Vehicle seat

Abstract

To obtain a vehicle seat which enables a seat cushion to be set at a height desired by an occupant without repeating operation of a control lever and enables the control lever to be placed at a position where the control lever does not become an obstacle when the control lever is not used.SOLUTION: A control lever 40 for operating a lifter mechanism 20 is provided so as to be rotatable around an axis as seen in a seat width direction at the side of a seat cushion 12. A rotation center shaft 44 which rotates around the axis as seen in the seat width direction to operate the lifter mechanism 20 is provided at a rotation center of the control lever 40. Further, the vehicle seat 10 has a switch mechanism 46 which is configured to be in a first state, in which the control lever 40 may rotate relative to the rotation center shaft 44, or a second state, in which the control lever 40 and the rotation center shaft 44 may integrally rotate, by a predetermined operation.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] In vehicle seats, a seat having a lifter mechanism for moving a seat cushion up and down with respect to a vehicle floor is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1 below). Briefly described, an operation lever provided in the lifter mechanism is rotatable upward and downward, and returns automatically to a substantially horizontal neutral position when a rotation operation is performed. When the operation lever is rotated upward, the seat cushion rises by a predetermined amount, and when the operation lever is rotated downward, the seat cushion is configured to descend by a predetermined amount. Thereby, the occupant can adjust the seat cushion of the vehicle seat to a desired height by repeating the rotation operation of the operation lever.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the case of the above prior art, the rotation operation of the operation lever must be repeated until the seat cushion reaches the height desired by the occupant, and there is room for improvement in this regard. For such problems, for example, a measure such as setting the angle of the operation lever to be linked to the height of the seat cushion can be considered. However, when such a measure is taken, the operation lever may be in the way when it is not in use.

[0005] In view of the above facts, an object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle seat that can adjust the seat cushion to a height desired by the occupant without repeatedly operating the operation lever and can place the operation lever in a position where it does not interfere when not in use.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The vehicle seat of the present invention according to claim 1 includes a seat cushion that supports the buttocks and thighs of the seated occupant and includes a seat cushion frame, and is provided below the seat cushion. A lifter mechanism capable of adjusting the height of the seat cushion with respect to the vehicle body floor by the rotation of a link member that connects the seat cushion frame and a base portion on the vehicle body floor, and is provided on the side of the seat cushion and is rotatable about an axis in the seat width direction. An operation lever used for operating the lifter mechanism, and a rotation center provided at the rotation center of the operation lever. By rotating to one side about the axis in the seat width direction, the lifter mechanism is operated to raise the seat cushion, and by rotating to the other side about the axis in the seat width direction, the lifter mechanism is operated to lower the seat cushion. A rotation center axis, and a switching mechanism provided on the operation lever and configured to be able to take a first state in which the operation lever is relatively rotatable with respect to the rotation center axis by a predetermined operation and a second state in which integral rotation of the operation lever and the rotation center axis is possible. The switching mechanism includes a push button portion that switches from the second state to the first state when pressed. 。

[0007] According to the above configuration, the lifter mechanism provided at the lower part of the seat cushion can adjust the height of the seat cushion with respect to the vehicle body floor by the rotation of the link member that connects the seat cushion frame and the base portion on the vehicle body floor. The operation lever provided on the side of the seat cushion for operating the lifter mechanism is rotatable around the axis in the seat width direction. Further, the rotation center axis provided at the rotation center of the operation lever operates the lifter mechanism to raise the seat cushion by rotating to one side around the axis in the seat width direction, and operates the lifter mechanism to lower the seat cushion by rotating to the other side around the axis in the seat width direction. Furthermore, the switching mechanism is provided on the operation lever and is configured to be able to take a first state in which the operation lever is relatively rotatable with respect to the rotation center axis by a predetermined operation, and a second state in which integral rotation of the operation lever and the rotation center axis is possible.

[0008] Therefore, in the second state, when the operation lever is rotated to one side around the axis in the seat width direction, the seat cushion can be raised by an amount corresponding to the rotation. Also, in the second state, when the operation lever is rotated to the other side around the axis in the seat width direction, the seat cushion can be lowered by an amount corresponding to the rotation. Furthermore, When the push button portion of the switching mechanism is pressed, it switches from the second state to the first state. When the operation lever is not in use, by rotating the operation lever in the first state, the operation lever can be placed in a position where it does not get in the way.

[0009] The vehicle seat of the present invention according to claim 2, in the configuration according to claim 1, the switching mechanism includes a pair of engaging recesses formed on the outer peripheral surface of the rotation center axis and spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction, and a base end portion side within the operation lever, which is formed in an arm shape and is rotatable around an axis in the seat width direction. At an end adjacent to the rotation center axis, the pair of engaging members each have a pair of engaging claw portions that can engage with the pair of engaging recesses, a first biasing portion disposed within the operation lever for applying a biasing force to rotate the pair of engaging members in a first direction, which is a direction to disengage the pair of engaging claw portions from the pair of engaging recesses, a second biasing portion disposed within the operation lever for applying a biasing force to rotate the pair of engaging members in a second direction, which is opposite to the first direction, and the biasing force of the second biasing portion is set to be greater than the biasing force of the first biasing portion, and an operation member disposed at an opening side of a tip end, which is an operation side end of the operation lever, and constitutes one end portion The It includes an operation member disposed in a state where a push button portion is exposed and inserted into the operation lever. When the push button portion is pressed in a state where the pair of engaging claw portions are engaged with the pair of engaging recesses, the operation member is displaced to release the biasing force of the second biasing portion on the pair of engaging members, and is provided with a biasing force release mechanism configured as such.

[0010] According to the above configuration, the switching mechanism includes a pair of engaging recesses, a pair of engaging members, a first biasing portion, a second biasing portion, and a biasing force release mechanism. The pair of engaging recesses are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the rotation center axis so as to be spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction. On the other hand, the pair of engaging members are arranged on the base end side within the operation lever and are formed in an arm shape, and are rotatable about the axis in the seat width direction. A pair of engaging claw portions engageable with the pair of engaging recesses are provided at the end adjacent to the rotation center axis. Further, the first biasing portion is arranged within the operation lever and applies a biasing force for rotating the pair of engaging members in a first direction, which is a direction for disengaging the pair of engaging claw portions from the pair of engaging recesses. Further, the second biasing portion is arranged within the operation lever and applies a biasing force for rotating the pair of engaging members in a second direction, which is the opposite direction to the first direction. Here, the biasing force by the second biasing portion is set to be larger than the biasing force by the first biasing portion.

