Movable driver's seat

Abstract

The space inside the cab is used efficiently to ensure the driver can travel comfortably. [Solution] The vehicle comprises a driver's seat 20 having a seat surface 21 and a backrest 22, and a rotation mechanism that rotates the driver's seat 20 around a rotation axis 41 along the vertical direction, wherein the rotation axis 41 is formed at a position outside the center of gravity of the seat surface 21 in the vehicle width direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0007] ,

[0001] The present invention relates to a movable driver's seat.

Background Art

[0002] In conventional vehicles, the engine and transmission were arranged at approximately the center position in the vehicle width direction for reasons such as stability.

[0003] In recent years, electric vehicles (EVs: Electric Vehicles) equipped with a motor instead of an engine have been put into practical use. In an EV, since an engine and a transmission are not required, the space occupied by the engine and the like can be used for other purposes.

[0004] In vehicles such as trucks, since the engine located below the cab (cab) disappears, the space inside the cab can be used more effectively. As a plan for effectively using such space inside the cab, it is conceivable to arrange the driver's seat at the center in the vehicle width direction. By arranging one driver's seat at the center in the vehicle width direction inside the cab, weight reduction and cost reduction can be achieved.

[0005] Also, Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which a driver's seat is provided at the center in the vehicle width direction and is rotated around the rotation center arranged behind the driver's seat to make it easier for the occupant to board.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] Drivers have a desire to stretch their legs in the cab during breaks. Furthermore, from a health perspective, it is desirable for drivers to be able to stretch their legs in the cab during breaks.

[0008] However, space inside the cab is limited, making it difficult to ensure enough room for the driver to stretch their legs while seated. Furthermore, in some cases, a passenger seat is located behind the driver's seat, making it particularly challenging to provide sufficient legroom for the driver within the cab.

[0009] This invention was conceived in response to these challenges, and one of its objectives is to efficiently utilize the space inside the cab to allow the driver to travel more comfortably. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] This project was undertaken to solve at least some of the above-mentioned problems and can be implemented in the following forms or applications.

[0011] The movable driver's seat according to this application example comprises a driver's seat having a seat surface and a backrest, and a rotation mechanism for rotating the driver's seat around a rotation axis along the vertical direction, wherein the rotation axis is formed at a position outside the vehicle width direction relative to the center of gravity of the seat surface.

[0012] According to this application example, when the driver's seat is rotated around its pivot axis, the seat rotates with a movement towards the rear of the vehicle, relative to the center of gravity of the seat surface. As a result, after rotation, the space in front of the driver's seat is increased, allowing the driver to stretch their legs and making efficient use of the space inside the cab.

[0013] In the movable driver's seat according to this application example, a locking mechanism is provided to stop the rotation of the driver's seat in the rotating mechanism, and it is preferable that the locking mechanism stops the rotation of the driver's seat when the gear position is other than parking.

[0014] With this configuration, the driver's seat will not rotate while the vehicle is in motion, thereby improving safety.

[0015] In the movable driver's seat according to this application example, it is preferable to have a sliding mechanism that allows the seat body to move in the front-rear direction.

[0016] With this configuration, the driver's seat can be moved backward, which further increases the space in front of the driver's seat. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] According to this case, the space inside the cab can be used efficiently, allowing the driver to stay comfortable. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0018] [Figure 1] This is a top view showing the interior of the cab of a vehicle equipped with a movable driver's seat according to one embodiment, and is a diagram showing the movable driver's seat in the first mode (drive mode). [Figure 2] This is a top view showing the interior of the cab of a vehicle equipped with a movable driver's seat according to one embodiment, and shows the movable driver's seat in a second mode (relax mode). [Figure 3] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of the movable driver's seat. [Figure 4] This is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of the sliding and rotating mechanisms of the movable driver's seat shown in Figure 1. [Figure 5] Figure 1 shows the configuration of the rotating mechanism of the movable driver's seat, where (A) is a top view of the rotating mechanism and (B) is a cross-sectional view AA of (A). [Figure 6] Figure 1 illustrates the configuration of the locking mechanism for the movable driver's seat, with (A) showing the unlocked state and (B) showing the locked state. [Figure 7] This flowchart illustrates an example of control for rotating the seat body in a vehicle equipped with a movable driver's seat according to one embodiment.

