shaft 71, as shown in FIGS. This allows the support legs 70 to be supported more stably by the support members 46 when the rear end portion of the seat cushion 1 is raised upward.

[0042] 6 and 7, when the support leg 70 is in the "protruding position", the support leg 70 protrudes obliquely rearward from the rear surface of the seat cushion 1, and the lower end of the support leg 70 is supported on the upper surface of the support member 46. In addition, the support leg 70 (leg connecting portion 70c) engages with the leg lock member 47 and is positioned by the positioning member 46b. More specifically, the lower end surface of the support leg 70 is cut, and the lower end surface abuts along the upper surface of the support member 46. In addition, the front surface of the positioning member 46b is cut, and the front surface abuts along the rear surface of the support leg 70. This allows the support legs 70 to be suitably held by the support base 40 (support members 46), thereby enabling the seat cushion 1 to be stably supported. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 7, the support legs 70 protrude obliquely rearward from the seat cushion 1, so that interference between the support legs 70 and the container 50 (container flange 52) can be suppressed. The support leg 70 may protrude directly downward from the rear surface of the seat cushion 1 and be supported by the support member 46.

[0043] With the vehicle seat S1 described above, a seat that allows the storage space portion (storage space) provided below the seat cushion 1 to be utilized in an optimal manner can be realized. Specifically, the seat cushion 1 can be rotated between a "standard position" and an "expanded position", and the seat cushion 1 can be adjusted to a predetermined height position (intermediate position). By moving the seat cushion 1 to the "intermediate position", the seating surfaces of the seat cushion 1 and the seat back 2 can be made flat, for example, as shown in Figure 2.

[0044] <Second embodiment> Next, a vehicle seat S2 according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 8 to 12C. It should be noted that a description of the contents that overlap with those of the vehicle seat S1 described above will be omitted.

[0045] The vehicle seat S2 includes a seat cushion 101, a seat back 102, a support base 140, a container 150, a cushion rotating device 160, and support legs 170, as shown in FIGS. In addition, the vehicle seat S2 further includes a detection sensor 185 that detects when the support leg 170 is in contact with the support base 140, and a control device 180 that receives the detection result by the detection sensor 185 and notifies the user that the support leg 170 is in contact with the support base 140.

[0046] The control device 180 and the detection sensor 185 are attached inside the vehicle seat S2. By providing the control device 180 and the detection sensor 185, the occupant can easily confirm that the support leg 170 is protruding from the "storage position" to the "protruding position". In addition, it becomes easier for the occupant to operate the rotational movement of the seat cushion 101. The detection sensor 185 may be attached to the support member 146, for example. The vehicle seat S2 may further include a seating sensor that detects that an occupant is seated. In this case, the control device 180 may notify the user when it receives detection signals from the detection sensor 185 and the seating sensor. By doing so, for example, when the seat cushion 1 is in the "middle position" shown in FIG. 11, the occupant can be informed not to sit on the seat cushion 1.

[0047] As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the support base 140 includes left and right side bases 141, a front connecting member 142, a rear connecting member 143, a connecting bracket 144, a bracket 145, a support member 146, and a storage space portion 148. A striker 164 is attached to the central portion in the longitudinal direction of the rear connecting member 143 via left and right brackets 145 . Furthermore, support members 146 that support the support legs 170 from below are welded to the upper portions (upper end portions) of the left and right brackets 145.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 11, the support member 146 is disposed at a predetermined interval in the front-rear direction of the seat, and has a first support portion 146a and a second support portion 146b that protrude upward from the upper end portion of the bracket 145. The first support portion 146a and the second support portion 146b are members that detachably hold the support leg 170 (leg connecting portion 170c), and protrude from the bracket 145 obliquely forward. As shown in FIG. 11, when the seat cushion 1 is positioned in the "middle position" and the support leg 170 is positioned in the "extended position", the support member 146 can clamp the support leg 170 and hold the support leg 170 in a locked state.