[0011] Therefore, in a state where the biasing force of the second biasing portion acts on the pair of engaging members, the pair of engaging claw portions are pressed against the outer peripheral surface side of the rotation center axis. Then, when the operation lever is rotated from a state where the pair of engaging claw portions are not engaged with the pair of engaging recesses (in other words, the first state) and the pair of engaging claw portions reach the positions corresponding to the pair of engaging recesses, the pair of engaging claw portions are engaged with the pair of engaging recesses by the biasing force of the second biasing portion, and a second state is obtained. When the operation lever is rotated in this second state, the rotation center axis also rotates integrally, so that the lifter mechanism operates.

[0012] On one hand, the biasing force release mechanism includes an operating member disposed in a state of being inserted into the operating lever with a push button portion forming one end thereof exposed on the opening side of the tip end which is the operating side end of the operating lever. When the push button portion is pressed while the pair of engaging claw portions are engaged with the pair of engaging concave portions, the operating member is displaced and the biasing force of the second biasing portion on the pair of engaging members is released. As a result, the pair of engaging members are rotated in a first direction which is a direction of disengaging the pair of engaging claw portions from the pair of engaging concave portions by the first biasing portion, and enter a first state. Even if the operating lever is rotated to a position where it does not get in the way in this first state, the rotation center axis does not rotate, so the lifter mechanism does not operate. Therefore, the operating lever can be disposed at a position where it does not get in the way.

[0013] The vehicle seat according to the present invention described in claim 3, in the configuration described in claim 2, the second biasing portion has a compression spring that biases the operating member in a direction of protruding from the tip end of the operating lever, the operating member includes a head portion widened at the other end opposite to the push button portion, the head portion is disposed between portions of the pair of engaging members on the side opposite to the engaging claw portions with respect to the rotation fulcrum thereof, and when the pair of engaging claw portions are engaged with the pair of engaging concave portions, the head portion is displaced so as to expand the opposite ends of the pair of engaging members by the biasing force of the compression spring and then abuts against a stopper portion so that the displacement is restricted.

[0014] According to the above configuration, the operating member is biased in a direction protruding from the tip of the operating lever by the compression spring in the second biasing portion. Further, the operating member includes a head portion widened at the other end portion on the side opposite to the push button portion, and the head portion is disposed between portions of the pair of engaging members on the side opposite to the engaging claw portion with respect to the rotation fulcrum thereof. When the pair of engaging claw portions are engaged with the pair of engaging concave portions, the head portion of the operating member is displaced so as to push and expand the opposite end portions of the pair of engaging members by the biasing force of the compression spring and then abuts against the stopper portion and the displacement is restricted. Therefore, although the configuration is relatively simple, when the pair of engaging claw portions are engaged with the pair of engaging concave portions, the push button can be automatically brought into a state where it can be pressed.

[0015] The vehicle seat of the present invention described in claim 4 has, in the configuration described in any one of claims 1 to 3, a first gear provided so as to rotate integrally with the rotation center axis, having a fan shape with an arc portion on the rear side of the seat when viewed from the side of the seat, and having internal teeth formed on the inner peripheral surface of the arc portion, and a second gear that meshes with the internal teeth of the first gear and rotates to operate the lifter mechanism.

[0016] According to the above configuration, the first gear is provided so as to rotate integrally with the rotation center axis, and has a fan shape with an arc portion on the rear side of the seat when viewed from the side of the seat, and internal teeth are formed on the inner peripheral surface of the arc portion. Further, the second gear meshes with the internal teeth of the first gear and rotates to operate the lifter mechanism. Therefore, when the operation lever is rotated, the first gear is rotated, and the second gear rotates in conjunction with this, so that the lifter mechanism operates. Here, since the second gear meshes with the internal teeth of the first gear, for example, compared with a structure in which an external tooth of a gear having a configuration in which an external tooth is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the arc portion of the first gear meshes with a gear for operating the lifter mechanism, the position of the rotation center axis in the front-rear direction of the seat can be set closer to the second gear for operating the lifter mechanism and on the rear side of the seat. As a result, the distance from the tip of the operation lever to the rotation center axis can be increased while keeping the operation position on the tip side of the operation lever at a position where the occupant can easily operate it. As a result, it becomes possible to operate with a smaller operating force.

[0017] The vehicle seat according to the present invention described in claim 5 has the configuration according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the operation lever includes an engaging portion at a portion on the base end side and inside the seat width direction, and on the side portion side of the seat cushion, an engaged portion that is engaged with the engaging portion when the operation lever is in a standby position arranged along the front-rear direction of the seat is provided.

[0018] According to the above configuration, when the operation lever is in the standby position arranged along the front-rear direction of the seat, the engaging portion provided at the portion on the base end side and inside the seat width direction of the operation lever is engaged with the engaged portion provided on the side portion side of the seat cushion. Therefore, even when the operation lever is in the standby position during vibration such as when the vehicle is running, it is possible to prevent or effectively suppress the generation of abnormal noise due to rubbing between the operation lever and its peripheral members. Further, when the operation lever is pulled up from the standby position, the engagement between the engaging portions is released, so that a click feeling can be given.

Effects of the Invention

[0019] As described above, according to the vehicle seat of the present invention, the seat cushion can be set to the height desired by the occupant without repeatedly operating the operation lever, and the operation lever can be arranged at a position where it does not get in the way when not in use, which has an excellent effect.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0021] A vehicle seat according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 10. In these figures, the arrow FR appropriately shown indicates the front side of the seat, the arrow UP indicates the upper side of the seat, and the arrow OUT indicates the outer side in the seat width direction.

[0022] (Configuration of the Embodiment) As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle seat 10 has a seat body 10H. The seat body 10H includes a seat cushion 12 that constitutes a seating portion and supports the buttocks and thighs of the seated occupant, a seat back 14 that supports the back of the seated occupant, and a headrest (not shown) that supports the head of the seated occupant. In FIG. 1, the outer shapes of the seat cushion 12 and the seat back 14 are shown by two-dot chain lines for convenience.

[0023] The seat cushion 12 has a cushion pad (not shown) covering a seat cushion frame 12F that constitutes its skeleton. Further, the seat back 14 has a seat back pad (not shown) covering a seat back frame 14F that constitutes its skeleton.

