Vehicle seats

Abstract

The goal is to enable the seatback and armrest to move in conjunction, while also allowing the entire armrest to be moved relative to the seatback. [Solution] The front of the armrest 10 is supported by a front support portion 20 that is axially connected to the seat cushion 4 and can tilt forward and backward from the seat, while the rear of the armrest 10 is supported by a rear support portion 40 connected to the seat back 6. A lifting mechanism 30 is provided to raise and lower the front of the armrest 10 relative to the seat cushion 4, and a moving mechanism 50 is provided to move the rear of the armrest 10 in at least one direction relative to the seat back, both forward and backward from the seat and up and down.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle seat including a seat cushion, a seat back, and an armrest, and the armrest is configured to be able to follow the tilting movement of the seat back.

Background Art

[0002] Related technology is disclosed in Patent Document 1. The vehicle seat described in this Patent Document 1 has a seat cushion serving as a seat part and a seat back serving as a backrest connected via a recliner. The seat back is configured to be tiltable in the front-rear direction of the seat with respect to the seat cushion by a pivoting movement centered on the recliner. Thereby, the seat back can be displaced between a posture standing upright with respect to the seat cushion and a posture tilted in the front-rear direction of the seat (for example, a forward tilt posture or a greatly reclined comfortable posture).

[0003] In addition, an armrest member for supporting the arm of an occupant is provided on the vehicle seat so as to extend in the front-rear direction of the seat. The rear end portion of the armrest member is coupled (shaft-coupled) to be vertically rotatable with respect to the fixing bolt of the seat back. The front end portion of the armrest member is connected to the seat cushion via a front link member. The front link member is configured to be tiltable in the front-rear direction of the seat by being shaft-coupled to the front end portion of the armrest member and the seat cushion. The front link member is provided with a length changing device for changing its vertical length.

[0004] In the vehicle seat described above, a four-bar linkage mechanism is formed by the seat cushion, seat back, armrest member, and front link member. By connecting the rear end of the armrest member to the seat back, the armrest member and seat back become linked. As a result, the armrest member can follow the tilt of the seat back while appropriately tilting its front link member. Furthermore, the height position of the front end of the armrest member can be changed by the action of a length adjustment mechanism. Therefore, the tilt angle relative to the horizontal line can be changed by tilting the armrest member up and down around its rear end (fixing bolt). [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-046006 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] In the field of vehicle seats, there is a demand to allow the entire armrest member, that is, its front and rear parts, to move back and forth or up and down relative to the seat back, from the viewpoint of ensuring greater ease of sitting and getting in and out of the vehicle. However, the technology described in Patent Document 1 does not allow the rear end of the armrest member to be moved back and forth or otherwise relative to the seat back after the armrest member has been attached to the seat back. The present invention was devised in view of the above points, and the problem that the present invention aims to solve is to enable the linkage between the seat back and the armrest, and furthermore, to allow the entire armrest to be moved relative to the seat back. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] As a means to solve the above problems, the vehicle seat of the first invention comprises a seat back that is connected to the seat cushion so as to be tiltable in the front-to-back direction of the seat, and an armrest that extends in the front-to-back direction of the seat. In this type of seat configuration, it is desirable to enable the seat back and armrest to move in conjunction, and furthermore, to allow the entire armrest to move relative to the seat back. Therefore, the front part of the armrest of the present invention is supported by a front support part that is axially connected to the seat cushion and is tiltable in the front-to-back direction of the seat, and the rear part of the armrest is supported by a rear support part connected to the seat back. The vehicle seat is provided with a lifting mechanism that raises and lowers the front part of the armrest relative to the seat cushion, and a moving mechanism that moves the rear part of the armrest relative to the seat back in at least one direction: front-to-back and up-and-down. In the present invention, the front support part that supports the front part of the armrest is tiltable in the front-to-back direction of the seat, and the rear support part that supports the rear part of the armrest is connected to the seat back. As a result, the armrest follows the seat back when it is tilted. In this invention, the front part of the armrest moves forward and backward or up and down through the action of the front support part and the lifting mechanism, and the rear part of the armrest moves forward and backward or up and down relative to the seat back through the action of the movement mechanism. As a result, the front and rear parts of the armrest, i.e., the entire armrest, can be moved forward and backward or up and down relative to the seat back.

