Vehicle seats

Abstract

To provide a vehicle seat having a plurality of configurations allowing seating.SOLUTION: A vehicle seat 1 includes: a support leg 6 connected to a floor 4 so as to be rotatable about a first axis A1 extending in a horizontal direction; a seat cushion 2 connected to the support leg so as to be rotatable about a second axis A2 parallel to the first axis; a first coupling device 35 which is provided on the support leg, and which is detachably coupled to a first coupling part 34 provided on the floor; and a second coupling device 38 which is provided on the seat cushion, and which is detachably coupled to a second coupling part 37 provided on the floor. The seat cushion is movable between a storage position at the lowest position, a first use position at which the first coupling device is coupled to the first coupling part, and a second use position at which the second coupling device is coupled to the second coupling part. The seat cushion includes: a base member 10 connected to the support leg; and an upper member 12 supported on the base member through a slide device 11 so as to be movable in a front-rear direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a vehicle seat that moves rearward and downward relative to a floor and is stored in a storage recess formed in the floor. The vehicle seat has support legs rotatably connected to the floor, a seat cushion rotatably supported on the support legs, and a coupling device that detachably couples with a striker provided on the floor. As the support legs rotate, the vehicle seat moves between an in-use position and a stowed position. As the coupling device couples with the striker, the vehicle seat is maintained in the in-use position. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-60386 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The vehicle seat according to Patent Document 1 allows an occupant to sit on the vehicle seat only when it is in the use position. If the vehicle seat has multiple seating configurations, the commercial value of the vehicle seat is improved.

[0005] In view of the above background, an object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle seat that has a plurality of seating configurations. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a vehicle seat (1), comprising: a support leg (6) connected to a vehicle body so as to be rotatable about a first axis (A1) extending horizontally; a seat cushion (2) connected to the support leg so as to be rotatable about a second axis (A2) parallel to the first axis; a first coupling device (35) provided on the support leg and detachably coupled to a first coupling portion (34) provided on the vehicle body; and a second coupling device (38) provided on the seat cushion and detachably coupled to a second coupling portion (37) provided on the vehicle body, wherein the seat cushion is movable between a storage position at its lowest position, a first use position in which the first coupling device is coupled to the first coupling portion, and a second use position in which the second coupling device is coupled to the second coupling portion, and the seat cushion comprises a base member (10) connected to the support leg; and an upper member (12) supported on the base member via a slide device (11) so as to be movably in the fore-and-aft direction.

[0007] According to this aspect, a vehicle seat having multiple seating configurations can be provided. The seat cushion can be positioned in the first and second use positions in addition to the storage position, increasing the number of seat arrangements available to the user. Furthermore, the sliding device allows the seating position to be moved forward and backward in the first and second use positions.

[0008] In the above aspect, the seat cushion in the second use position may be positioned higher than the seat cushion in the storage position, and the seat cushion in the first use position may be positioned higher than the seat cushion in the second use position.

[0009] According to this aspect, the height and the front-rear position of the vehicle seat change as the seat cushion moves from the first use position to the second use position.

[0010] In the above aspect, the vehicle body has a floor (4), the floor having a floor front portion (4A), a floor intermediate portion (4B) extending downward from the rear end of the floor front portion, and a floor rear portion (4C) extending rearward from the lower end of the floor intermediate portion and positioned below the floor front portion, the lower end of the support leg is connected to the floor rear portion so as to be rotatable around the first axis extending left and right, the first connection portion is provided in the floor intermediate portion, and when the seat cushion is in the second use position, the base member may be positioned at the same height as the floor front portion.

[0011] According to this aspect, the seat cushion can be disposed closer to the front portion of the floor in the second use position.

[0012] In the above aspect, a majority of the seat cushion may be disposed above a rear portion of the floor in the storage position, and may be disposed above a front portion of the floor in the first use position.

[0013] According to this aspect, in the storage position, the seat cushion can be disposed in the rear portion of the floor that is recessed downward relative to the front portion of the floor.

[0014] In the above aspect, the second joint portion may be provided at the rear end portion of the floor front portion or the upper end portion of the floor intermediate portion.

[0015] According to this aspect, the distance between the seat cushion and the second connecting portion is reduced, thereby improving the stability of the seat cushion.

[0016] In the above aspect, the second coupling device may be movable in the front-rear direction relative to the base member.