[0024] The seat cushion frame 12F includes a pair of left and right side frames 12S provided on both sides in the seat width direction of the seat cushion 12 and extending in the seat front-rear direction. The front ends of the pair of left and right side frames 12S are connected in the seat width direction by a front frame 12A. Also, the front portions of the pair of left and right side frames 12S are connected in the seat width direction by a front shaft 12B. The front shaft 12B is rotatably attached to the pair of left and right side frames 12S about an axis along the seat width direction. Further, the rear ends of the pair of left and right side frames 12S are connected in the seat width direction by a rear shaft 12C. The rear shaft 12C is rotatably attached to the pair of left and right side frames 12S about an axis along the seat width direction. The front frame 12A, the front shaft 12B, and the rear shaft 12C each constitute a part of the seat cushion frame 12F.

[0025] A lifter mechanism 20 is provided below the seat cushion 12. The lifter mechanism 20 is configured to be able to adjust the height of the seat cushion 12 with respect to the vehicle body floor 38 by the rotation of a front link member 22 and a rear link member 24 that connect the seat cushion frame 12F and a riser 30 as a base portion on the vehicle body floor 38. In FIG. 1, the cross section of the vehicle body floor 38 is shown by a thick line for convenience.

[0026] The risers 30 are arranged in a pair on the left and right on both sides in the seat width direction on the lower side of the seat of the seat cushion frame 12F. The pair of left and right risers 30 are attached to the pair of left and right side frames 12S of the seat cushion frame 12F via the front link member 22 and the rear link member 24. The front link member 22 and the rear link member 24 are formed in a long shape by, for example, a sheet metal material and are arranged in a state where the thickness direction is along the seat width direction.

[0027] The front link member 22 connects the front part of the side frame 12S of the seat cushion frame 12F and the front part of the riser 30. That is, one longitudinal end of the front link member 22 is rotatably connected to the front part of the riser 30 via the front connecting shaft body 26, and the other longitudinal end of the front link member 22 is rotatably connected to the front part of the side frame 12S via the front shaft 12B. The front connecting shaft body 26 is rotatably attached to the front part of the riser 30 about an axis along the seat width direction. The front link member 22 is rotatable about an axis along the seat width direction with respect to the riser 30 and the side frame 12S.

[0028] The rear link member 24 connects the rear part of the side frame 12S of the seat cushion frame 12F and the rear part of the riser 30. That is, one longitudinal end of the rear link member 24 is rotatably connected to the rear part of the riser 30 via the rear connecting shaft body 28, and the other longitudinal end of the rear link member 24 is rotatably connected to the rear end of the side frame 12S via the rear shaft 12C. The rear connecting shaft body 28 is rotatably attached to the rear part of the riser 30 about an axis along the seat width direction. The rear link member 24 is rotatable about an axis along the seat width direction with respect to the riser 30 and the side frame 12S.

[0029] As described above, a four-bar link mechanism is constituted by the front link member 22, the rear link member 24, the side frame 12S, and the riser 30, and the seat cushion frame 12F is connected to the pair of left and right risers 30 so as to be vertically movable.

[0030] The lower part of the riser 30 is fixed to the upper rail 34 extending along the front-rear direction of the seat. The upper rails 34 are provided in a pair on the left and right so as to correspond to the risers 30, and the lower parts of the pair of left and right risers 30 are fixedly corresponding to the pair of left and right upper rails 34 one by one.

[0031] The vehicle seat 10 has a lower rail 36 that supports the apparel 34 so as to be slidable in the seat front-rear direction, and also has a slide lock mechanism (not shown) that locks the slide movement of the upper rail 34 with respect to the lower rail 36. The lower rail 36 extends along the seat front-rear direction and is provided in a pair on the left and right so as to correspond to the pair of left and right upper rails 34. The lower rail 36 is supported by the vehicle body floor 38.

[0032] On the other hand, an operation lever (also referred to as a "lifter lever") 40 for operating the lifter mechanism 20 is provided on the side of the seat cushion 12. The operation lever 40 is rotatable about an axis in the seat width direction and can be arranged at a standby position 40X (see FIG. 7) arranged along the seat front-rear direction.

[0033] FIG. 2 shows an exploded perspective view of the operation lever 40 and the like. As shown in FIG. 2, the operation lever 40 includes a case-shaped lever bracket 42. The lever bracket 42 is formed in a long rectangular shape when viewed from the side of the seat, and includes a long rectangular substrate portion 42A arranged inside the seat width direction and a peripheral wall portion 42B extending outward in the seat width direction from the peripheral edge portion of the substrate portion 42A. A lever side panel 43 (not shown for convenience except in FIG. 2) that covers the opening on the outer side in the seat width direction of the lever bracket 42 is attached to the lever bracket 42. The lever bracket 42 and the lever side panel 43 constitute the lever body.

[0034] In the lever bracket 42, a shaft insertion hole 42H is formed to penetrate the base end side of the substrate portion 42A. Further, on the base end side of the lever side panel 43, a shaft insertion hole 43H is formed to penetrate the portion facing the shaft insertion hole 42H. A rotation center shaft (also referred to as a "ratchet pawl wheel") 44 is inserted into the shaft insertion hole 42H and the shaft insertion hole 43H.

[0035] The pivot center axis 44 is provided at the pivot center of the operation lever 40 and is arranged with the sheet width direction as the axial direction. By rotating in one direction (clockwise in FIGS. 1 and 2) around the axis in the sheet width direction, the pivot center axis 44 operates the lifter mechanism 20 to raise the seat cushion 12 shown in FIG. 1. Also, by rotating in the other direction (counterclockwise in FIG. 1) around the axis in the sheet width direction, the pivot center axis 44 operates the lifter mechanism 20 to lower the seat cushion 12.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 2, the pivot center axis 44 includes, in order from the outside in the sheet width direction, a first cylindrical portion 44A, a second cylindrical portion 44B having a larger diameter than the first cylindrical portion 44A, a prism portion 44C having a smaller diameter than the second cylindrical portion 44B, and a third cylindrical portion 44D having a smaller diameter than the prism portion 44C. The first cylindrical portion 44A is inserted into the shaft insertion hole 43H of the lever side panel 43. The shaft insertion hole 43H and the first cylindrical portion 44A are relatively rotatable. The second cylindrical portion 44B is disposed within the lever bracket 42 and is inserted into the shaft insertion hole 42H of the lever bracket 42. The shaft insertion hole 42H and the second cylindrical portion 44B are relatively rotatable.

