Vehicle seat device and control method thereof

Abstract

To provide a seat device for a vehicle having a rotary device and an expansion / contraction device which smoothly performs rotary operation.SOLUTION: A seat device 1 for a vehicle has: a seat body 3 that has a seat cushion 11 and a seat back 12, in which the seat cushion has an expansion / contraction device 13 moving forward and backward in a horizontal direction; a rotary device 2 which is provided between a floor 5 and the seat cushion and rotatably supports the seat cushion with a first axis extending in a vertical direction as a center; a control device 220 for controlling the expansion / contraction device and the rotary device; and a rotary operation switch 262 which is operated by a user, and outputs a rotary command for rotating the rotary device to the control device. The control device executes rotation control of the rotary device on the basis of a signal from the rotary operation switch, and executes expansion control of the expansion device according to the rotation control.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle seat device and a control method thereof. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a vehicle seat device that can rotate around a vertical axis relative to a floor. The vehicle seat device has a sliding device provided on the floor and a rotating device between the sliding device and a seat cushion. The rotating device has a base plate supported by the sliding device, a rotating plate rotatably supported on the base plate and connected to the seat cushion, and a rotating actuator that rotates the rotating part relative to the base part.

[0003] Patent Document 2 discloses a vehicle seat device having an extension device at the front end of the seat cushion. When the extension device extends forward, the seat cushion expands forward. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-132093 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-144716 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] It is conceivable to apply a rotation device and an extension device to a vehicle seat device. However, when the extension device is extended, the extension device may interfere with structures inside the vehicle, hindering the rotation of the rotation device.

[0006] In view of the above background, an object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle seat device having a rotation device and an extension / retraction device, which allows a rotation operation to be performed smoothly. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, one aspect of the present invention is a vehicle seat device (1), comprising: a seat body (3) having a seat cushion (11) and a seat back (12) and an extension / retraction device (13) that moves the seat cushion back and forth horizontally; a rotation device (2) that is provided between a floor (5) and the seat cushion and that supports the seat cushion rotatably about a first axis that extends in the vertical direction; a control device (220) that controls the extension / retraction device and the rotation device; and a rotation operation switch (262) that is operated by a user and that outputs a rotation command to the control device for rotating the rotation device, and the control device controls the rotation of the rotation device based on a signal from the rotation operation switch, and controls the extension / retraction of the extension device in response to the rotation control.

[0008] According to this aspect, since the control device performs extension and contraction control in response to rotation control, it is possible to prevent the extension and contraction device from interfering with structures inside the vehicle when the rotation device rotates, thereby enabling the vehicle seat apparatus to perform a smooth rotation operation.

[0009] In the above aspect, the control device may start the rotation control of the rotation device after contracting the horizontal protrusion amount of the extension device to a predetermined upper limit protrusion amount or less through the extension / contraction control.

[0010] According to this aspect, the rotation device starts to rotate after the extension device has contracted, so that interference between the extension device and structures inside the vehicle can be reliably avoided.

[0011] In the above aspect, the control device may start the extension / contraction control for contracting the extension amount of the extension device to a predetermined upper limit extension amount or less, and at the same time start the rotation control of the rotation device.

[0012] According to this aspect, the rotation device can quickly start rotating.

[0013] In the above aspect, the control device may contract the protrusion amount of the extension / contraction device to the upper limit protrusion amount or less by the extension / contraction control before the rotation control of the rotation device is completed.

[0014] According to this aspect, the rotation device can be rotated while avoiding interference between the extension device and structures inside the vehicle.

[0015] In the above aspect, the control device may perform the rotation control and the extension / retraction control based on a map that defines the relationship between the rotation angle of the rotation device and the upper limit protrusion amount of the extension device so that the protrusion amount of the extension device at each rotation angle is equal to or less than the upper limit protrusion amount.

[0016] According to this aspect, interference between the extension device and structures inside the vehicle can be reliably avoided at each rotation angle of the rotation device.

[0017] In the above aspect, the control device may not execute the extension / contraction control in accordance with the rotation control when the seat body rotates from an initial position facing forward of the vehicle to an exterior side of the vehicle.

[0018] According to this aspect, the seat body can have the extension and contraction device protrude toward the outside of the vehicle, which makes it easier for the user to get in and out of the vehicle.

[0019] In the above aspect, the vehicle may further include a proximity sensor (270) that detects the proximity state between the extension device and a structure inside the vehicle, and the control device may perform the extension / retraction control based on a signal from the proximity sensor so that the distance between the extension device and the structure is equal to or greater than a predetermined lower limit.

[0020] According to this aspect, it is possible to reliably avoid interference between the extension device and structures inside the vehicle at each rotation angle of the rotation device, and it is also possible to avoid interference between the extension device and objects temporarily placed inside the vehicle.

[0021] In the above aspect, a pair of lower rails (37) are provided on the floor, each of the lower rails supports an upper rail (38) in a slidable manner, the pair of upper rails are connected by a pair of cross members (57), respectively, the rotation device has a base plate (56) connected to each of the cross members, a rotating plate (71) rotatably supported on the base plate, and a plate-shaped fixed bracket (72) with the surface connected to the rotating plate facing up and down, and the seat cushion may be connected to the upper surface of the fixed bracket.

[0022] According to this aspect, the seat body can be supported on the floor so as to be slidable and rotatable.

[0023] In the above aspect, a lighting device (251) may be provided on the lower surface of the fixed bracket, and the control device may turn on the lighting device while the rotation control is being executed.

[0024] According to this aspect, the lighting device can alert the user that the seat body is rotating. The lighting device illuminates the floor, so that the user is not annoyed.

[0025] In the above aspect, the pair of cross members may be connected to each other by a connecting member (253), and a lighting device (251) may be provided on the underside of the connecting member, and the control device may turn on the lighting device while the rotation control is being executed.

[0026] According to this aspect, the lighting device can alert the user that the seat body is rotating. The lighting device illuminates the floor, so that the user is not annoyed.

[0027] In the above aspect, the base plate and the rotating plate are rotatably supported on a support tube (87) that extends vertically and has both ends open, and the extension device has a movable member (201) that is slidably mounted on the frame of the seat cushion back and forth, an air bag (213) that receives a supply of compressed air and expands to move the movable member, and a compressor (217) that supplies the compressed air to the air bag via a tube (218), and the tube may pass through the support tube.

[0028] According to this aspect, the compressor can be placed on the floor. Also, because the tube passes near the rotation axis of the rotating device, the tube is prevented from swinging even when the rotating device rotates.

[0029] In the above aspect, the rotating device has a rotation lock device (54) that selectively prohibits rotation of the rotating plate relative to the base plate, and the rotation lock device has a holder (122) that protrudes downward from the underside of the base plate, and a lock claw (121) that is rotatably supported by the holder and penetrates the base plate to engage with the rotating plate, the holder has an end wall portion (124) that passes through an opening (126) formed in the base plate and extends above the base plate, the lock claw is supported on the end wall portion so as to be rotatable about a second axis (B), and the rotating plate is supported on the upper surface of the base plate via a bearing (78), and the second axis may be positioned at the same height as the bearing in the vertical direction.

[0030] According to this aspect, the second axis is disposed at the same height as the bearing, so that the rotating device can be made smaller in size in the vertical direction.

[0031] In the above aspect, the rotating plate may be formed with a lock hole (132) with which the lock claw can selectively engage, the base plate may be formed with an insertion hole (131), the lock claw may rotate between a locked position and an unlocked position, the lock claw may pass through the insertion hole and protrude into the lock hole at the locked position, and may be separated from the insertion hole and the lock hole at the unlocked position, a biasing member (134) may be provided between the lock claw and the holder to bias the lock claw toward the locked position, the biasing member may extend in a radial direction centered on the first axis, and an end of the biasing member on the first axis side may overlap with the second axis or an imaginary line extending from the second axis when viewed from above.

[0032] According to this aspect, the locking claw, the holder, and the biasing member can be arranged compactly in the radial direction centered on the first axis.

[0033] In the above aspect, a gear (116) centered on the first axis may be provided on the lower surface of the rotating plate, and the second axis may be arranged radially outward from the gear about the first axis.

[0034] According to this aspect, interference between the locking claw and the gear can be avoided when the locking claw rotates.

[0035] Another aspect of the present invention is a control method for a vehicle seat device (1), wherein the vehicle seat device includes a seat body (3) having a seat cushion (11) and a seat back (12) and an extension / retraction device (13) that extends and contracts the seat cushion horizontally, a rotation device (2) that is provided between a floor (5) and the seat cushion and supports the seat cushion rotatably around a first axis extending in the vertical direction, a control device (220) that controls the extension / retraction device and the rotation device, and a rotation operation switch (262) that is operated by a user and outputs a rotation command to the control device for rotating the rotation device, and the control device may perform rotation control of the rotation device based on a signal from the rotation operation switch, and perform extension / retraction control of the extension / retraction device in response to the rotation control.

