Vehicle seat

Abstract

To provide a vehicle seat that includes: a seat cushion; and a seat back tiltable behind the seat cushion and can regulate folding of the seat cushion in a normal posture in which the seat back is not tilted while enabling the folding of the seat cushion when the seat back is tilted.SOLUTION: A vehicle seat S includes a seat cushion 1 and a seat back 2. A cushion frame 10 of the seat cushion 1 has left and right cushion side frames 12. Each of the left and right cushion side frames 12 has a rear cushion side frame 121, a front cushion side frame 124, and a folding rotary shaft 125. The rear cushion side frame 121 has a lock unit 122 for regulating rotation with respect to the front cushion side frame 124 and a lock release unit 123 for releasing the regulation in conjunction with tilting of the seat back 2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 16

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, a vehicle seat equipped with a seat cushion and a seat back is provided with a reclining mechanism that connects the seat back to the seat cushion so that the seat back can be rotated rearward. By rotating the seat back rearward, an occupant can lean their upper body and assume a relaxed seating position. This reduces fatigue and improves comfort for the occupant who is seated in the vehicle seat and traveling to their destination.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a technology that further improves the seating comfort of a vehicle seat by providing a folding mechanism in a seat cushion frame that forms the framework of the seat cushion. Specifically, the front and rear cushion frames are separated from each other and pivotally connected. This prevents the occupant's back from shifting vertically relative to the seat back when the seat back is tilted backward relative to the seat cushion, allowing the occupant to smoothly transition from a normal position to a backward-tilted position. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-172189 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] As described above, providing a folding mechanism in a seat cushion frame can improve the seating comfort of a vehicle seat, but further improvement is needed. Specifically, when traveling on rough roads with many uneven surfaces, an impact that thrusts the vehicle seat upward from below can occur. In such cases, the impact can cause the seat cushion frame to fold in the center while traveling, potentially reducing seating comfort.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and its object is to provide a vehicle seat that includes a seat cushion and a seat back that can be tilted rearward of the seat cushion, and that allows the seat cushion to be folded down when the seat back is tilted, while preventing the seat cushion from folding down in the normal position where the seat back is not tilted. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The above problem is solved by the vehicle seat of the present invention, which provides a vehicle seat including a seat cushion and a seat back that can tilt rearward of the seat cushion, wherein a seat cushion frame of the seat cushion has left and right cushion side frames that face each other in the seat width direction, and each of the left and right cushion side frames has a first side frame, a second side frame that is aligned with the first side frame in the fore-and-aft direction, and a connecting pivot shaft that rotatably connects the first side frame and the second side frame to each other, and the first side frame is rotatably connected to a seat back frame of the seat back via a seat back connecting shaft located rearward of the connecting pivot shaft, and has a lock unit that restricts rotation relative to the second side frame via the connecting pivot shaft, and a lock release unit that releases the restriction by the lock unit in conjunction with the tilting of the seat back.

[0008] According to the above configuration, the cushion side frame has a folding mechanism in which the first side frame and the second side frame rotate about a connecting rotation shaft, and the first side frame has a lock unit that restricts rotation relative to the second side frame and a lock release unit that releases the restriction in conjunction with tilting of the seat back. Therefore, it is possible to allow the seat cushion to fold in the center when the seat back is tilted rearward, while restricting the folding of the seat cushion in the normal position where the seat back is not tilted.

[0009] In addition, the first side frame may rotate around the seatback connecting shaft in conjunction with the tilting of the seatback, thereby raising the connecting pivot shaft and the rear end of the second side frame connected to the connecting pivot shaft. According to the above configuration, when the seat back tilts rearward relative to the seat cushion, the connecting pivot shaft and the rear end of the second side frame rise, allowing the vehicle seat to transition to a fully flat state in which the seat back and seat cushion are deployed horizontally, thereby improving the convenience of the vehicle seat.

[0010] Furthermore, the lock unit may include a connecting pivot shaft fixing member provided on the connecting pivot shaft, and a lock operating member having a first engaging portion that engages with a first engaged portion formed on the connecting pivot shaft fixing member, and the lock release unit may include a lock release operating member having an lock release operating piece, and an operating arm having an elongated shape and having at one end a second engaging portion that engages with a second engaged portion formed on the lock operating member, and at the other end an abutting portion that abuts against the lock release operating piece of the lock release operating member, and the restriction by the lock unit is released when the lock release operating piece abuts against the abutting portion in conjunction with the tilting of the seat back. According to the above configuration, the lock unit having the connecting pivot shaft fixing member and the lock operating member, and the lock release unit having the lock release operating member and the operating arm, make it possible to allow the seat cushion to fold in the center when the seat back is tilted rearward, while restricting the seat cushion from folding in the center in the normal position.

[0011] Preferably, the unlocking member and the operating arm are connected to the first side frame, and the unlocking member is disposed on the inner side of the first side frame in the seat width direction. According to the above configuration, the unlocking operating member does not protrude outward in the seat width direction of the first side frame, making it possible to prevent the dimension of the vehicle seat in the seat width direction from increasing.

[0012] The first side frame may have a through hole through which the unlocking operation piece passes, and the unlocking operation member may pass through the through hole and come into contact with the contact portion. According to the above configuration, the through hole can guide the operation of the unlocking operation piece, making it possible to suppress malfunction of the unlocking operation member.

[0013] The first side frame may further include a biasing member that biases the operating arm in a direction in which the abutting portion abuts against the unlocking operating piece. According to the above configuration, the operating arm is biased by the biasing member in the direction opposite to the unlocking operation, so it is possible to prevent the restriction by the lock unit from being released due to a malfunction.