[0037] The inner portion of the second cylindrical portion 44B in the sheet width direction is inserted into the shaft insertion hole 60H formed through the housing lid 60 and is rotatably disposed with respect to the shaft insertion hole 60H. The housing lid 60 is disposed closer to the inner side in the sheet width direction than the base end portion of the lever bracket 42. The housing lid 60 includes a lid body 60A formed in a plate shape (shown only in FIGS. 2, 3(A), 5(A), and 6(A) for convenience, and omitted in other figures). The lid body 60A is arranged such that the plate thickness direction is the sheet width direction, and is formed in a substantially D shape that is convex on the rear side of the sheet when viewed from the side of the sheet. The shaft insertion hole 60H described above is formed through the front side in the sheet front-rear direction and the central portion in the sheet up-down direction of the lid body 60A. A protruding portion 60B extends forward of the sheet from the front end portion in the sheet front-rear direction at the central portion in the sheet up-down direction of the lid body 60A.

[0038] The protruding portion 60B is formed in a substantially hat shape that is open to the outside in the sheet width direction when viewed from the front side in the sheet front-rear direction, and includes an upper flange portion 60B1 and a lower flange portion 60B2. This protruding portion 60B is used for attaching the lever hold spring 62. At the upper end of the upper flange portion 60B1, a pair of protrusions 60B3 for preventing the lever hold spring 62 from shifting in the sheet width direction are provided side by side in the sheet front-rear direction, and at the lower end of the lower flange portion 60B2, a pair of protrusions 60B4 for preventing the lever hold spring 62 from shifting in the sheet width direction are provided side by side in the sheet front-rear direction. The mounting state of the lever hold spring 62 will be described in detail later.

[0039] Inside the housing lid 60 in the sheet width direction, a housing (also referred to as a "unit housing") 64 is provided, and the housing lid 60 is attached to the housing 64. The housing 64 includes a case-shaped housing body 64A. The housing body 64A is formed in a substantially D shape with the rear side in the sheet direction being convex when viewed from the side of the sheet, and includes a substantially D-shaped substrate portion 64A1 disposed inside the sheet width direction and a peripheral wall portion 64A2 extending outward in the sheet width direction from the peripheral edge of the substrate portion 64A1. The housing body 64A is fixed to the side frame 12S of the seat cushion frame 12F. Inside the housing body 64A, a first gear 66 and a second gear 68, which will be described in detail later, are accommodated. Also, the opening on the outside in the sheet width direction of the housing body 64A is covered by the housing lid 60.

[0040] An axis insertion hole 64H is formed through the substrate portion 64A1 of the housing body 64A at the front side in the sheet front-rear direction and the central portion in the sheet up-down direction. The third cylindrical portion 44D of the rotation center axis 44 is rotatably inserted into this axis insertion hole 64H. Also, a gear insertion hole 64G is formed through the substrate portion 64A1 of the housing body 64A at the rear side in the sheet front-rear direction and the central portion in the sheet up-down direction. The second gear 68 is rotatably inserted into the gear insertion hole 64G.

[0041] At the center of the housing body 64A in the vertical direction of the seat and at the front end in the front-rear direction of the seat, an overhanging portion 64B extends forward of the seat. The overhanging portion 64B is substantially square when viewed from the side of the seat. On the overhanging portion 64B, a bank-like portion 64B1 protruding outward in the seat width direction is formed from each side portion at the upper and lower ends and the front end of the overhanging portion 64B. Inside the bank-like portion 64B1, the overhanging portion 60B of the housing lid 60 is arranged.

[0042] The first gear 66 arranged inside the housing body 64A is fan-shaped with an arc portion 66A at the rear side of the seat when viewed from the side of the seat. In the first gear 66, a substantially arc-shaped through hole 66C is formed along the arc portion 66A on the front side in the front-rear direction of the seat with respect to the arc portion 66A. Also, internal teeth (simplified and shown in the figure) 66B are formed on the inner peripheral surface of the arc portion 66A. Further, a substantially square shaft insertion hole 66H is formed through at the front side in the front-rear direction and the center in the vertical direction of the seat in the first gear 66. Inside the shaft insertion hole 66H of the first gear 66, the prism portion 44C of the rotation center shaft 44 is arranged so as not to be relatively rotatable with respect to the shaft insertion hole 66H. Thereby, the first gear 66 is provided so as to rotate integrally with the rotation center shaft 44.

[0043] A second gear 68 is engaged with the internal teeth 66B of the first gear 66. That is, the second gear 68 is an element that can be grasped as a pinion gear. The second gear 68 is arranged with the seat width direction as the axial direction. In the second gear 68, an insertion hole 68H coaxial with its own axis is formed. On the inner peripheral surface of the insertion hole 68H, a female spline 68S is formed. The insertion shaft 70A of the brake device 70 attached to the side frame 12S is inserted into the insertion hole 68H. That is, a male spline 70S is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the insertion shaft 70A, and this male spline 70S is fitted into the female spline 68S of the insertion hole 68H.

[0044] To supplement the explanation, the insertion shaft 70A is disposed inside the gear insertion hole 64G of the housing main body 64A and inside the through hole 66C of the first gear 66, and is inserted into the insertion hole 68H so as to rotate around the axis in the sheet width direction in accordance with the rotation of the second gear 68. Further, the brake device 70 is configured to operate the lifter mechanism 20 when the insertion shaft 70A rotates around the axis in the sheet width direction. Note that since the brake device is known, for example, from Japanese Patent No. 6587749, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0045] The second gear 68 includes, in order from the outside in the sheet width direction, a first cylindrical portion 68A, a gear main body portion 68B having a larger diameter than the first cylindrical portion 68A, and a second cylindrical portion 68C having a smaller diameter than the gear main body portion 68B. The second cylindrical portion 68C of the second gear 68 is inserted into the gear insertion hole 64G of the housing main body 64A and is rotatably disposed with respect to the gear insertion hole 64G. External teeth (simplified and shown in the figure) 68X that mesh with the internal teeth 66B of the first gear 66 are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the gear main body portion 68B of the second gear 68. The second gear 68 is configured to operate the lifter mechanism 20 when the external teeth 68X mesh with and rotate with the internal teeth 66B of the first gear 66.

[0046] In addition, in FIG. 2, the mechanism disposed inside the operation lever 40 in the sheet width direction can be understood as the connection mechanism 80.

