seating equipment

Abstract

To provide a seat device which can reliably regulate a reclining operation when a seat back face is in a long state along a wall.SOLUTION: A seat device comprises: a power transmission system 100 which transmits a control force inputted to a reclining operation part 76 to a reclining mechanism 70, and releases restriction on a tilt angle of a backrest 3; and a clutch mechanism 200 which is provided in the middle of the power transmission system 100, and can switch between a connection state where the control force can be transmitted and a separation state where the control force cannot be transmitted. The clutch mechanism 200 switches to the separation state from the connection state when converting a seat 1 into a long state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a seat device capable of converting the state of a seat.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, for example, seats installed in railway vehicles include a saddle type that is long in both side directions and can be used by multiple people such as two people, and are usually installed along the walls on both sides in the passenger compartment. For this saddle type, there is a rotating seat that can be rotated around the rotation axis at the center of the seat to change the orientation between a long state where the backrest of the seat is parallel to the wall and a cross state where the backrest of the seat is perpendicular to the wall.

[0003] Regarding the above rotating seat, when rotating the seat from the long state along the wall to the cross state, in addition to the rotating mechanism of the seat, a slide mechanism is provided so that the locus (rotation radius) of the seat does not interfere with the wall, and a transmission mechanism for interlocking each mechanism is also provided (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0004] That is, in the above seat device, in order to ensure a comfortable space by widening the passage width between the seats on both sides in the passenger compartment as much as possible, the rotation axis of the seat is positioned at the wall side in the long state, while in the cross state, the rotation axis of the seat is slid to the passage side so that the seat does not interfere with the wall. Therefore, in the above seat device, in order to prevent interference with the wall in the long state, the backrest cannot be tilted, and a reclining mechanism for improving the sitting comfort cannot be provided.

[0005] In order to solve the problems of the above seat device, the applicant of the present application has already proposed a seat device that makes it impossible to tilt the backrest by a reclining mechanism when the seat is in the long state (see, for example, Patent Document 2). In this seat device, an operation lever of the reclining mechanism is arranged on the armrest at the upper end of the sleeve part beside the seat, and a lock mechanism for restraining the operation lever from being operable when the seat is in the long state is provided in the sleeve part.

Prior Art Documents

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 3431772 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 7051253 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] However, in the seating device described in Patent Document 2 mentioned above, a locking mechanism that disables the reclining mechanism is provided inside the armrest, which can make it difficult to assemble in the limited space inside the armrest. Furthermore, even if the locking mechanism is provided inside the armrest, the actual space required for the locking mechanism inside the armrest becomes larger, which can prevent the installation of, for example, an in-arm table.

[0008] This invention was made in view of the problems of the conventional technology described above, and aims to provide a seating device that can reliably restrict reclining operation without using the space inside the armrest when the seat is in a specific state (long position), using a configuration that is completely different from the conventional technology. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] To achieve the aforementioned objectives, one aspect of the present invention is: In a seating device capable of changing the seating configuration, A reclining mechanism that supports the seat back in a tiltable manner and can restrain it at a predetermined tilting angle, A reclining control unit that can release the constraint on the tilt angle of the backrest by the aforementioned reclining mechanism, A power transmission system that transmits the operating force input to the reclining control unit to the reclining mechanism to release the constraint on the tilt angle of the backrest, The power transmission system includes a clutch mechanism provided in the middle of the power transmission system, which can be switched between a connected state in which the operating force can be transmitted and a disconnected state in which the force cannot be transmitted. When the seat is converted to a specific state, the clutch mechanism switches from the coupled state to the disengaged state that the seat was in when it was not in a specific state. the law of nature, An engaging portion provided on the fixed side of the seat, The seat comprises an engaged portion provided on the movable side of the seat, which is displaceable by engaging with the engaging portion when the seat is in the specific state described above, The engaged portion and the clutch mechanism are connected to each other via a transmission means, and when the displacement of the engaged portion is transmitted to the clutch mechanism via the transmission means, the clutch mechanism switches from the engaged state to the disengaged state. It is characterized by the following: [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the seating device of the present invention, when the state of the seat can be changed, the tilting of the backrest by the occupant's operation can be reliably restricted when the seat is in a specific state. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] A perspective view showing the seating device in the long position according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] A perspective view showing one crossed state of the seating device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] A perspective view showing an intermediate state between the long and cross configurations of the seating device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view from below of the seat frame and movable platform of a seating device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is a plan view showing the position of the locking holes of the rotation locking mechanism in the frame of the seating device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] A front view showing the rotation locking mechanism of a seat device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] A perspective view showing the leg rest of a seating device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] This is a plan view showing the relative position of the clutch mechanism with respect to the leg rest when the seating device according to an embodiment of the present invention is in an intermediate position between the long position and the cross position. [Figure 9]It is a plan view showing the relative position of the clutch mechanism with respect to the leg base when the seat device according to the embodiment of the present invention is in the long state. [Figure 10] It is a perspective view seen from below of the clutch mechanism and the transmission means arranged on the mounting plate of the base frame of the seat device according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] It is a perspective view seen from below of the clutch mechanism and the transmission means of the seat device according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] It is a perspective view showing the clutch mechanism of the seat device according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] It is a perspective view showing an enlarged view of the main part of the clutch mechanism of the seat device according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] It is a perspective view showing an enlarged view of the clutch mechanism of the seat device according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] It is a perspective view showing the mounting state of the mounting bracket of the clutch mechanism of the seat device according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] It is a perspective view showing the mounting state of the base member of the clutch mechanism of the seat device according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] It is a perspective view showing the mounting state of the switching member of the clutch mechanism of the seat device according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] It is a perspective view showing the mounting state of the interlocking member of the clutch mechanism of the seat device according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] It is a perspective view showing the mounting state of the lower interlocking member of the clutch mechanism of the seat device according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] It is a perspective view showing a state where the switching member is overlapped on the lower interlocking member of the clutch mechanism of the seat device according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21] It is a perspective view showing a state where an operation cable is connected to the base member of the clutch mechanism of the seat device according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 22] It is a perspective view showing a state where an operation cable is connected to the upper interlocking member of the clutch mechanism of the seat device according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 23]This is a perspective view showing the state in which operating cables are connected to each member of the clutch mechanism of a seat device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 24] This is an explanatory diagram showing the power transmission of the clutch mechanism when the seating device according to an embodiment of the present invention is in a cross position. [Figure 25] This is an explanatory diagram showing the power transmission of the clutch mechanism when the seat device according to the embodiment of the present invention is in the long position. [Figure 26] This is an explanatory diagram showing a series of operations in which a seat is converted from a long seat to a cross seat and then to a reverse cross seat using a seating device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] Hereinafter, a representative embodiment of the present invention will be described based on the drawings. Figures 1 to 26 show one embodiment of the present invention. The seating device 10 according to this embodiment is capable of changing the state of the seat 1. Here, the state of the seat 1 is a concept that includes not only the orientation of the seat 1 due to rotation, but also changes in the front-to-back position of the seat 1, etc. Furthermore, the type of seat 1 is not particularly limited, but the following explanation will use the case where it is applied to a two-seater seat installed in the passenger compartment of a railway vehicle as an example. Note that slight differences in shape of the same part in each figure are simply design changes.