[0014] In addition, the seatback frame is located on the outer periphery of the seatback connecting shaft and has a protruding portion that protrudes in the seat width direction, and the lock release operating member is located on the outer periphery of the seatback connecting shaft and has an abutment portion that abuts against the protruding portion of the seatback when the seatback tilts, and the abutment portion is provided at a position where it abuts when the protruding portion rotates along the outer periphery of the seatback connecting shaft in conjunction with the tilting of the seatback. According to the above configuration, when the seat back is tilted rearward relative to the seat cushion, the restriction by the lock unit can be released in conjunction with the tilt.

[0015] Furthermore, the vehicle seat can transition between a normal state in which the seat back is upright relative to the seat cushion, a reclined state in which the seat back is tilted rearward of the seat cushion and the first side frame and the second side frame are horizontally deployed, and a release state in which the restriction of the first side frame relative to the second side frame is released between the normal state and the reclined state, and the protrusion and the abutment portion are preferably spaced apart from each other along the outer periphery of the seat back connecting shaft in the normal state and are arranged in positions where they abut each other in the release state and the reclined state. According to the above configuration, it is possible to allow the seat cushion to be folded in the center in the restriction-release state and the reclining state, while restricting the folding of the seat cushion in the normal state.

[0016] The seat cushion may also have an inner cover between the unlocking member and the first side frame, and the inner cover may have an inner cover through-hole formed therein through which the unlocking piece passes. According to the above configuration, the inner cover can protect the lock release unit from foreign matter or the like that may enter from inside the side frame.

[0017] In addition, the seat back can be tilted forward relative to the seat cushion without the abutting portion abutting the abutted portion, the seat cushion frame is rotatably connected to the second side frame and has a folding link that causes the seat cushion to fold forward, and the folding link rotates in conjunction with the tilting of the seat back to cause the seat cushion to fold forward. According to the above configuration, it is possible to prevent the seat cushion from folding in the middle when the seat cushion is in a state where it is tilted forward. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the seat cushion from folding in the center when the seat back is tilted rearward, while allowing the seat cushion to fold in the center when the seat back is in the normal position. In addition, the vehicle seat can be transitioned to a fully flat state in which the seat back and seat cushion are deployed horizontally, thereby improving the convenience of the vehicle seat. Also, it is possible to prevent the dimension of the vehicle seat in the seat width direction from increasing. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent malfunction of the unlocking operation member. It is also possible to prevent the restriction imposed by the lock unit from being released due to a malfunction. Furthermore, the restriction by the lock unit can be released in conjunction with the tilting of the seat back toward the rear of the seat cushion. In addition, it is possible to allow the seat cushion to be folded in the center in the restriction-released state and the reclined state, while restricting the folding of the seat cushion in the normal state. In addition, the inner cover can protect the lock release unit from foreign objects that may enter the side frame from the inside. In addition, it is possible to prevent the seat cushion from folding in the middle when the seat cushion is tilted forward. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle seat according to an embodiment of the present invention, as viewed obliquely from the front. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the seat frame in the height-raised state, as viewed obliquely from the front. [Figure 3] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a seat frame in a normal state. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a seat frame in a reclined state. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of the seat frame in the height-raised state. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of the seat frame in a folded state. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a lock unit and an unlock unit as viewed from the outside in the seat width direction. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the lock unit and the unlock unit as viewed from the inside in the seat width direction. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a lock unit and an unlock unit. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a top view of the lock unit and the unlock unit. [Figure 11] 10 is an explanatory diagram of the lock unit and the unlock unit in a normal state, as viewed from the outside in the seat width direction. FIG. [Figure 12] 10 is an explanatory diagram of the lock unit and the unlock unit in an unlocked state, viewed from the outside in the seat width direction. FIG. [Figure 13] 10 is an explanatory diagram of the lock unit and the unlock unit in a reclined state, viewed from the outside in the seat width direction. FIG. [Figure 14] 10 is an explanatory diagram of a rotation bracket and a rotation transmission member in a normal state, viewed from the outside in the seat width direction. FIG. [Figure 15] 10 is an explanatory diagram of the rotation bracket and the rotation transmission member in an unlocked state, viewed from the outside in the seat width direction. FIG. [Figure 16]10 is an explanatory diagram of the rotation bracket and the rotation transmission member in a reclined state, viewed from the outside in the seat width direction. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] The configuration of a vehicle seat according to an embodiment of the present invention (the present embodiment) will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, the embodiment described below is an example for facilitating understanding of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. In other words, the present invention may be modified or improved without departing from the spirit thereof, and of course, the present invention also includes equivalents thereof.

[0021] In the following, a vehicle seat S provided in a vehicle automobile such as a minivan will be taken as an example of a vehicle seat, and an example of the configuration thereof will be described. In the following description, the "front-rear direction" refers to the front-rear direction of the vehicle seat S, which is the direction that coincides with the traveling direction when the vehicle is traveling. The "seat width direction" refers to the width direction of the vehicle seat S, which is the direction that coincides with the left-right direction as seen by an occupant seated in the vehicle seat S. The "up-down direction" refers to the up-down direction of the vehicle seat S, which is the direction that coincides with the vertical direction when the vehicle is traveling on a horizontal plane. The outer and inner sides are defined based on the occupant. That is, the direction toward the center of the seat width direction is the inward direction, and the direction away from it is the outward direction. A common number is assigned to a pair of left and right components, and when specifying the left and right, the name indicating the component is appended with "left side" or "right side," and the letter "L" or "R" is added to the reference symbol.

[0022] As shown in Fig. 1, the vehicle seat S is a seat placed on the vehicle body floor and in which a vehicle occupant sits. In this embodiment, the vehicle seat S is a seat that is disposed on the right side (behind the driver's seat) of the rear seats corresponding to the rear seats of the vehicle. The vehicle seat S can also be used as a middle seat in the second row or a third seat in the third row in a vehicle that has three rows of seats in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, or as a front seat corresponding to the front seats.

