Vehicle seats

Abstract

The present invention provides a vehicle seat that allows for the balanced placement of a movable device that can adjust the position of the seat cushion. [Solution] The seat cushion 1 of the vehicle seat S has a rear cushion portion 1A that constitutes the rear part of the seat cushion and a front cushion portion 1B that constitutes the front part of the seat cushion. The front cushion portion 1B is rotatably connected to the rear cushion portion 1A about a cushion pivot axis 52. The vehicle seat S includes a support base 4 provided on the vehicle floor V1 and a height link 31 that connects the support base 4 and the seat cushion 1 and changes the height position of the seat cushion 1 relative to the support base 4. The cushion pivot axis 52 and the height link 31 are positioned to overlap vertically in a side view of the seat.

Description

Technical Field

[0004]

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a height link device capable of changing the height position of a seat cushion with respect to a vehicle floor, and a cushion adjustment device that rotatably connects the front portion of the seat cushion to the rear portion of the seat cushion and adjusts the position of the front portion of the seat cushion are provided. A vehicle seat is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, in a vehicle seat such as that of Patent Document 1, it has been required to arrange a movable device capable of adjusting the position of a seat cushion (a part of the seat cushion) in a well-balanced manner. As an example, in a vehicle seat provided with the above-described cushion adjustment device, if this cushion adjustment device is arranged on the center side in the front-rear direction of the seat cushion, it may have a complicated structure in relation to other components. Alternatively, if this cushion device is arranged on the front side of the seat cushion, the seat cushion may become larger, and the rigidity of the front portion of the seat cushion may decrease.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle seat capable of arranging a movable device capable of adjusting the position of a seat cushion (a part of the seat cushion) in a well-balanced manner. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The aforementioned problems are solved by the vehicle seat of the present invention, which is a vehicle seat equipped with a seat cushion, wherein the seat cushion has a rear cushion portion that constitutes the rear part of the seat cushion and a front cushion portion that constitutes the front part of the seat cushion, the front cushion portion is rotatably connected to the rear cushion portion about a cushion pivot axis along the seat width direction and is provided on the vehicle floor, and a height link connects the support base and the seat cushion and changes the height position of the seat cushion with respect to the support base, and the cushion pivot axis and the height link are positioned to overlap vertically in a side view of the seat. The above configuration makes it possible to realize a vehicle seat that allows for the balanced placement of movable devices that can adjust the position of the seat cushion (or a part of the seat cushion). More specifically, a vehicle seat is equipped with a height link for changing the height of the seat cushion and a cushion pivot axis (cushion pivot device) for rotating the front part of the cushion. The cushion pivot axis and the height link are positioned so that they overlap vertically when viewed from the side of the seat. This allows for a well-balanced (compact) arrangement of the cushion pivot axis (cushion pivot device) and the height link in the front-to-back direction of the seat. For example, by arranging the cushion pivot axis and the height link to overlap vertically in the front part of the seat cushion, the seat cushion (front part of the cushion) can be operated in a well-balanced manner. Furthermore, it is possible to avoid having one of the movable devices positioned towards the center of the seat cushion, or to have it protrude forward from the seat cushion.

[0007] In this case, the height link is attached to the support base via a link pivot axis, and it is preferable that the cushion pivot axis and the link pivot axis are positioned so that they overlap vertically in a side view of the seat. With the above configuration, the cushion pivot axis (cushion pivot mechanism) and height link can be positioned in a balanced manner (compactly arranged) in the front-to-back direction of the seat.

[0008] In this case, the height link comprises a rotating member connected to the cushion pivot shaft and rotating together with the front part of the cushion, and a restricting member attached to the rear part of the cushion via a pivot shaft and engaging with the rotating member to restrict the rotational movement of the rotating member and the front part of the cushion, wherein the height link is attached to the support base via a first link pivot shaft and to the seat cushion via a second link pivot shaft, and the pivot shaft is preferably positioned between the first link pivot shaft and the second link pivot shaft in the front-rear direction of the seat when viewed from the side of the seat. Furthermore, the pivot shaft is preferably positioned between the first link pivot shaft and the cushion pivot shaft in the vertical direction. With the above configuration, the pivot axis of the regulating member, the pivot axis of the first link, and the pivot axis of the second link can be compactly arranged in the front-rear direction of the seat.

[0009] In this case, the seat includes a seat back and a reclining device that rotatably connects the seat back to the seat cushion and can lock the seat back, wherein the reclining device has an operating lever for releasing the lock on the seat back, and the operating lever is connected to the restricting member through a connecting member, and the operation by the occupant releases the lock on the seat back and releases the restriction on the rotational movement of the front part of the cushion. With the above configuration, the seat back and the front part of the cushion can be rotated in conjunction with each other.

[0010] In this case, the front part of the cushion has a front frame that forms the skeleton, and is switchable between a normal state in which it extends forward from the front end portion of the rear part of the cushion along the extension direction of the rear part of the cushion, and a movable state in which it extends downward from the normal state below the rear part of the cushion, and when the front part of the cushion is in the movable state, it is preferable that the front frame and the height link extend parallel to each other in a side view of the seat. The above configuration makes it possible to prevent unintended interference between the front part of the cushion and the height link when moving the front part of the cushion from the "normal state" to the "moving state".

[0011] In this case, the height link operates to switch the seat cushion between a seated state in which an occupant can sit and a stored state in which the seat cushion is moved from the seated state to the vehicle floor, and it is preferable that the front part of the cushion is rotatable by contacting the vehicle floor when the seat cushion moves from the seated state to the stored state. With the above configuration, when moving the seat cushion from the "normal state" to the "moving state," the front part of the cushion can slide smoothly along the vehicle floor.

