Vehicle seat

Abstract

Provided is a vehicle seat enabling balanced and firm assembly of the components of a device for switching the state of a seat body.　The vehicle seat has a seat body that can be switched between a "normal state" and a "moving state". The vehicle seat comprises: a locking device 90 that locks movement of the seat body; lock covers 98, 99 covering the locking device; a lever attachment member 70 attached to the vehicle seat; and a control lever 50 which is attached to the lever attachment member and which is used to release the locked state of the locking device. The lever attachment member 70 includes a first female fitting part 76 into which is fitted a first male fitting part 98b of the lock cover 98, and a second female fitting part 77 into which is fitted a second male fitting part 99b of the lock cover 99. The first and second female fitting parts extend in directions which are orthogonal to the fitting direction of the lock covers and which cross each other.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle seat, and more particularly to a vehicle seat capable of switching a seat body having a seat back and a seat cushion from a normal state.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a vehicle seat that can be switched between a "normal state" of a seat body and a "moved state" moved from the normal state is known. The "moved state" includes, for example, a "stored state" in which the seat body is stored and moved to the vehicle body floor side, a "slide moved state" in which the seat body is slid to a predetermined position in the seat front-rear direction from the normal state, and a "reclining state" in which the seat body (seat back) is reclined from the normal state to a predetermined position. Among the above vehicle seats, there is a vehicle seat provided with a locking device (locking member) that locks the moving operation of the seat body in the "normal state" and an operation lever that is operated to release the locked state of the locking device (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] The vehicle seat described in Patent Document 1 is a seat that can be switched between a "normal state" and a "stored state" of the seat body. The vehicle seat includes a locking device (locking member), a lock cover that covers the locking device, a lever attachment member attached to the vehicle seat, and an operation lever attached to the lever attachment member and operating to release the locked state of the locking device. The lock cover and the lever attachment member are assembled by a plurality of fitting portions in the seat width direction, and these fitting portions extend in the same direction in a side view of the seat.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] By the way, in a vehicle seat such as Patent Document 1, it has been required to firmly assemble each component of a switching device (locking device) for switching the seat body between a "normal state" and a "moving state" in a well-balanced manner. For example, by devising and fitting the components of the switching device (lock cover and lever attachment member) to each other, it has been required to have a strong structure even when loads are applied from various directions.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle seat capable of assembling the components of a device for switching the state of the seat body more firmly and in a better balance than before. Another object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle seat in which the assembly structure of components in a device for switching the state of the seat body is simplified.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] According to the vehicle seat of the present invention, the above problems are solved by providing a seat body having a seat back and a seat cushion, and being a vehicle seat capable of switching the seat body between a normal state and a moving state moved from the normal state, including a locking device that locks the moving operation of the seat body in the normal state, a lock cover that covers the locking device, a lever attachment member attached to the vehicle seat, and an operation lever attached to the lever attachment member and operating to release the locked state of the locking device. The lever attachment member has a first fitting portion that fits into a first fitted portion provided on the lock cover, and a second fitting portion that fits into a second fitted portion provided on the lock cover. The first fitting portion and the second fitting portion each extend in a direction orthogonal to the fitting direction of the lock cover, and extend in a direction intersecting each other.and the lever attachment member further has a third fitting portion that fits into a third fitting portion provided on the lock cover, and the first fitting portion, the second fitting portion, and the third fitting portion are fitted in the same direction, whereby the lever attachment member and the lock cover are assembled. This and is solved by. With the above configuration, a vehicle seat capable of firmly assembling each component of the device for switching the state of the seat body in a well-balanced manner can be realized. Further, the assembly structure of the components of the device can be simplified. Specifically, the lever attachment member is fitted to the lock cover by a plurality of fitting portions, and the first fitting portion and the second fitting portion extend in directions orthogonal to the fitting direction of the lock cover, respectively, and extend in directions intersecting each other. In this way, since the first fitting portion and the second fitting portion extend in different directions, a stronger fitting structure can be achieved compared to the conventional one even when loads are applied from various directions. Also, with the above configuration, the work of assembling the lock cover to the lever attachment member becomes easy. Also, it becomes easy to automate the assembly work.

[0008] Further, the above problem is solved by the vehicle seat of the present invention, which includes a seat body having a seat back and a seat cushion, and is a vehicle seat capable of switching between a normal state of the seat body and a moving state in which the seat body is moved from the normal state. A locking device that locks the moving operation of the seat body in the normal state, a lock cover that covers the locking device, a lever attachment member attached to the vehicle seat, and an operation lever attached to the lever attachment member and operating to release the locked state of the locking device. The lever attachment member has a first fitting portion that fits into a first fitting portion provided on the lock cover and a second fitting portion that fits into a second fitting portion provided on the lock cover. The first fitting portion and the second fitting portion extend in directions orthogonal to the fitting direction of the lock cover, respectively, and extend in directions intersecting each other. The lever attachment member further has a third fitting portion that fits into a third fitting portion provided on the lock cover. The lock cover is formed so as to project from the side surface of the outer edge portion of the lock cover toward the locking device side and has a cover flange arranged so as to surround the locking device. The first fitting portion, the second fitting portion, and the third fitting portion are arranged outside the cover flange on the side surface of the lock cover. With the above configuration, the outer portion (outer edge portion) of the lock cover can be fitted to the lever attachment member, and the fitting strength of the lock cover can be increased.

[0009] At this time, the moving state is a stored state in which the seat back is stored and moved toward the vehicle body floor side, and the locking device is detachably engaged with a striker provided on the vehicle body or the vehicle seat, and includes a locking member that moves between a locking position for locking the storage operation of the seat back and an unlocking position. It is preferable that the first fitting portion and the second fitting portion extend in directions perpendicular to each other. With the above configuration, in a vehicle seat capable of storing the seat body, each component can be assembled more firmly and in a more balanced manner. At this time, it is preferable that the lock cover is assembled to the lever attachment member from the seat width direction, and the first fitting portion and the second fitting portion are arranged at different positions in the vertical direction and at different positions in the seat front-rear direction. Further, a connecting member is provided that connects the lock device and the operation lever and acts to switch the lock device from the locked state to the unlocked state in response to the operation of the operation lever. Before It is preferable that the third fitting portion is arranged on the side opposite to the first fitting portion and the second fitting portion side with respect to the connecting member. With the above configuration, the lever attachment member and the lock cover can be assembled more firmly and in a well-balanced manner.

[0010] At this time, it is preferable that the first fitting portion and the third fitting portion extend so as to be long in the same direction. Further, it is preferable that the lock cover is assembled to the lever attachment member from the seat width direction, and the second fitting portion is disposed between the first fitting portion and the third fitting portion in the seat front-rear direction. With the above configuration, the lever attachment member and the lock cover can be assembled more firmly and in a more balanced manner.

[0011] At this time, it is preferable that the lock cover includes a first lock cover that covers the lock device, and a second lock cover that is attached to a side surface of the first lock cover, and the first fitted portion and the third fitted portion are formed on the first lock cover, and the second fitted portion is formed on the second lock cover. As described above, since the lever attachment member, the first lock cover, and the second lock cover are fitted by a plurality of fitting portions, these component parts can be assembled stably and firmly.

[0014] At this time, it is preferable that the lock cover is formed so as to protrude toward the lock device side from a side surface of an outer edge portion of the lock cover, and includes a first reinforcing portion that connects the cover flange and the first fitting portion, and a second reinforcing portion that is formed so as to protrude toward the lock device side from a side surface of an outer edge portion of the lock cover and connects the cover flange and the third fitting portion. With the above configuration, the fitting strength of the first fitting portion and the third fitting portion can be increased.

Effect of the Invention

[0020] According to the present invention, it is possible to realize a vehicle seat capable of assembling each component part of a device for switching the state of a seat body in a more balanced and firm manner. Further, the assembly structure of the component parts of the device can be simplified. Further, according to the present invention, in a vehicle seat capable of storing a seat body, each component part can be assembled more firmly and in a more balanced manner. According to the present invention, the lever attachment member and the lock cover can be assembled more firmly and in a more balanced manner. Also, these components can be assembled stably. According to the present invention, the operation of attaching the lock cover to the lever attachment member becomes easier. Also, it becomes easier to automate the attachment operation. According to the present invention, the fitting strength of the lock cover can be increased. 。

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0021]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0022] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 37. This embodiment is a vehicle seat that can be switched between a "normal state" and a "movable state", and includes a lock member that locks the movement operation of the seat body, an operation lever that operates to release the locked state of the lock member, a connection link that connects the lock member and the operation lever and acts to unlock the lock member in response to the operation of the operation lever, and a position holding member that is attached to the connection link and holds the position of the connection link. The main feature is that the position holding member extends in the extending direction of the connection link and is attached to the connection link along the connection link. It relates to a vehicle seat. Note that the side where the occupant sits with respect to the seat back of the vehicle seat is the front side of the seat.

[0023] <First Embodiment> <<Overall Configuration of the Seat>> As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle seat S of this embodiment is, for example, a rear seat corresponding to the rear seat of a vehicle. Note that it can also be used as the middle seat in the second row in a vehicle equipped with three rows of seats in the vehicle front-rear direction. The vehicle seat S is a seat that can be arranged in two forms: a "normal state" in which a seated person can sit, and a "stored state" in which the seat body is stored on the vehicle floor side. Specifically, when the occupant operates the operation lever 50 shown in FIG. 1 in the "normal state" of the vehicle seat S, the seat body (seat back) tilts forward and is folded, and switches to the "stored state" where it is stored on the vehicle floor. Also, in the "stored state", the occupant manually raises the seat body upward to return to the "normal state".

[0024] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the vehicle seat S mainly includes a seat body having a seat back 1, a seat cushion 2, and a headrest 3, a support leg 30 attached between the seat cushion 2 and the vehicle floor and supporting the seat cushion 2, a support base 35 rotatably supporting the seat back 1, and a switching device 40 attached to the outer surface of the seat back 1 in the seat width direction for switching the seat body from the "normal state" to the "stored state".

[0025] As shown in FIG. 1, the seat back 1 is a backrest portion that supports the occupant's back from behind, and is configured by placing a pad material 1a on a back frame 10 shown in FIG. 2 serving as a skeleton and covering it with a skin material 1b. Note that an operation lever 50 is attached to the left side portion in the seat width direction on the upper surface of the seat back 1. The seat cushion 2 is a seating portion that supports the occupant from below, and is configured by placing a pad material 2a on a cushion frame 20 shown in FIG. 2 serving as a skeleton and covering it with a skin material 2b. The headrest 3 is a head portion that supports the occupant's head from behind, and is configured by placing a pad material on a pillar (not shown) serving as a core material and covering it with a skin material.

[0026] As shown in Fig. 2, the back frame 10 is composed of a rectangular frame body, and mainly includes a frame-shaped main frame 11 made of a pipe material, a plate-shaped panel frame 12 attached behind the seat of the main frame 11, connecting frames 13 respectively attached inside the frame of the main frame 11 and extending in the vertical direction, and an elastic support member 14 extending in the seat width direction for supporting the seated person.

[0027] On the outer surface of the lower part of the main frame 11, left and right vehicle body connection brackets 15 for connecting with the support base 35 are attached. Also, on the outer surface of the upper part of the main frame 11, a switching device 40 for connecting with a striker 41 shown in Fig. 1 provided on the vehicle body is attached.