[0023] The vehicle seat S of this embodiment is configured to be able to transition between a plurality of states. Hereinafter, a state in which an occupant can sit on the vehicle seat S in an edge-sitting position (sitting position with legs down) and the seat back 2 is upright relative to the seat cushion 1 will be referred to as the "normal state" of the vehicle seat S (see FIGS. 1 and 3). A state in which the seat back 2 is tilted backward from the normal state toward the seat cushion 1 will be referred to as the "reclining state" of the vehicle seat S (see FIG. 4). On the other hand, a state in which the position of the seat cushion 1 is higher than the position in the normal state (see FIGS. 2 and 5) will be referred to as the "height-raised state." A state in which the seat cushion 1 is moved to collapse (sink) onto the vehicle floor and the entire vehicle seat S is folded (see FIG. 6) will be referred to as the "folded state." Regardless of the state of the seat back 2, a state in which the seat cushion 1 is simply moved to collapse onto the vehicle floor will sometimes be referred to as the "collapsed state." The vehicle seat S can be arranged in a normal state, a reclined state, a height-raised state, and a folded state. The occupant can move the entire seat forward and backward by operating a slide rail operating lever 51 located on the front left side of the seat cushion 1. In addition, by operating a height frame operating lever 52 located on the front right side of the seat cushion 1, the occupant can rotate a front height link 22 and a rear height link 23 (described later) to change the height of the seat cushion 1. In addition, by operating a rotation lever 53 located on the shoulder of the seat back 2, the seat back 2 can be rotated forward or rearward and folded down. In addition, the shape, position, posture, etc. of each part of the vehicle seat S described below will be described assuming a normal state unless otherwise specified.

[0024] <Vehicle seat S> The overall configuration of a vehicle seat S according to this embodiment will be outlined with reference to Figs. 1 to 6. Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the vehicle seat S according to this embodiment, seen obliquely from the front, and Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing a seat frame F of the vehicle seat S in a height-raised state. Fig. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the seat frame F in a normal state, and Fig. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the seat frame F in a reclined state. Fig. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the seat frame F in a height-raised state, and Fig. 6 is a side view showing the seat frame F in a folded state. In FIG. 1, for convenience of illustration, a part of the vehicle seat S is shown with the cover material Tr removed and the pad material P exposed.

[0025] 1, the vehicle seat S according to this embodiment mainly comprises a seat cushion 1, a seat back 2, a headrest 3, a reclining device 5, and a slide rail device 6. In the following description, the seat cushion 1, the seat back 2, and the headrest 3 may be collectively referred to as the seat body. 2, a seat frame F that forms the framework of the vehicle seat S is provided inside the vehicle seat S. The seat frame F includes a cushion frame 10, a back frame 30, and a headrest frame 36.

[0026] <Seat cushion 1> The seat cushion 1 is a support member that supports the buttocks of a seated occupant (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a seated person), and supports the seated person from below. As shown in FIG. 2, the seat cushion 1 has a cushion frame 10 that forms the skeleton of the seat cushion 1. The cushion frame 10 of this embodiment is composed of a cushion main body frame 11 that directly supports the seated person, and a height frame 20 that is disposed below the cushion main body frame 11 and supports the cushion main body frame 11 so that it can be raised and lowered. The cushion frame 10 corresponds to the seat cushion frame of the present invention.

[0027] <Cushion body frame 11> The cushion main body frame 11 is a frame body having a rectangular shape when viewed from above. The cushion main body frame 11 has cushion side frames 12 that constitute the frame body, a pan frame 13 that connects the cushion side frames 12, and a cushion frame member 14. The cushion main body frame 11 also has a dive down link 15 that connects to the height frame 20 at its front end.

[0028] The cushion side frame 12 is composed of a right cushion side frame 12R disposed on the right side of the cushion main body frame 11 and a left cushion side frame 12L disposed on the left side. The right cushion side frame 12R and the left cushion side frame 12L extend in the front-to-rear direction.

[0029] Each of the left and right cushion side frames 12 has a folding mechanism. Specifically, each of the cushion side frames 12 has a rear cushion side frame 121, a front cushion side frame 124, and a folding pivot shaft 125 (see FIGS. 3 and 4). The rear cushion side frame 121 and the front cushion side frame 124 are aligned in the front-rear direction and are rotatably connected to each other via the folding pivot shaft 125. By providing the folding mechanism on the left and right cushion side frames 12, the rear end portions of the folding pivot shaft 125 and the front cushion side frame 124 can be raised when the seat back 2 is tilted rearward. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 4, the vehicle seat S can be transitioned to a fully flat state in which the seat back 2 and the seat cushion 1 are deployed approximately horizontally, thereby improving the convenience of the vehicle seat S. The rear cushion side frame 121 corresponds to the first side frame of the present invention, the front cushion side frame 124 corresponds to the second side frame of the present invention, and the folding pivot shaft 125 corresponds to the connecting pivot shaft of the present invention.

[0030] The rear cushion side frame 121 is rotatably connected to the back frame 30 via a seatback connecting shaft 126 located rearward of the center-folding pivot shaft 125. The rear cushion side frame 121 is covered from the outside in the seat width direction by an outer cover 1237. The rear cushion side frame 121 disposed on the right side has a lock unit 122 that restricts rotation relative to the front cushion side frame 124, and a lock release unit 123 that releases the restriction of the lock unit 122 (see FIGS. 3 to 6). The lock unit 122 restricts rotation of the rear cushion side frame 121 and the front cushion side frame 124 in the normal state (FIG. 3) and the folded state (FIG. 6). On the other hand, the lock release unit 123 releases the restriction of the lock unit 122 on the rear cushion side frame 121 and the front cushion side frame 124 in the reclining state (FIG. 4), allowing them to rotate relative to each other. The lock unit 122 and the lock release unit 123 will be described in detail below.

