Vehicle seat

Abstract

To provide a vehicle seat which enables a component of a device for switching the state of a seat body to be firmly assembled with good balance.SOLUTION: This vehicle seat enables a seat body to be switched between a "normal state" and a "movable state." The vehicle seat comprises: a lock device 90 that locks motion of the seat body; lock covers 98, 99 that cover the lock device; a lever attachment member 70 attached to the vehicle seat; and an operation lever 50 that is attached to the lever attachment member and that releases the locked state of the lock device. The lever attachment member 70 includes a first fitting part 76 fitted to a first fitted part 98b of the lock cover 98, and a second fitting part 77 fitted to a second fitted part 99b of the lock cover 99. The first and second fitting parts extend in a direction orthogonal to the fitting direction of the lock cover and extend in directions intersecting each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 15

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle seat, and more particularly to a vehicle seat in which a seat body having a seat back and a seat cushion can be switched from a normal state. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there are known vehicle seats whose seat body can be switched between a "normal state" and a "moving state" in which the seat body is moved from the normal state. Examples of the "moving state" include a "storage state" in which the seat body is moved toward the vehicle floor, a "sliding state" in which the seat body is slid from the normal state to a predetermined position in the fore-and-aft direction of the seat, and a "reclining state" in which the seat body (seat back) is tilted backward from the normal state to a predetermined position. Among the above-mentioned vehicle seats, there are vehicle seats that are equipped with a locking device (locking member) that locks the movement of the seat body in the "normal state" and an operating lever that is operated to release the locked state of the locking device (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] The vehicle seat described in Patent Document 1 is a seat in which the seat body can be switched between a "normal state" and a "stored state." The vehicle seat includes a locking device (locking member), a lock cover that covers the locking device, a lever mounting member that is attached to the vehicle seat, and an operating lever that is attached to the lever mounting member and operates to release the locked state of the locking device. The lock cover and the lever attachment member are assembled in the seat width direction by a plurality of fitting portions, and these fitting portions extend in the same direction when the seat is viewed from the side. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2014-506851 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Incidentally, in a vehicle seat such as that disclosed in Patent Document 1, it was required that the components of the switching device (locking device) for switching the seat body between the "normal state" and the "moving state" be assembled firmly and in a balanced manner. For example, it was necessary to ingeniously fit the components of the switching device (lock cover and lever mounting member) together to create a robust structure that would withstand loads from various directions.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle seat in which the components of a device for switching the state of the seat body can be assembled in a more balanced and solid manner than conventional methods. Another object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle seat in which the assembly structure of components in a device for switching the state of the seat body is simplified. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The above problem is solved by a vehicle seat of the present invention, which comprises a seat body having a seat back and a seat cushion, and which is switchable between a normal state and a moving state in which the seat body is moved from the normal state, and which comprises: a locking device that locks the movement of the seat body in the normal state; a lock cover that covers the locking device; a lever mounting member that is attached to the vehicle seat; and an operating lever that is attached to the lever mounting member and operates to release the locked state of the locking device, wherein the lever mounting member has a first fitting portion that fits into a first fitting portion provided on the lock cover and a second fitting portion that fits into a second fitting portion provided on the lock cover, and the first fitting portion and the second fitting portion each extend in a direction perpendicular to the fitting direction of the lock cover and extend in directions that intersect with each other. The above configuration makes it possible to realize a vehicle seat in which the components of the device for switching the state of the seat body can be assembled firmly in a balanced manner, and also simplifies the assembly structure of the components of the device. Specifically, the lever attachment member is fitted to the lock cover by a plurality of fitting portions, and the first and second fitting portions each extend in a direction perpendicular to the fitting direction of the lock cover and in directions that intersect with each other. In this way, the first and second fitting portions extend in different directions, making it possible to achieve a stronger fitting structure than conventional ones, even when loads are applied from various directions, for example.

[0008] In this case, the moving state is a storage state in which the seat back is moved and stored toward the vehicle floor, the locking device is provided with a locking member that detachably engages with a striker provided on the vehicle body or the vehicle seat and moves between a locking position that locks the storage operation of the seat back and an unlocking position, and the first fitting portion and the second fitting portion preferably extend in directions perpendicular to each other. With the above configuration, in a vehicle seat in which the seat body can be stored, the components can be assembled more balanced and firmly.

[0009] In this case, the lock cover is preferably assembled to the lever mounting member from the seat width direction, and the first fitting portion and the second fitting portion are preferably arranged at different positions in the vertical direction and at different positions in the seat front-to-rear direction. The locking device may further include a connecting member that connects the locking device and the operating lever and acts to switch the locking device from a locked state to an unlocked state in response to the operation of the operating lever, and the lever mounting member may further have a third fitting portion that fits into a third fitting portion provided on the lock cover, and the third fitting portion may be positioned on the opposite side of the connecting member from the first fitting portion and the second fitting portion. With the above configuration, the lever mounting member and the lock cover can be assembled more firmly and in a more balanced manner.

[0010] In this case, it is preferable that the first fitting portion and the third fitting portion extend in the same direction so as to have a long length. Preferably, the lock cover is attached to the lever attachment member from the seat width direction, and the second fitting portion is disposed between the first fitting portion and the third fitting portion in the seat front-rear direction. With the above configuration, the lever mounting member and the lock cover can be assembled more firmly and in a more balanced manner.

[0011] In this case, the lock cover preferably has a first lock cover that covers the locking device and a second lock cover that is attached to the side of the first lock cover, and the first engaging portion and the third engaging portion are formed on the first lock cover, and the second engaging portion is formed on the second lock cover. As described above, the lever attachment member, the first lock cover, and the second lock cover are fitted together by a plurality of fitting portions, so that these components can be assembled stably and firmly.

[0012] At this time, it is preferable that the first fitting portion, the second fitting portion, and the third fitting portion are fitted together in the same direction, so that the lever attachment member and the lock cover are assembled together. The above-described configuration facilitates the assembly of the lock cover to the lever mounting member, and also facilitates automation of the assembly process.

[0013] In this case, the lock cover has a cover flange formed so as to protrude from the side of the outer edge portion of the lock cover toward the lock device and arranged to surround the lock device, and the first fitting portion, the second fitting portion, and the third fitting portion are preferably arranged outside the cover flange on the side of the lock cover. With the above-described configuration, the outer portion (outer edge portion) of the lock cover can be fitted to the lever attachment member, thereby increasing the fitting strength of the lock cover.

[0014] In this case, it is preferable that the lock cover has a first reinforcing portion formed to protrude from the side of the outer edge portion of the lock cover toward the locking device and connects the cover flange and the first fitting portion, and a second reinforcing portion formed to protrude from the side of the outer edge portion of the lock cover toward the locking device and connects the cover flange and the third fitting portion. With the above configuration, the fitting strength of the first fitting portion and the third fitting portion can be increased.

[0015] In this case, the device is provided with a connecting member that connects the locking device and the operating lever and acts to switch the locking device from a locked state to an unlocked state in response to the operation of the operating lever, and a position retaining member that is attached to the connecting member and retains the position of the connecting member, wherein the connecting member extends between the locking device and the operating lever, and the position retaining member extends in the extension direction of the connecting member and is attached to the connecting member so as to follow the connecting member. The above-described configuration makes it possible to realize a vehicle seat in which the locking device has a compact structure, and in particular to simplify the assembly structure of the components in the device. Specifically, the position-retaining member that maintains the position of the connecting member extends in the extension direction of the connecting member and is attached to the connecting member so as to be aligned with the connecting member. This allows the connecting member and the position-retaining member to be arranged more compactly than in the past. Also, it makes it easier to assemble the position-retaining member to the connecting member.

[0016] In this case, the moving state is a storage state in which the seat back has been moved and stored toward the vehicle floor, and the locking device is provided with a locking member that detachably engages with a striker provided on the vehicle body or the vehicle seat and moves between a locking position that locks the storage operation of the seat back and an unlocking position, and the position maintaining member is flexible and maintains the position of the connecting member by bending in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the position maintaining member. With the above configuration, each component part can be arranged compactly in a vehicle seat in which the seat body can be stored.

[0017] In this case, the device is provided with a connecting member that connects the locking device and the operating lever and acts to switch the locking device from a locked state to an unlocked state in response to the operation of the operating lever, and a biasing member that is assembled to the connecting member and biases the connecting member toward the locking device side or the operating lever side, and the connecting member has an assembly portion for assembling the biasing member, and it is preferable that the main body of the connecting member and the assembly portion are formed integrally. The above configuration makes it possible to realize a vehicle seat with a locking device having a simple structure, and also simplifies the assembly structure of the components of the device. Specifically, the connecting member has an assembly portion for assembling the biasing member, and the main body of the connecting member and the assembly portion are integrally formed. Therefore, when assembling the components (the connecting member and the biasing member), it is possible to eliminate the need for separate parts as much as possible. Also, it becomes easier to assemble the biasing member to the connecting member.

[0018] In this case, the moving state is a storage state in which the seat back has been moved and stored toward the vehicle floor, the locking device is provided with a locking member that detachably engages with a striker provided on the vehicle body or the vehicle seat and moves between a locking position that locks the storage operation of the seat back and an unlocking position, and the assembly portion is an assembly protrusion that protrudes from the side of the main body portion of the connecting member toward the biasing member and is preferably assembled to one end of the biasing member. With the above configuration, each component part can be arranged compactly in a vehicle seat in which the seat body can be stored.

[0019] In this case, the seat may include a cover member that is disposed between the lever mounting member and the operating lever and covers the operating lever, and a plate-shaped member that is disposed between the lever mounting member and the cover member and surrounds the operating lever, the operating lever being exposed from a skin opening hole formed in the outer surface of a skin material that serves as a covering for the seat body, the outer peripheral portion of the skin opening hole in the skin material being sandwiched between the cover member and the plate member, and the lever mounting member protruding from the main body of the lever mounting member towards the plate member and abutting against the side of the plate member to support the plate member. With the above configuration, it is possible to realize a vehicle seat in which the assembly structure of components in the device for switching the state of the seat body is simplified. Specifically, the lever mounting member has a plate support portion that protrudes from the main body of the lever mounting member toward the plate member and abuts against the side of the plate member to support the plate member. Therefore, when assembling the plate member to the lever mounting member, there is no need to perform additional processing on the plate member. In other words, the assembly structure can be simplified compared to conventional methods. [Effects of the Invention]

