Rotation device and method for manufacturing the same

Abstract

To provide a rotation device which enables a space to be secured at the seat cushion side, and to provide a manufacturing method of the rotation device.SOLUTION: A rotation device 2 is provided between a floor 5 and a seat cushion 11 and supports the seat cushion such that the seat cushion can rotate relative to the floor. The rotation device 2 has: a base plate 56 provided on the floor side; a rotary panel 71 provided on the seat cushion side and rotatably supported on the base plate; a rotation actuator 53 that causes the rotary panel to rotate relative to the base plate; and a rotation locking device 54 that selectively prohibits the rotation of the rotary panel relative to the base plate. The rotation actuator and the rotation locking device are attached to a lower surface of the base plate.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a rotating device and a method for manufacturing the same. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a vehicle seat device that can rotate around a vertical axis relative to a floor. The vehicle seat device has a base portion that is attached to the floor via a slide device, a rotating portion that is attached to a seat cushion and rotatably supported on the base portion, and a rotary actuator that rotates the rotating portion relative to the base portion. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-132093 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When the rotation actuator is provided above the rotating part, the space between the seat cushion and the rotating part is reduced. As a result, there is a problem that it is difficult to arrange other devices, such as an electronic control unit or a blower, below the seat cushion. In addition, the rotating device may be provided with a rotation lock device to restrict the rotation of the rotating part relative to the base. When the rotation lock device is provided above the rotating part, there is a problem that the space between the seat cushion and the rotating part is further reduced.

[0005] In view of the above background, an object of the present invention is to provide a rotating device that can secure space on the seat cushion side, and a method for manufacturing the rotating device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problem, one aspect of the present invention is a rotation device (2) that is provided between a floor (5) and a seat cushion (11) and rotatably supports the seat cushion relative to the floor, and that includes a base plate (56) provided on the floor side, a rotation plate (71) provided on the seat cushion side and rotatably supported on the base plate, a rotation actuator (53) that rotates the rotation plate relative to the base plate, and a rotation lock device (54) that selectively prohibits rotation of the rotation plate relative to the base plate, and the rotation actuator and the rotation lock device are attached to the underside of the base plate.

[0007] According to this aspect, since the rotation actuator and the rotation lock device are disposed below the base plate, it is possible to ensure space on the seat cushion side of the rotation plate.

[0008] In the above aspect, the rotation locking device may have a holder (122) protruding downward from the underside of the base plate, and a locking claw (121) rotatably supported by the holder and penetrating the base plate to engage with the rotating plate, the holder having a peripheral wall portion (123) extending in a circumferential direction centered on a first axis (A) which is the rotation axis of the rotating plate, and a pair of end wall portions (124) extending radially inward from both ends of the peripheral wall portion centered on the first axis, and the locking claw may have a pair of arm portions (121A) rotatably supported by each of the end wall portions and in sliding contact with each of the end wall portions.

[0009] According to this aspect, rattle of the locking claw relative to the holder in the rotation direction can be suppressed, thereby suppressing rattle of the rotating plate relative to the base plate in the rotation direction.

[0010] In the above aspect, each of the end wall portions may extend above the base plate through an opening (126) formed in the base plate, and the second axis (B), which is the rotation axis of each of the arm portions, may be positioned above the base plate.

[0011] According to this aspect, the distance between the rotation axis of the locking pawl and the tip of the locking pawl can be reduced, thereby reducing the space required for the locking pawl to rotate.

[0012] In the above aspect, a gear (116) centered on the rotation axis is provided on the underside of the rotating plate, the rotary actuator has a pinion (115) that meshes with the gear, and the second axis may be located above the gear.

[0013] According to this aspect, the distance between the rotation axis of the locking claw and the tip of the locking claw can be further reduced.

[0014] In the above aspect, the rotary actuator may have an electric motor (111) and a reduction mechanism (112) that reduces the rotation of the electric motor and transmits it to the pinion, and the electric motor and the reduction mechanism may be arranged below the base plate.

[0015] According to this aspect, a space can be secured on the seat cushion side of the rotating plate.

[0016] In the above aspect, the rotation actuator and the rotation lock device may be disposed in point symmetry with respect to the first axis.

[0017] According to this aspect, interference between the rotation actuator and the rotation lock device can be avoided.

[0018] In the above aspect, the base plate may be formed in a circular shape, a circular fixing member (66) may be connected to the outer peripheral edge of the base plate, a pair of front and rear cross members (57) extending in the left-right direction may be connected to the front and rear of the base plate, and the cross members may be connected to the floor side member.

[0019] According to this aspect, the base plate can be stably supported by the floor-side member against the longitudinal load applied to the rotating plate from the seat cushion-side member.

[0020] In the above aspect, the fixing member has a cylindrical tube wall (67) centered on the first axis, an inner flange (68) extending above the rotating plate from the upper edge of the tube wall, and a plurality of connecting pieces (69) extending below the base plate from the lower edge of the tube wall, and the inner flange is provided with a sliding member (85), and the sliding member has a vertical wall portion (85A) abutting the inner peripheral edge of the inner flange and extending in the vertical direction, a lower wall portion (85B) extending radially outward from the lower end of the vertical wall portion along the lower surface of the inner flange and centered on the first axis, and an upper wall portion (85C) extending radially outward from the upper end of the vertical wall portion along the upper surface of the inner flange and centered on the first axis, and the lower wall portion may be formed longer than the upper wall portion in the radial direction centered on the first axis.

[0021] According to this aspect, the sliding contact area between the rotating plate and the lower wall portion of the sliding member can be increased, thereby enabling the sliding member to stably support the edge portion of the rotating plate.

[0022] In the above aspect, the rotating plate may be formed with a plurality of locking holes (132) with which the locking claws can selectively engage, a reinforcing plate (155) may be provided at a position corresponding to one of the locking holes (132A) of the rotating plate, and a through hole (155A) facing the locking hole may be formed in the reinforcing plate.

[0023] According to this aspect, the lock hole can be reinforced, thereby reliably restricting the rotation of the rotary plate relative to the base plate.

[0024] In the above aspect, the locking claw may have a claw portion (121C) that projects into the locking hole from below, and the claw portion may have a tapered shape that narrows toward the tip.

[0025] According to this aspect, the claw portion of the locking claw can be fitted into the locking hole without any rattle, so that the rotation of the rotating plate relative to the base plate can be reliably restricted.

[0026] In the above aspect, the reinforcing plate may be formed to have a thickness greater than a thickness of the rotating plate, and the through hole may be formed to be shorter than the lock hole in the circumferential direction centered on the first axis.

[0027] According to this aspect, the claw portion of the locking claw abuts against the reinforcing member having high rigidity, thereby preventing damage to the rotating plate.

[0028] In the above aspect, the rotating plate may be connected to the seat cushion via a fixed bracket (72), and a plurality of rollers (166) may be interposed between the cross member and the fixed bracket.

[0029] According to this aspect, the outer periphery of the fixed bracket is supported from below by the plurality of rollers, which prevents the fixed bracket from tilting or deforming, thereby stabilizing the position of the seat cushion.

[0030] In the above aspect, the rollers may be arranged on a virtual circle (C) centered on the first axis, and may be arranged in a position where all of the virtual circle overlaps with the fixed bracket when viewed from a direction along the first axis.

