Vehicle seat

Abstract

To expand an area on which a load can be placed in a vehicle seat.SOLUTION: A vehicle seat 1 includes a seat cushion 4 and a seat back 3, and can take a use state in which a user can be seated and a storage state in which the seat back is rotated forward from the use state and overlaps the seat cushion. The vehicle seat includes an article placement part 40 having a support surface 40C projecting forward from the seat back and facing upward in a storage state. The article placement part may be an ottoman 40 supported by the seat cushion. The ottoman may be rotatable with respect to the seat cushion. Further, in the stored state, the ottoman may be rotatable with respect to the seat cushion.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle seat. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a seat that can assume a stowed state in which the seat cushion is lowered and the seat back is positioned so as to overlap the seat cushion. In the stowed state, the back of the seat back is positioned approximately horizontally, forming a support surface for supporting luggage. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-112002 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The size of the support surface is determined by the size of the seat back, making it difficult to expand the support surface. Also, depending on the front-to-rear position of the seat, a space may be formed in front of the support surface when the seat is stored.

[0005] In view of the above background, an object of the present invention is to expand the area in which luggage can be placed in a vehicle seat. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problem, one aspect of the present invention is a vehicle seat (1) having a seat back (3) and a seat cushion (4) rotatably supported at its rear end on the seat back, and which can assume a usage state in which a user can sit in it, and a storage state in which the seat back rotates forward from the usage state and overlaps with the seat cushion, the vehicle seat (1) comprising: a slide device (15) having left and right lower rails (16) extending forward and backward and left and right upper rails (17) supported on the left and right lower rails so as to be slidable forward and backward; left and right base side members (18) connected to the left and right upper rails, respectively, and on which the lower end of the seat back is rotatably supported; left and right links (35) rotatably connecting the front of the seat cushion to the left and right base side members; and an ottoman (40) rotatably supported at the front end of the seat cushion, wherein in the storage state, the ottoman protrudes forward of the seat back.

[0007] According to this aspect, the ottoman serving as an article placement section can expand the area in which luggage can be placed.

[0008] In the above aspect, the article placement portion may be an ottoman (40) supported by the seat cushion.

[0009] According to this aspect, when the seat is in use, the article placing portion can be used as an ottoman.

[0010] In the above aspect, the ottoman may be rotatable relative to the seat cushion.

[0011] According to this aspect, the ottoman can be rotated to assume an angle suitable for supporting the legs of the user and an angle suitable for supporting luggage.

[0012] In the above aspect, the ottoman may be rotatable relative to the seat cushion in the stored state.

[0013] According to this aspect, after the seat is put into the stowed state, the angle of the ottoman can be changed to match the shape of the luggage.

[0014] In the above aspect, the ottoman can be rotated to a horizontal position extending forward from the front end of the seat cushion, and the upward-facing surface of the ottoman in the horizontal position forms the support surface, and when the ottoman is in the horizontal position, the support surface is positioned at the same height as the front end of the upper surface of the seat cushion.

[0015] According to this aspect, in the stored state, the support surface can be brought closer to the rear surface of the seat back.

[0016] In the above aspect, in the stored state, the seat back may extend forward beyond the seat cushion.

[0017] According to this aspect, in the stowed state, the seat back can cover the upper surface of the seat cushion, thereby protecting the upper surface of the seat cushion. Also, the rear surface of the seat back can be expanded.

[0018] In the above aspect, in the stored state, the front end of the ottoman may abut against the back of another seat disposed in front of it.

[0019] According to this aspect, no space is formed in front of the seat when it is in the stowed state, so that it is possible to prevent luggage from falling in front of the seat.

[0020] In the above aspect, the vehicle seat may further include a flexible protective cover (71) having a base end (71A) connected to the rear surface of the seat back and a free end (71B), and when the vehicle seat is in the stored state, the protective cover is folded forward to cover the support surface of the ottoman.

[0021] According to this aspect, the support surface of the ottoman can be protected by the protective cover.

[0022] In the above aspect, it is preferable that two of the vehicle seats are arranged side by side, one on the left and one on the right, and a gap (84) is formed between the left and right ottomans.

[0023] According to this aspect, luggage can be inserted into the gap between the left and right ottomans and secured therein.

[0024] In the above aspect, the left and right seat cushions may be in contact with each other in the left-right direction, and the left and right seat backs may be in contact with each other in the left-right direction.

[0025] According to this aspect, the area in which luggage can be placed can be expanded. [Effects of the Invention]

[0026] One aspect of the present invention is a vehicle seat (1) having a seat cushion (4) and a seat back (3), which can be in a use state in which a user can sit, and a stowed state in which the seat back rotates forward from the use state and overlaps with the seat cushion, and which has an article storage section (40) that protrudes forward beyond the seat back and has a support surface (40C) facing upward in the stowed state. According to this aspect, the article storage section can expand the area in which luggage can be placed.

[0027] In the above aspect, the article placement portion may be an ottoman (40) supported by the seat cushion. According to this aspect, the article placement portion can be used as an ottoman when the seat is in use.

[0028] In the above aspect, the ottoman may be rotatable relative to the seat cushion. According to this aspect, the ottoman can be rotated to assume an angle suitable for supporting the legs of a user and an angle suitable for supporting luggage.

[0029] In the above aspect, the ottoman may be rotatable relative to the seat cushion in the stowed state. According to this aspect, the angle of the ottoman can be changed to match the shape of luggage after the seat is put into the stowed state.

[0030] In the above aspect, the ottoman can be rotated to a horizontal position extending forward from the front end of the seat cushion, and the upward-facing surface of the ottoman in the horizontal position forms the support surface, and when the ottoman is in the horizontal position, the support surface is positioned at the same height as the front end of the upper surface of the seat cushion. According to this aspect, in the stored state, the support surface can be brought closer to the back of the seat back.

[0031] In the above aspect, the seat back may extend forward of the seat cushion in the stored state. According to this aspect, the seat back can cover and protect the upper surface of the seat cushion in the stored state. In addition, the back of the seat back can be expanded.

[0032] In the above aspect, in the stowed state, the front end of the ottoman may abut against the back of another seat disposed in front of it. According to this aspect, no space is formed in front of the seat in the stowed state, so that luggage can be prevented from falling in front of the seat.

[0033] In the above aspect, the vehicle seat may further include a flexible protective cover (71) having a base end (71A) connected to the rear surface of the seat back and a free end (71B), and when the vehicle seat is in the stowed state, the protective cover is folded forward to cover the support surface of the ottoman. According to this aspect, the support surface of the ottoman can be protected by the protective cover.

[0034] In the above aspect, the vehicle seats may be arranged side by side, with a gap 84 formed between the left and right ottomans. According to this aspect, luggage can be inserted into the gap between the left and right ottomans to secure the luggage.