[0020] According to the present invention, it is possible to realize a vehicle seat in which the components of a device for switching the state of the seat body can be assembled firmly in a well-balanced manner, and it is also possible to simplify the assembly structure of the components of the device. Furthermore, according to the present invention, in a vehicle seat in which the seat body can be stowed, the components can be assembled more balanced and firmly. Furthermore, according to the present invention, the lever mounting member and the lock cover can be assembled more balanced and firmly, and these components can be assembled stably. Furthermore, according to the present invention, the work of assembling the lock cover to the lever mounting member becomes easier, and the assembling work can be easily automated. Furthermore, according to the present invention, the fitting strength of the lock cover can be increased. Furthermore, according to the present invention, a vehicle seat can be realized in which the locking device has a compact structure, and in particular, the assembly structure of the components in the device can be simplified. Furthermore, according to the present invention, the components of a vehicle seat in which the seat body can be stored can be arranged compactly. Furthermore, according to the present invention, a vehicle seat can be realized in which the locking device has a simple structure, and the assembly structure of the components of the device can be simplified. Furthermore, according to the present invention, the components of a vehicle seat in which the seat body can be stored can be arranged compactly. Furthermore, according to the present invention, it is possible to realize a vehicle seat in which the assembly structure of components in a device for switching the state of the seat body is simplified. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle seat according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an operating lever, a cover member, a plate member, a lever mounting member, a lock member, and a lock cover. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of FIG. 3 viewed from a different angle. [Figure 5] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of FIG. 3 (part 1). [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view (part 2) of FIG. 3. [Figure 7] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing an assembled state of the plate member and the lever attachment member. [Figure 8] 10 is a diagram showing a state in which the cover material is sandwiched between the plate member and the lever attachment member. FIG. [Figure 9] 4 is a cross-sectional view of the cover material, the operating lever, the cover member, the plate member, and the lever mounting member. FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a side view of the operating lever, the lever mounting member, the connecting link, and the position maintaining member. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a connecting link and a position-retaining member. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a side view of the connecting link and the position maintaining member. [Figure 13] 10 is a perspective view of the lever mounting member, the connecting link, and the position maintaining member, showing a state in which the position maintaining member abuts against the lever mounting member. FIG. [Figure 14] 10 is a perspective view of a connecting link, a locking member, and a biasing spring, showing an assembled state of the connecting link; FIG. [Figure 15] 10 is a diagram showing a state in which the lever attachment member and the lock cover are fitted together. FIG. [Figure 16] 10A and 10B are views showing the fitting portion of the lock cover and the second lock cover. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state in which the operating lever and the locking member are in the "locked position." [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state in which the operating lever and the locking member are in an "intermediate position." [Figure 19] 10 is a diagram showing a state in which the operating lever and the locking member are in the "unlocked position." FIG. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a side view of a cover member and a lever attachment member according to a modified example. [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a vehicle seat according to a second embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of FIG. 22 viewed from a different angle. [Figure 24] FIG. 10 is a side view of the switching device, showing a state in which a buffer member is attached to the lock device (lock cover). [Figure 25] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a buffer member and a lock cover (first lock cover). [Figure 26] FIG. 10 is an assembly diagram of a buffer member and a lock cover. [Figure 27] FIG. [Figure 28] 28 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XXVIII-XXVIII of FIG. 26. [Figure 29] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state in which the buffer member of the first modification is attached to a lock cover. [Figure 30] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a buffer member and a lock cover. [Figure 31] FIG. [Figure 32] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a buffer member and a lock cover according to a second modification. [Figure 33] FIG. [Figure 34] FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of a buffer member and a lock cover according to a third modification. [Figure 35] FIG. [Figure 36] FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of a buffer member and a lock cover according to a fourth modification. [Figure 37] FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. This embodiment relates to a vehicle seat in which the seat body can be switched between a "normal state" and a "moving state," and is equipped with a locking member that locks the movement of the seat body, an operating lever that operates to release the locked state of the locking member, a connecting link that connects the locking member and the operating lever and acts to release the lock of the locking member in response to operation of the operating lever, and a position retaining member that is attached to the connecting link and retains the position of the connecting link, the main feature of which is that the position retaining member extends in the extension direction of the connecting link and is attached to the connecting link so as to be along the connecting link. The side of the seat back of a vehicle seat on which an occupant sits is the front side of the seat.

[0023] First Embodiment <<Overall sheet structure>> The vehicle seat S of this embodiment is, for example, a rear seat corresponding to the rear seat of a vehicle, as shown in Fig. 1. Note that it can also be used as a middle seat in the second row in a vehicle that has three rows of seats in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The vehicle seat S is a seat that can be arranged in two different configurations: a "normal state" in which a seat occupant can be seated, and a "stored state" in which the seat body is stored on the vehicle floor side. Specifically, when the vehicle seat S is in the "normal state," if the occupant operates the operating lever 50 shown in Fig. 1, the seat body (seat back) is tilted forward and folded, and the vehicle seat switches to the "stored state" where it is stored on the vehicle floor. Also, when in the "stored state," the occupant can manually raise the seat body upward to return to the "normal state."

[0024] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the vehicle seat S is mainly composed of a seat body having a seat back 1, a seat cushion 2, and a headrest 3, support legs 30 attached between the seat cushion 2 and the vehicle floor and supporting the seat cushion 2, a support base 35 that rotatably supports the seat back 1, and a switching device 40 attached to the outer surface of the seat back 1 in the seat width direction for switching the seat body from a "normal state" to a "storage state."

[0025] As shown in FIG. 1, the seat back 1 is a backrest portion that supports the occupant's back from behind, and is constructed by placing a pad material 1a on a back frame 10 shown in FIG. 2, which serves as the skeleton, and covering it with a skin material 1b. An operating lever 50 is attached to the upper surface of the seat back 1 on the left side in the seat width direction. The seat cushion 2 is a seating portion that supports the occupant from below, and is configured by placing a pad material 2a on a cushion frame 20 shown in FIG. 2 that serves as a skeleton, and covering it with a skin material 2b. The headrest 3 is a head support that supports the head of an occupant from behind, and is configured by placing a padding material on a pillar (not shown) that serves as a core material, and covering it with a skin material.

[0026] As shown in Figure 2, the back frame 10 is a rectangular frame-shaped body and is mainly composed of a frame-shaped main frame 11 made of pipe material, a plate-shaped panel frame 12 attached to the rear of the seat on the main frame 11, connecting frames 13 attached within the frame of the main frame 11 and extending in the vertical direction, and an elastic support member 14 extending in the seat width direction to support the seated occupant.

[0027] Left and right vehicle body connecting brackets 15 for connecting to a support base 35 are attached to the outer surface of the lower portion of the main frame 11. Also, a switching device 40 is attached to the outer surface of the upper portion of the main frame 11 for connection to a striker 41 shown in FIG. 1 provided on the vehicle body.

[0028] As shown in Figure 2, the vehicle body connecting bracket 15 is made of a sheet metal member extending in the vertical direction, with its upper part attached to the outer surface of the main frame 11 and its lower part attached so as to be rotatable relative to the inner surface of the support base 35. The vehicle body connecting bracket 15 is sandwiched between the back frame 10 and the cushion frame 20 in the seat width direction. A seat rotation axis 16 is provided in the lower part of the left body connecting bracket 15, and is supported on the support base 35 in the seat width direction. A reclining device 17 is attached to the lower end of the right body connecting bracket 15, which rotatably connects the back frame 10 to the support base 35.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 2, the reclining device 17 is attached to the outer surface of the right-side vehicle body connecting bracket 15 in the seat width direction. The reclining device 17 includes a spiral spring (not shown) that urges the back frame 10 to rotate forward about the seat rotation shaft 16 to the stored state. This spiral spring is configured so that one end thereof is anchored to the back frame 10 side and the other end thereof is anchored to the support base 35 side. The reclining device 17 is activated by operating the operating lever 50 to release the locked state of the seat back 1, and the back frame 10 is rotated forward by the force of the spiral spring, allowing it to be folded toward the vehicle floor.

[0030] As shown in Figure 2, the cushion frame 20 is a rectangular frame-like body and is mainly composed of left and right side frames 21 arranged on the left and right sides, a front connecting frame 22 connecting the front parts of each side frame 21, a central connecting frame 23 connecting the approximate center parts of each side frame 21 in the front-to-rear direction, and a pan frame 24 as a plate-like frame connecting the front connecting frame 22 and the central connecting frame 23.

[0031] The side frame 21 is made of a sheet metal member with a U-shaped cross section that extends in the fore-and-aft direction of the seat, and its front part is connected to the front connecting frame 22, while its rear part is attached to the outer surface of the back frame 10 via the vehicle body connecting bracket 15. A cushion rotation device 25 is attached to the rear end portion of the left side frame 21, which connects the cushion frame 20 to the back frame 10 so that the cushion frame 20 can rotate about a cushion rotation shaft 26.

[0032] The front connecting frame 22 is a U-shaped pipe member, and a leg rotation device 27 is attached to its inner surface in the seat width direction, which rotatably connects the support leg 30 to the cushion frame 20 around the leg rotation axis 28.

[0033] As shown in Figure 2, the support leg 30 is a U-shaped pipe member that supports the seat cushion 2 from below, and is equipped with leg body portions 31 arranged on the left and right sides, and leg connecting portions 32 that connect the lower ends of each leg body portion 31. The upper end of the leg body 31 is connected to the inner surface of the center portion in the front-rear direction of the cushion frame 20. In addition, the center portion in the seat width direction of the leg connecting portion 32 is detachably held by a leg holding member (not shown) on the vehicle floor. The upper end of the support leg 30 projects further forward of the seat than the lower end of the support leg 30, and is inclined upward and forward from the lower end to the upper end of the support leg 30.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 2, the support base 35 is a member that supports the seat back 1 from below, and is made of an L-shaped sheet metal member that is long in the front-rear direction of the seat. The support base 35 is disposed on the side in the seat width direction and is connected to the vehicle floor. Specifically, the support base 35 comprises a connecting wall portion 36 connected to the upper surface of the vehicle floor, and an outer wall portion 37 that bends upward and extends from the inner end of the connecting wall portion 36 and is connected to the lower end portion of the vehicle connecting bracket 15 via the seat pivot shaft 16.

[0035] <<Switching device>> As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the switching device 40 is a device for switching the vehicle seat S from the "normal state" to the "storage state," and is attached to the upper portion of the seat back 1 (back frame 10). When the occupant operates the operating lever 50 from the "normal state (used state)" of the vehicle seat S, the locked state of the seat back 1 by the switching device 40 is released. As the seat back 1 is unlocked, the reclining device 17 shown in Fig. 2 operates, and specifically, the seat back 1 can be rotated forward and folded by the biasing force of a spiral spring (not shown). In addition, as the seat back 1 rotates, the cushion rotation device 25 and leg rotation device 27 shown in Figure 2 each operate, and specifically, the support leg 30 can be rotated toward the seat cushion 2 around the leg rotation axis 28 by the biasing force of a spiral spring (not shown), thereby folding it.

[0036] Through the above series of operations, the seat body is stored in the vehicle floor, and the vehicle seat S is switched from the "normal state" to the "stored state." When it is desired to return the vehicle seat S from the "storage state" to the "normal state," the occupant can simply lift the seat body with his or her hand against the biasing force of a spiral spring (not shown), thereby engaging the locking member 91 of the switching device 40 with the striker 41 and switching the seat back 1 to the locked state. The striker 41 is a part of the vehicle body member and is fixed to the vehicle body.

[0037] As shown in Figures 3 to 6, the switching device 40 includes a locking device 90 that locks the movement of the seat body in the "normal state," an operating lever 50 that operates to release the locked state of the locking device 90, a connecting link 80 that connects the locking device 90 and the operating lever 50 and acts to release the locking device 90 in response to the operation of the operating lever 50, and a position holding member 89 that is attached to the connecting link 80 and holds the position of the connecting link 80. The operating lever 50 is stored in a cover member 60 and a lever mounting member 70 provided on the upper surface of the seat back 1. The operating lever 50 is rotatably mounted to the lever mounting member 70 via a lever rotation shaft 51. The lock device 90 is covered by and stored in the lock covers 98 and 99 .

[0038] <<Operating levers, cover parts, plate parts, lever mounting parts>> As shown in FIGS. 3 to 6, the operating lever 50 is a lever that is rotated to release the locking state of the locking device 90, and is attached to a side portion of the seat back 1. More specifically, the operating lever 50 is stored in a cover member 60 and a lever mounting member 70 provided on the outer surface of the seat back 1. The operating lever 50 is rotatably mounted to the lever mounting member 70 via a lever rotation shaft 51. The operating lever 50 is a long lever extending in the front-rear direction of the seat, with its front end portion corresponding to the "base end portion" and its rear end portion corresponding to the "tip portion."

[0039] The operating lever 50 is attached so as to be rotatable between a "normal position (locked position)" shown in Figures 3 and 17 and a "rotated position (unlocked position)" shown in Figure 19, which is rotated from the normal position. The operating lever 50 is biased from the pivot position side to the normal position side by a connecting link 80 interposed between the operating lever 50 and the locking device 90.

[0040] As shown in Figures 3 to 5, the operating lever 50 has an upper wall portion 50a that forms the outer surface of the operating lever 50 and extends while curving in the fore-and-aft direction of the seat, a front wall portion 50b that extends downward from the front end of the upper wall portion 50a, left and right side wall portions 50c that extend downward from the left and right lateral portions of the upper wall portion 50a and are connected to the upper wall portion 50a and the front wall portion 50b, left and right second side wall portions 50d that further extend downward from the left and right side wall portions 50c, a bottom wall portion 50e that connects the left and right second side wall portions 50d and protrudes from the left and right second side wall portions 50d toward the rear of the seat, and a reinforcing wall portion 50f that connects the left and right second side wall portions 50d and the bottom wall portion 50e.