[0028] As shown in Fig. 2, the vehicle body connection bracket 15 is composed of a sheet metal member extending in the vertical direction. Its upper part is attached to the outer surface of the main frame 11, and its lower part is attached so as to be rotatable with respect to the inner surface of the support base 35. The vehicle body connection bracket 15 is sandwiched between the back frame 10 and the cushion frame 20 in the seat width direction. A seat rotation shaft 16 pivotally supported by the support base 35 in the seat width direction is provided at the lower part of the left vehicle body connection bracket 15, and a reclining device 17 for rotatably connecting the back frame 10 with respect to the support base 35 is attached to the lower end of the right vehicle body connection bracket 15.

[0029] As shown in Fig. 2, the reclining device 17 is attached to the outer surface in the seat width direction of the right vehicle body connection bracket 15. The reclining device 17 is provided with a spiral spring (not shown) that biases the back frame 10 to rotate forward around the seat rotation shaft 16 into a storage state. One end of this spiral spring is locked to the back frame 10 side, and the other end is locked to the support base 35 side. The reclining device 17 operates when the locking state of the seat back 1 is released with the operation of the operation lever 50, and can rotate the back frame 10 forward by the biasing force of the spiral spring and fold it toward the vehicle body floor side.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 2, the cushion frame 20 is formed of a rectangular frame body, and mainly includes left and right side frames 21 arranged on the left and right sides, a front connecting frame 22 connecting the front portions of the respective side frames 21, a central connecting frame 23 connecting substantially the central portions in the front-rear direction of the respective side frames 21, and a pan frame 24 as a plate-like frame connecting the front connecting frame 22 and the central connecting frame 23.

[0031] The side frame 21 is formed of a sheet metal member having a U-shaped cross section extending in the front-rear direction of the seat, the front portion thereof is connected to the front connecting frame 22, and the rear portion thereof is attached to the outer surface of the back frame 10 via the vehicle body connecting bracket 15. A cushion rotation device 25 for rotatably connecting the cushion frame 20 around the cushion rotation shaft 26 with respect to the back frame 10 is attached to the rear end portion of the left side frame 21.

[0032] The front connecting frame 22 is a pipe member having a U-shaped body, and a leg rotation device 27 for rotatably connecting the support leg 30 around the leg rotation shaft 28 with respect to the cushion frame 20 is attached to the inner surface in the seat width direction thereof.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 2, the support leg 30 is a pipe member having a U-shaped body for supporting the seat cushion 2 from below, and includes leg main body portions 31 arranged on the left and right sides and a leg connecting portion 32 connecting the lower end portions of the respective leg main body portions 31. The upper end portions of the leg main body portions 31 are connected to the inner surface of the central portion in the front-rear direction of the cushion frame 20. Further, the central portion in the seat width direction of the leg connecting portion 32 is detachably held by a leg holding member (not shown) on the vehicle body floor. The upper end of the support leg 30 protrudes forward of the seat from the lower end of the support leg 30 and slopes upward and forward from the lower end to the upper end of the support leg 30.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 2, the support base 35 is a member that supports the seat back 1 from below, and is composed of a sheet metal member in the shape of an L-shaped body that is long in the front-rear direction of the seat. The support base 35 is disposed laterally in the seat width direction and is connected to the vehicle body floor. Specifically, the support base 35 includes a connecting wall portion 36 connected to the upper surface of the vehicle body floor, and an outer wall portion 37 that bends upward from the inner end portion of the connecting wall portion 36 and extends, and is connected to the lower end portion of the vehicle body connecting bracket 15 via the seat rotation shaft 16.

[0035] <<Switching device>> As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the switching device 40 is a device for switching the vehicle seat S from the "normal state" to the "stored state", and is attached to the upper portion of the seat back 1 (back frame 10). When the occupant operates the operation lever 50, the vehicle seat S is released from the "normal state (use state)", and the locking state of the seat back 1 by the switching device 40 is released. Along with the release of the lock of the seat back 1, the reclining device 17 shown in FIG. 2 operates. Specifically, the seat back 1 can be rotated forward and folded by the biasing force of a spiral spring (not shown). Also, along with the rotation operation of the seat back 1, the cushion rotation device 25 and the leg rotation device 27 shown in FIG. 2 operate respectively. Specifically, the support leg 30 can be rotated toward the seat cushion 2 side around the leg rotation shaft 28 and folded by the biasing force of a spiral spring (not shown).

[0036] By the above series of operations, the seat body is stored in the vehicle body floor, and the vehicle seat S is switched from the "normal state" to the "stored state". When it is desired to return the vehicle seat S from the "stowed state" to the "normal state", the occupant can lift the seat body by hand against the biasing force of a spiral spring (not shown), engage the locking member 91 of the switching device 40 with the striker 41, and switch the seat back 1 to the locked state. The striker 41 is a part of the vehicle body member and is fixed to the vehicle body.

[0037] As shown in FIGS. 3 to 6, the switching device 40 includes a locking device 90 that locks the movement operation of the seat body in the "normal state", an operation lever 50 that operates to release the locked state of the locking device 90, a connecting link 80 that connects the locking device 90 and the operation lever 50 and acts to release the locking of the locking device 90 in response to the operation of the operation lever 50, and a position holding member 89 that is attached to the connecting link 80 and holds the position of the connecting link 80. The operation lever 50 is stored in a cover member 60 and a lever attachment member 70 provided on the upper surface of the seat back 1. And it is rotatably attached to the lever attachment member 70 via a lever rotation shaft 51. The locking device 90 is covered by locking covers 98 and 99 and is stored in the locking covers 98 and 99.

[0038] <<Operation Lever, Cover Member, Plate Member, Lever Attachment Member>> As shown in FIGS. 3 to 6, the operation lever 50 is a lever that is rotated to release the locked state of the locking device 90, and is attached to a side portion of the seat back 1. Specifically, the operation lever 50 is stored in a cover member 60 and a lever attachment member 70 provided on the outer surface of the seat back 1. And it is rotatably attached to the lever attachment member 70 via a lever rotation shaft 51. The operation lever 50 is a lever that is long in the front-rear direction of the seat. Its front end portion corresponds to the "base end portion", and its rear end portion corresponds to the "tip portion".

[0039] The operation lever 50 is attached so as to be rotatable between the "normal position (locked position)" shown in FIGS. 3 and 17 and the "rotated position (lock release position)" shown in FIG. 19 which is rotated from the normal position. Note that the operation lever 50 is biased from the rotated position side toward the normal position side by a connection link 80 interposed between the operation lever 50 and the locking device 90.

[0040] As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the operation lever 50 includes an upper wall portion 50a that forms the outer surface of the operation lever 50 and extends while curving in the front-rear direction of the seat, a front wall portion 50b that extends downward from the front end portion of the upper wall portion 50a, left and right side wall portions 50c that extend downward from the left and right side portions of the upper wall portion 50a and are connected to the upper wall portion 50a and the front wall portion 50b, left and right second side wall portions 50d that further extend downward from the left and right side wall portions 50c, a bottom wall portion 50e that connects the left and right second side wall portions 50d and protrudes rearward of the seat from the left and right second side wall portions 50d, and a reinforcing wall portion 50f that connects the left and right second side wall portions 50d and the bottom wall portion 50e.

[0041] The operation lever 50 has left and right lever rotation shafts 51 formed on the left and right side wall portions 50c and protruding outward in the seat width direction from the respective side wall portions 50c. As shown in FIGS. 5, 6, and 10, the left and right lever rotation shafts 51 penetrate through the cover member 60 and are pivotally supported by shaft support portions 71 formed on the left and right sides of the lever attachment member 70.

[0042] The operation lever 50 has a lever operation portion 52 formed by the rear end portions of the upper wall portion 50a and the left and right side wall portions 50c for a passenger to hook a finger. The lever operation portion 52 is formed to be flush with the upper surface of the cover member 60. Further, the operation lever 50 has a lever regulating portion 53 formed at the front end portion of the upper wall portion 50a for regulating the rotation operation of the operation lever 50. The lever regulating portion 53 is disposed so as to be able to abut against a lever abutting portion 63 formed at the front end portion of the cover member 60, and regulates the operation of the operation lever 50 by abutting against the lever abutting portion 63.

[0043] The operation lever 50 is formed on the left and right second side wall portions 50d, and has left and right engaging portions 54 (link engaging portions) that project outward in the sheet width direction from each second side wall portion 50d. As shown in FIGS. 5, 6, and 10, the left and right engaging portions 54 penetrate through the cover member 60, face the opening 73 of the lever attachment member 70, and are connected to the lever engaging portion 82 of the connecting link 80. Specifically, the left and right engaging portions 54 are engaging holes having a concave shape, and are connected to a convex lever engaging portion 82 (lever engaging convex portion).

[0044] As shown in FIGS. 3 to 6, the cover member 60 is a cover plate that supports the operation lever 50, and is attached to the lever attachment member 70 in a state of being housed inside the lever attachment member 70. Specifically, the cover member 60 is configured to sandwich a part of the skin material 1b (the outer peripheral portion of the opening hole formed in the skin material 1b) with the lever attachment member 70. By doing so, the appearance around the operation lever 50 looks good.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 5, the cover member 60 has a box shape with an open bottom surface. More specifically, the cover member 60 includes left and right side wall portions 60a arranged at a predetermined interval in the sheet width direction, a front wall portion 60b connecting the front end portions of the left and right side wall portions 60a, a rear wall portion 60c connecting the rear end portions of the left and right side wall portions 60a, and a bottom wall portion 60d connecting the lower end portions of the left and right side wall portions 60a and the rear wall portion 60c. In addition, the cover member 60 has left and right side flange portions 60e that project outward in the sheet width direction from the upper end portions of the left and right side wall portions 60a, a front flange portion 60f that projects forward from the upper end portion of the front wall portion 60b, and a rear flange portion 60g that projects rearward from the upper end portion of the rear wall portion 60c.

[0046] In the front portion and the right side portion of the bottom wall portion 60d of the cover member 60, a substantially L-shaped cover opening 61 penetrating in the vertical direction is formed. The cover opening 61 is an opening hole formed by notching from the bottom wall portion 60d to the lower portions of the left and right side wall portions 60a. Through the cover opening 61, the lower portion of the operation lever 50 is assembled so as to penetrate the cover member 60. Further, the lever rotation shaft 51 and the engaging portion 54 are assembled so as to penetrate the cover member 60.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 5, the cover member 60 has left and right cover engaging holes 62 and a front cover engaging hole 62 that project outward from the left and right side wall portions 70a and the front wall portion 60b and engage with the lever attachment member 70 (engaging convex portion 72). The left and right cover engaging holes 62 (engaged portions) are engaged with the engaging convex portions 72 (engaging portions) of the lever attachment member 70 in the seat width direction. The front cover engaging hole 62 is engaged with the engaging convex portion 72 in the front-rear direction. Note that, in the cover member 60, the connecting portion of the front wall portion 60b and the front flange portion 60f becomes a lever contact portion 63 that contacts the operation lever 50 (lever restricting portion 53).

[0048] The cover member 60 is formed on the bottom surfaces of the inner ends of the left and right side flange portions 60e, the front flange portion 60f, and the rear flange portion 60g, has support protrusions 64 that project toward the lever attachment member 70 side, and is supported by the cover support portion 74. A plurality of support protrusions 64 are formed at intervals along the edge portions (inner edge portions) of these flange portions 60e, 60f, and 60g.

