Multi-axle drive and power seat

Abstract

To obtain a multiaxis drive device which can switch a rotation transmission path by linear slide operation.SOLUTION: A multiaxis drive device includes: an input member which is rotated by rotation of a motor; multiple output members 42A to 42C each of which is provided in a manner that enables engagement with or disengagement from the input member and is rotated by rotation of the input member in an engagement state with the input member; and an operation part 60 which selectively switches the engagement / disengagement state of the output members 42A to 42C with / from the input member. The operation part 60 includes: a first knob 62 which may slide linearly; a first operation force transmission part 66 which includes slide members 72, 74 which receive slide operation force of the first knob 62 transmitted thereto to slide linearly and switches the engagement / disengagement state of the output member 42A with / from the input member; and a limit switch 88 which is turned on by the slide member 72 sliding to operate the motor.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a power seat and a multi-axis drive device suitable for use in a power seat. [Background technology]

[0002] The power seat operating device described in Patent Document 1 below includes a dial member rotatably mounted on the side of a seat cushion and a switch member rotatably mounted relative to the dial member. When the dial member is rotated, an operating shaft of a multi-axis drive device is rotated. The multi-axis drive device includes an input member that rotates with the rotation of a motor and multiple output members that are each engaged and disengaged with the input member. The multiple output members are connected to multiple movable mechanisms provided in the power seat, namely a seat slide mechanism, a reclining mechanism, and an ottoman mechanism, so that rotation can be transmitted. When the operating shaft is rotated by rotating the dial member, the engaged and disengaged states of the multiple output members relative to the input member are switched, and a movable mechanism to be operated is selected. When the switch member is rotated, the rotation of the motor is transmitted to the selected movable mechanism, and the selected movable mechanism is activated. This allows multiple movable mechanisms to be selectively activated by a single motor. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6126104 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the above-mentioned prior art, both the dial member for selecting the movable mechanism to be operated and the switch member for operating the motor are configured to be rotated, which makes it difficult to intuitively operate a movable mechanism that operates linearly, such as a seat slide mechanism.

[0005] In consideration of the above, it is an object of the present invention to provide a multi-axis drive device capable of switching rotation transmission paths with a linear slide operation, and a power seat equipped with the multi-axis drive device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The multi-axis drive device of the first aspect comprises an input member that rotates due to the rotation of a motor, a plurality of output members that are each capable of being engaged with and disengaged from the input member and that rotate due to the rotation of the input member when engaged with the input member, and an operating unit that selectively switches the engaged and disengaged states of the plurality of output members with respect to the input member, wherein the operating unit has a first operating member that can be operated by sliding linearly, and a first operating force transmission unit that includes at least one slide member that slides linearly when the sliding operating force of the first operating member is transmitted, and switches the engaged and disengaged state of at least one of the output members with respect to the input member, and a switch that is turned on by sliding the slide member included in the first operating force transmission unit to operate the motor.

[0007] In the multi-axis drive device of the first aspect, the engagement and disengagement states of multiple output members relative to the input member are selectively switched by operating the operation unit. When the input member rotates due to rotation of the motor, the output member engaged with the input member rotates. The operation unit has a first operation member that can be slid linearly. When the first operation member is slid, a slide member included in the first operation force transmission unit slides linearly. This switches the engagement and disengagement state of at least one output member relative to the input member, turns on a switch, and operates the motor. According to this aspect, the rotation transmission path can be switched by slidably operating the first operation member linearly. The slide operation of this first operation member can be used, for example, to operate a seat slide mechanism of a power seat.

[0008] In the multi-axis drive device of the second aspect, in the first aspect, the operating unit includes a second operating member that is long and can be rotated around one longitudinal end as the center of rotation, and at least one slide member that slides linearly to which the rotational operating force of the second operating member is transmitted, and a second operating force transmission unit that switches the engagement / disengagement state of at least one of the output members relative to the input member, and the switch is turned on by sliding the slide member included in the second operating force transmission unit to operate the motor.

[0009] In the multi-axis drive device of the second aspect, when the long second operating member is rotated around one longitudinal end as the rotation center, the slide member included in the second operating force transmission unit slides linearly. This switches the engagement / disengagement state of at least one output member with respect to the input member, turns on a switch, and activates a motor. The rotation of this second operating member can be used, for example, to operate the reclining mechanism of a power seat.

[0010] The multi-axis drive device of the third aspect is the first or second aspect, wherein the first operating member is elongated and can be rotated around one longitudinal end as the center of rotation, the operating unit includes at least one slide member that slides linearly to which the rotational operating force of the first operating member is transmitted, and has a third operating force transmission unit that switches the engagement / disengagement state of at least one output member relative to the input member, and the switch is turned on by sliding the slide member included in the third operating force transmission unit to operate the motor.

[0011] In the multi-axis drive device of the third aspect, when the long first operating member is rotated around one longitudinal end as the rotation center, the slide member included in the third operating force transmission unit slides linearly. This switches the engagement / disengagement state of at least one output member with respect to the input member, turns on a switch, and activates a motor. The rotation of this first operating member can be used, for example, to operate a lifter mechanism of a power seat.

[0012] The multi-axis drive device of the fourth aspect is any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the slide member has a first slide member to which the operating force of the operating member is transmitted and which slides linearly, and a second slide member to which the operating force of the operating member is transmitted via the first slide member and which slides linearly in a direction different from the sliding direction of the first slide member.

[0013] In the multi-axis drive device of the fourth aspect, the first slide member slides linearly when the operating force of the operating member is transmitted to it. The second slide member slides linearly in a direction different from the sliding direction of the first slide member when the operating force of the operating member is transmitted to it via the first slide member. This sliding of the second slide member can switch the engagement and disengagement state of the output member with respect to the input member. In this way, since the first slide member and the second slide member slide in different directions, the degree of freedom in setting the operating direction of the operating member is improved, for example.