[0013] <Overview of seating device 10> As shown in Figure 1, the seating device 10 comprises a leg base 11 fixed to the floor, a movable platform 20 attached to the leg base 11 so as to be able to move back and forth in the front-rear direction, and a frame 30 of the seat 1 supported on the movable platform 20 so as to be able to rotate in forward and reverse directions on a substantially horizontal plane. Here, the leg base 11 corresponds to the "fixed side of the seat 1," and the movable platform 20 and frame 30 correspond to the "movable side of the seat 1." The seating device 10 is installed on the floor near the walls (windows) on both sides inside the passenger compartment of a railway vehicle. "A" in Figure 26 indicates a part of the wall parallel to the direction of travel of the railway vehicle.

[0014] As shown in Figure 4, the frame 30 is rotatably supported on the mobile platform 20 via a rotating mechanism 40. As shown in Figure 1, the mobile platform 20 is supported on the leg base 11 via a sliding mechanism 15 so that the rotating mechanism 40 (see Figure 4) can move forward and backward together. The seating device 10 also includes an interlocking mechanism 60 (see Figure 4) that links the rotation of the seat 1 by the rotating mechanism 40 with the forward and backward movement of the seat 1 by the sliding mechanism 15.

[0015] <Seat 1> Seat 1, for example, as a two-seater, consists of two seat sections 2 and a backrest 3 arranged side by side on both sides, as shown in Figure 26. The lower end of the backrest 3 is supported at the rear end of the seat section 2 so as to be tiltable via a reclining mechanism 70, which will be described later. A sleeve section 4R is provided on the right side of seat 1, and the upper part of sleeve section 4R serves as an armrest. Similarly, a sleeve section 4L is provided on the left side of seat 1, and the upper part of sleeve section 4L serves as an armrest. Note that the backrest 3 and sleeve sections 4R and 4L shown in Figure 1 are actually frames.

[0016] <Conversion of seat 1's status> As shown in Figure 26, the state of seat 1 can be converted between a long state where the seat back is approximately parallel to wall A (see Figure 26(a)) and a cross state where the seat back is approximately perpendicular to wall A (see Figures 26(c) and (d)). Here, the cross state includes a one-cross state where seat 1 faces the direction of travel of the vehicle (see Figure 26(c)) and a reverse cross state where seat 1 faces the opposite direction of travel of the vehicle (see Figure 26(d)). Hereafter, when referring to the one-cross state and the reverse cross state collectively, it will simply be written as the cross state. Note that the seat back is synonymous with the back side of the backrest 3.

[0017] Figure 1 shows the seating device 10 when seat 1 is in the long position. Figure 2 shows the seating device 10 when seat 1 is in the cross position. Figure 3 shows the seating device 10 in the process of rotating seat 1 from the long position to the cross position. As shown in Figure 26, if the long position of seat 1 is considered the original position and the rotation angle is 0 degrees, rotating it 90 degrees in one direction (counterclockwise in Figure 26) from the long position results in the cross position, and further rotating it 180 degrees in one direction from the cross position results in the reverse cross position. Note that the rotation angle of seat 1 shown in Figure 3 corresponds to 60 degrees (see Figure 26(b)).

[0018] <pedestal 11> As shown in Figure 26, the leg base 11 is fixed to the floor surface next to wall A in the passenger compartment. As shown in Figures 1 and 7, the leg base 11 is constructed by combining frame materials in a long frame shape, for example, in a direction approximately perpendicular to wall A (front-to-back direction). The upper surface 12 of the leg base 11 is approximately horizontal and has two long side ends 13, 13 and a rear end 14 that forms the short side on the rear side (wall A side), but the front end side (aisle side) is cut out inwards in large sections.

[0019] As shown in Figure 26, the base 11 is positioned on the floor with its rear end 14 close to the wall A. That is, the base 11 is fixed such that both ends 13, 13 parallel to its longitudinal direction are approximately perpendicular to the wall A, and the front end and rear end 14 parallel to its short direction are approximately parallel to the wall A. In addition, the upper surface 12 of the base 11 is also fitted with related parts such as the slide mechanism 15 (see Figure 1) described below, as well as stoppers 18, 19 (see Figure 7) that restrict the range of movement and rotation direction of the frame 30.

[0020] <Slide mechanism 15> As shown in Figure 1, a movable platform 20 is mounted directly below the upper surface 12 of the base 11 via a sliding mechanism 15, allowing it to move back and forth in a direction approximately perpendicular to wall A (see Figure 26). The sliding mechanism 15 consists of a pair of rail units on both sides, each rail unit comprising a guide rail 16 on the base 11 side (see Figure 7) and a slide rail 17 on the movable platform 20 side (see Figure 3).

[0021] As shown in Figure 7, the guide rails 16 are provided along the inside of both end surfaces 13, 13 of the base 11. As shown in Figure 3, the slide rails 17 are provided along the outside of both end surfaces 21, 21 of the mobile platform 20, which will be described below. In this way, the slide rails 17 on both sides of the mobile platform 20 are slidably fitted inside the guide rails 16 on both sides of the base 11.

[0022] <Mobile platform 20> As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the movable platform 20 is positioned approximately horizontally just below the upper surface 12 of the leg base 11. The movable platform 20 is provided in the shape of a rectangular plate, for example. The pair of slide rails 17, 17 described above are attached to the outside of both ends 21, 21 that form the long sides of the movable platform 20.