[0049] In the above configuration, as shown in FIG. 1, the operation lever 50 and the cover member 60 are assembled to the back frame 10 (lever attachment member 70) so as to be partially exposed from the outer surface of the seat back 1. When the operation lever 50 is in the locked position, the outer surface of the seat back 1, the outer surface of the operation lever 50, and the outer surface of the cover member 60 are substantially flush. By doing so, the operation lever 50 can be compactly arranged above the seat back 1 without impairing the design of the vehicle seat S.

[0050] As shown in FIGS. 3 to 9, the plate member 65 is a frame-shaped plate body for holding the skin material 2b, and is attached on the lever attachment member 70. The plate member 65 is provided between the cover member 60 and the lever attachment member 70 in the vertical direction, and is arranged so as to surround the operation lever 50.

[0051] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, the plate member 65 is supported from below by the side flange portion 70e, the front flange portion 70f, and the rear flange portion 70g of the lever attachment member 70. Further, it is supported from the side by the plate support portion 75 of the lever attachment member 70.

[0052] As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the plate member 65 supports the skin material 2b from below. Specifically, the plate member 65 and the cover member 60 sandwich the outer peripheral portion of the skin opening hole 2c of the skin material 2b from above and below. Note that the operation lever 50 is attached so as to be exposed from the skin opening hole 2c formed on the outer surface of the skin material 2b.

[0053] As shown in FIGS. 3 to 6, the lever attachment member 70 is a storage plate that rotatably supports the operation lever 50, and is attached to a side position above the back frame 10.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 5, the lever attachment member 70 has a box shape. More specifically, the lever attachment member 70 includes left and right side wall portions 70a arranged at intervals in the seat width direction, a front wall portion 70b connecting the front end portions of the left and right side wall portions 70a, a rear wall portion 70c connecting the rear end portions of the left and right side wall portions 70a, and a bottom wall portion 70d connecting the lower end portions of the left and right side wall portions 70a, the front wall portion 70b, and the rear wall portion 60c. Further, the lever attachment member 70 has left and right side flange portions 70e that project outward in the seat width direction from the upper end portions of the left and right side wall portions 70a, a front flange portion 70f that projects forward from the upper end portion of the front wall portion 70b, and a rear flange portion 70g that projects rearward from the upper end portion of the rear wall portion 70c.

[0055] The lever attachment member 70 is formed at the front portions of the left and right side wall portions 70a and has left and right shaft support portions 71 (shaft support holes) that pivotally support the lever pivot shaft 51. Further, the lever attachment member 70 is formed at the rear portions of the left and right side wall portions 70a, projects outward in the seat width direction from each side wall portion 70a, and has left and right engagement convex portions 72 that engage with the cover engagement holes 62. Further, the lever attachment member 70 is provided at the central portions of the left and right side wall portions 70a and has an opening 73 formed at a position facing the engagement portion 54 of the operation lever 50. The opening 73 is formed by a notch extending upward from the lower end portions of the left and right side wall portions 70a and is an opening hole that is long in the vertical direction, and it is possible to insert the connecting link 80 (the upper portion of the connecting link 80) from the outside in the seat width direction. By using the opening 73, the connecting link 80 (lever engagement portion 82) can be connected to the engagement portion 54 of the operation lever 50.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 5, the lever attachment member 70 has cover support portions 74 that are formed on the upper surfaces of the inner end portions of the flange portions 70e, 70f, and 70g, project toward the cover member 60 side, and are assembled to the support protrusions 64 of the cover member 60. The cover support portions 74 are assembly protrusions, and a plurality of them are formed at intervals along the edge portions (inner edge portions) of these flange portions 70e, 70f, and 70g.

[0057] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, the lever attachment member 70 has plate support portions 75 that are formed on the upper surfaces of the inner ends of the flange portions 70e, 70f, and 70g, project toward the plate member 65 side, and support the plate member by contacting the inner surface of the plate member 65. The plate support portions 75 are provided adjacent to the cover support portions 74, and specifically, are disposed outside the cover support portions 74. A plurality of plate support portions 75 are formed at intervals along the inner surface of the plate member 65 and extend along the inner surface of the plate member 65.

[0058] As shown in FIGS. 5, 6, and 10, the lever attachment member 70 has fitting portions 76, 77, and 78 (fitting holes) formed at the lower ends of the left and right side wall portions 70a and fitting into fitting portions 98b, 98c, and 99b (fitting convex portions) provided on the lock covers 98 and 99. The first fitting portion 76 fits into the first fitting portion 98b at the upper end of the first lock cover 98. The second fitting portion 77 is disposed at a position rearward of the first fitting portion 76 and fits into the second fitting portion 99b at the upper end of the second lock cover 99. The third fitting portion 78 is disposed at a position rearward of the second fitting portion 77 and fits into the third fitting portion 98c at the upper end of the first lock cover 98.

[0059] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 17, the lever attachment member 70 has a projecting portion 79 that projects from its rear wall portion 70c toward the rear side of the seat. The projecting portion 79 is a portion that supports the skin material 2b by contacting the outer peripheral portion of the skin opening hole 2c in the skin material 2b. The projecting portion 79 is formed in a hollow shape when viewed from the side of the seat. Specifically, the projecting portion 79 has an upper wall portion 79a and a bottom wall portion 79b that are disposed at different positions in the vertical direction and project from the rear surface of the rear wall portion 70c toward the rear side of the seat, and a support wall portion 79c that connects the rear end portions of the upper wall portion 79a and the bottom wall portion 79b and supports the skin material 2b.

[0060] In the above configuration, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, among the plurality of plate support portions 75, the plate support portion 75 located at the uppermost position is disposed above the main body portion of the lever attachment member 70. By doing so, the plate member 65 can be more firmly assembled to the lever attachment member 70.

[0061] In the above configuration, as shown in FIG. 5, the lever attachment member 70 has an engagement convex portion 72 that engages with a cover engagement hole 62 (engaged portion) provided on the outer surface of the cover member 60. And a plurality of engagement convex portions 72 are disposed between the plurality of plate support portions 75. By doing so, the cover member 60 can be stably engaged with the lever attachment member 70.

[0062] In the above configuration, as shown in FIG. 5, the lever attachment member 70 has a positioning portion 72a formed around the engagement convex portion 72 for positioning the cover engagement hole 62 at a position where it engages with the engagement convex portion 72. The positioning portion 72a is a concave-shaped positioning recess. By doing so, it is possible to facilitate the engagement of the cover member 60 with the lever attachment member 70.

[0063] <<Link (Connecting Member)>> As shown in FIGS. 10 to 15, the connecting link 80 is a resin-made connecting member that connects the operation lever 50 and the locking device 90 (transmission member 92) and acts to switch the locking device 90 from the locked state to the unlocked state in response to the operation of the operation lever 50. The connecting link 80 is held by a flexible plate-shaped position holding member 89.

[0064] The connecting link 80 extends in the vertical direction between the operation lever 50 and the locking device 90, is connected to the operation lever 50 and the locking device 90, and is stored inside the lever attachment member 70. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10, the upper portion of the connecting link 80 enters the inside of the lever attachment member 70 through an opening 73 formed in the outer surface of the lever attachment member 70 and is connected to the operation lever 50 (engagement portion 54). Also, the lower portion of the connecting link 80 is covered from the side by lock covers 98 and 99 and is connected to the locking device 90 (transmission member 92, biasing spring 96).

[0065] Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the connecting link 80 includes a main body portion 81 that is long in the vertical direction, a lever engaging portion 82 that protrudes from a side surface (left side surface) of the upper portion of the main body portion 81 and engages with the operation lever 50 (engagement portion 54), a lock connecting portion 83 that protrudes from a side surface (left side surface) of the lower portion of the main body portion 81 and is connected to the locking device 90 (transmission member 92), and a spring mounting portion 84 that protrudes from a side surface (right side surface) of the lower portion of the main body portion 81 on the side opposite to the lock connecting portion 83 side and mounts the biasing spring 96. The connecting link 80 further includes a mounting portion 85 that protrudes rearward from the left and right side surfaces of the central portion of the main body portion 81 for mounting the position holding member 89, and an engaging convex portion 86 (engaging portion) that protrudes rearward from the rear surface of the central portion of the main body portion 81 and engages with an engaging hole 89c (engaged portion) of the position holding member 89.

[0066] As shown in FIGS. 10, 11, and 13, the lever engaging portion 82 is, for example, an engaging protrusion having a snap fit shape, which protrudes from the side surface of the main body portion 81 toward the operation lever 50 and engages with the engaging portion 54. Specifically, the lever engaging portion 82 has an engaging main body portion 82a having a substantially elliptical cross section with a major axis in the vertical direction, and an engaging claw 82b that further protrudes from the tip of the engaging main body portion 82a and is formed to spread outward in the width direction of the engaging main body portion 82a. A slit hole 82c formed along the protruding direction of the lever engaging portion 82 is formed in the central portion in the width direction of the lever engaging portion 82.

[0067] In the above configuration, the engaging portion 54 (engaging hole) of the operation lever 50 has a width in the extending direction (vertical direction) of the connecting link 80 that is larger than the width in the direction (front-rear direction) intersecting the extending direction of the connecting link 80. That is, the engaging portion 54 has a hole shape corresponding to the shape of the lever engaging portion 82 (an ellipse elongated vertically). More specifically, the width of the engaging portion 54 in the vertical direction is formed to be slightly larger than the width of the lever engaging portion 82 in the vertical direction. By doing so, it is possible to easily attach the connecting link 80 to the operation lever 50. That is, the connecting link 80 can be attached to the operation lever 50 while adjusting the vertical position of the connecting link 80. Further, after attaching the connecting link 80, the connecting link 80 can be firmly connected by snap-fit engagement.

[0068] As shown in FIGS. 11 and 15, the lock connecting portion 83 is, for example, a connecting protrusion having a snap-fit shape, which protrudes from the side surface of the main body portion 81 toward the transmission member 92 and engages with the connecting hole 92a. Note that the lock connecting portion 83 has the same shape as the lever engaging portion 82, and includes an engaging main body portion 83a, an engaging claw 83b, and a slit hole 83c.

[0069] As shown in FIGS. 11 and 14, the spring mounting portion 84 is a mounting protrusion that protrudes from the side surface of the main body portion 81 toward the biasing spring 96 and is mounted on the upper end portion of the biasing spring 96. The spring mounting portion 84 is formed to be wider toward its protruding tip portion 84a. And the portion of the spring mounting portion 84 where the biasing spring 96 is mounted is narrower than the protruding tip portion 84a. By doing so, the biasing spring 96 is less likely to come off from the spring mounting portion 84 in the mounting direction of the biasing spring 96.

[0070] As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the attachment portion 85 has a hook shape, and includes left and right attachment main body portions 85a that protrude rearward from the left and right side surfaces of the main body portion 81, and hook portions 85b that protrude upward from the tip ends of the left and right attachment main body portions 85a. With the above configuration, the position holding member 89 can be attached to the attachment portion 85 from above. And the attachment portion 85 can support the position holding member 89 from below. Also, the main body portion 81 and the attachment portion 85 can hold the position holding member 89 so as to sandwich it in the front-rear direction of the seat.

[0071] The engagement convex portion 86 is provided between the attachment portions 85 (left and right attachment main body portions 85a), and is disposed at a position slightly lower than the attachment portion 85. The position holding member 89 (engagement hole 89c) can be attached to the engagement convex portion 86 from the rear. And the engagement convex portion 86 can hold the position holding member 89 so as not to be displaced in the seat width direction. Further, the attachment portion 85 and the engagement convex portion 86 can hold the position holding member 89 so as to sandwich it in the seat width direction.