[0047] FIG. 3 shows the operation lever 40 and the connection mechanism 80 in a state of the standby position 40X and with the lever side panel 43 (see FIG. 2) removed. FIG. 3(A) shows the operation lever 40 and the connection mechanism 80 as viewed from the outside in the sheet width direction (the side of the sheet), and FIG. 3(B) shows the operation lever 40 and the connection mechanism 80 as viewed from the inside in the sheet width direction. Further, FIG. 4(A) shows a state enlarged by cutting along the line 4A-4A in FIG. 3 with the illustration inside the lever bracket 42 omitted, and FIG. 4(B) shows a state during use of the operation lever 40 in a cut surface corresponding to FIG. 4(A).

[0048] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the lever hold spring 62 includes an upper return portion 62A that is bent in a curved shape on the upper end side and disposed inside the sheet width direction, and a lower return portion 62C that is bent in a curved shape on the lower end side and disposed inside the sheet width direction. Further, the lever hold spring 62 includes a vertical plate portion 62B disposed on the outer side in the sheet width direction, and an engaging protrusion portion 62D as a hemispherical engaged portion that protrudes outward in the sheet width direction at the intermediate portion in the sheet vertical direction and the intermediate portion in the sheet front-rear direction of the vertical plate portion 62B. The engaging protrusion portion 62D is provided on the side portion side of the seat cushion 12 (see FIG. 1).

[0049] As shown in FIG. 4, at the upper part of the lever hold spring 62, the upper return portion 62A is bent so as to sandwich the upper flange portion 60B1 of the overhanging portion 60B of the housing lid 60 between the upper part of the vertical plate portion 62B. At the lower part of the lever hold spring 62, the lower return portion 62C is bent so as to sandwich the lower flange portion 60B2 of the overhanging portion 60B of the housing lid 60 between the lower part of the vertical plate portion 62B.

[0050] Here, the assembly of the lever hold spring 62 will be supplemented and explained with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6. As shown in FIG. 5(A), the lever hold spring 62 is attached to the housing lid 60 before the housing lid 60 is attached to the housing 64. FIG. 5(B) shows an enlarged view of the portion where the lever hold spring 62 is attached to the housing lid 60 in FIG. 5(A) as seen from the front (outer side in the sheet width direction), and FIG. 5(C) shows the portion shown in FIG. 5(B) as seen from the side (front side of the sheet). As shown in FIGS. 5(B) and 5(C), the upper part of the lever hold spring 62 is bent between a pair of protrusions 60B3, and the lower part of the lever hold spring 62 is bent between a pair of protrusions 60B4.

[0051] Next, when the housing grid 60 in the state shown in FIG. 5(A) is attached to the housing 64, it becomes the state shown in FIG. 6(A). FIG. 6(B) shows an enlarged view of the portion where the lever hold spring 62 is attached to the housing grid 60 among the portions shown in FIG. 6(A), as seen from the front (outer side in the sheet width direction). As shown in FIG. 6(B), the lever hold spring 62 is disposed inside the bank-like portion 64B1 of the overhanging portion 64B of the housing 64 together with the overhanging portion 60B of the housing grid 60.

[0052] Returning to FIG. 4, the periphery of the lever hold spring 62 will be described. An engagement hole 42G as an engagement portion is formed through the substrate portion 42A of the lever bracket 42, which is the inner portion of the operation lever 40 in the sheet width direction, that is, at the portion on the base end side (the portion shown in FIG. 4). The engagement hole 42G of the operation lever 40 is engaged with the engagement protrusion 62D of the lever hold spring 62 when the operation lever 40 is in the standby position 40X (see FIG. 4(A)) arranged along the sheet front-rear direction. Also, as shown in FIG. 4(B), in the use state of the operation lever 40, the engagement protrusion 62D of the lever hold spring 62 abuts against the substrate portion 42A of the lever bracket 42 so that the middle portion of the vertical plate portion 62B in the sheet up-down direction bends inward in the sheet width direction.

[0053] On the other hand, a switching mechanism 46 is provided on the operation lever 40 in the vehicle seat 10 of the present embodiment shown in FIG. 1. The switching mechanism 46 is configured to be able to take, by a predetermined operation, a first state 46X in which the operation lever 40 is relatively rotatable with respect to the rotation center axis 44 as shown in FIG. 7, and a second state 46Y in which the operation lever 40 and the rotation center axis 44 rotate integrally as shown in FIG. 8.

[0054] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 7, the switching mechanism 46 has a pair of engaging recesses 48 formed on the outer peripheral surface 44P of the second cylindrical portion 44B at the rotation center axis 44 and spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction. The pair of engaging recesses 48 are provided, for example, with a deviation of 90 degrees or more and less than 120 degrees from each other in the circumferential direction. The engaging recess 48 is a groove portion recessed in a V shape and extends along the axial direction of the rotation center axis 44.

[0055] Further, the switching mechanism 46 has a pair of engaging members (sometimes referred to as "ratchet claws") 50 disposed on the base end side within the lever bracket 42 of the operation lever 40. The pair of engaging members 50 are each formed in an arm shape. The pair of engaging members 50 are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the lever bracket 42, and include supported portions 50A bulged toward each other at a portion closer to the rotation center axis 44 in the middle of the longitudinal direction. A shaft hole 50H (see FIG. 2) is formed through the supported portion 50A in the sheet width direction. A protruding shaft 42C protruding outward in the sheet width direction from the substrate portion 42A of the lever bracket 42 is inserted into the shaft hole 50H, and the supported portion 50A is rotatably supported by the protruding shaft 42C. In other words, the protruding shaft 42C serves as the rotation fulcrum of the engaging member 50, and the pair of engaging members 50 are rotatable about the axis in the sheet width direction.

[0056] The pair of engaging members 50 are arranged such that the portions on the rotation center axis 44 side gradually approach each other, and a pair of engaging claw portions 50B engageable with the pair of engaging recesses 48 are provided at the ends adjacent to the rotation center axis 44. Further, the pair of engaging members 50 include inward convex portions 50C protruding toward each other at the ends on the side opposite to the engaging claw portion 50B side with respect to the protruding shaft 42C. The side surface 50C1 of the inward convex portion 50C on the supported portion 50A side is an inclined surface inclined so as to gradually increase the distance between the opposing surfaces of the pair of inward convex portions 50C.