[0012] In this case, the support base is a support rail device that connects the seat cushion to the vehicle floor so that it can move in the front-rear direction, and the support rail device switches the seat cushion between a reference position and a forward position that is moved forward of the reference position, and when the seat cushion is in the forward position, the front part of the cushion does not come into contact with the vehicle floor. With the above configuration, when the seat cushion is in the "forward position," care can be taken to prevent the front part of the cushion from coming into contact with the vehicle floor.

[0013] In this case, the seat includes a seat back and a reclining device that rotatably connects the seat back to the seat cushion and can lock the seat back, wherein the reclining device has an operating lever for releasing the lock on the seat back, and the support rail device can lock the seat cushion at a predetermined front-to-back position, and the operating lever is connected to the support rail device through a connecting member, and the lock on the seat back and the lock on the seat cushion are released in response to operation by the occupant. With the above configuration, the rotational movement of the seat back and the forward and backward movement of the seat cushion can be coordinated (linked) to perform the seat switching operation.

[0014] In this case, the front part of the cushion should rotate upward relative to the rear part of the cushion and be positioned above the seating surface of the rear part of the cushion. With the above configuration, for example, when luggage is placed on the seat cushion, the front part of the cushion can be used to support the luggage by sandwiching it between the seat back. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] According to the present invention, it is possible to realize a vehicle seat in which a movable device that can adjust the position of the seat cushion (or a part of the seat cushion) can be positioned in a balanced manner. More specifically, the cushion pivot axis and height link can be positioned in a balanced manner (compactly arranged) in the front-to-back direction of the seat. Furthermore, according to the present invention, the pivot axis of the regulating member, the pivot axis of the first link, and the pivot axis of the second link can be compactly arranged in the front-rear direction of the seat. Furthermore, according to the present invention, the seat back and the front part of the cushion can be rotated in conjunction with each other (in a linked manner). Furthermore, according to the present invention, interference between the front part of the cushion and the height link can be suppressed when the front part of the cushion is moved from the "normal state" to the "moving state". Furthermore, according to the present invention, the front portion of the cushion can be smoothly slid along the vehicle floor. According to the present invention, when the seat cushion is in the "front position", it is possible to take care not to forcibly abut the front part of the cushion against the vehicle floor. According to the present invention, the rotation operation of the seat back and the forward and backward movement of the seat cushion can be made to correspond (interlock) to perform the switching operation of the seat. According to the present invention, when a load is placed on the seat cushion, the front part of the cushion can be used to support the load by sandwiching it between the seat back. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view of a vehicle seat. [Figure 2] It is a perspective view of a seat frame. [Figure 3] It is a perspective view of a cushion rotation device. [Figure 4] It is a perspective view of a cushion rotation device (lever bracket). <s id="0000094"> [Figure 5] It is a side view of a vehicle seat showing the "normal state". [Figure 6] It is an enlarged view of the main part of FIG. 5, showing a cushion rotation device, a height link, and a front frame. [Figure 7] It is a view showing the "moving state" of a vehicle seat. [Figure 8] It is a view showing the state where the vehicle seat in FIG. 5 switches from the "normal state" to the "stored state". [Figure 9] It is a view showing the "stored state" of a vehicle seat. [Figure 10] It is a view showing that the vehicle seat is in the "normal state" and the "front position". [Figure 11] It is a view showing that the vehicle seat is in the "stored state" and the "front position". [Figure 12] [[ID=4,6]]It is a view showing the state where the vehicle seat in FIG. 11 moves to the "reference position". [Figure 13]This diagram shows the vehicle seat in the "stored state" and "reference position". [Figure 14] This diagram shows a vehicle seat in its "normal state" and "reference position." [Figure 15] This diagram shows a vehicle seat in a "moving state" and in a "reference position". [Figure 16] This diagram shows the vehicle seat in the "second moving state" and in the "forward position". [Figure 17] This diagram shows a vehicle seat in the "third movement state" and in the "reference position". [Figure 18] This diagram shows the vehicle seat in the "fourth movement state" and in the "forward position". [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0017] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 18. This embodiment relates to a "vehicle seat" that enables the balanced placement of a movable device that can adjust the position of the seat cushion (or a part of the seat cushion). In a vehicle, the side of the seat back (headrest) on which the occupant sits is considered the "front side (front of the seat)." A person sitting in such a vehicle seat will be referred to as an "occupant" or "occupant" below.

[0018] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the vehicle seat S is a vehicle seat, for example, a rear seat (also called a rear passenger seat) located at the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle seat S allows the position of the seat cushion 1 (rear cushion section 1A, front cushion section 1B) and seat back 2 to be adjusted to suit the occupant's physique and posture, enabling the occupant to sit in a relaxed position. Furthermore, the vehicle seat S allows the seat cushion 1 and seat back 2 to be compactly stored on the vehicle floor V1 side. Furthermore, the vehicle seat S can properly support luggage placed on the seat cushion 1 and prevent the luggage from rolling off. Specifically, the vehicle seat S is a seat that can be switched between the "normal state" shown in Figures 5, 10, and 14, the "moving state" shown in Figures 7 and 15, the "storage state" shown in Figures 9, 11, and 13, the "second moving state" shown in Figure 16, the "third moving state" shown in Figure 17, and the "fourth moving state" shown in Figure 18. The vehicle seats S can be switched manually by the occupants, but they may also be switched by other control devices.