[0072] In the above configuration, as shown in FIG. 11, the connecting link 80 is formed on the side surface of the main body portion 81 in the seat width direction, and further includes a reinforcing portion 87 that extends along the extending direction of the connecting link 80. The reinforcing portion 87 is a concave reinforcing recess. At this time, the lever engagement portion 82, the lock connection portion 83, and the spring assembly portion 84 are disposed at positions different from those of the reinforcing portion 87 in the vertical direction. By doing so, the rigidity of the entire connecting link 80 can be increased in a well-balanced manner. Also, the wall thickness of the lever engagement portion 82, the lock connection portion 83, and the spring assembly portion 84 in the connecting link 80 can be ensured.

[0073] In the above configuration, as shown in FIG. 11, a through hole 88 that penetrates the connecting link 80 (main body portion 81) is formed in the reinforcing portion 87. The through hole 88 and the spring mounting portion 84 (lock connection portion 83) are arranged side by side on the side surface of the connecting link 80. By doing so, the connecting link 80 can be lightened by the through hole 88. In particular, the connecting link 80 can be lightened by avoiding the portion where the spring mounting portion 84 and the lock connection portion 83 are formed in the connecting link 80.

[0074] <<Position holding member>> As shown in FIGS. 10 to 13, the position holding member 89 is a flexible resin plate-like member, which extends longitudinally in the extending direction (vertical direction) of the connecting link 80 and is attached only to the connecting link 80 along the connecting link 80. The position holding member 89 holds the position of the connecting link 80 by bending in a direction orthogonal to the extending direction (vertical direction) of the position holding member 89. The position holding member 89 is housed and attached to the connecting link 80 (attachment portion 85).

[0075] The position holding member 89 includes a main body portion 89a arranged along the outer surface (rear surface) of the connecting link 80 and extending in the vertical direction, left and right protruding portions 89b protruding from the central portion of the main body portion 89a to the left and right outer sides and attached to the connecting link 80 (attachment portion 85), and an engagement hole 89c formed at a position slightly lower than the protruding portions 89b at the central portion of the main body portion 89a and engaging with the engagement convex portion 86. The position holding member 89 further includes a bending portion 89d formed by bending the upper end portion of the main body portion 89a to the rear side, and a bent portion 89e formed by bending the lower end portion of the main body portion 89a to the rear side. Specifically, the bending portion 89d is formed by folding back the upper end portion of the main body portion 89a to the rear side and is arranged at a position facing the main body portion 89a in the front-rear direction of the seat. Also, the bending portion 89d is arranged at a position facing the connecting link 80 in the front-rear direction of the seat.

[0076] In the above configuration, as shown in FIG. 12, the length of the position holding member 89 in the sheet front-rear direction is shorter than the length of the connecting link 80 in the sheet front-rear direction. By doing so, the position holding member 89 can be arranged compactly.

[0077] In the above configuration, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 13, the position holding member 89 is arranged inside the opening 73 of the lever attachment member 70 together with the connecting link 80. And the lever engaging portion 82 of the connecting link 80 is engaged with the operation lever 50 (engaging portion 54). At this time, the opening 73 is formed to be wider as it moves away from the operation lever 50 in the sheet width direction. By doing so, it becomes easy to assemble the connecting link 80 to the operation lever 50 using the opening 73.

[0078] In the above configuration, as shown in FIG. 13, the inner surface of the opening 73 of the lever attachment member 70 has a first inner surface 73a formed in a planar shape and a second inner surface 73b provided outside the first inner surface 73a in the sheet width direction and formed to spread in an inclined shape. And the bent portion 89d of the position holding member 89 holds the position of the connecting link 80 by contacting and bending against the first inner surface 73a of the opening 73. By doing so, the position holding member 89 can preferably hold the position of the connecting link 80.

[0079] In the above configuration, as shown in FIG. 11, the position holding member 89 is arranged between the portion (lock connecting portion 83) of the connecting link 80 assembled to the locking device 90 and the portion (lever engaging portion 82) engaged with the operation lever 50. By doing so, the position holding member 89 can hold the position of the connecting link 80 in a well-balanced manner.

[0080] In the above configuration, as shown in FIG. 11, in the connecting link 80, a main body portion 81, a lever engaging portion 82, a lock connecting portion 83, and a spring assembling portion 84 are integrally formed. By doing so, the number of parts of the switching device 40 can be reduced.

[0081] In this embodiment, the connecting link 80 and the position holding member 89 are formed separately, but it is not particularly limited. As a modification, the connecting link 80 and the position holding member 89 may be integrally formed from the same material (the same resin material). By doing so, the number of component parts can be reduced.

[0082] <<Locking device>> As shown in FIGS. 3, 6, 17 to 19, the locking device 90 is rotatably attached about a lock rotation axis 94 extending in the seat width direction, and is detachably engaged with a striker 41 shown in FIG. 17. A locking member 91, a transmission member 92 disposed above the locking member 91 and rotatably attached about a second lock rotation axis 95 extending in the seat width direction, and transmitting the operation of the operation lever 50 (connecting link 80) to the locking member 91, and a second transmission member 93 disposed inside the locking member 91 (transmission member 92) in the seat width direction and transmitting the operation of the transmission member 92 to the locking member 91. Further, the locking device 90 is disposed below the connecting link 80, is assembled to the connecting link 80, and further includes a biasing spring 96 that biases the connecting link 80 toward the locking member 91 side. The locking member 91 and the transmission member 92 are disposed at positions overlapping in the seat width direction.

[0083] The transmission member 92 is connected to the operation lever 50 via the connecting link 80 and rotates with the operation of the operation lever 50. With the rotation operation of the transmission member 92, the second transmission member 93 rotates. With the rotation operation of the second transmission member 93, the locking member 91 rotates between the "locking position" and the "unlocking position". Details of the lock member 91, transmission member 92, and second transmission member 93 will be described later.

[0084] <<Lock Cover>> As shown in FIGS. 3, 4, and 6, the lock covers 98 and 99 are covers that cover the lock member 91, transmission member 92, second transmission member 93, and biasing spring 96 from the side. The lock covers 98 and 99 are disposed below the lever attachment member 70 and are assembled from the sheet width direction to the side surface (right side surface) of the lever attachment member 70. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, the first lock cover 98 is assembled to the lever attachment member 70 and supports the lock rotation shaft 94 and the second lock rotation shaft 95. Further, the second lock cover 99 is disposed outside the first lock cover 98, is assembled to the lever attachment member 70 and the first lock cover 98, and supports the lock rotation shaft 94 and the second lock rotation shaft 95.

[0085] As shown in FIGS. 3, 4, and 6, the first lock cover 98 is a box-shaped resin cover, and includes a main body portion 98a, a first fitted portion 98b that protrudes from the rear portion of the upper end of the main body portion 98a toward the lever attachment member 70 and fits into the first fitting portion 76, and a third fitted portion 98c that protrudes from the front portion of the upper end of the main body portion 98a toward the lever attachment member 70 and fits into the third fitting portion 78. Further, the first lock cover 98 has a shaft support hole 98d formed on the side surface of the main body portion 98a for supporting the lock rotation shaft 94, a second shaft support hole 98e formed above the shaft support hole 98d on the side surface of the main body portion 98a for supporting the second lock rotation shaft 95, and a cover assembly portion 98f and a second cover assembly portion 98g respectively formed on the side surface of the main body portion 98a and assembled to the second lock cover 99 (assembled portion 99e, second assembled portion 99f).

[0086] The cover assembly portion 98f is an assembly protrusion, which is disposed between the shaft support hole 98d and the second shaft support hole 98e in the vertical direction, and is disposed between the first fitted portion 98b and the third fitted portion 98c in the front-rear direction. The second cover assembly portion 98g extends longitudinally in the vertical direction and is disposed between the first fitted portion 98b and the third fitted portion 98c in the front-rear direction.

[0087] The second lock cover 99 is a plate-shaped metal cover, which has a main body portion 99a, a second fitted portion 99b that protrudes from the upper end portion of the main body portion 99a toward the lever attachment member 70 and fits into the second fitting portion 77, and shaft support holes 99c that are respectively formed on the side surfaces of the main body portion 99a and support the lock rotation shaft 94, and a second shaft support hole 99d that supports the second lock rotation shaft 95. Further, the second lock cover 99 further has an assembled portion 99e and a second assembled portion 99f that are respectively formed on the side surfaces of the main body portion 99a and are respectively assembled to the first lock cover 98 (cover assembly portion 98f, second cover assembly portion 98g). The assembled portion 99e is an assembly protrusion. The second assembled portion 99f is a bent portion formed by bending the end portion of the main body portion 99a.

[0088] In the above configuration, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the first fitting portion 76 (first fitted portion 98b) and the second fitting portion 77 (second fitted portion 99b) extend in directions orthogonal to the fitting directions (sheet width directions) of the lock covers 98 and 99, respectively, and extend in directions intersecting (orthogonal) to each other. Further, the first fitting portion 76 and the second fitting portion 77 are disposed at different positions in the vertical direction and are disposed at different positions in the sheet front-rear direction. By doing so, the fitting strength of the lock covers 98 and 99 to the lever attachment member 70 can be improved.

[0089] In the above configuration, as shown in FIG. 16, the third fitting portion 78 (the third fitted portion 98c) is arranged on the side opposite to the first fitting portion 76 (the first fitted portion 98b) and the second fitting portion 77 (the second fitted portion 99b) with respect to the connecting link 80. Also, the first fitting portion 76 and the third fitting portion 78 extend so as to be long in the same direction. Also, the second fitting portion 77 is arranged between the first fitting portion 76 and the third fitting portion 78 in the front-rear direction of the seat. By doing so, the fitting strength of the lock covers 98 and 99 to the lever attachment member 70 can be increased.

[0090] In the above configuration, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 15, the first fitting portion 76, the second fitting portion 77, and the third fitting portion 78 are fitted in the same direction (the seat width direction), whereby the lever attachment member 70 and the lock covers 98 and 99 are assembled. By doing so, the assembly work of the lock covers 98 and 99 to the lever attachment member 70 becomes easy. Also, it becomes easy to automate the assembly work.

[0091] In the above configuration, as shown in FIG. 16, the first lock cover 98 is formed so as to protrude from the side surface of its outer edge portion toward the lock member 91 (transmission member 92) side, and has a cover flange 98h arranged so as to surround the lock member 91 (transmission member 92). And the first fitting portion 76, the second fitting portion 77, and the third fitting portion 78 are arranged outside the cover flange 98h on the side surface of the first lock cover 98. In this way, by fitting the outer portion (outer edge portion) of the first lock cover 98 to the lever attachment member 70, the fitting strength of the first lock cover 98 can be increased.

[0092] In the above configuration, as shown in FIG. 16, the first lock cover 98 is formed so as to protrude from the side surface of its outer edge portion toward the lock member 91, and includes a first reinforcing portion 98i that connects the cover flange 98h and the first fitted portion 98b, and a second reinforcing portion 98j that connects the cover flange 98h and the third fitted portion 98c. By doing so, the fitting strength of these fitted portions 98b and 98c can be increased.