[0017] According to this aspect, the seating position can be moved forward and backward in the first use position and the second use position.

[0018] In the above aspect, the second coupling device may be provided on the upper member.

[0019] According to this aspect, the second joint portion can be moved forward and backward together with the seat cushion.

[0020] In the above aspect, when the second connection device is in a predetermined connection position relative to the base member and the seat cushion is in the second use position, the second connection device may be connected to the second connection portion, and when the second connection device is not in the connection position and the seat cushion is in the second use position, the second connection device may not be connected to the second connection portion.

[0021] According to this aspect, it is possible to select whether or not to fix the seat cushion in the second use position by moving the seat cushion forward or backward.

[0022] In the above aspect, when the seat cushion is in the storage position, the upper surface of the seat cushion may be located below the upper surface of the front part of the floor, and when the seat cushion is in the second use position, the upper surface of the seat cushion may be located above the upper surface of the front part of the floor.

[0023] According to this aspect, the seat cushion can be disposed below the front portion of the floor when in the storage position. [Effects of the Invention]

[0024] The present invention provides a vehicle seat (1), comprising: a support leg (6) connected to a vehicle body so as to be rotatable about a first axis (A1) extending horizontally; a seat cushion (2) connected to the support leg so as to be rotatable about a second axis (A2) parallel to the first axis; a first coupling device (35) provided on the support leg and detachably coupled to a first coupling portion (34) provided on the vehicle body; and a second coupling device (38) provided on the seat cushion and detachably coupled to a second coupling portion (37) provided on the vehicle body, wherein the seat cushion is movable between a storage position at its lowest position, a first use position in which the first coupling device is coupled to the first coupling portion, and a second use position in which the second coupling device is coupled to the second coupling portion, and the seat cushion comprises a base member (10) connected to the support leg; and an upper member (12) supported on the base member via a slide device (11) so as to be movably in the fore-and-aft direction.

[0025] According to this aspect, a vehicle seat having multiple seating configurations can be provided. The seat cushion can be positioned in the first and second use positions in addition to the storage position, increasing the number of seat arrangements available to the user. Furthermore, the sliding device allows the seating position to be moved forward and backward in the first and second use positions.

[0026] In the above aspect, the seat cushion in the second use position may be positioned higher than the seat cushion in the storage position, and the seat cushion in the first use position may be positioned higher than the seat cushion in the second use position.

[0027] According to this aspect, the height and the front-rear position of the vehicle seat change as the seat cushion moves from the first use position to the second use position.

[0028] In the above aspect, the vehicle body has a floor (4), the floor having a floor front portion (4A), a floor intermediate portion (4B) extending downward from the rear end of the floor front portion, and a floor rear portion (4C) extending rearward from the lower end of the floor intermediate portion and positioned below the floor front portion, the lower end of the support leg is connected to the floor rear portion so as to be rotatable around the first axis extending left and right, the first connection portion is provided in the floor intermediate portion, and when the seat cushion is in the second use position, the base member may be positioned at the same height as the floor front portion.

[0029] According to this aspect, the seat cushion can be disposed closer to the front portion of the floor in the second use position.

[0030] In the above aspect, a majority of the seat cushion may be disposed above a rear portion of the floor in the storage position, and may be disposed above a front portion of the floor in the first use position.

[0031] According to this aspect, in the storage position, the seat cushion can be disposed in the rear portion of the floor that is recessed downward relative to the front portion of the floor.

[0032] In the above aspect, the second joint portion may be provided at the rear end portion of the floor front portion or the upper end portion of the floor intermediate portion.

[0033] According to this aspect, the distance between the seat cushion and the second connecting portion is reduced, thereby improving the stability of the seat cushion.

[0034] In the above aspect, the second coupling device may be movable in the front-rear direction relative to the base member.

[0035] According to this aspect, the seating position can be moved forward and backward in the first use position and the second use position.

[0036] In the above aspect, the second coupling device may be provided on the upper member.

[0037] According to this aspect, the second joint portion can be moved forward and backward together with the seat cushion.

[0038] In the above aspect, when the second connection device is in a predetermined connection position relative to the base member and the seat cushion is in the second use position, the second connection device may be connected to the second connection portion, and when the second connection device is not in the connection position and the seat cushion is in the second use position, the second connection device may not be connected to the second connection portion.

[0039] According to this aspect, it is possible to select whether or not to fix the seat cushion in the second use position by moving the seat cushion forward or backward.