Embodiments for Carrying out the Invention

[0019] The embodiments of the present case will be described with reference to the drawings. This embodiment is merely an example, and there is no intention to exclude various modifications and applications of technologies not specified in the following embodiments. Each component of this embodiment can be implemented with various modifications without departing from their gist. Also,取舍 selection can be made as necessary, or they can be combined as appropriate.

[0020] [1. Configuration] In the following description, the forward direction of the vehicle is defined as the front FR, the opposite direction (the backward direction of the vehicle) is defined as the rear RR, and the left and right (left LH and right RH) are defined based on the state where the vehicle is facing the front FR. Also, the front-rear direction is also referred to as the vehicle length direction, and the left-right direction is also referred to as the vehicle width direction. Furthermore, the direction orthogonal to both the vehicle length direction and the vehicle width direction is referred to as the up-down direction (upward UP and downward DW). The vehicle is on a horizontal road surface and is in a posture where the up-down direction coincides with the vertical direction (the downward direction coincides with the direction of gravity). In this posture, the vertically upward direction is the height direction.

[0021] FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 are top views showing the inside of the cab 1 of a vehicle equipped with the movable driver's seat 2 according to an embodiment. FIG. 1 shows the movable driver's seat 2 in the first mode (drive mode), and FIG. 2 shows the movable driver's seat 2 in the second mode (relax mode).

[0022] Also, FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the movable driver's seat 2 shown in FIG. 1. In this embodiment, a truck having a cab 1 is exemplified and described as the vehicle.

[0023] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the steering wheel 11 is positioned at the front of the vehicle's cab 1, near the center in the vehicle's width direction. Brake pedals, accelerator pedals, and other components (not shown) are also located around the steering wheel 11. A movable driver's seat 2 is mounted behind the steering wheel 11.

[0024] Furthermore, a dashboard 12 is formed in the cab 1, extending across the entire width direction of the vehicle, between the steering wheel 11 and the windshield (not shown), which is located in front of the steering wheel 11 within the cab 1.

[0025] On the dashboard 12, an instrument panel and a main display device (not shown) are provided in a position visible to the driver. These instrument panel and main display devices may be located near the center of the dashboard 12 in the vehicle width direction, that is, near the steering wheel 11.

[0026] Furthermore, a second display 12a is positioned outside the center of the dashboard 12 in the vehicle width direction (to the left in the examples shown in Figures 1 and 2) in a location visible to the driver seated in the movable driver's seat 2. This second display 12a may be mounted at an angle directed toward the movable driver's seat 2.

[0027] The movable driver's seat 2 is positioned near the center in the width direction of the cab 1. In addition, passenger seats 6 are provided on both the left and right sides of the movable driver's seat 2 within the cab 1, at positions behind the movable driver's seat 2. Passenger seats 6 are used by passengers other than the driver (passengers) riding in the cab 1.

[0028] The passenger seat 6 comprises a seat cushion 62 and a seat back (not shown). The seat cushion 62 is configured to be rotatable around a pivot axis 61, which is positioned vertically at approximately the center of gravity of the seat cushion 62.

[0029] The method of changing the orientation of the passenger seat 6 by rotating it around the rotation axis 61 may be performed manually by the passenger seated in the passenger seat 6 using an operating means (not shown). Alternatively, a motor (not shown) may be connected to the rotation axis 61, and the control device described later may control the rotation of this motor.

[0030] As shown in Figure 3, the movable driver's seat 2 has a seat body 20, a sliding mechanism 3, and a rotating mechanism 4.

[0031] The seat body 20 has a seat cushion 21 and a seat back 22. The seat cushion 21 is an example of a seat surface, and the seat back 22 is an example of a backrest. The seat body 20 is an example of a driver's seat having a seat surface and a backrest.

[0032] The seat cushion 21 has, for example, a roughly rectangular shape when viewed from above. The seat back 22 is erected along one of the four sides that form this rectangle. The side of the seat cushion 21 on which the seat back 22 is located may be called the rear side of the seat body 20, and the opposite side may be called the front side of the seat body 20. The seat back 22 may be configured to recline.