[0036] According to this aspect, since the control device performs extension and contraction control in response to rotation control, it is possible to prevent the extension and contraction device from interfering with structures inside the vehicle when the rotation device rotates, thereby enabling the vehicle seat to rotate smoothly. [Effects of the Invention]

[0037] One aspect of the present invention is a vehicle seat device (1) comprising: a seat body (3) having a seat cushion (11) and a seat back (12) and an extension / retraction device (13) that moves the seat cushion back and forth horizontally; a rotation device (2) that is provided between a floor (5) and the seat cushion and that supports the seat cushion rotatably about a first axis that extends in the vertical direction; a control device (220) that controls the extension / retraction device and the rotation device; and a rotation operation switch (262) that is operated by a user and that outputs a rotation command to the control device for rotating the rotation device, and the control device controls the rotation of the rotation device based on a signal from the rotation operation switch, and controls the extension / retraction of the extension device in response to the rotation control.

[0038] According to this aspect, since the control device performs extension and contraction control in response to rotation control, it is possible to prevent the extension and contraction device from interfering with structures inside the vehicle when the rotation device rotates, thereby enabling the vehicle seat apparatus to perform a smooth rotation operation.

[0039] In the above aspect, the control device may start the rotation control of the rotation device after contracting the horizontal protrusion amount of the extension device to a predetermined upper limit protrusion amount or less through the extension / contraction control.

[0040] According to this aspect, the rotation device starts to rotate after the extension device has contracted, so that interference between the extension device and structures inside the vehicle can be reliably avoided.

[0041] In the above aspect, the control device may start the extension / contraction control for contracting the extension amount of the extension device to a predetermined upper limit extension amount or less, and at the same time start the rotation control of the rotation device.

[0042] According to this aspect, the rotation device can quickly start rotating.

[0043] In the above aspect, the control device may contract the protrusion amount of the extension / contraction device to the upper limit protrusion amount or less by the extension / contraction control before the rotation control of the rotation device is completed.

[0044] According to this aspect, the rotation device can be rotated while avoiding interference between the extension device and structures inside the vehicle.

[0045] In the above aspect, the control device may perform the rotation control and the extension / retraction control based on a map that defines the relationship between the rotation angle of the rotation device and the upper limit protrusion amount of the extension device so that the protrusion amount of the extension device at each rotation angle is equal to or less than the upper limit protrusion amount.

[0046] According to this aspect, interference between the extension device and structures inside the vehicle can be reliably avoided at each rotation angle of the rotation device.

[0047] In the above aspect, the control device may not execute the extension / contraction control in accordance with the rotation control when the seat body rotates from an initial position facing forward of the vehicle to an exterior side of the vehicle.

[0048] According to this aspect, the seat body can have the extension and contraction device protrude toward the outside of the vehicle, which makes it easier for the user to get in and out of the vehicle.

[0049] In the above aspect, the vehicle may further include a proximity sensor (270) that detects the proximity state between the extension device and a structure inside the vehicle, and the control device may perform the extension / retraction control based on a signal from the proximity sensor so that the distance between the extension device and the structure is equal to or greater than a predetermined lower limit.

[0050] According to this aspect, it is possible to reliably avoid interference between the extension device and structures inside the vehicle at each rotation angle of the rotation device, and it is also possible to avoid interference between the extension device and objects temporarily placed inside the vehicle.

[0051] In the above aspect, a pair of lower rails (37) are provided on the floor, each of the lower rails supports an upper rail (38) in a slidable manner, the pair of upper rails are connected by a pair of cross members (57), respectively, the rotation device has a base plate (56) connected to each of the cross members, a rotating plate (71) rotatably supported on the base plate, and a plate-shaped fixed bracket (72) with the surface connected to the rotating plate facing up and down, and the seat cushion may be connected to the upper surface of the fixed bracket.

[0052] According to this aspect, the seat body can be supported on the floor so as to be slidable and rotatable.

[0053] In the above aspect, a lighting device (251) may be provided on the lower surface of the fixed bracket, and the control device may turn on the lighting device while the rotation control is being executed.

[0054] According to this aspect, the lighting device can alert the user that the seat body is rotating. The lighting device illuminates the floor, so that the user is not annoyed.

[0055] In the above aspect, the pair of cross members may be connected to each other by a connecting member (253), and a lighting device (251) may be provided on the underside of the connecting member, and the control device may turn on the lighting device while the rotation control is being executed.

[0056] According to this aspect, the lighting device can alert the user that the seat body is rotating. The lighting device illuminates the floor, so that the user is not annoyed.

[0057] In the above aspect, the base plate and the rotating plate are rotatably supported on a support tube (87) that extends vertically and has both ends open, and the extension device has a movable member (201) that is slidably mounted on the frame of the seat cushion back and forth, an air bag (213) that receives a supply of compressed air and expands to move the movable member, and a compressor (217) that supplies the compressed air to the air bag via a tube (218), and the tube may pass through the support tube.

[0058] According to this aspect, the compressor can be placed on the floor. Also, because the tube passes near the rotation axis of the rotating device, the tube is prevented from swinging even when the rotating device rotates.

[0059] In the above aspect, the rotating device has a rotation lock device (54) that selectively prohibits rotation of the rotating plate relative to the base plate, and the rotation lock device has a holder (122) that protrudes downward from the underside of the base plate, and a lock claw (121) that is rotatably supported by the holder and penetrates the base plate to engage with the rotating plate, the holder has an end wall portion (124) that passes through an opening (126) formed in the base plate and extends above the base plate, the lock claw is supported on the end wall portion so as to be rotatable about a second axis (B), and the rotating plate is supported on the upper surface of the base plate via a bearing (78), and the second axis may be positioned at the same height as the bearing in the vertical direction.

[0060] According to this aspect, the second axis is disposed at the same height as the bearing, so that the rotating device can be made smaller in size in the vertical direction.

[0061] In the above aspect, the rotating plate may be formed with a lock hole (132) with which the lock claw can selectively engage, the base plate may be formed with an insertion hole (131), the lock claw may rotate between a locked position and an unlocked position, the lock claw may pass through the insertion hole and protrude into the lock hole at the locked position, and may be separated from the insertion hole and the lock hole at the unlocked position, and a biasing member (134) may be provided between the lock claw and the holder to bias the lock claw toward the locked position, the biasing member may extend in a radial direction centered on the first axis, and when viewed from the top-bottom direction, an end of the biasing member on the first axis side may overlap with an imaginary line extending from the second axis.

[0062] According to this aspect, the locking claw, the holder, and the biasing member can be arranged compactly in the radial direction centered on the first axis.

[0063] In the above aspect, a gear (116) centered on the first axis may be provided on the lower surface of the rotating plate, and the second axis may be arranged radially outward from the gear about the first axis.

[0064] According to this aspect, interference between the locking claw and the gear can be avoided when the locking claw rotates.

[0065] Another aspect of the present invention is a control method for a vehicle seat device (1), wherein the vehicle seat device includes a seat body (3) having a seat cushion (11) and a seat back (12) and an extension / retraction device (13) that extends and contracts the seat cushion horizontally, a rotation device (2) that is provided between a floor (5) and the seat cushion and supports the seat cushion rotatably around a first axis extending in the vertical direction, a control device (220) that controls the extension / retraction device and the rotation device, and a rotation operation switch (262) that is operated by a user and outputs a rotation command to the control device for rotating the rotation device, and the control device may perform rotation control of the rotation device based on a signal from the rotation operation switch, and perform extension / retraction control of the extension / retraction device in response to the rotation control.

[0066] According to this aspect, since the control device performs extension and contraction control in response to rotation control, it is possible to prevent the extension and contraction device from interfering with structures inside the vehicle when the rotation device rotates, thereby enabling the vehicle seat to rotate smoothly. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0067] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle seat device according to an embodiment; [Figure 2] Plan view of the rotating device [Figure 3] Bottom view of the rotating device [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a rotating device with the rotating plate omitted. [Figure 5] Exploded perspective view of the rotating device [Figure 6] Cross section of a rotating device [Figure 7] Cross section of a rotating device [Figure 8] Cross section of a rotating device [Figure 9] Perspective view of a rotation lock device [Figure 10] Plan view of the rotation lock device [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the state in which the locking claw is engaged with the first to fourth locking holes. [Figure 12] 1 is a perspective view of a base-side separation prevention unit and a rotation-side separation prevention unit; [Figure 13] 1 is a side view of a base-side separation prevention unit and a rotation-side separation prevention unit; [Figure 14] Cross section of roller [Figure 15] Perspective view of the expansion device [Figure 16] Cross-sectional view showing the initial state of the expansion joint [Figure 17] Cross-sectional view showing the extension device in a protruding state [Figure 18] Cross-sectional view showing the most protruding state of the expansion device [Figure 19] Block diagram showing a control system of a vehicle seat device [Figure 20] Bottom view of the fixing bracket [Figure 21] 10 is a bottom view of a rotation device according to a modified example. [Figure 22] 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle seat device as seen from the rear; [Figure 23] Flow diagram showing the procedure for expansion / contraction control executed by the control device [Figure 24] 1 is a flow diagram showing a rotation control procedure executed by a control device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0068] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a vehicle seat according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The vehicle seat is applied to a known automobile, for example, a sedan or a minivan. The vehicle to which the vehicle seat according to the present embodiment is applied may be an autonomous vehicle.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle seat apparatus 1 has a rotation device 2. The vehicle seat apparatus 1 also has a seat body 3 and a slide device 4. The rotation device 2 is mounted on a floor 5 via the slide device 4. The seat body 3 has a seat cushion 11 and a seat back 12. The seat cushion 11 supports the buttocks of a user from below. The seat back 12 extends upward from the rear of the seat cushion 11. The seat back 12 supports the back of the user from behind.