[0040] In the above aspect, when the seat cushion is in the storage position, the upper surface of the seat cushion may be located below the upper surface of the front part of the floor, and when the seat cushion is in the second use position, the upper surface of the seat cushion may be located above the upper surface of the front part of the floor.

[0041] According to this aspect, the seat cushion can be disposed below the front portion of the floor when in the storage position. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0042] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a first usage mode of a seat according to an embodiment; [Figure 2] Exploded perspective view of the seat frame [Figure 3] 1 is a perspective view of a first coupling portion and a second coupling portion; [Figure 4] Schematic diagram of the coupling device [Figure 5] An explanatory diagram showing the folded form of the seat [Figure 6] An explanatory diagram showing the sheet movement process [Figure 7] An explanatory diagram showing the seat storage configuration [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a first usage mode of the seat in which the second coupling device is in the coupling position; [Figure 9] An explanatory diagram showing the sheet movement process [Figure 10] An explanatory diagram showing a second usage mode of the seat DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0043] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment in which a vehicle seat according to the present invention is applied to an automobile seat will be described below with reference to the drawings. The seat according to the embodiment is suitable for a third-row seat in a minivan.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 1, the seat 1 has a seat cushion 2, a seat back 3, and first and second support legs 6 and 7 that connect the seat cushion 2 to a floor 4 that constitutes the body of the automobile. The floor 4 has a front floor portion 4A, a middle floor portion 4B that extends downward from the rear end of the front floor portion 4A, and a rear floor portion 4C that extends rearward from the lower end of the middle floor portion 4B and is positioned below the front floor portion 4A. The front floor portion 4A and the rear floor portion 4C are positioned parallel to each other and extend horizontally. The middle floor portion 4B and the rear floor portion 4C may form part of a recess that is recessed downward relative to the front floor portion 4A.

[0045] 1 and 2, the seat cushion 2 has a base member 10 and an upper member 12 supported on the base member 10 via a slide device 11 so as to be movable in the front-rear direction. The base member 10 has left and right side members 14 extending in the front-rear direction, a front member 15 extending in the left-right direction and connected to the front ends of the left and right side members 14, and a rear member 16 extending in the left-right direction and connected to the rear ends of the left and right side members 14.

[0046] The slide device 11 includes left and right lower rails 11A and left and right upper rails 11B slidably supported on the respective lower rails 11A. The left and right lower rails 11A extend in the front-rear direction and are disposed inside the left and right side members 14. Each lower rail 11A is disposed at a distance in the left-right direction from its corresponding left and right side member 14. A front portion of each lower rail 11A is coupled to a front member 15. An intermediate portion and a rear portion of each lower rail 11A are coupled to the corresponding left and right side member 14 via stays 18 extending in the left-right direction. The left and right upper rails 11B slide forward and backward relative to the corresponding lower rails 11A. A slide lock device 11C is provided between the lower rails 11A and the upper rails 11B to restrict movement of the upper rails 11B relative to the lower rails 11A. The slide lock device 11C includes an operating lever protruding forward from the left and right lower rails 11A.

[0047] The upper member 12 is formed in a plate shape with its surfaces facing up and down. In other embodiments, the upper member 12 may be formed in a substantially rectangular frame shape. The upper member 12 is connected to the left and right upper rails 11B. The left and right upper rails 11B are connected to the lower surface of the upper member 12. A seat cushion pad 21 is placed on the upper surface of the upper member 12. A cover material 22 is applied to the edges of the seat cushion pad 21 and the upper member 12. Left and right seat back support portions 23 are provided on both left and right ends of the rear end of the upper member 12. Each seat back support portion 23 extends upward from the upper member 12.

[0048] A seatback frame 25, which forms the framework of the seatback 3, is rotatably supported by the left and right seatback support portions 23 via a reclining device 26. The seatback 3 rotates relative to the seat cushion 2 around a rotation axis extending left and right. The reclining device 26 restricts the rotation of the seatback 3 relative to the seat cushion 2 in the initial state, and allows the seatback 3 to rotate relative to the seat cushion 2 in the operating state. A seatback pad 28 is supported by the seatback frame 25. The seatback pad 28 and the seatback frame 25 are covered with a covering material 29.