[0033] The seat body 20 is configured to be rotatable around the central axis of a rotation shaft 41 formed along the vertical direction at the lower part of the seat cushion 21. As will be described later using Figures 5(A), (B), etc., the rotation shaft 41 has a cylindrical shape, and the rotation shaft 41 rotates around the central axis of this cylinder. Hereinafter, "rotating around the central axis of the rotation shaft 41" may be simply expressed as "rotating around the rotation shaft 41".

[0034] The seat body 20 is rotated around the rotation axis 41 by a rotation mechanism 4, which will be described later, and is positioned to correspond to the first mode (drive mode: see Figure 1), the second mode (relax mode: see Figure 2), and the third mode (boarding / alighting mode), and is fixed in each of these positions.

[0035] In the first mode, the seat body 20 is positioned with the front of the seat cushion 21 facing forward. In this first mode, the driver seated in the seat body 20 faces forward. This first mode can be called the drive mode. In this drive mode, the driver seated in the seat body 20 faces the steering wheel 11 directly. When the vehicle is in motion, the seat body 20 is fixed in this first mode position.

[0036] As shown in Figure 1, the rotation axis 41 is formed at a position offset outward in the vehicle width direction from the center of gravity G of the seat cushion 21 in drive mode (to the right front in the example shown in Figure 1). The direction in which the rotation axis 41 is positioned in the vehicle width direction (the direction in which the rotation axis 41 is offset) relative to the center of gravity G of the seat cushion 21 in drive mode can be called the offset direction. In the example shown in Figure 1, the rotation axis 41 is formed at a position to the right front of the center of gravity G of the seat cushion 21, so the offset direction is to the right.

[0037] Then, when the seat body 20 is rotated around the rotation axis 41 in a direction that moves the side of the seat cushion 21 opposite to the offset direction (to the right in the example shown in Figure 1) (the left side in the example shown in Figure 1) backward (counterclockwise in the example shown in Figure 1), the seat body 20 rotates with backward movement in the offset direction. Hereinafter, to describe the direction in which the seat body 20 is rotated, the direction in which the side of the seat cushion 21 opposite to the offset direction (the right side in the example shown in Figure 1) moves backward (counterclockwise in the example shown in Figure 1) may be called the anti-offset rotation direction.

[0038] Thus, the second mode is the state in which the seat body 20 is rotated by a predetermined angle in the anti-offset rotation direction around the rotation axis 41. The predetermined angle may be less than 90°. In the example shown in Figure 2, the seat body 20 is shown rotated by an angle of approximately 30° counterclockwise around the rotation axis 41. The second mode may be called the relaxation mode.

[0039] On the dashboard 12, the second display 12a is positioned at a location offset to the opposite side of the offset direction (to the left in the examples shown in Figures 1 and 2) from the center position in the vehicle width direction.

[0040] In relaxation mode, as described above, the seat body 20 rotates around the rotation axis 41 in the opposite offset rotation direction, causing the seat body 20 to rotate with movement towards the rear (right rear). Therefore, in relaxation mode, as shown in Figure 2, the seat body 20 is positioned with its front facing the second display 12a and moving away from the second display 12a.

[0041] In this relaxation mode, the driver seated in the seat body 20 faces diagonally forward in the vehicle. As a result, the driver is not directly facing the steering wheel 11 and the steering column (not shown). Furthermore, the seat body 20 moves backward as it rotates around the rotation axis 41. Therefore, in relaxation mode, the space in front of the driver (especially the legroom) is wider compared to when the seat body 20 rotates around the center of gravity G of the seat cushion 21. As a result, in relaxation mode, the driver can stretch their legs.

[0042] The rotation mechanism 4 is an example of a rotation mechanism that rotates the seat body 20 (driver's seat) around a rotation axis 41 that is aligned in the vertical direction.

[0043] Furthermore, in relaxation mode, the seat body 20 can be moved backward by the sliding mechanism 3 described later, thereby further increasing the space in front of the driver.

[0044] Figure 4 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of the sliding mechanism 3 and rotating mechanism 4 of the movable driver's seat 2 shown in Figure 1, and shows a vertical cross-section of the sliding mechanism 3 and rotating mechanism 4 included in the movable driver's seat 2 along the vehicle width direction passing through the rotation axis 41. Figures 5(A) and 5(B) show the configuration of the rotating mechanism 4 of the movable driver's seat 2 shown in Figure 1, with (A) being a top view of the rotating mechanism 4 and (B) being a cross-sectional view AA of (A). In Figure 4, the seat body 20 viewed from the rear is shown by dashed lines (two-dot dashed lines).