[0070] The seat cushion 11 has an extension device 13 that extends and contracts in the horizontal direction.

[0071] The seat cushion 11 includes a seat cushion frame 14 forming a framework, a pad supported by the seat cushion frame 14, and a covering material covering the surface of the pad. The seat cushion frame 14 includes left and right seat cushion side members 18 extending longitudinally, a front member 19 extending laterally and connected to the front ends of the left and right seat cushion side members 18, and a rear member 21 extending laterally and connected to the rear ends of the left and right seat cushion side members 18. A flexible support member 22 supporting the user's buttocks is bridged between the front member 19 and the rear member 21. The support member 22 may include a plurality of metal wires and flexible resin plates connected to each wire. As shown in FIG. 1 , side covers 23 are provided on the left and right sides of the seat cushion 11. The side covers 23 are supported by the seat cushion side members 18 and conceal the ends of the pad and the covering material. The side covers 23 may be formed of a resin material.

[0072] The extension device 13 is provided on the front member 19. The extension device 13 extends and contracts the front end of the seat cushion 11 forward. The configuration of the extension device 13 will be described later.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 1 , the seatback 12 includes a seatback frame 25 forming a framework, a pad supported by the seatback frame 25, and a covering material covering the surface of the pad. The seatback frame 25 includes left and right seatback side members 29 extending vertically, an upper member 31 extending laterally and connected to the upper ends of the left and right seatback side members 29, a lower member 32 extending laterally and connected to the lower ends of the left and right seatback side members 29, and an intermediate member 33 extending laterally between the upper member 31 and the lower member 32 and connected to the left and right seatback side members 29. The left and right seatback side members 29, the upper member 31, the lower member 32, and the intermediate member 33 are formed by bending a metal plate. A flexible support member 34 that supports the back of a user is stretched across the left and right seatback side members 29, the intermediate member 33, and the lower member 32. The support member 34 may be formed of a plurality of metal wires. The lower ends of the left and right seatback side members 29 are connected to the rear ends of the corresponding seat cushion side members 18 via reclining devices 35 .

[0074] 1 and 5, the slide device 4 has left and right lower rails 37 extending in the front-rear direction, and left and right upper rails 38 supported on the lower rails 37 so as to be slidable in the front-rear direction. Each lower rail 37 is connected to the floor 5 via front and rear feet 39. A slide lock device (not shown) is provided between each lower rail 37 and the corresponding upper rail 38. The left and right slide lock devices are connected to each other by a slide operating lever 41 extending in the left and right directions. A user can operate the slide operating lever 41 to make the upper rail 38 slidable relative to the lower rail 37.

[0075] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, the rotation device 2 is provided between a floor 5 and a seat cushion 11, and supports the seat cushion 11 rotatably with respect to the floor 5. The rotation device 2 has a base portion 51, a rotation portion 52, a rotation actuator 53, and a rotation lock device 54.

[0076] The base portion 51 is provided on the floor 5 side. In this embodiment, the base portion 51 is provided on the floor 5 via the slide device 4. The base portion 51 has a circular base plate 56 with its surfaces facing up and down. The base plate 56 is supported on the left and right upper rails 38 via a pair of front and rear cross members 57. Each cross member 57 extends left and right, and is joined at both ends to the left and right upper rails 38. Both left and right ends of the front cross member 57 are joined to the front ends of the corresponding left and right upper rails 38. Both left and right ends of the rear-front cross member 57 are joined to the rear ends of the corresponding left and right upper rails 38.

[0077] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the front and rear cross members 57 are arranged at a distance from each other in the front and rear directions. The base plate 56 and the front and rear cross members 57 may be formed from metal plates. The cross section of each cross member 57 may be formed in a groove shape that opens downward. The front-to-rear width of the left and right end portions 57A of each cross member 57 is larger than the front-to-rear width of the central portion 57B. The left and right end portions 57A have upper surfaces facing the vertical direction. A plurality of reinforcing structures 59 are formed in the central portion 57B. The multiple reinforcing structures 59 may be beads. The reinforcing structures 59 may extend in the left-to-right direction. Alternatively, the reinforcing structures 59 may extend obliquely outwardly to the left and right and rearward from the center of the central portion 57B.

[0078] As shown in Figures 3 and 5, the front and rear cross members 57 and the base plate 56 may be fastened together with bolts and nuts. The front and rear cross members 57 are connected to each other by the base plate 56. The front portion of the base plate 56 is connected to the front cross member 57 at a first connection point 58A, a second connection point 58B, and a third connection point 58C. The first connection point 58A is located at the front end of the base plate 56 and in the center in the left-right direction. The second connection point 58B is located rearward and to the left of the first connection point 58A. The third connection point 58C is located rearward and to the right of the first connection point 58A.

[0079] The rear of the base plate 56 is connected to the front cross member 57 at a fourth connection point 58D, a fifth connection point 58E, and a sixth connection point 58F. The fourth connection point 58D is located at the rear end of the base plate 56 and in the center in the left-right direction. The fifth connection point 58E is located forward and to the left of the fourth connection point 58D. The sixth connection point 58F is located forward and to the right of the fourth connection point 58D.

[0080] As shown in FIGS. 5 to 8, a first bulge 61 that bulges downward is formed in the center of the base plate 56. The first bulge 61 is formed in a cylindrical shape with a bottom. A circular first bearing hole 62 that penetrates the first bulge 61 in the thickness direction is formed in the center of the first bulge 61. The first bearing hole 62 is centered on an axis A (first axis) that extends vertically. An annular edge wall 63 that protrudes upward or downward may be formed on the edge of the first bearing hole 62.

[0081] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 8 , an annular fixing member 66 is coupled to the outer periphery of the base plate 56. The fixing member 66 includes a cylindrical tubular wall 67 extending along the outer periphery of the base plate 56 and extending upward, an inner flange 68 extending radially inward from the upper end of the tubular wall 67, and multiple connecting pieces 69 provided at the lower end of the tubular wall 67. The inner flange 68 is formed in an annular shape, with its surface facing up and down. The multiple connecting pieces 69 are bent during assembly to extend below the base plate 56. The outer periphery of the base plate 56 is disposed between the inner flange 68 and the connecting pieces 69 in the vertical direction. The multiple connecting pieces 69 provided at the front and rear of the base plate 56 are preferably sandwiched between the base plate 56 and the corresponding cross members 57 in the vertical direction. The multiple connecting pieces 69 are welded to the base plate 56. Alternatively, the fixing member 66 may be formed by combining multiple components. A plurality of reinforcing structures may be provided at the boundary between the cylindrical wall 67 and the inner flange 68. The reinforcing structures may be, for example, recesses, ribs, or the like.

[0082] 2 and 5 to 8, the rotating part 52 is provided on the seat cushion 11 and is rotatably supported by the base part 51. The rotating part 52 has a rotating plate 71 rotatably supported on the upper surface of the base plate 56. The rotating part 52 also has a fixed bracket 72 that connects the rotating plate 71 to the seat cushion frame 14. The rotating plate 71 and the fixed bracket 72 are formed from a metal plate.

[0083] Rotating plate 71 is formed in the shape of a disk with its surfaces facing up and down. A circular second bearing hole 75 is formed in the center of rotating plate 71, penetrating through the thickness direction. Second bearing hole 75 is centered on axis A. An annular edge wall 76 that protrudes upward or downward may be formed on the edge of second bearing hole 75.

[0084] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 , the rotating plate 71 is supported on the upper surface of the base plate 56 via a bearing 78. The bearing 78 is formed in an annular shape centered on the axis A. The bearing 78 is disposed between the upper surface of the outer periphery of the base plate 56 and the lower surface of the outer periphery of the rotating plate 71. The bearing 78 may be a thrust bearing. In this embodiment, the bearing 78 is a ball bearing. The ball bearing has a plurality of balls and an annular retainer that rotatably supports the plurality of balls. A first bearing groove 81 that receives the lower part of the bearing 78 is formed in the upper surface of the outer periphery of the base plate 56. A second bearing groove 82 that receives the upper part of the bearing 78 is formed in the lower surface of the outer periphery of the rotating plate 71. A space 84 is formed between the center of the rotating plate 71 and the first bulge 61 of the base plate 56.

[0085] As shown in FIG. 8 , the fixed member 66 extends above the outer periphery of the rotating plate 71. Specifically, the inner flange 68 of the fixed member 66 extends above the outer periphery of the rotating plate 71. A sliding member 85 is provided on the inner flange 68. The sliding member 85 has a vertical wall portion 85A that abuts against the inner peripheral edge of the inner flange 68 and extends in the vertical direction, a lower wall portion 85B that extends from the lower end of the vertical wall portion 85A along the lower surface of the inner flange 68 in a radially outward direction about the axis A, and an upper wall portion 85C that extends from the upper end of the vertical wall portion 85A along the upper surface of the inner flange 68 in a radially outward direction about the axis A. The outer periphery of the rotating plate 71 is in sliding contact with the inner flange 68 via the lower wall portion 85B of the sliding member 85. In the radial direction about the axis A, the lower wall portion 85B is formed longer than the upper wall portion 85C. This increases the sliding contact area between the rotary plate 71 and the lower wall portion 85B of the sliding member 85. This allows the sliding member 85 to support the edge of the rotary plate 71 with good stability.