[0023] As shown in Figure 4, a rotation mechanism 40 is provided approximately in the center of the movable platform 20 to rotate the base frame 30 of the seat 1 around a pivot axis. Furthermore, on the underside of the movable platform 20, an interlocking mechanism 60, described later, is provided to link the rotation and forward / backward movement of the seat 1 so that the seat 1 does not interfere with the wall A when converting the seat 1 to the long, one-cross, and reverse-cross configurations.

[0024] <Frame 30> As shown in Figures 1 and 4, the base frame 30 is the frame for the entire seat, to which the seat 1 is attached and supported, and is supported on the movable platform 20 via a rotating mechanism 40. The base frame 30 is provided in a plate shape that matches, for example, the bottom surfaces of two side-by-side seat sections 2. That is, the base frame 30 is formed in a roughly rectangular shape that is long in the left-right direction.

[0025] A rectangular mounting hole 31, elongated in the left-right direction, is cut out from the inside of the frame 30. A mounting plate 32 is superimposed on the frame 30 so as to cover the mounting hole 31 from the bottom. The clutch mechanism 200, etc., which will be described later, is arranged on the upper side of the mounting plate 32. On the other hand, the rotating mechanism 40, electric motor 43, etc., which will be described next, are arranged on the lower side of the mounting plate 32.

[0026] <Rotation mechanism 40> As shown in Figure 4, the rotation mechanism 40 supports the base frame 30 of the seat 1 on the movable platform 20 so that it can rotate in forward and reverse directions on a substantially horizontal plane. The rotation mechanism 40 is equipped with a rotation axis 41 which serves as the rotation center of the seat 1. The base frame 30 is integrally attached to the upper part of the rotation axis 41, and the base frame 30 rotates integrally with the rotation axis 41. Here, the movable platform 20 is configured to slide together with the rotation mechanism 40 relative to the leg base 11 (see Figure 7). A communication hole 41a (see Figure 12) is provided at the center of the rotation mechanism 40 for inserting the operation cables 122 and 132, which will be described later, vertically.

[0027] A disc-shaped rotating gear 42 is provided at the lower part of the rotating shaft 41. An electric motor 43 is mounted next to the rotating gear 42 on the underside of the mobile platform 20. The electric motor 43 is equipped with a reduction gear, and its output shaft drive gear (not shown) meshes with the rotating gear 42, which is integrated with the rotating shaft 41, in a manner that allows for power transmission. Therefore, the rotation of the rotating shaft 41 (i.e., the seat 1) is driven by the electric force of the electric motor 43. The rotating mechanism 40 is also configured to allow the seat 1 to be rotated manually.

[0028] <Rotation locking mechanism 50> The seating device 10 is equipped with a rotation locking mechanism 50 that can restrain the frame 30 (seat 1) so that it cannot rotate at a plurality of predetermined rotation angles, i.e., at each rotation angle for the long state, one-cross state, and reverse-cross state. As shown in Figure 6, the rotation locking mechanism 50 is equipped with a locking pin 51 that can extend and retract upward from the upper surface of the movable platform 20, and locking holes 52a, 52b, and 52c provided in the frame 30 into which the locking pin 51 engages and disengages.

[0029] As shown in Figure 4, unit 50a is attached to the underside of the mobile platform 20. The locking pin 51 is assembled to unit 50a and, when seat 1 is converted to the long or cross position, the locking pin 51 fits into the locking holes 52a, 52b, and 52c on the frame 30 that are vertically aligned in that position. The locking pin 51 operates in a locked position where it protrudes upward and fits into each locking hole 52a, 52b, and 52c, and an unlocked position where it retracts downward and disengages from each locking hole 52a, 52b, and 52c.

[0030] As shown in Figure 5, each locking hole 52a, 52b, and 52c is positioned so that the tip of the locking pin 51 aligns vertically when the frame 30 is in the long, one-cross, and reverse-cross positions, respectively. That is, in the long position, the locking pin 51 is inserted into the locking hole 52a of the frame 30. In the one-cross position, the locking pin 51 is inserted into the locking hole 52b of the frame 30. Furthermore, in the reverse-cross position, the locking pin 51 is inserted into the locking hole 52c of the frame 30.

[0031] As shown in Figure 6, the unit 50a to which the lock pin 51 is assembled is provided with a spring member 53 that constantly biases the lock pin 51 to a locked position that protrudes upward, and a lever member 54 that retracts the lock pin 51 to a lower unlocked position against the biasing force of the spring member 53. The lever member 54 is provided in the shape of an L-shaped link, with an operating end 54a extending to one side from the pivot 55, which is the center of rotation, being connected to the lower end of the lock pin 51 so as to be pushable and pullable, and the tip of a rotation operation cable 122, which will be described later, being connected to the operating end 54b extending to the other side from the pivot 55.

[0032] In other words, the lock pin 51 is normally held in the locked position by the biasing force of the spring member 53, but when the lever member 54 is pulled by the rotation operation cable 122, it is configured to retract into the unlocked position against the biasing force of the spring member 53. The rotation operation cable 122 is inserted through the communication hole 41a in the center of the rotation mechanism 40 and extends to the clutch mechanism 200, which will be described later, located on the upper side of the movable base 20.

[0033] <Interlocking mechanism 60> As shown in Figure 4, an interlocking mechanism 60 is provided on the underside of the movable platform 20 to link the rotation and forward / backward movement of the seat 1. The interlocking mechanism 60 links the rotation of the frame 30 by the rotation mechanism 40 with the forward / backward movement of the movable platform 20 by the slide mechanism 15 when changing the state of the seat 1 from the long state to the cross state. The configuration of such an interlocking mechanism is not particularly limited, but specifically, for example, it is advisable to use the invention described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-158011, which has already been proposed by the present applicant.

[0034] The interlocking mechanism 60 comprises a first link member 61 and a second link member 62. The interlocking mechanism 60 is configured to swing in conjunction with the rotational movement of the seat 1, bending or extending each link member 61 and 62, thereby interlocking the sliding movement of the seat 1. The first link member 61 is pivotably supported on the leg rest 11, and the second link member 62 is pivotably supported on the movable base 20. Furthermore, each link member 61 and 62 is connected to each other so that they can swing and bend or extend.

[0035] <Reclining mechanism 70> As shown in Figures 1 to 3, two side-by-side backrests 3 are individually tiltable and supported at the rear edge of the frame 30. The backrests 3 in each figure are illustrations of the internal frame of the actual backrest 3 (see Figure 26), to which a cushion body is attached and covered with a surface material. Each backrest 3 is supported at the rear edge of the frame 30 via a reclining mechanism 70 so as to be tiltable within a predetermined angular range.