[0045] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the slide mechanism 3 has a rail section 31, a slide section 32, and a seat base 33.

[0046] The seat base 33 is, for example, a plate-shaped member, and in the example shown in Figure 3, it has a substantially rectangular shape with one side facing the front of the seat body 20. Two rail sections 31 are fixed to the upper surface of the seat base 33 so as to be parallel to each side in the left-right direction. These rail sections 31 may be fixed near the left-right ends of the seat base 33.

[0047] Furthermore, a seat base fixing portion 34 is formed at a position on the seat body 20 that is shifted outward in the vehicle width direction (to the right in the example shown in Figure 3) and forward from the intersection of the diagonals of the roughly rectangular seat base 33 (i.e., shifted to the right and forward on the seat body 20). The intersection of the diagonals of the roughly rectangular seat base 33 can be said to be approximately equal to the center of gravity G of the seat cushion 21. This seat base fixing portion 34 is fixed to the rotation shaft 41. The seat base fixing portion 34 may have a screw hole that is fixed to the upper surface of the rotation shaft 41 of the rotation plate 43, which will be described later.

[0048] The rail section 31 consists of multiple (two in this embodiment) elongated members that are parallel to each other and extend in the front-rear direction (see Figure 3), and a sliding section 32 is slidably engaged with each of these rail sections 31.

[0049] As illustrated in Figure 4, the rail portion 31 is formed, for example, in a roughly U-shaped cross-section with an open upper section, and its lower part is fixed to the upper surface of the seat base 33. The slide portion 32 is fitted into the upper opening of the rail portion 31. As a result, the slide portion 32 is guided by the rail portion 31 and is configured to slide.

[0050] The bottom surface (lower side) of the seat cushion 21 of the seat body 20 is fixed to the upper part of the sliding section 32. Therefore, the seat body 20 is configured to slide along the rail section 31.

[0051] Furthermore, the sliding portion 32 is equipped with a fixing mechanism (not shown), which allows the sliding portion 32 to be fixed at any position on the rail portion 31. This allows the seat body 20 to be positioned at any position on the rail portion 31 inside the cab 1. The fixing mechanism for the sliding portion 32 can be implemented using various known methods, and their explanation is omitted.

[0052] The sliding mechanism 3 is an example of a sliding mechanism that allows the seat body 20 to move in the front-to-back direction.

[0053] As shown in Figures 4 and 5(A) and (B), the rotating mechanism 4 includes a rotating base 42, a rotating plate 43, and a guide cover 44.

[0054] The rotating plate 43 has, for example, a disc shape and is positioned horizontally between the rotating base 42 and the guide cover 44. The rotating shaft 41 protrudes downward from the center of the lower surface of the rotating plate 43. The rotating shaft 41 also protrudes upward from the center of the upper surface of the rotating plate 43. In the example shown in Figures 5(A) and (B), the rotating shaft 41 has a cylindrical shape.

[0055] The rotating base 42 is, for example, a plate-shaped member fixed to the floor of the cab 1. The rotating base 42 illustrated in Figures 4 and 5(A) and (B) has a disc shape. On the upper surface of the rotating base 42, for example, at the central position, there is a shaft hole 42a into which the rotating shaft 41 of the rotating plate 43 is inserted. The part of the shaft hole 42a that contacts the rotating shaft 41 is provided with a mechanism such as a bearing to reduce frictional resistance between the rotating shaft 41 and the shaft hole 42a, and is configured so as not to hinder the rotation of the rotating plate 43 (rotating shaft 41).

[0056] A guide cover 44 is positioned above the rotating plate 43 so as to cover it. The guide cover 44 has a shaft hole 44a through which the rotating shaft 41 of the rotating plate 43 passes. In addition, a mechanism such as a bearing is provided at the part of the shaft hole 44a that comes into contact with the rotating shaft 41 to reduce frictional resistance between the rotating shaft 41 and the shaft hole 44a, so as not to hinder the rotation of the rotating plate 43 (rotating shaft 41).