[0014] A fifth aspect of the multi-axis drive device is the fourth aspect, wherein the operating unit has a rotating member that rotates due to the sliding of the first sliding member, and the second sliding member slides due to the rotation of the rotating member.

[0015] In the multi-axis drive device of the fifth aspect, the sliding of the first sliding member rotates the rotating member, and the rotation of the rotating member slides the second sliding member. Because the device has the rotating member in this way, the operating force is smoothly transmitted from the first sliding member to the second sliding member.

[0016] The multi-axis drive device of the sixth aspect is the fourth aspect, wherein when the first slide member slides, the first slide member and the second slide member slide against each other, causing the second slide member to slide.

[0017] In the multi-axis drive device of the sixth aspect, when the first slide member slides, the first slide member and the second slide member slide against each other, causing the second slide member to slide, thereby enabling transmission of operating force from the first slide member to the second slide member with a simple configuration.

[0018] The power seat of the seventh aspect includes a plurality of movable mechanisms that operate when rotation is transmitted, one motor, and a multi-axis drive device of any one of the first to sixth aspects, in which the input member rotates when the motor rotates and the plurality of output members are connected to the plurality of movable mechanisms so that rotation can be transmitted thereto.

[0019] In the power seat of the seventh aspect, the multiple output members of the multi-axis drive device are connected to the multiple movable mechanisms so as to be able to transmit rotation, respectively. When the input member of the multi-axis drive device rotates due to rotation of the motor, the output member among the multiple output members that is engaged with the input member rotates, and the rotation is transmitted to the movable mechanism connected to that output member. Since the above multi-axis drive device is one of the first to sixth aspects, the above-mentioned effects can be obtained. [Effects of the Invention]

[0020] As described above, in the multi-axis drive device and power seat according to the present invention, the rotation transmission path can be switched by a linear sliding operation. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] 1 is a side view showing a power seat according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a side view showing a multi-axis drive device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] 1 is a side view showing the configuration of a main part of a multi-axis drive device according to a first embodiment, as viewed from the outside in the left-right direction of a seat. [Figure 4] 1 is a side view showing the configuration of a main part of a multi-axis drive device according to a first embodiment, as viewed from the inside in the left-right direction of a seat. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the main part of the multi-axis drive device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a side view showing the configuration of the periphery of a limit switch in the multi-axis drive device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a side view showing the configuration of the main part of the multi-axis drive device according to the first embodiment, and shows a non-operating state. [Figure 8] 8 is a side view corresponding to FIG. 7, showing a state in which the first knob has been slid toward the front of the seat. FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 8 is a side view corresponding to FIG. 7, illustrating the rotational operation of the first knob. [Figure 10] FIG. 8 is a side view corresponding to FIG. 7, illustrating the rotational operation of the second knob. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the main part of a multi-axis drive device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a side view showing the configuration of a main part of a multi-axis drive device according to a second embodiment, as viewed from the outside in the left-right direction of the seat. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a side view showing the configuration of the main parts of the multi-axis drive device according to the second embodiment, as viewed from the inside in the left-right direction of the seat. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the main part of a multi-axis drive device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 15] 15 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the main part of the multi-axis drive device according to the second embodiment, viewed from a different direction than FIG. 14. FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a side view showing the configuration of the main parts of the multi-axis drive device according to the second embodiment, and shows a state in which the first knob is slid toward the front of the seat. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] First Embodiment A power seat 10 and a multi-axis drive device 30 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 10. Note that in each figure, some reference numerals may be omitted to make the drawings easier to understand.

[0023] As shown in Fig. 1, a multi-axis drive device 30 according to this embodiment is provided in a power seat 10 for a vehicle and constitutes a power seat operating device for operating the power seat 10. The power seat 10 is, for example, a 3-way power seat and includes a seat body 12. Note that arrows FR, UP, and LH shown as appropriate in each drawing indicate the forward, upward, and leftward directions of the power seat 10, respectively.

[0024] The seat body 12 is equipped with a seat slide mechanism 18 that slides the seat cushion 14 in the front-to-rear direction relative to the vehicle body floor (not shown), a reclining mechanism 20 that rotates the seat back 16 relative to the seat cushion 14, and a lifter mechanism 22 that moves the seat cushion 14 up and down relative to the vehicle body floor. All of these mechanisms are movable mechanisms. These movable mechanisms do not each have a dedicated motor, but are configured to operate when the drive shaft of each mechanism is rotated forward or backward.

[0025] The multi-axis drive device 30 is a device that selectively switches the transmission path of rotational force from a single motor (not shown) disposed inside the seat cushion 14 to the seat slide mechanism 18, the reclining mechanism 20, and the lifter mechanism 22. The multi-axis drive device 30 is provided on the outer side of the seat cushion 14 in the vehicle width direction.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 2, the multi-axis drive device 30 includes a case 32 serving as a housing, and a first knob 62 and a second knob 64 supported by the case 32. The case 32 is disposed inside the seat cushion 14 and is fixed to a frame (not shown) of the seat cushion 14. The first knob 62 and the second knob 64 are disposed on the side surfaces of the seat cushion 14 and exposed to the outside of the seat cushion 14. The first knob 62 has an elongated block shape with its longitudinal direction extending in the front-to-rear direction of the seat. The second knob 64 has an elongated block shape with its longitudinal direction extending in the up-down direction of the seat, and is disposed on the seat rear side relative to the first knob 62. The first knob 62 corresponds to the "first operating member" in this invention, and the second knob 64 corresponds to the "second operating member" in this invention.