[0086] The fixed member 66 may press the rotating plate 71 toward the base plate 56 via the sliding member 85. The sliding member 85 is in sliding contact with a portion of the rotating plate 71 that is outer circumferential side of the second bearing groove 82. The sliding member 85 may be in sliding contact with the outer circumferential edge of the rotating plate 71. The sliding member 85 is made of a resin material that has a smaller coefficient of friction than metal. The sliding member 85 may be divided into multiple members.

[0087] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, a support tube 87 extending vertically is inserted into the first bearing hole 62 and the second bearing hole 75. The support tube 87 is a cylinder open at both the top and bottom ends. The support tube 87 is made of metal. An outwardly bulging annular rib 88 is formed on the outer periphery of the support tube 87. A cylindrical bushing 91 is attached to the edge of the second bearing hole 75 of the rotating plate 71. The bushing 91 is supported by a portion of the support tube 87 above the annular rib 88. A drop-off prevention ring 92 is provided above the bushing 91. The upper end of the support tube 87 is crimped to form an expanded diameter portion 93. The bushing 91 and the drop-off prevention ring 92 are sandwiched between the annular rib 88 and the expanded diameter portion 93. This determines the vertical position of the rotating plate 71 relative to the support tube 87. The support tube 87 is rotatably supported in the second bearing hole 75 of the rotating plate 71 via the bushing 91.

[0088] The first bearing hole 62 of the base plate 56 is disposed below the annular rib 88. The portion of the support cylinder 87 below the annular rib 88 may be rotatably supported in the first bearing hole 62, or may be welded to the first bearing hole 62. The support cylinder 87 positions the base plate 56 and the rotating plate 71 on the axis A.

[0089] As shown in Fig. 8, an annular protrusion 95 that bulges upward is formed on the inner side of the second bearing groove 82 of the rotating plate 71. The protrusion 95 is formed in an annular shape centered on the axis A. A plurality of bolts 96 extending upward are provided on the protrusion 95. The bolts 96 may be stud bolts.

[0090] As shown in Figures 5 and 8, the fixed bracket 72 is formed in the shape of a plate with its surfaces facing up and down. It is preferable that the fixed bracket 72 be formed in a rectangular shape when viewed from above. A recess 101 that is recessed downward is formed in the center of the fixed bracket 72. An opening 102 that penetrates vertically is formed in the center of the recess 101. A plurality of fastening holes 103 through which a plurality of bolts 96 pass is formed in the bottom of the recess 101. The rotating plate 71 and the fixed bracket 72 are fastened to each other by attaching nuts 104 to each bolt 96. When viewed from above, the fixed bracket 72 is formed larger than the rotating plate 71. The fixed bracket 72 faces the front and rear cross members 57 in the vertical direction.

[0091] The fixing bracket 72 is connected to the left and right seat cushion side members 18 by fasteners such as bolts and nuts. A load cell may be interposed between the fixing bracket 72 and the seat cushion side members 18.

[0092] The rotary actuator 53 rotates the rotating plate 71 relative to the base plate 56. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 6 , the rotary actuator 53 is attached to the underside of the base plate 56. The rotary actuator 53 is disposed forward of the axis A. The rotary actuator 53 includes an electric motor 111 and a speed reduction mechanism 112. The rotary actuator 53 does not include a worm reducer. In this embodiment, the speed reduction mechanism 112 includes a pinion 115 coupled to the output shaft 113 of the electric motor 111 and a gear 116 coupled to the rotating plate 71. The pinion 115 and the gear 116 are spur gears. The gear 116 is a gear centered on the axis A. The gear 116 is coupled to the underside of the rotating plate 71 via a spacer 117 and disposed in the space 84. The number of teeth of the gear 116 is greater than the number of teeth of the pinion 115.

[0093] The rotary actuator 53 is coupled to the lower surface of the base plate 56. The rotary actuator 53 may be coupled to the lower surface of the base plate 56 via a bracket. An output shaft 113 of the rotary actuator 53 extends upward from the reduction mechanism 112. The output shaft 113 passes through a through-hole 119 formed in the base plate 56 and extends into the space 84. A pinion 115 coupled to the output shaft 113 is disposed in the space 84 and meshes with a gear 116. The electric motor 111 and the reduction mechanism 112 are disposed below the base plate 56.

[0094] The rotation lock device 54 selectively prohibits rotation of the rotating plate 71 relative to the base plate 56. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 7 to 10, the rotation lock device 54 is attached to the underside of the base plate 56. The rotation lock device 54 has a holder 122 that protrudes downward from the underside of the base plate 56, and a lock claw 121 that is rotatably supported by the holder 122 and penetrates the base plate 56 to engage with the rotating plate 71. The lock claw 121 is displaceable between a locked position where it engages with the rotating plate 71 and an unlocked position where it is separated from the rotating plate 71. The lock claw 121 and the holder 122 are formed from a metal plate.

[0095] The holder 122 has a peripheral wall portion 123 extending in the circumferential direction centered on axis A, which is the rotation axis of the rotating plate 71, and a pair of end wall portions 124 extending radially inward from both ends of the peripheral wall portion 123 centered on axis A. The holder 122 has a bottom plate 125 extending along the lower surface of the base plate 56 and joined to the lower surface of the base plate 56. The bottom plate 125 extends along the lower surface of the first bulge portion 61. The peripheral wall portion 123 and the pair of end wall portions 124 protrude downward from the bottom plate 125. The pair of end wall portions 124 are joined to the bottom plate 125. The peripheral wall portion 123 may be joined to the bottom plate 125. The peripheral wall portion 123 and the pair of end wall portions 124 are formed by bending a metal plate. The peripheral wall portion 123 and the pair of end wall portions 124 may be formed by combining multiple metal plates.

[0096] A pair of openings 126 that penetrate vertically are formed in the bottom plate 125 and the first bulging portion 61. The pair of openings 126 are formed at positions corresponding to the end wall portions 124, respectively. Each end wall portion 124 has an extension portion 124A that passes through the corresponding opening 126 and extends above the base plate 56. The upper end of each extension portion 124A is disposed within the space 84. The upper end of each extension portion 124A extends above the gear 116.

[0097] The locking claw 121 has a pair of arms 121A rotatably supported on the end wall portions 124, a beam portion 121B connecting the tips of the pair of arms 121A, and a claw portion 121C protruding from the beam portion 121B. Each arm 121A is rotatably supported on the corresponding extension portion 124A around an axis B (second axis). The axis B forms the rotation axis of the locking claw 121. The axis B is disposed above the base plate 56 and may be disposed above the gear 116. The pair of arms 121A pass through the corresponding openings 126 and extend from within the space 84 below the base plate 56. The pair of arms 121A extend along the corresponding end wall portions 124 and are in sliding contact with the corresponding end wall portions 124. The beam portion 121B is disposed below the base plate 56 and extends horizontally. Additionally, beam portion 121B extends in the circumferential direction centered on axis A. Claw portion 121C is provided at the center of beam portion 121B in the longitudinal direction. Each arm portion 121A has an arm base end portion 121E supported by extension portion 124A, and an arm tip end portion 121F that extends and bends from arm base end portion 121E. Beam portion 121B is coupled to the pair of arm tip ends 121F.

[0098] Axis B extends horizontally. Axis B is disposed at the same height as bearing 78 in the vertical direction. In other words, axis B is disposed below the upper end of bearing 78 and above the lower end of bearing 78. Axis B is disposed inside annular bearing 78. Because axis B is disposed at the same height as bearing 58, the rotating device 2 can be made smaller in size in the vertical direction. Axis B is disposed radially outward from gear 116 about axis A. This makes it possible to avoid interference between locking pawl 121 and gear 116 when locking pawl 121 rotates.

[0099] The base plate 56 and the bottom plate 125 are formed with insertion holes 131 that penetrate in the vertical direction. The insertion holes 131 extend in the circumferential direction about the axis A. The rotating plate 71 is formed with a plurality of lock holes 132 that can selectively engage with the lock claws 121. Each lock hole 132 extends in the circumferential direction about the axis A. The plurality of lock holes 132 are provided at positions rotationally symmetrical about the axis A. When the rotating plate 71 is in a predetermined rotational position relative to the base plate 56, the insertion hole 131 faces one of the plurality of lock holes 132. In the locked position, the lock claws 121 pass through the insertion holes 131 and enter the lock holes 132, and in the unlocked position, they move away from the insertion holes 131 and the lock holes 132.

[0100] As shown in FIG. 3 , the rotation lock device 54 is disposed to the left of the axis A. The rotation actuator 53 is disposed to the right of the axis A. The rotation actuator 53 and the rotation lock device 54 are disposed in point-symmetric positions about the axis A. When viewed from the top-bottom direction, the rotation lock device 54 and the rotation actuator 53 are disposed between the front and rear cross members 57.

[0101] When the rotating plate 71 is in the initial position, the seat main body 3 faces forward. As shown in FIG. 2, the multiple lock holes 132 include first to fourth lock holes 132A to 132D. When the rotating plate 71 is in the initial position, the first lock hole 132A is located to the left of the axis A, the second lock hole 132B is located in front of the axis A, the third lock hole 132C is located to the right of the axis A, and the fourth lock hole 132D is located behind the axis A. The lock holes 132 are arranged at 90-degree intervals from one another around the axis A. When the rotating plate 71 is in the initial position, the first lock hole 132A faces the insertion hole 131 in the up-down direction.