[0019] The vehicle seat S comprises a seat body Sa having a seat cushion 1, a seat back 2, and a headrest 3; a support rail device 4 that connects the seat body Sa to the vehicle floor so that it can move back and forth; a rail bracket 5; and a height device 30 that connects the seat cushion 1 to the rail bracket 5 so that it can move up and down. Furthermore, the vehicle seat S includes a reclining device 40 that rotatably connects the seat back 2 to the rail bracket 5, and a cushion rotation device 50 that rotatably connects the front part 1B of the cushion to the rear part 1A of the cushion. The support rail device 4 corresponds to the "support base". The vehicle seat S may also be further equipped with a "control device" that controls various movable devices mounted on the seat body Sa.

[0020] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the seat cushion 1 is a seating portion that supports the occupant from below, and comprises a cushion frame 10 that forms the skeleton, a pad material 1Aa(1Ba) placed on the cushion frame 10, and a surface material 1Ab(1Bb) that covers the cushion frame 10 and the pad material 1Aa(1Ba). The seat cushion 1 has a rear cushion portion 1A that constitutes the rear part of the seat cushion 1 and a front cushion portion 1B that constitutes the front part of the seat cushion 1. The rear part 1A of the cushion and the front part 1B of the cushion are connected via a cushion rotation device 50 (cushion rotation shaft 52), and the front part 1B of the cushion is rotatable relative to the rear part 1A of the cushion about the cushion rotation shaft 52 which is aligned in the seat width direction. Furthermore, the rear part 1A of the cushion and the front part 1B of the cushion each have independent and different pad materials 1Aa and 1Ba, and surface materials 1Ab and 1Bb.

[0021] The seat back 2 is a backrest that supports the occupant from behind, and comprises a back frame 20 that forms the skeleton, a pad material 2a, and a surface material 2b. The headrest 3 is a headrest that supports the occupant's head from behind, and comprises a head pillar 3a that forms the frame, a pad material 3b, and a surface material 3c.

[0022] As shown in Figures 1, 2, and 5, the support rail device 4 is a device that supports the seat body Sa so that it can move back and forth relative to the vehicle floor V1. The support rail device 4 is positioned between the seat cushion 1 and the vehicle floor V1 in the vertical direction. The support rail device 4 is fixed to the vehicle floor V1 and includes left and right lower rails 4a extending in the front and rear directions, left and right upper rails 4b supported so as to be slidable along the lower rails 4a, a locking member 4c that locks the upper rails 4b so as not to slide relative to the lower rails 4a, and a rail operating lever that releases the locked state of the locking member 4c. The seat cushion 1 is attached to the upper surface of the left and right upper rails 4b via rail brackets 5 and height adjustment devices 30, and the seat back 2 is attached via rail brackets 5 and reclining devices 40. The support rail device 4 can be switched between the "reference position" of the seat cushion 1 shown in Figure 5 and the "forward position" shown in Figure 11, which is moved forward from the reference position, and can be locked at predetermined front-to-back positions.

[0023] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the rail bracket 5 is a bracket for assembling the seat body Sa to the vehicle floor, and is positioned on the left and right sides of the seat body Sa. The rail bracket 5 includes a first rail bracket 5a with an L-shaped cross-section and a second rail bracket 5b that is attached to the upper surface of the rear portion of the first rail bracket 5a. The first rail bracket 5a connects the support rail device 4 and the height device 30 in the vertical direction, and the second rail bracket 5b connects the support rail device 4 and the reclining device 40 in the vertical direction.

[0024] The cushion frame 10 is a frame-like structure, as shown in Figure 2. The cushion frame 10 comprises left and right side frames 11 positioned laterally in the seat width direction, a plate-shaped first connecting frame 12 connecting the front portions of each side frame 11, a pipe-shaped second connecting frame 13 connecting the rear portions of each side frame 11, and a plurality of pressure-receiving springs that are attached to the first connecting frame 12 and the second connecting frame 13 and extend in the front-rear direction. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 2, 5, and 6, the cushion frame 10 also includes connecting frames 14 that are attached to the front end portion of each side frame 11 and connected to the height link 31. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, the cushion frame 10 further includes a front frame 15 which is assembled to the front portion of each side frame 11 via a cushion rotation device 50. The side frame 11, the first connecting frame 12, the second connecting frame 13, and the connecting frame 14 constitute the "frame of the rear part 1A of the cushion." The front frame 15 constitutes the "frame of the front part 1B of the cushion."

[0025] Specifically, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, a connecting frame 14 extending forward and backward from the side frame 11 is attached to the inner surface of the front end portion of the side frame 11. The second link pivot shaft 34 and the height link 31 are assembled to the side surface of the extended end of this connecting frame 14. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 2, 5, and 6, a cushion pivot device 50 (side bracket 51) is assembled to the side of the front end portion of the side frame 11, and a cushion pivot shaft 52 and a front frame 15 are attached to the side of this side bracket 51. Note that the cushion pivot shaft 52 is positioned in front of the second link pivot shaft 34. A front frame 15 is attached to the front end of the cushion pivot shaft 52. The front frame 15 rotates around the cushion pivot shaft 52 as its pivot point relative to the side frame 11 (side bracket 51). A connecting bracket 25 is attached to the side of the rear portion of the side frame 11 via a second connecting frame 13.

