Reclining devices and vehicle seats

Abstract

This prevents the seatback from unlocking during a side collision with the vehicle. [Solution] In the reclining device 16, the tilting of the seat back 14 is locked by a locking mechanism 18. A knob 28 is connected to the shaft 20 and the connecting bracket 22, and when the knob 28 is operated, the shaft 20 and the connecting bracket 22 are rotated, and the locking mechanism 18 unlocks the tilting of the seat back 14. However, in the event of a side collision of the vehicle, the knob 28 is released from the shaft 20 and the connecting bracket 22. Therefore, even if the knob 28 is operated by an impact load, the rotation of the shaft 20 and the connecting bracket 22 can be suppressed, and the unlocking of the tilting of the seat back 14 can be suppressed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a reclining device in which a lock mechanism locks the tilting of a seat back, and a vehicle seat provided with the reclining device.

Background Art

[0002] In the seat described in Patent Document 1 below, the tilting of the seat back is locked, and when the reclining lever is operated, the tilting of the seat back is unlocked.

[0003] Here, in this seat, during a side collision of the vehicle, the operation of the reclining lever due to an impact load being input to the reclining lever is suppressed by a bracket for preventing lever displacement and rising, and the unlocking of the tilting of the seat back is suppressed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In consideration of the above facts, an object of the present invention is to obtain a reclining device and a vehicle seat that can suppress the unlocking of the tilting of the seat back during a side collision of the vehicle.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A reclining device according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a locking mechanism for locking the tilting of a seat back in a vehicle seat, a connecting member provided on the locking mechanism and rotated to release the locking mechanism from the tilting of the seat back, and an operating member connected to the connecting member and operated to rotate the connecting member, and which is released from the connecting member when an impact load is applied during a side collision of a vehicle.

[0007] In a reclining device according to a first aspect of the present invention, a locking mechanism locks the tilting of the seat back of a vehicle seat. Furthermore, an operating member is connected to a connecting member of the locking mechanism, and when the operating member is operated, the connecting member is rotated, and the locking mechanism unlocks the tilting of the seat back.

[0008] In this scenario, during a side collision with the vehicle, an impact load is applied to the operating member, causing it to disconnect from the connecting member. Therefore, even if the operating member is operated by the impact load, the rotation of the connecting member can be suppressed, thereby preventing the seatback from being unlocked.

[0009] A second aspect of the present invention is a reclining device according to the first aspect of the present invention, further comprising a covering member that covers the operating member, and in the event of a side collision of a vehicle, an impact load is applied that presses against the operating member, thereby releasing the operating member from the connecting member.

[0010] In a reclining device according to a second aspect of the present invention, the operating member is covered by a covering member, and in the event of a side collision with a vehicle, an impact load is applied to the covering member, causing the covering member to press against the operating member, thereby releasing the operating member from the connecting member. Thus, the operating member can be released from the connecting member.

[0011] A third aspect of the present invention is a reclining device in which, in the reclining device of the second aspect of the present invention, the covering member is arranged on the outer periphery of the operating member.

[0012] In a reclining device according to a third aspect of the present invention, the covering member is positioned on the outer periphery of the operating member. Therefore, an impact load can be applied to the covering member before that of the operating member.

[0013] A fourth aspect of the present invention is a reclining device in which, in any one of the first to third aspects of the present invention, the operating member is destroyed by an impact load and released from the connecting member.

[0014] In the reclining device according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the operating member is destroyed by an impact load and released from the connecting member. Therefore, the operating member can be released from the connecting member.

[0015] A fifth aspect of the present invention is a reclining device according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, wherein the operating member is provided with a weak point that serves as the starting point for the failure of the operating member.

[0016] In the fifth aspect of the present invention, the weak point of the operating member is designated as the starting point for the failure of the operating member. Therefore, the operating member can be appropriately destroyed.

[0017] A sixth aspect of the present invention is a reclining device according to the fourth or fifth aspect of the present invention, further comprising a plurality of connecting parts provided on the operating member, each connected to the connecting member, and which are released from the connecting member when the operating member is destroyed.

[0018] In the reclining device according to the sixth aspect of the present invention, multiple connecting parts of the operating member are each connected to a connecting member, and when the operating member is destroyed, the multiple connecting parts are each released from the connecting member. Therefore, by having multiple connecting parts each connected to a connecting member, the connection strength of the operating member to the connecting member can be increased.