[0102] As shown in FIG. 7, the claw portion 121C of the lock claw 121 passes through the insertion hole 131 and fits into one of the lock holes 132, thereby restricting the rotation of the rotary plate 71 relative to the base plate .

[0103] The locking claw 121 rotates between a locked position where the claw portion 121C is inserted into the insertion hole 131 and one of the locking holes 132 and an unlocked position where the claw portion 121C is spaced downward from the insertion hole 131 and the locking hole 132. That is, the locking claw 121 is displaced between a locked position where it is engaged with the rotary plate 71 and an unlocked position where it is spaced away from the rotary plate 71. A biasing member 134 is provided between the locking claw 121 and the holder 122 to bias the locking claw 121 toward the locked position. In this embodiment, the biasing member 134 is a tension coil spring. The biasing member 134 is preferably connected to the arm portion 121A and the peripheral wall portion 123. The end of the biasing member 134 on the axis A side preferably overlaps with the axis B or an imaginary line extending from the axis B. This allows the locking claw 121, the holder 122, and the biasing member 134 to be compactly arranged in the radial direction centered on the axis A.

[0104] When the locking claw 121 is in the locked position, the beam 121B and each arm tip 121F extend along the underside of the base plate 56. At this time, each arm base end 121E extends vertically through the opening 126. When the locking claw 121 is in the unlocked position, the beam 121B and each arm tip 121F are spaced downward from the underside of the base plate 56. In addition, the tip of the claw 121C is positioned below the base plate 56.

[0105] As shown in FIG. 10 , the locking claw 121 is connected to a manual operation lever by a control cable 141. The control cable 141 has a tubular outer casing 143 and an inner cable 144 displaceably received in the outer casing 143. One end of the outer casing 143 is engaged with a casing locking portion 145 of the holder 122. The casing locking portion 145 protrudes downward from the bottom plate 125. The other end of the outer casing 143 is engaged with the seat cushion frame 14 or the side cover 23. One end of the inner cable 144 is engaged with a cable locking portion 146 provided on the beam portion 121B of the locking claw 121. The other end of the inner cable 144 is engaged with a manual operation lever (not shown). The manual operation lever may be rotatably supported on the seat cushion frame 14 or the side cover 23.

[0106] When the user pulls the manual operation lever, the control cable 141 pulls the locking claw 121 from the locked position to the unlocked position, thereby enabling the rotating part 52 to rotate relative to the base part 51. When the user stops operating the manual operation lever, the biasing force of the biasing member 134 moves the locking claw 121 from the unlocked position to the locked position. In other words, the rotation locking device 54 changes between the locked state and the unlocked state through manual operation by the user.

[0107] The rotation lock device 54 has an unlocking actuator 151 that moves the locking pawl 121 from the locked position to the unlocked position. The unlocking actuator 151 has an electric motor 152, a speed reduction mechanism 153 that reduces the speed of the driving force of the electric motor 152 before transmitting it, and an arm 154 that is attached to the output shaft of the speed reduction mechanism 153. The arm 154 is engaged with the locking pawl 121. A contact portion 121G that protrudes downward is provided at one arm tip 121F of the locking pawl 121. The arm 154 presses against the contact portion 121G to move the locking pawl 121 from the locked position to the unlocked position.

[0108] The electric motor 152 and the reduction mechanism 153 may be supported by at least one of the holder 122 and the base plate 56. When the electric motor 152 is driven by supplying power to the electric motor 152, the arm 154 rotates against the biasing force of the biasing member 134, and the arm 154 moves the locking claw 121 from the locked position to the unlocked position. When the supply of power to the electric motor 152 is stopped and the electric motor 152 stops, the biasing force of the biasing member 134 moves the locking claw 121 from the unlocked position to the locked position. At this time, the arm 154 and the electric motor 152 are pushed by the abutting portion 121G and rotate.

[0109] When the locking claw 121 is moved from the locked position to the unlocked position by the control cable 141, the locking claw 121 moves away from the arm 154, so that the unlocking actuator 151 does not provide resistance.

[0110] 2 and 7, a reinforcing plate 155 is joined to the upper surface of the rotating plate 71 at a portion corresponding to the first lock hole 132A. The reinforcing plate 155 is preferably welded to the rotating plate 71. The reinforcing plate 155 has surfaces facing up and down and extends in the circumferential direction centered on the axis A. The thickness of the reinforcing plate 155 is greater than the thickness of the rotating plate 71. As a result, the reinforcing plate 155 increases the section modulus and the moment of inertia of the rotating plate 71 around the first lock hole 132A.

[0111] A through hole 155A facing the first lock hole 132A is formed in the reinforcing plate 155. Both ends of the through hole 155A in the circumferential direction about the axis A are disposed between both ends of the first lock hole 132A in the circumferential direction about the axis A. In other words, the through hole 155A is formed shorter than the first lock hole 132A in the circumferential direction about the axis A. The radial width of the through hole 155A about the axis A is preferably equal to the radial width of the first lock hole 132A about the axis A.

[0112] 11, the claw portion 121C has a tapered shape that narrows toward the tip. This makes it easier for the claw portion 121C to enter the lock hole 132. When the claw portion 121C enters the first lock hole 132A, the claw portion 121C comes into contact with both ends of the through hole 155A in the circumferential direction about the axis A. At this time, the claw portion 121C does not come into contact with both ends of the first lock hole 132A in the circumferential direction about the axis A. When the rotating plate 71 is in the reference rotation position, that is, when the seat main body 3 faces forward, the lock claw 121 engages with the through hole 155A of the reinforcing plate 155, so that the rotation of the seat main body 3 is more firmly restricted when facing forward. 11, the second to fourth lock holes 132B to 132D are not provided with reinforcing plates 155, so the insertion depth of the claw portions 121C into the second to fourth lock holes 132B to 132D is large. In other embodiments, reinforcing plates 155 may also be provided in the second to fourth lock holes 132B to 132D.

[0113] 2, 12, and 13, a plurality of base-side peeling prevention units 161 are provided on the upper surfaces of the front and rear cross members 57. The plurality of base-side peeling prevention units 161 are preferably arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction around the axis A. In this embodiment, a plurality of base-side peeling prevention units 161 are provided at each of the left and right end portions 57A of the front cross member 57 and at each of the left and right end portions 57A of the rear cross member 57. The four base-side peeling prevention units 161 are arranged at 90-degree intervals around the axis A.

[0114] Each base side peeling prevention unit 161 has a bottom plate 162 connected to the cross member 57, a first base side hook 163 and a second base side hook 164 provided on the bottom plate 162, a roller support wall 165 provided on the bottom plate 162, and a roller 166 rotatably supported on the roller support wall 165.

[0115] The bottom plate 162 is disposed along the upper surface of the end portion 57A and is joined to the end portion 57A by welding, bolting, or the like. The bottom plate 162 extends in the circumferential direction centered on the axis A. The first base side hook 163 is provided along the outer periphery of the bottom plate 162 and extends in the circumferential direction centered on the axis A. The first base side hook 163 protrudes upward from the bottom plate 162 and opens downward.

[0116] The roller support wall 165 is provided along the inner peripheral edge of the bottom plate 162 and extends in the circumferential direction centered on the axis A. A pair of reinforcing walls 167 that are perpendicular to the roller support wall 165 and the bottom plate 162 and are joined to the roller support wall 165 and the bottom plate 162 may be provided at the ends of the roller support wall 165 in the circumferential direction. The bottom plate 162, the first base-side hook 163, the roller support wall 165, and the pair of reinforcing walls 167 may be formed by bending a continuous metal plate.

[0117] A roller shaft 171 extending radially outward about axis A is coupled to roller support wall 165. A roller 166 is rotatably supported on roller shaft 171. An enlarged head 173 having a larger diameter than roller shaft 171 is provided at the end of roller shaft 171 opposite roller support wall 165. A biasing member 175 is provided between enlarged head 173 and roller 166 to bias roller 166 radially inward about axis A. The biasing member 175 may be a wave washer or a disc spring.

[0118] As shown in FIG. 14, the rollers 166 are tapered rollers whose outer diameter increases radially outward. Each roller 166 is in contact with the underside of the fixed bracket 72. The rollers 166 are interposed in the up-down direction between the fixed bracket 72 and the front and rear cross members 57. As shown in FIG. 2, the rollers 166 are arranged on an imaginary circle C whose center is the axis A. When viewed from the direction along the axis A, the rollers 166 are arranged in a position where all of the imaginary circle C overlaps with the fixed bracket 72. This allows the rollers 166 to always abut against the fixed bracket 72 even when the rotating plate 71 rotates relative to the base plate 56.

[0119] 14, an annular abutment surface 181 centered on the axis A is formed on the lower surface of the fixed bracket 72. Each roller 166 abuts against the abutment surface 181. The abutment surface 181 is inclined downward in the radially inward direction about the axis A.

[0120] 12 and 13, the second base-side hook 164 is coupled to the upper surface of the bottom plate 162. In the radial direction centered on the axis A, the second base-side hook 164 is disposed between the first base-side hook 163 and the roller 166. The second base-side hook 164 has a shaft 164A extending upward from the bottom plate 162, and a head 164B that is provided at the upper end of the shaft 164A and is wider in the radial direction centered on the axis A than the shaft 164A.