[0031] According to this aspect, even when the rotating plate rotates relative to the base plate, the plurality of rollers can always support the fixed bracket from below.

[0032] Another aspect of the present invention is a manufacturing method of a rotation device (2) that is provided between a floor (5) and a seat cushion (11) and supports the seat cushion rotatably relative to the floor, the rotation device having a base plate (56), a rotation plate (71) facing the base plate, an annular bearing (78) interposed between the base plate and the rotation plate, and a fixing member (66) coupled to an outer periphery of the base plate, the fixing member having a cylindrical wall (67) that receives the base plate and the rotation plate, The base plate has an inner flange (68) extending above the rotating plate from the upper edge of the cylindrical wall, and a plurality of connecting pieces (69) provided on the lower edge of the cylindrical wall, and includes the steps of arranging the base plate, the bearing, and the rotating plate in a stacked manner and arranging the fixing member on the outer periphery of the base plate and the rotating plate, bending the plurality of connecting pieces radially inward of the cylindrical wall and clamping the base plate and the rotating plate between the inner flange and the connecting pieces, and welding the plurality of connecting pieces to the base plate.

[0033] According to this aspect, the base plate, the bearing, the rotating plate, and the fixing member are assembled together by bending the connecting pieces, which makes it easy to weld the connecting pieces to the base plate.

[0034] In the above aspect, the plurality of joining pieces may be bent toward the base plate in a direction perpendicular to the base plate.

[0035] According to this aspect, the multiple connecting pieces can be easily bent. [Effects of the Invention]

[0036] One aspect of the present invention is a rotation device (2) that is provided between a floor (5) and a seat cushion (11) and rotatably supports the seat cushion relative to the floor, and that includes a base plate (56) provided on the floor side, a rotation plate (71) provided on the seat cushion side and rotatably supported on the base plate, a rotation actuator (53) that rotates the rotation plate relative to the base plate, and a rotation lock device (54) that selectively prohibits rotation of the rotation plate relative to the base plate, and the rotation actuator and the rotation lock device are attached to the underside of the base plate.

[0037] According to this aspect, since the rotation actuator and the rotation lock device are disposed below the base plate, it is possible to ensure space on the seat cushion side of the rotation plate.

[0038] In the above aspect, the rotation locking device may have a holder (122) protruding downward from the underside of the base plate, and a locking claw (121) rotatably supported by the holder and penetrating the base plate to engage with the rotating plate, the holder having a peripheral wall portion (123) extending in a circumferential direction centered on a first axis (A) which is the rotation axis of the rotating plate, and a pair of end wall portions (124) extending radially inward from both ends of the peripheral wall portion centered on the first axis, and the locking claw may have a pair of arm portions (121A) rotatably supported by each of the end wall portions and in sliding contact with each of the end wall portions.

[0039] According to this aspect, rattle of the locking claw relative to the holder in the rotation direction can be suppressed, thereby suppressing rattle of the rotating plate relative to the base plate in the rotation direction.

[0040] In the above aspect, each of the end wall portions may extend above the base plate through an opening (126) formed in the base plate, and the second axis (B), which is the rotation axis of each of the arm portions, may be positioned above the base plate.

[0041] According to this aspect, the distance between the rotation axis of the locking pawl and the tip of the locking pawl can be reduced, thereby reducing the space required for the locking pawl to rotate.

[0042] In the above aspect, a gear (116) centered on the rotation axis is provided on the underside of the rotating plate, the rotary actuator has a pinion (115) that meshes with the gear, and the second axis may be located above the gear.

[0043] According to this aspect, the distance between the rotation axis of the locking claw and the tip of the locking claw can be further reduced.

[0044] In the above aspect, the rotary actuator may have an electric motor (111) and a reduction mechanism (112) that reduces the rotation of the electric motor and transmits it to the pinion, and the electric motor and the reduction mechanism may be arranged below the base plate.

[0045] According to this aspect, a space can be secured on the seat cushion side of the rotating plate.

[0046] In the above aspect, the rotation actuator and the rotation lock device may be disposed in point symmetry with respect to the first axis.

[0047] According to this aspect, interference between the rotation actuator and the rotation lock device can be avoided.

[0048] In the above aspect, the base plate may be formed in a circular shape, a circular fixing member (66) may be connected to the outer peripheral edge of the base plate, a pair of front and rear cross members (57) extending in the left-right direction may be connected to the front and rear of the base plate, and the cross members may be connected to the floor side member.

[0049] According to this aspect, the base plate can be stably supported by the floor-side member against the longitudinal load applied to the rotating plate from the seat cushion-side member.

[0050] In the above aspect, the fixing member has a cylindrical tube wall (67) centered on the first axis, an inner flange (68) extending above the rotating plate from the upper edge of the tube wall, and a plurality of connecting pieces (69) extending below the base plate from the lower edge of the tube wall, and the inner flange is provided with a sliding member (85), and the sliding member has a vertical wall portion (85A) abutting the inner peripheral edge of the inner flange and extending in the vertical direction, a lower wall portion (85B) extending radially outward from the lower end of the vertical wall portion along the lower surface of the inner flange and centered on the first axis, and an upper wall portion (85C) extending radially outward from the upper end of the vertical wall portion along the upper surface of the inner flange and centered on the first axis, and the lower wall portion may be formed longer than the upper wall portion in the radial direction centered on the first axis.

[0051] According to this aspect, the sliding contact area between the rotating plate and the lower wall portion of the sliding member can be increased, thereby enabling the sliding member to stably support the edge portion of the rotating plate.

[0052] In the above aspect, the rotating plate may be formed with a plurality of locking holes (132) with which the locking claws can selectively engage, a reinforcing plate (155) may be provided at a position corresponding to one of the locking holes (132A) of the rotating plate, and a through hole (155A) facing the locking hole may be formed in the reinforcing plate.

[0053] According to this aspect, the lock hole can be reinforced, thereby reliably restricting the rotation of the rotary plate relative to the base plate.

[0054] In the above aspect, the locking claw may have a claw portion (121C) that projects into the locking hole from below, and the claw portion may have a tapered shape that narrows toward the tip.

[0055] According to this aspect, the claw portion of the locking claw can be fitted into the locking hole without any rattle, so that the rotation of the rotating plate relative to the base plate can be reliably restricted.

[0056] In the above aspect, the reinforcing plate may be formed to have a thickness greater than a thickness of the rotating plate, and the through hole may be formed to be shorter than the lock hole in the circumferential direction centered on the first axis.

[0057] According to this aspect, the claw portion of the locking claw abuts against the reinforcing member having high rigidity, thereby preventing damage to the rotating plate.

[0058] In the above aspect, the rotating plate may be connected to the seat cushion via a fixed bracket (72), and a plurality of rollers (166) may be interposed between the cross member and the fixed bracket.

[0059] According to this aspect, the outer periphery of the fixed bracket is supported from below by the plurality of rollers, which prevents the fixed bracket from tilting or deforming, thereby stabilizing the position of the seat cushion.

[0060] In the above aspect, the rollers may be arranged on a virtual circle (C) centered on the first axis, and may be arranged in a position where all of the virtual circle overlaps with the fixed bracket when viewed from a direction along the first axis.

[0061] According to this aspect, even when the rotating plate rotates relative to the base plate, the plurality of rollers can always support the fixed bracket from below.

