Vehicle seats

Abstract

Make the retractable table available for use in the front seats. [Solution] The vehicle seat 10 includes a seat cushion 12 provided in the front of the passenger compartment on which an occupant can sit, a telescopic pole 18 (support part) provided on the lower side of the seat cushion 12, the position of one end 41 of which can be switched between a low position lower than the seat surface 12A of the seat cushion 12 and a high position higher than the seat surface 12A, a table 21 provided at one end 41 of the telescopic pole 18, and a two-axis hinge 22 interposed between the one end 41 and the table 21, which rotates the table 21 relative to the one end 41. The two-axis hinge 22 includes a first axis 31 that allows the table 21 to rotate between a state in which the surface direction of the table 21 is aligned with the seat width direction and a state in which the surface direction of the table 21 is aligned with the seat front-rear direction, and a second axis 32 that allows the table 21 to rotate about the seat width direction.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] There is disclosed a vehicle seat including a rotating part rotatably connected to a seating part and a support part provided at the tip side of the rotating part, the support part having a first state serving as a placement part and a second state serving as a footrest (see Patent Document 1).

[0003] Also, there is disclosed a vehicle seat with an integrated center table and ottoman function, i.e., a vehicle seat with a center table and ottoman function (see Patent Document 2).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In a vehicle seat, there are a first-row front seat located at the foremost side of the passenger compartment and rear seats starting from the second row. All of the above conventional examples are structures applied to the rear seats. In Patent Document 1, a table can be deployed above the seating part, and in Patent Document 2, a table can be deployed to the side of the seat. It would be convenient if such a table could also be used for the front seat.

[0006] However, the front seat has more space constraints compared to the rear seat. Although after-market tables are provided for the front seat, it is necessary to take the trouble of installation and secure storage space.

[0007] The present invention aims to enable the use of a retractable table in the front seat. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A vehicle seat according to the first embodiment includes a seat cushion provided in the front of the passenger compartment on which an occupant can sit, a support provided on the lower side of the seat cushion and capable of switching the position of one end between a low position lower than the seat surface of the seat cushion and a high position higher than the seat surface, a table provided at one end of the support, and a two-axis hinge interposed between the one end and the table to rotate the table relative to the one end, wherein the two-axis hinge has a first axis that allows the table to rotate between a state in which the surface direction of the table is aligned with the seat width direction and a state in which the surface direction of the table is aligned with the seat front-rear direction of the seat, and a second axis that allows the table to rotate about the seat width direction.

[0009] In this vehicle seat, a table is provided at one end of the support section. By lowering the height of this end, the table can be moved to the storage height, and by raising the height of this end, the table can be moved to the usage height. At the storage height, the first axis of the two-axis hinge is used to position the table so that its surface direction is aligned with the seat width direction, thereby storing the table. By positioning the table so that its surface direction is aligned with the seat front-to-rear direction, the table avoids the occupant and becomes height-adjustable.

[0010] The table is moved to the usable height using the support structure, rotated using the first axis of the two-axis hinge so that the table is aligned with the seat width in front of the occupant, and further rotated using the second axis as needed to make the table horizontal so that the usable surface faces upwards, thereby putting the table into a usable state.

[0011] The second embodiment is a vehicle seat according to the first embodiment, wherein the combination of the support portion, the table, and the two-axis hinge is provided in a pair symmetrically on the left and right sides.

[0012] In this vehicle seat, the combination of the support section, the table, and the two-axis hinge is provided in a symmetrical pair, doubling the table area compared to a case where the table is provided on only one side. This improves the usability of the table.

[0013] A third embodiment is a vehicle seat according to the second embodiment, wherein a footrest is provided on the underside of the table.

[0014] In this vehicle seat, a footrest is provided on the underside of the table. By moving the table to its storage height and using the second axis of the two-axis hinge to position the footrest below the occupant's lower leg, it can function as an ottoman.