[0121] 12 and 13, a plurality of rotation-side separation suppression units 183 are provided on the underside of the fixed bracket 72. The plurality of rotation-side separation suppression units 183 are preferably arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction around the axis A. In this embodiment, the plurality of rotation-side separation suppression units 183 are provided at four locations on the front left, front right, rear left, and rear right of the fixed bracket 72. The four rotation-side separation suppression units 183 are arranged on an imaginary circle centered on the axis A, and are arranged at 90-degree intervals from one another. Each rotation-side separation suppression unit 183 has an upper plate 184 joined to the underside of the fixed bracket 72, a rotation-side hook 185 protruding downward from the upper plate 184, and a locking piece 186.

[0122] The upper plate 184 is disposed along the lower surface of the fixed bracket 72 and is joined to the lower surface of the fixed bracket 72 by welding, bolting, or the like. The upper plate 184 extends in the circumferential direction centered on the axis A. The rotation side hook 185 is provided along the outer circumferential edge of the upper plate 184 and extends in the circumferential direction centered on the axis A. The rotation side hook 185 protrudes downward from the upper plate 184 and opens upward.

[0123] The locking piece 186 is provided along the inner peripheral edge of the upper plate 184 and extends in the circumferential direction centered on the axis A. The locking piece 186 extends downward from the inner peripheral edge of the upper plate 184, and then bends and extends radially inward centered on the axis A.

[0124] The rotational position of the rotating part 52 when the seat cushion 11 faces the front of the vehicle is defined as the reference rotational position. When the rotating part 52 is in the reference rotational position, the first base-side hook 163 of each base-side peeling prevention unit 161 and the rotation-side hook 185 of each rotation-side peeling prevention unit 183 face each other with a gap between them in the vertical direction. Also, the second base-side hook 164 of each base-side peeling prevention unit 161 and the locking piece 186 of each rotation-side peeling prevention unit 183 face each other with a gap between them in the vertical direction. The gap between the first base-side hook 163 and the rotation-side hook 185 is smaller than the gap between the second base-side hook 164 and the locking piece 186. As a result, when a load is applied to the seat main body 3, the first base-side hook 163 of each base-side peeling prevention unit 161 and the rotation-side hook 185 of each rotation-side peeling prevention unit 183 engage with each other, thereby preventing the rotating part 52 from peeling off from the base part 51. Furthermore, when a further load is applied to the seat body 3, the second base-side hooks 164 and the locking pieces 186 engage with each other, preventing the rotating part 52 from separating from the base part 51.

[0125] Even when the rotating part 52 is rotated 90 degrees (+90 degrees) to the right, 90 degrees (-90 degrees) to the left, or 180 degrees (-180 degrees) to the left from the reference rotation position, the first base side hook 163 of each base side peeling prevention unit 161 and the rotating side hook 185 of each rotating side peeling prevention unit 183 face each other, and the second base side hook 164 and the locking piece 186 face each other.

[0126] Next, the telescopic device 13 will be described. As shown in Figures 1 and 15, the telescopic device 13 is provided on the front member 19 and extends and retracts in the front-to-rear direction. The telescopic device 13 has a movable member 201 supported on the front member 19 so as to be movable in the front-to-rear direction, and a telescopic actuator 202 that moves the movable member 201 in the front-to-rear direction relative to the front member 19. The movable member 201 is displaceable between a protruding position where it protrudes forward relative to the front member 19, and a retracted position where it retracts rearward relative to the protruding position.

[0127] The front member 19 is formed from a sheet metal member, with its main surfaces facing up and down. The front member 19 extends in the left-right direction and has a width in the front-to-rear direction. A groove 205 is formed in the center of the front member 19 in the left-to-right direction, recessed downward and extending in the front-to-rear direction. The groove 205 is formed by a bottom wall and a pair of side walls provided on the sides of the bottom wall. The groove 205 opens at the front end of the front member 19. The left and right side walls extend downward from the inner left-to-right ends of the left and right base portions. The left and right side walls are formed in the shape of plates facing in the left-to-right direction.

[0128] The movable member 201 may be supported by a guide rail on the front member 19 so as to be movable in the front-rear direction. The telescopic actuator 202 is disposed inside the groove 205. The telescopic actuator 202 has a casing 211 disposed in the groove 205, a driving member 212 disposed within the casing 211, and air bladders 213 disposed on both the protruding side and the retracted side of the driving member 212, which are inflated by receiving a supply of compressed air.

[0129] Casing 211 is formed in a box shape and is fixed to the upper surface of the bottom wall. As shown in Figures 16 to 18, drive member 212 is formed in a plate shape with its surfaces facing front and rear and extends left and right within casing 211. Air bag 213 has front air bag 213A arranged between the front surface of drive member 212 and the front wall of casing 211, and rear air bag 213B arranged between the rear surface of drive member 212 and the rear wall of casing 211.

[0130] 19 , front air bladder 213A and rear air bladder 213B are connected via control valve 216 to compressor 217, which generates compressed air. Control valve 216 has an exhaust port. Control valve 216 can be in an extension mode, in which front air bladder 213A is connected to compressor 217 and rear air bladder 213B is connected to the exhaust port; a storage mode, in which rear air bladder 213B is connected to compressor 217 and front air bladder 213A is connected to the exhaust port; and a hold mode, in which front air bladder 213A and rear air bladder 213B are not connected to either the exhaust port or compressor 217. Control valve 216 and compressor 217 are controlled by control device 220, which will be described later.

[0131] The control valve 216, the compressor 217, the front air bladder 213A, and the rear air bladder 213B may be connected by a plurality of tubes 218 through which compressed air passes. The control valve 216 and the compressor 217 may be provided on the floor 5. In this case, the tube 218 connecting the control valve 216 to the front air bladder 213A and the rear air bladder 213B may pass through the support cylinder 87 of the rotation device 2. Alternatively, the compressor 217 may be provided on the floor 5, and the control valve 216 may be provided on the underside of the seat cushion 11 or on the upper surface of the fixing bracket 72. In this case, the tube 218 connecting the compressor 217 and the control valve 216 may pass through the support cylinder 87 of the rotation device 2. According to this embodiment, the compressor 217 can be disposed on the floor 5. Furthermore, because the tube 218 passes near the axis X of the rotation device 2, swinging of the tube 218 is suppressed even when the rotation device 2 rotates. As shown in FIG. 21, the compressor 217 may be provided on the lower surface of the base plate 56.

[0132] As shown in Figure 16, the movable member 201 is disposed above the telescopic actuator 202 and has a support plate 225 connected to the telescopic actuator 202. The support plate 225 is formed in a plate shape with its surfaces facing up and down. The support plate 225 is slidably placed on the upper surface of the upper wall of the casing 211 of the telescopic actuator 202. The drive member 212 protrudes upward through a long hole extending in the front-rear direction formed in the upper wall of the casing 211 and is connected to the support plate 225.

[0133] As shown in Figure 15, the movable member 201 has a vertical plate portion 227 that extends downward from the end of the protruding side of the support plate portion 225 toward the protruding side of the front member 19. In other words, the vertical plate portion 227 extends downward from the front end of the support plate portion 225 in front of the front member 19. When viewed from the left and right, the vertical plate portion 227 is curved in an arc shape that convex forward. The support plate portion 225 and the vertical plate portion 227 may be formed by bending a metal plate. The support plate portion 225 and the vertical plate may be provided with reinforcing ribs.

[0134] When compressor 217 is driven and control valve 216 supplies compressed air to front air bladder 213A and discharges compressed air from rear air bladder 213B, front air bladder 213A receives the compressed air and expands, and rear air bladder 213B discharges air and contracts. As a result, drive member 212 and movable member 201 coupled to drive member 212 move toward the retracting side. When compressor 217 is driven and control valve 216 supplies compressed air to rear air bladder 213B and discharges compressed air from front air bladder 213A, rear air bladder 213B receives the compressed air and expands, and front air bladder 213A discharges air and contracts. As a result, drive member 212 and movable member 201 coupled to drive member 212 move toward the protruding side. When compressor 217 is stopped and control valve 216 cuts off communication with front bladder 213A and rear bladder 213B, compressed air is maintained in front bladder 213A and rear bladder 213B, thereby maintaining the position of drive member 212 and movable member 201 coupled to drive member 212.

[0135] 16, the extension device 13 has a skin winding mechanism 230. The skin winding mechanism 230 has left and right brackets 231 extending downward from the lower surface of the support plate portion 225 of the movable member 201, left and right link arms 232 rotatably supported by each bracket 231, a support shaft 234 spanning between the tips of the left and right link arms 232, and a spring 235 that biases the left and right link arms 232 to their initial positions.

[0136] The left and right brackets 231 are disposed between the casing 211 and the side walls of the groove 205. The upper end of each link arm 232 is supported by the corresponding bracket 231 so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis extending in the left-right direction. A slit 233 is formed in the bottom wall of the groove 205, penetrating vertically and extending in the front-rear direction. An upper portion 232A of each link arm 232 passes through the slit 233 and protrudes below the groove 205. A lower portion 232B of each link arm 232 extends rearward relative to the upper portion 232A. The lower portion 232B and support shaft 234 of each link arm 232 are disposed below the groove 205.

[0137] As shown in Figures 16 and 18, each link arm 232 rotates between a winding position and a release position. As shown in Figure 16, when the link arm 232 is in the winding position, the upper part 232A extends downward from the rotation axis, and the lower part extends rearward from the lower end of the upper part 232A. At this time, the support shaft 234 is located rearward of the rotation axis. When the link arm 232 is in the release position, the upper part 232A extends forward and rearward from the rotation axis, and the lower part extends downward from the lower end of the upper part 232A. At this time, the support shaft 234 is located below the rotation axis. As shown in Figure 18, when each link arm 232 rotates from the winding position to the release position, the support shaft 234 moves forward.