[0026] As shown in Figure 2, the back frame 20 is a frame-shaped structure comprising back side frames 21 arranged on the left and right sides, an upper frame 22 connecting the upper ends of each back side frame 21, a lower frame 23 connecting the lower ends of each back side frame 21, and a plate-shaped pressure receiving plate 24. As shown in Figures 2 and 5, a reclining device 40 is assembled to the lower end of the backside frame 21 via a connecting bracket 25. The side frame 11 is rotatably mounted to the lower part of the back side frame 21 via a connecting shaft 26.

[0027] As shown in Figure 2, the connecting bracket 25 has the function of connecting the side frame 11 and the back side frame 21, and the function of connecting the back side frame 21 and the rail bracket 5. The connecting bracket 25 connects the backside frame 21 and the rail bracket 5 via the reclining device 40. With the above configuration, the seat back 2 is rotatable around the back pivot axis 42 relative to the rail bracket 5 and can be locked in a predetermined rotation position. Furthermore, the seat cushion 1 moves in conjunction with the rotational movement of the seat back 2, and its movement is restricted when the seat back 2 is locked.

[0028] As shown in Figures 1, 2, 5, and 6, the height adjustment device 30 is installed between the support rail device 4 (rail bracket 5) and the seat cushion 1. The height adjustment device 30 includes left and right height links 31 positioned in front of the seat, a locking member 32 that locks the seat cushion 1 so that it cannot be raised or lowered, and a height adjustment lever that releases the lock state of the locking member 32. The Height Link 31 connects the rail bracket 5 and the cushion frame 10 (connecting frame 14), and is rotatable relative to each of them. Specifically, the height link 31 is attached to the support rail device 4 (rail bracket 5) via the first link pivot shaft 33, and is also attached to the seat cushion 1 (cushion frame 10) via the second link pivot shaft 34. In the above configuration, the height adjustment device 30 can change the height of the seat cushion 1 by operating the height link 31.

[0029] As shown in Figures 1, 2, and 5, the reclining device 40 includes a reclining body 41 that is driven when the seat back 2 is rotated, a back pivot shaft 42, a spiral spring 43 that biases the seat back 2 to rotate forward around the back pivot shaft 42, and an operating lever 44 that is operated to release the locked state of the seat back 2.

[0030] The reclining unit 41 has a locking mechanism that allows the seat back 2 to be switched between a "locked state" in which it is fixed to the seat cushion 1 and an "unlocked state" in which it can rotate relative to the seat cushion 1. The back pivot shaft 42 is pivotally supported on the seat cushion 1 side and the seat back 2 side in the seat width direction. The spiral spring 43 has one end locked to the seat cushion 1 side and the other end locked to the seat back 2 side. The operating lever 44 is a lever for releasing the locking mechanism of the reclining device 40, and is attached to the shoulder area of ​​the seat back 2 (back frame 20) via a lever mounting bracket. As shown in Figures 14 and 15, when operated by a passenger, the operating lever 44 can release the locking mechanism of the support rail device 4, as well as the reclining device 40, and the locking mechanism of the cushion rotation device 50.

[0031] As shown in Figures 2 to 6, the cushion rotation device 50 is a device that rotatably connects the cushion front portion 1B to the cushion rear portion 1A and locks the cushion front portion 1B. The cushion rotation device 50 is also called a "cushion adjustment device" and is attached to the front part of the seat cushion 1. As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the cushion rotation device 50 includes side brackets 51 attached to the front ends of the left and right side frames 11, a cushion rotation shaft 52, a rotation lever 53, a lever rotation shaft 54, a regulating lever 55, a lever bracket 56, and an operating lever 57.

[0032] The side bracket 51 is fixed to the front end of the side frame 11 and is provided to protrude forward from the front end. The side bracket 51 has a plate-shaped bracket body 51a and flanges 51b provided at the upper and lower ends of the bracket body 51a. As shown in Figures 3 to 6, a cushion pivot shaft 52, a pivot lever 53, a lever pivot shaft 54, a regulating lever 55, and a lever bracket 56 are attached to the inner surface of the side bracket 51.

[0033] As shown in Figures 3 to 6, the cushion pivot shaft 52 is the pivot axis of the front portion 1B of the cushion and is rotatably supported relative to the side bracket 51. The cushion pivot shaft 52 is mounted by passing through the left and right side brackets 51 and the pivot lever 53. The rotating lever 53 is a "rotating member" that is connected to the cushion pivot shaft 52 and rotates together with the cushion front portion 1B. The rotating lever 53 is also called a "ratchet member". The rotating lever 53 is positioned on the inner surface of the side bracket 51 and has a lever body 53a that pivotally supports the cushion rotating shaft 52, and a gear portion 53b formed on the outer circumferential surface (part of the outer circumferential surface) of the lever body 53a.

[0034] The lever pivot shaft 54 ​​is a pivot shaft (axis pin) that serves as the pivot center of the regulating lever 55, and is mounted by passing through the regulating lever 55 and the side bracket 51. The restricting lever 55 is a "restricting member" that is connected to the side bracket 51 by a lever pivot shaft 54 ​​and rotates relative to the side bracket 51. The restricting lever 55 is also called a "latch member". The restricting lever 55 is attached to the rear part 1A of the cushion, or more precisely, to the side bracket 51 which is assembled to the rear part 1A of the cushion (side frame 11), via the lever pivot shaft 54. The restricting lever 55 then engages with the rotating lever 53 to restrict the rotational movement of the rotating lever 53 and the front part 1B of the cushion. The regulating lever 55 is positioned on the back surface of the side bracket 51 and has a lever body 55a that pivots the cushion pivot shaft 52, a gear portion 53b formed on a part of the outer circumferential surface of the lever body 55a, and an engaging projection 55c formed on the outer circumferential surface of the lever body 55a opposite to the gear portion 53b.