[0019] The reclining device according to the seventh aspect of the present invention is any one of the reclining devices according to the first to sixth aspects of the present invention, wherein when the operation member is operated by a predetermined amount and the lock mechanism releases the lock on the tilting of the seat back, after the operation member is disconnected from the connecting member, the operation member is operated by a predetermined amount or more and is connected to the connecting member.

[0020] In the reclining device according to the seventh aspect of the present invention, when the operation member is operated by a predetermined amount, the lock mechanism releases the lock on the tilting of the seat back.

[0021] Here, after the operation member is disconnected from the connecting member, the operation member is operated by a predetermined amount or more and is connected to the connecting member. Therefore, by further operating the operation member, the lock mechanism can release the lock on the tilting of the seat back.

[0022] The reclining device according to the eighth aspect of the present invention is the reclining device according to the seventh aspect of the present invention, and includes an allowable portion provided on the operation member, which allows the operation member to be operated by a predetermined amount or more and to be connected to the connecting member after the operation member is disconnected from the connecting member.

[0023] In the reclining device according to the eighth aspect of the present invention, after the operation member is disconnected from the connecting member, the allowable portion of the operation member allows the operation member to be operated by a predetermined amount or more and to be connected to the connecting member. Therefore, the operation member can be connected to the connecting member after being operated by a predetermined amount or more.

[0024] The vehicle seat according to the ninth aspect of the present invention includes a seat cushion, a seat back, and any one of the reclining devices according to the first to eighth aspects of the present invention provided between the seat cushion and the seat back. In the vehicle seat according to the ninth aspect of the present invention, any one of the reclining devices according to the first to eighth aspects of the present invention is provided between the seat cushion and the seat back. Therefore, the same effects as any one of the first to eighth aspects of the present invention can be achieved.

Effect of the Invention

[0025] In the reclining device and vehicle seat of the present invention, it is possible to suppress the unlocking of the tilting of the seat back during a side collision of the vehicle.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0026] [Figure 1] It is an exploded perspective view seen from the left front obliquely showing the vehicle seat according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] (A) to (C) are side views seen from the left showing the vehicle seat according to the first embodiment of the present invention. (A) shows the normal state, (B) shows the first stage in which the knob is rotated after a side collision of the vehicle, and (C) shows the second stage in which the knob is rotated after a side collision of the vehicle. [Figure 3] It is a cross-sectional view seen from the lower side showing the vehicle seat according to the first embodiment of the present invention (cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2(A)). [Figure 4] (A) is a side view seen from the left showing the first connecting portion of the knob in the vehicle seat according to the first embodiment of the present invention, (B) is a side view seen from the left showing the second connecting portion etc. of the knob, and (C) is a perspective view seen from the right front obliquely showing the second connecting portion etc. of the knob. [Figure 5] It is an exploded perspective view seen from the left front obliquely showing the vehicle seat according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] It is a side view seen from the left showing the vehicle seat according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] It is a cross-sectional view seen from the front side showing the vehicle seat according to the second embodiment of the present invention (cross-sectional view taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 6). [Figure 8] (A) and (B) are views showing the first connecting portion etc. of the knob of the vehicle seat according to the second embodiment of the present invention. (A) is a perspective view seen from the left front obliquely, and (B) is a perspective view seen from the right front obliquely.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0027] [First Embodiment] Figure 1 shows an exploded perspective view of a vehicle seat 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the left front. In the drawing, the front of the vehicle seat 10 is indicated by arrow FR, the left side (outside in the vehicle width direction) of the vehicle seat 10 is indicated by arrow LH, and the top of the vehicle seat 10 is indicated by arrow UP.

[0028] The vehicle seat 10 according to this embodiment is installed on the front and left side of the passenger compartment of a vehicle (automobile), and the B-pillar of the vehicle is located near the left side of the rear end of the vehicle seat 10. A seat cushion 12 is provided at the bottom of the vehicle seat 10, and the occupant of the vehicle sits on the seat cushion 12. A seat back 14 is provided above the rear end of the seat cushion 12, and the seat back 14 supports the back of the occupant.

[0029] As shown in Figure 1, a reclining device 16 is provided between the cushion hinge 12A of the seat cushion 12 and the back hinge 14A of the seat back 14.