[0008] The vehicle seat of the second invention is provided with a moving mechanism that moves the rear of the armrest relative to the seat back in both the forward / backward and up / down directions relative to the seat back, as is the case with the vehicle seat of the first invention. In the present invention, the rear of the armrest can be moved both forward / backward and up / down relative to the seat back.

[0009] The third invention provides a vehicle seat that, in addition to the vehicle seat of the second invention, is equipped with a movement mechanism that rotates the rear of the armrest around a connecting shaft provided on the seat back, thereby moving the seat in both forward / backward and up / down directions. In the present invention, the movement mechanism allows the rear of the armrest to be rotated around the connecting shaft and moved both forward / backward and up / down.

[0010] The fourth invention is a vehicle seat in which, in the vehicle seat of the third invention, the rear support portion is composed of a link that is axially connected to the rear of the armrest and the connecting shaft portion and is tiltable forward and backward of the seat, and a movement mechanism is provided that rotates the rear of the armrest around the connecting shaft portion by the tilting of the link around the connecting shaft portion. In the present invention, the movement mechanism causes the link, which serves as the rear support portion, to tilt around the connecting shaft portion, thereby allowing the rear of the armrest supported by this link to rotate.

[0011] The fifth invention is a vehicle seat according to any of the first to fourth inventions, wherein the drive unit of the moving mechanism is provided in at least one of the seat back, the rear of the armrest, and the rear support, and the front support and rear support are moved solely by the driving force of the drive unit. In this invention, the entire armrest can be moved solely by the driving force of the drive unit, and furthermore, by appropriately positioning the drive unit, a lifting mechanism can be easily provided on the front support side. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the first invention of the present invention, the seat back and armrest can be linked, and the entire armrest can be moved relative to the seat back. According to the second invention, the entire armrest can be moved relative to the seat back in a desired direction. According to the third invention, the entire armrest can be moved relative to the seat back in a desired direction more reliably. According to the fourth invention, the entire armrest can be moved relative to the seat back in a desired direction even more reliably. According to the fifth invention, the entire armrest can be moved relative to the seat back in a more appropriate configuration. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] This is a schematic side view of a vehicle seat. [Figure 2] This is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in Figure 1. [Figure 3]It is a schematic perspective view of the front support portion showing the lifting mechanism. [Figure 4] It is a schematic perspective side view of the vehicle seat when the armrest follows. [Figure 5] It is a schematic perspective side view of the vehicle seat when the front part of the armrest is lifted and lowered. [Figure 6] It is a schematic perspective side view of the vehicle seat when the armrest moves forward. [Figure 7] It is a schematic perspective side view of the vehicle seat when the armrest moves backward. [Figure 8] It is a schematic perspective side view of the vehicle seat when ensuring the boarding and alighting property to the rear. [Figure 9] It is a schematic perspective side view of the vehicle seat of Embodiment 2. [Figure 10] It is a schematic perspective side view of the vehicle seat when the front part of the armrest is lifted and lowered. [Figure 11] It is a schematic perspective side view of the vehicle seat when the armrest moves. [Figure 12] It is a schematic perspective side view of the vehicle seat of Embodiment 3. [Figure 13] It is a sectional view taken along line XIII-XIII of FIG. 12. [Figure 14] It is a schematic perspective side view of the vehicle seat when the armrest moves.

Embodiments for Carrying out the Invention

[0014] Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 14. In each figure, arrow lines indicating the front-rear direction, vertical direction (height direction), and left-right direction (width direction) of the vehicle seat may be appropriately illustrated. Also, in each figure, members related to the armrest are illustrated, and other seat configurations are illustrated in a simplified manner or the illustration is omitted. And in each perspective view, for the sake of convenience, a part of the armrest and each support portion are illustrated in practice, and the outer shape of the armrest is partially illustrated or the illustration of the outer shape is omitted.

[0015] [Overview of the Vehicle Seat of Embodiment 1] First, the outline of the vehicle seat 2 shown in FIG. 1 will be described. In this vehicle seat 2, the lower part of the seat back 6 serving as a backrest is connected to the rear part of the seat cushion 4 serving as a seat part via a recliner R. Here, the seat cushion 4 is arranged so as to extend in the front and rear directions of the seat in a side view. Further, the seat back 6 stands upright so as to generally extend in the up and down directions of the seat in a side view in a basic state where sitting is possible normally. And the seat back 6 is configured to be able to tilt in the front and rear directions of the seat with respect to the seat cushion 4 by the action of the recliner R, so that the reclining angle θ with respect to the seat cushion 4 can be adjusted (see FIG. 4). For this reason, the seat back 6 can be displaced between the upright posture in the basic state (the posture in FIG. 1), the forward tilt posture tilted forward around the recliner R, and the backward tilt posture tilted backward around the recliner R. In addition, the vehicle seat 2 is provided with a lock mechanism (not shown) for locking the tilting operation of the seat back 6 and maintaining a desired reclining angle θ.