[0035] In the above configuration, as shown in Figure 3, the rotating lever 53 (gear portion 53b) and the restricting lever 55 (gear portion 53b) are engaged in a meshing manner. As a result, the regulating lever 55 rotates, and the rotational movement of the regulating lever 55 is transmitted to the rotating lever 53, which rotates relative to the rotating lever 53 and the side bracket 51, and rotates together with the cushion pivot shaft 52. Consequently, the front part of the cushion 1B (front frame 15), which is fixed to the cushion pivot shaft 52, rotates relative to the rear part of the cushion 1A.

[0036] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the lever bracket 56 is rotatably connected to the restricting lever 55 by the lever pivot shaft 54 ​​and is a bracket that releases the restricting state (locked state) of the restricting lever 55. Specifically, the lever bracket 56 is interposed between the regulating lever 55 and the operating lever 57, and is a bracket that transmits the operation of the operating lever by the occupant to the regulating lever 55. The lever bracket 56 is positioned on the inner surface of the side bracket 51 and has a bracket body 56a that pivotally supports the lever pivot shaft 54, a fitting groove 56b, and an engagement groove 56c.

[0037] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the fitting groove 56b of the lever bracket 56 engages with the fitting projection 57a ​​provided on the operating lever 57. As a result, the lever bracket 56 rotates around the lever pivot axis 54 in conjunction with the operation of the operating lever 57. The engagement groove 56c of the lever bracket 56 engages with the engagement projection 55c provided on the regulating lever 55. As a result, the regulating lever 55 rotates around the lever pivot axis 54 in conjunction with the rotational movement of the lever bracket 56. The gear portion 55b of the restricting lever 55 is normally locked in place by meshing with the gear portion 53b of the rotating lever 53. The rotating lever 53 rotates around the cushion pivot shaft 52 in conjunction with the rotational movement of the restricting lever 55. The cushion pivot shaft 52 and the front frame 15 (front cushion portion 1B) rotate in conjunction with the rotational movement of the rotation lever 53. With the above configuration, when an occupant operates the operating lever 57 located at the front end of the seat cushion 1 (front cushion portion 1B), the rotational movement of the operating lever 57 is transmitted through the lever bracket 56, the regulating lever 55, the rotation lever 53, and the cushion rotation shaft 52, causing the front cushion portion 1B (front frame 15) to rotate.

[0038] <Positional relationship in a side view of the seat> Figure 5 is a side view of the vehicle seat S, showing the "normal state (seatable state)". Figure 6 is an enlarged view of the main part of Figure 5. In this configuration, the cushion pivot axis 52 and the height link 31 are positioned to overlap vertically in a side view of the seat. More specifically, the cushion pivot axis 52 and the first link pivot axis 33 are positioned to overlap vertically in a side view of the seat. This allows the cushion pivot axis 52 (cushion pivot device 50) and the height link 31 (first link pivot axis 33) to be positioned in a balanced manner (compactly arranged) in the front-rear direction of the seat. Specifically, the seat cushion 1 (front cushion portion 1B) can be operated in a balanced manner. In addition, it is possible to avoid the cushion pivot device 50 or the height device 30 shifting towards the center of the seat cushion 1, and also to avoid them protruding towards the front of the seat cushion 1.

[0039] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6, the lever pivot shaft 54 ​​is positioned between the first link pivot shaft 33 and the second link pivot shaft 34 in the seat front-rear direction. In addition, the lever pivot shaft 54 ​​is positioned between the first link pivot shaft 33 and the cushion pivot shaft 52 (second link pivot shaft 34) in the vertical direction. This allows the lever pivot axis 54, the first link pivot axis 33, and the second link pivot axis 34 to be compactly arranged in the front-to-back direction of the seat.

[0040] <<Switching operation for vehicle seats>> Next, the switching operation of the vehicle seat S will be explained based on Figures 5 to 18. This switching operation may be performed by a crew member through "manual operation" or by a control device through "automatic operation". In the case of "automatic operation," the control device functions as an electronic control unit (ECU), and for example, it should acquire the detection result of the seated person (change in seating state) detected by the seating sensor, determine the seated person's physique and posture based on the detection result, and perform the seat switching operation. The operation of the support rail device 4, height device 30, reclining device 40, and cushion rotation device 50 will be described in detail below. In Figures 5 to 18, the black circles on each pivot axis indicate the "locked state," and the white circles indicate the "unlocked state."

[0041] Figures 5 and 6 are side views of the vehicle seat S, showing the "normal state". In the "normal state" shown in Figure 5, the seat cushion 1 and seat back 2 are in a "seated state (normal state)" that allows an occupant to be seated, and are locked by the reclining device 40. Furthermore, the front part 1B of the cushion is similarly in a "seating-ready state" and is locked by the cushion rotation device 50. This allows the occupant to sit in the vehicle seat S in a normal seating position.

[0042] Figure 7 shows the "movement state" of the vehicle seat S. The movement state is also referred to as the "relaxed state." In the "moving state" shown in Figure 7, the rear part of the cushion 1A and the seat back 2 are in a "seated state" and are locked by the reclining device 40. The front part 1B of the cushion rotates downward relative to the rear part 1A of the cushion and is locked in an inclined position relative to the rear part 1A of the cushion by the cushion rotation device 50. When the vehicle seat S switches to "movement mode," the positions of the seat cushion 1 and seat back 2 can be adjusted to suit the occupant's physique and posture.