[0030] The reclining device 16 is provided with a locking mechanism 18, which locks the tilting of the seat back 14 (back hinge 14A). The locking mechanism 18 is provided with a metal shaft 20 as a first connected part that constitutes a connecting member. The shaft 20 extends to the left, and the part other than the base end (right end) is shaped like a roughly rectangular column. The shaft 20 is rotatable by a predetermined angle (a predetermined amount) in the release direction A from the initial position, and the shaft 20 is prevented from rotating beyond the predetermined angle in the release direction A from the initial position.

[0031] The base end of a long, plate-shaped metal connecting bracket 22, which constitutes a second connected part of the connecting member, is fixed to the shaft 20, and the connecting bracket 22 is rotatable integrally with the shaft 20. The tip of the connecting bracket 22 is positioned on the front side of the shaft 20, and the vicinity of the tip of the connecting bracket 22 is positioned perpendicular to the front-rear direction (the radial direction of rotation of the shaft 20). The tip of the connecting bracket 22 is positioned perpendicular to the left-right direction, and the tip of the connecting bracket 22 is shaped like a roughly rectangular plate.

[0032] A metal bracket 24 (spring retaining bracket, see Figure 8(B)) with an L-shaped cross-section is fixed around the shaft 20. The right wall of the bracket 24 is positioned perpendicular to the left-right direction, and the shaft 20 rotatably passes through the right wall of the bracket 24. The upper wall of the bracket 24 protrudes to the left, and the upper wall of the bracket 24 is curved convexly upward in the front-rear direction.

[0033] A resin cover 26 is provided on the left side of the locking mechanism 18 as an arrangement member. The cover 26 covers the lower end of the seat back 14 from the left side, extending from the rear of the seat cushion 12. An arrangement recess 26A, which is roughly trapezoidal in front view, is formed at the rear of the cover 26. The arrangement recess 26A is open to the left, top, front, and rear. A portion of the bottom wall (right wall) of the arrangement recess 26A is open, and the tip of the shaft 20 and the tip of the connecting bracket 22 are arranged in the arrangement recess 26A, while the upper wall of the bracket 24 is exposed.

[0034] A roughly trapezoidal plate-shaped knob 28 made of resin (see Figure 2(A)) is positioned in the recess 26A as an operating member, with the front part of the knob 28 protruding forward. A cylindrical peripheral wall 28A is integrally provided around the entire circumference of the knob 28, and the peripheral wall 28A protrudes to the right. A roughly trapezoidal coupling recess 28B is formed in the knob 28 when viewed from the front, and the coupling recess 28B is open to the left. In addition, rectangular coupling holes 28C, which serve as the coupling parts, are formed through the upper, lower, front, and rear parts of the circumference of the coupling recess 28B.

[0035] A first connecting portion 30 (see Figure 4(A)), which is circular in front view, is formed in the center of the bottom wall (right wall) of the connecting recess 28B, and the center of the first connecting portion 30 is fixed (connected) coaxially to the tip of the shaft 20. On the left side of the bottom wall of the connecting recess 28B, a first weak portion 30A is formed around the entire circumference of the first connecting portion 30, and a first groove with a triangular cross-section is formed on the left side of the first weak portion 30A. As a result, the thickness of the bottom wall of the connecting recess 28B is reduced by the first groove in the first weak portion 30A, and the strength of the first weak portion 30A is reduced.

[0036] A long, rectangular perforated hole 28D is formed through the front of the bottom wall of the coupling recess 28B, and the perforated hole 28D extends in the rotational direction of the shaft 20.

[0037] On the bottom wall of the connecting recess 28B, a rectangular second connecting portion 32 (see Figures 4(B) and (C)) is formed in a front view, serving as a connecting portion, at the front of the upper part of the allowable hole 28D. The right side of the second connecting portion 32 is fixed (connected) to the tip of the connecting bracket 22 by a connecting screw 34. On the left side of the bottom wall of the connecting recess 28B, a second weak portion 32A is formed around the entire circumference of the second connecting portion 32, excluding the allowable hole 28D portion. On the left side of the second weak portion 32A, a second groove with a triangular cross-section is formed along the outer circumference of the tip of the connecting bracket 22. As a result, in the second weak portion 32A, the thickness of the bottom wall of the connecting recess 28B is reduced by the second groove, thereby lowering the strength of the second weak portion 32A.