[0015] The fourth embodiment is a vehicle seat according to any one of the first to third embodiments, wherein the other end of the support portion is fixed to the front of the lower side portion of the seat cushion, and the support portion is capable of switching between the low position and the high position by extending and retracting.

[0016] This vehicle seat features a retractable support that allows the table height to be switched between a stowed height and a usable height.

[0017] The fifth embodiment is a vehicle seat according to any one of the first to third embodiments, wherein the other end of the support portion is rotatably supported on the lower side of the seat cushion, and the support portion can be rotated around the other end as an axis in the seat width direction to switch between the low position and the high position.

[0018] In this vehicle seat, a rotating support allows the table height to be switched between a stowed height and a usable height. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] According to the present invention, a retractable table can be used in the front seat. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0020] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view showing a vehicle seat according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] (A) is a side view showing the stored state of the table in the first embodiment. (B) is a front view showing the same state as (A). [Figure 3] (A) is a side view showing the state where the table is rotated so that the surface direction of the table is along the front - rear direction of the seat in FIG. 2(A). (B) is a front view showing the same state as (A). [Figure 4] (A) is a side view showing the state where the support part is extended and the table is moved to the use height. (B) is a front view showing the same state as (A). [Figure 5] (A) is a side view showing the state where the table is rotated so that the table is along the seat width direction in front of the occupant in FIG. 4(A). (B) is a front view showing the same state as (A). [Figure 6] (A) is a front view showing the use state where the table is rotated and made horizontal so that the use surface of the table faces upward in FIG. 5(A). (B) is a front view showing the same state as (A). [Figure 7] It is a partially - broken perspective view showing the support part, the two - axis hinge, and the table in the same state as FIG. 2(A). [Figure 8] It is a partially - broken perspective view showing the support part, the two - axis hinge, and the table in the same state as FIG. 3(A). [Figure 9] It is a partially - broken perspective view showing the support part, the two - axis hinge, and the table in the same state as FIG. 4(A). [Figure 10] It is a partially - broken perspective view showing the support part, the two - axis hinge, and the table in the same state as FIG. 5(A). [Figure 11] It is a partially - broken perspective view showing the support part, the two - axis hinge, and the table in the same state as FIG. 6(A). [Figure 12] It is a diagram schematically showing a structure for determining the angular position of the table. [Figure 13](A) is a side view showing the table in its stored state in the second embodiment. (B) is a front view showing the same state as (A). [Figure 14] (A) is a side view showing the state in Figure 13(A) where the table has been rotated so that the surface direction of the table is aligned with the front-to-back direction of the seat. (B) is a front view showing the same state as (A). [Figure 15] (A) is a side view showing the table in the position where the support has been rotated to the working height. (B) is a front view showing the same state as (A). [Figure 16] (A) is a side view showing the table in Figure 15(A) rotated so that it is aligned with the width of the seat in front of the occupant. (B) is a front view showing the same state as (A). [Figure 17] (A) is a front view showing the table in use in Figure 16(A), with the table inverted to the occupant side and horizontal, so that the usable surface of the table faces upwards. (B) is a front view showing the same state as (A). [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0021] The embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Components indicated by the same reference numerals in each drawing are the same or similar components. In the embodiments described below, descriptions and reference numerals that are repeated may be omitted. Furthermore, the drawings used in the following description are all schematic, and the dimensional relationships and ratios of each element shown in the drawings do not necessarily correspond to reality. Also, the dimensional relationships and ratios of each element do not necessarily correspond between multiple drawings.

[0022] In the drawing, arrow FR indicates forward, arrow UP indicates upward, and arrow RH indicates right. The right side is parallel to the sheet width direction.

[0023] [First Embodiment] In Figures 1 to 12, the vehicle seat 10 according to this embodiment is a front seat located at the front of the passenger compartment and has a seat cushion 12 on which an occupant (not shown) can sit, and a seat back 14 that serves as the occupant's backrest. A seat frame 16 is provided below the seat cushion 12. The vehicle seat 10 is installed on the floor (not shown) of the vehicle. A sliding mechanism (not shown) having a seat rail may be provided between the seat frame 16 and the floor.