[0036] The reclining mechanism 70 is provided for each backrest 3 and is positioned along the underside of the armrests 4R and 4L, which are located at both ends of the base frame 30. The armrests 4R and 4L in Figures 1 to 3 are illustrations of the internal frame of the actual armrests 4R and 4L (see Figure 26), and cushioning material and upholstery material will be attached to this frame. The upper part of the armrests 4R and 4L will serve as an armrest.

[0037] The reclining mechanism 70 is composed of a damper 71, such as a gas spring. As shown in Figure 1, the damper 71 of the reclining mechanism 70 consists of, for example, a cylindrical cylinder body 72 filled with gas, and a rod 73 fixed to a piston (not shown) slidably inserted into the cylinder body 72, and extending and retracting outside the cylinder body 72.

[0038] The damper 71 is positioned on the frame 30 along the sleeve sections 4R and 4L, spanning between the backrest 3 and the frame 30. Here, the rear end of the cylinder body 72 is connected to a position below the center of tilt of the backrest 3. On the other hand, the tip of the rod 73 that extends and retracts from the front end of the cylinder body 72 is connected to the upper surface of the frame 20 via a mounting bracket 74. The damper 71 is constantly biased by the gas pressure inside the cylinder body 72 in the direction that extends the rod 73, and is set to provide a repulsive force in the direction that returns the backrest 3 to its most upright angle.

[0039] <Reclining mechanism 70 locking mechanism> The damper 71 is equipped with a locking mechanism, which allows the rod 73 to be fixed in any extended or retracted state, thereby restraining the backrest 3 to any tilting angle. When the restraint by this locking mechanism is released by operating the reclining operation unit 76, which will be described later, the seated person can apply their weight to the backrest 3 and push against the restoring force from the damper 71, thereby adjusting the backrest 3 to any tilting angle up to the reclining position that is tilted furthest back.

[0040] The locking mechanism, although its details are not shown in the illustration, consists of, for example, a valve mechanism provided inside the cylinder body 72 and a push pin protruding from the end of the rod 73 to open and close the valve mechanism. In this locking mechanism, when the push pin is pushed into the cylinder body 72, the rod 73 is in a restrained state where it cannot extend or retract, while when the pushing action of the push pin is released, the restraint on the rod 73 is released and it enters a released state where it protrudes outward.

[0041] A release member 75 is pivotably attached to the mounting bracket 74 at a position facing the tip (of the push pin) of the rod 73. This release member 75 is biased in the direction of pushing the push pin, and a reclining operation cable 112, which will be described later, is connected to it. When this reclining operation cable 112 is pulled by the operation of the reclining operation unit 76, which will be described next, the release member 75 pivots against the biasing force, and the pushing action of the push pin is released.

[0042] <Reclining control unit 76> As shown in Figure 1, the seat 1 is provided with a reclining control unit 76 that can release the restriction on the tilt angle of the backrest 3 by the locking mechanism of the reclining mechanism 70. A reclining control unit 76 is provided on the left and right sides of the seat 1, corresponding to each reclining mechanism 70. The reclining control unit 76 may be placed, for example, on the armrests of the armrests 4R and 4L. Here, the specific configuration of the reclining control unit 76 is omitted from the illustration, but it may be configured with a well-known operating lever or the like.

[0043] The operating lever forming the reclining operation unit 76 is rotatably mounted, for example, on the tip of the armrest, with an input end exposed for the sitter to grip. When the input end of the operating lever is pulled with a finger, the operating end on the opposite side of the rotation center rotates in the opposite direction. A reclining operation cable 111, described later, is connected to the operating end of the operating lever to transmit the operating force applied to the input end to the release member 75 of the reclining mechanism 70, thereby releasing the restraint of the locking mechanism, that is, releasing the restraint on the tilt angle of the backrest 3.

[0044] <Rotating operation unit 56> As shown in Figure 1, the seat 1 is also provided with a rotation operation unit 56 that can release the constraint on the rotation angle of the frame 30 (seat 1) by the rotation lock mechanism 50, in addition to the reclining operation unit 76. The rotation operation units 56 are provided on the left and right sides of the seat 1 for each rotation lock mechanism 50. The rotation operation units 56 may be placed, for example, in appropriate locations on the armrests 4R and 4L. Here, the specific configuration of the rotation operation unit 56 is omitted from the illustration, but it may be configured with a well-known operating lever or the like, similar to the reclining operation unit 76.

[0045] The operating lever forming the rotation operation section 56 is rotatably provided, for example, in a suitable location on the armrests 4R, 4L, with an input end exposed for the seated person to place their fingers on. When the input end of the operating lever is pulled with a finger, the operating end on the opposite side of the rotation center rotates in the opposite direction. A rotation operation cable 121, described later, is connected to the operating end of the operating lever to transmit the operating force applied to the input end to the lever member 54 (see Figure 6) of the rotation lock mechanism 50, thereby releasing the constraint on the rotation lock mechanism 50, i.e., releasing the constraint on the rotation angle of the seat 1.

[0046] <Special rotation locking mechanism 80> Furthermore, the seating device 10 is equipped with a special rotation locking mechanism 80, separate from the locking mechanism 50, which restrains the rotation of the underframe 30 (seat 1) when it is in the cross position, in order to convert it to the long position. In the seating device 1 of this embodiment, passengers can rotate seat 1 to either the one-cross position or the reverse-cross position, but it is set so that it cannot convert from the cross position (more precisely, the one-cross position) to the long position.

[0047] The special rotation lock mechanism 80 is configured so that the rotation of the seat 1 can only be released by the operation of the special rotation operation unit 81 described below by the railway operator. As shown in Figure 4, the special rotation lock mechanism 80, although details are not shown, consists of, for example, a stopper provided on the lower side of the frame 30 and a movable part on the upper side of the movable platform 20 that can engage with and disengage from the stopper. In this special rotation lock mechanism 80, under normal circumstances, the movable part engages with the stopper, preventing the rotation of the frame 30. However, if the movable part is pulled against its biasing force, the movable part moves in a direction away from the stopper, thereby allowing the frame 30 to rotate.

[0048] <Special Rotation Operation Unit 81> As shown in Figure 4, on the lower surface of the movable platform 20, near the rotation lock mechanism 50, a special rotation operation unit 81 is provided that can release the restriction on the rotation of the frame 30 by the special rotation lock mechanism 80. The special rotation operation unit 81 is equipped with a special lever member 82 that also serves as an operating lever. The special lever member 82 is provided in an L-shaped link shape, similar to the lever member 54 of the rotation lock mechanism 50, and is supported so as to be rotatable parallel to the lever member 54.