[0031] Returning to Figure 2, the pan frame 13 is made of a plate-like member and connects the front ends of the cushion side frames 12. The cushion frame members 14 are made of pipe material and connect the rear sides of the cushion side frames 12. The cushion frame members 14 are partially bent, and the central portion in the seat width direction is curved rearward.

[0032] 2, a plurality of S-springs 17 are attached to the cushion main body frame 11 as pressure-receiving members that receive the load of the seated occupant, spanning the pan frame 13 and the cushion frame member 14. As described above, the central portion of the cushion frame member 14 has a shape that curves backward, so that the S-springs 17 can receive the load of the seated occupant over a wide area in the front-to-rear direction. In this embodiment, the pressure-receiving member is configured by a plurality of S-springs 17, but is not limited to this. The pressure-receiving member provided on the cushion main body frame 11 may be configured by an elastic plate-shaped member.

[0033] A slide rail operating lever 51 for operating the slide rail device 6 is provided at the front end of the left cushion side frame 12L. Also, a height frame operating lever 52 for operating the height frame 20 (described later) is provided at the front end of the right cushion side frame 12R. Between the slide rail operating lever 51 and the height frame operating lever 52, an ottoman support mechanism (not shown) for supporting an ottoman may be provided.

[0034] The dive down links 15 are interposed between the cushion side frames 12 and the front end of the height frame 20, and support the cushion main body frame 11 in cooperation with the back frame 30. The dive down links 15 are arranged on the right and left sides of the cushion frame 10.

[0035] The dive down link 15 is a long, plate-like member having a first rotation shaft 151 at one end in the longitudinal direction and a second rotation shaft 152 at the other end. The first rotation shaft 151 is rotatably connected to the cushion side frame 12, and the second rotation shaft 152 is rotatably connected to the height side frame 21 (see Figures 5 and 6). By rotating the dive down link 15, the vehicle seat S transitions between a normal state in which the cushion main body frame 11 is spaced above the height frame 20, and a reclined state (or folded state) in which the cushion main body frame 11 is sunk downward.

[0036] <Height frame 20> The cushion frame 10 includes a height frame 20 below the cushion body frame 11 that supports the cushion body frame 11. The height frame 20 is a frame body having a rectangular shape when viewed from above. The height frame 20 also has a front height link 22 and a rear height link 23 interposed between the height side frame 21 and the slide rail device 6.

[0037] The height side frame 21 is composed of a right height side frame 21R arranged on the right side of the height frame 20 and a left height side frame 21L arranged on the left side. The right height side frame 21R and the left height side frame 21L have elongated shapes and extend in the front-to-rear direction. The right height side frame 21R and the left height side frame 21L are plate-like bodies with a generally triangular shape that extends rearward and upward. 2, the left height side frame 21L is bent in the seat width direction. This allows the left height side frame 21L to be positioned above the slide rail device 6 while avoiding interference with the slide rail locking device 63 disposed on the slide rail device 6.

[0038] The front height link 22 and the rear height link 23 are elongated plate-like bodies. The front height link 22 is rotatably connected to the height side frame 21 via a first pivot shaft 221 and to the slide rail device 6 via a second pivot shaft 222 provided on the front connecting bracket 54 (see FIG. 5). The front height link 22 is a driven link mechanism that operates in response to the rear height link 23 when the height frame operating lever 52 is operated.

[0039] The rear height link 23 is rotatably connected to the height side frame 21 via a first pivot shaft 231 and to the slide rail device 6 via a second pivot shaft 232 provided on the rear connecting bracket 55. The rear height link 23 is a driven link mechanism that is driven when the height frame operating lever 52 is operated.

[0040] The front height links 22 and the rear height links 23 rotate so as to stand up relative to the slide rail device 6, thereby raising the height frame 20. As a result, the vehicle seat S transitions from the normal state shown in FIG. 3 to the height-raised state shown in FIG. 5. Conversely, the front height links 22 and the rear height links 23 rotate so as to lean backward relative to the slide rail device 6, thereby lowering the height frame 20. As a result, the vehicle seat S transitions from the height-raised state shown in FIG. 5 to the normal state shown in FIG. 3. In the following description, the state in which the height frame 20 is lowered is referred to as the height-lowered state.

[0041] The second rotation shaft 152 of the dive down link 15 is rotatably provided at the front end of the left and right height side frames 21. In addition, the rear end of the left and right height side frames 21 is connected to the side connecting frame 32 of the back frame 30 via the reclining device 5. This allows each height side frame 21 to support the cushion main body frame 11 from below via the dive down link 15 and the side connecting frame 32.

[0042] <Pad material P and cover material Tr> A pad material P for the seat cushion is placed on the cushion main body frame 11, and the pad material P is covered with a skin material Tr. The pad material P is a cushion material and is made of, for example, a urethane resin (foam resin) such as soft polyurethane foam. The pad material P may be made of biomass urethane. The skin material Tr that covers the pad material P is made of, for example, a stretchable synthetic leather material. The skin material Tr may be made of cloth, film, leather, etc.

[0043] <Seatback 2> The seat back 2 is a support member that supports the back of a seated occupant, and supports the seated occupant from behind. As shown in Fig. 2, the seat back 2 has a back frame 30 that forms the skeleton of the seat back 2. The seat back 2 has a pad material P for the seat back 2 that covers the back frame 30, and a cover material Tr that covers the pad material P.

[0044] The back frame 30 is a frame body having a substantially rectangular shape when viewed from the front. The back frame 30 mainly comprises a pair of back side frames 31, a side connecting frame 32, a back upper frame 33, a back lower frame 34, and a pressure plate 35. The pair of back side frames 31 are elongated frame members extending in the vertical direction and are disposed apart from each other while facing each other in the seat width direction. The side connecting frame 32 is connected to the lower end of the back side frame 31 and the reclining device 5. In addition, the side connecting frame 32 is connected to the upper end (rear end) of the rear cushion side frame 121.