[0138] A pad 237 constituting the front portion of the seat cushion 11 extends above the support plate portion 225 of the movable member 201 and in front of the vertical plate portion 227. A cover material 238 constituting the front portion of the seat cushion 11 is provided along the outer surface of the pad 237. An end of the cover material 238 extends rearward from the lower end of the vertical plate portion 227, is wrapped around the support shaft 234, and is engaged with a cover engaging portion 241 that extends forward from the support shaft 234 and is provided at the front end of the bottom wall. A hook that engages with the cover engaging portion 241 may be provided on an edge of the cover material 238. The cover material 238 extends in a loop shape, passing below, behind, and above the support shaft 234.

[0139] As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17 , when the movable member 201 moves from the retracted position to the extended position, the support shaft 234 moves toward the extended side (forward) together with the movable member 201. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 18 , the support shaft 234 is pulled by the cover material 238, causing each link arm 232 to rotate toward the extended position against the biasing force of the spring 235, and the support shaft 234 moves further toward the extended side (forward). This shortens the distance between the support shaft 234 and the cover locking portion 241. This causes the cover material 238 to be advanced from the support shaft 234 toward the movable member 201. This adjusts the tension of the cover material 238. In other words, the movable member 201 can move smoothly toward the extended side without being pulled by the cover material 238. On the other hand, when the movable member 201 moves from the extended position to the retracted position, the support shaft 234 moves toward the retracted side (rearward) together with the movable member 201. Furthermore, the link arms rotate toward the winding position due to the biasing force of the spring 235, so that the support shaft 234 moves further toward the storage side (rearward). This increases the distance between the support shaft 234 and the cover locking portion 241. This causes the cover material 238 to be pulled from the support shaft 234 toward the cover locking portion 241. This adjusts the tension of the cover material 238, and prevents the cover material 238 from becoming loose.

[0140] As shown in Fig. 19, the rotation actuator 53 of the rotation device 2, the lock release actuator 151 of the rotation lock device 54, and the extension / retraction actuator 202 of the extension / retraction device 13 are controlled by a control device 220. The control device 220 is an electronic control device, and is a computing device having a microprocessor (MPU), non-volatile memory, volatile memory, and an interface. The control device 220 realizes various applications by having the microprocessor execute programs stored in the non-volatile memory. The control device 220 is preferably provided in a vehicle in which the seat main body 3 is provided.

[0141] The control device 220 may also control the light emission states of the multiple lighting devices 251. As shown in FIG. 20 , the multiple lighting devices 251 may be provided, for example, on the lower surface of the fixed bracket 72. The multiple lighting devices 251 may be arranged circumferentially about the axis X on the lower surface of the fixed bracket 72. As shown in FIG. 21 , the front and rear cross members 57 may be connected to a pair of left and right connecting members 253 extending forward and backward, and the lighting devices 251 may be provided on the lower surface of each connecting member 253. As shown in FIG. 22 , a lower cover 255 and an upper cover 256 may be provided around the rotating device 2, and the lighting device 251 may be provided on at least one of the lower cover 255 and the upper cover 256. The lower cover 255 may be arranged around the base plate 56, the front and rear cross members 57, and the left and right upper rails 38. The upper cover 256 may be arranged around the rotating plate 71 and the fixed bracket 72. The lower cover 255 and the upper cover 256 are arranged to be relatively rotatable about an axis A. The lighting device 251 may be provided at the lower end of the lower cover 255, for example.

[0142] As shown in Fig. 19, the control device 220 is connected to an extension / retraction operation switch 261 and a rotation operation switch 262 for the user to operate the vehicle seat device 1. The extension / retraction operation switch 261 has an extension button and a contraction button, and outputs an extension / retraction command to the control device 220 according to the operation states of the extension button and the contraction button. The extension / retraction command includes an extension command and a contraction command. The rotation operation switch 262 has a left rotation button and a right rotation button, and outputs a rotation command to the control device 220 according to the operation states of the left rotation button and the right rotation button. The rotation command includes a left rotation command and a right rotation command.

[0143] The control device 220 is connected to a rotation sensor 265 that detects the rotation state of the rotation device 2 and an extension / contraction sensor 267 that detects the extension / contraction position of the extension device 13. The rotation sensor 265 may be a known sensor such as a rotary encoder that detects the rotation angle of the electric motor 111 of the rotation actuator 53, or a proximity sensor that detects the relative positions of the front and rear cross members 57 and the fixed bracket 72. The extension / contraction sensor 267 may be a known sensor such as a stroke sensor that detects the position of the movable member 201 relative to the front member 19, or a proximity sensor.

[0144] The control device 220 executes extension / contraction control for extending / contracting the extension device 13 and rotation control for rotating the rotation device 2.

[0145] The control device 220 controls the extension device 13 based on the extension / contraction control procedure shown in Fig. 23. The control device 220 starts extension / contraction control when it receives an extension / contraction command from the extension operation switch 261. The control device 220 first acquires the current extension amount of the extension device 13 based on a signal from the extension sensor 267 (S1). The extension amount of the extension device 13 is 0 when the movable member 201 is in the retracted position, and the value increases as the movable member 201 moves toward the extension side. Next, it is determined whether the extension / contraction command is an extension command (S2).

[0146] If the telescoping command is an extension command (the determination result in S2 is Yes), the control device 220 acquires the current rotation angle of the rotation device 2 based on a signal from the rotation sensor 265 (S3). Next, the control device 220 determines a first upper limit protrusion amount of the telescoping device 13 based on the rotation angle of the rotation device 2 (S4). The control device 220 may determine the first upper limit protrusion amount based on the rotation angle by referring to a first upper limit protrusion amount map that defines the relationship between the rotation angle and the first upper limit protrusion amount. The first upper limit protrusion amount is set so that the telescoping device 13 does not interfere with structures present around the vehicle seat apparatus 1, such as a center console or doors, when the rotation device 2 is at each rotation angle.

[0147] Next, the control device 220 determines whether the current extension amount of the extension device 13 is less than the first upper limit extension amount (S5). If the current extension amount of the extension device 13 is less than the first upper limit extension amount (the determination result of S5 is Yes), the control device 220 executes extension control of the compressor 217 and the control valve 216 to extend the extension device 13 by a predetermined amount (S6). The extension control drives the compressor 217, supplies compressed air to the rear air bag 213B, and discharges compressed air from the front air bag 213A. As a result, the movable member 201 moves toward the extension side, and the extension device 13 extends.

[0148] If the current extension amount of the extension device 13 is not less than the first upper limit extension amount (the determination result in S5 is No), the control device 220 executes hold control of the compressor 217 and the control valve 216 to maintain the extended state of the extension device 13 (S7). The hold control keeps the compressor 217 in a stopped state, and the control valve 216 cuts off the connection between the front air bladder 213A and the rear air bladder 213B. This maintains the size of the front air bladder 213A and the rear air bladder 213B, and maintains the position of the movable member 201.

[0149] If the extension / contraction command is a retraction command (the determination result in S2 is No), the control device 220 executes retraction control of the compressor 217 and the control valve 216 to retract the extension device 13 by a predetermined amount (S8). The retraction control drives the compressor 217, supplies compressed air to the front air bag 213A, and discharges compressed air from the rear air bag 213B. As a result, the movable member 201 moves toward the retraction side, and the extension device 13 retracts.

[0150] The control device 220 controls the rotation device 2 based on the rotation control procedure shown in Fig. 24. The control device 220 starts rotation control when it receives a rotation command from the rotation operation switch 262. The control device 220 first acquires the current rotation angle of the rotation device 2 based on a signal from the rotation sensor 265 (S11). Next, based on the rotation command from the rotation operation switch 262, it determines whether the rotation command is a left rotation command (S12).

[0151] If the rotation command is a left rotation command (the determination result in S12 is Yes), the control device 220 sets the target rotation angle by subtracting 90 degrees from the current rotation angle (S13).

[0152] Next, the control device 220 sets a second upper limit protrusion amount of the extension device 13 based on the current rotation angle and the target rotation angle (S14). The second upper limit protrusion amount may be set for each of the ranges of 0 to 90 degrees, 90 to 180 degrees, 0 to -90 degrees, and -90 to -180 degrees. The second upper limit protrusion amount may be set to be equal to or less than the minimum value of the first upper limit protrusion amount in each rotation angle range. The relationship between the current rotation angle, the target rotation angle, and the second upper limit protrusion amount may be determined in advance in a map.

[0153] Next, the control device 220 acquires the current protrusion amount of the extension device 13 based on the signal from the extension sensor 267 (S15). Next, the control device 220 determines whether the current protrusion amount of the extension device 13 is equal to or less than the second upper limit protrusion amount (S16).

[0154] If the current protrusion amount of the extension device 13 is equal to or less than the second upper limit protrusion amount (the determination result of S16 is Yes), the control device 220 executes left rotation control until the current rotation angle becomes the target rotation angle (S17).