[0041] The operating lever 50 is formed on the left and right side wall portions 50c, and has left and right lever rotation shafts 51 that protrude outward in the seat width direction from the respective side wall portions 50c. As shown in FIGS. 5, 6 and 10, the left and right lever rotation shafts 51 pass through the cover member 60 and are supported by shaft support portions 71 formed on the left and right sides of the lever mounting member 70.

[0042] The operating lever 50 is formed by the rear end of the upper wall portion 50a and the rear end of the left and right side wall portions 50c, and has a lever operating portion 52 on which the occupant can hook their fingers. The lever operating portion 52 is formed so as to be substantially flush with the upper surface of the cover member 60. The operating lever 50 also has a lever restricting portion 53 formed at the front end of the upper wall portion 50a, which restricts the rotational movement of the operating lever 50. The lever restricting portion 53 is disposed so as to be able to abut against a lever abutting portion 63 formed at the front end of the cover member 60, and restricts the movement of the operating lever 50 by abutting against the lever abutting portion 63.

[0043] The operating lever 50 has left and right engagement portions 54 (link engagement portions) formed on the left and right second side wall portions 50d and protruding outward in the seat width direction from the second side wall portions 50d. As shown in FIGS. 5, 6 and 10, the left and right engaging portions 54 pass through the cover member 60, face the openings 73 of the lever mounting member 70, and are connected to the lever engaging portions 82 of the connecting link 80. Specifically, the left and right engagement portions 54 are engagement holes having a recessed shape, and are coupled to convex-shaped lever engagement portions 82 (lever engagement convex portions).

[0044] As shown in FIGS. 3 to 6, the cover member 60 is a cover plate that supports the operating lever 50, and is attached to the lever attachment member 70 while being housed inside the lever attachment member 70. Specifically, the cover member 60 is configured to sandwich a part of the cover material 1b (the outer periphery of the opening hole formed in the cover material 1b) between the cover member 60 and the lever attachment member 70. This improves the appearance of the area around the operating lever 50.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 5, the cover member 60 has a box shape with an open bottom. In detail, the cover member 60 has left and right side wall portions 60a arranged at a predetermined interval in the seat width direction, a front wall portion 60b connecting the front ends of the left and right side wall portions 60a, a rear wall portion 60c connecting the rear ends of the left and right side wall portions 60a, and a bottom wall portion 60d connecting the lower ends of the left and right side wall portions 60a and the rear wall portion 60c. The cover member 60 also has left and right side flange portions 60e that protrude outward in the seat width direction from the upper ends of the left and right side wall portions 60a, a front flange portion 60f that protrudes forward from the upper end of the front wall portion 60b, and a rear flange portion 60g that protrudes rearward from the upper end of the rear wall portion 60c.

[0046] A substantially L-shaped cover opening 61 is formed in the front and right portions of the bottom wall portion 60d of the cover member 60, penetrating in the vertical direction. The cover opening 61 is an opening hole formed by cutting out from the bottom wall portion 60d to the lower portions of the left and right side wall portions 60a. The lower portion of the operating lever 50 is assembled to pass through the cover member 60 through the cover opening 61. The lever rotation shaft 51 and the engagement portion 54 are also assembled to pass through the cover member 60.

[0047] As shown in Figure 5, the cover member 60 protrudes outward from the left and right side wall portions 70a and the front wall portion 60b, and has left and right cover engagement holes 62 and a front cover engagement hole 62 that engage with the lever mounting member 70 (engagement protrusions 72). The left and right cover engagement holes 62 (engaged portions) are engaged with engagement protrusions 72 (engaging portions) of the lever attachment member 70 in the seat width direction. The front cover engagement hole 62 is engaged with the engagement protrusion 72 in the front-rear direction. In the cover member 60, the connecting portion between the front wall portion 60b and the front flange portion 60f serves as a lever contact portion 63 that comes into contact with the operating lever 50 (lever restricting portion 53).

[0048] The cover member 60 has support protrusions 64 formed on the bottom surfaces of the inner ends of the left and right side flange portions 60e, the front flange portion 60f and the rear flange portion 60g, which protrude toward the lever mounting member 70 and are supported by the cover support portions 74. A plurality of support protrusions 64 are formed at intervals along the edge portions (inner edge portions) of these flange portions 60e, 60f, 60g.

[0049] In the above configuration, as shown in FIG. 1, the operating lever 50 and the cover member 60 are attached to the back frame 10 (lever attachment member 70) so as to be partially exposed from the outer surface of the seat back 1. When the operating lever 50 is in the lock position, the outer surface of the seat back 1, the outer surface of the operating lever 50, and the outer surface of the cover member 60 are substantially flush with each other. This allows the operating lever 50 to be compactly arranged above the seat back 1 without impairing the design of the vehicle seat S.

[0050] As shown in FIGS. 3 to 9, the plate member 65 is a frame-shaped plate body for holding the covering material 2b, and is attached onto the lever attachment member . The plate member 65 is provided between the cover member 60 and the lever mounting member 70 in the vertical direction, and is disposed so as to surround the operating lever 50.

[0051] 7, the plate member 65 is supported from below by the side flange portions 70e, the front flange portion 70f, and the rear flange portion 70g of the lever mounting member 70. The plate member 65 is also supported from the sides by the plate support portions 75 of the lever mounting member 70.

[0052] 8 and 9, the plate member 65 supports the skin 2b from below. Specifically, the plate member 65 and the cover member 60 sandwich the outer periphery of the skin opening 2c of the skin 2b from above and below. The operating lever 50 is attached so as to be exposed from a skin opening 2c formed on the outer surface of the skin material 2b.

[0053] As shown in FIGS. 3 to 6, the lever attachment member 70 is a storage plate that rotatably supports the operating lever 50, and is attached to a side position of the upper part of the back frame 10.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 5, the lever attachment member 70 has a box shape. In detail, the lever mounting member 70 has left and right side wall portions 70a arranged at intervals in the seat width direction, a front wall portion 70b connecting the front ends of the left and right side wall portions 70a, a rear wall portion 70c connecting the rear ends of the left and right side wall portions 70a, and a bottom wall portion 70d connecting the lower ends of the left and right side wall portions 70a, the front wall portion 70b and the rear wall portion 60c. The lever mounting member 70 also has left and right side flange portions 70e that protrude outward in the seat width direction from the upper ends of the left and right side wall portions 70a, a front flange portion 70f that protrudes forward from the upper end of the front wall portion 70b, and a rear flange portion 70g that protrudes rearward from the upper end of the rear wall portion 70c.

[0055] The lever attachment member 70 is formed in the front portions of the left and right side wall portions 70a, and has left and right shaft support portions 71 (shaft support holes) that support the lever rotation shaft 51. The lever mounting member 70 is formed at the rear of the left and right side wall portions 70 a, and has left and right engaging protrusions 72 that protrude outward in the seat width direction from each side wall portion 70 a and engage with the cover engaging holes 62 . The lever attachment member 70 is provided in the center of the left and right side wall portions 70 a and has an opening 73 formed at a position opposite the engaging portion 54 of the operating lever 50 . The openings 73 are formed by cutting upward from the lower ends of the left and right side wall portions 70a, and are long opening holes in the vertical direction, allowing the connecting link 80 (the upper part of the connecting link 80) to be inserted from the outside in the seat width direction. By using the opening 73, the connecting link 80 (lever engaging portion 82) can be connected to the engaging portion 54 of the operating lever 50.

[0056] As shown in Figure 5, the lever mounting member 70 has a cover support portion 74 formed on the upper surface of the inner end of each of the flange portions 70e, 70f, and 70g, which protrudes toward the cover member 60 and is assembled to the support protrusion 64 of the cover member 60. The cover support portions 74 are assembly protrusions, and are formed at intervals along the edge portions (inner edge portions) of the flange portions 70e, 70f, and 70g.

[0057] As shown in Figures 5 and 7, the lever mounting member 70 has plate support portions 75 formed on the upper surface of the inner end of each of the flange portions 70e, 70f, and 70g, which protrude toward the plate member 65 and abut against the inner surface of the plate member 65 to support the plate member. The plate support portion 75 is provided adjacent to the cover support portion 74 , and specifically, is disposed on the outer side of the cover support portion 74 . A plurality of plate support portions 75 are formed at intervals along the inner surface of the plate member 65 and extend along the inner surface of the plate member 65 .

[0058] As shown in Figures 5, 6, and 10, the lever mounting member 70 is formed at the lower end of the left and right side wall portions 70a and has mating portions 76, 77, 78 (mating holes) that fit into mating portions 98b, 98c, 99b (mating protrusions) provided on the lock covers 98, 99. The first fitting portion 76 fits into a first fitted portion 98 b at the upper end of the first lock cover 98 . The second fitting portion 77 is disposed at a position rearward of the first fitting portion 76 and fits into a second fitted portion 99 b at the upper end of the second lock cover 99 . The third fitting portion 78 is disposed at a position rearward of the second fitting portion 77 and fits into a third fitted portion 98c at the upper end of the first lock cover 98.

[0059] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 17, the lever attachment member 70 has a protruding portion 79 that protrudes from the rear wall portion 70c toward the rear side of the seat. The protruding portion 79 is a portion that supports the skin material 2b by coming into contact with the outer periphery of the skin opening 2c in the skin material 2b. The protruding portion 79 is formed to be hollow when viewed from the side of the seat. Specifically, the protruding portion 79 is arranged at different positions in the vertical direction and has an upper wall portion 79a and a bottom wall portion 79b that protrude from the rear surface of the rear wall portion 70c toward the rear side of the seat, and a support wall portion 79c that connects the rear end portion of the upper wall portion 79a and the rear end portion of the bottom wall portion 79b and supports the upholstery material 2b.

[0060] In the above configuration, the uppermost plate support portion 75 among the plurality of plate support portions 75 is disposed above the main body portion of the lever attachment member 70, as shown in FIGS. By doing so, the plate member 65 can be more firmly attached to the lever mounting member 70.

[0061] 5, the lever attachment member 70 has engaging protrusions 72 that engage with cover engaging holes 62 (engaged portions) provided on the outer surface of the cover member 60. The engaging protrusions 72 are arranged between the plate support portions 75. This allows the cover member 60 to be stably engaged with the lever attachment member 70.

[0062] 5, the lever attachment member 70 has a positioning portion 72a formed around the engaging protrusion 72 for positioning the cover engaging hole 62 at a position where it engages with the engaging protrusion 72. The positioning portion 72a is a concave positioning recess. This makes it easier to engage the cover member 60 with the lever attachment member 70.

[0063] <<Connecting link (connecting member)>> As shown in Figures 10 to 15, the connecting link 80 is a connecting member made of resin that connects the operating lever 50 and the locking device 90 (transmission member 92) and acts to switch the locking device 90 from a locked state to an unlocked state in response to the operation of the operating lever 50. The connecting link 80 is held by a flexible plate-shaped position holding member 89 .

[0064] The connecting link 80 extends elongatedly in the vertical direction between the operating lever 50 and the locking device 90, is connected to the operating lever 50 and the locking device 90, and is housed inside the lever mounting member 70. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 10, the upper portion of the connecting link 80 enters the interior of the lever mounting member 70 through an opening 73 formed on the outer surface of the lever mounting member 70, and is connected to the operating lever 50 (engagement portion 54). The lower portion of the connecting link 80 is covered from the sides by lock covers 98, 99, and is connected to a lock device 90 (transmission member 92, biasing spring 96).

[0065] Specifically, as shown in Figures 11 and 12, the connecting link 80 comprises a main body 81 that is long in the vertical direction, a lever engagement portion 82 that protrudes from the side surface (left side surface) of the upper part of the main body 81 and engages with the operating lever 50 (engagement portion 54), a lock connection portion 83 that protrudes from the side surface (left side surface) of the lower part of the main body 81 and connects to the lock device 90 (transmission member 92), and a spring assembly portion 84 that protrudes from the side surface (right side surface) of the lower part of the main body 81 opposite to the lock connection portion 83 side and to which a biasing spring 96 is assembled. In addition, the connecting link 80 further includes an attachment portion 85 that protrudes rearward from the left and right side surfaces of the central portion of the main body portion 81 and is used to attach the position maintaining member 89, and an engagement protrusion 86 (engagement portion) that protrudes rearward from the rear surface of the central portion of the main body portion 81 and is used to engage with an engagement hole 89c (engaged portion) of the position maintaining member 89.