[0027] 3 to 5, the multi-axis drive device 30 has one pinion 34 (not shown in FIG. 5), a plurality of (three in this case) input members 36A, 36B, and 36C, a plurality of (three in this case) output members 42A, 42B, and 42C, a plurality of (five in this case) slide members 72, 74, 76, 78, and 80, a plurality of (two in this case) rotating members 82 and 84, one switch link 86, and one limit switch 88. The case 32, the first knob 62 and the second knob 64, the slide members 72, 74, 76, 78, and 80, the rotating members 82 and 84, the switch link 86, and the limit switch 88 constitute the operation unit 60 of the multi-axis drive device 30. In the following description, the input members 36A, 36B, and 36C may be referred to as "input members 36," and the output members 42A, 42B, and 42C may be referred to as "output members 42."

[0028] The pinion 34 is, for example, a helical gear and is disposed with its axis aligned in the left-right direction of the seat. The pinion 34 is coupled to the output shaft of a motor (not shown) supported by the frame of the seat cushion 14 and rotates integrally with the motor output shaft. Three input members 36A, 36B, and 36C are disposed side by side in the circumferential direction of the pinion 34 and rotatably supported by the case 32. In the present embodiment, for example, one input member 36A is disposed on the seat front side relative to the pinion 34, and two input members 36B and 36C are disposed on the seat rear side relative to the pinion 34. These input members 36A, 36B, and 36C each have a helical gear portion 38 meshed with the pinion 34 and a bevel gear portion 40 coaxially disposed on one axial side of the helical gear portion 38 (outside in the left-right direction of the seat). The helical gear portion 38 rotates with the rotation of the pinion 34 , and the bevel gear portion 40 rotates integrally with the helical gear portion 38 .

[0029] The three output members 42A, 42B, and 42C are connected to the slide mechanism 18, the reclining mechanism 20, and the lifter mechanism 22, respectively, so as to be capable of transmitting rotation. The three output members 42A, 42B, and 42C are selectively rotated by selectively switching their connection states with the three input members 36A, 36B, and 36C. In this embodiment, as an example, one output member 42A is disposed in front of the seat relative to the pinion 34 and the three input members 36A, 36B, and 36C, and two output members 42B and 42C are disposed in rear of the seat relative to the pinion 34 and the three input members 36A, 36B, and 36C. Each of the output members 42A, 42B, and 42C has an output gear 44 and an output shaft 54 ​​and is generally cylindrical with a stepped shape. The output members 42A, 42B, and 42C are disposed with their axes aligned with the seat front-rear direction and are rotatably supported by the case 32.

[0030] Each output gear 44 of the output members 42A, 42B, 42C has a cylindrical portion 46 formed in a cylindrical shape, a bevel gear portion 48 coaxially and integrally attached to one axial end of the cylindrical portion 46, and a protrusion 50 coaxially protruding from the bevel gear portion 48 opposite the cylindrical portion 46. The cylindrical portion 46 of each output gear 44 is supported by the case 32 via a bearing 52, and is supported so as to be rotatable about its axis and movable in the axial direction relative to the case 32. Each output gear 44 is movable in the axial direction between an engagement position where the bevel gear portion 48 engages (meshes) with the bevel gear portion 40 of the input members 36A, 36B, 36C, and a disengagement position where the engagement is released. That is, the output gears 44 of the output members 42A, 42B, and 42C are provided so as to be engageable with and disengageable from the input members 36A, 36B, and 36C, respectively, and when engaged with the input members 36A, 36B, and 36C, they rotate with the rotation of the input members 36A, 36B, and 36C. Note that while this embodiment includes three input members 36A, 36B, and 36C, this is not limiting. For example, a single input member having a larger diameter than the input members 36A, 36B, and 36C and including a helical gear portion and a bevel gear portion may be used.

[0031] One axial end of an output shaft 54 ​​is fitted inside the cylindrical portion 46 of each output gear 44 of the output members 42A, 42B, 42C. The cylindrical portion 46 and the output shaft 54 ​​are connected by so-called spline fitting, and each output gear 44 is connected to each output shaft 54 ​​so as to be movable relative to the output shaft 54 ​​in the axial direction and to be rotatable integrally with the output shaft 54. A compression coil spring 56 (see FIG. 5) is arranged inside the cylindrical portion 46 of each output gear 44, and urges each output gear 44 toward the above-mentioned engaged position.

[0032] The output shaft 54 ​​of the output member 42A is connected to the slide mechanism 18 via a torque cable (transmission member) not shown. The output shaft 54 ​​of the output member 42B is connected to the reclining mechanism 20 via a torque cable not shown. The output shaft 54 ​​of the output member 42C is connected to the lifter mechanism 22 via a torque cable not shown. The multi-axis drive device 30 according to this embodiment is configured so that the output member 42 connected to the movable mechanism to be operated is engaged with the input member 36. This will be explained in detail below.

[0033] The slide member 72, the slide member 74, and the rotating member 82 constitute the first operating force transmission unit 66. The slide member 72 corresponds to the "first slide member" in this invention, and the slide member 74 corresponds to the "second slide member" in this invention.

[0034] The slide member 72 is plate-shaped with its longitudinal direction aligned with the front-rear direction of the seat and its thickness direction aligned with the left-right direction of the seat, and is supported relative to the case 32 so as to be able to slide linearly in the front-rear direction of the seat. Rack teeth 72A are formed on the lower edge of the slide member 72. A protrusion 72B that protrudes outward in the left-right direction of the seat is formed on the front end of the slide member 72. The protrusion 72B passes through a horizontally elongated hole (not shown) formed in the case 32, extends outward from the seat cushion 14, and fits into a circular fitting hole 62A (see FIGS. 6 to 9) formed on the front end side of the first knob 62.