[0035] In the above aspect, the left and right seat cushions may be in contact with each other in the left-right direction, and the left and right seat backs may be in contact with each other in the left-right direction. According to this aspect, the area in which luggage can be placed can be expanded. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0036] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a seat according to an embodiment; [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a frame of a seat according to an embodiment; [Figure 3] Side view showing the seat in use [Figure 4] Side view showing the seat in its stowed position [Figure 5] A side view showing the seat with the protective cover in use. [Figure 6] A side view showing the seat with the protective cover in a stored state. [Figure 7] Side view showing the intermediate state of the seat [Figure 8] Plan view showing the left and right seats [Figure 9] A side view showing the state in which the ottoman of the seat in the stowed position abuts against the back of the seat in front. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a seat to which a cover member is attached; [Figure 11] Side view of seats forming a luggage storage space [Figure 12] Side view of seats forming a luggage storage space [Figure 13] Side view of seats forming a luggage storage space [Figure 14] Side view of seats forming a luggage storage space [Figure 15] Side view of seats forming a luggage storage space [Figure 16] Side view of seats forming a luggage storage space [Figure 17] A side view of a seat equipped with a box as a luggage storage area. [Figure 18] A side view of a seat with a support plate as a luggage carrying portion. [Figure 19] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a pressure-receiving member; [Figure 20] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a seat cushion frame and a pressure-receiving member; [Figure 21] A side view showing the storage state of the luggage storage section [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is a side view showing an example of a state in which the luggage placement section is used. [Figure 23] FIG. 10 is a side view showing an example of a state in which the luggage placement section is used. [Figure 24] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the arrangement of a vibrator relative to a seat cushion. [Figure 25] Flow diagram showing the control procedure for the vibrator [Figure 26] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the arrangement of a vibrator relative to a seat cushion. [Figure 27] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the arrangement of a vibrator relative to a seat cushion. [Figure 28] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the arrangement of a vibrator relative to a seat cushion. [Figure 29] An explanatory diagram showing the rotation state of the seat [Figure 30] Flow diagram showing the control procedure for the vibrator [Figure 31] An explanatory diagram showing an example of device placement relative to a seat back. [Figure 32] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of device placement relative to a seat cushion. [Figure 33] Perspective view of the spacer [Figure 34] Bottom view of the spacer [Figure 35] Seat cushion pad illustration [Figure 36] Perspective view of the seat back [Figure 37] Perspective view of the seat cushion DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0037] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, an embodiment in which a vehicle seat according to the present invention is applied to a rear seat (including the second and third rows) of an automobile will be described. As will be described later, the vehicle seat changes state between an in-use state (seated state) and a stowed state. Unless otherwise specified, the shape and orientation of each component of the vehicle seat will be described based on the state of use. Furthermore, when it is stated that each component is connected, the manner of connection includes welding and fastening unless otherwise specified.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 1, the seat 1 has a seat back 3 rotatably mounted relative to a floor 2, and a seat cushion 4 rotatably mounted relative to the seat back 3. The seat 1 can be in a usable state where a user can sit, and a stowed state. In the stowed state, the seat back 3 is rotated forward from the usable state to be positioned approximately horizontal, and the seat cushion 4 moves forward and downward to overlap the seat back 3. The seat 1 is a so-called dive-down seat.

[0039] 1 and 2, the seat back 3 has a seat back frame 6 forming a skeleton, a pad (not shown) supported by the seat back frame 6, and a skin material 8 covering the pad. The seat cushion 4 has a seat cushion frame 11 forming a skeleton, a pad (not shown) supported by the seat cushion frame 11, and a skin material 13 covering the pad.

[0040] The seat back 3 is supported on the floor 2 via a slide device 15. The slide device 15 has left and right lower rails 16 extending in the front-rear direction, and left and right upper rails 17 supported on the left and right lower rails 16 so as to be slidable in the front-rear direction, respectively. Rail lock devices (not shown) are provided between the left and right lower rails 16 and the corresponding left and right upper rails 17. The rail lock devices selectively fix the position of the upper rails 17 relative to the lower rails 16.

[0041] A base side member 18 is coupled to each of the left and right upper rails 17. The left and right base side members 18 extend upward and in the front-to-rear direction from the corresponding upper rail 17. The left and right base side members 18 are coupled to each other by a plurality of base cross members 19 extending laterally.

[0042] The seatback frame 6 includes left and right back side members 21 extending vertically, upper members 22 extending laterally and joined to the upper ends of the left and right back side members 21, lower members 23 extending laterally below the upper members 22 and joined to intermediate portions of the left and right back side members 21, and a plate-shaped pan frame 24 joined to rear portions of the left and right back side members 21, the upper members 22, and the lower members 23, and having a surface facing forward and backward. The lower ends of the left and right back side members 21 are rotatably supported by corresponding base side members 18 on the left and right via locking devices 26, respectively. The lower ends of the left and right back side members 21 are rotatably supported by the base side members 18 about a first axis A1 extending laterally. The upper end of the seatback 3 is referred to as a shoulder portion 3A, the surface facing forward as a front surface 3B, and the surface facing rearward as a back surface 3C.

[0043] The locking device 26 selectively restricts the rotation of the back side member 21 relative to the base side member 18. A known locking device (reclining device) can be used as the locking device 26. The locking device 26 may include, for example, a first portion coupled to the base side member 18, a second portion coupled to the back side member 21 and rotatably supported on the base side member 18, a locking pawl provided on the second portion and movable between an engaged position coupled to the first portion and an unlocked position spaced apart from the first portion, a spring biasing the locking pawl to the engaged position, an operating shaft disposed coaxially with the rotation axis of the second member relative to the first portion and rotatable relative to the second member, and a cam coupled to the operating shaft and rotating to move the locking pawl to the unlocked position against the biasing force of the spring. When no external operating force is applied to the operating shaft, the operating shaft returns to its initial position due to the biasing force of the spring. When the operating shaft rotates relative to the back side member 21, the seat back 3 becomes rotatable relative to the base side member 18 and the floor 2. A lever extending radially from the end of each operating shaft is preferably provided. The levers are connected via a control cable to operating levers 28, 29 that are operated by the user. In this embodiment, the operating levers 28, 29 are provided at the upper end of the seat back 3 and the front end of the seat cushion 4.

[0044] The seat cushion 4 has a rear end supported by a vertically intermediate portion of the seat back 3. The seat cushion frame 11 has left and right cushion side members 31 extending in the front-rear direction, a front member 32 extending left and right and joined to the left and right cushion side members 31, and a rear member 33 extending left and right behind the front member 32 and joined to the left and right cushion side members 31. The rear ends of the left and right cushion side members 31 extend rearward beyond the rear member 33 and are bent upward. The rear ends of the left and right cushion side members 31 are supported by the corresponding left and right back side members 21 to be rotatable about a second axis A2 extending left and right.

[0045] The front portions of the left and right cushion side members 31 are connected to the front portions of the base side members 18 via links 35, respectively. The left and right links 35 are connected to the corresponding left and right cushion side members 31 so as to be rotatable about a third axis A3 extending laterally. The left and right links 35 are also connected to the corresponding left and right base side members 18 so as to be rotatable about a fourth axis A4 extending laterally. The base side members 18, back side members 21, cushion side members 31, and links 35 corresponding to each other on the left and right form a four-section link.