[0049] As shown in FIGS. 9 to 11, the cushion rotation device 160 includes a cushion rotation shaft 161, a rotation bracket 162, a lock member 163 (latch member), a striker 164, and a release strap 165. As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the support leg 170 is a U-shaped leg member, and is attached to the bottom surface of the seat cushion 1 at a portion that sandwiches the lock member 163 therebetween.

[0050] 9 to 11, the lock member 163, the striker 164, the support leg 170, and the support member 146 are disposed in the center portion in the seat width direction. In other words, they are disposed in the same position (overlapping position) in the seat width direction. Therefore, these components can be arranged compactly.

[0051] In the above configuration, a support member 146 is attached to the upper surface of the bracket 145 as shown in FIG. Therefore, when the support leg 170 is supported by the support member 146, the seat cushion 1 can be held at a higher position (middle position).

[0052] (Variation 1) FIG. 12A shows a first modification of the support leg 170, the bracket 145 and the support member 146. FIG. The bracket 145 is a long bracket extending in the vertical direction, and is welded to straddle the upper surface and rear surface of the rear connecting member 143. The left and right brackets 145 hold strikers 164. The support member 146 corresponds to a support recess formed in the upper end of the bracket. The support leg 170 is a U-shaped rod-like member (pipe member), and an extending end portion (leg connecting portion 170c) of the support leg 170 engages with the support member 146 and is supported by the support member 146. Even in the above-described first modification, the support legs 170 are suitably supported by the support members 146, and the seat cushion 1 can be stably held.

[0053] (Variation 2) FIG. 12B shows a second modified example of the support leg 170, the bracket 145, and the support member 146. In FIG. The brackets 145 are long in the front-rear direction of the seat and are welded to the upper surface of the rear connecting member 143, and protrude forward and rearward of the rear connecting member 143. The left and right brackets 145 hold strikers 164. The support member 146 corresponds to a support recess formed in the upper end of the bracket. The support leg 170 is a rod-like member (pipe member) having a U-shape, which engages with the support member 146 and is supported by the support member 146. Even in the above-described second modification, the support legs 170 are suitably supported by the support members 146, and the seat cushion 1 can be stably held.

[0054] (Variation 3) FIG. 12C shows a third modification of the support leg 170 and the support member 146. In the above-described third modification, the bracket 145 is not necessary, and the support leg 170 directly contacts the upper surface of the rear connecting member 143 and is supported by the rear connecting member 143. In other words, the upper surface of the rear connecting member 143 corresponds to the support portion 146 (support member). The extending end of the support leg 170 is formed with a curved surface portion 170f that corresponds to the surface of the rear connecting member 143. Then, the curved surface portion 170f engages with the rear connecting member 143, whereby the support leg 170 is supported by the support portion 146 of the rear connecting member 143. Even in the above-described third modification, the seat cushion 1 can be stably supported by the support legs 170.

[0055] <Third embodiment> Next, a vehicle seat S3 according to a third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. It should be noted that the description overlapping with the above-mentioned vehicle seats S1 and S2 will be omitted.

[0056] 13 to 15, the vehicle seat S3 includes a seat cushion 201, a seat back 202, a support base 240, a container 250, and a cushion rotating device 260. In this embodiment, a lock member 263 of the cushion rotating device 260 corresponds to a support leg and has the function of the support leg. The seat cushion 201 includes a cushion frame 201a, a pad material 201b, a cover material 201c, and a recessed portion 201e.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 14, the support base 240 includes left and right side bases 241, a front connecting member 242, a rear connecting member 243, a connecting bracket 244, a bracket 245, and a storage space portion 248. A plurality of strikers 264 are attached to the central portion in the longitudinal direction of the rear connecting member 243 via left and right brackets 245. As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the cushion rotation device 260 includes a cushion rotation shaft 261, a rotation bracket 262, a lock member 263 (latch member), a striker 264, and a release strap 265.

[0058] The left and right brackets 245 are long brackets in the vertical direction, and are welded to straddle the upper and rear surfaces of the rear connecting member 43. The left and right brackets 245 hold a plurality of strikers 264 aligned in the vertical direction. A plurality of strikers 264 are arranged at predetermined intervals in the vertical direction. Each striker 264 is disposed at a position above the rear connecting member 243 and is capable of engaging with a lock member 263 of the cushion rotating device 260 . As shown in FIG. 15, the bottom surface of the seat cushion 201 is formed with interference suppression portions (recessed portions 201e) in order to suppress interference with the left and right brackets 245.