[0066] As shown in Figures 10, 11, and 13, the lever engagement portion 82 is, for example, a snap-fit ​​engagement protrusion that protrudes from the side of the main body portion 81 toward the operating lever 50 and engages with the engagement portion 54. Specifically, the lever engagement portion 82 has an engagement main body portion 82a having an approximately elliptical cross section with a long axis in the vertical direction, and an engagement claw 82b that protrudes further from the tip of the engagement main body portion 82a and is formed to extend outward in the width direction of the engagement main body portion 82a. A slit hole 82c is formed in the widthwise central portion of the lever engaging portion 82 along the protruding direction of the lever engaging portion 82.

[0067] In the above configuration, the width of the engaging portion 54 (engagement hole) of the operating lever 50 in the extension direction (up-down direction) of the connecting link 80 is greater than the width in the direction intersecting the extension direction of the connecting link 80 (front-rear direction). That is, the engaging portion 54 has a hole shape that corresponds to the shape (vertically elongated oval shape) of the lever engaging portion 82. More specifically, the engaging portion 54 is formed so that its width in the vertical direction is slightly larger than the width of the lever engaging portion 82 in the vertical direction. This makes it easier to attach the connecting link 80 to the operating lever 50. In other words, the connecting link 80 can be attached while adjusting the vertical position of the connecting link 80 relative to the operating lever 50. After the connecting link 80 is attached, it can be firmly connected by snap-fitting.

[0068] As shown in FIGS. 11 and 15, the lock connecting portion 83 is, for example, a snap-fit ​​connecting protrusion that protrudes from the side surface of the main body portion 81 toward the transmission member 92 and engages with the connecting hole 92a. The lock connecting portion 83 has the same shape as the lever engaging portion 82, and includes an engaging main body portion 83a, an engaging claw 83b, and a slit hole 83c.

[0069] As shown in FIGS. 11 and 14, the spring assembly portion 84 is an assembly protrusion that protrudes from the side surface of the main body portion 81 toward the biasing spring 96 and is assembled to the upper end of the biasing spring 96. The spring assembly portion 84 is formed so as to become wider toward the protruding tip end 84a thereof, and the portion of the spring assembly portion 84 where the biasing spring 96 is assembled is narrower than the protruding tip end 84a. This makes it difficult for the biasing spring 96 to come off the spring assembly portion 84 in the mounting direction of the biasing spring 96.

[0070] As shown in Figures 11 and 12, the mounting portion 85 is hook-shaped and has left and right mounting body portions 85a that protrude rearward from the left and right side surfaces of the main body portion 81, respectively, and hook portions 85b that protrude upward from the tips of the left and right mounting body portions 85a. With the above configuration, the position-retaining member 89 can be attached to the attachment portion 85 from above. The attachment portion 85 can support the position-retaining member 89 from below. The main body 81 and the attachment portion 85 can also hold the position-retaining member 89 so as to sandwich it in the front-rear direction of the seat.

[0071] The engaging protrusions 86 are provided between the mounting portions 85 (left and right mounting body portions 85a) and are positioned slightly below the mounting portions 85. The position-retaining member 89 (engagement hole 89c) can be attached to the engaging protrusion 86 from the rear. The engaging protrusion 86 can hold the position-retaining member 89 so that it does not shift in position in the seat width direction. Furthermore, the attachment portion 85 and the engaging protrusion 86 can hold the position-retaining member 89 so that it is sandwiched between them in the seat width direction.

[0072] In the above configuration, as shown in FIG. 11, the connecting link 80 further includes a reinforcing portion 87 formed on the side surface of the main body portion 81 in the seat width direction and extending along the extending direction of the connecting link 80. The reinforcing portion 87 is a reinforcing recess having a concave shape. At this time, the lever engaging portion 82, the lock connecting portion 83, and the spring assembly portion 84 are disposed at positions different from the reinforcing portion 87 in the vertical direction. This makes it possible to improve the rigidity of the entire connecting link 80 in a well-balanced manner. Also, it is possible to ensure the thickness of the lever engaging portion 82, the lock connecting portion 83, and the spring assembly portion 84 of the connecting link 80.

[0073] In the above configuration, as shown in FIG. 11, the reinforcing portion 87 is formed with a through-hole 88 that penetrates the connecting link 80 (main body portion 81). The through-hole 88 and the spring assembly portion 84 (lock connecting portion 83) are arranged side by side on the side surface of the connecting link 80. In this way, the weight of the connecting link 80 can be reduced by the through-hole 88. In particular, the weight of the connecting link 80 can be reduced by avoiding the portions of the connecting link 80 where the spring assembly portion 84 and the lock connecting portion 83 are formed.

[0074] <<Position-holding components>> As shown in Figures 10 to 13, the position retaining member 89 is a flexible plate-shaped member made of resin, which extends longitudinally in the extension direction (vertical direction) of the connecting link 80, and is attached only to the connecting link 80 so as to follow the connecting link 80. The position-retaining member 89 maintains the position of the connecting link 80 by bending in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction (up-down direction) of the position-retaining member 89 . The position-retaining member 89 is housed in and attached to the connecting link 80 (attachment portion 85).

[0075] The position-retaining member 89 is arranged along the outer surface (rear surface) of the connecting link 80 and comprises a main body portion 89a extending in the vertical direction, left and right protrusion portions 89b protruding outward to the left and right from the central portion of the main body portion 89a and attached to the connecting link 80 (attachment portion 85), and an engagement hole 89c formed in the central portion of the main body portion 89a at a position slightly lower than the protrusion portions 89b and engaging with the engagement protrusion portion 86. In addition, the position-retaining member 89 further includes a flexible portion 89d formed by bending the upper end of the main body portion 89a rearward, and a bent portion 89e formed by bending the lower end of the main body portion 89a rearward. More specifically, the flexible portion 89d is formed by folding back the upper end of the main body portion 89a toward the rear, and is disposed opposite the main body portion 89a in the seat front-rear direction. The flexible portion 89d is also disposed opposite the connecting link 80 in the seat front-rear direction.

[0076] In the above configuration, as shown in FIG. 12, the length of the position-retaining member 89 in the seat front-rear direction is shorter than the length of the connecting link 80 in the seat front-rear direction. This allows the position-retaining member 89 to be arranged compactly.

[0077] 10 and 13, in the above configuration, the position-retaining member 89, together with the connecting link 80, passes through the opening 73 of the lever mounting member 70 and is disposed therein. The lever engaging portion 82 of the connecting link 80 is engaged with the operating lever 50 (engaging portion 54). At this time, the opening 73 is formed so as to become wider as it gets farther away from the operating lever 50 in the seat width direction. This makes it easy to assemble the connecting link 80 to the operating lever 50 using the opening 73.

[0078] In the above configuration, as shown in FIG. 13, the inner surface of the opening 73 of the lever mounting member 70 has a first inner surface 73a formed in a flat shape, and a second inner surface 73b that is located further outward in the seat width direction than the first inner surface 73a and is formed to widen in an inclined manner. The flexible portion 89d of the position-retaining member 89 bends upon contact with the first inner surface 73a of the opening 73, thereby retaining the position of the connecting link 80. This allows the position-retaining member 89 to suitably retain the position of the connecting link 80.

[0079] In the above configuration, as shown in FIG. 11, the position-retaining member 89 is disposed between the portion of the connecting link 80 that is assembled to the locking device 90 (lock connecting portion 83) and the portion that engages with the operating lever 50 (lever engaging portion 82). This allows the position-retaining member 89 to maintain the position of the connecting link 80 in a well-balanced manner.

[0080] In the above configuration, as shown in FIG. 11, in the connecting link 80, a main body portion 81, a lever engaging portion 82, a lock connecting portion 83, and a spring assembly portion 84 are integrally formed. By doing so, the number of parts of the switching device 40 can be reduced.

[0081] In this embodiment, the connecting link 80 and the position holding member 89 are formed as separate bodies, but this is not particularly limited. As a modified example, the connecting link 80 and the position-retaining member 89 may be integrally formed from the same material (the same resin material). This allows the number of components to be reduced.

[0082] <<Locking device>> As shown in Figures 3, 6, and 17 to 19, the locking device 90 includes a locking member 91 that is attached so as to be rotatable about a locking rotation shaft 94 that extends in the seat width direction and that is detachably engaged with the striker 41 shown in Figure 17, a transmission member 92 that is arranged above the locking member 91 and attached so as to be rotatable about a second locking rotation shaft 95 that extends in the seat width direction and that transmits the operation of the operating lever 50 (connecting link 80) to the locking member 91, and a second transmission member 93 that is arranged more inward in the seat width direction than the locking member 91 (transmission member 92) and that transmits the operation of the transmission member 92 to the locking member 91. The locking device 90 is disposed below the connecting link 80 and further includes a biasing spring 96 that is assembled to the connecting link 80 and biases the connecting link 80 toward the locking member 91 side. The locking member 91 and the transmission member 92 are disposed at positions where they overlap in the seat width direction.

[0083] The transmission member 92 is connected to the operating lever 50 via the connecting link 80, and rotates in accordance with the operation of the operating lever 50. The rotational movement of the transmission member 92 causes the second transmission member 93 to rotate. The rotational movement of the second transmission member 93 causes the locking member 91 to rotate between a "locked position" and an "unlocked position." The locking member 91, the transmission member 92, and the second transmission member 93 will be described in detail later.

[0084] <<Lock cover>> As shown in FIGS. 3, 4, and 6, the lock covers 98 and 99 are covers that cover the lock member 91, the transmission member 92, the second transmission member 93, and the biasing spring 96 from the sides. The lock covers 98, 99 are disposed below the lever mounting member 70 and are attached to the side surface (right side surface) of the lever mounting member 70 from the seat width direction. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, the first lock cover 98 is attached to the lever mounting member 70 and supports the lock rotation shaft 94 and the second lock rotation shaft 95. The second lock cover 99 is disposed outside the first lock cover 98, is assembled to the lever mounting member 70 and the first lock cover 98, and supports the lock rotation shaft 94 and the second lock rotation shaft 95.

[0085] As shown in Figures 3, 4, and 6, the first lock cover 98 is a box-shaped resin cover and has a main body 98a, a first mating portion 98b that protrudes from the rear part of the upper end of the main body 98a toward the lever mounting member 70 and fits into the first mating portion 76, and a third mating portion 98c that protrudes from the front part of the upper end of the main body 98a toward the lever mounting member 70 and fits into the third mating portion 78. The first lock cover 98 also has an axis support hole 98d formed on the side of the main body portion 98a and supporting the lock rotation axis 94, a second axis support hole 98e formed on the side of the main body portion 98a at a position higher than the axis support hole 98d and supporting the second lock rotation axis 95, and a cover assembly portion 98f and a second cover assembly portion 98g formed on the side of the main body portion 98a and assembled to the second lock cover 99 (assembly portion 99e, second assembly portion 99f), respectively.

[0086] The cover assembly portion 98f is an assembly protrusion that is positioned between the shaft support hole 98d and the second shaft support hole 98e in the vertical direction, and between the first fitted portion 98b and the third fitted portion 98c in the front-to-back direction. The second cover assembly portion 98g extends elongatedly in the up-down direction, and is disposed between the first fitted portion 98b and the third fitted portion 98c in the front-rear direction.

[0087] The second lock cover 99 is a plate-shaped metal cover and has a main body 99a, a second mating portion 99b that protrudes from the upper end of the main body 99a toward the lever mounting member 70 and mated with the second mating portion 77, and a shaft support hole 99c that supports the lock rotation shaft 94 and a second shaft support hole 99d that supports the second lock rotation shaft 95, which are formed on the side surfaces of the main body 99a. The second lock cover 99 also has an assembly target portion 99e and a second assembly target portion 99f formed on the side surfaces of the main body portion 99a and assembled to the first lock cover 98 (cover assembly portion 98f, second cover assembly portion 98g), respectively. The assembly target portion 99e is an assembly protrusion. The second assembly target portion 99f is a bent portion formed by bending an end portion of the main body portion 99a.