[0016] And in the vehicle seat 2 shown in FIG. 1, armrests 10 (details will be described later) for supporting the arms of the seated person are arranged so as to extend in the front and rear directions of the seat. These armrests 10 are provided on the left and right sides of the seat back 6 described above (in each figure, for the sake of convenience, only the left armrest is shown). And the front part of the armrest 10 is connected to the seat cushion 4 via a front support part 20 (details will be described later). Further, the rear part of the armrest 10 is connected to the seat back 6 via a rear support part 40 (details will be described later), so that it is configured to be interlocked with the seat back 6 during tilting. In this type of configuration, from the viewpoint of ensuring seating comfort and boarding and alighting convenience, etc., it is desirable that the front part and the rear part of the armrest 10, that is, the entire armrest 10, can be moved with respect to the seat back 6. Therefore, in this embodiment, with the configurations (lifting mechanism 30, moving mechanism 50) described later, while enabling the interlocking of the seat back 6 and the armrest 10, the entire armrest 10 can be further moved with respect to the seat back 6. Hereinafter, after explaining the details of the armrest 10, the details of the front support part 20, the lifting mechanism 30, the rear support part 40, and the moving mechanism 50 will be described in this order.

[0017] [Armrest details] First, the armrest 10 shown in Figure 1 has an external shape that is long in the front-to-back direction when viewed from the side. The upper end of the armrest 10 is positioned higher than the recliner R, and the lower end of the armrest 10 is positioned lower than the upper surface (seating surface) of the seat cushion 4. When an occupant is seated in a normal position, for example, the rear end 13 side of the armrest 10 can be positioned in front of the rear surface of the seat back 6, and the front end 14 side of the armrest 10 can be positioned behind the front surface of the seat cushion 4. A plate-shaped support plate portion 15 that receives the load of the occupant (arm) is fixed near the upper end 11 of the armrest 10. Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the support plate portion 15 extends front-to-back along the armrest 10, and a vertical plate-shaped bracket portion 16 extending front-to-back is fixed to the lower surface of the support plate portion 15 so as to protrude downward. A front axle portion 17, extending in the seat width direction, is fixed to the front of the bracket portion 16, and a rear axle portion 18, also extending in the seat width direction, is fixed to the rear of the bracket portion 16.

[0018] [Front support part] Next, the front part of the armrest 10 shown in Figure 1 is supported by a strip-shaped front support part 20 connected to the seat cushion 4. This front support part 20 extends vertically with a slight forward tilt in its basic state, spanning between the front part of the armrest 10 and the seat cushion 4. The lower end of the front support part 20 is axially connected to a rotation axis 4A that extends in the seat width direction at the front position of the seat cushion 4, that is, it is connected so that it can rotate clockwise or counterclockwise (up and down rotation). The upper end of the front support part 20 is axially connected to the front shaft part 17 of the armrest 10. In the above configuration, the front support part 20 that supports the front part of the armrest 10 can tilt forward and backward around the rotation axis 4A. The front support part 20 is biased in the forward tilting direction by the action of a torsion spring (not shown) provided near the rotation axis 4A.

[0019] [Lifting mechanism] Here, the front support section 20 shown in Figure 1 is composed of an upper link 21, which forms its upper part, and a lower link 22, which forms its lower part, connected in a straight line. The lower end of the upper link 21 and the upper end of the lower link 22 are overlapped from the left and right directions. Between the upper link 21 and the lower link 22, a lifting mechanism 30 is provided to raise and lower the front part of the armrest 10 relative to the seat cushion 4. Referring to Figure 3, this lifting mechanism 30 has a slider section 31, a guide section 32 that holds the slider section 31 so that it can slide up and down, and a drive mechanism (details to be described later). The slider section 31 is fixed to the upper end side of the lower link 22, and the guide section 32 is fixed to the lower end side of the upper link 21. As a result, the upper link 21 moves up and down along the lower link 22 while the slider section 31 slides against the guide section 32.