[0062] Another aspect of the present invention is a manufacturing method of a rotation device (2) that is provided between a floor (5) and a seat cushion (11) and supports the seat cushion rotatably relative to the floor, the rotation device having a base plate (56), a rotation plate (71) facing the base plate, an annular bearing (78) interposed between the base plate and the rotation plate, and a fixing member (66) coupled to an outer periphery of the base plate, the fixing member having a cylindrical wall (67) that receives the base plate and the rotation plate, The base plate has an inner flange (68) extending above the rotating plate from the upper edge of the cylindrical wall, and a plurality of connecting pieces (69) provided on the lower edge of the cylindrical wall, and includes the steps of arranging the base plate, the bearing, and the rotating plate in a stacked manner and arranging the fixing member on the outer periphery of the base plate and the rotating plate, bending the plurality of connecting pieces radially inward of the cylindrical wall and clamping the base plate and the rotating plate between the inner flange and the connecting pieces, and welding the plurality of connecting pieces to the base plate.

[0063] According to this aspect, the base plate, the bearing, the rotating plate, and the fixing member are assembled together by bending the multiple connecting pieces, which makes it easy to weld the multiple connecting pieces to the base plate.

[0064] In the above aspect, the plurality of joining pieces may be bent toward the base plate in a direction perpendicular to the base plate.

[0065] According to this aspect, the multiple connecting pieces can be easily bent. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0066] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a seat according to an embodiment; [Figure 2] Plan view of the rotating device [Figure 3] Bottom view of the rotating device [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a rotating device with the rotating plate omitted. [Figure 5] Exploded perspective view of the rotating device [Figure 6] Cross section of a rotating device [Figure 7] Cross section of a rotating device [Figure 8] Cross section of a rotating device [Figure 9] Perspective view of a rotation lock device [Figure 10] Plan view of the rotation lock device [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the state in which the locking claw is engaged with the first to fourth locking holes. [Figure 12] 1 is a perspective view of a base-side separation prevention unit and a rotation-side separation prevention unit; [Figure 13] 1 is a side view of a base-side separation prevention unit and a rotation-side separation prevention unit; [Figure 14] Cross section of roller DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0067] Hereinafter, an embodiment in which a rotation device according to the present invention is applied to a car seat will be described with reference to the drawings. In other embodiments, the rotation device may be applied to seats of other vehicles such as trains, airplanes, and ships.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle seat apparatus 1 has a rotation device 2. The vehicle seat apparatus 1 also has a seat body 3 and a slide device 4. The rotation device 2 is mounted on a floor 5 via the slide device 4. The seat body 3 has a seat cushion 11 and a seat back 12. The seat cushion 11 supports the buttocks of a user from below. The seat back 12 extends upward from the rear of the seat cushion 11. The seat back 12 supports the back of the user from behind.

[0069] The seat cushion 11 includes a seat cushion frame 14 forming a framework, a pad supported by the seat cushion frame 14, and a covering material covering the surface of the pad. The seat cushion frame 14 includes left and right seat cushion side members 18 extending longitudinally, a front member 19 extending laterally and connected to the front ends of the left and right seat cushion side members 18, and a rear member 21 extending laterally and connected to the rear ends of the left and right seat cushion side members 18. A flexible support member 22 supporting the user's buttocks is bridged between the front member 19 and the rear member 21. The support member 22 may include a plurality of metal wires and flexible resin plates connected to each wire. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 16 , side covers 23 are provided on the left and right sides of the seat cushion 11. The side covers 23 are supported by the seat cushion side members 18 and conceal the ends of the pad and the covering material. The side covers 23 may be formed of a resin material.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 1 , the seatback 12 includes a seatback frame 25 forming a framework, a pad supported by the seatback frame 25, and a covering material covering the surface of the pad. The seatback frame 25 includes left and right seatback side members 29 extending vertically, an upper member 31 extending laterally and connected to the upper ends of the left and right seatback side members 29, a lower member 32 extending laterally and connected to the lower ends of the left and right seatback side members 29, and an intermediate member 33 extending laterally between the upper member 31 and the lower member 32 and connected to the left and right seatback side members 29. The left and right seatback side members 29, the upper member 31, the lower member 32, and the intermediate member 33 are formed by bending a metal plate. A flexible support member 34 that supports the back of a user is stretched across the left and right seatback side members 29, the intermediate member 33, and the lower member 32. The support member 34 may be formed of a plurality of metal wires. The lower ends of the left and right seatback side members 29 are connected to the rear ends of the corresponding seat cushion side members 18 via reclining devices 35 .

[0071] 1 and 5, the slide device 4 has left and right lower rails 37 extending in the front-rear direction, and left and right upper rails 38 supported on the lower rails 37 so as to be slidable in the front-rear direction. Each lower rail 37 is connected to the floor 5 via front and rear feet 39. A slide lock device (not shown) is provided between each lower rail 37 and the corresponding upper rail 38. The left and right slide lock devices are connected to each other by a slide operating lever 41 extending in the left and right directions. A user can operate the slide operating lever 41 to make the upper rail 38 slidable relative to the lower rail 37.

[0072] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, the rotation device 2 is provided between a floor 5 and a seat cushion 11, and supports the seat cushion 11 rotatably with respect to the floor 5. The rotation device 2 has a base portion 51, a rotation portion 52, a rotation actuator 53, and a rotation lock device 54.

[0073] The base portion 51 is provided on the floor 5 side. In this embodiment, the base portion 51 is provided on the floor 5 via the slide device 4. The base portion 51 has a circular base plate 56 with its surfaces facing up and down. The base plate 56 is supported on the left and right upper rails 38 via a pair of front and rear cross members 57. Each cross member 57 extends left and right, and is joined at both ends to the left and right upper rails 38. Both left and right ends of the front cross member 57 are joined to the front ends of the corresponding left and right upper rails 38. Both left and right ends of the rear-front cross member 57 are joined to the rear ends of the corresponding left and right upper rails 38.

[0074] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the front and rear cross members 57 are arranged at a distance from each other in the front and rear directions. The base plate 56 and the front and rear cross members 57 may be formed from metal plates. The cross section of each cross member 57 may be formed in a groove shape that opens downward. The front-to-rear width of the left and right end portions 57A of each cross member 57 is larger than the front-to-rear width of the central portion 57B. The left and right end portions 57A have upper surfaces facing the vertical direction. A plurality of reinforcing structures 59 are formed in the central portion 57B. The multiple reinforcing structures 59 may be beads. The reinforcing structures 59 may extend in the left-to-right direction. Alternatively, the reinforcing structures 59 may extend obliquely outwardly to the left and right and rearward from the center of the central portion 57B.

[0075] As shown in Figures 3 and 5, the front and rear cross members 57 and the base plate 56 may be fastened together with bolts and nuts. The front and rear cross members 57 are connected to each other by the base plate 56. The front portion of the base plate 56 is connected to the front cross member 57 at a first connection point 58A, a second connection point 58B, and a third connection point 58C. The first connection point 58A is located at the front end of the base plate 56 and in the center in the left-right direction. The second connection point 58B is located rearward and to the left of the first connection point 58A. The third connection point 58C is located rearward and to the right of the first connection point 58A.