[0088] In the above configuration, as shown in Figures 15 and 16, the first mating portion 76 (first mated portion 98b) and the second mating portion 77 (second mated portion 99b) extend in a direction perpendicular to the mating direction (seat width direction) of the lock covers 98 and 99, respectively, and extend in directions intersecting (perpendicular to) each other. Furthermore, the first fitting portion 76 and the second fitting portion 77 are disposed at different positions in the up-down direction and at different positions in the seat front-rear direction. This improves the strength of the fit between the lock covers 98, 99 and the lever mounting member 70.

[0089] In the above configuration, as shown in FIG. 16, the third fitting portion 78 (third fitted portion 98c) is positioned on the opposite side of the connecting link 80 from the first fitting portion 76 (first fitted portion 98b) and the second fitting portion 77 (second fitted portion 99b). The first fitting portion 76 and the third fitting portion 78 extend elongately in the same direction. The second fitting portion 77 is disposed between the first fitting portion 76 and the third fitting portion 78 in the seat front-rear direction. This increases the strength with which the lock covers 98, 99 fit to the lever mounting member 70.

[0090] In the above configuration, as shown in Figures 6 and 15, the first fitting portion 76, the second fitting portion 77, and the third fitting portion 78 are fitted together in the same direction (seat width direction), thereby assembling the lever mounting member 70 and the lock covers 98, 99. This facilitates the assembly of the lock covers 98, 99 to the lever mounting member 70. It also facilitates automation of the assembly process.

[0091] In the above configuration, as shown in FIG. 16, the first lock cover 98 has a cover flange 98h that is formed so as to protrude from the side of its outer edge portion toward the lock member 91 (transmission member 92) and is arranged so as to surround the lock member 91 (transmission member 92). The first fitting portion 76, the second fitting portion 77, and the third fitting portion 78 are disposed on the side surface of the first lock cover 98 outside the cover flange 98h. By fitting the outer portion (outer edge portion) of the first lock cover 98 to the lever attachment member 70 in this way, the fitting strength of the first lock cover 98 can be increased.

[0092] In the above configuration, as shown in FIG. 16, the first lock cover 98 is formed so as to protrude from the side surface of its outer edge toward the lock member 91, and has a first reinforcing portion 98i that connects the cover flange 98h and the first fitted portion 98b, and a second reinforcing portion 98j that connects the cover flange 98h and the third fitted portion 98c. This can increase the fitting strength of these fitted portions 98b, 98c.

[0093] <<Lock structure of locking member>> 17 to 19, the locking member 91 is a member that rotates around a lock rotation shaft 94 between a "locked position" and an "unlocked position" that is moved downward from the locked position. When in the "locked position," the locking member 91 abuts against the transmitting member 92, and its movement is restricted by the transmitting member 92, so that the locking member 91 is positioned at the locked position. Specifically, the locking member 91 has a striker engagement portion 91a that engages with the striker 41, and an abutment portion 91b that is arranged on the opposite side of the striker engagement portion 91a across the lock pivot shaft 94 and abuts against the transmission member 92. The lock member 91 is disposed on the opposite side of the striker engagement portion 91a with the lock rotation shaft 94 interposed therebetween, and is connected to the second transmission member 93 by a connecting pin 97 extending in the seat width direction.

[0094] As shown in Figures 17 to 19, the transmission member 92 rotates around the second lock rotation shaft 95 and switches between a "restriction position" in which it restricts the movement of the lock member 91 and a "restriction release position" in which it is separated from the lock member 91. Specifically, the transmission member 92 has a connecting hole 92a that is connected to the connecting link 80 (lock connecting portion 83), and a protrusion 92b that is located on the opposite side (lower side) of the connecting hole 92a across the second lock pivot shaft 95 and protrudes toward the second transmission member 93. The transmission member 92 is connected to the second transmission member 93 by inserting the protrusion 92b into a protrusion insertion hole 93b formed in the second transmission member 93.

[0095] As shown in FIGS. 17 to 19, the second transmission member 93 is a member that is interposed between the locking member 91 and the transmission member 92 and transmits the operation of the transmission member 92 to the locking member 91. As shown in FIGS. Specifically, the second transmission member 93 has a pin support hole 93a that supports the connecting pin 97, a protrusion insertion hole 93b that is located above the pin support hole 93a and is connected to the protrusion 92b, and a spring support portion 93c that is located between the pin support hole 93a and the protrusion insertion hole 93b and supports the lower end of the biasing spring 96.

[0096] In the above configuration, as shown in FIG. 17, when the operating lever 50 and the locking device 90 are in the "locked position," the operating lever 50 is housed inside the lever mounting member 70, and the locking member 91 is engaged with the striker 41. The transmission member 92 abuts against the lock member 91 and holds the lock member 91 .

[0097] 18 and 19, when the operating lever 50 is rotated toward the front of the seat, the locking device 90 moves to the "unlocked position" via the "intermediate position." More specifically, first, the connecting link 80 is pulled upward as the operating lever 50 rotates, and moves upward against the biasing force of the biasing spring 96 . As the connecting link 80 moves upward, the transmission member 92 rotates upward about the second lock rotation shaft 95 and pulls the second transmission member 93 upward via the protrusion 92b. At this time, the transmission member 92 is separated from the lock member 91. As the transmission member 92 rotates, the second transmission member 93 moves upward and pulls the lock member 91 upward via the connecting pin 97. As the second transmission member 93 moves upward, the lock member 91 rotates about the lock rotation shaft 94 and moves away from the striker 41. By doing so, the lock member 91 switches from a locked state in which it is engaged with the striker 41 to an unlocked state.

[0098] When the operating lever 50 is released from the state in which it has been operated by the occupant, the biasing force of the biasing spring 96 causes the operating lever 50 to return to the position where it is housed inside the lever mounting member 70. The locking member 91 also returns to the position where it engages with the striker 41 (the position where it can be engaged). That is, the operating lever 50 and the locking device 90 return to the "lock position."

[0099] <<Others>> In the above embodiment, the "moving state" of the seat body is described as being equivalent to the "storage state," but this is not particularly limited. For example, the "moving state" may be equivalent to a "reclining state" in which the seat body (seat back) is tilted backward to a predetermined position, a "forward / backward moving state" in which the seat body is moved in the fore-and-aft direction of the seat from the normal state, or a "tip-up state" in which the seat body (seat back) is flipped up to a predetermined position. Furthermore, for example, if the vehicle seat S is equipped with a height link device, the "moving state" may be a "height change state" in which the height position of the seat body is changed. Furthermore, for example, if the vehicle seat S is equipped with an ottoman device, the "moving state" may be an "ottoman deployed state" in which a leg support member that is part of the seat body is deployed.

[0100] In the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the operating lever 50 is attached to the left side of the upper surface of the seat back 1, but this is not particularly limited and can be changed. For example, the operating lever 50 may be attached to the right side of the upper surface of the seat back 1, or may be attached to the left outer surface, right outer surface or rear surface of the seat back 1. Further, for example, the operating lever 50 may be attached to the front, bottom or rear surface of the seat cushion 2. Alternatively, it may be attached to the left or right outer surface of the seat cushion 2.

[0101] In the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the operating lever 50 is a long lever extending in the front-to-rear direction of the seat, and the lever rotation shaft 51 is supported at its front end portion (base end portion), but this is not particularly limited and can be modified. For example, a lever rotation shaft may be pivotally supported at the rear end portion of the operating lever 50. In that case, the rear end portion of the operating lever 50 corresponds to the "base end portion," and its front end portion corresponds to the "tip portion." For example, the operating lever 50 may be a lever that is long in the seat width direction, and a lever rotation shaft that is long in the seat front-rear direction may be supported at one end portion of the operating lever 50 in the seat width direction. In this case, one end portion of the operating lever 50 corresponds to the "base end portion," and the other end portion corresponds to the "tip portion."

[0102] In the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, the biasing spring 96 is a biasing spring (tension spring) that is long in the vertical direction, but this is not particularly limited. That is, any biasing member that can bias the connecting link 80 toward the locking device 90 can be used as appropriate.

[0103] In the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 19, the biasing spring 96 biases the connecting link 80 toward the locking device 90, but this is not particularly limited. For example, the biasing spring 96 may bias the connecting link 80 toward the operating lever 50. In that case, the operating lever 50 is preferably operated so as to push the connecting link 80 toward the locking device 90 against the biasing force of the biasing spring 96, rather than being operated in the direction opposite to the locking device 90 as shown in FIGS.

[0104] In the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the lock cover that covers the lock device 90 is divided into a first lock cover 98 and a second lock cover 99, but this is not particularly limited. For example, the lock cover may be made up of one piece, or may be made up of three or more pieces.

[0105] In the above embodiment, as shown in Figures 15 and 16, the first mating portion 98b of the first locking cover 98 and the second mating portion 99b of the second locking cover 99 extend in directions perpendicular to each other, but this is not particularly limited and they may extend in directions that intersect each other.

[0106] In the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the plate support portion 75 of the lever mounting member 70 supports the frame-shaped plate member 65 by abutting against the inner surface of the plate member 65, but this is not particularly limited. For example, the plate support portion 75 may support the plate member 65 by abutting against the outer surface of the plate member 65 .

[0107] In the above embodiment, as in the modified example shown in FIG. 20, the cover member 60 and the lever attachment member 70 may be replaced with a cover member 160 and a lever attachment member 170, respectively. The lever attachment member 170 has a latch portion 174 that is latched onto a latch claw 162 provided on the outer surface of the cover member 160 . The latch portion 174 is composed of a latch hole 174a formed in the side wall portion 170a of the lever attachment member 170, and a latch support portion 174b formed on the bottom surface of the side flange portion 170e. This allows the components to be assembled using a simple structure that uses the latching claws and the latched portions (for example, latching holes).

[0108] <<Appendix 1>> According to the vehicle seat of the present invention, there is provided a vehicle seat which comprises a seat body having a seat back and a seat cushion, and which is switchable between a normal state and a moving state in which the seat body is moved from the normal state, and which comprises: a locking device which is provided on the vehicle seat and which locks the movement of the seat body when in the normal state; an operating lever which is provided on the vehicle seat and which operates to release the locked state of the locking device; a connecting member which connects the locking device and the operating lever and acts to switch the locking device from the locked state to the unlocked state in response to the operation of the operating lever; and a position retaining member which is attached to the connecting member and retains the position of the connecting member, wherein the connecting member extends between the locking device and the operating lever, and the position retaining member extends in the extension direction of the connecting member and is attached to the connecting member so as to follow the connecting member. The above configuration makes it possible to realize a vehicle seat in which the device (locking device) for switching the state of the seat body has a compact structure. In particular, it is possible to simplify the assembly structure of the components in the device. Specifically, the position-retaining member that maintains the position of the connecting member extends in the extension direction of the connecting member and is attached to the connecting member so as to be aligned with the connecting member. This allows the connecting member and the position-retaining member to be arranged more compactly than in the past. Also, it makes it easier to assemble the position-retaining member to the connecting member.

[0109] In this case, the moving state is a storage state in which the seat back has been moved and stored toward the vehicle floor, and the locking device is provided with a locking member that detachably engages with a striker provided on the vehicle body or the vehicle seat and moves between a locking position that locks the storage operation of the seat back and an unlocking position, and the position maintaining member is flexible and maintains the position of the connecting member by bending in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the position maintaining member. With the above configuration, each component part can be arranged compactly in a vehicle seat in which the seat body can be stored.

[0110] In this case, the connecting member preferably has an attachment portion for attaching the position-retaining member from the extension direction of the connecting member, and an engagement portion for engaging an engaged portion provided on the position-retaining member from a direction different from the extension direction. With the above configuration, it becomes easier to assemble the position-retaining member to the connecting member.