[0035] The slide member 74 is plate-shaped with its longitudinal direction aligned with the seat vertical direction and its thickness direction aligned with the seat left-right direction, and is supported so as to be able to slide linearly in the seat vertical direction relative to the case 32. Rack teeth 74A are formed on the upper side of the front edge of the slide member 74. A cam portion 74B is formed on the lower side of the front edge of the slide member 74, protruding in a generally trapezoidal shape toward the front of the seat when viewed from the seat left-right direction.

[0036] The rotating member 82 integrally and coaxially includes a first sector gear portion 82A meshed with the rack teeth 72A of the slide member 72 and a second sector gear portion 82A meshed with the rack teeth 74A of the slide member 74, and is rotatably supported relative to the case 32. The rotating member 82 is biased to the neutral position shown in Figures 3, 4, and 6 by a biasing member (not shown) (for example, a torsion coil spring). When the rotating member 82 is in the neutral position, the cam portion 74B of the slide member 74 engages with the convex portion 50 of the output member 42A, thereby positioning the bevel gear portion 48 of the output member 42A in the disengaged position described above.

[0037] The slide member 76, the slide member 78, and the rotating member 84 constitute the second operating force transmission unit 68. The slide member 76 corresponds to the "first slide member" in this invention, and the slide member 78 corresponds to the "second slide member" in this invention.

[0038] The slide member 76 is plate-shaped with its longitudinal direction aligned with the seat front-rear direction and its thickness direction aligned with the seat left-right direction, and is supported relative to the case 32 so as to be linearly slidable in the seat front-rear direction. Rack teeth 76A are formed on the lower edge of the slide member 76. A protrusion 76B is formed on the rear end of the slide member 76, protruding outward in the seat left-right direction. The protrusion 76B passes through a vertically elongated hole (not shown) formed in the case 32 and extends outward from the seat cushion 14, and is fitted into a vertically elongated hole 64A (see FIGS. 6 to 9) formed in the upper end of the second knob 64. A circular hole 64B is formed in the lower end of the second knob 64, into which the spindle 32A protruding from the case 32 is fitted. This allows the second knob 64 to rotate in the seat front-rear direction around the lower end (one longitudinal end) where the spindle 32A is fitted into the hole 64B.

[0039] The slide member 78 is plate-shaped with its longitudinal direction aligned with the seat vertical direction and its thickness direction aligned with the seat left-right direction, and is supported so as to be able to slide linearly in the seat vertical direction relative to the case 32. Rack teeth 78A are formed on the upper side of the rear edge of the slide member 78. A cam portion 78B is formed on the lower side of the rear edge of the slide member 78, protruding in a generally trapezoidal shape toward the rear of the seat when viewed from the seat left-right direction.

[0040] The rotating member 84 integrally and coaxially includes a first sector gear portion 84A meshed with the rack teeth 76A of the slide member 76 and a second sector gear portion 84B meshed with the rack teeth 78A of the slide member 78, and is rotatably supported relative to the case 32. The rotating member 84 is biased to the neutral position shown in FIGS. 3, 4, and 6 by a biasing member (not shown) (for example, a torsion coil spring). When the rotating member 84 is in the neutral position, the cam portion 78B of the slide member 78 engages with the convex portion 50 of the output member 42B, thereby positioning the bevel gear portion 48 of the output member 42B in the disengaged position described above.

[0041] The slide member 80 constitutes the third operation force transmission unit 70. The slide member 80 is plate-shaped with its longitudinal direction aligned with the up-down direction of the seat and its thickness direction aligned with the left-right direction of the seat, and is supported relative to the case 32 so as to be linearly slidable in the up-down direction of the seat. A protrusion 80A is formed on the upper side of the slide member 80, protruding outward in the left-right direction of the seat. The protrusion 80A passes through a vertically elongated hole (not shown) formed in the case 32 and extends outward from the seat cushion 14, and is fitted into a horizontally elongated hole 62B (see FIGS. 6 to 9 ) formed on the rear end of the first knob 62. The first knob 62 is supported by the case 32 via the slide member 80 having the protrusion 80A and the slide member 72 having the protrusion 72B. The first knob 62 is slidable in the fore-and-aft direction of the seat and rotatable in the up-down direction of the seat around its front end (one end in the longitudinal direction) as the rotation center.

[0042] A cam portion 80B that protrudes in a generally trapezoidal shape toward the rear of the seat when viewed from the left-right direction of the seat is formed on the lower side of the rear edge of the slide member 80. The slide member 80 is biased to the neutral position shown in Figures 3, 4, and 6 by a biasing member (e.g., a spring) not shown. When the slide member 80 is in the neutral position, the cam portion 80B of the slide member 80 engages with the protrusion 50 of the output member 42C, thereby positioning the bevel gear portion 48 of the output member 42C in the disengaged position described above.

[0043] When the first knob 62 is slid toward the front or rear of the seat, the slide member 72 slides toward the front or rear of the seat, the rotating member 82 rotates in one direction about its axis or the other about its axis, and the slide member 74 slides toward the upper or lower side of the seat. This disengages the cam portion 74B of the slide member 74 from the convex portion 50 of the output member 42A, and the bevel gear portion 48 of the output member 42A is moved to the aforementioned engaged position by the biasing force of the compression coil spring 56. This causes the bevel gear portion 48 of the output member 42A to mesh with the bevel gear portion 40 of the input member 36A.