[0059] As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the height position of the seat cushion 201 relative to the support base 240 can be changed by engaging a locking member 263 with a predetermined striker 264. 15, for example, the height position of the seat cushion 201 can be lowered by engaging the lock member 263 with the striker 264 that is at the lowest position. At this time, the seat cushion 1 is in the "standard position" and an occupant can be seated. 16, the height position of the seat cushion 201 can be increased by engaging the lock member 263 with the striker 264 at the highest position. At this time, the seat cushion 1 is in the "middle position", and a relatively large baggage can be stored in the storage space 248. Alternatively, the seating surfaces of the seat cushion 201 and the seat back 202 can be arranged to be continuously flat. In other words, the height position of the seat cushion 201 can be adjusted in stages.

[0060] The bracket 245 may be attached so as to be slidable in the up and down direction relative to the rear connecting member 243. Alternatively, the bracket 245 may have an extension mechanism. This makes it possible to adjust the height position of the striker 264. Also, it becomes unnecessary to provide a plurality of strikers 264 at different height positions (one striker 264 is sufficient). In other words, by changing the height position of the bracket 245, the height position of the seat cushion 1 can be adjusted.

[0061] Even in the above embodiment, it is possible to realize a vehicle seat that allows optimal use of the storage space portion (storage space) provided below the seat cushion.

[0062] <Fourth embodiment> Next, a vehicle seat S4 according to a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. Incidentally, description of the contents overlapping with those of the above-mentioned vehicle seats S1 to S3 will be omitted.

[0063] The vehicle seat S4 includes a seat cushion 301, a seat back 302, a support base 340, a container 350, a cushion rotating device 360, and support legs 370.

[0064] Left and right support portions 301f (support recesses) that support the support legs 370 from above are formed on the bottom surface of the central portion of the seat cushion 301 (cushion frame 301a). The support base 340 includes left and right side bases 341 , a front connecting member 342 , a rear connecting member 343 , and a storage space portion 348 . The cushion rotating device 360 ​​includes a cushion rotating shaft 361 , a rotating bracket 362 , a locking member 363 (latch member), a striker 364 , and a release strap 365 .

[0065] The support legs 370 are U-shaped leg members, and are attached as a pair to the central portions of the left and right side bases 341 . The support legs 370 may be stored in a storage recess formed in the upper surface of the side base 341 , or may be stored on the outer surface of the side base 341 . The support legs 370 are switchable between a “storage position” in which they are stored in the side base 341 and a “protruding position” in which they protrude upward from the side base 341 . Specifically, the support leg 370 is attached to the side base 341 so as to be rotatable via a leg rotation shaft 371. The support leg 370 protrudes upward from the side base 341 and abuts against a support portion 301f of the seat cushion 301, thereby supporting the seat cushion 301 from below.

[0066] Even in the above embodiment, the seat cushion can be held in the intermediate position, and a vehicle seat can be realized that allows optimal use of the storage space provided below the seat cushion.

[0067] <Manufacturing method for vehicle seats> Next, a manufacturing method for the vehicle seat S1 will be described with reference to FIGS. In addition, with regard to the manufacturing method of the vehicle seat S1, a description of manufacturing steps other than those described below will be omitted.

[0068] First, the seat cushion 1 is prepared, and the support base 40 is disposed so as to support the seat cushion 1 from below. Then, the cushion rotation device 60 is attached to the support base 40 so that the rear end portion of the seat cushion 1 can be rotated upward. At this time, the seat cushion 1 is configured to be switchable between a "standard position" where an occupant can sit and a "deployed position" where the rear end of the seat cushion 1 is rotated upward from the standard position. When the seat cushion 1 is switched to the "deployed position", a storage space 48 provided in the support base 40 is exposed to the outside.