[0043] As shown in Figures 5 and 7, the front part 1B of the cushion can be switched between a "normal state" in which it extends forward from the front end portion of the rear part 1A of the cushion along the extension direction of the rear part 1A of the cushion, and a "moving state" in which it extends downward from the rear part 1A of the cushion. Furthermore, when the front part 1B of the cushion is in a "moving state," the front frame 15 and the height link 31 extend parallel to each other in a side view of the seat. This prevents unintended interference between the cushion front portion 1B and the height link 31 when the cushion front portion 1B is moved downward.

[0044] Figure 8 shows how the vehicle seat S switches from the "normal state" to the "storage state". Specifically, the locks on the reclining device 40 and the cushion rotation device 50 are released when the occupant operates the control lever 44. The height device 30 is already unlocked, but it may be unlocked at this time as well. The rear part of the cushion 1A and the seat back 2 are moved to the vehicle floor V1 side. At this time, the height link 31 rotates forward around the first link pivot axis 33 as the pivot point, guiding the seat cushion 1 (rear part of the cushion 1A) toward the vehicle floor V1 side. The front part 1B of the cushion rotates downward around the cushion pivot axis 52, contacts the vehicle floor V1 (support rail device 4), and moves forward while being guided by the vehicle floor V1.

[0045] As shown in Figure 8, the Height Link 31 operates to switch the seat cushion 1 between a "seated state" in which an occupant can sit and a "storage state" in which the seat cushion 1 has been moved from the seated state to the vehicle floor V1. When the seat cushion 1 moves from the "seated state" to the "storage state," the front part 1B of the cushion comes into contact with the vehicle floor V1 (support rail device 4), allowing it to rotate. This allows the front part 1B of the cushion to slide smoothly along the vehicle floor V1.

[0046] Figure 9 shows the "stored state" of the vehicle seat S. As shown in Figure 9, in the "storage state," the seat cushion 1 and seat back 2 are locked in the "storage state" where they are stored in the vehicle floor V1. Note that seat cushion 1 and seat back 2 can maintain their "storage state" due to their own weight, so they can be in the unlocked state. The front part 1B of the cushion moves forward while being guided onto the vehicle floor V1, and is placed on the vehicle floor V1 with the rear part 1A of the cushion extending forward.

[0047] Figure 10 shows the vehicle seat S in its "normal state" and "forward position". In the embodiments shown in Figures 10-13, a storage floor V2 is formed in part of the vehicle floor V1. In the state shown in Figure 10, the rear part of the cushion 1A and the seat back 2 are locked in the "seated position". The front part of the cushion 1B is locked in a position tilted downward relative to the rear part of the cushion 1A. The seat cushion 1 and seat back 2 are moved from the "reference position" shown in Figure 5 to the "forward position" by the support rail device 4. As shown in Figure 10, when the seat cushion is in the "forward position," the front part of the cushion 1B (front frame 15) does not come into contact with the vehicle floor V1 (support rail device 4). This prevents the front part of the cushion from unintentionally coming into contact with the vehicle floor V1.

[0048] Figure 11 shows the vehicle seat S in the "stored state" and "forward position". As shown in Figure 11, in the "storage state," the seat cushion 1 and seat back 2 are locked in the "storage state" where they are stored in the vehicle floor V1. The front part of the cushion 1B is stored in the storage floor V2. Although the front part of the cushion 1B is placed on the storage floor V2, it may be slightly elevated from the storage floor V2. In that case, the front part of the cushion 1B should be locked by the cushion rotation device 50.

[0049] Figure 12 shows the vehicle seat S in Figure 11 moving to the "reference position". Figure 13 shows the vehicle seat S in the "stored state" and the "reference position". The seat cushion 1 and seat back 2 move from the "forward position" to the "reference position" by the support rail device 4. At this time, the front part 1B of the cushion comes into contact with the vehicle floor V1 (support rail device 4) and slowly rotates while being guided by the vehicle floor V1. When the seat cushion 1 and seat back 2 are moved to the "reference position," the front part 1B of the cushion is placed on the vehicle floor V1 with the front part 1B extending forward from the rear part 1A of the cushion.

[0050] Figure 14 shows the vehicle seat S in its "normal state" and "reference position". The support rail device 4, the reclining device 40, and the cushion rotation device 50 are in the locked state. The operating lever 44 is connected to the reclining device 40 (reclining body 41) via a first connecting cable 45. The operating lever 44 is also connected to the support rail device 4 (locking member 4c) via a second connecting cable 46, and to the cushion rotation device 50 (regulating lever 55) via a third connecting cable 47. As a result, the operating lever 44 can, triggered by an operation by the occupant, release the lock on the reclining device 40 (seat back 2), release the lock on the support rail device 4, and release the lock (rotation restriction) on the cushion rotation device 50 (front part of the cushion 1B). Furthermore, if a walk-in mechanism is provided around the reclining device 40, the lock release mechanism using these connecting cables can be compactly integrated.