[0044] When the second knob 64 is rotated toward the front or rear of the seat, the slide member 76 slides toward the front or rear of the seat, the rotating member 84 rotates in one direction about its axis or the other about its axis, and the slide member 78 slides toward the upper or lower side of the seat. This disengages the cam portion 78B of the slide member 78 from the convex portion 50 of the output member 42B, and the bevel gear portion 48 of the output member 42B is moved to the aforementioned engaged position by the biasing force of the compression coil spring 56. This causes the bevel gear portion 48 of the output member 42B to mesh with the bevel gear portion 40 of the input member 36B.

[0045] When the first knob 62 is rotated upward or downward, the slide member 80 slides upward or downward. This disengages the cam portion 80B of the slide member 80 from the protrusion 50 of the output member 42C, and the bevel gear portion 48 of the output member 42C is moved to the aforementioned engaged position by the biasing force of the compression coil spring 56. This causes the bevel gear portion 48 of the output member 42C to mesh with the bevel gear portion 40 of the input member 36C.

[0046] 10, a pair of front and rear protrusions 72C protruding inward in the left-right direction of the seat is formed on the front side of the slide member 72, a pair of front and rear protrusions 76C protruding upward from the seat is formed on the front side of the slide member 76, and a pair of upper and lower protrusions 80C protruding forward from the seat is formed on the upper side of the slide member 80. These protrusions 72C, 76C, 80C correspond to the switch link 86.

[0047] The switch link 86 is disposed at the front and upper end sides within the case 32 and is supported rotatably about an axis in the left-right direction of the seat relative to the case 32. The switch link 86 is biased to a neutral position shown in Fig. 10 by the biasing force of a biasing member (e.g., a torsion coil spring) not shown. The switch link 86 is provided with an arm 86A that protrudes below the seat and an arm 86B that protrudes rearward of the seat.

[0048] When the slide member 72 slides toward the front or rear of the seat, one or the other of the pair of protrusions 72C engages with the arm 86A protruding toward the bottom of the seat. This causes the switch link 86 to rotate in one direction about the axis or the other direction about the axis. Furthermore, when the slide member 72 slides toward the front or rear of the seat, one or the other of the pair of protrusions 76C engages with the arm 86A protruding toward the bottom of the seat. This causes the switch link 86 to rotate in one direction about the axis or the other direction about the axis. When the slide member 80 slides toward the top or bottom of the seat, one or the other of the pair of protrusions 80C engages with the arm 86B protruding toward the rear of the seat. This causes the switch link 86 to rotate in one direction about the axis or the other direction about the axis.

[0049] The switch link 86 is provided with an arm 86C that protrudes above the seat and an arm 86D that protrudes forward of the seat. These arms 86C, 86D correspond to a limit switch 88. The limit switch 88 is disposed above and in front of the seat relative to the switch link 86, and is supported by the case 32. The limit switch 88 is a two-circuit, two-contact limit switch, and has a lever 88A that protrudes rearward and downward of the seat. The limit switch 88 is electrically connected to the aforementioned motor (not shown).

[0050] When the switch link 86 rotates in one direction about its axis, one of the arms 86C, 86D engages with the lever 88A of the limit switch 88, causing the lever 88A to rotate in one direction about its axis. This turns on one circuit of the limit switch, causing the motor to rotate in the forward direction. When the switch link 86 rotates in the other direction about its axis, the other of the arms 86C, 86D engages with the lever 88A of the limit switch 88, causing the lever 88A to rotate in the other direction about its axis. This turns on the other circuit of the limit switch, causing the motor to rotate in the reverse direction.

[0051] In addition, in this embodiment, when the slide member 72 is slid toward the front or rear of the seat by the sliding operation of the first knob 62, two of the three protrusions 82C (see FIG. 10) provided on the rotating member 82 fit into the recesses 77, 81 formed on the slide member 76 and the slide member 80, thereby restricting the sliding of the slide members 76, 80. This prevents the first knob 62 and the second knob 64 from being rotated accidentally. Similarly, when the slide member 76 is slid toward the front or rear of the seat by the rotating operation of the second knob 64, one of the two protrusions 84C (see FIG. 6) provided on the rotating member 84 fits into the recess 83 formed on the slide member 80, thereby restricting the sliding of the slide member 80. This prevents the first knob 62 from being rotated accidentally. Note that a flat portion 84D is formed between the two protrusions 84C on the outer periphery of the rotating member 84.

[0052] (Action and effect) Next, the operation and effects of this embodiment will be described.

[0053] In the multi-axis drive device 30 provided in the power seat 10 configured as described above, the engagement and disengagement states of the three output members 42 with respect to the three input members 36 are selectively switched by operating the operation unit 60. When the three input members 36 are rotated by the rotation of a motor (not shown), the output member 42 engaged with any of the three input members 36 rotates.

[0054] The operating unit 60 includes a first knob 62 that can be slid linearly. When the first knob 62 is slid in the seat fore-and-aft direction, the slide members 72, 74 included in the first operating force transmission unit 66 slide linearly. As a result, the bevel gear portion 48 of the output member 42A engages with the bevel gear portion 40 of the input member 36A, and the limit switch 88 is turned on, activating the motor. As a result, the rotation of the motor is transmitted to the seat slide mechanism 18 via the input member 36A, the output member 42A, and a torque cable (not shown), thereby activating the seat slide mechanism. As described above, according to this embodiment, the rotation transmission path can be switched by linearly sliding the first knob 62, allowing the fore-and-aft position of the power seat 10 to be adjusted intuitively.

[0055] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the second knob 64, which is elongated in the seat up-down direction, is rotated in the seat front-rear direction around its lower end as the rotation center, the slide members 76, 78 included in the second operation force transmission unit 68 slide linearly. As a result, the bevel gear portion 48 of the output member 42B engages with the bevel gear portion 40 of the input member 36B, and the limit switch 88 is turned on, activating the motor. As a result, the rotation of the motor is transmitted to the reclining mechanism 20 via the input member 36B, the output member 42B, and a torque cable (not shown), thereby activating the reclining mechanism 20. As described above, according to this embodiment, the reclining mechanism 20 can be activated by rotating the second knob 64 in the seat front-rear direction, allowing the user to adjust the reclining angle of the seat back 16 through an intuitive operation.