[0111] In this case, the connecting member has the mounting portion for mounting the position maintaining member from the vertical direction, and the engaging portion, which is positioned lower than the mounting portion and for engaging the engaged portion from the front-to-rear direction of the seat, and the lower end of the position maintaining member is preferably bent toward the opposite side to the connecting member side. With the above configuration, it becomes easier to engage the engaged portion of the position-retaining member with the engaging portion of the connecting member.

[0112] In this case, the connecting member is a connecting link that extends vertically between the locking device and the operating lever, the position maintaining member extends vertically along the connecting member, and the length of the position maintaining member in the seat's fore-and-aft direction is preferably shorter than the length of the connecting member in the seat's fore-and-aft direction. With the above configuration, the position-retaining members can be arranged compactly.

[0113] In this case, it is preferable that the position-retaining member is formed in a plate shape and is disposed along the outer surface of the connecting member. With the above-described configuration, the position-retaining member can be formed relatively thin, which allows the position-retaining member to be arranged compactly.

[0114] In this case, a lever mounting member is provided which is attached to the vehicle seat and for mounting the operating lever, the operating lever is stored inside the lever mounting member and is rotatably mounted to the lever mounting member via a lever rotation axis, an opening is formed on the outer surface of the lever mounting member to allow the connecting member to pass through and connect the connecting member to the operating lever, and the opening is formed so as to become wider as it moves away from the operating lever. With the above-described configuration, the opening provided in the lever attachment member can be used to easily attach the connecting member to the operating lever.

[0115] In this case, the position-retaining member passes through the opening together with the connecting member and is placed inside the lever mounting member, and the inner surface of the opening has a first inner surface formed in a flat shape and a second inner surface that is located outside the first inner surface and is formed to widen in an inclined manner, and the position-retaining member has a flexible bending portion that bends when it abuts against the first inner surface of the opening, thereby retaining the position of the connecting member. With this configuration, the flexible portion of the position-retaining member bends upon contact with the first inner surface of the lever attachment member, which is formed in a flat shape, making it easier for the position-retaining member to maintain the position of the connecting member.

[0116] In this case, the connecting member is a connecting link that extends vertically between the locking device and the operating lever, and the position retaining member extends vertically along the connecting member and is attached only to the connecting member. With the above-described configuration, the connecting members and the position-retaining members can be arranged more compactly, and the assembly structure of the connecting members and the position-retaining members can be simplified.

[0117] In this case, it is preferable that the connecting member and the position-retaining member are integrally formed from the same resin material. With the above configuration, the number of components can be reduced.

[0118] <<Appendix 2>> Furthermore, according to the vehicle seat of the present invention, there is provided a vehicle seat which includes a seat body having a seat back and a seat cushion, and which is switchable between a normal state and a moving state in which the seat body is moved from the normal state, and which includes: a locking device which is provided on the vehicle seat and which locks the movement of the seat body when in the normal state; an operating lever which is provided on the vehicle seat and which operates to release the locked state of the locking device; a connecting member which connects the locking device and the operating lever and acts to switch the locking device from the locked state to the unlocked state in response to the operation of the operating lever; and a biasing member which is assembled to the connecting member and which biases the connecting member toward the locking device or the operating lever, and it is preferable that the connecting member has an assembly portion for assembling the biasing member, and that the main body of the connecting member and the assembly portion are integrally formed. The above configuration makes it possible to realize a vehicle seat with a device (locking device) for switching the state of the seat body having a simple structure, and also simplifies the assembly structure of the components of the device. Specifically, the connecting member has an assembly portion for assembling the biasing member, and the main body of the connecting member and the assembly portion are integrally formed. Therefore, when assembling the components (the connecting member and the biasing member), it is possible to eliminate the need for separate parts as much as possible. Also, it becomes easier to assemble the biasing member to the connecting member.

[0119] In this case, the moving state is a storage state in which the seat back has been moved and stored toward the vehicle floor, the locking device is provided with a locking member that detachably engages with a striker provided on the vehicle body or the vehicle seat and moves between a locking position that locks the storage operation of the seat back and an unlocking position, and the assembly portion is an assembly protrusion that protrudes from the side of the main body portion of the connecting member toward the biasing member and is preferably assembled to one end of the biasing member. With the above configuration, each component part can be arranged compactly in a vehicle seat in which the seat body can be stored.

[0120] In this case, the connecting member is a connecting link that extends vertically between the locking device and the operating lever, the biasing member is a biasing spring that is arranged at a position lower than the connecting member, and the assembly part is arranged at a lower part of the connecting member and assembled to the upper end part of the biasing member. Since the connecting members and the biasing members are arranged side by side in the vertical direction as described above, the connecting members and the biasing members can be arranged compactly in the front-rear direction of the seat.

[0121] In this case, the assembly portion protrudes from the side surface of the main body portion of the connecting member toward the urging member, and is formed so as to become wider as it approaches the protruding tip end of the assembly portion, and the portion of the assembly portion where the urging member is assembled is preferably narrower than the protruding tip end of the assembly portion. With the above-described configuration, the biasing member can be firmly attached to the connecting member, and the biasing member can be prevented from coming off the connecting member.

[0122] In this case, the connecting member extends longitudinally in the vertical direction between the locking device and the operating lever, the connecting member has a reinforcing portion formed on the side surface of the connecting member and extending along the extension direction of the connecting member, the reinforcing portion being a concave-shaped reinforcing recess or a convex-shaped reinforcing protrusion, and the assembly portion is formed on the side surface of the connecting member and is positioned at a different position in the vertical direction from the reinforcing portion. With the above-described configuration, the rigidity of the connecting member can be increased with a simple configuration. Furthermore, since the assembly portion and the reinforcing portion are located at different positions as described above, if the reinforcing portion is concave, the thickness of the assembly portion can be ensured, or if the reinforcing portion is convex, the connecting member (reinforcing portion) can be made smaller.

[0123] In this case, it is preferable that a through hole that penetrates the connecting member is formed in the reinforcing portion, and that the assembly portion and the through hole are arranged side by side on the side surface of the connecting member. The through-holes in the connecting member as described above allow the connecting member to be lighter in weight and simple in structure.

[0124] In this case, the connecting member has a convex lever engagement portion for engaging with an engagement hole provided in the operating lever, and the width of the engagement hole in the extension direction of the connecting member is preferably larger than the width of the engagement hole in a direction intersecting the extension direction of the connecting member. The above-described configuration makes it easy to attach the connecting member to the operating lever. That is, the connecting member can be attached to the operating lever while adjusting the position of the connecting member in the extending direction.

[0125] In this case, a position-retaining member is provided which is attached to the connecting member and maintains the position of the connecting member, the connecting member extending longitudinally in the vertical direction between the locking device and the operating lever, and the position-retaining member is preferably positioned between the part of the connecting member which is assembled to the locking device and the part which engages with the operating lever. The above-described configuration can suppress rattle of the connecting member, and also allows the position-retaining member to be arranged compactly relative to the connecting member.

[0126] In this case, it is preferable that the connecting member has an attachment portion for attaching the position-retaining member, and that the position-retaining member is housed and attached in the attachment portion. The above-described configuration makes it easier to assemble the position-retaining member to the connecting member, and also makes it possible to assemble the position-retaining member more stably.

[0127] In this case, it is preferable that the position-retaining member is formed in a plate shape, extends in the extending direction of the connecting member, and is disposed along the outer surface of the connecting member. With the above-described configuration, the position-retaining member can be made thinner, which prevents the switching device from becoming larger, and also allows the position-retaining member to be arranged compactly.

[0128] <<Appendix 3>> Furthermore, according to the vehicle seat of the present invention, there is provided a vehicle seat which includes a seat body having a seat back and a seat cushion, and which is switchable between a normal state and a moving state in which the seat body is moved from the normal state, and which includes a locking device which locks the movement of the seat body in the normal state, a lock cover which covers the locking device, a lever mounting member which is attached to the vehicle seat, and an operating lever which is attached to the lever mounting member and operates to release the locked state of the locking device, wherein the lever mounting member has a first engaging portion which engages with a first engaging portion provided on the lock cover, and a second engaging portion which engages with a second engaging portion provided on the lock cover, and it is preferable that the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion each extend in a direction perpendicular to the engaging direction of the lock cover, and extend in directions which intersect with each other. The above configuration makes it possible to realize a vehicle seat in which the components of the device for switching the state of the seat body can be assembled firmly in a balanced manner, and also simplifies the assembly structure of the components of the device. Specifically, the lever attachment member is fitted to the lock cover by a plurality of fitting portions, and the first and second fitting portions each extend in a direction perpendicular to the fitting direction of the lock cover and in directions that intersect with each other. In this way, the first and second fitting portions extend in different directions, making it possible to achieve a stronger fitting structure than conventional ones, even when loads are applied from various directions, for example.

[0129] In this case, the moving state is a storage state in which the seat back is moved and stored toward the vehicle floor, the locking device is provided with a locking member that detachably engages with a striker provided on the vehicle body or the vehicle seat and moves between a locking position that locks the storage operation of the seat back and an unlocking position, and the first fitting portion and the second fitting portion preferably extend in directions perpendicular to each other. With the above configuration, in a vehicle seat in which the seat body can be stored, the components can be assembled more balanced and firmly.

[0130] In this case, the lock cover is preferably assembled to the lever mounting member from the seat width direction, and the first fitting portion and the second fitting portion are preferably arranged at different positions in the vertical direction and at different positions in the seat front-to-rear direction. The locking device may further include a connecting member that connects the locking device and the operating lever and acts to switch the locking device from a locked state to an unlocked state in response to the operation of the operating lever, and the lever mounting member may further have a third fitting portion that fits into a third fitting portion provided on the lock cover, and the third fitting portion may be positioned on the opposite side of the connecting member from the first fitting portion and the second fitting portion. With the above configuration, the lever mounting member and the lock cover can be assembled more firmly and in a more balanced manner.

[0131] In this case, it is preferable that the first fitting portion and the third fitting portion extend in the same direction so as to have a long length. Preferably, the lock cover is attached to the lever attachment member from the seat width direction, and the second fitting portion is disposed between the first fitting portion and the third fitting portion in the seat front-rear direction. With the above configuration, the lever mounting member and the lock cover can be assembled more firmly and in a more balanced manner.

[0132] In this case, the lock cover preferably has a first lock cover that covers the locking device and a second lock cover that is attached to the side of the first lock cover, and the first engaging portion and the third engaging portion are formed on the first lock cover, and the second engaging portion is formed on the second lock cover. As described above, the lever attachment member, the first lock cover, and the second lock cover are fitted together by a plurality of fitting portions, so that these components can be assembled stably and firmly.

[0133] At this time, it is preferable that the first fitting portion, the second fitting portion, and the third fitting portion are fitted together in the same direction, so that the lever attachment member and the lock cover are assembled together. The above-described configuration facilitates the assembly of the lock cover to the lever mounting member, and also facilitates automation of the assembly process.

[0134] In this case, the lock cover has a cover flange formed so as to protrude from the side of the outer edge portion of the lock cover toward the lock device and arranged to surround the lock device, and the first fitting portion, the second fitting portion, and the third fitting portion are preferably arranged outside the cover flange on the side of the lock cover. With the above-described configuration, the outer portion (outer edge portion) of the lock cover can be fitted to the lever attachment member, thereby increasing the fitting strength of the lock cover.

[0135] In this case, it is preferable that the lock cover has a first reinforcing portion formed to protrude from the side of the outer edge portion of the lock cover toward the locking device and connects the cover flange and the first fitting portion, and a second reinforcing portion formed to protrude from the side of the outer edge portion of the lock cover toward the locking device and connects the cover flange and the third fitting portion. With the above configuration, the fitting strength of the first fitting portion and the third fitting portion can be increased.