[0049] The first support leg 6 is connected to the floor 4 so as to be rotatable about a first axis A1 extending horizontally. The first axis A1 may extend in the left-right direction. In this embodiment, the first support leg 6 has left and right pillar portions 6A and a connecting portion 6B extending left and right to connect the left and right pillar portions 6A. The lower ends of the left and right pillar portions 6A are connected to left and right first hinge brackets 31 provided on the lower part of the floor 4 so as to be rotatable about the first axis A1. The seat cushion 2 is connected to the first support leg 6 so as to be rotatable about a second axis A2 parallel to the first axis A1. Left and right second hinge brackets 32 are provided on the rear member 16. The upper ends of the left and right pillar portions 6A are connected to the corresponding second hinge brackets 32 on the left and right so as to be rotatable about the second axis A2.

[0050] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 , the first support leg 6 is provided with a first coupling device 35 that is detachably coupled to a first coupling portion 34 provided in the floor 4. The seat cushion 2 is provided with a second coupling device 38 that is detachably coupled to a second coupling portion 37 provided in the floor 4. Each of the first coupling portion 34 and the second coupling portion 37 is a striker. This allows the first coupling portion 34 and the second coupling portion 37 to have a simple structure. The first coupling portion 34 is provided in the floor intermediate portion 4B. The second coupling portion 37 is provided at the rear end of the floor front portion 4A or the upper end of the floor intermediate portion 4B. Similarly, the second coupling portion 37 may be provided at the rear end of the floor front portion 4A or the upper end of the floor intermediate portion 4B. The first coupling portion 34 and the second coupling portion 37 may be provided at the boundary between the floor front portion 4A and the floor intermediate portion 4B.

[0051] In this embodiment, the first joint portion 34 and the second joint portion 37 are provided adjacent to each other. Specifically, the first joint portion 34 and the second joint portion 37 are arranged side by side in the left-right direction and joined to each other. The first joint portion 34 is arranged closer to the center of the seat 1 in the left-right direction than the second joint portion 37.

[0052] A first reinforcing plate 41 is joined to the boundary between the floor front portion 4A and the floor intermediate portion 4B. The first reinforcing plate 41 may be joined to the floor front portion 4A and the floor intermediate portion 4B by fastening members such as bolts or by welding. The first reinforcing plate 41 has a horizontal plate portion 41A joined to the rear end of the floor front portion 4A, and a vertical plate portion 41B connected to the horizontal plate portion 41A and joined to the upper end of the floor intermediate portion 4B. The edge of the first reinforcing plate 41 may be bent up. A reinforcing member 42 extending rearward is joined to the horizontal plate portion 41A. The reinforcing member 42 may be welded to the horizontal plate portion 41A. The reinforcing member 42 is formed by bending a metal rod. The reinforcing member 42 has a first portion 42A extending left and right, and left and right second portions 42B extending forward from both left and right ends of the intermediate portion, respectively. The left and right second portions 42B of the reinforcing member 42 are joined to the horizontal plate portions 41A, and the middle portion of the reinforcing member 42 is disposed rearward of the horizontal plate portions 41A.

[0053] The first connecting portion 34 is formed by bending a metal rod. The first connecting portion 34 has a first portion 34A extending laterally, left and right second portions 34B extending forward from both left and right ends of the first portion 34A, and left and right third portions 34C extending downward from the front ends of the left and right second portions 34B. The left and right third portions 34C of the first connecting portion 34 are connected to the vertical plate portion 41B of the first reinforcing plate 41. The left and right second portions 34B of the first connecting portion 34 are connected to the left and right second portions 42B of the reinforcing member 42. The first connecting portion 34 may be welded to the first reinforcing plate 41 and the reinforcing member 42.

[0054] The second joint 37 is formed by bending a metal rod. The second joint 37 has a first portion 37A extending laterally, left and right second portions 37B extending forward and downward from the left and right ends of the first portion 37A at an angle, a third portion 37C extending forward from the front end of one of the left and right second portions 37B, and a fourth portion 37D extending downward from the front end of the other of the left and right second portions 37B. The third portion 37C of the second joint 37 is joined to the second portion 42B of the reinforcing member 42. The third portion 37C of the second joint 37 may also be joined to the second portion 34B of the first joint 34. The fourth portion 37D of the second joint 37 is joined to the floor intermediate portion 4B. The second joint 37 may be welded to the first joint 34 and the reinforcing member 42.