[0057] Further, the switching mechanism 46 has a first spring 52 as a first biasing portion that is disposed within the lever bracket 42 of the operation lever 40 and connects a pair of engaging members 50. The first spring 52 is disposed between a supported portion 50A and an inward convex portion 50C, and is a tension spring (more specifically, a tension coil spring). That is, as shown in FIG. 9, the first spring 52 is provided to apply a biasing force for rotating the pair of engaging members 50 in a first direction (see arrow 52D), which is a direction for disengaging the pair of engaging claw portions 50B from the pair of engaging concave portions 48.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 7, the switching mechanism 46 includes an operation member 56 that is disposed in a state of being inserted into the operation lever 40 with a push button portion (also referred to as a "push button portion") 56B that constitutes one end portion exposed on the opening 40H side of the tip end portion 40A, which is the operation side end portion of the operation lever 40. The operation member 56 has a rod shaft shape and is disposed along the longitudinal direction of the lever bracket 42. Most of the operation member 56 is disposed within the lever bracket 42.

[0059] The push button portion 56B is a short columnar portion having a diameter larger than that of the rod shaft portion 56A that constitutes most of the operation member 56. At the other end portion in the longitudinal direction of the operation member 56 (the other end portion opposite to the push button portion 56B), a head portion (also referred to as a "hold portion") 56D that is disposed on the base end portion side of the operation lever 40 and widened is formed. The head portion 56D is disposed between portions on the opposite side of the engaging claw portion 50B with respect to the protruding shaft 42C that is the rotation fulcrum in the pair of engaging members 50, and extends in a direction orthogonal to the rod shaft portion 56A of the operation member 56 and in a direction orthogonal to the seat width direction. This head portion 56D is located on the side opposite to the protruding shaft 42C side with respect to the first spring 52. At an intermediate portion in the longitudinal direction of the operation member 56, an overhanging portion 56C on which one end portion of the second spring 58 is seated is formed. The overhanging portion 56C protrudes from the entire circumference of the outer peripheral portion of the rod shaft portion 56A of the operation member 56.

[0060] In order to dispose the push button portion 56B side of the operation member 56 outside the lever bracket 42, a missing portion 42B1 is formed in the peripheral wall portion 42B of the lever bracket 42 on the tip end portion 40A side of the operation lever 40. The missing portion 42B1 constitutes a part of the opening 40H of the tip end portion 40A of the operation lever 40. Further, a pair of guide portions 42D extending into the lever bracket 42 from the edge portion of the missing portion 42B1 are formed in the lever bracket 42. The guide portions 42D extend along the longitudinal direction of the lever bracket 42 and are set only in the region on the tip end portion 40A side of the operation lever 40. A pair of projecting portions 42E as short prismatic stopper portions projecting outward in the sheet width direction from the substrate portion 42A are formed in the intermediate portion in the longitudinal direction of the lever bracket 42. The guide portions 42D and the projecting portions 42E support the operation member 56 so as to be movable along the longitudinal direction of the lever bracket 42.

[0061] A second spring 58 is wound around the outer periphery of the rod shaft portion 56A of the operation member 56 between the overhanging portion 56C and the head portion 56D. This second spring 58 is a compression spring (more specifically, a compression coil spring). The second spring 58 has a higher spring constant than the first spring 52. One end portion of the second spring 58 seats on the overhanging portion 56C of the operation member 56, and the other end portion of the second spring 58 seats on the projecting portion 42E. Then, the second spring 58 biases the overhanging portion 56C of the operation member 56 toward the push button portion 56B side (in other words, in the direction of projecting the operation member 56 from the tip end portion 40A of the operation lever 40). The spring constant of the second spring 58 is set to be larger than the spring constant of the first spring 52.

[0062] As described above, the switching mechanism 46 is disposed within the lever bracket 42 of the operation lever 40 and has a second biasing portion 54 that applies a biasing force for rotating a pair of engaging members 50 in a second direction (see arrow 54D shown in FIG. 8), which is opposite to the first direction (see arrow 52D shown in FIG. 9). The biasing force by the second biasing portion 54 is set to be greater than the biasing force by the first spring 52. When the pair of engaging claw portions 50B are engaged with the pair of engaging concave portions 48 as shown in FIG. 8, the head portion 56D of the operation member 56 is displaced by the biasing force of the second spring 58 so as to expand the inward convex portions 50C (in other words, the ends of the pair of engaging members 50 on the side opposite to the engaging claw portions 50B with respect to the protruding shaft 42C) of the pair of engaging members 50, and then comes into contact with the pair of protruding portions 42E and is configured to have its displacement restricted.

[0063] Further, the switching mechanism 46 has a biasing force release mechanism 55 configured to include the operation member 56. The biasing force release mechanism 55 is configured such that when the push button portion 56B is pressed as shown in FIG. 9 while the pair of engaging claw portions 50B are engaged with the pair of engaging concave portions 48, the operation member 56 is displaced to release the biasing force of the second biasing portion 54 on the pair of engaging members 50.

[0064] Supplementarily explaining the switching mechanism 46, the pair of engaging members 50 shown in FIG. 7 and the like are configured such that the pair of engaging claw portions 50B are pressed against the second cylindrical portion 44B of the rotation center shaft 44 by the biasing force of the second biasing portion 54. When the operation lever 40 is pulled up from the state where the pair of engaging claw portions 50B shown in FIG. 7 are not engaged with the pair of engaging concave portions 48 and the pair of engaging claw portions 50B reach the positions corresponding to the pair of engaging concave portions 48, as shown in FIG. 8, the pair of engaging claw portions 50B are engaged with the pair of engaging concave portions 48 by the biasing force of the second biasing portion 54. Further, when the push button portion 56B is pressed in the state shown in FIG. 8, as shown in FIG. 9, the head portion 56D of the operation member 56 is disengaged from the inward convex portion 50C, and by the biasing force of the first spring 52, the pair of engaging claw portions 50B are displaced to the positions where they are disengaged from the pair of engaging concave portions 48.

[0065] (Operation and Effect of the Embodiment) Next, the operation and effect of the above embodiment will be described.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 7, in the operation lever 40 in the standby position 40X, the push button portion 56B cannot be pressed. Here, as an example, the pair of engaging claw portions 50B are not engaged (not meshed) with the engaging concave portion 48. In this state (first state 46X), the operation lever 40 is relatively rotatable with respect to the rotation center axis 44. Thereby, the occupant can lift (see the direction of arrow A) and rotate the operation lever 40.