[0020] Furthermore, the lifting mechanism 30 shown in Figure 3 is equipped with a motor 33 located at the lower end of the lower link 22 and a feed screw mechanism 34 that transmits the driving force of the motor 33 to the upper link 21 as its drive mechanism. In this feed screw mechanism 34, a lifting nut 36 that rotates with the driving force of the motor 33 is screwed onto a trapezoidal screw shaft 35 that is held to move up and down along the lower link 22. The upper part of the trapezoidal screw shaft 35 is fixed to the upper link 21 via a fixing bracket 37. As a result, by moving the trapezoidal screw shaft 35 up and down by the rotation of the lifting nut 36, the upper link 21 fixed to the trapezoidal screw shaft 35 moves up and down along the lower link 22, and the length of the front support part 20 can be changed. With the above configuration, by changing the length of the front support part 20 through the action of the lifting mechanism 30, the front part of the armrest 10 which is axially connected to its upper end moves up and down (see Figures 1 and 5).

[0021] [Rear support part] Next, the rear of the armrest 10 shown in Figure 1 is supported by a rear support portion 40 connected to the seat back 6. This rear support portion 40 is composed of a link 41 that extends vertically in its basic state and spans between the rear of the armrest 10 and the seat back 6. The base end (lower end in the basic state) of the link 41 as the rear support portion 40 is axially connected to a connecting shaft portion 6A provided on the seat back 6. This connecting shaft portion 6A is positioned facing the seat width direction and is inserted (fixed so as not to rotate) into an insertion hole H in the seat back 6. The tip of the link 41 as the rear support portion 40, opposite to its base end, is axially connected to a rear shaft portion 18 provided on the rear of the armrest 10.

[0022] [Moving mechanism] As shown in Figure 1, the seat back 6 is provided with a moving mechanism 50 that tilts the link 41, which serves as the rear support portion 40, around the connecting shaft portion 6A of the seat back 6. Referring to Figures 1 and 2, this moving mechanism 50 has a drive unit 51 and a sector gear 52 that transmits the driving force of the drive unit 51 to the link 41. The sector gear 52 is fixed to the base end of the link 41, and the connecting shaft portion 6A is inserted through its center. The main body of the drive unit 51 is housed inside the seat back 6. The output shaft 51A of the drive unit 51 protrudes outward in the seat width direction and engages with the sector gear 52. As a result, the driving force of the drive unit 51 rotates the sector gear 52 up and down relative to the connecting shaft portion 6A, causing the fixed link 41 of the sector gear 52 to tilt forward and backward around the connecting shaft portion 6A. In the configuration described above, the movement mechanism 50 causes the link 41 to tilt, so that the rear of the armrest 10, which is axially connected to its tip, rotates around the connecting shaft 6A and moves forward, backward, and up and down. (See Figures 1, 6, etc.).

[0023] [Armrest behavior] As described above, the vehicle seat 2 shown in Figure 1 is equipped with a seat back 6 that is tiltable relative to the seat cushion 4, and an armrest 10 that extends in the front-rear direction of the seat. In this type of seat configuration, it is desirable to enable the seat back 6 and the armrest 10 to move in conjunction, and furthermore, to allow the entire armrest 10 to move (forward-rear or up-down) relative to the seat back 6. Therefore, the front part of the armrest 10 shown in Figure 1 is supported by a front support part 20 that is axially connected to the seat cushion 4 and tiltable forward-rear, while the rear part of the armrest 10 is supported by a rear support part 40 connected to the seat back 6. The vehicle seat 2 is equipped with a lifting mechanism 30 that raises and lowers the front part of the armrest 10 relative to the seat cushion 4, and a moving mechanism 50 that moves the rear part of the armrest 10 relative to the seat back 6. With the above configuration, the entire armrest 10 can be moved in a desired direction relative to the seat back 6 while ensuring responsiveness to the seat back 6. Therefore, the behavior of the armrest 10 will be explained in more detail below, starting with its behavior when following (linked) and then when moving.