[0055] The first joint 34 is joined to the vertical plate portion 41B and the reinforcing member 42, and protrudes rearward from the reinforcing member 42. The first joint 34 also extends rearward from the boundary between the floor front portion 4A and the floor intermediate portion 4B. The second joint 37 is joined to the floor intermediate portion 4B and the reinforcing member 42, and extends rearward and upward. The second joint 37 also extends rearward and upward from the boundary between the floor front portion 4A and the floor intermediate portion 4B.

[0056] A second reinforcing plate 44 is further provided in the floor intermediate portion 4B. The second reinforcing plate 44 extends in the left-right direction and is connected to the vertical plate portion 41B of the first reinforcing plate 41, the third portion 34C of the first joint portion 34, the floor intermediate portion 4B, and the fourth portion 37D of the second joint portion 37. The second reinforcing plate 44 and the vertical plate portion 41B preferably sandwich the third portion 34C of the first joint portion 34 from the front and rear. The second reinforcing plate 44 and the floor intermediate portion 4B preferably sandwich the fourth portion 37D of the second joint portion 37 from the front and rear. The second reinforcing plate 44 is preferably fastened to the vertical plate portion 41B of the first reinforcing plate 41 and the floor intermediate portion 4B with fastening members such as bolts.

[0057] A third reinforcing plate 45 is joined to the second joining portion 37. The third reinforcing plate 45 is perpendicular to the second reinforcing plate 44 and joined to the second reinforcing plate 44. The third reinforcing plate 45 and the second reinforcing plate 44 may be welded to each other. The third reinforcing plate 45 is joined to the second portion 37B and the fourth portion 37D of the second joining portion 37. The third reinforcing plate 45 may be welded to the second portion 37B and the fourth portion 37D of the second joining portion 37.

[0058] A second support leg 7 is provided at the front of the seat cushion 2. A third hinge bracket (not shown) is provided at the front member 15. The upper end of the second support leg 7 is supported by the third hinge bracket so as to be rotatable about a third axis A3 parallel to the first axis A1. The second support leg 7 is disposed in the center of the seat 1 in the left-right direction. When viewed from the front, the second support leg 7 is disposed between the left and right pillar portions 6A of the first support leg 6.

[0059] A third connecting portion 52 is provided on the floor front portion 4A, and a third connecting device 53 that is detachably connected to the third connecting portion 52 is provided on the lower end of the second support leg 7. The third connecting portion 52 is a striker. The third connecting portion 52 is formed by bending a metal rod. The third connecting portion 52 has front and rear vertical portions 52A that extend upward from the floor front portion 4A, and horizontal portions 52B that extend front to rear and are connected to the upper ends of the front and rear vertical portions 52A.

[0060] The second support leg 7 is connected to the first support leg 6 via a transmission device. When the first support leg 6 rotates relative to the seat cushion 2, the transmission device (not shown) causes the second support leg 7 to rotate relative to the seat cushion 2. Specifically, when the first support leg 6 rotates forward relative to the seat cushion 2 about the second axis A2, the transmission device causes the second support leg 7 to rotate rearward relative to the seat cushion 2 about the third axis A3. The transmission device may be a link connecting the first support leg 6 and the second support leg 7. The rear end of the link is connected to a portion of the first support leg 6 below the second axis A2 so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis extending in the left-right direction. The front end of the link is connected to a portion of the second support leg 7 above the third axis A3 so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis extending in the left-right direction.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 4 , the first coupling device 35, the second coupling device 38, and the third coupling device 53 each include a case 57B having a slot 57A for receiving a striker, and a latch 57C rotatably mounted within the case 57B. The latch 57C rotates between an engaged position where it protrudes into the slot 57A and a disengaged position where it retracts from the slot 57A. The latch 57C is biased toward the engaged position by a biasing member 57D. When operated by a user, the latch 57C moves from the engaged position to the disengaged position against the biasing force. When the latch 57C is in the engaged position, it engages with the striker and prevents the striker from disengaging from the slot 57A. An inclined surface is formed on the outer surface of the latch 57C. When the inclined surface is pressed against the latch 57C, the latch 57C moves from the engaged position to the disengaged position. As a result, when the latch 57C is in the engaged position, the striker can push the latch 57C aside and enter the slot 57A from the outside.

[0062] 2, the first coupling device 35 is coupled to the front portion of one of the vertically extending pillar portions 6A. The slot 57A of the first coupling device 35 opens forward and penetrates the case 57B of the first coupling device 35 in the left-right direction.