[0069] Then, support legs 70 for supporting the seat cushion 1 from below are attached to the bottom surface of the seat cushion 1. When the seat cushion 1 is located at a "rotation position" between the "reference position" and the "deployed position", the support legs 70 protrude from the bottom surface of the seat cushion 1 and support the seat cushion 1 from below.

[0070] The above manufacturing method makes it possible to realize a vehicle seat that allows optimal use of the storage space provided below the seat cushion.

[0071] <Other embodiments> In the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the cushion rotating device 60 is configured to rotate the rear end portion of the seat cushion 1 upward relative to the support base 40, but this is not particularly limited. For example, the cushion rotating device 60 may rotate the front end portion of the seat cushion 1 upward. Alternatively, the cushion rotating device 60 may rotate the left end portion or the right end portion of the seat cushion 1 upward.

[0072] In the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the support legs 70 are provided on the bottom surface of the seat cushion 1, but this is not particularly limited, and they may be provided on the upper surface of the support base 40.

[0073] In the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the storage container 50 (storage basket) is detachably attached to the center of the support base 40, but this is not particularly limited, and the storage container 50 may be omitted.

[0074] In the above embodiment, a vehicle seat (automobile seat) was described as a specific example, but without being limited thereto, the seat can be used as a seat in vehicles such as trains, buses, etc., as well as in airplanes, ships, etc.

[0075] In the above embodiment, the vehicle seat according to the present invention has been mainly described. However, the above embodiment is merely an example for facilitating understanding of the present invention, and is not intended to limit the present invention. The present invention can be modified or improved without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and the present invention naturally includes equivalents thereof. [Explanation of symbols]

[0076] First Embodiment S1 Vehicle seats (vehicle seats) 1 seat cushion 1a Cushion frame (cushion plate) 1b Pad material 1c Skin material 1d Storage recess 2 Seat back 2a Back Frame 2b padding material 2c Skin material 3 Headrest 10 Slide rail device 11 Lower rail 12 Upper Rail 13 Locking member 20 Height Link Device 21 First link 22 Second Link 30 Reclining device 31 Reclining unit 32 Rotating shaft 33 Spiral Spring 40 Support Base 41 Side Base 42 Front connecting member 43 Rear connecting member (connecting member) 44 Connecting bracket 45 Bracket 46 Support member 46a Support body part 46b Positioning member 47 Leg locking member 48 Storage space 50 Containment Container 51 Container body 52 Container flange 60 Cushion rotation device 61 Cushion pivot shaft 62 Rotating bracket 63 Locking member 64 Striker 65 Release Strap 70 Support legs 70a Script body 70b leg extension 70c Leg connection part 70d telescopic mechanism 70e Fixing member 71 Leg rotation axis 72 Spring (biasing member) 73 Regulatory Materials <Second embodiment> S2 Vehicle seats (vehicle seats) 101 Seat Cushion 102 Seat back 140 Support Base 141 Side Base 142 Front connecting member 143 Rear connecting member (connecting member) 144 Connecting bracket 145 Bracket 146 Support member, support part 146a 1st support part 146b Second support part 148 Storage space 150 Containment Container 160 Cushion rotation device 161 Cushion pivot shaft 162 Rotating bracket 163 Locking member 164 Striker 165 Release Strap 170 Support legs 170c leg connection 170f curved section 171 Leg pivot axis 180 Control device (control unit) 185 Detection sensor (detection unit) <Third embodiment> S3 Vehicle Seat 201 Seat Cushion 201a Cushion Frame 201b Pad material 201c skin material 201e Recessed portion (interference suppression portion) 202 Seat back 240 Support Base 241 Side Base 242 Front connecting member 243 Rear connecting member (connecting member) 244 Connecting bracket 245 Bracket 248 Storage space 250 Containment Container 260 Cushion Rotating Device 261 Cushion pivot shaft 262 Rotating bracket 263 Locking member 264 Striker 265 Release Strap <Fourth embodiment> S4 Vehicle seats (vehicle seats) 301 Seat Cushion 301a Cushion Frame 301f Support part (support member) 302 Seat back 340 Support Base 341 Side Base 342 Front connecting member 343 Rear connecting member (connecting member) 348 Storage space 350 Containment Container 360 Cushion Rotation Device 361 Cushion pivot shaft 362 Rotating bracket 363 Locking member 364 Striker 365 Release Strap 370 Support leg 371 Leg pivot axis