[0076] The rear of the base plate 56 is connected to the front cross member 57 at a fourth connection point 58D, a fifth connection point 58E, and a sixth connection point 58F. The fourth connection point 58D is located at the rear end of the base plate 56 and in the center in the left-right direction. The fifth connection point 58E is located forward and to the left of the fourth connection point 58D. The sixth connection point 58F is located forward and to the right of the fourth connection point 58D.

[0077] As shown in FIGS. 5 to 8, a first bulge 61 that bulges downward is formed in the center of the base plate 56. The first bulge 61 is formed in a cylindrical shape with a bottom. A circular first bearing hole 62 that penetrates the first bulge 61 in the thickness direction is formed in the center of the first bulge 61. The first bearing hole 62 is centered on an axis A (first axis) that extends vertically. An annular edge wall 63 that protrudes upward or downward may be formed on the edge of the first bearing hole 62.

[0078] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 8 , an annular fixing member 66 is coupled to the outer periphery of the base plate 56. The fixing member 66 includes a cylindrical tubular wall 67 extending along the outer periphery of the base plate 56 and extending upward, an inner flange 68 extending radially inward from the upper end of the tubular wall 67, and multiple connecting pieces 69 provided at the lower end of the tubular wall 67. The inner flange 68 is formed in an annular shape, with its surface facing up and down. The multiple connecting pieces 69 are bent during assembly to extend below the base plate 56. The outer periphery of the base plate 56 is disposed between the inner flange 68 and the connecting pieces 69 in the vertical direction. The multiple connecting pieces 69 provided at the front and rear of the base plate 56 are preferably sandwiched between the base plate 56 and the corresponding cross members 57 in the vertical direction. The multiple connecting pieces 69 are welded to the base plate 56. Alternatively, the fixing member 66 may be formed by combining multiple components. A plurality of reinforcing structures may be provided at the boundary between the cylindrical wall 67 and the inner flange 68. The reinforcing structures may be, for example, recesses, ribs, or the like.

[0079] 2 and 5 to 8, the rotating part 52 is provided on the seat cushion 11 and is rotatably supported by the base part 51. The rotating part 52 has a rotating plate 71 rotatably supported on the upper surface of the base plate 56. The rotating part 52 also has a fixed bracket 72 that connects the rotating plate 71 to the seat cushion frame 14. The rotating plate 71 and the fixed bracket 72 are formed from a metal plate.

[0080] Rotating plate 71 is formed in the shape of a disk with its surfaces facing up and down. A circular second bearing hole 75 is formed in the center of rotating plate 71, penetrating through the thickness direction. Second bearing hole 75 is centered on axis A. An annular edge wall 76 that protrudes upward or downward may be formed on the edge of second bearing hole 75.

[0081] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 , the rotating plate 71 is supported on the upper surface of the base plate 56 via a bearing 78. The bearing 78 is formed in an annular shape centered on the axis A. The bearing 78 is disposed between the upper surface of the outer periphery of the base plate 56 and the lower surface of the outer periphery of the rotating plate 71. The bearing 78 may be a thrust bearing. In this embodiment, the bearing 78 is a ball bearing. The ball bearing has a plurality of balls and an annular retainer that rotatably supports the plurality of balls. A first bearing groove 81 that receives the lower part of the bearing 78 is formed in the upper surface of the outer periphery of the base plate 56. A second bearing groove 82 that receives the upper part of the bearing 78 is formed in the lower surface of the outer periphery of the rotating plate 71. A space 84 is formed between the center of the rotating plate 71 and the first bulge 61 of the base plate 56.

[0082] As shown in FIG. 8 , the fixed member 66 extends above the outer periphery of the rotating plate 71. Specifically, the inner flange 68 of the fixed member 66 extends above the outer periphery of the rotating plate 71. A sliding member 85 is provided on the inner flange 68. The sliding member 85 has a vertical wall portion 85A that abuts against the inner peripheral edge of the inner flange 68 and extends in the vertical direction, a lower wall portion 85B that extends from the lower end of the vertical wall portion 85A along the lower surface of the inner flange 68 in a radially outward direction about the axis A, and an upper wall portion 85C that extends from the upper end of the vertical wall portion 85A along the upper surface of the inner flange 68 in a radially outward direction about the axis A. The outer periphery of the rotating plate 71 is in sliding contact with the inner flange 68 via the lower wall portion 85B of the sliding member 85. In the radial direction about the axis A, the lower wall portion 85B is formed longer than the upper wall portion 85C. This increases the sliding contact area between the rotary plate 71 and the lower wall portion 85B of the sliding member 85. This allows the sliding member 85 to support the edge of the rotary plate 71 with good stability.

[0083] The fixed member 66 may press the rotating plate 71 toward the base plate 56 via the sliding member 85. The sliding member 85 is in sliding contact with a portion of the rotating plate 71 that is outer circumferential side of the second bearing groove 82. The sliding member 85 may be in sliding contact with the outer circumferential edge of the rotating plate 71. The sliding member 85 is made of a resin material that has a smaller coefficient of friction than metal. The sliding member 85 may be divided into multiple members.

[0084] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, a support tube 87 extending vertically is inserted into the first bearing hole 62 and the second bearing hole 75. The support tube 87 is a cylinder open at both the top and bottom ends. The support tube 87 is made of metal. An outwardly bulging annular rib 88 is formed on the outer periphery of the support tube 87. A cylindrical bushing 91 is attached to the edge of the second bearing hole 75 of the rotating plate 71. The bushing 91 is supported by a portion of the support tube 87 above the annular rib 88. A drop-off prevention ring 92 is provided above the bushing 91. The upper end of the support tube 87 is crimped to form an expanded diameter portion 93. The bushing 91 and the drop-off prevention ring 92 are sandwiched between the annular rib 88 and the expanded diameter portion 93. This determines the vertical position of the rotating plate 71 relative to the support tube 87. The support tube 87 is rotatably supported in the second bearing hole 75 of the rotating plate 71 via the bushing 91.

[0085] The first bearing hole 62 of the base plate 56 is disposed below the annular rib 88. The portion of the support cylinder 87 below the annular rib 88 may be rotatably supported in the first bearing hole 62, or may be welded to the first bearing hole 62. The support cylinder 87 positions the base plate 56 and the rotating plate 71 on the axis A.

[0086] As shown in Fig. 8, an annular protrusion 95 that bulges upward is formed on the inner side of the second bearing groove 82 of the rotating plate 71. The protrusion 95 is formed in an annular shape centered on the axis A. A plurality of bolts 96 extending upward are provided on the protrusion 95. The bolts 96 may be stud bolts.

[0087] As shown in Figures 5 and 8, the fixed bracket 72 is formed in the shape of a plate with its surfaces facing up and down. It is preferable that the fixed bracket 72 be formed in a rectangular shape when viewed from above. A recess 101 that is recessed downward is formed in the center of the fixed bracket 72. An opening 102 that penetrates vertically is formed in the center of the recess 101. A plurality of fastening holes 103 through which a plurality of bolts 96 pass is formed in the bottom of the recess 101. The rotating plate 71 and the fixed bracket 72 are fastened to each other by attaching nuts 104 to each bolt 96. When viewed from above, the fixed bracket 72 is formed larger than the rotating plate 71. The fixed bracket 72 faces the front and rear cross members 57 in the vertical direction.