[0063] The second coupling device 38 is movable in the front-rear direction relative to the base member 10. In this embodiment, the second coupling device 38 is provided on the upper member 12 of the seat cushion 2. A support wall 61 extending downward is provided on the lower surface of the upper member 12. The support wall 61 extends downward, passing between the corresponding side members 14 and the lower rails 11A on the left and right. The second coupling device 38 is coupled to the support wall 61. A slot 57A of the second coupling device 38 opens downward and penetrates a case 57B of the second coupling device 38 in the left-right direction. The slot 57A of the second coupling device 38 is disposed below the lower rails 11A and the side members 14.

[0064] The third coupling device 53 is coupled to the lower end of the second support leg 7, which extends vertically. The slot 57A of the third coupling device 53 opens downward and penetrates the case 57B of the second coupling device 38 in the front-to-rear direction.

[0065] Each of the reclining device 26, the first coupling device 35, the second coupling device 38, and the third coupling device 53 is connected to a control lever 65 via a control cable 64. The control lever 65 is rotatable between an initial position and an operating position. The control lever 65 may be provided on the seat back frame 25. The control lever 65 is biased toward the initial position. A strap 66 is connected to the control lever 65. An end of the strap 66 extends outward from the upper end of the seat back 3. A user can rotate the control lever 65 from the initial position to the operating position by pulling the strap 66.

[0066] When the control lever 65 is in the initial position, the reclining device 26, the first coupling device 35, the second coupling device 38, and the third coupling device 53 are each in a locked state. While the user is pulling the strap 66, the control lever 65 is in the operating position. At this time, the operating parts of the reclining device 26, the first coupling device 35, the second coupling device 38, and the third coupling device 53 are pulled by the control cable 64, and the reclining device 26, the first coupling device 35, the second coupling device 38, and the third coupling device 53 are each in a released state.

[0067] 1, in the first usage configuration of the seat 1, the first support leg 6 and the second support leg 7 extend vertically, the first coupling device 35 is coupled to the first coupling portion 34, and the third coupling device 53 is coupled to the third coupling portion 52. By coupling the first coupling device 35 to the first coupling portion 34 and the third coupling device 53 to the third coupling portion 52, the positions of the first support leg 6, the second support leg 7, and the base member 10 relative to the floor 4 are fixed. At this time, the seat cushion 2 is in the first usage position.

[0068] In the first usage mode of the seat 1, the user can move the upper member 12 forward or backward relative to the base member 10 by operating the slide lock device 11C. As the upper member 12 moves forward or backward relative to the base member 10, the second coupling device 38 provided on the upper member 12 also moves forward or backward. This allows the second coupling device 38 to be positioned at a predetermined coupling position relative to the base member 10. The coupling position should be set to the frontmost position within the range of movement of the second coupling device 38 in the forward or backward direction. In the first usage position, most of the seat cushion 2 is located above the front floor portion 4A.

[0069] In the first usage mode of the seat 1, the user can rotate the seat back 3 forward and backward relative to the base member 10 by directly operating the reclining device 26. When the user directly operates the reclining device 26, the first coupling device 35, the second coupling device 38, and the third coupling device 53 are maintained in the locked state.

[0070] In the first usage mode of the seat 1, the user directly operates the reclining device 26 to release the reclining device 26 and rotates the seat back 3 forward, thereby placing the seat 1 in the folded mode as shown in Fig. 5. In Fig. 5, the second coupling device 38 is disposed rearward of the coupling position.