[0038] On the right side of the bottom wall of the connecting recess 28B, a reinforcing wall 28E with a U-shaped cross-section is integrally provided around the tip of the connecting bracket 22 as a reinforcing part. The reinforcing wall 28E protrudes to the right and reinforces the bottom wall of the connecting recess 28B, and the tip of the connecting bracket 22 is substantially fitted inside it. On the right side of the bottom wall of the connecting recess 28B, a predetermined number (5 in this embodiment) of triangular plate-shaped reinforcing ribs 28F are integrally provided around the reinforcing wall 28E as reinforcing parts. The reinforcing ribs 28F integrally connect the bottom wall of the connecting recess 28B and the reinforcing wall 28E, thereby reinforcing the bottom wall of the connecting recess 28B and the reinforcing wall 28E.

[0039] As described above, the first connecting portion 30 is connected to the shaft 20, and the second connecting portion 32 is connected to the connecting bracket 22, and the knob 28 is connected to the shaft 20 and the connecting bracket 22 so as to be able to rotate integrally. When the occupant rotates the knob 28 by a predetermined angle in the release direction A, the shaft 20 and the connecting bracket 22 of the locking mechanism 18 are rotated by a predetermined angle in the release direction A, and the locking mechanism 18 unlocks the tilting of the seat back 14.

[0040] A roughly trapezoidal plate-shaped cap 36 (see Figure 3), made of resin and serving as a covering member, is fitted into the coupling recess 28B. The cap 36 is curved convexly to the left and protrudes to the left (outside) of the left side (outer circumference) of the knob 28. A predetermined number (3 in this embodiment) of cylindrical (e.g., cylindrical) pressing cylinders 36A are integrally provided on the right side of the cap 36. These pressing cylinders 36A have different diameters from each other and are arranged coaxially with the shaft 20. The pressing cylinders 36A protrude to the right and are in contact with the bottom wall of the coupling recess 28B on the radially outer side of the first weak portion 30A.

[0041] The upper, lower, front, and rear portions of the circumference of the cap 36 are integrally provided with roughly rectangular plate-shaped connecting claws 38, which extend to the right. The tip (right end) of the connecting claw 38 is integrally provided with a triangular prism-shaped connecting projection 38A, which protrudes outward from the outer circumference of the connecting recess 28B, and whose left side is positioned perpendicular to the left-right direction. The connecting claw 38 is inserted into the connecting hole 28C around the circumference of the connecting recess 28B by temporary elastic deformation, and the connecting projection 38A is locked around the connecting hole 28C around the circumference of the connecting recess 28B from the right side. This locks the movement of the connecting projection 38A to the left, and locks the movement of the cap 36 to the left, thereby connecting the cap 36 to the knob 28 so that it can rotate integrally.

[0042] Next, the operation of this embodiment will be explained.

[0043] In the reclining device 16 of the vehicle seat 10 configured as described above, the tilting of the seat back 14 is locked by a locking mechanism 18. Furthermore, the first connecting portion 30 of the knob 28 is connected to the shaft 20 of the locking mechanism 18, and the second connecting portion 32 of the knob 28 is connected to the connecting bracket 22 of the locking mechanism 18, so that the knob 28 is connected to the shaft 20 and the connecting bracket 22 so as to be able to rotate together. When the knob 28 (including the cap 36) is rotated by a predetermined angle in the release direction A, the shaft 20 and the connecting bracket 22 are rotated by a predetermined angle in the release direction A together with the knob 28, and the locking mechanism 18 unlocks the tilting of the seat back 14.

[0044] Here, in the event of a side collision with the vehicle, an impact load from the vehicle's B-pillar is applied to the cap 36, causing the cap 36 to move to the right (inward in the vehicle width direction). The pressing cylinder 36A of the cap 36 presses the bottom wall of the coupling recess 28B of the knob 28 to the right, causing the knob 28 to move to the right. As a result, the bottom wall of the coupling recess 28B is destroyed (crushed) at the first weak point 30A around the first connecting part 30 and the second weak point 32A around the second connecting part 32, and the knob 28 is released from the shaft 20 and the connecting bracket 22 (see the dashed line in Figure 3). Therefore, even if the knob 28 is rotated by the impact load, the rotation of the shaft 20 and the connecting bracket 22 can be suppressed, the unlocking of the tilt of the seat back 14 can be suppressed, and unnecessary tilting of the seat back 14 can be suppressed.

[0045] Furthermore, the cap 36 protrudes from the left side of the left face of the knob 28 (see solid line in Figure 3). Therefore, in the event of a side collision with a vehicle, the impact load can be applied to the cap 36 before the knob 28, and the pressure on the knob 28 by the cap 36 (pressure cylinder 36A) can cause the knob 28 to disengage from the shaft 20 and the connecting bracket 22.