[0088] The fixing bracket 72 is connected to the left and right seat cushion side members 18 by fasteners such as bolts and nuts. A load cell may be interposed between the fixing bracket 72 and the seat cushion side members 18.

[0089] The rotary actuator 53 rotates the rotating plate 71 relative to the base plate 56. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 6 , the rotary actuator 53 is attached to the underside of the base plate 56. The rotary actuator 53 is disposed forward of the axis A. The rotary actuator 53 includes an electric motor 111 and a speed reduction mechanism 112. The rotary actuator 53 does not include a worm reducer. In this embodiment, the speed reduction mechanism 112 includes a pinion 115 coupled to the output shaft 113 of the electric motor 111 and a gear 116 coupled to the rotating plate 71. The pinion 115 and the gear 116 are spur gears. The gear 116 is a gear centered on the axis A. The gear 116 is coupled to the underside of the rotating plate 71 via a spacer 117 and disposed in the space 84. The number of teeth of the gear 116 is greater than the number of teeth of the pinion 115.

[0090] The rotary actuator 53 is coupled to the lower surface of the base plate 56. The rotary actuator 53 may be coupled to the lower surface of the base plate 56 via a bracket. An output shaft 113 of the rotary actuator 53 extends upward from the reduction mechanism 112. The output shaft 113 passes through a through-hole 119 formed in the base plate 56 and extends into the space 84. A pinion 115 coupled to the output shaft 113 is disposed in the space 84 and meshes with a gear 116. The electric motor 111 and the reduction mechanism 112 are disposed below the base plate 56.

[0091] The rotation lock device 54 selectively prohibits rotation of the rotating plate 71 relative to the base plate 56. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 7 to 10, the rotation lock device 54 is attached to the underside of the base plate 56. The rotation lock device 54 has a holder 122 that protrudes downward from the underside of the base plate 56, and a lock claw 121 that is rotatably supported by the holder 122 and penetrates the base plate 56 to engage with the rotating plate 71. The lock claw 121 is displaceable between a locked position where it engages with the rotating plate 71 and an unlocked position where it is separated from the rotating plate 71. The lock claw 121 and the holder 122 are formed from a metal plate.

[0092] The holder 122 has a peripheral wall portion 123 extending in the circumferential direction centered on axis A, which is the rotation axis of the rotating plate 71, and a pair of end wall portions 124 extending radially inward from both ends of the peripheral wall portion 123 centered on axis A. The holder 122 has a bottom plate 125 extending along the lower surface of the base plate 56 and joined to the lower surface of the base plate 56. The bottom plate 125 extends along the lower surface of the first bulge portion 61. The peripheral wall portion 123 and the pair of end wall portions 124 protrude downward from the bottom plate 125. The pair of end wall portions 124 are joined to the bottom plate 125. The peripheral wall portion 123 may be joined to the bottom plate 125. The peripheral wall portion 123 and the pair of end wall portions 124 are formed by bending a metal plate. The peripheral wall portion 123 and the pair of end wall portions 124 may be formed by combining multiple metal plates.

[0093] A pair of openings 126 that penetrate vertically are formed in the bottom plate 125 and the first bulging portion 61. The pair of openings 126 are formed at positions corresponding to the end wall portions 124, respectively. Each end wall portion 124 has an extension portion 124A that passes through the corresponding opening 126 and extends above the base plate 56. The upper end of each extension portion 124A is disposed within the space 84. The upper end of each extension portion 124A extends above the gear 116.

[0094] The locking claw 121 has a pair of arms 121A rotatably supported on the end wall portions 124, a beam portion 121B connecting the tips of the pair of arms 121A, and a claw portion 121C protruding from the beam portion 121B. Each arm 121A is rotatably supported on the corresponding extension portion 124A around an axis B (second axis). The axis B forms the rotation axis of the locking claw 121. The axis B is disposed above the base plate 56 and may be disposed above the gear 116. The pair of arms 121A pass through the corresponding openings 126 and extend from within the space 84 below the base plate 56. The pair of arms 121A extend along the corresponding end wall portions 124 and are in sliding contact with the corresponding end wall portions 124. The beam portion 121B is disposed below the base plate 56 and extends horizontally. Additionally, beam portion 121B extends in the circumferential direction centered on axis A. Claw portion 121C is provided at the center of beam portion 121B in the longitudinal direction. Each arm portion 121A has an arm base end portion 121E supported by extension portion 124A, and an arm tip end portion 121F that extends and bends from arm base end portion 121E. Beam portion 121B is coupled to the pair of arm tip ends 121F.

[0095] Insertion holes 131 are formed in the base plate 56 and the bottom plate 125, penetrating in the up-down direction. The insertion holes 131 extend in the circumferential direction centered on the axis A. The rotating plate 71 is formed with a plurality of locking holes 132 with which the locking claws 121 can be selectively engaged. Each locking hole 132 extends in the circumferential direction centered on the axis A. The plurality of locking holes 132 are provided at positions rotationally symmetrical about the axis A. When the rotating plate 71 is at a predetermined rotational position relative to the base plate 56, the insertion hole 131 faces one of the plurality of locking holes 132.

[0096] As shown in FIG. 3 , the rotation lock device 54 is disposed to the left of the axis A. The rotation actuator 53 is disposed to the right of the axis A. The rotation actuator 53 and the rotation lock device 54 are disposed in point-symmetric positions about the axis A. When viewed from the top-bottom direction, the rotation lock device 54 and the rotation actuator 53 are disposed between the front and rear cross members 57.

[0097] When the rotating plate 71 is in the initial position, the seat main body 3 faces forward. As shown in FIG. 2, the multiple lock holes 132 include first to fourth lock holes 132A to 132D. When the rotating plate 71 is in the initial position, the first lock hole 132A is located to the left of the axis A, the second lock hole 132B is located in front of the axis A, the third lock hole 132C is located to the right of the axis A, and the fourth lock hole 132D is located behind the axis A. The lock holes 132 are arranged at 90-degree intervals from one another around the axis A. When the rotating plate 71 is in the initial position, the first lock hole 132A faces the insertion hole 131 in the up-down direction.

[0098] As shown in FIG. 7, the claw portion 121C of the lock claw 121 passes through the insertion hole 131 and fits into one of the lock holes 132, thereby restricting the rotation of the rotary plate 71 relative to the base plate .

[0099] The locking claw 121 rotates between a locked position where the claw portion 121C is inserted into the insertion hole 131 and one of the locking holes 132, and an unlocked position where the claw portion 121C is spaced downward from the insertion hole 131 and the locking hole 132. That is, the locking claw 121 is displaced between a locked position where it is engaged with the rotating plate 71 and an unlocked position where it is spaced away from the rotating plate 71. A biasing member 134 is provided between the locking claw 121 and the holder 122 to bias the locking claw 121 toward the locked position. In this embodiment, the biasing member 134 is a tension coil spring. The biasing member 134 is preferably connected to the arm portion 121A and the peripheral wall portion 123.

[0100] When the locking claw 121 is in the locked position, the beam 121B and each arm tip 121F extend along the underside of the base plate 56. At this time, each arm base end 121E extends vertically through the opening 126. When the locking claw 121 is in the unlocked position, the beam 121B and each arm tip 121F are spaced downward from the underside of the base plate 56. In addition, the tip of the claw 121C is positioned below the base plate 56.