[0046] The front member 32 and the rear member 33 are connected to each other by a pressure-receiving member 37. The pressure-receiving member 37 is formed by a plurality of S-shaped springs. In other embodiments, the pressure-receiving member 37 may be formed by a plate member or a metal wire.

[0047] An ottoman 40 is supported at the front end of the seat cushion 4. The ottoman 40 has an ottoman frame 41, a pad (not shown) supported by the ottoman frame 41, and a cover material 43 that covers the pad. The ottoman frame 41 has a first ottoman cross member 45 extending left and right, left and right ottoman side members 46 that are rotatably supported on left and right ends of the first ottoman cross member 45 and extend radially from the first ottoman cross member 45, and a second ottoman cross member 47 that extends left and right and is connected to the tip ends of the left and right ottoman side members 46.

[0048] Left and right ottoman pillars 48 extending rearward from the first ottoman cross member 45 are provided in the middle of the first ottoman cross member 45 in the left-right direction. The front member 32 is provided with ottoman pillar receiving portions 51 that receive the left and right ottoman pillars 48. The ottoman 40 is thus supported by the front member 32 via the ottoman pillar receiving portions 51. The ottoman 40 is supported by the seat cushion 4 so as to be rotatable about a fourth axis A5 that coincides with the first ottoman cross member 45.

[0049] In this embodiment, the ottoman 40 is disposed offset to the left with respect to the seat cushion 4. Specifically, the left edge of the ottoman 40 is disposed at the same position as the left edge of the seat cushion 4 in the left-right direction. The right edge of the ottoman 40 is offset to the left of the right edge of the seat cushion 4 in the left-right direction. An operating lever 28 for releasing the locking device 26 is provided at the right end of the front end of the seat cushion 4. When viewed from the front, the operating lever 28 and the ottoman 40 are disposed so as not to overlap each other (see FIG. 8).

[0050] As shown in FIG. 2 , angle adjustment devices 52 are provided between the first ottoman cross member 45 and the left and right ottoman side members 46. The angle adjustment devices 52 maintain the ottoman side members 46 at any angle relative to the first ottoman cross member 45. A known device can be used for the angle adjustment device 52. For example, the angle adjustment device 52 may be a device that restricts rotation by frictional force and allows rotation of the ottoman side members 46 relative to the first ottoman cross member 45 when a torque equal to or greater than a predetermined value is applied. The angle adjustment device 52 may also have a locking mechanism that restricts rotation of the ottoman side members 46 relative to the first ottoman cross member 45 and an operation input unit that accepts user operation, and the locking mechanism may allow rotation of the ottoman side members 46 relative to the first ottoman cross member 45 when the operation input unit is operated.

[0051] A headrest 54 is provided on the upper part of the seat back 3. The headrest 54 has a headrest frame 55 forming a skeleton, left and right headrest pillars 56 extending from the headrest frame 55, a pad (not shown) supported by the headrest frame 55, and a cover material 57 covering the pad. The headrest frame 55 and the left and right headrest pillars 56 are integrally formed by bending a rod-shaped metal member. The upper member 22 is provided with headrest pillar receiving portions 58 that receive the left and right headrest pillars 56. As a result, the headrest 54 is supported by the upper member 22 via the headrest pillar receiving portions 58. The headrest 54 is supported on the seat back 3 so as to be movable up and down.

[0052] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, left and right armrests 61 are rotatably provided on the left and right side portions of the seat back 3. The armrest 61 includes an armrest frame 62 and a covering material 63 that covers the armrest frame 62. A pad may be interposed between the armrest frame 62 and the covering material 63. Plate-shaped armrest support portions 64 are coupled to intermediate portions in the longitudinal direction of the left and right back side members 21. The left and right corresponding armrest frames 62 are supported by the left and right armrest support portions 64 so as to be rotatable about a fifth axis A6 that extends laterally. The left and right armrests 61 rotate between an in-use position in which they protrude forward from the left and right back side members 21 that extend vertically, and a stored position in which they extend upward along the left and right back side members 21.

[0053] The position of one of the left and right armrests 61 in the left-right direction overlaps with the position of the ottoman 40 in the left-right direction. In this embodiment, the position of the left armrest 61 in the left-right direction overlaps with the position of the ottoman 40 in the left-right direction.

[0054] As shown in Figure 3, when the seat 1 is in an occupied state, if the user operates the operating levers 28, 29, the locking device 26 is operated by the control cable and the locking device 26 is released. This allows the seat back 3 to rotate relative to the base side member 18 and the floor 2. In this state, if the user pushes the upper part of the seat back 3 forward, the seat back 3 rotates forward about the first axis A1. At this time, the second axis A2 moves forward and downward together with the seat back 3, and the seat cushion 4 moves forward and downward. The movement direction of the seat cushion 4 is restricted by the link 35, so that the seat cushion 4 moves generally parallel to the movement direction.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 4, when the seat 1 is in the stored state, the front surface 3B and back surface 3C of the seat back 3 extend horizontally. Furthermore, the upper surface 4A (sitting surface) of the seat cushion 4 extends horizontally and contacts the front surface 3B of the seat back 3. The seat cushion 4 and the seat back 3 are stacked one on top of the other in the vertical direction. In the stored state, the seat cushion 4 is positioned forward and lower than the seat cushion 4 in the in-use state. When the seat 1 is in the stored position, the shoulder portion 3A that forms the front end of the seat back 3 is positioned forward of the front end of the seat cushion 4. In the stored state, the seat back 3 extends forward of the seat cushion 4.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 3, the left and right ottoman side members 46 rotate relative to the first ottoman cross member 45, allowing the ottoman 40 to rotate relative to the seat cushion 4. The portion of the ottoman 40 where the second ottoman cross member 47 is located is referred to as the distal end 40A, and the portion where the first ottoman cross member 45 is located is referred to as the proximal end 40B. The ottoman 40 rotates between a lower limit position where it extends downward from the proximal end 40B to the distal end 40A, and an upper limit position where it extends upward from the proximal end 40B to the distal end 40A. For example, the ottoman 40 may extend vertically downward at the lower limit position and vertically upward at the upper limit position. Alternatively, the ottoman 40 may extend upward and rearward at the upper limit position.

[0057] When the ottoman 40 is in the lowermost position, the surface located in front of the ottoman 40 is referred to as the support surface 40C. When the seat 1 is in use, the support surface 40C can support the lower legs of a seated occupant from below. When the ottoman 40 is in a horizontal position between the uppermost and lowermost positions, the support surface 40C is positioned horizontally and faces upward. When the ottoman 40 is in the horizontal position, the support surface 40C should be positioned at the same height as the front end of the upper surface 4A of the seat cushion 4. Alternatively, when the ottoman 40 is in the horizontal position, the support surface 40C may be positioned on the same plane as the upper surface 4A of the seat cushion 4.

[0058] When the seat 1 is changed from the in-use state to the stored state, the ottoman 40 is positioned in the horizontal position by the user. The ottoman 40 is maintained in the horizontal position while the seat 1 is changing from the in-use state to the stored state. As a result, as shown in FIG. 4, when the seat 1 is in the stored state, the ottoman 40 is positioned in the horizontal position.