[0045] The back upper frame 33 connects the upper ends of the left and right back side frames 31, and has attached thereto a headrest frame 36 and a rotation lever 53. The rotation lever 53 is operated when the seat back 2 is rotated forward or backward relative to the seat cushion 1. The back lower frame 34 connects the lower ends of the left and right back side frames 31 together. The pressure plate 35 is a plate-shaped member that is attached to the inside of the back frame 30 and receives the weight of a seated occupant. The back frame 30 corresponds to the seat back frame of the present invention.

[0046] <Headrest 3> The headrest 3 is a support member that supports the head of a seated occupant from behind. As shown in Fig. 2, the headrest 3 has a headrest frame 36 that forms the skeleton of the headrest 3. The headrest 3 has a padding material P for the headrest 3 that covers the headrest frame 36, and a skin material Tr that covers the padding material P.

[0047] <Reclining device 5> The reclining device 5 rotatably connects the seat back 2 to the seat cushion 1. More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 3, 4, and 6, the reclining device 5 rotatably connects the rear end of the height frame 20 and the lower end of the back frame 30 that constitute the cushion frame 10. The reclining device 5 rotates the seat back 2 rearward relative to the seat cushion 1, thereby transitioning the vehicle seat S from the normal state shown in FIG. 3 to the reclined state shown in FIG. 4. The reclining device 5 also rotates the seat back 2 forward relative to the seat cushion 1, thereby transitioning the vehicle seat S from the normal state shown in FIG. 3 to the folded state shown in FIG. 6.

[0048] <Slide rail device 6> As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the slide rail device 6 connects the vehicle seat S to the vehicle floor so that the seat S can slide in the front-rear direction. As shown in FIG. 1, the slide rail device 6 is provided below the vehicle seat S. The slide rail device 6 has a known structure (the structure of a general slide rail mechanism). In detail, the slide rail device 6 has a lower rail 61 fixed to the vehicle floor and an upper rail 62 that is slidable in the front-rear direction relative to the lower rail 61. The slide rail device 6 also has a slide rail locking device 63 that restricts the sliding movement of the upper rail 62 relative to the lower rail 61. The slide rail locking device 63 can release the restriction on the sliding movement by operating a slide rail operating lever 51 provided on the seat cushion 1.

[0049] <Lock unit 122 and unlock unit 123> Next, the lock unit 122 and the lock release unit 123 provided on the rear cushion side frame 121 on the right side will be described with reference to Figs. 7 to 10. Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the lock unit 122 and the lock release unit 123 as seen from the outside in the seat width direction. Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the lock unit 122 and the lock release unit 123 as seen from the inside in the seat width direction. Fig. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the lock unit 122 and the lock release unit 123. Fig. 10 is a top view of the lock unit 122 and the lock release unit 123 as seen from above.

[0050] The lock unit 122 and the unlock unit 123 are covered from both sides in the seat width direction by an inner cover 1236 and an outer cover 1237 (see FIG. 9). This prevents foreign matter from entering the lock unit 122 and the unlock unit 123. The lock unit 122 serves to restrict the rotation of the rear cushion side frame 121 and the front cushion side frame 124 in the normal state and the folded state. The lock unit 122 mainly comprises a rotation shaft fixing plate 1221, a lock activation plate 1222, and an elastic rubber 1223. The lock unit 122 is provided on the outer side of the rear cushion side frame 121 in the seat width direction.

[0051] The pivot shaft fixing plate 1221 is a metal member having a substantially circular shape and is fixed to the folding pivot shaft 125. The pivot shaft fixing plate 1221 has an engagement groove 1221a formed obliquely upward and rearward, which can engage with a lock piece 1222c of a lock activation plate 1222, which will be described later. When the lock piece 1222c engages with the engagement groove 1221a, rotation of the pivot shaft fixing plate 1221 is restricted, thereby preventing the rear cushion side frame 121 and the front cushion side frame 124 from rotating relative to each other via the folding pivot shaft 125. The pivot shaft fixing plate 1221 corresponds to the connecting pivot shaft fixing member of the present invention, and the engagement groove 1221a corresponds to the first engaged portion of the present invention.

[0052] The lock actuation plate 1222 is a metal plate member connected to the outer wall of the rear cushion side frame 121. The lock actuation plate 1222 has a lock actuation plate base portion 1222a, a lock actuation plate rotation shaft 1222b, a lock piece 1222c, and a window hole 1222d. The lock actuation plate base portion 1222a is rotatably connected to the rear cushion side frame 121 via the lock actuation plate rotation shaft 1222b. This allows the lock actuation plate base portion 1222a to be displaced between a restricted position where the lock piece 1222c engages with the engagement groove 1221a of the rotation shaft fixing plate 1221, and a released position where the lock piece 1222c is disengaged from the engagement groove 1221a. Furthermore, a window hole 1222d formed in the lock actuation plate base portion 1222a has an engaged surface 1222e against which a bent engaging piece 1231d (described later) can come into contact. The lock actuation plate 1222 corresponds to the lock actuation member of the present invention, the lock piece 1222c corresponds to the first engaging portion of the present invention, and the engaged surface 1222e corresponds to the second engaged portion of the present invention.

[0053] The elastic rubber 1223 comes into contact with the lock actuation plate 1222 and biases the lock actuation plate 1222 in a direction in which the lock pieces 1222c of the lock actuation plate 1222 engage with the engagement grooves 1221a of the rotary shaft fixing plate 1221. This makes it possible to prevent the engagement between the lock pieces 1222c of the lock actuation plate 1222 and the engagement grooves 1221a of the rotary shaft fixing plate 1221 from being accidentally released.