[0101] As shown in FIG. 10 , the locking claw 121 is connected to a manual operation lever by a control cable 141. The control cable 141 has a tubular outer casing 143 and an inner cable 144 displaceably received in the outer casing 143. One end of the outer casing 143 is engaged with a casing locking portion 145 of the holder 122. The casing locking portion 145 protrudes downward from the bottom plate 125. The other end of the outer casing 143 is engaged with the seat cushion frame 14 or the side cover 23. One end of the inner cable 144 is engaged with a cable locking portion 146 provided on the beam portion 121B of the locking claw 121. The other end of the inner cable 144 is engaged with a manual operation lever (not shown). The manual operation lever may be rotatably supported on the seat cushion frame 14 or the side cover 23.

[0102] When the user pulls the manual operation lever, the control cable 141 pulls the locking claw 121 from the locked position to the unlocked position, thereby enabling the rotating part 52 to rotate relative to the base part 51. When the user stops operating the manual operation lever, the biasing force of the biasing member 134 moves the locking claw 121 from the unlocked position to the locked position. In other words, the rotation locking device 54 changes between the locked state and the unlocked state through manual operation by the user.

[0103] The rotation lock device 54 has an unlocking actuator 151 that moves the locking pawl 121 from the locked position to the unlocked position. The unlocking actuator 151 has an electric motor 152, a speed reduction mechanism 153 that reduces the speed of the driving force of the electric motor 152 before transmitting it, and an arm 154 that is attached to the output shaft of the speed reduction mechanism 153. The arm 154 is engaged with the locking pawl 121. A contact portion 121G that protrudes downward is provided at one arm tip 121F of the locking pawl 121. The arm 154 presses against the contact portion 121G to move the locking pawl 121 from the locked position to the unlocked position.

[0104] The electric motor 152 and the reduction mechanism 153 may be supported by at least one of the holder 122 and the base plate 56. When the electric motor 152 is driven by supplying power to the electric motor 152, the arm 154 rotates against the biasing force of the biasing member 134, and the arm 154 moves the locking claw 121 from the locked position to the unlocked position. When the supply of power to the electric motor 152 is stopped and the electric motor 152 stops, the biasing force of the biasing member 134 moves the locking claw 121 from the unlocked position to the locked position. At this time, the arm 154 and the electric motor 152 are pushed by the abutting portion 121G and rotate.

[0105] When the locking claw 121 is moved from the locked position to the unlocked position by the control cable 141, the locking claw 121 moves away from the arm 154, so that the unlocking actuator 151 does not provide resistance.

[0106] 2 and 7, a reinforcing plate 155 is joined to the upper surface of the rotating plate 71 at a portion corresponding to the first lock hole 132A. The reinforcing plate 155 is preferably welded to the rotating plate 71. The reinforcing plate 155 has surfaces facing up and down and extends in the circumferential direction centered on the axis A. The thickness of the reinforcing plate 155 is greater than the thickness of the rotating plate 71. As a result, the reinforcing plate 155 increases the section modulus and the moment of inertia of the rotating plate 71 around the first lock hole 132A.

[0107] A through hole 155A facing the first lock hole 132A is formed in the reinforcing plate 155. Both ends of the through hole 155A in the circumferential direction about the axis A are disposed between both ends of the first lock hole 132A in the circumferential direction about the axis A. In other words, the through hole 155A is formed shorter than the first lock hole 132A in the circumferential direction about the axis A. The radial width of the through hole 155A about the axis A is preferably equal to the radial width of the first lock hole 132A about the axis A.

[0108] 11, the claw portion 121C has a tapered shape that narrows toward the tip. This makes it easier for the claw portion 121C to enter the lock hole 132. When the claw portion 121C enters the first lock hole 132A, the claw portion 121C comes into contact with both ends of the through hole 155A in the circumferential direction about the axis A. At this time, the claw portion 121C does not come into contact with both ends of the first lock hole 132A in the circumferential direction about the axis A. When the rotating plate 71 is in the reference rotation position, that is, when the seat main body 3 faces forward, the lock claw 121 engages with the through hole 155A of the reinforcing plate 155, so that the rotation of the seat main body 3 is more firmly restricted when facing forward. 11, the second to fourth lock holes 132B to 132D are not provided with reinforcing plates 155, so the insertion depth of the claw portions 121C into the second to fourth lock holes 132B to 132D is large. In other embodiments, reinforcing plates 155 may also be provided in the second to fourth lock holes 132B to 132D.

[0109] 2, 12, and 13, a plurality of base-side peeling prevention units 161 are provided on the upper surfaces of the front and rear cross members 57. The plurality of base-side peeling prevention units 161 are preferably arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction around the axis A. In this embodiment, a plurality of base-side peeling prevention units 161 are provided at each of the left and right end portions 57A of the front cross member 57 and at each of the left and right end portions 57A of the rear cross member 57. The four base-side peeling prevention units 161 are arranged at 90-degree intervals around the axis A.

[0110] Each base side peeling prevention unit 161 has a bottom plate 162 connected to the cross member 57, a first base side hook 163 and a second base side hook 164 provided on the bottom plate 162, a roller support wall 165 provided on the bottom plate 162, and a roller 166 rotatably supported on the roller support wall 165.

[0111] The bottom plate 162 is disposed along the upper surface of the end portion 57A and is joined to the end portion 57A by welding, bolting, or the like. The bottom plate 162 extends in the circumferential direction centered on the axis A. The first base side hook 163 is provided along the outer periphery of the bottom plate 162 and extends in the circumferential direction centered on the axis A. The first base side hook 163 protrudes upward from the bottom plate 162 and opens downward.

[0112] The roller support wall 165 is provided along the inner peripheral edge of the bottom plate 162 and extends in the circumferential direction centered on the axis A. A pair of reinforcing walls 167 that are perpendicular to the roller support wall 165 and the bottom plate 162 and are joined to the roller support wall 165 and the bottom plate 162 may be provided at the ends of the roller support wall 165 in the circumferential direction. The bottom plate 162, the first base-side hook 163, the roller support wall 165, and the pair of reinforcing walls 167 may be formed by bending a continuous metal plate.

[0113] A roller shaft 171 extending radially outward about axis A is coupled to roller support wall 165. A roller 166 is rotatably supported on roller shaft 171. An enlarged head 173 having a larger diameter than roller shaft 171 is provided at the end of roller shaft 171 opposite roller support wall 165. A biasing member 175 is provided between enlarged head 173 and roller 166 to bias roller 166 radially inward about axis A. The biasing member 175 may be a wave washer or a disc spring.

[0114] As shown in FIG. 14, the rollers 166 are tapered rollers whose outer diameter increases radially outward. Each roller 166 is in contact with the underside of the fixed bracket 72. The rollers 166 are interposed in the up-down direction between the fixed bracket 72 and the front and rear cross members 57. As shown in FIG. 2, the rollers 166 are arranged on an imaginary circle C whose center is the axis A. When viewed from the direction along the axis A, the rollers 166 are arranged in a position where all of the imaginary circle C overlaps with the fixed bracket 72. This allows the rollers 166 to always abut against the fixed bracket 72 even when the rotating plate 71 rotates relative to the base plate 56.

[0115] 14, an annular abutment surface 181 centered on the axis A is formed on the lower surface of the fixed bracket 72. Each roller 166 abuts against the abutment surface 181. The abutment surface 181 is inclined downward in the radially inward direction about the axis A.