[0046] Furthermore, in the event of a side collision with a vehicle, the knob 28 is destroyed starting from the first weak point 30A and the second weak point 32A. This ensures that the knob 28 is properly destroyed.

[0047] Furthermore, the first connecting portion 30 and the second connecting portion 32 of the knob 28 are connected to the shaft 20 and the connecting bracket 22, respectively. When the knob 28 is destroyed, the first connecting portion 30 and the second connecting portion 32 are released from the shaft 20 and the connecting bracket 22, respectively. As a result, the connection strength of the knob 28 to the shaft 20 and the connecting bracket 22 can be increased by the rotation of the knob 28, allowing the shaft 20 and the connecting bracket 22 to rotate appropriately.

[0048] Furthermore, in the event of a side collision with the vehicle, the vicinity of the tip of the connecting bracket 22 is inserted into the permissible hole 28D of the knob 28. Therefore, even if the knob 28 is rotated in the release direction A due to the impact load, rotation of the knob 28 is permitted until the knob 28 is rotated by a predetermined angle and the lower end of the permissible hole 28D comes into contact with the vicinity of the tip of the connecting bracket 22 (see Figure 2(B)) (the knob 28 is not in contact with the connecting bracket 22). This effectively suppresses the unlocking of the tilting of the seat back 14.

[0049] Furthermore, after a side collision with the vehicle (after the knob 28 is released from the shaft 20 and the connecting bracket 22), the knob 28 is rotated by a predetermined angle in the release direction A, so that the lower end of the allowable hole 28D comes into contact with the vicinity of the tip of the connecting bracket 22, thereby connecting the knob 28 to the connecting bracket 22 (see Figure 2(B)). As a result, when the knob 28 is rotated by a predetermined angle in the release direction A (see Figure 2(C)), the connecting bracket 22 can be rotated by a predetermined angle in the release direction A, thereby unlocking the tilting of the seat back 14. This allows the seat back 14 to be tilted, for example, enabling the occupant to escape from the vehicle.

[0050] In this embodiment, the knob 28 is provided with two connecting parts (a first connecting part 30 and a second connecting part 32). However, the knob 28 may be provided with one or three or more connecting parts.

[0051] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the knob 28 is provided with reinforcing ribs 28F. However, the knob 28 does not necessarily need to be provided with reinforcing ribs 28F.

[0052] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the knob 28 is not in contact with the connecting bracket 22 until it is rotated by a predetermined angle in the release direction A after the knob 28 has been released from the shaft 20 and the connecting bracket 22. However, the knob 28 does not need to be in contact with the connecting bracket 22 until it is rotated by less than or more than the predetermined angle in the release direction A after the knob 28 has been released from the shaft 20 and the connecting bracket 22.

[0053] [Second Embodiment] Figure 5 shows an exploded perspective view of a vehicle seat 50 according to a second embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the left front.

[0054] The vehicle seat 50 according to this embodiment has substantially the same configuration as that of the first embodiment described above, but differs in the following respects.

[0055] As shown in Figure 5, the reclining device 16 of the vehicle seat 50 does not have a connecting bracket 22 on the locking mechanism 18.

[0056] The upper wall (regulating portion) of the bracket 24 (regulating member) extends to the left, and the upper wall of the bracket 24 protrudes into the placement recess 26A of the cover 26.

[0057] In the bottom wall of the coupling recess 28B of the knob 28 (see the dashed line in Figures 6 and 7, and (A) and (B) in Figure 8), the central part of the first connecting portion 30 is coaxially fixed (connected) to the tip of the shaft 20 by a screw 52. In the bottom wall of the coupling recess 28B, a long restricting hole 28G is formed through the upper side of the first connecting portion 30, and the restricting hole 28G extends in the front-rear direction and is curved upward in a convex shape in the direction of extension. The knob 28 is not provided with an allowable hole 28D, a second connecting portion 32, a second weak portion 32A (second groove), a connecting screw 34, a reinforcing wall 28E, and a reinforcing rib 28F.

[0058] The cap 36 (see the dashed line in Figure 7) is provided with a predetermined number of pressing cylinders 36A (two in this embodiment), and the pressing cylinders 36A are positioned opposite the bottom wall of the coupling recess 28B on the radially outer side of the first weak portion 30A.