Claims

1. A vehicle seat having a seat cushion, A support base that supports the seat cushion from below; a cushion rotating device that rotates one end of the seat cushion in the front-rear direction or the width direction upward relative to the support base; a support leg provided on a bottom surface of the seat cushion or an upper surface of the support base for supporting the seat cushion from below; the seat cushion is configured to be switchable between a reference position at which an occupant can be seated and a deployed position in which the one end of the seat cushion is rotated upward from the reference position to expose a storage space portion provided in the support base, A vehicle seat characterized in that, when the seat cushion is located in a rotational position between the reference position and the deployed position, the support legs protrude from the bottom surface of the seat cushion or the upper surface of the support base and support the seat cushion from below.

2. The support legs are provided on a bottom surface of the seat cushion, A storage recess capable of storing the support legs is formed on the bottom surface of the seat cushion, The support leg is configured to be switchable between a storage position in which the support leg is stored in the storage recess and a protruding position in which the support leg protrudes from a bottom surface of the seat cushion, 2. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, wherein when the support legs are in the protruding position, the support legs abut against the support base to support the seat cushion from below.

3. The cushion rotating device is attached to the support base and rotates the rear end portion of the seat cushion upward relative to the support base. The support base includes left and right side bases arranged on the left and right sides in the seat width direction and extending in the seat front-rear direction, a connecting member connecting rear portions of the left and right side bases, and a support member provided on the connecting member for supporting the support leg, 3. The vehicle seat according to claim 2, wherein when the support legs are in the protruding position, the support legs abut against the support member to support the seat cushion from below.

4. The support leg is attached to the seat cushion so as to be rotatable via a leg pivot shaft, 4. The vehicle seat according to claim 3, wherein the support member for supporting the support leg is disposed rearward of the leg pivot shaft.

5. The support member has a plate-shaped support body portion and a positioning member attached to the support body portion for positioning the support leg, 5. The vehicle seat according to claim 3, wherein the positioning member positions the support leg in a state where the support leg is in contact with the support body portion.

6. 5. The vehicle seat according to claim 3, wherein a biasing member is attached to a rear surface of the seat cushion, the biasing member biasing the support leg from the stored position side to the extended position side.

7. The support leg is attached to the seat cushion so as to be rotatable via a leg pivot shaft, A restricting member that restricts the rotation of the support leg is attached to the leg rotation shaft or a peripheral portion of the leg rotation shaft on the rear surface of the seat cushion, 4. The vehicle seat according to claim 2, wherein the restricting member restricts the rotation of the support leg when the support leg rotates to the protruding position.

8. The vehicle seat according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the support leg has an extension mechanism that extends or retracts the length of the support leg, and a fixing member that fixes the support leg at a predetermined extended position.

9. a detection unit that detects whether the support leg is in contact with the support base; 4. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, further comprising: a control unit that receives the detection result by the detection unit and notifies the user that the support leg is in contact with the support base.

10. The cushion rotating device is attached to the support base and rotates a rear end portion of the seat cushion upward relative to the support base. The support base has left and right side bases disposed on the left and right sides in a seat width direction and extending in a seat front-rear direction, The support legs include: The leg support is attached to the side base so as to be rotatable via a leg rotation shaft, 2. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, wherein the side base protrudes from an upper surface thereof and abuts against a support member formed on the seat cushion, thereby supporting the seat cushion from below.

11. The support legs are provided on a bottom surface of the seat cushion, the cushion rotating device includes a locking member provided on a bottom surface of the seat cushion, and a striker provided on the support base and engaged with the locking member, the cushion rotating device locks the seat cushion when the seat cushion is in the reference position, The striker is provided in a plurality of positions at predetermined intervals in the vertical direction, 4. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, wherein the height position of the seat cushion relative to the support base is changeable by the locking member engaging with a predetermined striker.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Storage space structure of vehicular seat

    JP2006224780A