[0093] <<Lock Structure of Lock Member>> As shown in FIGS. 17 to 19, the lock member 91 is a member that rotates between a "lock position" centered on the lock rotation axis 94 and a "lock release position" that is moved downward from the lock position. When in the "lock position", it abuts against the transmission member 92, is restricted from moving by the transmission member 92, and is arranged at the lock position. Specifically, the lock member 91 has a striker engaging portion 91a that engages with the striker 41, and a contact portion 91b that is arranged on the opposite side of the striker engaging portion 91a with the lock rotation axis 94 interposed therebetween and abuts against the transmission member 92. Further, the lock member 91 is arranged on the opposite side of the striker engaging portion 91a with the lock rotation axis 94 interposed therebetween, and is connected to the second transmission member 93 by a connecting pin 97 extending in the seat width direction.

[0094] As shown in FIGS. 17 to 19, the transmission member 92 is a member that rotates around the second lock rotation axis 95 and switches between a "restricting position" that restricts the movement of the lock member 91 and a "restriction release position" that is separated from the lock member 91. Specifically, the transmission member 92 has a connecting hole 92a that is connected to the connecting link 80 (lock connecting portion 83), and a protrusion 92b that is arranged on the opposite side (lower side) of the connecting hole 92a with the second lock rotation axis 95 interposed therebetween and protrudes toward the second transmission member 93. The transmission member 92 is connected to the second transmission member 93 by inserting the protrusion 92b into a protrusion insertion hole 93b formed in the second transmission member 93.

[0095] As shown in FIGS. 17 to 19, the second transmission member 93 is a member interposed between the lock member 91 and the transmission member 92 and transmits the operation of the transmission member 92 to the lock member 91. Specifically, the second transmission member 93 has a pin support hole 93a that pivotally supports a connection pin 97, a protrusion insertion hole 93b that is provided above the pin support hole 93a and is connected to the protrusion 92b, and a spring support portion 93c that is provided between the pin support hole 93a and the protrusion insertion hole 93b and supports the lower end portion of the biasing spring 96.

[0096] In the above configuration, as shown in FIG. 17, when the operation lever 50 and the locking device 90 are in the "locked position", the operation lever 50 is housed inside the lever attachment member 70, and the lock member 91 is engaged with the striker 41. The transmission member 92 abuts against the lock member 91 and holds the lock member 91.

[0097] Then, as shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, when the operation lever 50 is rotated forward toward the front of the seat, the locking device 90 moves from the "intermediate position" to the "unlocked position". Specifically, first, the connection link 80 is pulled upward along with the rotation of the operation lever 50 and moves upward against the biasing force of the biasing spring 96. As the connection link 80 moves upward, the transmission member 92 rotates upward about the second lock rotation shaft 95 and pulls the second transmission member 93 upward via the protrusion 92b. At this time, the transmission member 92 is in a state of being separated from the lock member 91. As the transmission member 92 rotates, the second transmission member 93 moves upward and pulls the lock member 91 upward via the connection pin 97. As the second transmission member 93 moves upward, the lock member 91 rotates about the lock rotation shaft 94 and moves so as to be separated from the striker 41. By doing so, the lock member 91 switches from the locked state engaged with the striker 41 to the unlocked state.

[0098] When the operation lever 50 is released from the state of being operated by the occupant, the operation lever 50 returns to the position housed inside the lever attachment member 70 again by the biasing force of the biasing spring 96. Also, the lock member 91 also returns to the position (engageable position) where it engages with the striker 41 again. That is, the operation lever 50 and the locking device 90 return to the "locked position".

[0099] <<Others>> In the above embodiment, the "moving state" of the seat body has been described as corresponding to the "stored state", but it is not particularly limited. For example, the "moving state" may correspond to the "reclining state" in which the seat body (seat back) is reclined to a predetermined position. Alternatively, it may correspond to the "front-back movement state" in which the seat body is moved in the front-back direction of the seat more than in the normal state, or the "tip-up state" in which the seat body (seat back) is flipped up to a predetermined position. Also, for example, if the vehicle seat S is provided with a height adjustment device, the "moving state" may be the "height change state" in which the height position of the seat body is changed. Also, for example, if the vehicle seat S is provided with a ottoman device, the "moving state" may be the "ottoman deployment state" in which the leg support member that is part of the seat body is deployed.

[0100] In the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the operation lever 50 is attached to the left side portion of the upper surface of the seat back 1, but it is not particularly limited and can be changed. For example, the operation lever 50 may be attached to the right side portion of the upper surface of the seat back 1, or may be attached to the left outer surface, right outer surface, or rear surface of the seat back 1. Also, for example, the operation lever 50 may be attached to the front surface, bottom surface, or rear surface of the seat cushion 2. Alternatively, it may be attached to the left outer surface or right outer surface of the seat cushion 2.

[0101] In the above-described embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the operation lever 50 is a lever that is long in the front-rear direction of the seat, and the lever rotation shaft 51 is pivotally supported at the front end portion (base end portion) thereof, but it is not particularly limited and can be changed. For example, the lever rotation shaft may be pivotally supported at the rear end portion of the operation lever 50. In that case, the rear end portion of the operation lever 50 corresponds to the "base end portion", and the front end portion thereof corresponds to the "tip end portion". Also, for example, the operation lever 50 may be a lever that is long in the width direction of the seat, and a lever rotation shaft that is long in the front-rear direction of the seat may be pivotally supported at one end portion in the width direction of the seat. In that case, one end portion of the operation lever 50 corresponds to the "base end portion", and the other end portion thereof corresponds to the "tip end portion".

[0102] In the above-described embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, the biasing spring 96 is a biasing spring (tension spring) that is long in the vertical direction, but it is not particularly limited. That is, it can be appropriately changed as long as it is a biasing member that can bias the connecting link 80 toward the locking device 90 side.

[0103] In the above-described embodiment, as shown in FIG. 19, the biasing spring 96 biases the connecting link 80 toward the locking device 90 side, but it is not particularly limited. For example, the biasing spring 96 may bias the connecting link 80 toward the operation lever 50 side. In that case, the operation lever 50 is not operated to the side opposite to the locking device 90 side as shown in FIGS. 14 to 16, but it is preferably operated to push out toward the locking device 90 side against the biasing force of the biasing spring 96.

[0104] In the above-described embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the lock cover that covers the locking device 90 is divided into a first lock cover 98 and a second lock cover 99, but it is not particularly limited. For example, the lock cover may be composed of one, or may be composed of a plurality of three or more lock covers.

[0105] In the above-described embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the first fitting portion 98b of the first lock cover 98 and the second fitting portion 99b of the second lock cover 99 extend in directions orthogonal to each other. However, it is not particularly limited as long as they extend in directions intersecting each other.

[0106] In the above-described embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the plate support portion 75 of the lever attachment member 70 supports the plate member 65 by contacting the inner surface of the frame-shaped plate member 65. However, it is not particularly limited. For example, the plate support portion 75 may support the plate member 65 by contacting the outer surface of the plate member 65.

[0107] In the above-described embodiment, as in the modification shown in FIG. 20, the cover member 60 and the lever attachment member 70 may be the cover member 160 and the lever attachment member 170, respectively. The lever attachment member 170 has a latching portion 174 that is latched to a latching claw 162 provided on the outer surface of the cover member 160. The latching portion 174 is composed of a latching hole 174a formed in the side wall portion 170a of the lever attachment member 170 and a latching support portion 174b formed on the bottom surface of the side flange portion 170e. By doing so, each component can be assembled with a simple structure using the latching claw and the latched portion (for example, the latching hole).

[0108] <<Appendix 1>> According to the vehicle seat of the present invention, a seat body having a seat back and a seat cushion is provided, and the vehicle seat is capable of switching between a normal state of the seat body and a moving state in which the seat body is moved from the normal state. The vehicle seat is provided with a locking device that locks the moving operation of the seat body in the normal state, an operation lever that operates to release the locked state of the locking device, a connecting member that connects the locking device and the operation lever and acts to switch the locking device from the locked state to the unlocked state in response to the operation of the operation lever, and a position holding member that is attached to the connecting member and holds the position of the connecting member. The connecting member extends between the locking device and the operation lever, the position holding member extends in the extending direction of the connecting member, and it is preferably attached to the connecting member along the connecting member. With the above configuration, a vehicle seat can be realized in which a device (locking device) for switching the state of the seat body has a compact structure. In particular, the assembly structure of the components in the device can be simplified. More specifically, the position holding member that holds the position of the connecting member extends in the extending direction of the connecting member and is attached to the connecting member along the connecting member. Therefore, the connecting member and the position holding member can be arranged more compactly compared with the prior art. In addition, it becomes easier to assemble the position holding member to the connecting member.

[0109] At this time, the moving state is a storage state in which the seat back is stored and moved to the vehicle body floor side, the locking device includes a locking member that is detachably engaged with a striker provided on the vehicle body or the vehicle seat and moves between a locking position that locks the storage operation of the seat back and an unlocking position, and the position holding member has flexibility and holds the position of the connecting member by bending in a direction orthogonal to the extending direction of the position holding member. With the above configuration, in a vehicle seat capable of storing the seat body, each component can be arranged compactly.

[0110] At this time, it is preferable that the connecting member has an attachment portion for attaching the position holding member from the extending direction of the connecting member, and an engaging portion for engaging an engaged portion provided on the position holding member from a direction different from the extending direction. With the above configuration, it becomes easier to assemble the position holding member to the connecting member.

[0111] At this time, the connecting member has the attachment portion for attaching the position holding member from the vertical direction, and the engaging portion that is disposed at a position below the attachment portion and engages the engaged portion from the front-rear direction of the seat. It is preferable that the lower end portion of the position holding member is bent to the side opposite to the connecting member side. With the above configuration, it becomes easier to engage the engaged portion of the position holding member with the engaging portion of the connecting member.

[0112] At this time, the connecting member is a connecting link that extends in the vertical direction between the locking device and the operation lever, the position holding member extends in the vertical direction along the connecting member, and it is preferable that the length of the position holding member in the front-rear direction of the seat is shorter than the length of the connecting member in the front-rear direction of the seat. With the above configuration, the position holding member can be arranged compactly.

[0113] At this time, it is preferable that the position holding member is formed in a plate shape and is arranged along the outer surface of the connecting member. With the above configuration, the position holding member can be formed relatively thin. Therefore, the position holding member can be arranged compactly.

[0114] At this time, a lever attachment member for attaching the operation lever is provided on the vehicle seat, the operation lever is stored inside the lever attachment member, and is rotatably attached to the lever attachment member via a lever rotation shaft. An opening for passing the connecting member and connecting the connecting member to the operation lever is formed on the outer surface of the lever attachment member, and it is preferable that the opening is formed to be wider as it is farther from the operation lever. With the above configuration, it becomes easy to assemble the connecting member to the operation lever by using the opening provided in the lever attachment member.

[0115] At this time, the position holding member is disposed inside the lever attachment member through the opening together with the connecting member. The inner surface of the opening has a first inner surface formed in a flat shape and a second inner surface provided outside the first inner surface and formed to extend in an inclined manner. The position holding member includes a flexible bending portion, and it is preferable that the position of the connecting member is held by the bending portion abutting against the first inner surface of the opening and bending. With the above configuration, the bending portion of the position holding member abuts against and bends on the first inner surface formed in a flat shape among the lever attachment members. Therefore, it becomes easier for the position holding member to hold the position of the connecting member.