[0051] Figure 15 shows the vehicle seat S in a "moving state" and in the "reference position". Figure 16 shows the vehicle seat S in a "second moving state" and in the "forward position". By operating the control lever 44, the support rail device 4, the reclining device 40, and the cushion rotation device 50 are released. In the "second movement state" shown in Figure 16, the seat cushion 1 and seat back 2 are rotated further forward than in the "normal state". The front part of the cushion 1B is extended both forward and downward. Furthermore, when the operation of the control lever 44 is completed in the state shown in Figure 16, the support rail device 4, the reclining device 40, and the cushion rotation device 50 will be locked. In the state shown in Figure 16, for example, if the vehicle seat S is a middle seat in a three-row seating arrangement, it becomes easier for passengers to get into the rear seats and to get out of the rear seats.

[0052] Figure 17 shows the vehicle seat S in the "third movement state" and "reference position." The third movement state is also referred to as the "cargo support state." In the "third movement state" shown in Figure 17, the seat cushion 1 and seat back 2 are locked in a "loadable state (normal state)" where luggage L can be placed. The front part 1B of the cushion rotates upward relative to the rear part 1A of the cushion and is locked in a position perpendicular to (intersecting) the rear part 1A of the cushion. Specifically, the front part 1B of the cushion rotates upward relative to the rear part 1A of the cushion, and is positioned above the seating surface of the rear part 1A of the cushion. When the vehicle seat S switches to the "third movement state," it can properly support the luggage L.

[0053] Figure 18 shows the vehicle seat S in the "fourth movement state" and "forward position." The fourth movement state is also referred to as the "cargo support state." In the "fourth movement state" shown in Figure 18, the seat cushion 1 and seat back 2 are locked in a "loadable state (normal state)" where luggage L can be placed. Specifically, the seat back 2 is locked in a position slightly tilted forward. The front part 1B of the cushion rotates upward relative to the rear part 1A of the cushion and is locked in a position perpendicular to the rear part 1A of the cushion. Furthermore, the front part 1B of the cushion holds the luggage L between itself and the seat back 2. When the vehicle seat S switches to the "fourth movement state," it can properly support the luggage L.

[0054] As a result, it is possible to create a vehicle seat that allows for the balanced placement of movable devices that can adjust the position of the seat cushion (or a part of the seat cushion). In addition, the seats allow occupants to sit in a relaxed posture. Furthermore, the vehicle seats can be compactly stored in the vehicle floor, with the seat cushion and seat backrest. The vehicle seats can also properly support luggage placed on the seat cushion.

[0055] <Manufacturing method for vehicle seats> Next, the manufacturing method for the vehicle seat S will be explained based on Figures 1 to 6. Regarding the manufacturing method of the vehicle seat S, explanations of manufacturing processes other than those listed below will be omitted.

[0056] First, prepare the rear cushion portion 1A and the front cushion portion 1B that make up the seat cushion 1. Then, connect the cushion pivot shaft 52 (cushion pivot device 50) to the rear cushion portion 1A so that the front cushion portion 1B can rotate relative to it. Then, the support rail device 4 (support base) and rail bracket 5 are assembled to the vehicle floor. Then, the support rail device 4 (rail bracket 5) and the seat cushion 1 are connected, and a height link 31 (height device 30) for changing the height position of the seat cushion 1 is attached to the support rail device 4. In this configuration, the cushion pivot axis 52 and the height link 31 are positioned to overlap vertically in a side view of the seat. More specifically, the cushion pivot axis 52 and the first link pivot axis 33 of the height link 31 are positioned to overlap vertically in a side view of the seat.

[0057] The above manufacturing method makes it possible to produce a vehicle seat in which a movable device that allows for the adjustment of the position of the seat cushion (or a part of the seat cushion) can be positioned in a balanced manner.

[0058] <Other> In the above embodiment, as shown in Figure 1, the vehicle seat S is equipped with a support rail device 4 and a reclining device 40, but it is not particularly limited, and the configuration may be made without the support rail device 4 and the reclining device 40. Alternatively, the vehicle seat S does not need to be equipped with a height adjustment device 30 (height link 31).

[0059] In the above embodiment, the vehicle seat S is operated by "manual action" by the occupant, but it may also be operated by "control (automatic action)" by a control device. In that case, the vehicle seat S should be equipped with a "seat sensor" and a "control device," and the control device should determine the occupant's physique and posture based on the detection result of the seat sensor (change in seating state) and perform a seat switching operation. Alternatively, the vehicle V may be configured to include an "imaging device (imaging camera)" for imaging the seated person and a "control device." In that case, the control device should determine the seated person's physique, posture, and other seating conditions based on the "image of the seated person (imaging result)" captured by the imaging device, and perform a seat switching operation according to the seating condition.

[0060] In the above embodiment, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, the lever pivot shaft 54 ​​(pivot shaft) of the cushion pivot device 50 is attached to a side bracket 51 provided on the rear part 1A of the cushion (side frame 11), but this is not particularly limited. For example, the lever pivot shaft 54 ​​may be attached to the rear part 1A of the cushion (side frame 11). In that case, the restricting lever 55 (restricting member) may also be attached to the rear part 1A of the cushion (side frame 11). Furthermore, by attaching the lever pivot shaft 54 ​​and the regulating lever 55 to the side bracket 51, the cushion rotation device 50 and the cushion front section 1B can be arranged compactly. In other words, it is possible to prevent the cushion front section 1B from protruding excessively forward.

[0061] In the above embodiment, a vehicle seat (automobile seat) was described as a specific example, but it is not particularly limited and can be used as a seat for vehicles such as trains and buses, as well as for vehicles such as airplanes and ships.