[0054] The unlocking unit 123 plays a role in releasing the restriction of the rear cushion side frame 121 and the front cushion side frame 124 by the locking unit 122 when the seat is reclined. The unlocking unit 123 mainly comprises an operating arm 1231, an unlocking actuation member 1232, and an expansion spring 1235. The operating arm 1231 and the expansion spring 1235 are provided on the outer side of the rear cushion side frame 121 in the seat width direction, and the unlocking actuation member 1232 is provided on the inner side of the rear cushion side frame 121 in the seat width direction.

[0055] The operating arm 1231 is a metal plate member connected to the outer wall of the rear cushion side frame 121. The operating arm 1231 has an operating arm base portion 1231a, a bending portion 1231b, an operating arm rotation shaft 1231c, a bending engagement piece 1231d, a contact portion 1231e, and a spring fixing portion 1231f. The operating arm base portion 1231a is a curved, elongated member that is rotatably connected to the rear cushion side frame 121 via an operating arm rotation shaft 1231c. Therefore, the operating arm base portion 1231a can transition between a normal position in which the bent engagement piece 1231d is separated from the engagement surface 1222e of the lock activation plate 1222, and an unlocked position in which the bent engagement piece 1231d abuts against the engagement surface 1222e. In addition, the operating arm base portion 1231a is formed with a bent portion 1231b that is curved in the seat width direction, thereby improving the strength of the operating arm 1231.

[0056] The bent engagement piece 1231d is formed by pressing one end of the operating arm base portion 1231a, which is an elongated member, and is bent perpendicular to the operating arm base portion 1231a. The bent engagement piece 1231d is located inside the window hole 1222d of the lock activation plate 1222, and comes into contact with the engaged surface 1222e of the window hole 1222d when displaced to the unlocked position. The bent engagement piece 1231d corresponds to the second engagement portion of the present invention. The bent engagement piece 1231d can pass through the side frame through-hole 121a formed in the rear cushion side frame 121 and the inner cover through-hole 1236a formed in the inner cover 1236 and come into contact with the engagement surface 1222e of the window hole 1222d.

[0057] The contact portion 1231e is a notch formed by cutting the other end of the operating arm base portion 1231a. The contact portion 1231e has a shape and dimensions that allow it to come into contact with an unlocking operation piece 1233c of an unlocking operation member 1232, which will be described later. One end of an expansion spring 1235, which will be described later, is fixed to the spring fixing portion 1231f.

[0058] The unlocking operation member 1232 is a rotating member that is provided on the inner side of the rear cushion side frame 121 in the seat width direction and rotates in conjunction with the rearward tilting of the seat back 2. The unlocking operation member 1232 has a rotating plate 1233 and a rotation transmission member 1234 (see FIG. 8). The rotating plate 1233 and the rotation transmission member 1234 are fixed to each other. The rotating plate 1233 has a circular portion 1233a having a circular shape, an extension portion 1233b extending radially from the circular portion 1233a, and an unlocking operation piece 1233c at the tip of the extension portion 1233b. The unlocking operation piece 1233c is a bent piece that is bent perpendicular to the extension portion 1233b. An inner cover 1236 is provided between the unlocking operating member 1232 and the rear cushion side frame 121. The inner cover 1236 prevents foreign matter from entering the locking unit 122 and the unlocking unit 123 from the inside in the seat width direction.

[0059] The rotation transmission member 1234 has a pair of fixing flanges 1234a, a cylindrical portion 1234b, and an abutment portion 1234c (see FIGS. 14 to 16). The fixing flanges 1234a have through holes through which fastening bolts are inserted, and are fixed to the rotation plate 1233 by the fastening bolts. The cylindrical portion 1234b has a hollow cylindrical shape that allows the seatback connecting shaft 126 to be inserted therethrough, and is rotatably supported on the seatback connecting shaft 126. An abutment portion 1234c is provided on the outer periphery of the cylindrical portion 1234b. When the seatback 2 tilts rearward of the seat cushion 1, the abutment portion 1234c abuts against an outer protrusion 321a of a rotation bracket 321 provided on the side connecting frame 32 of the back frame 30, and rotates together with the seatback 2. The outer protrusion 321a is located on the outer periphery of the seatback connecting shaft 126, and protrudes in the seat width direction.

[0060] The extension spring 1235 is a long, extendable coil spring that biases the operating arm 1231 in a direction that prevents the bent engagement piece 1231d of the operating arm 1231 from releasing the restriction of the lock unit 122. More specifically, one end of the extension spring 1235 is connected to the spring fixing portion 1231f of the operating arm 1231, and the other end is connected to the rear cushion side frame 121. The extension spring 1235 biases the operating arm 1231 in a direction that moves the bent engagement piece 1231d of the operating arm 1231 away from the engagement surface 1222e formed in the window hole 1222d of the lock activation plate 1222. This prevents the restriction of the folding mechanism by the lock unit 122 from being inadvertently released. The extension spring 1235 corresponds to a biasing member in this invention.

[0061] Next, with reference to FIGS. 11 to 16, the operation of the lock unit 122 and the unlock unit 123 will be described using an example in which the vehicle seat S transitions from the normal state to the reclining state. 11, in the normal state, the lock piece 1222c of the lock activation plate 1222 is engaged with the engagement groove 1221a of the rotation shaft fixing plate 1221. Therefore, the rotation of the rear cushion side frame 121 and the front cushion side frame 124 is restricted, and they are prevented from rotating via the folding rotation shaft 125. Also, as shown in Figure 14, in the normal state, the outer protrusion 321a of the rotating bracket 321 fixed to the side connecting frame 32 of the back frame 30 is arranged at a position separated from the abutment portion 1234c of the rotation transmission member 1234.