[0059] Next, the operation of this embodiment will be explained.

[0060] In the reclining device 16 of the vehicle seat 50 with the above configuration, the tilting of the seat back 14 is locked by a locking mechanism 18. In addition, the first connecting portion 30 of the knob 28 is connected to the shaft 20 of the locking mechanism 18, so that the knob 28 is connected to the shaft 20 so as to be able to rotate together. When the knob 28 (including the cap 36) is rotated by a predetermined angle in the release direction A, the shaft 20 rotates by a predetermined angle in the release direction A together with the knob 28, and the locking mechanism 18 unlocks the tilting of the seat back 14.

[0061] Here, during a side collision of the vehicle, an impact load from the vehicle's B-pillar is input to the cap 36, causing the cap 36 to move to the right (inward in the vehicle width direction). The pressing cylinder 36A of the cap 36 presses the bottom wall of the coupling recess 28B of the knob 28 to the right, causing the knob 28 to move to the right. As a result, the bottom wall of the coupling recess 28B is destroyed (crushed) at the first weak point 30A around the first connecting part 30, and the knob 28 is released from the shaft 20 (see solid line in Figure 7). Therefore, even if the knob 28 is rotated by the impact load, the rotation of the shaft 20 can be suppressed, the unlocking of the tilt of the seat back 14 can be suppressed, and unnecessary tilting of the seat back 14 can be suppressed.

[0062] Furthermore, when the knob 28 is released from the shaft 20, the upper wall of the bracket 24 is inserted into the restricting hole 28G of the knob 28, thereby restricting the rotation of the knob 28. This restricts the rotation of the shaft 20 and prevents the unlocking of the tilt of the seat back 14.

[0063] Furthermore, the cap 36 protrudes from the left side of the left face of the knob 28 (see the dashed line in Figure 7). Therefore, in the event of a side collision with a vehicle, the impact load can be applied to the cap 36 before the knob 28, and the pressure on the knob 28 by the cap 36 (pressure cylinder 36A) can cause the knob 28 to disengage from the shaft 20.

[0064] Furthermore, in the event of a side collision with the vehicle, the knob 28 is destroyed starting from the first weak point 30A. This ensures that the knob 28 is properly destroyed. [Explanation of symbols]

[0065] 10 Vehicle seats 12 seat cushions 14 Seatback 16 Reclining device 18 Locking mechanism 20 Shaft (connecting member) 22 Connecting bracket (connecting member) 28 Knob (operating component) 28D Allowable hole (allowable portion) 30 1st connection part (connection part) 30A 1st vulnerable part (weak part) 32 2nd connecting part (connecting part) 32A 2nd vulnerable part (weak part) 36 Cap (covering material) 50 Vehicle seats

Claims

1. A locking mechanism for locking the tilt of the seat back in a vehicle seat, A connecting member provided in the locking mechanism, which rotates to unlock the tilting of the seat back, An operating member is connected to the aforementioned connecting member, and when operated, the connecting member is rotated, and when an impact load is applied during a side collision of a vehicle, the operating member is released from the connecting member. A reclining device equipped with [a specific feature].

2. The reclining device according to claim 1, further comprising a covering member that covers the operating member, and in the event of a side collision of a vehicle, an impact load is applied that presses against the operating member, thereby releasing the operating member from the connecting member.

3. The reclining device according to claim 2, wherein the covering member is arranged on the outer circumference of the operating member.

4. The reclining device according to claim 1, wherein the operating member is destroyed by an impact load and released from the connecting member.

5. The reclining device according to claim 4, further comprising a weak point on the operating member that serves as the starting point for the failure of the operating member.

6. The reclining device according to claim 4, further comprising a plurality of connecting parts provided on the operating member, each connected to the connecting member, and which are released from the connecting member when the operating member is destroyed.

7. The reclining device according to claim 1, wherein the operating member is operated by a predetermined amount, the locking mechanism unlocks the tilting of the seat back, and after the operating member is disconnected from the connecting member, the operating member is operated by a predetermined amount or more to reconnect with the connecting member.

8. The reclining device according to claim 7, further comprising an allowable portion provided on the operating member, wherein after the operating member is disconnected from the connecting member, the operating member is allowed to be operated by a predetermined amount or more and then connected to the connecting member.

9. Seat cushion and, The seatback and A reclining device according to claim 1, provided between the seat cushion and the seat back, A vehicle seat equipped with the following features.

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