[0056] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the first knob 62, which is elongated in the seat front-rear direction, is rotated in the seat up-down direction around its front end, the slide member 80 constituting the third operation force transmission unit 70 slides linearly. As a result, the bevel gear portion 48 of the output member 42C engages with the bevel gear portion 40 of the input member 36C, and the limit switch 88 is turned on, activating the motor. As a result, the rotation of the motor is transmitted to the lifter mechanism 22 via the input member 36C, the output member 42C, and a torque cable (not shown), thereby activating the lifter mechanism 22. As described above, according to this embodiment, the lifter mechanism 22 can be activated by rotating the first knob 62 in the seat up-down direction, allowing the user to adjust the up-down position of the seat cushion 14 intuitively.

[0057] Furthermore, in this embodiment, in the first operating force transmission unit 66, the operating force of the first knob 62 is transmitted to the slide member 72, causing it to slide linearly, and the operating force of the first knob 62 is transmitted to the slide member 74 via the slide member 72, causing it to slide linearly in a direction different from the sliding direction of the slide member 72. This sliding of the slide member 74 can switch the engagement and disengagement state of the output member 42A with respect to the input member 36A. In this way, the slide members 72 and 74 slide in different directions, which increases the degree of freedom in setting the operating direction of, for example, the first knob 62.

[0058] Similarly, in this embodiment, in the second operating force transmission unit 68, the operating force of the second knob 64 is transmitted to the slide member 76, causing it to slide linearly, and the operating force of the second knob 64 is transmitted to the slide member 78 via the slide member 76, causing it to slide linearly in a direction different from the sliding direction of the slide member 76. This sliding of the slide member 78 can switch the engagement and disengagement state of the output member 42B with respect to the input member 36B. In this way, the slide member 76 and the slide member 78 slide in different directions, which increases the degree of freedom in setting the operating direction of, for example, the second knob 64.

[0059] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first operating force transmission unit 66 has a rotating member 82 that rotates as the slide member 72 slides, and the rotation of the rotating member 82 causes the slide member 74 to slide. The second operating force transmission unit 68 has a rotating member 84 that rotates as the slide member 76 slides, and the rotation of the rotating member 84 causes the slide member 78 to slide. Because the second operating force transmission unit 68 has the rotating members 82 and 84 in this manner, the operating force is smoothly transmitted from the slide members 72 and 76 to the slide members 74 and 78.

[0060] <Second embodiment> Next, a multi-axis driving device 90 according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 11 to 16. Note that the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment are used for configurations and operations that are basically the same as those in the first embodiment, and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0061] A multi-axis drive device 90 according to the second embodiment is configured so that an output member 42 connected to a movable mechanism that is not to be operated is detached from an input member 36. In this multi-axis drive device 90, a first operating force transmission unit 66 is made up of a slide member 72, a slide member 92, and a slide member 94, a second operating force transmission unit 68 is made up of a slide member 76, a slide member 92, and a slide member 96, and a third operating force transmission unit 70 is made up of a slide member 80, a slide member 98, a slide member 94, a slide member 96, and a rotating member 100. The slide members 72, 76, and 98 correspond to the "first slide member" in this invention, and the slide members 92, 94, and 96 correspond to the "second slide member" in this invention.

[0062] The slide member 72 is biased toward the neutral position shown in Figures 11 to 13 by the biasing force of a biasing member (e.g., a spring) not shown. A slide recess 72D is formed on the lower edge of the slide member 72. This slide recess 72D has a triangular shape that protrudes upward from the seat when viewed from the left-right direction of the seat.

[0063] The slide member 92 is plate-shaped with its longitudinal direction aligned with the seat's vertical direction and its thickness direction aligned with the seat's left-right direction. The slide member 92 is supported relative to the case 32 so as to be linearly slidable in the seat's vertical direction, and is biased toward the seat's upper side by the biasing force of a biasing member (e.g., a spring, not shown). The upper end of the slide member 92 is formed with a triangular sliding protrusion 92A that protrudes toward the seat's upper side when viewed from the seat's left-right direction. The lower end of the slide member 92 is formed with a cam portion 92B that protrudes toward the seat's rear.

[0064] The slide member 94 is plate-shaped with its longitudinal direction aligned with the seat's vertical direction and its thickness direction aligned with the seat's left-right direction, and is longer than the slide member 92. The slide member 94 is supported relative to the case 32 so as to be able to slide linearly in the seat's vertical direction, and is biased toward the seat's upper side by the biasing force of a biasing member (e.g., a spring, not shown). The upper end of the slide member 94 is formed with a triangular sliding protrusion 94A that protrudes toward the seat's upper side when viewed from the seat's left-right direction. The lower end of the slide member 94 is formed with a cam portion 94B that protrudes toward the seat rear.

[0065] The slide member 76 is disposed inside the slide member 72 in the seat left-right direction. The slide member 76 is biased toward the neutral position shown in FIGS. 11 to 13 by the biasing force of a biasing member (e.g., a spring) not shown. A sliding recess 76D is formed on the lower edge of the slide member 76, and a sliding recess 76E is formed on the outer side surface of the slide member 76 in the seat left-right direction. These sliding recesses 76D, 76E have a triangular shape that convex toward the upper side of the seat when viewed from the seat left-right direction.