[0136] <<Appendix 4>> Furthermore, according to the vehicle seat of the present invention, there is provided a vehicle seat which includes a seat body having a seat back and a seat cushion, and which is switchable between a normal state and a movable state in which the seat body is moved from the normal state, and which includes: a locking device which is provided on the vehicle seat and which locks the movable operation of the seat body when in the normal state; a lever mounting member which is attached to the vehicle seat; an operating lever which is attached to the lever mounting member and which operates to release the locked state of the locking device; a cover member which is arranged between the lever mounting member and the operating lever and which covers the operating lever; and a plate member which is arranged between the lever mounting member and the cover member and which is arranged to surround the operating lever, wherein the operating lever is exposed from a skin opening formed in an outer surface of a skin which covers the seat body, and an outer periphery of the skin opening in the skin is sandwiched between the cover member and the plate member, and the lever mounting member has a protrusion which protrudes from a main body of the lever mounting member towards the plate member and supports the plate member by abutting against an inner surface or an outer surface of the plate member. With the above configuration, it is possible to realize a vehicle seat in which the assembly structure of components in the device for switching the state of the seat body is simplified. Specifically, the lever mounting member has a plate support portion that protrudes from the main body of the lever mounting member toward the plate member and abuts against the side of the plate member to support the plate member. Therefore, when assembling the plate member to the lever mounting member, there is no need to perform additional processing on the plate member. In other words, the assembly structure can be simplified compared to conventional methods.

[0137] In this case, the moving state is a storage state in which the seat back has been moved and stored toward the vehicle floor, and the locking device is provided with a locking member that detachably engages with a striker provided on the vehicle body or the vehicle seat and moves between a locking position that locks the storage operation of the seat back and an unlocking position, and the plate support portion preferably extends along the side of the plate member. With the above configuration, in a vehicle seat in which the seat body can be stowed, the plate member can be firmly attached to the lever attachment member.

[0138] In this case, the plate support portions are preferably formed at intervals along the side of the plate member, and the plate support portion located highest among the plurality of plate support portions is preferably positioned above the main body portion of the lever mounting member. With the above-described configuration, the plate member can be more firmly attached to the lever mounting member.

[0139] In this case, the lever mounting member has an engaging portion that engages with an engaged portion provided on the side of the cover member, and the plate support portions are formed at intervals along the side of the plate member, and the engaging portion is preferably arranged between the multiple plate support portions. As described above, since the engaging portion is disposed between the plurality of plate support portions, the cover member can be stably engaged with the lever mounting member.

[0140] In this case, the engaging portion is an engaging protrusion that engages with an engaging hole provided on the side of the cover member, and the lever mounting member preferably has a positioning portion formed around the engaging protrusion for positioning the engaging hole at a position where it engages with the engaging protrusion. With the above-described configuration, it is possible to easily engage the cover member with the lever mounting member.

[0141] In this case, the lever mounting member has a cover support portion that protrudes from the main body portion of the lever mounting member toward the cover member and supports the cover member by abutting against the surface of the cover member, and the cover support portion is preferably arranged adjacent to the plate support portion. With the above configuration, the lever attachment member (cover support portion) comes into contact with the cover member, and the cover member can be stably engaged with the lever attachment member. Furthermore, with the above-described configuration, the cover support portion protrudes toward the cover member, so that a space can be secured between the lever attachment member and the cover member. This space can be used to fit a plate member or a cover material therebetween.

[0142] In this case, the lever mounting member preferably has a protruding portion that protrudes from the main body of the lever mounting member toward one side in the seat longitudinal direction and supports the upholstery material by abutting against the outer peripheral portion of the upholstery opening hole in the upholstery material. With this configuration, one end of the cover material in the front-rear direction can be supported by the protruding portion of the lever attachment member, and the cover material can be stretched, thereby preventing wrinkles from occurring in the cover material.

[0143] In this case, the protrusion portion is preferably arranged at different positions in the vertical direction, has an upper wall portion and a bottom wall portion that respectively protrude from the rear surface of the main body portion of the lever mounting member toward the rear side of the seat, and a support wall portion that connects the rear end portion of the upper wall portion and the rear end portion of the bottom wall portion and supports the cover material, and is formed hollow when viewed from the side of the seat. As described above, the protruding portion of the lever mounting member is formed hollow, which allows the lever mounting member to be made lighter in weight.

[0144] In this case, the plate member is a frame-shaped plate body, and the plate support portion supports the plate member by abutting against the inner surface of the plate member, extends along the inner surface of the plate member, and is preferably arranged at intervals. With the above-described configuration, the frame-shaped plate member can be assembled to the lever mounting member with a simple structure, and the plate member can also be assembled firmly.

[0145] In this case, the lever mounting member has a latching portion that is latched onto a latching portion provided on the side of the cover member, and one of the latching portion and the latching portion is a latching claw that is latched onto the other of the latching portion and the latching portion. With the above-described configuration, the components can be assembled using a simple structure that uses the latching claws and the latched portions (for example, latching holes).

[0146] Second Embodiment Next, a vehicle seat S2 according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. It should be noted that the description of the same content as that of the vehicle seat S1 described above will be omitted. The vehicle seat S2 differs from the vehicle seat S1 mainly in that a shock absorbing member is attached to the locking device (lock cover).

[0147] The vehicle seat S2 is equipped with a switching device that switches the state of the seat body by being detachably connected to a striker on the vehicle body, and a cushioning member that abuts against the striker, thereby realizing a seat to which the cushioning member can be suitably attached.

[0148] As shown in Figure 21, the vehicle seat S2 comprises a seat body having a seat back 201 and a seat cushion 202, and a switching device 240 attached to the outer surface of the seat back 201, which switches the seat body from a "normal state" to a "storage state."

[0149] As shown in Figures 22 and 23, the switching device 240 includes a locking device 290 that locks the movement of the seat body, an operating lever 250 that releases the locked state of the locking device 290, a connecting link 280 that connects the locking device 290 and the operating lever 250, and a position holding member 289 that holds the position of the connecting link 280. The operating lever 250 is housed in a cover member 260 and a lever mounting member 270 . The locking device 290 includes a locking member 291 that engages with the striker 241, a transmission member 292, a second transmission member 293, a locking rotation shaft 294, a second locking rotation shaft 295, a biasing spring 296, and a connecting pin 297. The locking device 290 is covered by a first locking cover 298 and a second locking cover 299. More specifically, the first locking cover 298 and the second locking cover 299 are covers that cover the locking member 291, the transmission member 292, the second transmission member 293, and the biasing spring 296 from the sides.

[0150] As shown in FIGS. 24 to 28, a mounting groove 298k for detachably mounting the buffer member 300 is formed in the portion of the first lock cover 298 with which the striker 241 comes into contact. More specifically, the first lock cover 298 is formed with a mounting groove 298k for mounting the buffer member 300, and mounting protrusions 298l and 298m and a mounting hole 298n for holding the buffer member 300.

[0151] As shown in FIGS. 24 and 25, the attachment groove 298k is formed at a position facing the locking member 291 (contact portion 291b) in the seat width direction. 25, mounting protrusions 298l and 298m are formed on the top and bottom surfaces of the inner surface of mounting groove 298k. A mounting hole 298n is formed in the front surface of the inner surface of mounting groove 298k. An opening 298o is formed in the rear surface of the inner surface of mounting groove 298k.

[0152] As shown in FIGS. 25 to 28, the buffer member 300 is an elastic member (flexible member) and is attached to the attachment groove 298k of the first lock cover 298 from the outside in the seat width direction. As shown in Figure 27, the cushioning member 300 comprises a three-dimensional main body portion 301 that is long in the vertical direction, protrusions 302 and 303 that protrude in opposite directions from both ends of the main body portion 301 in the longitudinal direction, and a protrusion portion 304 that protrudes in a direction (height direction) perpendicular to each of the long direction (length direction) and short direction (width direction) of the main body portion 301. In addition, in the buffer member 300 , a relief groove 305 is formed around the protrusion 304 so as to surround the entire periphery of the protrusion 304 .

[0153] When the buffer member 300 is attached to the attachment groove 298k, the buffer member 300 does not protrude from the first lock cover 298 and is housed inside the attachment groove 298k. At this time, as shown in FIG. 26, the main body 301 is arranged to be sandwiched between the attachment protrusions 298l and 298m in the vertical direction. The protrusion 302 (303) is disposed between the first lock cover 298 (main body 298a) and the attachment projection 298l (298m) in the seat front-rear direction. The protrusion 304 is attached so as to fit into the attachment hole 298n, as shown in Figures 26 and 28. In other words, the protrusion 304 is fitted into the attachment hole 298n.

[0154] As shown in FIGS. 26 and 28, the buffer member 300 (main body portion 301) is exposed from an opening 298o of the first lock cover 298 and protrudes rearward from the opening 298o. That is, the buffer member 300 (main body portion 301) is disposed at a position facing the striker 241 in the front-rear direction of the seat, and is capable of coming into contact with the striker 241.

[0155] As described above, by attaching the buffer member 300 to the first lock cover 298 (attachment groove 298k), the buffer member 300 can be stably attached. Furthermore, since no separate mounting member is required, the buffer member 300 can be easily mounted and removed. Furthermore, it is possible to accommodate both a structure in which the cushioning member 300 is attached and a structure in which the cushioning member 300 is not attached. In other words, it is possible to provide compatibility. Furthermore, by minimizing the exposed portion of the buffer member 300, the buffer member 300 can be held in a suitable manner.

[0156] As described above, the buffer member 300 has the relief groove 305 formed in the periphery of the protrusion 304 . This prevents the buffer member 300 from unintentionally coming into contact with the edge of the mounting hole 298n of the first lock cover 298, thereby preventing a portion of the buffer member 300 from being scraped off. In other words, it is possible to prevent the buffer member 300 from coming loose.

[0157] <<Modification 1 of the buffer member and lock cover>> Next, a first modification of the buffer member and the lock cover will be described with reference to FIGS. It should be noted that the description of the same contents as those of the vehicle seats S1 and S2 described above will be omitted.

[0158] As shown in FIGS. 30 and 31, a mounting groove 298k for detachably mounting a buffer member 400 is formed in the portion of the first lock cover 298 with which the striker 241 abuts. More specifically, the first lock cover 298 is formed with an attachment groove 298k, attachment protrusions 298l and 298m for holding the buffer member 300, and an attachment protrusion 298n.

[0159] As shown in Figures 30 and 31, the buffer member 400 has a three-dimensional main body 401 that is long in the vertical direction, protrusions 402 and 403, second protrusions 404 and 405, an attachment hole 406 (cutout hole), and latching protrusions 407 and 408. Protrusions 402 and 403 protrude in opposite directions from both longitudinal ends of main body 401. Second protrusions 404 and 405 protrude in opposite directions from both longitudinal ends of main body 401. The protruding portion 402 and the second protruding portion 404 are formed at different positions in the height direction of the main body portion 401. The mounting hole 406 is formed on the outer surface of the main body 401 at a position different from the positions of the protruding portion 402 and the second protruding portion 404 . The latching projections 407 and 408 are formed at one end in the length direction of the protruding portions 402 and 403, respectively.

[0160] When the buffer member 400 is attached to the attachment groove 298k, the buffer member 400 is housed in the attachment groove 298k without protruding from the first lock cover 298. At this time, the main body 401 is disposed sandwiched between the attachment protrusions 298l and 298m in the vertical direction. The protruding portion 402 (403) and the second protruding portion 404 (405) are disposed so as to sandwich the mounting protrusion 298l (298m) therebetween in the seat front-rear direction. The mounting hole 406 is fitted with the mounting protrusion 298n. The latching protrusions 407 and 408 are latched onto the edge of the mounting groove 298k.

[0161] Even in the case of the above-described first modification, the buffer member 400 can be stably attached to the lock cover 298 (attachment groove 298k).

[0162] <<Modification 2 of the shock absorber and lock cover>> Next, a second modification of the buffer member and lock cover will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0163] A mounting groove 298k for mounting a buffer member 500 is formed in the portion of the first lock cover 298 with which the striker 241 abuts. More specifically, the first lock cover 298 is formed with an attachment groove 298k, attachment protrusions 298l and 298m for holding the buffer member 300, and an attachment protrusion 298n.