[0024] [Behavior when the armrest is followed] First, in the vehicle seat 2 shown in Figure 1, the front support portion 20 that supports the front of the armrest 10 is tiltable forward and backward from the seat. The rear of the armrest 10 is connected to the seat back 6 via the rear support portion 40. Therefore, referring to Figures 1 and 4, the armrest 10 follows (moves in conjunction with) the tilting seat back 6 by appropriately tilting its front support portion 20. Furthermore, referring to Figures 1 and 5, in the vehicle seat 2, after adjusting the reclining angle θ of the seat back 6, the front of the armrest 10 can be raised and lowered by the action of the lifting mechanism 30. By raising and lowering the front of the armrest 10, the armrest 10 tilts up and down around its rear side (rear axle portion 18), and its angle θ10 with respect to the horizontal line 100 can be adjusted.

[0025] [Behavior when the armrest moves (while the occupant is seated)] Next, in the armrest 10 shown in Figure 1, the front and rear parts can be moved forward and backward relative to the seat back 6 by the action of the movement mechanism 50. That is, referring to Figures 1 and 6, the link 41, which serves as the rear support part 40, is tilted forward around the connecting shaft part 6A of the seat back 6 by the action of the movement mechanism 50. At this time, the upper end (front shaft part 17) and lower end (rotation shaft 4A) of the front support part 20, and the tip of the rear support part 40 (rear shaft part 18) are all axially connected free hinges that can rotate up and down. Therefore, the link 41 is tilted forward and the front support part 20 is tilted forward by the driving force of the movement mechanism 50 alone, so that the front and rear parts of the armrest 10 can be moved toward the front of the seat. Conversely, referring to Figure 7, by tilting the link 41, which serves as the rear support part 40, backward, the front and rear parts of the armrest 10 can be moved toward the rear of the seat. With the above configuration, the entire front-to-back position of the armrest 10 can be adjusted to suit the occupant, allowing the occupant to comfortably rest their arms (or knees, etc.) on the armrest 10. Furthermore, with the above configuration, along with adjusting the position of the entire armrest 10, the tilt angle (recline angle θ) of the seat back 6 and other seat functions (for example, the position of the footrest) can be adjusted to achieve an appropriate seating posture for each occupant, resulting in a configuration that contributes to ensuring excellent seating comfort.

[0026] Furthermore, in the armrest 10 shown in Figure 1, the front and rear parts can be moved up and down relative to the seat back 6 by the action of the movement mechanism 50. That is, in the normal state of the vehicle seat 2, the link 41 as the rear support part 40 is raised upward at approximately a right angle from the connecting shaft part 6A, so that the rear part of the armrest 10 is positioned on the upper side of the seat. By adjusting the length of the front support part 20, the entire armrest 10 can be positioned on the upper side of the seat (see the upper limit height position H1 of the armrest in Figure 1). Also, referring to Figures 6 and 7, by adjusting the length of the front support part 20 and tilting the link 41 as the rear support part 40 forward and backward, the front and rear parts of the armrest 10 can be moved to the lower side of the seat (see the height position H2 of the armrest in each figure). Although not shown in the illustrations, it is also possible to lower the armrest 10 to its lowest position by extending the link 41 as the rear support part 40 downward at a right angle to the connecting shaft part 6A.

[0027] [Armrest behavior during boarding and alighting] Next, with reference to Figures 1 and 7, the case of an occupant getting on and off the vehicle seat 2 in its normal state will be explained. When getting on and off the vehicle seat 2, it is desirable to secure a desired space for getting on and off on the seating side of the vehicle seat 2. Therefore, as shown in Figure 7, by adjusting the length of the front support part 20 and tilting the link 41, which serves as the rear support part 40, backward, the front and rear parts of the armrest 10 are moved to the rear and lower side of the seat. In this way, the entire armrest 10 is moved to the rear and lower side relative to the seat back 6, securing a desired space for getting on and off S1 (space in front of and above the seating side) on the seating side of the vehicle seat 2. This makes it easier for occupants to get on and off the vehicle seat 2, thus ensuring ease of entry and exit.

[0028] Next, referring to Figures 7 and 8, we will explain the case where an occupant gets on or off the vehicle seat 2 after getting on or off the vehicle seat 2, specifically at the rear position (rear seat, etc.). In this case, first, the seat back 6 in the upright position shown in Figure 7 is tilted forward to secure space behind it (refer to the direction indicated by arrow 7 in each figure). At this time, the armrest 10 follows the seat back 6 with its rear end 13 positioned behind the seat back 6. Then, as shown in Figure 8, by adjusting the length of the front support 20 and tilting the link 41, which serves as the rear support 40, forward, the front and rear parts of the armrest 10 are moved to the front of the seat. In this way, the entire armrest 10 is moved forward relative to the seat back 6, and the desired boarding / alighting space S2 is secured at the rear of the vehicle seat 2, thereby ensuring ease of boarding and alighting at the rear position. Furthermore, with the above configuration, a relatively large armrest 10 can be used while ensuring ease of boarding and alighting, and the freedom of size selection for the armrest 10 can be increased.