[0049] The special lever member 82 is manually rotated by the railway operator, and the base end of the manual operation cable 131, as will be described later, is connected to the operating end that extends on the opposite side of the pivot center between the operating end and the pivot center. The tip of the manual operation cable 131 extends to the special rotation lock mechanism 80. The special lever member 82 is normally located on the underside of the movable platform 20, which is inaccessible to passengers, and passengers cannot change the seat 1 from the cross position to the long position. Hereinafter, the operation of the special lever member 82 will also be referred to as "manual operation" (see Figures 24 and 25).

[0050] <Power transmission system 100> As shown in Figure 1, the seat device 10 includes a power transmission system 100 that transmits the operating force input to the reclining operation unit 76 to the release member 75 of the reclining mechanism 70, thereby releasing the constraint on the tilt angle of the backrest 3. The power transmission system 100 also transmits the operating force input to the rotation operation unit 56 to the lever member 54 of the rotation lock mechanism 50, thereby releasing the constraint on the rotation angle of the seat 1.

[0051] A clutch mechanism 200 is provided in the power transmission system 100, which can switch between a connected state in which the operating force input to the reclining operation unit 76 and the rotation operation unit 56 can be transmitted and a disconnected state in which the operating force cannot be transmitted. The clutch mechanism 200 will be described in more detail later, but the clutch mechanism 200 is configured such that when the seat 1 is converted to the long state, it switches from the connected state, which is the state when the seat 1 is in the cross state, to the disconnected state. Here, the long state corresponds to a "specific state" of the seat 1 in this invention.

[0052] The power transmission system 100 comprises four systems: reclining operation cables 111 and 112, rotation operation cables 121 and 122, manual operation cable 131, and interlocking operation cable 132. The reclining operation cables 111 and 112 release the restraint of the reclining mechanism 70. The rotation operation cables 121 and 122 release the restraint of the rotation lock mechanism 50. The manual operation cable 131 releases the restraint of the special rotation lock mechanism 80. The interlocking operation cable 132 automatically returns the backrest 3 to the upright position at the same time as releasing the rotation restraint of the seat 1.

[0053] <<Reclining control cables 111, 112>> As shown in Figure 1, the reclining operation cables 111 and 112 are, more precisely, divided into the upper half of the first reclining operation cable 111, which connects the reclining operation unit 76 and the clutch mechanism 200, and the lower half of the second reclining operation cable 112, which connects the clutch mechanism 200 and the reclining mechanism 70. Here, the first reclining operation cable 111 consists of a pair: the first reclining operation cable 111R, which extends from the reclining operation unit 76 located in the right armrest 4R of seat 1, and the first reclining operation cable 111L, which extends from the reclining operation unit 76 located in the left armrest 4L of seat 1.

[0054] Furthermore, the second reclining operation cable 112 also consists of a pair: a second reclining operation cable 112R connected to the first reclining operation cable 111R via a clutch mechanism 200, and a second reclining operation cable 112L connected to the first reclining operation cable 111L via a clutch mechanism 200. Hereafter, when referring to the pair of first reclining operation cables 111R and 111L collectively, they will simply be referred to as the first reclining operation cable 111. Similarly, when referring to the pair of second reclining operation cables 112R and 112L collectively, they will simply be referred to as the second reclining operation cable 112.

[0055] <<Rotation control cables 121, 122>> As shown in Figure 1, the rotation operation cables 121 and 122 are, more precisely, divided into the upper half of the first rotation operation cable 121, which connects the rotation operation unit 56 and the clutch mechanism 200, and the lower half of the second rotation operation cable 122, which connects the clutch mechanism 200 and the rotation lock mechanism 50. Here, the first rotation operation cable 121 consists of a pair: the first rotation operation cable 121R, which extends from the rotation operation unit 56 located in the right armrest 4R of seat 1, and the first rotation operation cable 121L, which extends from the rotation operation unit 56 located in the left armrest 4L of seat 1.

[0056] On the other hand, the second rotation control cable 122 is integrated into a single cable that is connected to each of the pair of first rotation control cables 121R and 121L via a clutch mechanism 200. The second rotation control cable 122 is routed from its middle through a communication hole 41a (see Figure 12) in the rotation mechanism 40 to the lower part of the movable platform 20. Hereinafter, when referring to the pair of first rotation control cables 121R and 121L collectively, they will simply be referred to as the first rotation control cable 121.

[0057] <<Manual Operation Cable 131>> As shown in Figure 4, the manual operation cable 131 connects the special rotation lock mechanism 80 and the special rotation operation unit 81, as described above. The base end of the inner cable of the manual operation cable 131 is connected to the operating end of the special lever member 82. On the other hand, the tip of the inner cable of the manual operation cable 131 is connected so as to be able to transmit operating force directly or indirectly to, for example, the movable part of the special rotation lock mechanism 80.

[0058] In other words, when the railway operator manually operates the special lever member 82, the manual operation cable 131 is pulled, causing the movable part of the special rotation lock mechanism 80 to disengage from the stopper, thereby releasing the restraint on the special rotation lock mechanism 80. Here, the special lever member 82 is connected to the lever member 54 of the adjacent rotation lock mechanism 50 in a push-pull manner, and when the special lever member 82 is operated, the lever member 54 is also operated simultaneously without going through the second rotation operation cable 122.

[0059] <<Interlocking operation cable 132>> As shown in Figures 4 and 1, the interlocking operation cable 132 connects the rotation lock mechanism 50 and the clutch mechanism 200. The interlocking operation cable 132 is routed to transmit the operating force of the lever member 54 to the clutch mechanism 200, described below, so that when the rotation angle of the seat 1 is released from the constraint imposed by the rotation lock mechanism 50, the tilt angle of the backrest 3, which is controlled by the lock mechanism of the reclining mechanism 70, is simultaneously released.

[0060] As shown in Figure 4, the base end of the inner cable of the interlocking operation cable 132 is connected to the operating end of the lever member 54 of the rotation lock mechanism 50. As a result, when the rotation operation unit 56 is operated and the lever member 54 is pulled, the interlocking operation cable 132 is also pulled at the same time. Furthermore, as mentioned above, the lever member 54 is linked to the operation of the special lever member 82, so when the special rotation operation unit 81 is operated, the interlocking operation cable 132 is also pulled at the same time.