[0067] Further, inside the operation lever 40, the biasing force of the second biasing portion 54 acts on the pair of engaging members 50, and the pair of engaging claw portions 50B are pressed against the outer peripheral surface 44P side of the rotation center axis 44. Then, when the operation lever 40 is rotated from the state where the pair of engaging claw portions 50B shown in FIG. 7 are not engaged with the pair of engaging concave portions 48 and the pair of engaging claw portions 50B reach the positions corresponding to the pair of engaging concave portions 48, as shown in FIG. 8, the pair of engaging claw portions 50B are engaged with the pair of engaging concave portions 48 by the biasing force of the second biasing portion 54, and the second state 46Y is obtained.

[0068] To supplement the description of the operation when the pair of engaging claw portions 50B reach the positions corresponding to the pair of engaging concave portions 48, due to the biasing force of the second spring 58, the operating member 56 tends to move in a direction away from the first spring 52. At this time, the head portion 56D of the operating member 56 presses and expands the pair of inwardly convex portions 50C while pressing the inclined side surfaces 50C1 of the pair of inwardly convex portions 50C, and is displaced until it abuts against the protruding portion 42E, and is disposed between the pair of inwardly convex portions 50C. Thereby, the end portions including the pair of inwardly convex portions 50C in the pair of engaging members 50 are sandwiched between the head portion 56D of the operating member 56 and the peripheral wall portion 42B of the lever bracket 42, and the state of the pair of engaging members 50 is maintained. Also, at this time, the push button portion 56B of the operating member 56 is disposed at a position 56BX pulled out from the initial position, and becomes in a state where it can be pressed.

[0069] Next, in the second state 46Y shown in FIG. 8, when the occupant pulls up the operation lever 40 and rotates the operation lever 40 in the direction of arrow B1, the rotation center axis 44 also rotates integrally in the direction of arrow C1. In conjunction with this, the first gear 66 rotates in the direction of arrow D1, and the second gear 68 rotates in the direction of arrow E1. By the lifter mechanism 20 (see FIG. 1), the seat cushion 12 is lifted (see arrow F1). Therefore, the seat cushion 12 can be lifted by an amount corresponding to the rotation of the operation lever 40 in the direction of arrow B1.

[0070] Also, in the state shown in FIG. 8, when the occupant pushes down the operation lever 40 and rotates the operation lever 40 in the direction of arrow B2, the rotation center axis 44 also rotates integrally in the direction of arrow C2. In conjunction with this, the first gear 66 rotates in the direction of arrow D2, and the second gear 68 rotates in the direction of arrow E2. By the lifter mechanism 20 (see FIG. 1), the seat cushion 12 is lowered (see arrow F2). Therefore, the seat cushion 12 can be lowered by an amount corresponding to the rotation of the operation lever 40 in the direction of arrow B2.

[0071] Next, as shown in FIG. 9, when the push button portion 56B is pressed by the occupant (see arrow P), the operation member 56 is displaced, so that the head portion 56D of the operation member 56 comes out from between the pair of inwardly projecting portions 50C, and the biasing force of the second biasing portion 54 on the pair of engaging members 50 is released. As a result, the pair of engaging members 50 are rotated by the first spring 52 in the first direction (see arrow 52D), which is the direction of disengaging the pair of engaging claw portions 50B from the pair of engaging recesses 48, and the first state 46X shown in FIG. 9 is obtained.

[0072] Next, even if the occupant depresses the operation lever 40 in the first state 46X shown in FIG. 9 to rotate the operation lever 40 in the direction of arrow B3, the rotation center axis 44 does not rotate, so the lifter mechanism 20 does not operate. For this reason, when the operation lever 40 is not in use, after setting the first state 46X, by rotating the operation lever 40 in the direction of arrow B3, the operation lever 40 can be returned to the standby position 40X shown in FIG. 10. In the state shown in FIG. 10 (the first state 46X) where the occupant's hand is released from the operation lever 40, the biasing force of the second biasing portion 54 acts on the pair of engaging members 50 within the operation lever 40, and the pair of engaging claw portions 50B are pressed against the outer peripheral surface 44P side of the rotation center axis 44.

[0073] As described above, according to the vehicle seat 10 of the present embodiment, the seat cushion 12 can be set to a height desired by the occupant without repeatedly operating the operation lever 40, and the operation lever 40 can be disposed at a position where it does not get in the way when not in use. Further, in the present embodiment, since the angle of the seat side view immediately after the operation of the operation lever 40 shown in FIG. 8 corresponds to the height adjustment amount by the lifter mechanism 20, the height position of the seat cushion 12 can be grasped according to the position immediately after the operation of the operation lever 40.

[0074] Further, as shown in FIG. 8, in the coupling mechanism 80 according to the embodiment, the first gear 66 is provided so as to rotate integrally with the rotation center axis 44, and has a fan shape with an arc portion 66A on the rear side of the seat when viewed from the side of the seat, and internal teeth 66B are formed on the inner peripheral surface of the arc portion 66A. Further, the second gear 68 meshes with the internal teeth 66B of the first gear 66 and rotates to operate the lifter mechanism 20. For this reason, when the operation lever 40 is rotated in the second state 46Y, the first gear 66 is rotated, and the second gear 68 is rotated in conjunction therewith, so that the lifter mechanism 20 is operated. Here, since the second gear 68 meshes with the internal teeth 66B of the first gear 66, for example, compared with a structure in which external teeth of a gear having such a configuration as having external teeth on the outer peripheral surface of the arc portion (66A) of the first gear (66) mesh with the gear for operating the lifter mechanism, the position of the rotation center axis 44 in the front-rear direction of the seat can be set closer to the second gear 68 for operating the lifter mechanism 20 and on the rear side of the seat. As a result, the distance from the tip 40A of the operation lever 40 to the rotation center axis 44 can be increased while keeping the operation position on the tip 40A side of the operation lever 40 easy for the occupant to operate, and as a result, it becomes possible to operate with a smaller operating force.

[0075] Further, in the present embodiment, according to the above configuration, as shown in FIG. 7, when the operation lever 40 is in the standby position 40X arranged along the front-rear direction of the seat, the engagement hole 42G on the base end side of the operation lever 40 shown in FIG. 4(A) and inside the seat width direction engages with the engagement protrusion 62D of the lever hold spring 62. For this reason, even when the operation lever 40 is in the standby position 40X during vibration such as during vehicle travel, it is possible to prevent or effectively suppress the generation of abnormal noise due to rubbing between the operation lever 40 and its peripheral members. Further, when the operation lever 40 is pulled up from the standby position 40X, the engagement between the engagement hole 42G and the engagement protrusion 62D is released, so that a click feeling can be given.