[0059] When the seat 1 is in the stowed state, the ottoman 40 is rotatable relative to the seat cushion 4. The rotation range of the ottoman 40 is restricted by the seat back 3 and the floor 2. When the seat 1 is in the stowed state and the ottoman 40 is in a horizontal position, the tip 40A of the ottoman 40 is located forward of the shoulder portion 3A (upper end) of the seat back 3 and forward of the upper end of the headrest 54. In other words, when the seat 1 is in the stowed state, the support surface 40C of the ottoman 40 protrudes forward of the seat back 3 and the headrest 54.

[0060] In the seat 1 according to this embodiment, when the seat 1 is in the stowed state, luggage can be placed on the back surface 3C of the seat back 3. Furthermore, because the support surface 40C of the ottoman 40 faces upward and extends forward beyond the seat back 3, luggage can be placed on the support surface 40C of the ottoman 40. In other words, the support surface 40C of the ottoman 40 can expand the area in which luggage can be placed. In other words, the ottoman 40 functions as an item placement section, and luggage can be placed on the support surface 40C. Because the ottoman 40 is used as an item placement section, there is no need to attach any additional parts to the seat 1. This allows the seat 1 to be made more compact.

[0061] By rotating, ottoman 40 can be set to an angle suitable for supporting the legs of a seated person and an angle suitable for supporting luggage. Furthermore, because ottoman 40 can rotate relative to seat cushion 4 when seat 1 is in the stowed state, the angle of ottoman 40 can be changed to match the shape of luggage after seat 1 is put into the stowed state.

[0062] When the ottoman 40 is in a horizontal position, the support surface 40C is positioned at the same height as the front end of the upper surface 4A of the seat cushion 4, so that in the stored state, the step between the support surface 40C and the back surface 3C of the seat back 3 can be reduced.

[0063] In the stored state, the seat back 3 extends further forward than the seat cushion 4, so that the seat back 3 can cover the upper surface A of the seat cushion 4 and protect the upper surface 4A of the seat cushion 4. In addition, the rear surface 3C of the seat back 3 can be expanded.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 5, a flexible protective cover 71 may be attached to the rear surface 3C of the seat back 3. The protective cover 71 may have a base end 71A connected to the rear surface 3C of the seat back 3 and a free end 71B. When the seat 1 is in an in-use state, the base end 71A is positioned higher than the free end 71B, and the protective cover 71 is suspended. The free end 71B of the protective cover 71 may be detachably fastened to the rear surface 3C of the seat back 3 by a fastening member such as a hook-and-loop fastener. The width of the protective cover 71 in the left-right direction is preferably approximately equal to the width of the seat back 3 in the left-right direction. As shown in FIG. 6, when the seat 1 is in the stowed position, the protective cover 71 may be folded forward to cover the support surface 40C of the ottoman 40. This allows the protective cover 71 to protect the support surface 40C of the ottoman 40.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 7 , when the seat back 3 rotates forward with the ottoman 40 tilted upward from the horizontal position, the seat back 3 or the headrest 54 abuts against the ottoman 40, restricting the rotation of the seat back 3. This places the seat 1 in an intermediate state between the in-use state and the stowed state. In the intermediate state of the seat 1, the seat back 3 is tilted forward and upward. In the intermediate state of the seat 1, a triangular storage space 73 is formed, defined by the front surface 3B of the seat back 3, the upper surface 4A of the seat cushion 4, and the support surface 40C of the ottoman 40. Luggage can be placed in the storage space 73. The angle of the seat back 3 relative to the horizontal plane in the intermediate state can be changed by changing the angle of the ottoman 40 relative to the horizontal plane. For example, the ottoman 40 may be positioned so that it extends vertically upward relative to the seat cushion 4.

[0066] The seats 1 according to the embodiment may be arranged side by side. As shown in FIG. 8 , the seat 1 according to the embodiment may constitute, for example, a left seat 81 in the rear row, and a right seat 82 that is bilaterally symmetrical to the seat 1 according to the embodiment may be arranged on the right side of the left seat 81. The left seat 81 and the right seat 82 may be in contact with each other in the left-right direction. Specifically, the right edge of the seat cushion 4 of the left seat 81 is in contact with the left edge of the seat cushion 4 of the right seat 82, and the right edge of the seat back 3 of the left seat 81 is in contact with the left edge of the seat back 3 of the right seat 82. By bringing the left seat 81 and the right seat 82 into contact with each other, the area in which luggage can be placed can be expanded.

[0067] A gap 84 is formed between the ottoman 40 of the left seat 81 and the ottoman 40 of the right seat 82. When the left seat 81 and the right seat 82 are in the stowed state, the gap 84 is maintained between the left and right ottomans 40. This allows luggage to be inserted into the gap 84 between the left and right ottomans 40 and secured therein.

[0068] As shown in Fig. 9, when the seat 1 is in the stowed state, the front end of the ottoman 40 may abut against the back of the other seat 200 located in front of it. The front end of the ottoman 40 may abut against the back of the seat cushion or seat back of the other seat 200. This prevents a space from being formed in front of the seat 1 in the stowed state, thereby preventing luggage from falling in front of the seat 1. The other seat may be a seat that constitutes a driver's seat or a passenger seat.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 10 , a cover member 85 may be attached to the ottoman 40. The cover member 85 covers the support surface 40C and the back surface 40D of the ottoman 40. The cover member 85 is a flexible sheet material, for example, made of resin. The cover member 85 is preferably made of a material that is resistant to the adhesion of other substances, such as dirt. The cover member 85 has a first edge 85A connected to the front end of the upper surface 4A of the seat cushion 4 and a second edge 85B connected to the lower part of the seat cushion 4. The first edge 85A may be detachably connected to the front end of the upper surface 4A of the seat cushion 4 by, for example, a fastener. The cover member 85 extends from the first edge 85A along the support surface 40C of the ottoman 40 to the front end 40A of the ottoman 40, and then extends from the front end 40A of the ottoman 40 along the back surface to the second edge 85B. The second edge 85B is connected to the pressure-receiving member 37 or the front member 32 from below the seat cushion 4 by an elastic member 86 such as rubber. A hook member 87 is provided at the tip of the elastic member 86, and the hook member 87 is preferably used to hook onto the pressure-receiving member 37 or the front member 32. Even when the ottoman 40 rotates, the elastic member 86 allows the cover member 85 to follow the ottoman 40 without loosening.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 11 , when the seat 1 is in use, the ottoman 40 is rotated upward from the horizontal position to an upper position, thereby forming a luggage storage space 91. The luggage storage space 91 is defined by the seat cushion 4, the seat back 3, the ottoman 40, and the left and right armrests 61. The luggage storage space 91 is a recess that opens upward. The upper position of the ottoman 40 may be the same as the upper limit position of the ottoman 40. When the ottoman 40 is in the upper position, the leading edge of the ottoman 40 may be positioned higher than the lower edge of the leading edge of the armrest 61 in the use position. Furthermore, when the ottoman 40 is in the upper position, the leading edge of the ottoman 40 may be positioned higher than the upper edge of the leading edge of the armrest 61 in the use position.