[0029] As described above, in this embodiment, the front support portion 20 that supports the front of the armrest 10 is tiltable forward and backward from the seat, and the rear support portion 40 that supports the rear of the armrest 10 is connected to the seat back 6. This allows the armrest 10 to follow the seat back 6 when it tilts. In this embodiment, the front of the armrest 10 moves forward and backward and up and down by the action of the front support portion 20 and the lifting mechanism 30, and the rear of the armrest 10 moves forward and backward and up and down relative to the seat back 6 by the action of the movement mechanism 50. As a result, the front and rear of the armrest 10, i.e., the entire armrest 10, can be moved forward and backward and up and down (in both directions) relative to the seat back 6. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to link the seat back 6 and the armrest 10, and furthermore, the entire armrest 10 can be moved relative to the seat back 6.

[0030] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the movement mechanism 50 allows the rear of the armrest 10 to rotate around the connecting shaft 6A, enabling it to move forward, backward, and up and down. In particular, in this embodiment, the movement mechanism 50 causes the link 41, which serves as the rear support 40, to tilt around the connecting shaft 6A, thereby allowing the rear of the armrest 10 supported by this link 41 to rotate. In this embodiment, the entire armrest 10 can be moved solely by the driving force of the drive unit 51, and by positioning the drive unit 51 appropriately, the lifting mechanism 30 can be easily installed on the front support 20 side.

[0031] [Vehicle seat of Embodiment 2] In the vehicle seat 2X of Embodiment 2 shown in Figure 9, detailed explanations of components having the same basic configuration as Embodiment 1 are omitted, with corresponding reference numerals indicating the same configuration. This vehicle seat 2X has the same rear support portion 40 and moving mechanism 50 as Embodiment 1 in terms of the configuration of the armrest 10, but the configuration of the front support portion 20X and the lifting mechanism 30X differs from that of Embodiment 1.

[0032] Specifically, the front support portion 20X shown in Figure 9 is formed by axially connecting an upper link 21X and a lower link 22X. In its basic state, the upper link 21X is tilted downwards towards the front of the seat as it approaches the front of the seat. Similarly, the lower link 22X is tilted upwards towards the front of the seat as it approaches the front of the seat in its basic state. The upper end of the upper link 21X is axially connected to the front shaft portion 17 of the armrest 10, and the lower end of the lower link 22X is axially connected to the rotation axis 4A of the seat cushion 4 in a tiltable manner. Furthermore, the lower end of the upper link 21X and the upper end of the lower link 22X are axially connected by a connecting shaft 23X, so that the two links are connected in a horizontal V-shape when viewed from the side (expansion angle θ20 between the two links).

[0033] Referring to Figure 10, in the vehicle seat 2X, the lower link 22X can be tilted forward and backward around the rotation axis 4A of the seat cushion 4 by the action of the lifting mechanism 30X. An example of this type of lifting mechanism 30X is the drive unit and sector gear exemplified in Embodiment 1, and the drive unit can be arranged on the seat cushion 4 side (near the rotation axis 4A). The lifting mechanism 30X gradually tilts the lower link 22X forward, reducing the expansion angle with the upper link 21X, causing the front of the armrest 10 to descend (see the solid line state shown by expansion angle θ21 in Figure 10). Conversely, by raising the lower link 22X and increasing the expansion angle with the upper link 21X, the front of the armrest 10 rises (see the dashed line state shown by expansion angle θ22 in Figure 10). Although not shown, it is also possible to tilt the upper link 21X by the lifting mechanism 30X. In this case, the drive unit of the lifting mechanism 30X can be located on the front side of the armrest 10 (near the front axle 17).