[0076] (Supplementary Explanation of the Embodiment) In the above-described embodiment, the switching mechanism 46 shown in FIGS. 7 to 10 and the like is configured as a mechanical mechanism that can take the first state 46X and the second state 46Y. However, as a modification of the above-described embodiment, the switching mechanism may be configured as an electrical mechanism including a changeover switch, an actuator, etc. that can take the first state and the second state.

[0077] Further, in the above-described embodiment, the second biasing portion 54 has a second spring 58 (compression spring) that biases the operating member 56 in a direction protruding from the tip portion 40A of the operating lever 40. However, as a modification of the above-described embodiment, for example, while shifting the position of the first spring (52) closer to the supported portion (50A) than in the above-described embodiment, the second biasing portion may have, instead of the second spring 58, for example, a configuration having a compression spring that connects a pair of engaging members (50) and is provided closer to the operating member (56) side than the first spring (52). In such a modification, the biasing force release mechanism is such that when the push button portion (56B) is pressed in a state where the pair of engaging claw portions (50B) are engaged with the pair of engaging concave portions (48), the operating member (56) is displaced and deformed while pressing the second spring, thereby releasing the biasing force of the second biasing portion on the pair of engaging members (56).

[0078] Also, in the above-described embodiment, the second gear 68 is configured to mesh with the internal teeth 66B of the first gear 66. However, as a modification, for example, a configuration may be adopted in which the outer peripheral surface of the arc portion (66A) of the first gear (66) has external teeth, and the external teeth of the gear mesh with the gear for operating the lifter mechanism.

[0079] Also, in the above-described embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, an engaging hole 42G as an engaging portion is formed in the operating lever 40, and an engaging protrusion 62D as an engaged portion is provided on the side portion side of the seat cushion 12 (see FIG. 1). However, a configuration in which the engaging hole 42G and the engaging protrusion 62D are not provided may also be adopted.

[0080] Note that the above-described embodiment and the above-mentioned plurality of modifications can be implemented in appropriate combinations.

[0081] Although an example of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above, and it goes without saying that various modifications can be made and implemented without departing from the gist thereof.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0082] 10 Vehicle seat 12 Seat cushion 12F Seat cushion frame 20 Lifter mechanism 22 Front link member (link member) 24 Rear link member (link member) 30 Riser (base part) 38 Vehicle body floor 40 Operation lever 40A Tip 40H Opening of the tip 40X Standby position 42C Spindle (pivot point of the engaging member) 42E Protrusion (stopper part) 42G Engaging hole (engaging part) 44 Rotation center axis 44P Outer peripheral surface 46 Switching mechanism 46X First state 46Y Second state 48 Engaging recess 50 Engaging member 50B Engaging claw part 52 First spring (first biasing part) 52D First direction 54 Second biasing part 54D Second direction 55 Biasing force release mechanism 56 Operating member 56B Push button part 56D Head part 58 Second spring (compression spring) 62D Engaging protrusion (engaged part) 66 First gear 66A Arc part 66B Internal teeth 68 Second gear

Claims

1. A seat cushion that supports the buttocks and thighs of a seated occupant and includes a seat cushion frame, A lifter mechanism provided below the seat cushion and capable of adjusting the height of the seat cushion with respect to the vehicle floor by rotation of a link member that connects the seat cushion frame and a base portion on the vehicle floor, An operation lever provided on the side of the seat cushion and rotatable about an axis in the seat width direction, and used for operating the lifter mechanism, A rotation center shaft provided at the rotation center of the operation lever, configured to operate the lifter mechanism to raise the seat cushion by rotating to one side about the axis in the seat width direction, and to operate the lifter mechanism to lower the seat cushion by rotating to the other side about the axis in the seat width direction, A switching mechanism provided on the operation lever and configured to be able to take a first state in which the operation lever is rotatable relative to the rotation center shaft by a predetermined operation, and a second state in which integral rotation of the operation lever and the rotation center shaft is possible, having, The switching mechanism includes a push button portion that switches from the second state to the first state when pressed, a vehicle seat.

2. The switching mechanism is A pair of engagement recesses formed to be circumferentially spaced apart from each other on the outer peripheral surface of the rotation center shaft, A pair of engagement members arranged on the base end side within the operation lever, formed in an arm shape, rotatable about an axis in the seat width direction, and having a pair of engagement claw portions at an end adjacent to the rotation center shaft that can engage with the pair of engagement recesses, A first biasing portion arranged within the operation lever and configured to apply a biasing force for rotating the pair of engagement members in a first direction, which is a direction for disengaging the pair of engagement claw portions from the pair of engagement recesses, disposed within the operation lever, applying a biasing force for rotating the pair of engaging members in a second direction opposite to the first direction, and the biasing force is set to be greater than the biasing force by the first biasing portion; a second biasing portion An operation member disposed in a state of being inserted into the operation lever with one end portion thereof exposed on the opening side of the tip portion which is the end portion on the operation side of the operation lever, and when the pair of engaging claw portions are engaged with the pair of engaging concave portions, the pressing operation of the push button portion causes the operation member to be displaced and releases the biasing force of the second biasing portion on the pair of engaging members. A biasing force release mechanism configured as described above The vehicle seat according to claim 1, comprising

3. The second biasing portion has a compression spring that biases the operation member in a direction protruding from the tip end portion of the operation lever. The operation member includes a head portion widened at the other end portion opposite to the push button portion. The head portion is disposed between portions of the pair of engaging members on the side opposite to the engaging claw portion with respect to the rotation fulcrum thereof, and when the pair of engaging claw portions are engaged with the pair of engaging concave portions, the pair of engaging members are displaced by the biasing force of the compression spring to expand the opposite end portions thereof and then contact the stopper portion so that the displacement is restricted. The vehicle seat according to claim 2

4. A first gear provided to rotate integrally with the rotation center axis, having a fan shape with an arc portion on the rear side of the seat when viewed from the side of the seat, and internal teeth formed on the inner peripheral surface of the arc portion A second gear that meshes with the internal teeth of the first gear and rotates to operate the lifter mechanism and The vehicle seat according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising

5. The operation lever includes an engaging portion at a portion on the base end side and inside the seat width direction. On the side portion side of the seat cushion, an engaged portion that is engaged with the engaging portion when the operation lever is in a standby position arranged along the front-rear direction of the seat is provided. The vehicle seat according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

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