[0071] 12, when the ottoman 40 is in the upper position, it is preferable that the ottoman 40 abuts against at least one of the armrests 61 that are in the use position. That is, the lengths of the ottoman 40 and the armrest 61 are set so that they can abut against each other. This makes it difficult for luggage to fall out between the ottoman 40 and the armrest 61. When in the upper position, the ottoman 40 may extend rearward and upward from the front end of the seat cushion 4.

[0072] 13, a first movable member 93 may be provided on the armrest 61. The first movable member 93 is supported on the armrest 61 so as to be slidable in the longitudinal direction of the armrest 61. The first movable member 93 may protrude in the longitudinal direction from the tip of the armrest 61, and the first movable member 93 may come into contact with the ottoman 40 in the upper position.

[0073] As shown in Figure 14, the ottoman 40 may be provided with a second movable member 94. The second movable member 94 is supported by the ottoman 40 so as to be rotatable about an axis extending left and right at the tip of the ottoman 40. The second movable member 94 has the same left and right width as the ottoman 40. When the ottoman 40 is in the upper position, the second movable member 94 may extend rearward from the tip of the ottoman 40 and abut against the armrest 61.

[0074] 15, when the seat 1 is in the used state and the ottoman 40 is in the upper position, the ottoman 40 and the armrest 61 may be connected by a first connecting member 96. The first connecting member 96 may be a linear member such as a rope or an elastic band, a planar member such as a woven fabric, a nonwoven fabric, or a sheet material, or a net member. The first connecting member 96 is detachably coupled to the ottoman 40 and the armrest 61.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 16 , when the seat 1 is in the occupied state and the ottoman 40 is in the upper position, the ottoman 40, armrest 61, seat cushion 4, and seat back 3 may be connected by a second connecting member 97. The second connecting member 97 may be a planar member such as a woven fabric, a nonwoven fabric, or a sheet material, or a net member. The second connecting member 97 may be formed, for example, by a frame portion and a net portion hung inside the frame portion. The second connecting member 97 is detachably connected to the ottoman 40, armrest 61, seat cushion 4, and seat back 3. In this state, when the ottoman 40, armrest 61, seat cushion 4, and seat back 3 are connected by the second connecting member 97, the ottoman 40 and armrest 61 may be in contact with each other or may be separated from each other. Furthermore, when the ottoman 40, armrest 61, seat cushion 4, and seat back 3 are connected by the second connecting member 97, the tip of the ottoman 40 may be positioned above or below the lower edge of the tip of the armrest 61.

[0076] The first connecting member 96 and the second connecting member 97 prevent luggage placed in the luggage storage space 91 from falling out to the left or right side.

[0077] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment and can be modified in a wide variety of ways. In another embodiment, as shown in Fig. 17, a box 101 may be placed on the floor 2 instead of the ottoman 40, and the box 101 may serve as an article placement section. The box 101 may be detachable from the floor 2 and may be disposed in front of the seat cushion 4. The upper surface of the box 101 may form a support surface.

[0078] 18, instead of the ottoman 40, a support plate 102 may be provided on the seat cushion 4 so as to be slidable back and forth. When the seat 1 is in the stored state, the support plate 102 may be pulled out forward of the seat cushion 4 to form an article placement section. A slot 103 for receiving the support plate 102 may be formed in the front end of the seat cushion 4. When the seat 1 is in the used state, the support plate 102 may be received in the slot 103.

[0079] In the above-described seat 1, the sliding device 15 may be omitted. In this case, the base side member 18 may be directly connected to the floor 2. That is, the seat back 3 may be rotatably provided directly on the floor 2, or may be rotatably provided indirectly on the floor 2 via the sliding device 15.

[0080] In another embodiment, the seat cushion 4 may be supported on the floor 2, and the seat back 3 may be rotatably supported on the seat cushion. In this case, a slide device 15 may be interposed between the floor 2 and the seat cushion 4.

[0081] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10 , the pressure-receiving member 37 may include a sheet-like member 201 and a support member 202 instead of the S-shaped spring. As shown in FIGS. 19 and 20 , the support member 202 extends longitudinally and is suspended between the middle member 204 and the rear member 33. The middle member 204 extends laterally behind the front member 32 and is connected to the left and right cushion side members 31. The support member 202 has surfaces facing up and down, and its front and rear edges extend laterally. The support member 202 is flexible and is formed, for example, from resin. The support member includes, in order from the front side, a front portion 206, an intermediate portion 207, and a rear portion 208. The support member 202 is supported by the middle member 204 at the front portion 206 and by the rear member 33 at the rear portion 208. The intermediate portion 207 extends substantially horizontally, the front portion 206 extends forward and upward from the intermediate portion 207 toward the front member 32, and the rear portion 208 extends rearward and upward from the intermediate portion 207 toward the rear member 33. The left-right width of the intermediate portion 207 is preferably set smaller than the left-right widths of the front portion 206 and the rear portion 208. In this embodiment, the intermediate portion 207 is formed in a triangular shape, with the left-right width decreasing toward the front. Furthermore, the front portion 206 and the rear portion 208 are each formed in a substantially rectangular shape. The left-right width of the front portion 206 is formed smaller than the left-right width of the rear portion 208. At least one lightening hole 211 is preferably formed in each of the front portion 206, intermediate portion 207, and rear portion 208. The shapes of the front portion 206, intermediate portion 207, rear portion 208, and lightening hole 211 can be set as desired.

[0082] The right and left portions of the rear portion 208 are provided with left and right extension pieces 212 that extend laterally and upward from the side edges of the rear portion 208. The left and right extension pieces 212 extend above the cushion side members 31.

[0083] A front edge of the front part 206 of the support member 202 is provided with a plurality of first hook portions 214 that hook onto the middle member 204. Each of the first hook portions 214 is formed in a semicircular shape that opens downward when viewed from the left and right. A rear edge of the rear part 208 of the support member 202 is provided with a second hook portion 215 that hook onto the rear member 33. The second hook portion 215 extends left and right along the rear edge of the rear part 208 of the support member 202. The second hook portion 215 is formed in a semicircular shape that opens downward when viewed from the left and right. The plurality of first hook portions 214 are hooked onto the middle member / rear member, and the second hook portion 215 is hooked onto the rear member 33, so that the support member 202 is hung between the middle member 204 and the rear member 33.

[0084] The sheet-like member 201 is spanned between the middle member 204 and the rear member 33. At least one front engaging portion 221 is provided on the front edge of the sheet-like member 201. The front engaging portion 221 is formed by bending a metal rod. The front edge of the sheet-like member 201 is folded back and sewn together to form multiple front loop portions 222. Each front loop portion 222 extends left and right. The front engaging portion 221 has a shaft portion 223 rotatably supported by the front loop portion 222, and left and right third hook portions 224 extending forward from both ends of the shaft portion 223. The third hook portions 224 are formed in a semicircular shape that is open downward when viewed from the left and right direction.