[0034] Referring to Figures 9 and 11, even in the above configuration, the front and rear parts of the armrest 10 can be moved forward, backward, or up and down relative to the seat back 6. For example, by tilting the link 41 as the rear support part 40 and the front support part 20X (lower link 22X) forward, the entire armrest 10 can be moved from its basic state (Figure 9) to the front and lower side of the seat. Although not shown in the illustration, by tilting the link 41 as the rear support part 40 backward and raising or tilting the lower link 22X backward, the entire armrest 10 can be moved from its basic state to the rear side of the seat, etc. Furthermore, the rear part of the armrest 10 is connected to the seat back 6 via the rear support part 40. Therefore, the armrest 10 can follow the seat back 6 when tilted, while its front support part 20X is tilted appropriately by the action of the lifting mechanism 30X, and the angle with respect to the horizontal line can also be adjusted.

[0035] [Vehicle seat of Embodiment 3] In the vehicle seat 2Y of Embodiment 3 shown in Figure 12, detailed explanations of components having the same basic configuration as Embodiment 1 are omitted, with corresponding reference numerals indicating the same configuration. This vehicle seat 2Y has the same front support portion 20 and lifting mechanism 30 as Embodiment 1 in terms of the configuration of the armrest 10, but the configuration of the rear support portion 40Y and the moving mechanism 50Y differs from that of Embodiment 1.

[0036] Specifically, referring to Figures 12 and 13, the seat back 6 is provided with a trapezoidal screw shaft portion 51Y and a drive motor 52Y (drive unit) as its moving mechanism 50Y. The trapezoidal screw shaft portion 51Y is attached to the seat back 6 via a mounting bracket 53Y, in a state where it gradually tilts downwards towards the seat as it approaches the front of the seat. This mounting bracket 53Y supports the upper and lower ends of the trapezoidal screw shaft portion 51Y while allowing it to rotate around its axis. The drive motor 52Y, which is the driving source for the rotation of the trapezoidal screw shaft portion 51Y, is fixed to the mounting bracket 53Y. On the other hand, a nut portion 41Y, which serves as a rear support portion 40Y, is fixed to the rear of the armrest 10. When the nut portion 41Y is screwed onto the trapezoidal screw shaft portion 51Y, the rear of the armrest 10 supported by the nut portion 41Y moves back and forth along the trapezoidal screw shaft portion 51Y.

[0037] Referring to Figures 12 and 14, in the above-described configuration, the front and rear parts of the armrest 10 can be moved forward and backward or up and down relative to the seat back 6. For example, as shown in Figure 14, the nut part 41Y, which serves as the rear support part 40Y, is advanced rearward and upward along the trapezoidal screw shaft part 51Y. Simultaneously with the movement of the nut part 41Y, the front part of the armrest 10 is moved rearward and upward by the front support part 20 and the lifting mechanism 30, thereby allowing the entire armrest 10 to be moved to the rearward and upward side of the seat. As described above, the rear part of the armrest 10 is connected to the seat back 6 via the rear support part 40Y. Therefore, the armrest 10 follows the tilting seat back 6 by tilting its front support part 20 as appropriate. The angle of the armrest 10 relative to the horizontal can be adjusted by axially connecting the rear part of the armrest 10 to the nut part 41Y.

[0038] The vehicle seat of this embodiment is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can take various other forms. In this embodiment, a configuration in which the rear of the armrest moves forward and backward and up and down has been described, but it is also possible to move it in at least one direction of forward and backward and up and down. For example, in the movement mechanism of Embodiment 3, the trapezoidal screw shaft portion may be arranged in the horizontal or vertical direction. Alternatively, an actuator (movement mechanism) that can extend forward and backward may be interposed between the rear of the armrest and the seat back to move the rear of the armrest only forward and backward. Alternatively, an actuator (movement mechanism) that can extend up and down may be interposed between the rear of the armrest and the seat back to move the rear of the armrest only up and down. In each embodiment, by moving at least the entire armrest in one direction, a configuration is achieved that contributes to ensuring seating comfort and ease of getting on and off. That is, by moving the entire armrest forward and backward or up and down (adjusting its position), seating comfort for each occupant can be ensured. Also, by moving the entire armrest downward, it becomes possible to secure space for getting on and off above the seating side of the vehicle seat. Furthermore, it is preferable to move the armrest forward or backward. Moving the entire armrest backward allows for boarding and alighting space in front of the seat on the seating side of the vehicle. Conversely, moving the entire armrest forward allows for boarding and alighting space in the rear position.