[0061] As shown in Figure 21, the tip of the inner cable of the interlocking operation cable 132 is connected to the base member 210 of the clutch mechanism 200, which will be described below. The operating force from the interlocking operation cable 132 is configured to be transmitted via the clutch mechanism 200 to all of the pair of second reclining operation cables 112R, 112L and the second rotation operation cable 122, regardless of whether the seat 1 is in the cross position or the long position. More details will be provided later.

[0062] <Clutch mechanism 200> As shown in Figure 1, the clutch mechanism 200 is installed in the middle of the power transmission system 100 and is configured to switch between a "connected state" in which the operating force input to each operating unit 56, 76 can be transmitted and a "disconnected state" in which it cannot be transmitted. The clutch mechanism 200 is set to switch from the connected state, which is the state when seat 1 is in the crossed state, to the disconnected state when seat 1 is converted to the long state (a specific state). The clutch mechanism 200 is installed on the underframe 30, which has relatively ample space inside seat 1. In the following description, "left," "right," "front," "rear," "up," and "down" refer to the direction as seen from the perspective of the person sitting in seat 1.

[0063] As shown in Figures 12 to 14, the clutch mechanism 200 includes a mounting bracket 201 fixed to a mounting plate 32 of the frame 30, a base member 210 movably mounted on the mounting bracket 201, a switching member 220 movably mounted on the base member 210, and a plurality of interlocking members 231, 241, etc. Figures 15 to 18 show the clutch mechanism 200 with its components arranged sequentially. The components of the clutch mechanism 200 are arranged so that they overlap each other vertically, forming a single unit.

[0064] <<Mounting bracket 201>> As shown in Figure 15, the mounting bracket 201 is provided in the illustrated shape, mainly consisting of a bottom portion 202 that extends parallel to the left-right direction of the frame 30. Flanges 203 and 204 are erected at both ends of the bottom portion 202, respectively. In addition, a base portion 205 that extends in the left-right direction is provided one level higher on the bottom portion 202. The operating cables 111, 112, etc. are routed to the mounting bracket 201 in a manner that is parallel to the left-right direction of the frame 30.

[0065] As shown in Figure 12, the ends of the outer casings of the first reclining operation cables 111R and 111L, the first rotation operation cables 121R and 121L, and the interlocking operation cable 132 are locked to the left flange 204 (right side in Figure 12). On the other hand, the base ends of the outer casings of the second reclining operation cables 112R and 112L and the second rotation operation cable 122 are locked to the right flange 203 (left side in Figure 12).

[0066] <<Base member 210>> As shown in Figure 16, the base member 210 is provided as a base-like structure of a predetermined thickness, elongated in the front-to-back direction perpendicular to the left-to-right direction of the mounting bracket 201. The base member 210 is supported on the bottom surface 202 of the mounting bracket 201 so as to be movable in the left-to-right direction parallel to the axial direction through which the reclining operation cables 111, 112, etc., are routed. Here, the bottom side of the base member 210 is guided in the left-to-right direction while slidably fitted from above onto the base portion 205 of the mounting bracket 201.

[0067] The base member 210 is movable in the left-right direction, but is normally biased by a spring member 251 or the like so that it is positioned at the right end of the base member 210. Multiple pins 211 to 214 are fixed to the base member 210. A lower interlocking member 232 (see Figure 19), which will be described later, is positioned between the mounting bracket 201 and the base member 210, although it is hidden in Figure 16. A pin 233 that protrudes upward from the lower interlocking member 232 extends upward through a gap in the base member 210.

[0068] As shown in Figure 21, the tip of the interlocking operation cable 132 is connected to the base member 210 via a pin 214. A connecting part 133 with an elongated hole is fixed to the tip of the inner cable of the interlocking operation cable 132. The pin 214 is rotatably or movably fitted into the elongated hole of the connecting part 133, so that the tip of the interlocking operation cable 132 is connected to the base member 210 with a predetermined range of play. Also, as shown in Figure 13, the base end of the second rotation operation cable 122 is connected to the right end (left side in the figure) of the base member 210.

[0069] <<Switching component 220>> As shown in Figure 17, the switching member 220, like the base member 210, is long in the front-to-back direction perpendicular to the left-to-right direction of the mounting bracket 201, and is provided in a plate shape that is narrower than the base member 210. The switching member 220 is supported on the base member 210 so as to be movable in the front-to-back direction perpendicular to the left-to-right direction in which the base member 210 moves. The switching member 220 is fitted into a groove recessed on the upper surface of the base member 210 so as to be movable in the front-to-back direction. Therefore, the switching member 220 can move freely in the front-to-back direction relative to the base member 210, but moves integrally with the base member 210 in the left-to-right direction.

[0070] The switching member 220 is connected to an engaged portion 92, which will be described later, via a transmission means 300. When the displacement of the engaged portion 92 is transmitted via the transmission means 300, it is set to move from the front (one direction) to the rear (other direction), that is, in a direction that moves away from the base member 210. Here, when the seat 1 is in the cross position, the switching member 220 is maintained in a recessed position that fits on the base member 210 (see Figure 24), but when the seat 1 is converted to the long position, it is set to displace to a protruding position that extends behind the base member 210 (see Figure 25).

[0071] Furthermore, a separate pin 222 is provided projecting upward from the middle of the switching member 220, positioned between the pins 233 of a pair of lower interlocking members 232, which will be described later, through which the pins 233 pass. In addition, a pair of avoidance grooves 223, 223 extending in the left-right direction are drilled in front of and behind the separate pin 222 of the switching member 220. Each avoidance groove 223 is designed so that the pins 233 of the lower interlocking members 232, which will be described later, can move relatively through it.

[0072] <<Interlocking members 231, 232, etc.>> As shown in Figures 18 and 19, the multiple interlocking members 231, 232, etc. consist of interlocking members 231 and 232 for reclining operation and a rotational interlocking member 241 for rotation operation. First, the interlocking members 231 and 232 are divided into an upper interlocking member 231 provided on the upper side of the switching member 220 and a lower interlocking member 232 provided on the lower side of the switching member 220. Here, the upper interlocking member 231 consists of a pair: an upper interlocking member 231R corresponding to the first reclining operation cable 111R and an upper interlocking member 231L corresponding to the first reclining operation cable 111L.