[0085] At least one rear engaging portion 226 is provided on the rear edge of the sheet-like member 201. The rear engaging portion 226 is formed by bending a metal rod. The rear edge of the sheet-like member 201 is folded back and sewn to form multiple rear loop portions 227. Each rear loop portion 227 extends in the left and right directions. The rear engaging portion 226 has a shaft portion 228 rotatably supported on the rear loop portion 227, and left and right fourth hook portions 229 extending forward from both ends of the shaft portion 228. The fourth hook portion 229 is formed in a semicircular shape that is open downward when viewed from the left and right direction.

[0086] The front locking portion 221 of the sheet-like member 201 is locked to the first hook portion 214 of the support member 202, and is locked to the middle member 204 via the first hook portion 214. A front engagement groove 231 that receives the third hook portion 224 is formed on the upper surface of the first hook portion 214 of the support member 202. The front engagement groove 231 extends in the front-to-rear direction along the upper surface of the first hook portion 214. The position of the front locking portion 221 in the left-to-right direction relative to the first hook portion 214 is determined by fitting each third hook portion 224 into the corresponding front engagement groove 231.

[0087] The rear locking portion 226 of the sheet-like member 201 is locked to the second hook portion 215 of the support member 202, and is locked to the rear member 33 via the second hook portion 215. A rear engagement groove 232 that receives the fourth hook portion 229 is formed on the upper surface of the second hook portion 215 of the support member 202. The rear engagement groove 232 extends in the front-to-rear direction along the upper surface of the second hook portion 215. The position of the rear locking portion 226 in the left-to-right direction relative to the second hook portion 215 is determined by fitting each fourth hook portion 229 into the corresponding rear engagement groove 232.

[0088] When no load is applied to the upper surface of the seat cushion 4, the central portion 301C in the front-rear direction of the sheet-shaped member 201 is located at a position away from the intermediate portion 207 of the support member 202. When the load applied to the upper surface of the seat cushion 4 increases, the sheet-shaped member 201 bends downward and is supported by the upper surface of the support member 202.

[0089] A hook member 87 connected to an end of the cover member 85 via an elastic member 86 may be engaged with the support member 202. The hook member 87 may be engaged with the rear edge of the front part 206 of the support member 202 or the edge of the lightening hole 211.

[0090] In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 21 , an article placement section 300 may be provided at the front end of the seat cushion 4 instead of the ottoman 40. The article placement section 300 includes a rotating shaft 301 extending laterally at the front end of the seat cushion 4, left and right support shafts 302 rotatably supported on the rotating shaft 301 and extending radially from the rotating shaft 301, and plate members 304 slidably supported on the left and right support shafts 302. The rotating shaft 301 is provided at the lower part of the front end of the seat cushion. The left and right support shafts 302 rotate between a horizontal position extending forward from the front end of the seat cushion and a vertical position extending upward from the front end of the seat cushion. The plate member 304 is provided along a plane including the left and right support shafts 302. When the support shafts 302 are in the horizontal position, the surface of the plate member 304 faces up and down, and when the support shafts 302 are in the vertical position, the surface of the plate member 304 faces front and rear. The plate members 304 are provided on the left and right support shafts 302 so as to be slidable in the extension direction of the support shafts 302. The plate members 304 move between a contracted position located on the base end side of the support shafts 302 and an extended position located on the tip end side of the support shafts 302.

[0091] 21 shows a state in which the support shaft 302 is in a vertical position and the plate member 304 is in a contracted position. In this state, the plate member 304 is disposed along the front edge of the seat cushion. At this time, an occupant can sit on the seat.

[0092] 22 shows a state in which the support shaft 302 is in a vertical position and the plate member 304 is in an extended position. In this state, the plate member 304 protrudes upward from the front end of the seat cushion. At this time, the plate member can prevent luggage placed on the seat cushion 4 from falling forward.

[0093] 23 shows a state in which the support shaft 302 is in a lateral position and the plate member 304 is in an extended position. In this state, the plate member 304 extends forward from the front end of the seat cushion. At this time, the plate member can support luggage in front of the seat cushion 4.

[0094] 24, the seat cushion 4 may be provided with a plurality of vibrators 400. Each vibrator 400 may include an electric motor and an eccentric weight connected to the drive shaft of the electric motor. The vibrator 400 generates vibrations as the electric motor rotates.

[0095] The plurality of vibrators 400 may be provided on the occupant-side surface (upper surface) of the pad 401 of the seat cushion 4, i.e., between the pad 401 and the upholstery material 13. The plurality of vibrators 400 include a first group 400A arranged at the center in the left-right direction (width direction) of the seat cushion 4, and a second group 400B arranged at the left and right end sides of the seat cushion 4 in the left-right direction.

[0096] The seat cushion 4 has a flat portion 4B disposed in the center in the left-right direction and left and right raised portions 4C disposed on the left and right outer sides of the flat portion 4B. The flat portion 4B is formed as a flat surface facing upward. In this embodiment, the left and right raised portions 4C protrude upward relative to the flat portion 4B. The plurality of vibrators 400 included in the first group 400A are disposed in the center in the left-right direction of the flat portion 4B, and the plurality of vibrators 400 included in the second group 400B are disposed at both left and right ends in the left-right direction of the flat portion 4B. In other embodiments, the plurality of vibrators 400 included in the first group 400A may be disposed on the flat portion 4B, and the plurality of vibrators 400 included in the second group 400B may be disposed on the left and right raised portions 4C.

[0097] The plurality of vibrators 400 are connected to a control device 404. When a predetermined notification condition is met, the control device 404 causes at least one vibrator 400 selected from the plurality of vibrators 400 to vibrate.

[0098] The control device 404 may control the plurality of vibrators 400 according to, for example, the procedure shown in Fig. 25. First, the control device 404 determines whether or not a notification condition is met (S1). The notification condition may be set arbitrarily, and may include, for example, whether or not the lateral acceleration of the vehicle in which the seat 1 is installed is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, whether or not the longitudinal acceleration of the vehicle in which the seat 1 is installed is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, whether or not the automatic driving of the vehicle in which the seat 1 is installed is about to end, whether or not there is an obstacle within a predetermined range from the vehicle in which the seat 1 is installed, etc.

[0099] The control device 404 then selects a vibrator 400 to be activated from the plurality of vibrators 400 (S2). The control device 404 may select a vibrator 400 to be activated from the plurality of vibrators 400 based on a signal from the occupant information acquisition device 405. The occupant information acquisition device 405 may include at least one of a camera that captures an image of an occupant seated in the seat 1 and a load sensor provided on the seat cushion 4 or the seat back 3. The control device 404 may identify the size of the occupant based on an image of the occupant captured by the camera serving as the occupant information acquisition device 405. The control device 404 may also identify the size of the occupant based on a load detected by the load sensor serving as the occupant information acquisition device 405. The control device 404 may then select a vibrator 400 to be activated based on the size of the occupant. The control device 404 may increase the number of vibrators 400 to be activated as the size of the occupant increases. For example, the control device 404 may activate all vibrators 400 included in the first group 400A and the second group 400B when the size of the occupant is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, and activate only the vibrators 400 included in the first group 400A when the size of the occupant is less than the predetermined value.

[0100] Furthermore, the control device 404 may be connected to an input device 407 that accepts input operations from the user, and may select the vibrator 400 to be activated based on selection information input to the input device 407. The input device 407 may be, for example, a touch panel display provided in the vehicle.