[0062] Next, the seat back 2 is tilted rearward of the seat cushion 1. As a result, the outer protrusion 321a of the rotation bracket 321 rotates together with the seat back 2 in the direction indicated by the arrow A1 in FIG. When the seat back 2 is tilted further toward the rear of the seat cushion 1, the outer protrusion 321a rotates along the outer periphery of the seat back connecting shaft 126 and abuts against the abutment portion 1234c of the rotation transmission member 1234 (see FIG. 15). When the seat back 2 is tilted further, the outer protrusion 321a presses the rotation transmission member 1234 in the direction indicated by arrow A3 in FIG. 16. This causes the lock release operating member 1232 to rotate around the seat back connecting shaft 126 in the direction indicated by arrow A3 in FIG.

[0063] At this time, the lock release operating member 1232 is rotated around the operating arm rotation shaft 1231c by the lock release operating piece 1233c in the direction of arrow A4 in Fig. 12, as shown in Fig. 12. As a result, the bent engagement piece 1231d of the operating arm 1231 abuts against the engaged surface 1222e formed in the window hole 1222d of the lock operating plate 1222.

[0064] The bent engagement piece 1231d abutting against the engagement surface 1222e formed in the window hole 1222d rotates the lock activation plate 1222 in the direction of arrow A5 in FIG. 12 around the lock activation plate rotation shaft 1222b. As a result, the lock piece 1222c of the lock actuation plate 1222 disengages from the engagement groove 1221a of the rotation shaft fixing plate 1221, thereby releasing the restriction on rotation of the lock unit 122. This state in which the restriction on rotation by the lock unit 122 is released is referred to as the unrestricted state of the vehicle seat S.

[0065] 13 shows the seat frame F in a reclined state in which the lock unit 122 has released its rotation restriction due to the seat back 2 being tilted rearward of the seat cushion 1. As shown in FIG. 13, the lock piece 1222c of the lock actuation plate 1222 is disengaged from the engagement groove 1221a of the rotation shaft fixing plate 1221. The lock actuation plate 1222 is also biased by the elastic rubber 1223 in a direction in which the lock piece 1222c engages with the engagement groove 1221a of the rotation shaft fixing plate 1221. Therefore, when the vehicle seat S returns from the reclined state to the normal state, the lock piece 1222c again engages with the engagement groove 1221a, thereby restricting the rotation of the seat back folding mechanism.

[0066] The above description has been given taking as an example a case where the seat back 2 is tilted rearward of the seat cushion 1 to transition from the normal state to the reclined state. On the other hand, when the seat back 2 is tilted forward of the seat cushion 1, the outer protrusion 321a rotates in the direction opposite to the arrow A1 in Figure 14, and therefore the outer protrusion 321a does not abut against the abutment portion 1234c. Therefore, when the seat back 2 is in a reclined state in which it is tilted forward of the seat cushion 1, the restriction by the lock unit 122 is not released.

[0067] As described above, the vehicle seat S can transition between a normal state in which the seat back 2 is upright relative to the seat cushion 1, a reclining state in which the seat back 2 is tilted rearward of the seat cushion 1 and the rear cushion side frame 121 and the front cushion side frame 124 are deployed horizontally, and a derestricted state. Furthermore, the lock unit 122 and the lock release unit 123 allow the seat cushion 1 to fold in the center when the seat back 2 is tilted rearward, while restricting the seat cushion 1 from folding in the center in the normal position. This makes it possible to prevent a decrease in the seating comfort of the vehicle seat S while traveling.

[0068] <Method for manufacturing vehicle seat S> Next, a method for manufacturing the vehicle seat S will be described. First, the cushion frame 10 that constitutes the seat frame F is assembled. Specifically, first, the rear cushion side frame 121 and the front cushion side frame 124 are connected via the center-folding pivot shaft 125, and the left and right cushion side frames 12 are assembled. The lock unit 122 and the lock release unit 123 are assembled to the rear cushion side frame 121. Next, the left and right cushion side frames 12 are connected to the pan frame 13 and cushion frame member 14, and the dive down link 15 is connected to the height frame 20, thereby assembling the cushion frame 10.

[0069] Next, the pad material P is placed on the cushion frame 10 and the back frame 30, and is covered with the covering material Tr, thereby assembling the seat cushion 1 and the seat back 2. Similarly, the headrest 3 is assembled, and the seat cushion 1, the seat back 2, and the headrest 3 are connected together to manufacture the seat body. The seat body is assembled to the slide rail device 6 by connecting the front height links 22 and rear height links 23 provided on the left and right sides of the height frame 20 to the upper rails 62. This completes the manufacture of the vehicle seat S.

[0070] Although a vehicle seat S according to one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the above-described embodiment is merely an example for facilitating understanding of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. In other words, the present invention may be modified or improved without departing from the spirit thereof, and the present invention naturally includes equivalents thereof.

[0071] In the above-described embodiment, the lock actuation plate 1222, the operating arm 1231, the lock release actuation member 1232, and the extension spring 1235 are described as being disposed on the outer side in the seat width direction of the rear cushion side frame 121, but this is not limiting. The lock actuation plate 1222, the operating arm 1231, and the lock release actuation member 1232 may be disposed on the inner side in the seat width direction of the rear cushion side frame 121. This makes it possible to prevent the lock unit 122 and the lock release unit 123 from increasing the dimension of the vehicle seat S in the seat width direction.

[0072] In the above-described embodiment, the lock unit 122 and the unlock unit 123 are described as being provided on the rear cushion side frame 121 located on the right side, but this is not limiting. The lock unit 122 and the unlock unit 123 may also be provided on the rear cushion side frame 121 on the left side.