[0073] Furthermore, the lower interlocking member 232 also consists of a pair: a lower interlocking member 232R corresponding to the second reclining operation cable 112R, and a lower interlocking member 232L corresponding to the second reclining operation cable 112L. Hereafter, when referring to the pair of upper interlocking members 231R and 231L collectively, they will simply be referred to as upper interlocking member 231. Similarly, when referring to the pair of lower interlocking members 232R and 232L collectively, they will simply be referred to as lower interlocking member 232.

[0074] As shown in Figure 20, the lower interlocking member 232 is positioned on both sides of the base portion 205 of the mounting bracket 201, below the switching member 220. The lower interlocking member 232 is provided in the shape of a rectangular plate extending parallel to the left-right direction of the mounting bracket 201. The lower interlocking member 232 is supported above the mounting bracket 201 so as to be movable in the left-right direction, just like the base member 210.

[0075] As shown in Figure 19, a pin 233 projecting upward is provided at the left end (right side in the figure) of the lower interlocking member 232, which can rotate (displace) back and forth via a pivot piece 234. On the other hand, the base end of the inner cable of the second reclining operation cable 112 is connected to the right end (left side in the figure) of the lower interlocking member 232. Here, a connecting component with an elongated hole is fixed to the base end of the inner cable of the second reclining operation cable 112, similar to the first reclining operation cable 111, which will be described later, although it is not shown in the figure. On the other hand, a connecting pin is provided projecting from the lower surface of the right end (left side in the figure) of the lower interlocking member 232.

[0076] As shown in Figure 22, the upper interlocking member 231 is positioned above the switching member 220 and overlaps with the lower interlocking member 232 in a plan view. The upper interlocking member 231 extends in the left-right direction, similar to the lower interlocking member 232, and is provided in the shape of a narrow plate. The upper interlocking member 231 is supported above the switching member 220 and, like the lower interlocking member 232, is movable in the left-right direction relative to the base member 210.

[0077] As shown in Figure 24(a), the upper interlocking member 231 is provided with a guide groove 235 extending in a direction parallel to its direction of movement, and a connecting hole 236 communicating perpendicularly to the guide groove 235. The upper interlocking member 231 is connected to the lower interlocking member 232 in a push-pull manner by a pin 233 rotatably mounted on the lower interlocking member 232 fitting relatively movably into the guide groove 235 or the connecting hole 236. The switching member 220, which overlaps the lower interlocking member 232, is provided with a bypass groove 223 through which the pin 233 passes relatively movably, as described above.

[0078] As shown in Figures 22 and 24(a), the ends of the inner cables of the corresponding first reclining operation cables 111R and 111L are connected to a pair of upper interlocking members 231R and 231L, respectively. A connecting pin 237 is provided protruding from the upper surface side of one of the upper interlocking members 231L, next to the connecting hole 236. A connecting part 113 with an elongated hole is fixed to the end of the inner cable of the first reclining operation cable 111L. The first reclining operation cable 111L is connected to the upper interlocking member 231L with a predetermined range of play by fitting the pin 237 into the elongated hole of the connecting part 113 so as to be rotatable or movable. The first reclining operation cable 111R is connected to the other upper interlocking member 231R in a similar configuration.

[0079] As shown in Figure 14, a spring member 252 is stretched between the pin 237 of one upper interlocking member 231R and the pin 211 of the base member 210. This spring member 252 biases the upper interlocking member 231R in the direction of moving to the right end (left end in the figure). Similarly, a spring member 253 is stretched between the pin 237 of the other upper interlocking member 231L and the pin 212 of the base member 210. This spring member 253 biases the other upper interlocking member 231L in the direction of moving to the right end (left end in the figure).

[0080] As will be described later, when seat 1 is in the long position, the switching member 220 is in a protruding position pulled out behind the base member 210, as shown in Figure 25(a). At this time, in the clutch mechanism 200, the pin 233 moves in the guide groove 235 of the upper interlocking member 231, so even if the upper interlocking member 231 is pulled, the operating force is not transmitted to the lower interlocking member 232, resulting in a separated state.

[0081] Furthermore, when seat 1 is in the cross position, as shown in Figure 24(a), the switching member 220 is retracted to the front of the base member 210. At this time, in the clutch mechanism 200, the pin 233 is fitted into the connecting hole 236 of the upper interlocking member 231, so when the upper interlocking member 231 is pulled, the operating force is transmitted to the lower interlocking member 232, creating a connected state.

[0082] <<Rotational interlocking member 241>> As shown in Figure 23, the rotational interlocking member 241 is a single component that corresponds to a pair of first rotational operation cables 121R and 121L. The rotational interlocking member 241 is positioned between a pair of upper interlocking members 231R and 231L that are arranged front to back above the switching member 220. The rotational interlocking member 241 is provided in the shape of a rectangular plate that extends in the left-right direction, similar to the upper interlocking member 231. The rotational interlocking member 241 is supported above the switching member 220 so as to be movable in the left-right direction relative to the base member 210, similar to the upper interlocking member 231.

[0083] As shown in Figure 25(d), the rotating interlocking member 241 is provided with a guide groove 242 extending in a direction parallel to its direction of movement, and a connecting hole 243 communicating perpendicularly to the guide groove 242. The rotating interlocking member 241 is connected to the switching member 220 in a push-pull manner by a separate pin 233 protruding from the switching member 220, which is fitted relatively movably into the guide groove 242 or the connecting hole 243.

[0084] As shown in Figures 23 and 25(d), the ends of the inner cables of a pair of first rotation operation cables 121R and 121L are connected to the rotation interlocking member 241. A pair of connecting pins 244, 244 are provided protruding from the upper surface of the rotation interlocking member 241 next to the connecting hole 243. Connecting parts 123, each having an elongated hole, are fixed to the base end of the inner cable of each of the first rotation operation cables 121R and 121L. The pins 244 are rotatably or movably fitted into the elongated holes of the connecting parts 123, thereby connecting the pair of first rotation operation cables 121R and 121L to the rotation interlocking member 241 with a predetermined range of play.

[0085] The second rotation operation cable 122, which corresponds to the pair of first rotation operation cables 121R and 121L connected to the rotation interlocking member 241, is connected to the base member 210, as described above, rather than to the rotation interlocking member 241. As shown in Figure 13, a connecting component 124 is fixed to the base end of the second rotation operation cable 122, and this connecting component 124 is connected to the right end (left side in the figure) of the base member 210 via a pin 215.