[0164] The buffer member 500 includes a three-dimensional main body 501 that is long in the vertical direction, protruding portions 502 and 503, second protruding portions 504 and 505, a mounting hole 506 (notched hole), and latching protrusions 507 and 508. When the buffer member 500 is attached to the attachment groove 298k, the attachment hole 506 fits into the attachment protrusion 298n. The latching protrusions 507 and 508 are latched onto the edge portion (latching groove 298p) of the mounting groove 298k.

[0165] Even in the case of the above-described second modification, the buffer member 500 can be stably attached to the lock cover 298 (attachment groove 298k).

[0166] <<Modification 3 of the shock absorber and lock cover>> Next, a third modification of the buffer member and lock cover will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0167] A mounting groove 298k for mounting a buffer member 600 is formed in the portion of the first lock cover 298 with which the striker 241 abuts. More specifically, the first lock cover 298 is formed with an attachment groove 298k, attachment protrusions 298l and 298m for holding the buffer member 300, and an attachment protrusion 298n.

[0168] The buffer member 600 includes a three-dimensional main body 601 that is long in the vertical direction, protruding portions 602 and 603, second protruding portions 604 and 605, and a mounting hole 606 (through hole). When the buffer member 600 is attached to the attachment groove 298k, the attachment hole 606 fits into the attachment protrusion 298n. The latching protrusions 607 and 608 are latched onto the edge portion (latching groove 298p) of the mounting groove 298k.

[0169] Even in the case of the third modification, the buffer member 600 can be stably attached to the lock cover 298 (attachment groove 298k).

[0170] <<Modification 4 of the shock absorber and lock cover>> Next, a fourth modification of the buffer member and lock cover will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0171] A mounting groove 298k for mounting a buffer member 700 is formed in the portion of the first lock cover 298 with which the striker 241 abuts. More specifically, the first lock cover 298 is formed with a mounting groove 298k and mounting protrusions 298l and 298m for holding the buffer member 300.

[0172] The cushioning member 700 includes a three-dimensional main body 701 that is long in the vertical direction, protrusions 702 and 703, and mounting recesses 704 and 705. When the buffer member 700 is attached to the attachment groove 298k, the attachment recesses 704 and 705 fit into the attachment protrusions 298l and 298m, respectively.

[0173] Even in the case of the fourth modification, the buffer member 700 can be stably attached to the lock cover 298 (attachment groove 298k).

[0174] In the above embodiment, a vehicle seat used in an automobile was described as a specific example, but the present invention is not limited to this and can be used for various seats such as two-wheeled vehicle seats, vehicle seats for trains and buses, seats for vehicles such as airplanes and ships, as well as office chairs for work, wheelchairs, and child seats in shopping carts.

[0175] In this 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 does not limit the present invention. The present invention can be modified and improved without departing from the spirit thereof, and the present invention naturally includes equivalents thereof. [Explanation of symbols]

[0176] First Embodiment S1 Vehicle Seat Sa seat frame 1 seat back 1a, 2a pad material 1b, 2b Skin material 2 seat cushions 3 Headrest 10 Back Frame 11 Mainframe 12 panel frame 13 Connecting frame 14 Elastic support member 15 Body connection bracket 16 Seat rotation shaft 17 Reclining device 20 Cushion Frame 21 Side frame 22 Front connecting frame 23 Rear connecting frame 24 Pan Frame 25 Cushion rotation device 26 Cushion pivot shaft 27 Leg rotation device 28 Leg rotation axis 30 Support legs 31 Script body part 32 Leg connection part 35 Support Base 36 Connecting wall section 37 Outer wall 40 Switching Device 41 Striker 50 Operating lever 50a Upper wall 50b Front wall 50c side wall part 50d 2nd side wall part 50e bottom wall 50f Reinforced wall 51 Lever rotation shaft 52 Lever operation section 53 Lever regulation part 54 Engagement portion (link engagement portion, engagement hole) 60 Cover member 60a Side wall 60b Front wall 60c rear wall 60d bottom wall 60e Side flange 60f Front flange 60g Rear flange 61 Cover opening 62 Cover engagement hole (engaged portion, engagement hole portion) 63 Lever contact part 64 Assembly protrusion 65 Plate member 70 Lever mounting member 70a Side wall part 70b Front wall 70c rear wall 70d bottom wall 70e Side flange 70f Front flange 70g rear flange 71 Shaft support part 72 Engagement claw (engagement portion, engagement protrusion) 72a Positioning portion (positioning recess) 73 Opening (opening hole) 73a 1st inner surface 73b 2nd inner surface 74 Cover assembly part (assembly protrusion) 75 Plate support part (support protrusion) 76 First fitting part (fitting hole) 77 Second fitting part (fitting hole) 78 Third fitting part (fitting hole) 79 Overhang 79a Upper wall 79b Bottom wall 79c Support wall section 80 Connecting link (connecting member) 81 Main body 82 Lever engagement portion (lever engagement protrusion) 82a, 83a Engagement body 82b, 83b Engagement claw 82c, 83c slit holes 83 Lock connection part (connection protrusion) 84 Spring assembly part (assembly part) 84a Protruding tip 85 Mounting part 85a Mounting body 85b Hook part 86 Engagement protrusion (engagement portion, engagement portion of position holding member) 87 Reinforcement 88 through holes 89 Position-retaining member 89a Main body 89b Protrusion 89c engagement hole 89d Flexure 89e Bend 90 Locking device 91 Locking member 91a Striker engagement part 91b Contact part 92 Transmission components 92a Connection hole 92b protrusion 93 Second transmission member 93a Pin support hole 93b Protrusion insertion hole 93c Spring support 94 Lock pivot shaft 95 Second lock pivot shaft 96 biasing spring (biasing member) 97 Connecting pin 98 No. 1 Lock Cover 98a Main body 98b First fitted portion (fitting convex portion) 98c Third mating portion (mating convex portion) 98d shaft support hole 98e Second shaft support hole 98f Cover assembly part (assembly protrusion) 98g Second cover assembly 98h Cover flange 98i First reinforcement section 98j 2nd reinforcement part 99 Second lock cover 99a Main body 99b Second fitted portion (fitting convex portion) 99c shaft support hole 99d 2nd shaft support hole 99e Assembled part (assembly protrusion) 99f Second assembly part (bending part) 160 Cover member 162 Hooking claw (hooked part) 170 Lever mounting member 170a Side wall part 170e Side flange 174 Hook stopper 174a Hook hole 174b Latch support part Second Embodiment S2 Vehicle Seat 201 Seat back 202 seat cushion 240 Switching Device 241 Striker 250 Control Lever 260 Cover member 270 Lever mounting member 280 Links 289 Position-retaining members 290 Locking Device 291 Locking member 291a Striker engagement part 291b Contact part 292 Transmission components 293 Second transmission member 294 Lock pivot shaft 295 Second lock pivot shaft 296 bias spring 297 Connecting Pin 298 First Lock Cover 298a Main body 298k Mounting groove 298l, 298m mounting protrusions, 298n Mounting holes, mounting protrusions 298o opening 298p Hook groove 299 Second Lock Cover 300 Cushioning material 301 Main body 302, 303 protrusion 304 Protrusion 305 Relief groove 400 Cushioning material 401 Main body 402, 403 protrusion 404, 405 Second protrusion 406 Mounting hole (notched hole) 407, 408 Protrusion 500 Cushioning material 501 Main body 502, 503 protrusion 504, 505 2nd protrusion 506 Mounting hole (notched hole) 507, 508 Latching protrusions 600 Cushioning material 601 Main body 602, 603 protrusion 604, 605 Second protrusion 606 Mounting hole (through hole) 607, 608 Latching protrusions 700 Cushioning material 701 Main body 702, 703 protrusion 704, 705 Mounting recess

Claims

1. a seat body having a seat back and a seat cushion; a locking device that locks the movement of the seat body; a lock cover that covers the lock device; a lever attachment member attached to the vehicle seat, The lever attachment member is a first fitting portion that fits into a first fitted portion provided on the lock cover; a second fitting portion that fits into a second fitted portion provided on the lock cover, A vehicle seat characterized in that the first mating portion and the second mating portion are provided at an upper end portion of the lock cover and at the same corner portion of the lock cover when viewed from the side of the seat.

2. The lever mounting member has a third fitting portion that fits into a third fitting portion provided on the lock cover, the first fitting portion, the second fitting portion, and the third fitting portion each extend in a direction perpendicular to a fitting direction of the lock cover, the first fitting portion and the third fitting portion extend in the same direction, 2. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, wherein the first fitting portion and the second fitting portion extend in directions that intersect with each other.

3. The lever mounting member has a third fitting portion that fits into a third fitting portion provided on the lock cover, the first fitting portion, the second fitting portion, and the third fitting portion each extend in a direction perpendicular to a fitting direction of the lock cover, the first fitting portion and the third fitting portion extend in the same direction, 2. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, wherein the second fitting portion and the third fitting portion extend in directions that intersect with each other.

4. The lever mounting member has a third fitting portion that fits into a third fitting portion provided on the lock cover, the second fitted portion is provided at an upper end of the lock cover, The vehicle seat according to claim 1, wherein the first and third fitted portions are provided on side ends of the lock cover.

5. The lock cover is assembled to the lever mounting member from the seat width direction, the lever attachment member has a third fitting portion that fits into a third fitted portion provided on the lock cover, the first fitting portion, the second fitting portion, and the third fitting portion are disposed at different positions in the seat front-rear direction, the first fitting portion and the second fitting portion are disposed at different positions in the up-down direction, the first fitted portion is provided on a first lock cover, The vehicle seat according to claim 1, wherein the second fitted portion is provided on a second lock cover having higher rigidity than the first lock cover.

6. The lock cover is assembled to the lever mounting member from the seat width direction, the lever attachment member has a third fitting portion that fits into a third fitted portion provided on the lock cover, the first fitting portion, the second fitting portion, and the third fitting portion are disposed at different positions in the seat front-rear direction, The vehicle seat according to claim 1 , wherein the second fitting portion and the third fitting portion are arranged at positions that overlap in the vertical direction.

7. The lock cover is assembled to the lever mounting member from the seat width direction, the lever attachment member has a third fitting portion that fits into a third fitted portion provided on the lock cover, the first fitting portion, the second fitting portion, and the third fitting portion are disposed at different positions in the seat front-rear direction, The vehicle seat according to claim 1 , wherein the first fitting portion and the third fitting portion are arranged in positions that overlap in the vertical direction.

8. The lock cover is assembled to the lever mounting member from the seat width direction, the lever attachment member has a third fitting portion that fits into a third fitted portion provided on the lock cover, the second fitting portion is disposed between the first fitting portion and the third fitting portion in the seat front-rear direction, The vehicle seat according to claim 1, wherein the third fitting portion is disposed outward of the first fitting portion and the second fitting portion in the seat width direction.

9. The lever mounting member has a third fitting portion that fits into a third fitting portion provided on the lock cover, The lock cover is a cover flange formed to protrude from a side surface of an outer edge portion of the lock cover toward the lock device and disposed to surround the lock device; a first reinforcing portion formed to protrude from a side surface of an outer edge portion of the lock cover toward the lock device and connecting the cover flange and the first fitting portion; 2. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, further comprising: a second reinforcing portion formed so as to protrude from the side of the outer edge portion of the lock cover toward the lock device, and connecting the cover flange and the third fitting portion.

10. The seat can be arranged between a normal state in which an occupant can sit and a stored state in which the seat body is stored on the vehicle floor side, The seat body includes the seat back, the seat cushion, and a headrest, a support leg attached between the seat cushion and the vehicle body floor and supporting the seat cushion; a support base that rotatably supports the seat back via a reclining device; a switching device attached to an outer surface of the seat back in a seat width direction, for switching the seat body from the normal state to the stowed state, The seat back has a back frame as a skeleton, a padding material, and a skin material, The seat cushion has a cushion frame that serves as a skeleton, a padding material, and a cover material, The headrest has a pillar serving as a core material, a pad material, and a skin material, The switching device is The locking device; an operating lever that operates to release the locked state of the locking device; a connecting link that connects the locking device and the operating lever and that operates to unlock the locking device in response to operation of the operating lever; 2. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, further comprising: a position maintaining member attached to the connecting link and maintaining the position of the connecting link.

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