[0116] 12 and 13, the second base-side hook 164 is coupled to the upper surface of the bottom plate 162. In the radial direction centered on the axis A, the second base-side hook 164 is disposed between the first base-side hook 163 and the roller 166. The second base-side hook 164 has a shaft 164A extending upward from the bottom plate 162, and a head 164B that is provided at the upper end of the shaft 164A and is wider in the radial direction centered on the axis A than the shaft 164A.

[0117] 12 and 13, a plurality of rotation-side separation suppression units 183 are provided on the underside of the fixed bracket 72. The plurality of rotation-side separation suppression units 183 are preferably arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction around the axis A. In this embodiment, the plurality of rotation-side separation suppression units 183 are provided at four locations on the front left, front right, rear left, and rear right of the fixed bracket 72. The four rotation-side separation suppression units 183 are arranged on an imaginary circle centered on the axis A, and are arranged at 90-degree intervals from one another. Each rotation-side separation suppression unit 183 has an upper plate 184 joined to the underside of the fixed bracket 72, a rotation-side hook 185 protruding downward from the upper plate 184, and a locking piece 186.

[0118] The upper plate 184 is disposed along the lower surface of the fixed bracket 72 and is joined to the lower surface of the fixed bracket 72 by welding, bolting, or the like. The upper plate 184 extends in the circumferential direction centered on the axis A. The rotation side hook 185 is provided along the outer circumferential edge of the upper plate 184 and extends in the circumferential direction centered on the axis A. The rotation side hook 185 protrudes downward from the upper plate 184 and opens upward.

[0119] The locking piece 186 is provided along the inner peripheral edge of the upper plate 184 and extends in the circumferential direction centered on the axis A. The locking piece 186 extends downward from the inner peripheral edge of the upper plate 184, and then bends and extends radially inward centered on the axis A.

[0120] The rotational position of the rotating part 52 when the seat cushion 11 faces the front of the vehicle is defined as the reference rotational position. When the rotating part 52 is in the reference rotational position, the first base-side hook 163 of each base-side peeling prevention unit 161 and the rotation-side hook 185 of each rotation-side peeling prevention unit 183 face each other with a gap between them in the vertical direction. Also, the second base-side hook 164 of each base-side peeling prevention unit 161 and the locking piece 186 of each rotation-side peeling prevention unit 183 face each other with a gap between them in the vertical direction. The gap between the first base-side hook 163 and the rotation-side hook 185 is smaller than the gap between the second base-side hook 164 and the locking piece 186. As a result, when a load is applied to the seat main body 3, the first base-side hook 163 of each base-side peeling prevention unit 161 and the rotation-side hook 185 of each rotation-side peeling prevention unit 183 engage with each other, thereby preventing the rotating part 52 from peeling off from the base part 51. Furthermore, when a further load is applied to the seat body 3, the second base-side hooks 164 and the locking pieces 186 engage with each other, preventing the rotating part 52 from separating from the base part 51.

[0121] Even when the rotating part 52 is rotated 90 degrees (+90 degrees) to the right, 90 degrees (-90 degrees) to the left, or 180 degrees (-180 degrees) to the left from the reference rotation position, the first base side hook 163 of each base side peeling prevention unit 161 and the rotating side hook 185 of each rotating side peeling prevention unit 183 face each other, and the second base side hook 164 and the locking piece 186 face each other.

[0122] The side cover 23 may be provided with a rotation operation switch (not shown) for rotating the seat cushion 11. The rotation operation switch outputs a signal to the control device in response to a user's operation. The rotation operation switch outputs, for example, a first signal corresponding to a 90-degree rotation to the right, a second signal corresponding to a 90-degree rotation to the left, and a third signal corresponding to a 180-degree rotation to the left in response to a user's operation. The control device is an electronic control device and is a computing device having a microprocessor (MPU), non-volatile memory, volatile memory, and an interface. The control device realizes various applications by having the microprocessor execute programs stored in the non-volatile memory. The control device may control the electric motor 111 of the rotation actuator 53 and the electric motor 152 of the lock release actuator 151 in response to a signal from the rotation operation switch.

[0123] Next, a manufacturing method of the vehicle seat device 1 will be described. First, the support tube 87 is bulged to form the annular rib 88. Next, a bushing 91 is attached to the second bearing hole 75 of the rotating plate 71, and the gear 116 is coupled thereto. Thereafter, the support tube 87 is inserted into the second bearing hole 75. Next, a drop-off prevention ring 92 is attached to the support tube 87. Thereafter, the upper end of the support tube 87 is crimped to form an expanded diameter portion 93. In this manner, the rotating plate 71 is rotatably supported by the support tube 87.

[0124] Next, the base plate 56, bearing 78, and rotating plate 71 are arranged one on top of the other, and the fixing member 66 is arranged on the outer periphery of the base plate 56 and the rotating plate 71. In detail, first, the lower part of the support cylinder 87 is inserted into the first bearing hole 62 of the base plate 56. At this time, the bearing 78 is interposed between the rotating plate 71 and the base plate 56. Next, the fixing member 66 to which the sliding member 85 is attached is set on the outer periphery of the rotating plate 71 and the base plate 56. At this time, the inner flange 68 abuts on the upper surface of the rotating plate 71 via the lower wall portion 85B of the sliding member 85.

[0125] Next, the multiple connecting pieces 69 are bent radially inward of the cylindrical wall 67, and the base plate 56 and the rotating plate 71 are sandwiched between the inner flange 68 and the connecting pieces 69. At this time, it is preferable that the multiple connecting pieces 69 are bent toward the base plate 56 from a direction perpendicular to the base plate 56. In this way, the base plate 56, bearings 78, rotating plate 71, and fixed member 66 are combined into one unit.

[0126] Next, the multiple connecting pieces 69 are welded to the base plate 56. Because the multiple connecting pieces 69 combine the base plate 56, bearing 78, rotating plate 71, and fixed member 66 into one unit, welding the multiple connecting pieces 69 to the base plate is easy.

[0127] Next, the rotation actuator 53 is attached to the base plate 56, and the pinion 115 and the gear 116 are engaged with each other. Also, the rotation lock device 54 including the lock release actuator 151 is attached to the base plate 56.

[0128] Next, the front and rear cross members 57, to which the multiple base-side peeling suppression units 161 are connected, are connected to the base plate 56. In addition, the fixed bracket 72, to which the multiple rotation-side peeling suppression units 183 are connected, is connected to the rotation plate 71. In this manner, the rotation device 2 is assembled.

[0129] Thereafter, the front and rear cross members 57 are joined to the left and right upper rails 38 of the slide device 4 provided on the floor 5. Then, the seat body 3 is attached to the fixing bracket 72. In this manner, the vehicle seat device 1 is assembled.

[0130] The following describes the effects of the rotation device 2 according to the above embodiment. In the rotation device 2, the rotation actuator 53 and the rotation lock device 54 are disposed below the base plate 56, so that space can be secured on the seat cushion 11 side (upper side) of the rotation plate 71.

[0131] Each arm portion 121A of the locking claw 121 is in sliding contact with the corresponding end wall portion 124 of the holder 122 in the circumferential direction about the axis A. This makes it possible to suppress rattling of the locking claw 121 relative to the holder 122 in the rotational direction of the rotating plate 71. This makes it possible to suppress rattling of the rotating plate 71 relative to the base plate 56 in the rotational direction.