[0057] Then, the seat base fixing portion 34 formed on the seat base 33 described above is fixed to the upper surface of the rotating shaft 41. As a result, by rotating the rotating plate 43 around the rotating shaft 41, the seat body 20 rotates along this rotating shaft 41.

[0058] The operation of changing the orientation of the seat body 20 by rotating the seat body 20 around the rotation axis 41 may be performed manually, for example, by a driver seated on the seat body 20 using an operating means (such as an operating lever) not shown.

[0059] Furthermore, a motor (not shown) or the like may be connected to the rotating shaft 41, and for example, when the driver performs an input operation to a switch (not shown) located inside the cab 1 to instruct the start of rotation of the seat body 20, the control device described later may perform control to rotate this motor.

[0060] Furthermore, a projection 46 is formed on the upper surface of the rotating plate 43, which is concentric with the rotating shaft 41 and has a partially annular shape, projecting upward.

[0061] In the example shown in Figure 5(A), a partially annular projection 46 is formed from the front of the rotating plate 43, which is the reference (0°) position, to a position approximately 90° counterclockwise. This projection 46 rotates around the rotation axis 41 as the rotating plate 43 rotates.

[0062] Furthermore, in the guide cover 44, an annular guide groove 45 is formed concentrically with the shaft hole 44a and at a position corresponding to the projection 46, surrounding the shaft hole 44a. The projection 46, which rotates around the rotation axis 41 as the rotating plate 43 rotates, moves within this guide groove 45. The guide cover 44 is fixed to the rotating base 42 or the like by fixing members (not shown).

[0063] Furthermore, a sliding cover 44b, formed as a partial ring, is positioned in the area within the guide groove 45 where the projection 46 is absent. The radius of the outer arc of the partial ring forming the sliding cover 44b is equal to the radius of the outer arc of the partial arc forming the projection 46. Similarly, the radius of the inner arc of the partial ring forming the sliding cover 44b is equal to the radius of the inner arc of the partial arc forming the projection 46. Within the guide groove 45, the sliding cover 44b is positioned to be continuous with the projection 46, thereby configuring the projection 46 and the sliding cover 44b to form what appears to be a single ring. This sliding cover 44b helps to prevent foreign matter such as dust from entering the guide groove 45.

[0064] As the rotating plate 43 rotates, the projection 46, which rotates around the rotating shaft 41, is guided by the guide groove 45 and moves. At this time, the sliding cover 44b is pushed by the projection 46 and moves together with the projection 46 within the guide groove 45.

[0065] Furthermore, a locking mechanism 50 is located inside the projection 46. The locking mechanism 50 switches between a locked state, which prevents the seat body 20 from rotating around the rotation axis 41, and an unlocked state, which allows the seat body 20 to rotate around the rotation axis 41. The locking mechanism 50 may, for example, achieve the locked state by extending a locking pin 54 from inside the projection 46 toward the guide groove 45, and achieve the unlocked state by retracting the locking pin 54 inside the projection 46.

[0066] Figures 6(A) and 6(B) illustrate the configuration of the locking mechanism 50 of the movable driver's seat 2 shown in Figure 1, with (A) showing the unlocked state and (B) showing the locked state.

[0067] The locking mechanism 50 illustrated in Figures 6(A) and (B) includes a rotating shaft 51, a link 52, a joint 53, and a locking pin 54.

[0068] The rotating shaft 51 is arranged along the vertical direction and is configured to be rotatable by a motor (not shown). The link 52 is a rod-shaped member that passes through the rotating shaft 51 in the horizontal direction and is attached to the rotating shaft 51 at its center. Lock pins 54 are pivotally supported at both ends of the link 52 via joints 53.

[0069] The joint 53 is formed as a pivot axis arranged along the vertical direction, and the lock pin 54 is pivotally supported around this joint 53 so as to be rotatable. The side of the lock pin 54 opposite to the side connected to the joint 53 can be called the tip side.

[0070] The locking pin 54 is positioned along the radial direction of the partial ring that forms the projection 46. Hereinafter, in the locking mechanism 50, "the radial direction of the partial ring that forms the projection 46" may be simply referred to as "the radial direction".