[0066] The slide member 96 has a generally rectangular parallelepiped shape with its longitudinal direction in the up-down direction of the seat, and is supported relative to the case 32 so as to be linearly slidable in the up-down direction of the seat. The slide member 96 is biased toward the upper side of the seat by the biasing force of a biasing member (e.g., a spring) not shown. A pair of triangular sliding protrusions 96A that protrude toward the upper side of the seat when viewed from the left-right direction of the seat are formed on the upper end of the slide member 96, side by side in the left-right direction of the seat. A cam portion 96B that protrudes toward the front of the seat is formed on the lower end of the slide member 96.

[0067] The slide member 98 is plate-shaped, with its longitudinal direction aligned with the seat front-rear direction and its thickness direction aligned with the seat left-right direction. The slide member 98 is supported relative to the case 32 so as to be linearly slidable in the seat front-rear direction. The slide member 98 is disposed outside the slide member 72 in the seat left-right direction and inside the slide member 80 in the seat left-right direction. The slide member 98 is biased toward the neutral position shown in FIGS. 11 to 13 by a biasing force of a biasing member (e.g., a spring, not shown). The upper edge of the slide member 98 is formed with rack teeth 98A and a pair of front and rear protrusions 98B. The front and rear protrusions 98B are formed on the front portion of the slide member 98, closer to the front of the seat than the rack teeth 98A, and protrude upward from the seat. The slide member 98 is formed with a sliding recess 98C in the lower edge, and a sliding recess 98D is formed on the inner side of the slide member 98 in the seat left-right direction. The sliding recesses 98C and 98D are triangular and protrude upward from the seat when viewed from the seat left-right direction.

[0068] The rotating member 100 integrally and coaxially includes a first sector gear portion 100A meshed with rack teeth 80D formed on the rear edge of the slide member 80 and a second sector gear portion 100B meshed with rack teeth 98A formed on the upper edge of the slide member 98, and is rotatably supported relative to the case 32. The rotating member 100 is biased to a neutral position shown in Figures 11 to 13 by a biasing member (for example, a torsion coil spring) not shown.

[0069] In a state where the slide members 72, 76, 98 and the rotating member 100 are positioned in a neutral position (hereinafter referred to as the "neutral state"), the sliding convex portion 92A of the slide member 92 fits into the sliding concave portion 76E of the slide member 76 and the sliding concave portion 72D of the slide member 72. Also, in the neutral state, the sliding convex portion 94A of the slide member 94 fits into the sliding concave portion 72D of the slide member 72 and the sliding concave portion 98D of the slide member 98. Furthermore, in the neutral state, one of the pair of sliding convex portions 96A of the slide member 96 fits into the sliding concave portion 76D of the slide member 76, and the other of the pair of sliding convex portions 96A fits into the sliding concave portion 98C of the slide member 98. In this neutral state, the cam portions 92B, 94B, 96B of the slide members 92, 94, 96 are positioned above the seat relative to the respective convex portions 50 of the output members 42A, 42B, 42C, and the respective bevel gear portions 48 of the output members 42A, 42B, 42C are engaged with the respective bevel gear portions 40 of the input members 36A, 36B, 36C.

[0070] When the first knob 62 is slid toward the front or rear of the seat, the slide member 72, whose protrusion 72A engages with the first knob 62, slides toward the front or rear of the seat, and the sliding recess 72D slides against the sliding protrusions 92A and 94A. This causes the slide members 92 and 94 to slide downward, and the cam portions 92B and 94B engage with the respective protrusions 50 of the output members 42B and 42C. As a result, the bevel gear portions 48 of the output members 42B and 42C disengage from the respective bevel gear portions 40 of the input members 36B and 36C. Note that FIG. 16 illustrates a state in which the first knob 62 is slid toward the front of the seat. Furthermore, when the slide member 72 slides toward the front or rear of the seat, one or the other of the pair of protrusions 72C engages with the arm portion 86A of the switch link 86, turning on one or the other of the circuits of the limit switch 88, causing the motor to rotate forward or reverse. As a result, the rotation of the motor is transmitted to the output member 42A, whose bevel gear portion 48 is engaged with the bevel gear portion 40 of the input member 36A, thereby operating the seat slide mechanism 18. At this time, the bevel gear portions 48 of the output members 42B, 42C are disengaged from the bevel gear portions 40 of the input members 36B, 36C, so that even if the first knob 62 and the second knob 64 are rotated accidentally, the rotation of the motor is not transmitted to the reclining mechanism 20 and the lifter mechanism 22.

[0071] When the second knob 64 is rotated toward the front or rear of the seat, the slide member 76, whose protrusion 76A is engaged with the second knob 64, slides toward the front or rear of the seat, and the sliding recesses 76D, 76E slide against the sliding protrusions 92A, 96A. This causes the slide members 92, 96 to slide downward in the seat, and the cam portions 92B, 96B engage with the respective protrusions 50 of the output members 42A, 42C. As a result, the bevel gear portions 48 of the output members 42A, 42C disengage from the respective bevel gear portions 40 of the input members 36A, 36C. Furthermore, when the slide member 76 slides toward the front or rear of the seat, one or the other of the pair of protrusions 76C engages with the arm portion 86A of the switch link 86, turning on one or the other circuit of the limit switch 88, and the motor rotates forward or reverse. As a result, the rotation of the motor is transmitted to the output member 42B, whose bevel gear portion 48 is engaged with the bevel gear portion 40 of the input member 36B, thereby actuating the reclining mechanism 20. At this time, because the bevel gear portions 48 of the output members 42A and 42C are disengaged from the bevel gear portions 40 of the input members 36A and 36C, the rotation of the motor is not transmitted to the seat slide mechanism 18 and the lifter mechanism 22 even if the first knob 62 is accidentally slid or rotated.