[0024] The vehicle seat 10 includes a telescopic pole 18 as an example of a support, a table 21, and a two-axis hinge 22. The telescopic pole 18 is provided on the lower side of the seat cushion 12. The position of one end 41 of the telescopic pole 18 can be switched between a low position lower than the seat surface 12A of the seat cushion 12 and a high position higher than the seat surface 12A.

[0025] If the height of the seat surface 12A is not constant as shown in the figure, the height of the seat surface 12A refers to, for example, the highest point of the seat surface 12A. This is, for example, the height of the upper front end of the seat cushion 12. If both sides of the seat cushion 12 protrude upward, the height of the seat surface 12A refers to the highest point of the protruding portion.

[0026] As shown in Figure 7, the telescopic pole 18 has, for example, a small-diameter member 18S, a medium-diameter member 18M, and a large-diameter member 18L. The small-diameter member 18S is, for example, a solid shaft, while the medium-diameter member 18M and the large-diameter member 18L are, for example, cylindrical. The medium-diameter member 18M is positioned on the outside of the small-diameter member 18S.

[0027] The medium-diameter member 18M is slidable relative to the small-diameter member 18S. A large-diameter member 18L is positioned outside the medium-diameter member 18M. The large-diameter member 18L is slidable relative to the medium-diameter member 18M. The telescopic pole 18 can be extended and retracted by the sliding of these members, allowing the position of one end 41 to be switched between a low position and a high position.

[0028] One end 41 of the telescopic pole 18 corresponds to, for example, the upper end of the large-diameter member 18L, and the other end 42 corresponds to the lower end of the small-diameter member 18S. The other end 42 of the telescopic pole 18 is fixed to, for example, the front part of the lower side of the seat cushion 12, more specifically to the seat frame 16. Note that the fixing position of the other end 42 is not limited to the seat frame 16, but may also be a part of the vehicle body such as the floor or a structural member of the vehicle.

[0029] The table 21 is, for example, a plate-shaped member provided at one end 41 of the telescopic pole 18. The front side of the table 21 is the usable surface 21A. A footrest 24 may be provided on the back side of the table 21. The footrest 24 has, for example, cushioning properties and provides an ottoman function to the vehicle seat 10. In the illustrated example, the table 21 and the footrest 24 are both rectangular plates of the same size and are constructed as a single unit with their front and back sides facing each other.

[0030] In Figures 7 to 12, the two-axis hinge 22 is interposed between one end 41 of the telescopic pole 18 and the table 21, enabling the table 21 to rotate relative to the end 41. Specifically, the two-axis hinge 22 has a first axis 31 and a second axis 32. The two-axis hinge 22 also has a fixed piece 22A that is fixed to one end 41 of the telescopic pole 18 and a movable piece 22B that is rotatable around the first axis 31.

[0031] The first axis 31 allows the table 21 to rotate between a state where the surface direction of the table 21 is aligned with the sheet width direction and a state where it is aligned with the sheet front-rear direction. The second axis 32 allows the table 21 to rotate about the sheet width direction. The second axis 32 is configured as a rod along the table 21, with one end pivotally supported by the movable piece 22B. The table 21 is fixed to the second axis 32. Therefore, as the second axis 32 rotates about the first axis 31, the table 21 also rotates. Furthermore, since the table 21 is integrated with the footrest 24, the footrest 24 rotates together with the table 21.

[0032] Figure 12 shows a structure for determining the angular position of the table 21. The movable piece 22B of the two-axis hinge 22 has an arc-shaped guide groove 22C formed concentric with the axis 32. The second axis 32 or the table 21 is provided with a projection 26 that is guided into the guide groove 22C. This projection 26 may be biased in the direction of entering the guide groove 22C by an elastic member such as a spring (not shown). In this case, it is possible to temporarily detach the projection 26 from the guide groove 22C against the elastic member.