[0039] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the movement mechanisms of Embodiments 1 to 3 have been described as movement mechanisms that move the rear of the armrest in both forward / backward and up / down directions, but this is not intended to limit the configuration of the movement mechanism. For example, multiple types of actuators described above can be used in combination as this type of movement mechanism. Also, the configuration for rotating the rear of the armrest around the connecting shaft is not limited to a tiltable link, and various mechanisms such as a cam mechanism (for example, a triangular cam that applies the Reuleaux triangle, a rectangular frame that is inscribed in the triangular cam, and a drive unit that rotates the triangular cam) can be used. And the configurations of each embodiment described above can be used in combination as appropriate.

[0040] Furthermore, the configuration of the front support section, the rear support section, and each mechanism can be modified as appropriate. For example, the drive unit of the moving mechanism shown in Embodiments 1 and 2 can be installed not only on the seat back, but also on the rear of the armrest or on the rear support section (link). The length of the front support section or rear support section (link) in Embodiments 1 and 2, and the length and inclination of the trapezoidal screw shaft section in Embodiment 3 can be appropriately selected according to the amount of armrest movement. The front support section can be axially connected to an appropriate position on the seat cushion side, for example, it may be axially connected to the seat cushion itself, or it may be axially connected to a member fixed to the seat cushion (such as the upper rail of the seat front-rear sliding mechanism). Alternatively, the connecting shaft section itself may be rotatably provided on the seat back, and the lower end of the link may be fixed to this connecting shaft section. In this case, the moving mechanism rotates the connecting shaft section itself.

[0041] Furthermore, the seat back can have insertion holes for the connecting shaft formed intermittently vertically, or the insertion holes can be formed continuously vertically (in the shape of elongated holes). This makes it possible to assemble and connect the armrest to the seat back while adjusting its basic height position. The behavior of the seat back and armrest during seating or boarding / alighting can also be appropriately selected according to the occupant's preference. For example, when boarding or alighting from the rear position, only the armrest may be moved forward. The configuration of this embodiment can be applied to seats in all types of vehicles, such as cars, aircraft, trains, and ships. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0042] 2. Vehicle seats 4 seat cushions 6 Seatback 4A Rotating shaft 6A Connecting shaft part 10 Armrests 15 Support plate part 16 Bracket section 17 Front shaft 18 Rear shaft section 20 Front support part 21 Upper Link 22 Lower Link 30 Lifting mechanism 31 Slider section 32 Guide section 33 Motor 34. Lead screw mechanism 35 Trapezoidal screw shaft 36 Lifting nut 37 Fixing bracket 40 Rear support part 41 links 50 Moving mechanism 51 Drive unit 51A Output shaft 52 Sector Gear R Reclining 2X Vehicle seat (of Embodiment 2) 20X Front support (of Embodiment 2) 21X Upper link (of Embodiment 2) 22X Lower link (of Embodiment 2) 30X Lifting mechanism (of Embodiment 2) 2Y (Vehicle seat of Embodiment 3) 40Y (rear support part of Embodiment 3) 41Y Nut part (of Embodiment 3) 50Y (Moving mechanism of Embodiment 3) 51Y (of Embodiment 3) Trapezoidal screw shaft 52Y Drive motor (of Embodiment 3)

Claims

1. In a vehicle seat comprising a seat back connected to a seat cushion so as to be tiltable forward and backward, and an armrest extending forward and backward, The front of the armrest is supported by a front support portion that is axially connected to the seat cushion and can tilt forward and backward along the seat, while the rear of the armrest is supported by a rear support portion that is connected to the seat back. A vehicle seat provided with a lifting mechanism for raising and lowering the front part of the armrest relative to the seat cushion, and a moving mechanism for moving the rear part of the armrest relative to the seat back in at least one direction: forward / backward and up / down.

2. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, wherein the moving mechanism is provided for moving the rear part of the armrest relative to the seat back in both the forward / backward and up / down directions of the seat.

3. The vehicle seat according to claim 2, wherein the rear part of the armrest is provided with a moving mechanism that rotates it around a connecting shaft provided on the seat back, thereby moving the seat in both the forward / backward and up / down directions.

4. The rear support portion is composed of a link that is axially connected to the rear of the armrest and the connecting shaft portion and is tiltable forward and backward from the seat, and the moving mechanism is provided which rotates the rear of the armrest around the connecting shaft portion by the tilting of the link around the connecting shaft portion.

5. The vehicle seat according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the drive unit of the moving mechanism is provided in at least one of the seat back, the rear of the armrest, and the rear support, and the front support and the rear support are moved solely by the driving force of the drive unit.

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