[0072] When the first knob 64 is rotated upward or downward, the slide member 80, whose protrusion 80A is engaged with the first knob 64, slides upward or downward. As a result, the rotating member 100 rotates in one direction or the other about its axis, the slide member 98 slides forward or backward, and the sliding recesses 98C and 98D slide against the sliding protrusions 94A and 96A. This causes the slide members 94 and 96 to slide downward, and the cam portions 94B and 96B engage with the respective protrusions 50 of the output members 42A and 42B. As a result, the bevel gear portions 48 of the output members 42A and 42B disengage from the respective bevel gear portions 40 of the input members 36A and 36B. Furthermore, when the slide member 98 slides toward the front or rear of the seat, one or the other of the pair of protrusions 98B engages with the arm 86A of the switch link 86, turning on one or the other circuit of the limit switch 88 and causing the motor to rotate forward or reverse. This transmits the rotation of the motor to the output member 42C, whose bevel gear portion 48 is engaged with the bevel gear portion 40 of the input member 36C, thereby operating the lifter mechanism 22. At this time, because the bevel gear portions 48 of the output members 42A and 42B are disengaged from the bevel gear portions 40 of the input members 36A and 36B, the rotation of the motor is not transmitted to the slide mechanism 18 and the reclining mechanism 20 even if the first knob 62 is erroneously slid or the second knob 64 is erroneously rotated.

[0073] In this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the rotation transmission path can be switched by linearly sliding the first knob 62, allowing the fore-aft position of the power seat 10 to be adjusted intuitively. Furthermore, as in the first embodiment, the reclining angle of the seat back 16 and the vertical position of the seat cushion 14 can be adjusted intuitively by rotating the second knob 64 in the seat fore-aft direction and the first knob 62 in the seat up-down direction. Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the slide member 72 slides, the slide member 72 and the slide members 92 and 94 slide against each other, causing the slide members 92 and 94 to slide. This allows the transmission of operating force from the slide member 72 to the slide members 92 and 94 to be achieved with a simple configuration. This also applies to the relationship between the slide member 76 and the slide members 92 and 96, and the relationship between the slide member 98 and the slide members 94 and 96.

[0074] In the above embodiments, the seat slide mechanism 18, the reclining mechanism 20, and the lifter mechanism 22 are described as movable mechanisms, but the present invention is not limited to this, and other types of movable mechanisms such as a lumbar support mechanism, a tilt mechanism, an ottoman mechanism, and a thigh support mechanism can also be applied as movable mechanisms.

[0075] In addition, the present invention can be implemented in various modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Furthermore, it goes without saying that the scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. [Explanation of symbols]

[0076] 10 Power seats 18 Seat slide mechanism 20 Reclining mechanism 22 Lifter mechanism 30 Multi-axis drive unit 36A, 36B, 36C Input members 42A, 42B, 42C output members 60 Control section 62 First knob (first operating member) 64 Second knob (second operating member) 66 First operating force transmission unit 68 Second operating force transmission unit 70 Third operating force transmission unit 72 slide member (first slide member) 74 Slide member (second slide member) 76 Slide member (first slide member) 78 Slide member (second slide member) 80 Slide member 82, 84 Rotating members 88 Limit switch (switch) 90 Multi-axis drive unit 92 Slide member (second slide member) 94 Slide member (second slide member) 96 Slide member (second slide member) 98 Slide member (first slide member) 100 Rotating member

Claims

1. an input member that rotates due to rotation of the motor; a plurality of output members each of which is provided so as to be engageable with and disengageable from the input member, and which rotate in response to rotation of the input member when engaged with the input member; an operation unit that selectively switches an engagement / disengagement state of the plurality of output members with respect to the input member; Equipped with The operation unit includes: a first operating member that is elongated, can be slid linearly, and can be rotated around one end in the longitudinal direction; a first operating force transmission unit including at least one slide member that linearly slides upon receiving a slide operating force of the first operating member, and that switches an engaged / disengaged state of the at least one output member relative to the input member; a third operating force transmission unit including at least one slide member that linearly slides upon receiving the rotational operating force of the first operating member, and that switches an engaged / disengaged state of the at least one output member relative to the input member; a switch that is turned on by sliding of the slide member included in the first operating force transmission unit to operate the motor, and that is turned on by sliding of the slide member included in the third operating force transmission unit to operate the motor; A multi-axis drive device having:

2. The operation unit includes: a second operating member that is elongated and can be rotated around one end in the longitudinal direction as a rotation center; a second operating force transmission unit including at least one slide member that linearly slides upon receiving the rotational operating force of the second operating member, and that switches an engaged / disengaged state of the at least one output member relative to the input member; The multi-axis drive device according to claim 1 , wherein the switch is turned on by sliding the slide member included in the second operating force transmission unit to operate the motor.

3. The operation force transmission unit includes: a first slide member that linearly slides upon receiving the operating force of the operating member; a second slide member to which an operating force of the operating member is transmitted via the first slide member and which linearly slides in a direction different from the sliding direction of the first slide member; 3. The multi-axis drive device according to claim 1, further comprising:

4. 4. The multi-axis drive device according to claim 3, wherein the operation force transmission unit has a rotating member that rotates as the first sliding member slides, and the second sliding member slides as the rotating member rotates.

5. 4. The multi-axis drive device according to claim 3, wherein when the first slide member slides, the first slide member and the second slide member slide relative to each other, thereby causing the second slide member to slide.

6. A plurality of movable mechanisms that operate by transmitting rotation; One motor; The multi-axis drive device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the input member rotates due to rotation of the motor, and the plurality of output members are connected to the plurality of movable mechanisms so as to be able to transmit rotation, respectively; Power seats equipped.

Images