[0071] When the seat 1 is in the folded state, if the user pulls the strap 66, the reclining device 26, the first coupling device 35, the second coupling device 38, and the third coupling device 53 are released. This allows the first coupling device 35 to be detached from the first coupling portion 34, and the third coupling device 53 to be detached from the third coupling portion 52. As a result, as shown in FIG. 6, the seat cushion 2 and the seat back 3 can move rearward and downward. At this time, the first support leg 6 rotates about the first axis A1, and the base member 10 rotates relative to the first support leg 6 about the second axis A2. As a result, the second support leg 7 is driven by the transmission device, and the lower portion of the second support leg 7 rotates rearward about the third axis A3.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 6, when the second coupling device 38 is not in the coupled position, the second coupling device 38 moves rearward and downward, passing a position rearwardly spaced apart from the second coupling portion 37. This allows the seat cushion 2 to move rearward and downward without interference between the second coupling device 38 and the second coupling portion 37. The rearward and downward movement of the seat cushion 2 places the seat 1 in the stowed configuration, as shown in FIG. 7. At this time, the seat cushion 2 is in the stowed position. In the stowed configuration of the seat 1, the first support leg 6 and the second support leg 7 extend in the front-rear direction. In the stowed configuration of the seat 1, the first support leg 6 is preferably placed on the upper surface of the rear floor portion 4C, and the base member 10 is preferably placed on the upper surface of the first support leg 6. In the stowed position, the majority of the seat cushion 2 is preferably located above the rear floor portion 4C. In this embodiment, when the seat cushion 2 is in the stowed position, the entire seat cushion 2 is located above the rear floor portion 4C when viewed from above. When the seat cushion 2 is in the storage position, the upper surface of the seat cushion 2 is located lower than the upper surface of the front floor portion 4A. When the seat cushion 2 is in the storage position, the back surface of the seat back 3 folded relative to the seat cushion 2 is located at the same height as the front floor portion 4A.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 8 , in the first usage mode, the user can place the second coupling device 38 in the coupled position by sliding the upper member 12 relative to the base member 10. In this state, when the user operates the strap 66 and moves the seat cushion 2 and seat back 3 rearward and downward, the second coupling device 38 moves toward the second coupling portion 37 as shown in FIG. 9 . As shown in FIG. 10 , when the second coupling device 38 is coupled to the second coupling portion 37, the positions of the first support leg 6 and the base member 10 are fixed, and the seat 1 enters the second usage mode. The position of the seat cushion 2 in the second usage mode of the seat 1 is referred to as the second usage position. When the seat cushion 2 is in the second usage position, the upper surface of the seat cushion 2 is positioned above the upper surface of the floor front portion 4A. When the seat cushion 2 is in the second usage position, the base frame is positioned at the same height as the floor front portion 4A. This allows a user seated on the seat 1 to extend their lower legs forward along the floor front portion 4A.

[0074] The seat cushion 2 is movable between a storage position at the lowest position, a first use position in which the first coupling device 35 is coupled to the first coupling portion 34, and a second use position in which the second coupling device 38 is coupled to the second coupling portion 37. The seat cushion 2 in the second use position is positioned higher than the seat cushion 2 in the storage position, and the seat cushion 2 in the first use position is positioned higher than the seat cushion 2 in the second use position.

[0075] The seat 1 according to the embodiment has a plurality of seating configurations. The seat cushion 2 can be arranged in a first use position and a second use position in addition to the storage position, thereby increasing the number of seat 1 arrangements that the user can choose from. The height and front-to-rear position of the seat cushion 2 change as the seat cushion 2 moves from the first use position to the second use position. When the seat cushion 2 is in the second use position, the user's line of sight is lower and the space in front of and above the user is wider than when the seat cushion 2 is in the first use position. This allows the user to feel that the vehicle interior is spacious. Furthermore, privacy is improved because the user is lower in relation to the vehicle's side windows.

[0076] The front-to-rear position of the upper member 12 relative to the base member 10 when the seat 1 is in the second usage configuration is further forward than the front-to-rear position of the upper member 12 relative to the base member 10 when the seat 1 is in the first usage configuration. This makes it possible to avoid interference between the tailgate and the seatback 3 when a tailgate is present behind the seat 1. In addition, because the seatback 3 is spaced away from the tailgate, the reclining angle of the seatback 3 can be increased.

[0077] When the seat 1 is in the stowed configuration, the seat 1 is disposed in a rear floor portion 4C that is recessed downward relative to a front floor portion 4A, thereby making the vehicle interior spacious.

[0078] Because the second joint 37 is provided at the rear end of the floor front portion 4A or the upper end of the floor middle portion 4B, the distance between the seat cushion 2 and the second joint 37 is shortened in the second usage mode of the seat 1. This improves the stability of the seat cushion 2. Because the first reinforcing plate 41 and the second reinforcing plate 44 are provided at the joints between the first joint 34 and the second joint 37 and the floor 4, the rigidity of the first joint 34 and the second joint 37 is increased. In addition, because the first reinforcing plate 41 and the second reinforcing plate 44 are joined to each other, the rigidity of the first joint 34 and the second joint 37 is further increased. In addition, the rigidity of the second joint 37 is increased by the third reinforcing plate 45.