[0116] At this time, the connecting member is a connecting link, extends longitudinally in the vertical direction between the locking device and the operation lever, the position holding member extends longitudinally in the vertical direction along the connecting member, and it is preferable that the position holding member is attached only to the connecting member. With the above configuration, the connecting member and the position holding member can be arranged more compactly. Also, the assembly structure of the connecting member and the position holding member can be simplified.

[0117] At this time, it is preferable that the connecting member and the position holding member are integrally formed from the same resin material. With the above configuration, the number of components can be reduced.

[0118] <<Appendix 2>> Further, according to the vehicle seat of the present invention, a seat body having a seat back and a seat cushion is provided, and the vehicle seat is capable of switching between a normal state of the seat body and a moving state in which the seat body is moved from the normal state. The vehicle seat is provided with a locking device that locks the moving operation of the seat body in the normal state, an operation lever that operates to release the locked state of the locking device, a connecting member that connects the locking device and the operation lever and acts to switch the locking device from a locked state to an unlocked state in response to the operation of the operation lever, and a biasing member that is assembled to the connecting member and biases the connecting member toward the locking device side or the operation lever side. The connecting member has an assembling portion for assembling the biasing member, and it is preferable that the main body portion of the connecting member and the assembling portion are integrally formed. With the above configuration, a vehicle seat with a simple structure for a device (locking device) for switching the state of the seat body can be realized. In addition, the assembling structure of the component parts of the device can be simplified. Specifically, the connecting member has an assembling portion for assembling the biasing member, and the main body portion of the connecting member and the assembling portion are integrally formed. Therefore, it is possible to eliminate unnecessary separate members as much as possible when assembling the component parts (the connecting member and the biasing member). In addition, it becomes easier to assemble the biasing member to the connecting member.

[0119] At this time, the moving state is a storage state in which the seat back is stored and moved toward the vehicle body floor side. The locking device includes a locking member that is detachably engaged with a striker provided on the vehicle body or the vehicle seat and moves between a locking position that locks the storage operation of the seat back and an unlocking position. The assembling portion is an assembling protrusion that protrudes from the side surface of the main body portion of the connecting member toward the biasing member, and it is preferably assembled to one end portion of the biasing member. With the above configuration, in a vehicle seat capable of storing the seat body, each component can be arranged compactly.

[0120] At this time, the connecting member is a connecting link, which extends in the vertical direction between the locking device and the operating lever, the biasing member is a biasing spring, which is disposed at a position below the connecting member, and the assembling portion is disposed at a lower portion of the connecting member and is preferably assembled to the upper end portion of the biasing member. Since the connecting member and the biasing member are arranged side by side in the vertical direction as described above, the connecting member and the biasing member can be arranged compactly in the front-rear direction of the seat.

[0121] At this time, the assembling portion protrudes from the side surface of the main body portion of the connecting member toward the biasing member, and is formed to be wider toward the protruding tip portion of the assembling portion, and the portion where the biasing member is assembled in the assembling portion is preferably narrower than the protruding tip portion of the assembling portion. With the above configuration, the biasing member can be firmly assembled to the connecting member. Further, it is possible to prevent the biasing member from coming off from the connecting member.

[0122] At this time, the connecting member extends in the vertical direction between the locking device and the operating lever, the connecting member has a reinforcing portion formed on the side surface of the connecting member and extending along the extending direction of the connecting member, the reinforcing portion is a concave reinforcing recess or a convex reinforcing protrusion, and the assembling portion is formed on the side surface of the connecting member and is preferably disposed at a position different from the reinforcing portion in the vertical direction. With the above configuration, the rigidity of the connecting member can be increased with a simple configuration. Also, since the assembling portion and the reinforcing portion are arranged at different positions as described above, when the reinforcing portion is concave, the wall thickness of the assembling portion can be ensured. Alternatively, when the reinforcing portion is convex, the connecting member (reinforcing portion) can be miniaturized.

[0123] At this time, it is preferable that a through hole penetrating the connecting member is formed in the reinforcing portion, and the assembling portion and the through hole are arranged side by side on the side surface of the connecting member. Since the connecting member has a through hole as described above, the weight of the connecting member can be reduced. Further, with the above configuration, the connecting member can have a simple configuration.

[0124] At this time, the connecting member has a convex lever engaging portion for engaging with an engaging hole provided in the operation lever, and it is preferable that the width of the engaging hole in the extending direction of the connecting member is larger than the width of the engaging hole in a direction intersecting the extending direction of the connecting member. With the above configuration, the connecting member can be easily attached to the operation lever. That is, the connecting member can be attached to the operation lever while adjusting the position of the connecting member in the extending direction.

[0125] At this time, a position holding member is provided which is attached to the connecting member and holds the position of the connecting member. The connecting member extends in the vertical direction between the locking device and the operation lever, and it is preferable that the position holding member is arranged between a portion of the connecting member assembled to the locking device and a portion engaged with the operation lever. With the above configuration, rattling of the connecting member can be suppressed. Further, the position holding member can be arranged compactly with respect to the connecting member.

[0126] At this time, the connecting member has an attachment portion for attaching the position holding member, and it is preferable that the position holding member is housed and attached in the attachment portion. With the above configuration, it becomes easier to assemble the position holding member to the connecting member. Further, the position holding member can be assembled more stably.

[0127] At this time, the position holding member is formed in a plate shape, extends in the extending direction of the connecting member, and is preferably arranged along the outer surface of the connecting member. With the above configuration, the position holding member can be made thinner, and the increase in size of the switching device can be suppressed. Further, the position holding member can be arranged compactly.

[0128] <<Appendix 3>> Further, according to the vehicle seat of the present invention, a seat body having a seat back and a seat cushion is provided, and the vehicle seat is capable of switching between a normal state of the seat body and a moving state in which the seat body is moved from the normal state. A locking device that locks the moving operation of the seat body in the normal state, a lock cover that covers the locking device, a lever attachment member attached to the vehicle seat, and an operation lever attached to the lever attachment member and operating to release the locked state of the locking device. The lever attachment member has a first fitting portion that fits into a first fitting portion provided on the lock cover and a second fitting portion that fits into a second fitting portion provided on the lock cover. The first fitting portion and the second fitting portion preferably extend in a direction orthogonal to the fitting direction of the lock cover and extend in a direction intersecting each other. With the above configuration, a vehicle seat can be realized in which each component of the device for switching the state of the seat body can be firmly assembled in a well-balanced manner. Further, the assembly structure of the components of the device can be simplified. Specifically, the lever attachment member is fitted to the lock cover by a plurality of fitting portions, and the first fitting portion and the second fitting portion extend in a direction orthogonal to the fitting direction of the lock cover and extend in a direction intersecting each other. In this way, since the first fitting portion and the second fitting portion extend in different directions, a stronger fitting structure can be obtained compared to the conventional one even when loads are applied from various directions, for example.

[0129] At this time, the moving state is a stored state in which the seat back is stored and moved toward the vehicle body floor side, and the locking device is detachably engaged with a striker provided on the vehicle body or the vehicle seat, and includes a locking member that moves between a locking position for locking the storage operation of the seat back and an unlocking position. It is preferable that the first fitting portion and the second fitting portion extend in directions perpendicular to each other. With the above configuration, in a vehicle seat capable of storing the seat body, each component can be assembled more firmly and in a more balanced manner.

[0130] At this time, the lock cover is assembled to the lever attachment member from the seat width direction, and it is preferable that the first fitting portion and the second fitting portion are arranged at different positions in the vertical direction and at different positions in the seat front-rear direction. Further, a connecting member is provided that connects the locking device and the operation lever and acts to switch the locking device from a locked state to an unlocked state in response to the operation of the operation lever. The lever attachment member further has a third fitting portion that fits into a third fitted portion provided on the lock cover, and it is preferable that the third fitting portion is arranged on the side opposite to the first fitting portion and the second fitting portion side with respect to the connecting member. With the above configuration, the lever attachment member and the lock cover can be assembled more firmly and in a more balanced manner.

[0131] At this time, it is preferable that the first fitting portion and the third fitting portion extend so as to be long in the same direction. Further, the lock cover is assembled to the lever attachment member from the seat width direction, and it is preferable that the second fitting portion is arranged between the first fitting portion and the third fitting portion in the seat front-rear direction. With the above configuration, the lever attachment member and the lock cover can be assembled more firmly and in a more balanced manner.

[0132] At this time, the lock cover has a first lock cover that covers the lock device and a second lock cover that is attached to a side surface of the first lock cover. It is preferable that the first fitting portion and the third fitting portion are formed on the first lock cover, and the second fitting portion is formed on the second lock cover. As described above, since the lever attachment member, the first lock cover, and the second lock cover are fitted together by a plurality of fitting portions, these components can be stably and firmly assembled.

[0133] At this time, it is preferable that the lever attachment member and the lock cover are assembled by fitting the first fitting portion, the second fitting portion, and the third fitting portion in the same direction. With the above configuration, the operation of assembling the lock cover to the lever attachment member becomes easy. Also, it becomes easy to automate the assembly operation.

[0134] At this time, the lock cover is formed so as to protrude from a side surface of an outer edge portion of the lock cover toward the lock device side, and has a cover flange that is disposed so as to surround the lock device. It is preferable that the first fitting portion, the second fitting portion, and the third fitting portion are disposed outside the cover flange on a side surface of the lock cover. With the above configuration, the outer portion (outer edge portion) of the lock cover can be fitted to the lever attachment member, and the fitting strength of the lock cover can be increased.

[0135] At this time, the lock cover is formed so as to protrude from a side surface of an outer edge portion of the lock cover toward the lock device side, and has a first reinforcing portion that connects the cover flange and the first fitting portion, and a second reinforcing portion that is formed so as to protrude from a side surface of an outer edge portion of the lock cover toward the lock device side and connects the cover flange and the third fitting portion. With the above configuration, the fitting strength of these first fitting portion and third fitting portion can be increased.

[0136] <<Appendix 4>> Further, according to the vehicle seat of the present invention, a seat body having a seat back and a seat cushion is provided, and the vehicle seat is capable of switching between a normal state of the seat body and a moving state in which the seat body is moved from the normal state. The vehicle seat is provided with a locking device that locks the moving operation of the seat body in the normal state, a lever attachment member attached to the vehicle seat, an operation lever attached to the lever attachment member and operating to release the locked state of the locking device, a cover member disposed between the lever attachment member and the operation lever and covering the operation lever, and a plate-like plate member provided between the lever attachment member and the cover member and disposed so as to surround the operation lever. The operation lever is provided so as to be exposed from an outer skin opening formed on the outer surface of an outer skin material that serves as a covering material for the seat body. The outer peripheral portion of the outer skin opening in the outer skin material is sandwiched between the cover member and the plate member. The lever attachment member has a protruding portion that protrudes from the main body portion of the lever attachment member toward the plate member side and supports the plate member by abutting against the inner surface or the outer surface of the plate member. With the above configuration, a vehicle seat can be realized in which the assembly structure of components in a device for switching the state of the seat body is simplified. Specifically, the lever attachment member has a plate support portion that protrudes from the main body portion of the lever attachment member toward the plate member side and supports the plate member by abutting against the side surface of the plate member. Therefore, when assembling the plate member to the lever attachment member, it is not necessary to perform separate processing on the plate member side. That is, the assembly structure can be simplified compared to the prior art.