[0071] Furthermore, the lock pins 54 attached to both ends of the link 52 are positioned so that their respective tips face in opposite directions. In the example shown in Figures 6(A) and (B), of the two lock pins 54 provided in the lock mechanism 50, the right lock pin 54 is positioned with its tip facing the rotation axis 41, and the left lock pin 54 is positioned with its tip facing away from the rotation axis 41. In the lock mechanism 50, the side facing the rotation axis 41 in the radial direction (the radial direction of the partial ring forming the projection 46) may be called the inside, and the opposite side may be called the outside.

[0072] Then, a motor (not shown) rotates the rotating shaft 51, causing the link 52 to rotate, and the lock pins 54 connected to both ends of the link via joints 53 move along the radial direction. Each lock pin 54 is supported in a slidable state by a guide member (not shown) so as to move along the radial direction.

[0073] Furthermore, multiple locking holes 55 are formed in the guide groove 45 of the guide cover 44, into which the locking pin 54 engages.

[0074] In the example shown in Figure 5(A), locking holes 55 are formed on the inner wall surface of the guide groove 45 at the 0° position (see symbol P1), which is the forward position of the rotating plate 43, at the 30° position (see symbol P2), and at the 90° position (see symbol P3) in the counterclockwise direction.

[0075] In the example shown in Figure 6(A), the motor rotates the rotating shaft 51 counterclockwise, causing the link 52 to rotate counterclockwise. Of the lock pins 54 connected to both ends of the link 52 via joints 53, the right lock pin 54 moves radially outward, and the left lock pin 54 moves radially inward. As a result, each lock pin 54 is housed within the projection 46, and the rotating plate 43 on which the projection 46 is formed, and the seat body 20 connected to the rotating plate 43 via the rotating shaft 41, become rotatable around the rotating shaft 41. This state in which the seat body 20 is rotatable around the rotating shaft 41, as illustrated in Figure 6(A), can be called the unlocked state (first state).

[0076] On the other hand, in the example shown in Figure 6(B), at any of the positions indicated by reference numerals P1 to P3, the motor rotates the rotating shaft 51 clockwise, causing the link 52 to rotate clockwise. Of the lock pins 54 connected to both ends of the link 52 via joints 53, the right lock pin 54 moves radially inward, and the left lock pin 54 moves radially outward. As a result, each lock pin 54 protrudes from within the projection 46 and enters the lock hole 55 formed at opposing positions in the guide groove 45. Therefore, the rotation of the rotating plate 43 on which the projection 46 is formed, and the sheet body 20 connected to the rotating plate 43 via the rotating shaft 41, around the rotating shaft 41 is suppressed. This state in which the rotation of the sheet body 20 around the rotating shaft 41 is suppressed, as illustrated in Figure 6(B), can be called the locked state (second state).

[0077] The locking mechanism 50 is an example of a locking mechanism that prevents the rotation of the seat body 20 (driver's seat) in the rotating mechanism 4.

[0078] The motor of the aforementioned locking mechanism 50 is controlled by a control device (not shown). The control device is an electronic control unit (ECU) configured as an LSI (Large Scale Integration) device or embedded electronic device that integrates a microprocessor, ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), etc. The control device performs various controls by executing software programs stored in memory devices such as ROM and RAM. The control device may be configured as part of an electronic control unit (VCU: Vehicle Control Unit) for the overall control of various devices provided by the vehicle, or it may be configured as a separate electronic control unit from the VCU.

[0079] The control device switches between the locked and unlocked states of the movable driver's seat 2 by rotating the rotating shaft 51 in either direction using a motor.

[0080] Furthermore, the control device receives information about the gear position selected by the shift lever (not shown). The control device unlocks the lock mechanism 50 only when the gear position is P (parking). In other words, when the gear position is D (drive), R (reverse), or N (neutral), the control device locks the lock mechanism 50 to prevent the seat body 20 from rotating.

[0081] The driver may perform the operation input to rotate the rotating plate 43 (seat body 20). In this embodiment, the driver can select one of three rotation angles for the seat body 20: 0° (no rotation), 30°, and 90°.

[0082] When the rotation angle of the seat body 20 is 0°, it corresponds to the drive mode (first mode) described above, and when the rotation angle is 30°, it corresponds to the relaxation mode (second mode) described above.