[0033] In Figure 12, the table 21 and footrest 24 rotate downward, and when the projection 26 reaches one end 22C1 of the guide groove 22C, further rotation is suppressed. At this time, the angular position of the footrest 24 is the lower limit of the position suitable for the occupant to rest their lower legs on the footrest 24, that is, the position suitable for using the ottoman function. At this time, the footrest 24 faces diagonally upward and forward. Depending on the occupant's preference, it is also possible to hold the footrest 24 at an angular position above the lower limit.

[0034] Furthermore, by temporarily disengaging the projection 26 from the guide groove 22C and then rotating the table 21 and footrest 24 downwards, the table 21 and footrest 24 can be retracted.

[0035] When the table 21 and footrest 24 rotate upward and the projection 26 reaches the other end 22C2 of the guide groove 22C, further rotation is suppressed. At this time, the working surface 21A of the table 21 becomes horizontal and faces upward.

[0036] In this embodiment, a pair of telescopic poles 18, tables 21, and two-axis hinges 22 are provided symmetrically on both sides. Alternatively, the combination of telescopic poles 18, tables 21, and two-axis hinges 22 may be provided on one side of the seat cushion 12.

[0037] (action) This embodiment is configured as described above, and its operation will be explained below. In Figures 2 and 7, in the vehicle seat 10 according to this embodiment, a table 21 is provided at one end 41 of the telescopic pole 18, and the table 21 can be moved to the storage height by lowering the height of the one end 41. At the storage height, the table 21 is stored by using the first axis 31 of the two-axis hinge 22 to align the surface direction of the table 21 with the seat width direction.

[0038] If a footrest 24 is provided on the underside of the table 21, the vehicle seat 10 can be given the function of an ottoman by moving the table 21 to its storage height and positioning the footrest 24 below the occupant's lower leg using the second axis 32 of the two-axis hinge 22. In this case, as shown in Figure 12, the angle position of the footrest 24 may be adjusted so that the projection 26 is at one end 22C1 which is the lower limit of the guide groove 22C, or above this point.

[0039] Next, we will explain the operation for setting the table 21 into a usable state. As shown in Figures 3 and 8, the first axis 31 of the second axis hinge 22 is used to position the surface direction of the table 21 along the front-to-back direction of the seat. This allows the table 21 to avoid the occupant and to be in a height-adjustable state.

[0040] Next, as shown in Figures 4 and 9, the telescopic pole 18 is extended to raise the height of one end 41, thereby moving the table 21 to the usable height. In other words, the telescopic pole 18 allows the height of the table 21 to be switched between the stored height and the usable height.

[0041] Next, as shown in Figures 5 and 10, the table 21 is rotated using the first axis 31 of the two-axis hinge 22 so that the table 21 is aligned in the seat width direction in front of the occupant.

[0042] Then, as shown in Figures 6 and 11, the table 21 is rotated using the second axis 32 of the two-axis hinge 22, and the table 21 is made horizontal so that the working surface 21A of the table 21 faces upward, thereby putting the table 21 into a usable state. At this time, in Figure 12, the projection 26 reaches the other end 22C2 of the guide groove 22C, so further rotation is suppressed and the table 21 becomes horizontal so that the working surface 21A of the table 21 faces upward.

[0043] When the combination of the telescopic pole 18, table 21, and two-axis hinge 22 is provided as a pair symmetrically on both sides, the area of ​​the table 21 is doubled compared to when the table 21 is provided on only one side. Therefore, the usability of the table 21 can be improved.

[0044] The telescopic pole 18 allows the height of the table 21 to be switched between its stored height and its usage height.

[0045] According to this embodiment, the retractable table 21 can be used in the front seats.

[0046] [Second Embodiment] In Figures 13 to 17, the vehicle seat 20 according to this embodiment has an arm 38 as an example of a support part. One end 41 of the arm 38 is provided with a table 21, a footrest 24, and a two-axis hinge 22, similar to the first embodiment. Note that the footrest 24 is not necessarily provided.