[0137] At this time, the moving state is a stored state in which the seat back is stored and moved toward the vehicle body floor side, and the locking device is detachably engaged with a striker provided on the vehicle body or the vehicle seat, and includes a lock member that moves between a lock position for locking the storage operation of the seat back and an unlock position. It is preferable that the plate support portion extends along the side surface of the plate member. With the above configuration, in a vehicle seat capable of storing the seat body, the plate member can be firmly assembled to the lever attachment member.

[0138] At this time, a plurality of plate support portions are formed at intervals along the side surface of the plate member, and among the plurality of plate support portions, the uppermost plate support portion is preferably disposed above the main body portion of the lever attachment member. With the above configuration, the plate member can be more firmly assembled to the lever attachment member.

[0139] At this time, the lever attachment member has an engaging portion that engages with an engaged portion provided on the side surface of the cover member, a plurality of plate support portions are formed at intervals along the side surface of the plate member, and the engaging portion is preferably disposed between the plurality of plate support portions. As described above, since the engaging portion is disposed between the plurality of plate support portions, the cover member can be stably engaged with the lever attachment member.

[0140] At this time, the engaging portion is an engaging convex portion that engages with an engaging hole provided on the side surface of the cover member, and the lever attachment member has a positioning portion formed around the engaging convex portion for positioning the engaging hole at a position where it engages with the engaging convex portion. It is preferable to have. With the above configuration, it is possible to facilitate the engagement of the cover member with the lever attachment member.

[0141] At this time, the lever attachment member has a cover support portion that protrudes from the main body portion of the lever attachment member toward the cover member side and supports the cover member by contacting the surface of the cover member, and it is preferable that the cover support portion is provided adjacent to the plate support portion. With the above configuration, the lever attachment member (cover support portion) contacts the cover member, and the cover member can be stably engaged with the lever attachment member. Also, with the above configuration, since the cover support portion protrudes toward the cover member side, a space can be secured between the lever attachment member and the cover member. Using this space, a plate member or a skin material can be fitted in between.

[0142] At this time, it is preferable that the lever attachment member has a protruding portion that protrudes from the main body portion of the lever attachment member toward one side in the front-rear direction of the seat and supports the skin material by contacting the outer peripheral portion of the skin opening hole in the skin material. With the above configuration, one end portion in the front-rear direction of the skin material can be supported by the protruding portion of the lever attachment member, and the skin material can be stretched. By doing so, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of wrinkles in the skin material.

[0143] At this time, the protruding portions are arranged at different positions in the vertical direction, and include an upper wall portion and a bottom wall portion that protrude rearward from the rear surface of the main body portion of the lever attachment member toward the rear side of the seat, and a support wall portion that connects the rear end portions of the upper wall portion and the bottom wall portion and supports the skin material, and it is preferable that it is formed in a hollow shape when viewed from the side of the seat. As described above, since the protruding portion of the lever attachment member is formed in a hollow shape, the lever attachment member can be lightened.

[0144] At this time, the plate member is a frame-shaped plate body, the plate support portion supports the plate member by contacting the inner surface of the plate member, extends along the inner surface of the plate member, and it is preferable that a plurality of them are arranged at intervals. With the above configuration, a frame-shaped plate member can be assembled to the lever attachment member with a simple structure. Also, the plate member can be firmly assembled.

[0145] At this time, the lever attachment member has a latching portion that is latched to a latched portion provided on the side surface of the cover member. One of the latching portion and the latched portion is a latching claw, and it is preferable that the latching claw is latched to the other of the latching portion and the latched portion. With the above configuration, each component can be assembled by a simple structure using a latching claw and a latched portion (for example, a latching hole).

[0146] <Second Embodiment> Next, the vehicle seat S2 of the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 21 to 37. Note that descriptions of the contents overlapping with the above-described vehicle seat S1 will be omitted. In the vehicle seat S2, compared with the vehicle seat S1, it is mainly different in that a buffer member is attached to the locking device (lock cover).

[0147] The vehicle seat S2 includes a switching device that switches the state of the seat body by detachably connecting to a striker of a vehicle body, and a buffer member that abuts against the striker, and realizes a seat to which the buffer member can be preferably attached.

[0148] As shown in FIG. 21, the vehicle seat S2 includes a seat body having a seat back 201 and a seat cushion 202, and a switching device 240 that is attached to the outer surface of the seat back 201 and switches the seat body from the "normal state" to the "storage state".

[0149] As shown in FIGS. 22 and 23, the switching device 240 includes a locking device 290 that locks the moving operation of the seat body, an operation lever 250 that releases the locked state of the locking device 290, a connecting link 280 that connects the locking device 290 and the operation lever 250, and a position holding member 289 that holds the position of the connecting link 280. The operation lever 250 is stored in the cover member 260 and the lever mounting member 270. The locking device 290 includes a locking member 291 engaged with the striker 241, a transmission member 292, a second transmission member 293, a locking rotation shaft 294, a second locking rotation shaft 295, a biasing spring 296, and a connecting pin 297. The locking device 290 is covered by a first lock cover 298 and a second lock cover 299. Specifically, the first lock cover 298 and the second lock cover 299 are covers that cover the locking member 291, the transmission member 292, the second transmission member 293, and the biasing spring 296 from the side.

[0150] As shown in FIGS. 24 to 28, an attachment groove 298k for detachably attaching the buffer member 300 is formed at a portion of the first lock cover 298 where the striker 241 abuts. Specifically, the first lock cover 298 is formed with an attachment groove 298k for attaching the buffer member 300, and attachment protrusions 298l, 298m, and an attachment hole 298n for holding the buffer member 300.

[0151] As shown in FIGS. 24 and 25, the attachment groove 298k is formed at a position facing the locking member 291 (contact portion 291b) in the seat width direction. As shown in FIG. 25, attachment protrusions 298l and 298m are formed on the upper and bottom surfaces of the inner surface of the attachment groove 298k. An attachment hole 298n is formed on the front surface of the inner surface of the attachment groove 298k. And an opening 298o is formed on the rear surface of the inner surface of the attachment groove 298k.

[0152] As shown in FIGS. 25 to 28, the buffer member 300 is an elastic member (flexible member) and is attached to the attachment groove 298k of the first lock cover 298 from the outside in the sheet width direction. As shown in FIG. 27, the buffer member 300 includes a three-dimensional main body portion 301 that is long in the vertical direction, protruding portions 302 and 303 that protrude from both ends in the longitudinal direction of the main body portion 301 to opposite sides, and a protruding portion 304 that protrudes in a direction (height direction) orthogonal to each of the longitudinal direction (length direction) and the short direction (width direction) of the main body portion 301. In the buffer member 300, a relief groove 305 is formed around the protruding portion 304 so as to surround the protruding portion 304.

[0153] When the buffer member 300 is attached to the attachment groove 298k, the buffer member 300 is housed inside the attachment groove 298k without protruding from the first lock cover 298. At this time, as shown in FIG. 26, the main body portion 301 is disposed between the attachment protrusions 298l and 298m in the vertical direction. The protruding portion 302 (303) is disposed between the first lock cover 298 (main body portion 298a) and the attachment protrusion 298l (298m) in the sheet front-rear direction. As shown in FIGS. 26 and 28, the protruding portion 304 is attached so as to fit into the attachment hole 298n. In other words, the protruding portion 304 is fitted into the attachment hole 298n.

[0154] As shown in FIGS. 26 and 28, the buffer member 300 (main body portion 301) is exposed from the opening 298o of the first lock cover 298 and protrudes rearward from the opening 298o. That is, the buffer member 300 (main body portion 301) is disposed at a position facing the striker 241 in the sheet front-rear direction and can contact the striker 241.

[0155] As described above, by attaching the buffer member 300 to the first lock cover 298 (attachment groove 298k), the buffer member 300 can be stably attached. In addition, since no separate mounting member is required, the buffer member 300 can be easily mounted and can also be easily removed. Moreover, it is possible to accommodate both patterns: a structure in which the buffer member 300 is mounted and a structure in which the buffer member 300 is not mounted. That is, compatibility can be provided. Also, by minimizing the exposed portion of the buffer member 300, the buffer member 300 can be suitably held.

[0156] Also, as described above, a relief groove 305 is formed in the peripheral portion of the protrusion 304 in the buffer member 300. By doing so, it is possible to prevent the buffer member 300 from accidentally coming into contact with the edge portion of the mounting hole 298n of the first lock cover 298 and a part of the buffer member 300 from being shaved off. That is, it is possible to prevent the buffer member 300 from coming off.

[0157] <<Modification Example 1 of Buffer Member and Lock Cover>> Next, a first modification example of the buffer member and the lock cover will be described with reference to FIGS. 29 to 31. Note that descriptions of content overlapping with the above-described vehicle seats S1 and S2 will be omitted.

[0158] As shown in FIGS. 30 and 31, a mounting groove 298k for detachably mounting the buffer member 400 is formed in a portion of the first lock cover 298 where the striker 241 abuts. More specifically, the first lock cover 298 is formed with a mounting groove 298k, mounting protrusions 298l, 298m, and a mounting convex portion 298n for holding the buffer member 300.

[0159] As shown in FIGS. 30 and 31, the buffer member 400 includes a three-dimensional main body portion 401 that is long in the vertical direction, protrusions 402, 403, second protrusions 404, 405, mounting holes 406 (notch holes), and latching protrusions 407, 408. The protruding portions 402 and 403 protrude from both ends of the main body portion 401 in the longitudinal direction towards opposite sides. Also, the second protruding portions 404 and 405 protrude from both ends of the main body portion 401 in the longitudinal direction towards opposite sides. The protruding portion 402 and the second protruding portion 404 are formed at different positions in the height direction of the main body portion 401. The mounting hole 406 is formed at a position different from the protruding portions 402 and the second protruding portions 404 on the outer surface of the main body portion 401. The latching protrusions 407 and 408 are formed at one end portion in the longitudinal direction of the protruding portions 402 and 403 respectively.

[0160] When the buffer member 400 is attached to the attachment groove 298k, the buffer member 400 is housed in the attachment groove 298k without protruding from the first lock cover 298. At this time, the main body portion 401 is disposed sandwiched between the mounting protrusions 298l and 298m in the vertical direction. The protruding portion 402 (403) and the second protruding portion 404 (405) are arranged so as to sandwich the mounting protrusion 298l (298m) in the front - rear direction of the seat. The mounting hole 406 fits with the mounting convex portion 298n. The latching protrusions 407 and 408 are latched to the edge portion of the attachment groove 298k.

[0161] Even in the case of the above - mentioned modification 1, the buffer member 400 can be stably attached to the lock cover 298 (attachment groove 298k).

[0162] <<Modification 2 of the buffer member and the lock cover>> Next, a second modification of the buffer member and the lock cover will be described with reference to FIGS. 32 to 33.

[0163] An attachment groove 298k for attaching the buffer member 500 is formed at the portion of the first lock cover 298 where the striker 241 abuts. Specifically, the first lock cover 298 is formed with a mounting groove 298k, mounting protrusions 298l, 298m for holding the buffer member 300, and a mounting convex portion 298n.

[0164] The buffer member 500 includes a three-dimensional main body portion 501 that is long in the vertical direction, protrusions 502, 503, second protrusions 504, 505, mounting holes 506 (notch holes), and latching protrusions 507, 508. When the buffer member 500 is attached to the attachment groove 298k, the attachment hole 506 fits with the attachment convex portion 298n. The latching protrusions 507, 508 are latched to the edge portion of the attachment groove 298k (latching groove 298p).

[0165] Even in the case of the above-described modification 2, the buffer member 500 can be stably attached to the lock cover 298 (attachment groove 298k).