[0062] The above embodiments mainly described a vehicle seat according to the present invention. However, the embodiments described above are merely examples to facilitate understanding of the present invention and do not limit it. The present invention can be modified and improved without departing from its spirit, and of course, equivalents thereof are included. [Explanation of symbols]

[0063] V Vehicles V1 Vehicle Floor V2 Storage Floor S Vehicle seats (seats for vehicles) Sa Seat Body 1 seat cushion 1A Rear part of the cushion 1Aa, 1Ba pad material 1Ab, 1Bb Skin material 1B Front part of the cushion 2 seatbacks 2a Pad material 2b Skin material 3 Headrests 3a Pillar 3b Pad material 3c Skin material 4. Support rail device (support base) 4a Lower Rail 4b Apparel 4c locking component 5 Rail brackets 5a First rail bracket 5b Second rail bracket 10 Cushion Frames 11 Side Frames 12. First connecting frame 13. Second connecting frame 14 Connecting Frames 15 Front frame 20 Backframe 21 Backside Frame 22 Upper frame 23 Lower frame 24 Pressure-receiving plate 25 Connecting Brackets 30 Height device 31 Height Link 32 Locking member 33. First link pivot axis (link pivot axis) 34. Second link pivot axis 40 Reclining devices 41 Reclining chair body 42 Back pivot axis 43. Spiral spring 44 Operating levers 45. First connecting cable (connecting component) 46. ​​Second connecting cable (connecting component) 47. Third connecting cable (connecting component) 50. Cushion Rotating Device (Cushion Adjusting Device) 51 Side Bracket 51a Bracket body 51b Flange 52 Cushion pivot shaft 53. Rotating lever (rotating member) 53a Lever body 53b Gear section 54 Lever pivot axis (rotation axis) 55. Regulator lever (regulator component) 55a Lever body 55b Gear section 55c Engagement protrusion (engagement part) 56 Lever Bracket 56a Bracket body 56b Mating groove (mated part) 56c Engagement groove part (engaged part) 57 Operating lever 57a Fitting projection L Luggage

Claims

1. A vehicle seat equipped with a seat cushion, The seat cushion has a rear portion of the cushion that constitutes the rear part of the seat cushion, and a front portion of the cushion that constitutes the front part of the seat cushion. The front portion of the cushion is connected to the rear portion of the cushion so as to be rotatable about a cushion pivot axis that is aligned with the width direction of the seat. A support base is installed on the vehicle floor, The system includes a support base and a seat cushion, and a height link for changing the height position of the seat cushion relative to the support base, A vehicle seat characterized in that the cushion pivot axis and the height link are positioned to overlap vertically in a side view of the seat.

2. The height link is attached to the support base via a link pivot axis, The vehicle seat according to claim 1, characterized in that the cushion pivot axis and the link pivot axis are positioned to overlap vertically in a side view of the seat.

3. A rotating member connected to the cushion pivot shaft and rotating together with the front portion of the cushion, The cushion comprises a restricting member that is attached to the rear portion of the cushion via a pivot shaft and engages with the pivoting member to restrict the rotational movement of the pivoting member and the front portion of the cushion, The aforementioned height link is It is attached to the support base via the first link pivot axis, and The aforementioned seat cushion is attached via a second link pivot shaft, The vehicle seat according to claim 1, characterized in that the pivot axis is positioned between the first link pivot axis and the second link pivot axis in the front-rear direction of the seat when viewed from the side of the seat.

4. The vehicle seat according to claim 3, characterized in that the pivot shaft is positioned between the first link pivot shaft and the cushion pivot shaft in the vertical direction.

5. The seatback and The reclining device includes a mechanism that rotatably connects the seat back to the seat cushion and allows the seat back to be locked, The reclining device has an operating lever for releasing the lock on the seat back. The aforementioned operating lever is The regulating member is connected via a connecting member, The vehicle seat according to claim 3, characterized in that the lock of the seat back is released and the restriction on the rotational movement of the front part of the cushion is released in response to operation by the occupant.

6. The front part of the cushion is, It has a front frame that forms the skeleton, The cushion is switchable between a normal state in which it extends forward from the front end portion of the rear part of the cushion along the direction of extension of the rear part of the cushion, and a movable state in which it extends downward from the normal state to the rear part of the cushion. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, characterized in that when the front part of the cushion is in the moving state, the front frame and the height link extend parallel to each other in a side view of the seat.

7. The height link operates to switch the seat cushion between a seated state in which an occupant can sit and a stored state in which it is moved from the seated state to the vehicle floor. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, characterized in that when the seat cushion moves from the seated state to the stored state, the front portion of the cushion is rotatable by contacting the vehicle floor.

8. The support base is a support rail device that connects the seat cushion to the vehicle floor so that it can move in the front-rear direction, The support rail device switches the seat cushion between a reference position and a forward position that is moved forward from the reference position. The vehicle seat according to claim 7, characterized in that when the seat cushion is in the forward position, the front portion of the cushion does not come into contact with the vehicle floor.

9. The seatback and The reclining device includes a mechanism that rotatably connects the seat back to the seat cushion and allows the seat back to be locked, The reclining device has an operating lever for releasing the lock on the seat back. The support rail device is capable of locking the seat cushion at a predetermined front-to-back position, The aforementioned operating lever is The support rail device is connected via a connecting member, The vehicle seat according to claim 8, characterized in that the lock of the seat back and the lock of the seat cushion are released in response to an operation by the occupant.

10. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, characterized in that the front part of the cushion rotates upward relative to the rear part of the cushion and is positioned above the seating surface of the rear part of the cushion.

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