[0047] The other end 42 of the arm 38 is rotatably supported on the lower side of the seat cushion 12. The arm 38 can rotate around the other end 42 as an axis in the seat width direction, allowing it to switch between a low position and a high position.

[0048] (action) This embodiment is configured as described above, and its operation will be explained below. In the vehicle seat 20 according to this embodiment, the height of the table 21 can be switched between a stowed height and a usage height by a rotatable arm 38.

[0049] In Figure 13, a table 21 is provided at one end 41 of the arm 38, and the table 21 can be moved to a retracted height by lowering the height of this end 41. At the retracted height, the table 21 is retracted by using the first axis 31 of the two-axis hinge 22 to align the surface direction of the table 21 with the seat width direction. If a footrest 24 is provided on the underside of the table 21, the vehicle seat 10 can be given the function of an ottoman, similar to the first embodiment.

[0050] Next, we will explain the operation for setting the table 21 into a usable state. As shown in Figure 14, the surface direction of the table 21 is aligned with the front-to-back direction of the seat. This allows the table 21 to avoid the occupant and to be in a height-adjustable state.

[0051] Next, as shown in Figure 15, the arm 38 is rotated to raise the height of one end 41, thereby moving the table 21 to the usable height. In other words, the arm 38 allows the height of the table 21 to be switched between the stored height and the usable height.

[0052] Next, as shown in Figure 16, the table 21 is rotated so that it is aligned with the width of the seat in front of the occupant. At this time, the footrest portion 24 is horizontal and facing upwards in front of one end 41 of the arm 38.

[0053] Then, as shown in Figure 17, the table 21 can be turned backward and positioned horizontally so that the working surface 21A of the table 21 faces upward, thereby putting the table 21 into a usable state. At this time, the footrest 24 and the table 21 are reversed backward, and the table 21 moves behind one end 41 of the arm 38. This makes it easier for the occupant to use.

[0054] In this embodiment as well, the retractable table 21 can be used in the front seats.

[0055] Since the other parts are the same as in the first embodiment, the same reference numerals are used in the drawings for the same parts, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0056] [Other embodiments] Although an example of an embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to those described above, and it goes without saying that various modifications can be made and implemented without departing from the spirit of the invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0057] 10 Vehicle seats 12 seat cushions 12A Seat 18 Telescopic pole (support section) 20 Vehicle seats 21 Tables 21A Usage surface 22. Two-axis hinge 24 Footrest 31 1st axis 32 2nd axis 38. Arm (support part) 42 Other end

Claims

1. A seat cushion is provided at the front of the passenger compartment, where an occupant can sit, A support portion is provided on the lower side of the seat cushion, and the position of one end of the support portion can be switched between a low position lower than the seat surface of the seat cushion and a high position higher than the seat surface. A table provided at one end of the support portion, A two-axis hinge interposed between the aforementioned end and the table, which rotates the table relative to the aforementioned end, It has, The two-axis hinge comprises a first axis that allows the table to rotate between a state where the surface direction of the table is aligned with the sheet width direction and a state where it is aligned with the front-rear direction of the sheet, and a second axis that allows the table to rotate about the sheet width direction as its center. A vehicle seat having the following features.

2. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, wherein the combination of the support portion, the table, and the two-axis hinge is provided in a pair symmetrically on the left and right sides.

3. The vehicle seat according to claim 2, wherein a footrest portion is provided on the underside of the table.

4. The other end of the support portion is fixed to the front of the lower side portion of the seat cushion. The vehicle seat according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the support portion can be switched between the low position and the high position by extending or retracting.

5. The other end of the support portion is rotatably supported on the lower side of the seat cushion. The support portion is capable of rotating about the seat width direction with respect to the other end, thereby enabling switching between the low position and the high position, as described in any one of claims 1 to 3.

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