[0166] <<Modification 3 of Buffer Member and Lock Cover>> Next, a modification 3 of the buffer member and the lock cover will be described with reference to FIGS. 34 to 35.

[0167] In the first lock cover 298, an attachment groove 298k for attaching the buffer member 600 is formed at the portion where the striker 241 abuts. Specifically, the first lock cover 298 is formed with a mounting groove 298k, mounting protrusions 298l, 298m for holding the buffer member 300, and a mounting convex portion 298n.

[0168] The buffer member 600 includes a three-dimensional main body portion 601 that is long in the vertical direction, protrusions 602, 603, second protrusions 604, 605, and a mounting hole 606 (through hole). When the buffer member 600 is attached to the attachment groove 298k, the attachment hole 606 fits with the attachment convex portion 298n. The latching protrusions 607 and 608 are latched to the edge portion (latching groove 298p) of the mounting groove 298k.

[0169] Even in the case of the above-described Modification 3, the buffer member 600 can be stably attached to the lock cover 298 (mounting groove 298k).

[0170] <<Modification 4 of Buffer Member and Lock Cover>> Next, Modification 4 of the buffer member and the lock cover will be described with reference to FIGS. 36 to 37.

[0171] In the first lock cover 298, a mounting groove 298k for attaching the buffer member 700 is formed at the portion where the striker 241 abuts. Specifically, the first lock cover 298 is formed with a mounting groove 298k and mounting protrusions 298l and 298m for holding the buffer member 300.

[0172] The buffer member 700 includes a three-dimensional main body portion 701 that is long in the vertical direction, protruding portions 702 and 703, and mounting recesses 704 and 705. When the buffer member 700 is attached to the mounting groove 298k, the mounting recesses 704 and 705 are respectively fitted with the mounting protrusions 298l and 298m.

[0173] Even in the case of the above-described Modification 4, the buffer member 700 can be stably attached to the lock cover 298 (mounting groove 298k).

[0174] In the above embodiment, a vehicle seat used in an automobile has been described as a specific example. However, without being particularly limited, in addition to motorcycle seats for motorcycles, vehicle seats for trains, buses, etc., and seats for vehicles such as airplanes and ships, it can be used for various seats such as office chairs for work, car seats, and children's seats in shopping carts.

[0175] In this embodiment, the vehicle seat according to the present invention has been mainly described. However, the above embodiments are merely examples for facilitating the understanding of the present invention and do not limit the present invention. The present invention can be changed and improved without departing from its gist, and it goes without saying that equivalents thereof are included in the present invention.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0176] <First Embodiment> S1 Vehicle seat Sa Seat frame 1 Seat back 1a, 2a Padding material 1b, 2b Skin material 2 Seat cushion 3 Headrest 10 Back frame 11 Main frame 12 Panel frame 13 Connecting frame 14 Elastic support member 15 Vehicle body connecting bracket 16 Seat rotation shaft 17 Reclining device 20 Cushion frame 21 Side frame 22 Front connecting frame 23 Rear connecting frame 24 Pan frame 25 Cushion rotation device 26 Cushion rotation shaft 27 Leg rotation device 28 Leg rotation shaft 30 Support leg 31 Leg main body part 32 Leg connecting part 35 Support base 36 Connecting wall part 37 Outer wall part 40 Switching device 41 Striker 50 Operating lever 50a Upper wall part 50b Front wall part 50c Side wall part 50d Second side wall part 50e bottom wall portion 50f reinforcing wall portion 51 lever rotation axis 52 lever operation portion 53 lever regulation portion 54 engaging portion (link engaging portion, engaging hole) 60 cover member 60a side wall portion 60b front wall portion 60c rear wall portion 60d bottom wall portion 60e side flange portion 60f front flange portion 60g rear flange portion 61 cover opening 62 cover engaging hole (engaged portion, engaging hole portion) 63 lever contact portion 64 assembly protrusion 65 plate member 70 lever mounting member 70a side wall portion 70b front wall portion 70c rear wall portion 70d bottom wall portion 70e side flange portion 70f front flange portion 70g rear flange portion 71 shaft support portion 72 engaging claw (engaging portion, engaging convex portion) 72a positioning portion (positioning concave portion) 73 opening (opening hole) 73a first inner surface 73b second inner surface 74 cover assembly portion (assembly protrusion) 75 plate support portion (support protrusion) 76 first fitting portion (fitting hole) 77 second fitting portion (fitting hole) 78 third fitting portion (fitting hole) 79 projecting portion 79a upper wall portion 79b bottom wall portion 79c support wall portion 80 Connecting Link (Connecting Member) 81 Body Portion 82 Lever Engagement Portion (Lever Engagement Projection) 82a, 83a Engagement Body Portion 82b, 83b Engagement Claws 82c, 83c Slit Holes 83 Lock Connecting Portion (Connecting Projection) 84 Spring Assembly Portion (Assembly Portion) 84a Projecting Tip Portion 85 Mounting Portion 85a Mounting Body Portion 85b Hook Portion 86 Engagement Projection (Engagement Portion, Engagement Portion of Position Retaining Member) 87 Reinforcing Portion 88 Through Hole 89 Position Retaining Member 89a Body Portion 89b Projection 89c Engagement Hole 89d Deflection Portion 89e Bending Portion 90 Locking Device 91 Locking Member 91a Striker Engagement Portion 91b Contact Portion 92 Transmission Member 92a Connecting Hole 92b Protrusion 93 Second Transmission Member 93a Pin Support Hole 93b Protrusion Insertion Hole 93c Spring Support Portion 94 Lock Rotation Axis 95 Second Lock Rotation Axis 96 Biasing Spring (Biasing Member) 97 Connecting Pin 98 First Lock Cover 98a Body Portion 98b First Fitted Portion (Fitting Projection) 98c Third Fitted Portion (Fitting Projection) 98d Shaft Support Hole 98e Second Shaft Support Hole 98f Cover Assembly Portion (Assembly Protrusion) 98g Second cover assembly part 98h Cover flange 98i First reinforcement part 98j Second reinforcement part 99 Second lock cover 99a Main body part 99b Second engaged part (engaging convex part) 99c Shaft support hole 99d Second shaft support hole 99e Part to be assembled (assembly protrusion) 99f Second part to be assembled (bending part) 160 Cover member 162 Hooking claw (part to be hooked) 170 Lever attachment member 170a Side wall part 170e Side flange part 174 Hooking part 174a Hooking hole 174b Hooking support part <Second Embodiment> S2 Vehicle seat 201 Seat back 202 Seat cushion 240 Switching device 241 Striker 250 Operating lever 260 Cover member 270 Lever attachment member 280 Connecting link 289 Position holding member 290 Locking device 291 Locking member 291a Striker engaging part 291b Contact part 292 Transmission member 293 Second transmission member 294 Lock rotation shaft 295 Second lock rotation shaft 296 Biasing spring 297 Connecting pin 298 First lock cover 298a Main body part 298k mounting groove 298l, 298m mounting protrusions 298n mounting hole, mounting convex part 298o opening 298p latching groove 299 Second lock cover 300 Buffer member 301 Body part 302, 303 Protruding parts 304 Protrusion 305 Relief groove 400 Buffer member 401 Body part 402, 403 Protruding parts 404, 405 Second protruding parts 406 Mounting hole (notch hole) 407, 408 Protruding parts 500 Buffer member 501 Body part 502, 503 Protruding parts 504, 505 Second protruding parts 506 Mounting hole (notch hole) 507, 508 Latching protrusions 600 Buffer member 601 Body part 602, 603 Protruding parts 604, 605 Second protruding parts 606 Mounting hole (through hole) 607, 608 Latching protrusions 700 Buffer member 701 Body part 702, 703 Protruding parts 704, 705 Mounting recesses

Claims

1. A vehicle seat including a seat body having a seat back and a seat cushion, wherein the seat body can be switched between a normal state and a moving state moved from the normal state, a locking device for locking the moving operation of the seat body in the normal state, a lock cover covering the locking device, a lever attachment member attached to the vehicle seat, and an operation lever attached to the lever attachment member and operating to release the locked state of the locking device, wherein the lever attachment member, has a first fitting portion that fits into a first fitted portion provided on the lock cover, and a second fitting portion that fits into a second fitted portion provided on the lock cover, wherein the first fitting portion and the second fitting portion each extend in a direction orthogonal to the fitting direction of the lock cover and extend in a direction intersecting each other, the lever attachment member further has a third fitting portion that fits into a third fitted portion provided on the lock cover, and the lever attachment member and the lock cover are assembled by fitting the first fitting portion, the second fitting portion, and the third fitting portion in the same direction. A vehicle seat characterized by this.

2. A vehicle seat including a seat body having a seat back and a seat cushion, wherein the seat body can be switched between a normal state and a moving state moved from the normal state, a locking device for locking the moving operation of the seat body in the normal state, a lock cover covering the locking device, a lever attachment member attached to the vehicle seat, and an operation lever attached to the lever attachment member and operating to release the locked state of the locking device, wherein the lever attachment member, has a first fitting portion that fits into a first fitted portion provided on the lock cover, and a second fitting portion that fits into a second fitted portion provided on the lock cover, wherein the first fitting portion and the second fitting portion each extend in a direction orthogonal to the fitting direction of the lock cover and extend in a direction intersecting each other, the lever attachment member further has a third fitting portion that fits into a third fitted portion provided on the lock cover, The lock cover has a cover flange that is formed to protrude from the side surface of the outer edge portion of the lock cover toward the lock device side and is arranged to surround the lock device. The first fitting portion, the second fitting portion, and the third fitting portion are arranged outside the cover flange on the side surface of the lock cover, and the vehicle seat is characterized by this.

3. The moving state is a stored state in which the seat back is stored and moved toward the vehicle body floor side. The lock device includes a lock member that is detachably engaged with a striker provided on the vehicle body or the vehicle seat and moves between a lock position that locks the storage operation of the seat back and a unlock position. The vehicle seat according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first fitting portion and the second fitting portion extend in directions orthogonal to each other.

4. The lock cover is assembled to the lever attachment member from the seat width direction. The vehicle seat according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first fitting portion and the second fitting portion are arranged at different positions in the vertical direction and at different positions in the seat front-rear direction.

5. It includes a connecting member that connects the lock device and the operation lever and acts to switch the lock device from a locked state to an unlocked state in response to the operation of the operation lever. The vehicle seat according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the third fitting portion is arranged on the side opposite to the first fitting portion and the second fitting portion side with respect to the connecting member.

6. The vehicle seat according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first fitting portion and the third fitting portion extend so as to be long in the same direction.

7. The lock cover is assembled to the lever attachment member from the seat width direction. The vehicle seat according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second fitting portion is arranged between the first fitting portion and the third fitting portion in the seat front-rear direction.

8. The lock cover has a first lock cover that covers the lock device and a second lock cover that is attached to the side surface of the first lock cover. The first fitted portion and the third fitted portion are formed on the first lock cover. The vehicle seat according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second fitted portion is formed on the second lock cover.

9. The lock cover is formed so as to protrude from the side surface of the outer edge portion of the lock cover toward the lock device side, and a first reinforcing portion that connects the cover flange and the first fitting portion; formed so as to protrude from the side surface of the outer edge portion of the lock cover toward the lock device side, and a second reinforcing portion that connects the cover flange and the third fitting portion, and the vehicle seat according to claim 2, characterized in that it has.

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