[0073] In the above-described embodiment, a vehicle seat S mounted on a vehicle is given as an example of a vehicle seat, and an example of the configuration thereof has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to seats mounted on ground vehicles having wheels such as automobiles and trains, and may also be applied to seats mounted on aircraft, ships, and other vehicles that move on non-ground surfaces, for example. [Explanation of symbols]

[0074] S Vehicle seat (vehicle seat) Front seat frame P pad material Tr skin material 1 seat cushion 2 seat backs 3 Headrest 5 Reclining device 6 Slide rail device 61 Lower rail 62 Upper Rail 63 Slide rail locking device 10 Cushion frame (seat cushion frame) 11 Cushion body frame 12 Cushion side frame 12R Right side cushion side frame 12L left cushion side frame 121 Rear cushion side frame (first side frame) 121a Side frame through hole 122 Lock Unit 1221 Rotating shaft fixing plate (connecting rotating shaft fixing member) 1221a Engagement groove (first engaged part) 1222 Lock operating plate (lock operating member) 1222a Lock operating plate base part 1222b Lock operating plate rotation axis 1222c Lock piece (first engagement part) 1222d Window hole 1222e Engaged surface (second engaged part) 1223 Elastic rubber 123 Unlocking Unit 1231 Operating Arm 1231a Operating arm base 1231b Bend section 1231c Operation arm rotation axis 1231d Bent engagement piece (second engagement part) 1231e Contact part 1231f Spring fixing part 1232 Lock release operating member 1233 Rotating Plate 1233a Circular section 1233b Extension section 1233c Unlocking piece 1234 Rotation transmission member 1234a Fixed flange 1234b Cylindrical part 1234c Abutted part 1235 Extension spring (biasing member) 1236 Inner cover 1236a Inner cover through hole 1237 Outer cover 124 Front cushion side frame (second side frame) 125 Center-folding pivot (connected pivot) 126 Seatback connecting shaft 13 Pan Frame 14 Cushion frame member 15 Dive Downlink 151 First rotation axis 152 Second rotation axis 17 S spring (pressure receiving member) 20 Height Frame 21 Height side frame 21R Right side height side frame 21L Left side height side frame 22 Front height link 23 Rear height link 30 Back frame (seat back frame) 31 Backside Frame 32 Side connecting frame 321 Rotating Bracket 321a External protrusion 33 Back upper frame 34 Back lower frame 35 Pressure Plate 36 Headrest frame 51 Slide rail operating lever 52 Height frame operating lever 53 Rotating lever 54 Front connecting bracket 55 Rear connecting bracket

Claims

1. A vehicle seat including a seat cushion and a seat back that can be tilted rearward of the seat cushion, The seat cushion frame of the seat cushion has left and right cushion side frames that face each other in the seat width direction, Each of the left and right cushion side frames includes a first side frame, a second side frame aligned with the first side frame in the front-rear direction, and a connecting rotation shaft that rotatably connects the first side frame and the second side frame to each other, The first side frame is the seat back is pivotally connected to a seat back frame of the seat back via a seat back connecting shaft located rearward of the connecting pivot shaft; a lock unit that restricts rotation relative to the second side frame via the connecting rotation shaft; a lock release unit that releases the restriction by the lock unit in conjunction with the tilting of the seat back.

2. 2. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, wherein the first side frame rotates around the seatback connecting shaft in conjunction with the tilting of the seatback, thereby lifting the connecting pivot shaft and the rear end of the second side frame connected to the connecting pivot shaft.

3. The lock unit is a connecting rotation shaft fixing member provided on the connecting rotation shaft; a lock operating member having a first engaging portion that engages with a first engaged portion formed on the connecting rotation shaft fixing member, The unlocking unit is an unlocking operation member having an unlocking operation piece; an operating arm having an elongated shape, and having at one end a second engaging portion that engages with a second engaged portion formed on the lock operating member, and at the other end an abutting portion that abuts against the lock release operating piece of the lock release operating member; 2. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, wherein the restriction by the lock unit is released by the lock release operating piece coming into contact with the contact portion in conjunction with the tilting of the seat back.

4. the unlocking actuation member and the operating arm are connected to the first side frame; 4. The vehicle seat according to claim 3, wherein the lock release operating member is disposed on an inner side of the first side frame in the seat width direction.

5. the first side frame has a through hole through which the unlocking operating piece passes, The vehicle seat according to claim 4, wherein the unlocking member passes through the through-hole and comes into contact with the contact portion.

6. 4. The vehicle seat according to claim 3, wherein the first side frame includes a biasing member that biases the operating arm in a direction in which the abutting portion abuts against the unlocking operating piece.

7. the seat back frame has a protruding portion that is located on an outer periphery of the seat back connecting shaft and protrudes in the seat width direction, the lock release operating member is located on the outer circumferential portion of the seat back connecting shaft and has an abutment portion that abuts against the protrusion of the seat back when the seat back is tilted, The vehicle seat according to claim 3, characterized in that the abutment portion is provided at a position where it abuts when the protrusion rotates along the outer periphery of the seat back connecting shaft in conjunction with the tilting of the seat back.

8. The vehicle seat is capable of transitioning between a normal state in which the seat back is upright relative to the seat cushion, a reclined state in which the seat back is tilted rearward of the seat cushion and the first side frame and the second side frame are horizontally deployed, and a restriction release state in which the restriction of the first side frame relative to the second side frame is released between the normal state and the reclined state, 8. The vehicle seat according to claim 7, wherein the protruding portion and the abutting portion are spaced apart from each other along the outer periphery of the seatback connecting shaft in the normal state, and are arranged in positions where they abut against each other in the released state and the reclined state.

9. the seat cushion has an inner cover between the lock release operating member and the first side frame, 9. The vehicle seat according to claim 8, wherein the inner cover has an inner cover through-hole through which the unlocking operation piece passes.

10. the seat back is tiltable forward relative to the seat cushion without the contact portion contacting the contacted portion, the seat cushion frame includes a folding link that is rotatably connected to the second side frame and causes the seat cushion to fold forward, 9. The vehicle seat according to claim 8, wherein the folding link rotates to cause the seat cushion to fold forward in conjunction with the tilting of the seat back.

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