[0155] If the current protrusion amount of the extension device 13 is greater than the second upper limit protrusion amount (the determination result of S16 is No), the control device 220 executes contraction control until the current protrusion amount of the extension device 13 becomes the second upper limit protrusion amount (S18). After the current protrusion amount of the extension device 13 becomes the second upper limit protrusion amount, the control device 220 executes left rotation control until the current rotation angle becomes the target rotation angle (S17).

[0156] If the rotation command is a right rotation command (the determination result in S12 is No), the control device 220 sets the target rotation angle by adding 90 degrees to the current rotation angle (S19).

[0157] Next, the control device 220 sets a second upper limit of the protrusion amount of the extension device 13 based on the current rotation angle and the target rotation angle (S20).

[0158] Next, the control device 220 acquires the current protrusion amount of the extension device 13 based on the signal from the extension sensor 267 (S21). Next, the control device 220 determines whether the current protrusion amount of the extension device 13 is equal to or less than the second upper limit protrusion amount (S22).

[0159] If the current protrusion amount of the extension device 13 is equal to or less than the second upper limit protrusion amount (the determination result of S22 is Yes), the control device 220 executes right rotation control until the current rotation angle becomes the target rotation angle (S23).

[0160] If the current protrusion amount of the extension device 13 is greater than the second upper limit protrusion amount (the determination result of S22 is No), the control device 220 executes contraction control until the current protrusion amount of the extension device 13 becomes the second upper limit protrusion amount (S24). After the current protrusion amount of the extension device 13 becomes the second upper limit protrusion amount, the control device 220 executes right rotation control until the current rotation angle becomes the target rotation angle (S23).

[0161] In the above embodiment, the control device 220 executes rotation control of the rotation device 2 based on a signal from the rotation operation switch 262, and executes extension / contraction control of the extension device 13 in accordance with the rotation control. According to this aspect, the control device 220 executes extension / contraction control in accordance with the rotation control, so that the extension device 13 is prevented from interfering with structures inside the vehicle when the rotation device 2 is rotated. This allows the vehicle seat device 1 to perform a smooth rotation operation.

[0162] The control device 220 contracts the horizontal projection amount of the extension device 13 to a preset second upper limit projection amount or less through extension / retraction control, and then starts rotation control of the rotation device 2. According to this embodiment, the rotation device 2 starts to rotate after the extension device 13 contracts, so it is possible to reliably avoid interference between the extension device 13 and structures inside the vehicle.

[0163] The control device 220 may start the rotation control of the rotation device 2 at the same time as starting the extension / contraction control to contract the protrusion amount of the extension device 13 to a preset second upper limit protrusion amount or less. In other words, the control device 220 may start the rotation control of the rotation device 2 before the protrusion amount of the extension device 13 becomes equal to or less than the second upper limit protrusion amount. According to this embodiment, the rotation device 2 can start rotating quickly. In this case, the control device 220 may contract the protrusion amount of the extension device 13 to the second upper limit protrusion amount or less by the extension / contraction control before completing the rotation control of the rotation device 2.

[0164] The control device 220 performs rotation control and extension / retraction control so that the extension amount of the extension device 13 at each rotation angle is equal to or less than the upper limit protrusion amount, based on a map that defines the relationship between the rotation angle of the rotation device 2 and the second upper limit protrusion amount of the extension device 13. According to this aspect, it is possible to reliably avoid interference between the extension device 13 and structures inside the vehicle at each rotation angle of the rotation device 2.

[0165] The control device 220 may turn on the lighting device 251 while the rotation control is being executed. According to this embodiment, the lighting device 251 can alert the user that the seat body 3 is rotating. The lighting device 251 illuminates the floor 5, thereby reducing annoyance to the user.

[0166] Although the specific embodiment has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment and can be widely modified and implemented. For example, the control device 220 may start rotation control of the rotation device 2 after contracting the extension device 13 to the most contracted state (initial state) through extension / contraction control. Furthermore, the control device 220 may start rotation control of the rotation device 2 at the same time as starting extension / contraction control to contract the extension device 13 to the most contracted state (initial state).

[0167] The extension device 13 may also be provided with a proximity sensor that detects the proximity state between the extension device 13 and a structure inside the vehicle. The control device 220 may perform extension / retraction control based on a signal from the proximity sensor so that the distance between the extension device 13 and the structure is equal to or greater than a predetermined lower limit. [Explanation of symbols]

[0168] 1: Vehicle seat device 2: Rotating device 3: Seat body 4: Slide device 5: Floor 11: Seat cushion 12: Seat back 13:Expansion device 37: Lower rail 38: Upper rail 53: Rotary actuator 54: Rotation lock device 56: Base plate 57: Cross member 71: Rotating plate 72: Fixed bracket 87: Support tube 151: Unlock actuator 201: Movable member 202: Telescopic actuator 213: Air bag 213A: Front air bag 213B: Rear air bag 216: Control valve 217: Compressor 218: Tube 220: Control device 251: Lighting equipment 253: Connecting member 255: Lower cover 256: Upper cover 261: Telescopic operation switch 262: Rotary operation switch 265: Rotation sensor 267: Stretch sensor

Claims

1. A vehicle seat device, a seat body having a seat cushion and a seat back, and an extension device that extends and contracts horizontally at one end of the seat cushion; a rotation device provided between a floor and the seat cushion and configured to support the seat cushion rotatably about a first axis extending in a vertical direction; a control device that controls the extension device and the rotation device; a rotation operation switch that is operated by a user and outputs a rotation command to the control device to rotate the rotation device, The control device controls the rotation of the rotation device based on a signal from the rotation operation switch, and controls the extension and contraction of the extension device in response to the rotation control.

2. 2. The vehicle seat apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control device starts the rotation control of the rotation device after contracting the horizontal projection amount of the extension / contraction device to a predetermined upper limit projection amount or less through the extension / contraction control.

3. 2. The vehicle seat apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control device starts the extension / contraction control for contracting the extension / contraction device to a predetermined upper limit extension amount or less, and simultaneously starts the rotation control of the rotation device.

4. The vehicle seat apparatus according to claim 3 , wherein the control device contracts the extension / contraction device to a protrusion amount equal to or less than the upper limit protrusion amount by the extension / contraction control before the rotation control of the rotation device is completed.

5. 2. The vehicle seat apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control device performs the rotation control and the extension / retraction control based on a map that defines a relationship between a rotation angle of the rotation device and an upper limit protrusion amount of the extension / retraction device so that the protrusion amount of the extension / retraction device at each rotation angle is equal to or less than the upper limit protrusion amount.

6. The vehicle seat device according to claim 1 , wherein the control device does not execute the extension / contraction control in response to the rotation control when the seat body rotates from an initial position facing forward of the vehicle toward the vehicle exterior.

7. Further, a proximity sensor is provided to detect a proximity state between the extension device and a structure inside the vehicle, The vehicle seat device according to claim 1, wherein the control device controls the extension and contraction based on a signal from the proximity sensor so that a distance between the extension device and the structure is equal to or greater than a predetermined lower limit.

8. A pair of lower rails is provided on the floor, An upper rail is slidably supported on each of the lower rails, The pair of upper rails are connected by a pair of cross members, The rotation device includes a base plate connected to each of the cross members, a rotation plate rotatably supported on the base plate, and a plate-shaped fixed bracket with a surface connected to the rotation plate facing up and down, 8. The vehicle seat apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the seat cushion is coupled to an upper surface of the fixing bracket.

9. A lighting device is provided on the lower surface of the fixing bracket, The vehicle seat device according to claim 8, wherein the control device turns on the lighting device while the rotation control is being executed.

10. The pair of cross members are connected to each other by a connecting member, A lighting device is provided on the lower surface of the connecting member, The vehicle seat device according to claim 8, wherein the control device turns on the lighting device while the rotation control is being executed.

11. The base plate and the rotary plate are rotatably supported by a support cylinder that extends vertically and has open ends, The extension and contraction device includes a movable member that is slidably mounted on a frame of the seat cushion in the forward and backward directions, an air bag that receives a supply of compressed air and expands to move the movable member, and a compressor that supplies the compressed air to the air bag via a tube, 9. The vehicle seat apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the tube passes through the support cylinder.

12. the rotation device has a rotation lock device that selectively prohibits rotation of the rotation plate relative to the base plate, the rotation lock device includes a holder that protrudes downward from the lower surface of the base plate, and a lock claw that is rotatably supported by the holder and penetrates the base plate to engage with the rotary plate; the holder has an end wall portion extending above the base plate through an opening formed in the base plate; The locking claw is supported by the end wall portion so as to be rotatable about a second axis, the rotating plate is supported on an upper surface of the base plate via a bearing, The vehicle seat apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the second axis is disposed at the same height as the bearing in the vertical direction.

13. The rotary plate is formed with a lock hole into which the lock claw can selectively engage, The base plate has an insertion hole formed therein, The locking claw rotates between a locked position and an unlocked position, The locking claw passes through the insertion hole and enters the locking hole at the locking position, and is separated from the insertion hole and the locking hole at the release position. a biasing member that biases the locking claw toward the lock position is provided between the locking claw and the holder; the biasing member extends in a radial direction around the first axis, The vehicle seat apparatus according to claim 12, wherein, when viewed from the top-bottom direction, an end portion of the biasing member on the side of the first axis overlaps with an imaginary line extending from the second axis.

14. a gear centered on the first axis is provided on the lower surface of the rotary plate; The vehicle seat apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the second axis is disposed radially outward from the gear about the first axis.

Images