[0101] The control device 404 then determines the vibration intensity of the selected vibrator 400 (S3). The vibration intensity of the vibrator 400 varies depending on the rotation speed of the electric motor included in the vibrator 400. The control device 404 may estimate the thickness of the user's clothing, for example, from the season or an image of the user captured by a camera, and increase the vibration intensity of the vibrator 400 as the thickness of the clothing increases. For example, the thickness of clothing may be classified into three levels: thin, medium, and thick, and the vibration intensity of the vibrator 400 may be changed depending on the level of thickness of the clothing. The control device 404 may acquire a date and determine that the thickness of the clothing is thin if the date corresponds to summer, medium if the date corresponds to spring or autumn, and thick if the date corresponds to winter.

[0102] Next, the control device 404 vibrates the vibrator 400 selected in step S2 at the vibration intensity selected in step S3 (S4). This activates the vibrators 400 arranged in the range corresponding to the user seated on the seat 1. At this time, the vibrators 400 arranged in the range not corresponding to the user do not activate, thereby reducing power consumption. Furthermore, since the vibration intensity of the vibrator 400 increases or decreases depending on the thickness of the user's clothing, the vibrator 400 can reliably notify the user regardless of the thickness of the clothing.

[0103] As shown in FIG. 26 , a plurality of load sensors 408 may be distributed over the upper surface 4A of the seat cushion 4. The control device 404 may acquire a load distribution on the upper surface 4A of the seat cushion 4 based on the loads acquired by the plurality of load sensors 408. Then, in step S2, the control device 404 may select at least one vibrator 400 arranged in at least one region where the load is equal to or greater than a predetermined value as the vibrator 400 to be activated. Furthermore, in step S3, the control device 404 may set the vibration intensity of the vibrator 400 based on the load distribution. The control device 404 may set the vibration intensity of the vibrator 400 arranged in a region where the load is high to be greater than the vibration intensity of the vibrator 400 arranged in a region where the load is low.

[0104] Similarly to the seat cushion 4, the seat back 3 is provided with a vibrator 400, and each vibrator 400 of the seat back 3 may be controlled by a control device 404.

[0105] A plurality of vibrators 400 are arranged symmetrically on the seat back 3 and the seat cushion 4, and only one of the left and right vibrators 400 may be activated. As shown in Fig. 27, first to fourth vibrators 411 to 414 are arranged on the seat cushion 4. The first vibrator 411 is arranged at the front and left part of the seat cushion 4, the second vibrator 412 is arranged at the rear and left part of the seat cushion 4, the third vibrator 413 is arranged at the front and right part of the seat cushion 4, and the fourth vibrator 414 is arranged at the rear and right part of the seat cushion 4. The first vibrator 411 and the third vibrator 413 are arranged at positions symmetrical to each other, and the second vibrator 412 and the fourth vibrator 414 are arranged at positions symmetrical to each other.

[0106] The control device 404 activates the first vibrator 411 and the second vibrator 412 when generating a left-side attention request, and activates the third vibrator 413 and the fourth vibrator 414 when generating a right-side attention request. The control device 404 may generate a left-side attention request when determining, for example, based on a signal from a lateral acceleration sensor, that the vehicle is turning left. The control device 404 may also generate a right-side attention request when determining, based on a signal from an acceleration sensor, that the vehicle is turning right. In other embodiments, only a pair of vibrators 400 may be provided, one on each side.

[0107] 28, only the first to third vibrators 421, 422, 423 may be provided on the upper surface 4A of the seat cushion 4. The first vibrator 421 is disposed at the rear of the seat cushion 4 and in the center in the left-right direction. The second vibrator 422 is disposed at the front left of the seat cushion 4. The third vibrator 423 is disposed at the front right of the seat cushion 4. The first vibrator 421 is disposed at a position corresponding to the buttocks of the user, the second vibrator 422 is disposed at a position corresponding to the left thigh of the user, and the third vibrator 423 is disposed at a position corresponding to the right thigh of the user.

[0108] When a left-side attention request is generated, the control device 404 may activate the first vibrator 421, and after a predetermined delay time, activate the second vibrator 422. When a right-side attention request is generated, the control device 404 may activate the first vibrator 421, and after a predetermined delay time, activate the third vibrator 423.

[0109] As shown in FIG. 29, if the seat 1 is rotatable about a rotation axis 425 extending vertically, the vibrator 400 to be activated may be changed depending on the rotation position of the seat 1. The seat 1 rotates about the rotation axis and can be in a forward-facing position facing forward or a rearward-facing position facing rearward. As shown in FIG. 30, the control device 404 may determine whether the seat 1 is in the forward-facing position (S11). If the seat 1 is in the forward-facing position (the determination result in S11 is Yes), the control device 404 activates the first vibrator 411 and the second vibrator 412 arranged on the left side of the seat cushion 4 in response to a left-side attention request, and activates the third vibrator 413 and the fourth vibrator 414 arranged on the right side of the seat cushion 4 in response to a right-side attention request (S12). If the seat 1 is not in a forward-facing position (the determination result of S11 is No), the control device 404 activates the third vibrator 413 and the fourth vibrator 414 located on the right side of the left side of the seat cushion 4 in response to a left-side attention request, and activates the first vibrator 411 and the second vibrator 412 located on the right side of the seat cushion 4 in response to a right-side attention request (S12).

[0110] A device that generates sound, fragrance, light, etc. may be provided instead of vibrator 400. A device that transmits information to the user of seat 1 by generating at least one of vibration, sound, fragrance, and light is defined as an information transmission device.

[0111] As shown in Fig. 31, a first receiving hole 432 and a second receiving hole 433 for receiving various devices 431 are formed on the front surface of the pad 430 of the seat back 3 facing the occupant. The first receiving hole 432 and the second receiving hole 433 are bottomed holes that open forward. The first receiving hole 432 is formed in the upper part of the pad 430, and the second receiving hole 433 is formed in the lower part of the pad 430. In this embodiment, the first receiving hole 432 and the second receiving hole 433 are each formed in a rectangular shape when viewed from the front.

[0112] As shown in Fig. 32, a third receiving hole 434, a fourth receiving hole 435, and a fifth receiving hole 436 for receiving various devices 431 are formed on the upper surface of the pad 401 of the seat cushion 4 facing the occupant. The third receiving hole 434, the fourth receiving hole 435, and the fifth receiving hole 436 are bottomed holes that open upward. The third receiving hole 434 is formed in the center in the left-right direction of the rear part of the pad 401, the fourth receiving hole 435 is formed on the front left side of the pad 401, and the fifth receiving hole 436 is formed on the front right side of the pad 401. In this embodiment, the third receiving hole 434, the fourth receiving hole 435, and the fifth receiving hole 436 are each formed in a rectangular shape when viewed from above.

[0113] Each device 431 includes a case that defines the outer shape and an electrical device housed in the case. The cases of each device 431 may be formed in the same shape. In this embodiment, the cases of each device 431 are formed in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped of the same size. The device 431 constitutes at least one of a vibrator, a sensor, and a temperature regulator. The sensor may include at least one of a load sensor, a heart rate sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, and an acceleration sensor, for example. The temperature regulator may include at least one of an electric heating device, a cooling device including a Peltier element, and a fan.