[0079] Since the first coupling portion 34 and the second coupling portion 37 are arranged side by side in the left-right direction and coupled to each other, it is possible to avoid interference between the first coupling device 35 and the second coupling portion 37. It is also possible to avoid interference between the second coupling device 38 and the first coupling portion 34.

[0080] Although the description of the specific embodiment has been completed above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment and can be modified in a wide range of ways. For example, the second coupling device 38 may be provided on the base member 10 via another slide device 91 so as to be movable in the front-rear direction. The slide device 91 may be coupled to the side member 14, for example. With this configuration, the upper member 12 can be slid forward and backward relative to the base member 10 in the second use position.

[0081] The first support leg 6, the second support leg 7, the first connecting portion 34, and the second connecting portion 37 may be provided on a side wall portion that constitutes the vehicle body instead of the floor 4. The first support leg 6, the second support leg 7, the first connecting portion 34, and the second connecting portion 37 may be provided on the floor 4 or another structure that is provided on a side wall portion that constitutes the vehicle body. [Explanation of symbols]

[0082] 1: Sheet 2: Seat cushion 3: Seat back 4: Floor 4A: Front of floor 4B: Middle part of floor 4C: Rear floor 6 :1st support leg 10: Base Member 11: Slide device 34: 1st joint 35: 1st coupling device 37:Second joint 38:Second coupling device 41: First reinforcing plate 41A: Horizontal plate part 41B:Vertical plate part 42: Reinforcement member 42A: Part 1 42B: Part 2 44: Second reinforcing plate 45: Third Reinforcing Plate 52: Third joint 53: Third connecting device 61: Support Wall A1: Axis 1 A2: Axis 2 A3: Axis 3

Claims

1. A vehicle seat, a support leg connected to the vehicle body so as to be rotatable about a first axis extending in a horizontal direction; a seat cushion connected to the support leg so as to be rotatable about a second axis parallel to the first axis; a first coupling device provided on the support leg and detachably coupled to a first coupling portion provided on the vehicle body; a second coupling device provided on the seat cushion and detachably coupled to a second coupling portion provided on the vehicle body, the seat cushion is movable between a storage position at the lowest position, a first use position in which the first coupling device is coupled to the first coupling portion, and a second use position in which the second coupling device is coupled to the second coupling portion, The seat cushion includes a base member connected to the support legs, and an upper member supported on the base member via a slide device so as to be movable in the front-rear direction.

2. The seat cushion in the second use position is disposed higher than the seat cushion in the storage position, The vehicle seat according to claim 1 , wherein the seat cushion in the first use position is disposed higher than the seat cushion in the second use position.

3. the vehicle body has a floor; the floor has a floor front portion, a floor intermediate portion extending downward from a rear end of the floor front portion, and a floor rear portion extending rearward from a lower end of the floor intermediate portion and positioned below the floor front portion, The lower end of the support leg is connected to the rear portion of the floor so as to be rotatable about the first axis extending laterally, The first coupling portion is provided in the floor intermediate portion, 3. The vehicle seat according to claim 2, wherein the base member is positioned flush with the front portion of the floor when the seat cushion is in the second use position.

4. A vehicle seat as described in Claim 3, wherein the second connecting device is positioned above the front portion of the floor in the first use position.

5. 5. The vehicle seat according to claim 3, wherein the second connecting portion is provided at a rear end portion of the floor front portion or at an upper end portion of the floor intermediate portion.

6. 6. The vehicle seat according to claim 3, wherein the second connecting device is movable in the front-rear direction relative to the base member.

7. The vehicle seat according to claim 6, wherein the second connecting device is provided on the upper member.

8. When the second coupling device is in a predetermined coupling position with respect to the base member and the seat cushion is in the second use position, the second coupling device is coupled to the second coupling portion, 8. The vehicle seat according to claim 6, wherein when the second coupling device is not in the coupling position and the seat cushion is in the second use position, the second coupling device is not coupled to the second coupling portion.

9. When the seat cushion is in the storage position, an upper surface of the seat cushion is located lower than an upper surface of the front portion of the floor, The vehicle seat according to any one of claims 3 to 8, wherein when the seat cushion is in the second use position, an upper surface of the seat cushion is positioned higher than an upper surface of the front part of the floor.

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