[0132] Since axis B, which is the rotation axis of each arm portion 121A, is located above base plate 56 or gear 116, it is possible to reduce the distance between the rotation axis of locking claw 121 and the tip of claw portion 121C of locking claw 121. This reduces the space required for rotation of locking claw 121. [Explanation of symbols]

[0133] 1: Vehicle seat device 2: Rotating device 3: Seat body 4: Slide device 5: Floor 11: Seat cushion 37: Lower rail 38: Upper rail 51: Base part 52: Rotating part 53: Electric actuator 54: Rotation lock device 56: Base plate 57: Cross member 66: Fixing member 67: Cylinder wall 68: Inner flange 69: Joining piece 71: Rotating plate 72: Fixed bracket 85: Sliding member 85A:Vertical wall part 85B: Lower wall part 85C: Upper wall part 111: Electric motor 112: Reduction mechanism 113: Output shaft 115: Pinion 116: Gear 121: Locking claw 121A: Arm part 121B: Beam part 121C: Claw part 122: Holder 123: Peripheral wall part 124: End wall 126 :Aperture 131: Insertion hole 132: Lock hole 151: Unlock actuator 152: Electric motor 153: Reduction mechanism 154: Arm 155: Reinforcement plate 155A: Through hole 161: Base side peeling prevention unit 163: First base hook 164: Second base side hook 165: Roller support wall 166: Laura 181: Contact surface 183: Rotating side separation suppression unit 185: Rotating hook 186: Locking piece

Claims

1. A rotation device provided between a floor and a seat cushion, the rotation device supporting the seat cushion rotatably relative to the floor, a base plate provided on the floor side; a rotating plate provided on the seat cushion side and rotatably supported on the base plate; a rotary actuator that rotates the rotary plate relative to the base plate; a rotation lock device that selectively prohibits rotation of the rotary plate relative to the base plate, the rotation locking device is attached to the lower surface of the base plate; the rotation lock device includes a holder that protrudes downward from the lower surface of the base plate, and a lock claw that is rotatably supported by the holder and penetrates the base plate to engage with the rotary plate; the holder has a peripheral wall portion extending in a circumferential direction centered on a first axis that is a rotation axis of the rotary plate, and a pair of end wall portions extending radially inward from both ends of the peripheral wall portion centered on the first axis, The locking claw is rotatably supported on each of the end wall portions and has a pair of arm portions that slide against each of the end wall portions.

2. The rotation device of claim 1 , wherein the rotation actuator is attached to a lower surface of the base plate.

3. each of the end walls extends above the base plate through an opening formed in the base plate; The rotation device according to claim 2 , wherein the second axis, which is the rotation axis of each of the arm portions, is disposed above the base plate.

4. a gear centered on the rotation axis is provided on the lower surface of the rotating plate; the rotary actuator has a pinion that meshes with the gear; The rotating device according to claim 3 , wherein the second axis is disposed above the gear.

5. the rotary actuator includes an electric motor and a speed reduction mechanism that reduces the speed of rotation of the electric motor and transmits the reduced speed to the pinion; The rotating device according to claim 4 , wherein the electric motor and the reduction mechanism are disposed below the base plate.

6. The rotation device according to claim 2 , wherein the rotation actuator and the rotation lock device are arranged in point symmetry about the first axis.

7. The base plate is formed in a circular shape, An annular fixing member is coupled to the outer periphery of the base plate, A pair of front and rear cross members extending in the left-right direction are connected to the front and rear of the base plate, The rotating device according to claim 2 , wherein the cross member is connected to the floor member.

8. the fixing member has a cylindrical wall centered on the first axis, an inner flange extending above the rotary plate from an upper edge of the cylindrical wall, and a plurality of connecting pieces extending below the base plate from a lower edge of the cylindrical wall, The inner flange is provided with a sliding member, the sliding member has a vertical wall portion that abuts against the inner peripheral edge of the inner flange and extends in the up-down direction, a lower wall portion that extends from a lower end of the vertical wall portion along a lower surface of the inner flange in a radially outward direction about the first axis, and an upper wall portion that extends from an upper end of the vertical wall portion along an upper surface of the inner flange in a radially outward direction about the first axis, The rotating device according to claim 7 , wherein the lower wall portion is formed longer than the upper wall portion in a radial direction centered on the first axis.

9. The rotary plate is formed with a plurality of lock holes into which the lock pawls can be selectively engaged, a reinforcing plate is provided at a position corresponding to one of the lock holes of the rotary plate; The rotating device according to claim 2 , wherein the reinforcing plate has a through hole formed therein that faces the lock hole.

10. The locking claw has a claw portion that projects into the locking hole from below, The rotation device according to claim 9 , wherein the claw portion has a tapered shape that narrows toward a tip.

11. The thickness of the reinforcing plate is formed to be thicker than the thickness of the rotating plate, The rotating device according to claim 10 , wherein the through hole is formed shorter than the lock hole in a circumferential direction about the first axis.

12. The rotating plate is connected to the seat cushion via a fixed bracket, 8. The rotating device according to claim 7, wherein a plurality of rollers are interposed between the cross member and the fixed bracket.

13. the rollers are arranged on a virtual circle centered on the first axis, The rotation device according to claim 12 , wherein the rotation device is disposed at a position where the entire imaginary circle overlaps with the fixed bracket when viewed in a direction along the first axis.

14. A manufacturing method of a rotation device that is provided between a floor and a seat cushion and supports the seat cushion rotatably with respect to the floor, comprising: The rotation device is a base plate provided on the floor side; a rotating plate provided on the seat cushion side, rotatably supported by the base plate, and facing the base plate; an annular bearing interposed between the base plate and the rotating plate; a fixing member coupled to an outer periphery of the base plate; a rotary actuator that rotates the rotary plate relative to the base plate; a rotation lock device that selectively prohibits rotation of the rotary plate relative to the base plate, the fixing member has a cylindrical wall that receives the base plate and the rotary plate, an inner flange that extends above the rotary plate from an upper edge of the cylindrical wall, and a plurality of connecting pieces that are provided on a lower edge of the cylindrical wall; the rotation locking device is attached to the lower surface of the base plate; the rotation lock device includes a holder that protrudes downward from the lower surface of the base plate, and a lock claw that is rotatably supported by the holder and penetrates the base plate to engage with the rotary plate; the holder has a peripheral wall portion extending in a circumferential direction centered on a first axis that is a rotation axis of the rotary plate, and a pair of end wall portions extending radially inward from both ends of the peripheral wall portion centered on the first axis, The locking claw is rotatably supported on each of the end wall portions and has a pair of arms that slide against each of the end wall portions, a step of arranging the base plate, the bearing, and the rotary plate in a stacked manner, and arranging the fixing member on the outer periphery of the base plate and the rotary plate; a step of bending the plurality of connecting pieces radially inward of the cylindrical wall, and sandwiching the base plate and the rotating plate between the inner flange and the connecting pieces; and welding the plurality of connecting pieces to the base plate.

15. The method for manufacturing a rotation device according to claim 14, further comprising the step of bending the plurality of connecting pieces toward the base plate in a direction perpendicular to the base plate.

Images