[0114] Each device 431 may have multiple functions. Device 431 may combine at least two of a vibrator, a sensor, and a temperature regulator. Device 431 may include a vibrator and a sensor disposed on the outer surface of the vibrator.

[0115] Each of the first to fifth receiving holes 432 to 436 is formed to a size that allows it to receive at least one device 431. Furthermore, each of the first to fifth receiving holes 432 to 436 is provided with a spacer 438 that fills the gaps between the first to fifth receiving holes 432 to 436. The spacer 438 is preferably formed from the same material as the pads 401, 430.

[0116] The size of each of the first to fifth receiving holes 432 to 436 may be an integral multiple of the size of one device 431. Furthermore, the spacer 438 may be formed in the same shape as the case of the device 431. Thus, any number of devices 431 and spacers 438 can be inserted into each of the first to fifth receiving holes 432 to 436, thereby filling each of the first to fifth receiving holes 432 to 436. As shown in FIG. 31 , the first receiving hole 432 is formed to be three times the size of the device 431 and receives two devices 431 and one spacer 438. The two devices 431 may have the same function or different functions. As shown in FIG. 32 , the third receiving hole 434 is not formed to be an integral multiple of the size of the device 431. Therefore, two or more types of spacers 438 with different shapes are used to fill the gap between the third receiving hole 434 and the two devices 431.

[0117] As shown in FIGS. 33 and 34, the spacer 438 has a harness groove 441 that receives a wire harness 439 extending from the device 431. The harness groove 441 is preferably formed on the bottom surface of the spacer 438, i.e., the surface that contacts the bottom surfaces of the first to fifth receiving holes 432 to 436. A plurality of harness grooves 441 may be provided on the spacer 438, for example, two harness grooves 441 that intersect with each other. As shown in FIG. 35, in another embodiment, a harness groove 443 may be formed in the bottom portion of the third receiving hole 434. As shown in FIGS. 32 and 35, harness holes 442 are formed in the pads 401 and 430 adjacent to the first to fifth receiving holes 432 to 436. The harness hole 442 penetrates the pads 401 and 430 in the thickness direction. The wire harness 439 passes through the harness hole 442 and extends to the back surface side of the pads 401 and 430. The harness hole 442 is provided adjacent to the third receiving hole 433. In addition, a connecting groove 447 that connects the fourth receiving hole 435 and the fifth receiving hole 436 may be formed, and the harness hole 442 may be formed at the bottom of the connecting groove 447.

[0118] As shown in FIG. 35, a plurality of ventilation holes 444 may be formed at the bottom of each of the first to fifth receiving holes 432 to 436. The ventilation holes 444 may penetrate the pads 401 and 430 in the thickness direction. The ventilation holes 444 may also communicate with air passages 445 formed in the pads 401 and 430. A blower 446 may be provided in the air passage 445. The spacer 438 disposed at a position corresponding to the ventilation holes 444 may be breathable. The spacer 438 may have at least one through-hole penetrating the pad 401 and 430 in the thickness direction. The spacer 438 may be made of a porous material having breathability. When a plurality of ventilation holes 444 are provided, each device 431 may be disposed at a position avoiding the ventilation holes 444.

[0119] As shown in FIG. 36 , the upholstery material 8 of the seat back 3 is formed with a first opening 451 for exposing the first receiving hole 432 to the outside and a second opening 452 for exposing the second receiving hole 433 to the outside. The first opening 451 is covered by a first cover 453 that is detachably coupled to the upholstery material 8. The second opening 452 is covered by a second cover 454 that is detachably coupled to the upholstery material 8. Each of the first cover 453 and the second cover 454 may be inseparably coupled to the upholstery material 8 in a portion thereof. In this embodiment, the upholstery material 8 is disposed between the first opening 451 and the second opening 452 and has a cover fixing portion 455 that extends in the left and right directions. The lower edge of the first cover 453 and the upper edge of the second cover 454 are fixed to the cover fixing portion 455. The left and right side edges and the lower edge of the first cover 453 are detachably fixed to the edge of the first opening 451 by fasteners 457. Similarly, the left and right side edges and bottom edge of the second cover 454 are detachably coupled to the edges of the second opening 452 by fasteners 458 .

[0120] As shown in FIG. 37 , the cover material 13 of the seat cushion 4 is formed with a third opening 461 for exposing the third receiving hole 434 to the outside, and a fourth opening 462 for exposing the fourth receiving hole 435 and the fifth receiving hole 436 to the outside. The third opening 461 is covered by a third cover 463 that is detachably coupled to the cover material 13. The fourth opening 462 is covered by a fourth cover 464 that is detachably coupled to the cover material 13. Each of the third cover 463 and the fourth cover 464 may be inseparably coupled to the cover material 13 in a portion thereof. In this embodiment, the cover material 13 is disposed between the third opening 461 and the fourth opening 462 and has a cover fixing portion 465 that extends laterally. A front edge of the third cover 463 and a rear edge of the fourth cover 464 are fixed to the cover fixing portion 465. The left and right side edges and rear edge of the third cover 463 are detachably coupled to the edges of the third opening 461 by fasteners 467. Similarly, the left and right side edges and front edge of the fourth cover 464 are detachably coupled to the edges of the fourth opening 462 by fasteners 468.

[0121] According to these aspects, the first to fifth receiving holes 432 to 436 can be exposed by opening the first to fourth covers 453, 454, 463, and 464. This makes it easy to change or reposition the device 431. In other embodiments, other detachable connecting members such as snap buttons may be used instead of the fasteners 458 and 468. [Explanation of symbols]

[0122] 1: Sheet 2: Floor 3: Seat back 4: Seat cushion 6: Seat back frame 11: Seat cushion frame 15: Slide device 35: Link 40: Ottoman 54: Headrest 61: Armrest 71: Protective cover 73: Containment space 81: Left seat 82: Right seat 84: Gap 85: Cover material 91: Luggage storage space 93: First movable member 94: Second movable member 96: First connecting member 97: Second connecting member 101: Box body 102: Support plate

Claims

[Claim 1] A vehicle seat having a seat back and a seat cushion rotatably supported at a rear end by the seat back, the vehicle seat being capable of assuming a use state in which a user can sit and a storage state in which the seat back is rotated forward from the use state and overlaps with the seat cushion, a slide device including left and right lower rails extending in the front-rear direction and left and right upper rails supported by the left and right lower rails so as to be slidable in the front-rear direction, left and right base side members coupled to the left and right upper rails, respectively, and supporting a lower end of the seat back in a rotatable manner; left and right links that rotatably connect a front portion of the seat cushion to the left and right base side members; an ottoman rotatably supported at the front end of the seat cushion; In the stored state, the ottoman protrudes forward beyond the seat back, When the seat cushion is in the in-use state, the rotation axis of the ottoman relative to the seat cushion is located rearward of the front end of the slide device when viewed from the left-right direction.

Images