[0083] Furthermore, when the rotation angle is 90°, the front of the seat cushion 21 of the seat body 20 faces the left side (outside the left side) of the vehicle. This state with a rotation angle of 90° can be called the third mode. In this third mode, the front of the seat cushion 21 faces the left door of the cab 1, making it easier for the driver to sit down on and get up from the seat body 20. The third mode can also be called the boarding / alighting mode.

[0084] [2. Control] Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of control for rotating the seat body 20 in a vehicle equipped with a movable driver's seat 2 according to one embodiment.

[0085] The process shown in the flowchart of Figure 7 may be initiated, for example, when a driver seated in the seat body 20 performs an operation to rotate the seat body 20. For example, it may be initiated when the driver operates an operating means (such as an operating lever) not shown to start the rotation of the seat body 20, or when an input operation to a switch is performed to instruct the start of rotation.

[0086] In step S1, the control unit checks the gear position. If the gear position is D (drive), R (reverse), or N (neutral) (see the D / R / N route in step S1), the unit proceeds to step S4.

[0087] In step S4, the control device locks the locking mechanism 50 to prevent the seat body 20 from rotating. After that, the process ends.

[0088] On the other hand, if the gear position is P (parking) (see the P route in step S1), proceed to step S2.

[0089] In step S2, the control device unlocks the locking mechanism 50, thereby releasing the lock. This allows the seat body 20 to rotate. In step S3, the driver rotates the seat body 20.

[0090] For example, a driver seated in the seat body 20 may manually rotate the seat body 20 (rotating plate 43) using an operating means (such as an operating lever) not shown. In this case, the driver rotates the seat body 20 to an angle corresponding to the desired mode from among the drive mode, relaxation mode, and boarding / alighting mode.

[0091] Alternatively, the driver may input a desired mode from among drive mode, relaxation mode, and boarding / alighting mode by using a switch (not shown) located inside the cab 1, and the control device may perform control to rotate the motor connected to the rotating shaft 41 until it reaches the angle corresponding to the selected mode.

[0092] After the seat body 20 (rotating plate 43) has rotated to the angle corresponding to the mode desired by the driver, the control device locks the locking mechanism 50. Then, the process ends.

[0093] [3. Action and Effects] The embodiment described above provides the following effects and advantages.

[0094] In the movable driver's seat 2 of this application example, the rotation axis 41 of the seat cushion 21 (rotating base 42) of the seat body 20 is formed at a position offset from the center of gravity G of the seat cushion 21 in drive mode (outer position in the vehicle width direction). As a result, in relaxation mode, when the seat body 20 is rotated in the opposite direction of offset rotation around the rotation axis 41, the seat body 20 rotates with movement to the rear (right rear).

[0095] Therefore, in relaxation mode, the seat body 20 is positioned facing the second display 12a and moved away from the second display 12a.

[0096] As a result, in relaxation mode, the space in front of the driver is wider compared to when the seat body 20 is rotated around the center of gravity G of the seat cushion 21 as the pivot point. This allows the driver to stretch their legs in relaxation mode.

[0097] Furthermore, in this relaxed mode, the sliding mechanism 3 allows the seat body 20 to be moved to the rear, thereby further increasing the space in front of the driver.

[0098] Furthermore, in relaxation mode, the seat body 20 is rotated around the rotation axis 41 in the opposite offset rotation direction, so that the driver seated in the seat body 20 faces diagonally forward of the vehicle. This prevents the driver's legs from interfering with the steering column (not shown) located in front of the driver's seat. In addition, the space inside the cab 1 can be used effectively.

[0099] Within the cab 1, the passenger seat 6 where the passenger sits is positioned behind the driver's seat 20, so that the passenger and driver do not sit side by side in the width direction of the vehicle. This prevents the shoulders of the passenger sitting in the passenger seat 6 from touching the shoulders of the driver sitting in the seat 20, allowing the driver and passenger to spend time comfortably inside the cab 1.

[0100] When the gear position is anything other than P (D, R, N), the control device locks the locking mechanism 50 in the movable driver's seat 2, preventing the seat body 20 from rotating while the vehicle is in motion, thereby improving safety.

[0101] Furthermore, by rotating the passenger seat 6 around the pivot axis 61, the orientation of the passenger seat 6 can be changed, allowing passengers seated in the passenger seat 6 to stretch their legs.

[0102] Furthermore, in the boarding / alighting mode, by positioning the front of the seat cushion 21 of the seat body 20 toward the left side (outside left) of the vehicle, the front of the seat cushion 21 faces toward the left door of the cab 1, making it easier for the driver to sit down on and get up from the seat body 20.

[0103] [4. Others] The disclosed technology is not limited to the embodiments described above and can be implemented in various modified forms without departing from the spirit of this embodiment.

[0104] For example, in the above-described embodiment, in the boarding / alighting mode, the front side of the seat cushion 21 of the seat body 20 is positioned facing the left side (outside the left side) of the vehicle, so that the front side of the seat cushion 21 faces the left door of the cab 1, but the embodiment is not limited to this.

[0105] In boarding / alighting mode, the front of the seat cushion 21 of the seat body 20 may be positioned so that it faces the right door of the cab 1, by facing the right side (outside the right side) of the vehicle.

[0106] In the embodiments described above, an example is shown in which the movable driver's seat 2 rotates to the left (counterclockwise) in the relaxation mode, but it is not limited to this. The movable driver's seat 2 may be configured to rotate to the left (counterclockwise), or it may be configured to rotate in either the left (counterclockwise) or right (clockwise) direction.

[0107] Furthermore, in the embodiments described above, the seat body 20 is rotated to an angle of approximately 30° in relaxation mode and to an angle of approximately 90° in boarding / alighting mode, but the invention is not limited to these. The seat body 20 may be rotated to an angle other than 30° in relaxation mode, and the seat body 20 may be rotated to an angle other than 90° in boarding / alighting mode.

[0108] Furthermore, while the example shown in Figure 1 illustrates a configuration where the two passenger seats 6 rotate in the same direction (leftward) as the movable driver's seat 2, the system is not limited to this configuration. Each passenger seat 6 may rotate in a different direction (rightward) than the movable driver's seat 2, and the two passenger seats 6 may rotate in different directions from each other.

[0109] Furthermore, the configuration of the locking mechanism 50 is not limited to the configurations exemplified in Figures 6(A) and (B), and can be modified as appropriate.

[0110] Furthermore, a mechanism similar to the locking mechanism 50 may also be provided in the passenger seat 6, and by locking it when the gear position is anything other than P (D, R, N), rotation of the passenger seat 6 around its rotation axis 61 can be suppressed. This prevents the passenger seat 6 from rotating while the vehicle is in motion, thereby improving safety.

[0111] In the embodiment described above, an example is shown in which the projection 46 is formed in a partially annular shape concentric with the rotation axis 41, but the invention is not limited to this. For example, the projection 46 may be formed in an annular shape and protrude from the upper surface of the rotating plate 43 so as to surround the rotation axis 41 in a 360° ring. [Explanation of symbols]

[0112] 1 Cab 11 Steering Wheel 12 Dashboard 12a Second Display 2. Movable driver's seat 20 Sheets 21 Seat Cushion 22 Seatback 3. Sliding mechanism 31 Front and rear rail section 32 Front and rear sliding section 4 Rotation mechanism 41 Rotation axis 42 RPM base 42a Shaft hole 43 Rotating Plates 44 Guide cover 44a shaft hole 44b Sliding cover 45 Guide grooves 46 Protrusion 50 Locking mechanism 51 Rotation axis 52 links 53 joints 54 lock pins 55 lock holes 6 Passenger seats 61 Rotation axis 62 Seat Cushions

Claims

1. A driver's seat having a seat and a backrest, The aforementioned driver's seat is equipped with a rotation mechanism that rotates it around a rotation axis along the vertical direction, The rotation axis is formed at a position outside the center of gravity of the seat surface in the vehicle width direction. A movable driver's seat characterized by the following features.

2. The rotating mechanism is equipped with a locking mechanism to prevent the rotation of the driver's seat, The locking mechanism prevents the driver's seat from rotating when the gear position is other than park. The movable driver's seat according to feature 1.

3. The driver's seat is equipped with a sliding mechanism that allows it to move in the front-to-back direction. The movable driver's seat according to feature 1 or 2.

Images