[0086] As shown in Figure 23, in the rotational interlocking member 241, a spring member 254 is stretched between the pin 244 to which the tip of the first rotational operation cable 121L is connected and the pin 213 of the base member 210. This spring member 254 biases the rotational interlocking member 241, along with the base member 210 which moves simultaneously in the left-right direction, toward the right end (left end in the figure).

[0087] As will be described later, when seat 1 is in the long position, as shown in Figure 25(c), the switching member 220 is in a protruding position pulled out behind the base member 210. At this time, in the clutch mechanism 200, the pin 222 on the switching member 220 moves along the guide groove 242 of the rotational interlocking member 241. Therefore, even if the rotational interlocking member 241 is pulled by either of the pair of first rotational operation cables 121R, 121L, the operating force is not transmitted to the base member 210 via the switching member 220, resulting in a separated state.

[0088] Furthermore, when seat 1 is in the cross position, as shown in Figure 24(c), the switching member 220 is retracted into a recessed position, pulled forward of the base member 210. At this time, in the clutch mechanism 200, the pin 222 on the switching member 220 fits into the connecting hole 243. Therefore, when the rotation interlocking member 241 is pulled by either of the pair of first rotation operation cables 121R, 121L, the operating force is transmitted to the base member 210 via the switching member 220, resulting in a connected state.

[0089] <Engaging portion 91 and engaged portion 92> As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the seating device 10 is configured to switch the clutch mechanism 200 and includes an engaging portion 91 provided on the leg rest 11, which is the fixed side of the seat 1, and a engaged portion 92 provided on the frame 30, which is the movable side of the seat 1. Figures 8 and 9 show the positional relationship between the engaging portion 91 and the engaged portion 92, and the movable platform 20 and frame 30 are omitted from the illustrations in each figure to avoid complexity.

[0090] Figure 8 shows the positional relationship at 60 degrees (see Figure 3), which is an intermediate position between the cross state and the long state, and Figure 9 shows the positional relationship in the long state (see Figure 1). When in the long state (a specific state) shown in Figure 9, the movable engaged portion 92 engages with the fixed engaged portion 91 and rotates (displaces) from its initial position. On the other hand, when not in the long state, including the state shown in Figure 8, the engaged portion 92 is disengaged from the engaged portion 91 and remains in its initial position.

[0091] As shown in Figure 7, the engaging portion 91 is fixed to the upper surface portion 12 of the leg base 11 at the position shown in the figure, and is provided in the shape of a bracket that protrudes from the upper surface portion 12. As shown in Figure 10, on the mounting plate 32 fixed to the frame 30, a mounting plate 301 is fixed behind the location where the clutch mechanism 200 is positioned.

[0092] The engaged portion 92 is integrally fixed to the lower side of the rotating shaft 302, which is pivotally supported by the mounting plate 301, and is supported so as to be rotatable together with the rotating shaft 302 on the lower side of the mounting plate 301. The engaged portion 92 is provided in a block shape that protrudes in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the rotating shaft 302. Here, when the seat 1 is in the long position (a specific state), the engaged portion 92 engages with the engaging portion 91 and is pushed, and is set to rotate clockwise in a plan view around the rotating shaft 302.

[0093] <Transmission means 300> As shown in Figure 14, the engaged portion 92 and the clutch mechanism 200 are connected to each other via the transmission means 300. When the seat 1 is converted to the long position, the rotation (displacement) of the engaged portion 92 is transmitted to the clutch mechanism 200 via the transmission means 300, and the clutch mechanism 200 is configured to switch from the engaged state to the disengaged state.

[0094] The transmission means 300 is unitized on the mounting plate 301 and comprises a rotating shaft 302 with an engaged portion 92 fixed to its lower end, a link 303 fixed to the upper end of the rotating shaft 302, and an arm 304 connected between the tip of the link 303 and the switching member 220. As shown in Figure 14, the link 303 is fixed to the upper end of the rotating shaft 302 so as to extend at a different angle from the engaged portion 92 below, with the mounting plate 301 in between.

[0095] One end of an arm 304 is rotatably connected to the tip of a link 303. A connecting component 304a is fixed to the other end of the arm 304, and the connecting component 304a is rotatably connected to the rear end 221 of the switching member 220. Here, the link 303 is biased by a spring member 305 in a direction that does not normally pull the switching member 220 backward via the arm 304 (counterclockwise in a plan view), that is, in a direction that maintains the switching member 220 in the retracted position.

[0096] <Operation of seating device 10> The operation of the seating device 10 according to this embodiment will be described below. First, let me explain the operation of the clutch mechanism 200. <<Operation of clutch mechanism 200 in the crossed position of seat 1>> When seat 1 is in the cross position, the engaged portion 92 on the mobile platform 20 side is separated from the engaged portion 91 on the leg rest 11 side (see Figure 8). Therefore, the rotation (displacement) of the engaged portion 92 is not transmitted to the clutch mechanism 200 via the transmission means 300, and the clutch mechanism 200 is in a connected state capable of transmitting the operating force of the power transmission system 100. That is, the switching member 220 of the clutch mechanism 200 is maintained in the retracted position. Figure 24 shows power transmission by the clutch mechanism 200 when seat 1 is in the cross position.

[0097] A. Reclining operation First, the reclining operation of the backrest 3 will be explained, as shown in Figures 24(a) and (b). When the clutch mechanism 200 is engaged, as shown in Figure 24(a), the pin 233 of the lower interlocking member 232 (not shown) is fitted into the connecting hole 236 of the upper interlocking member 231 for reclining operation. For example, when the reclining operation part 76 located on the left side armrest 4L of seat 1 is operated, the first reclining operation cable 111L is pulled (arrow in Figure 24(a)).

[0098] As a result, the fitting relationship between the connecting hole 236 and the pin 233 pulls both the upper interlocking member 231L and the lower interlocking member 232L (not shown), transmitting an operating force to the second reclining operation cable 112L (arrow in Figure 24(b)). This releases the constraint on the tilt angle of the backrest 3 caused by the locking mechanism of the reclining mechanism 70 on the left side of the seat 1, which is located at the end of the second reclining operation cable 112L. The same operation occurs when the reclining operation part 76 on the right side of the armrest 4R of the seat 1 is operated.

[0099] B. Rotation operation Next, the rotation operation of seat 1 will be described as shown in Figures 24(c) and (d). When the clutch mechanism 200 is engaged, as shown in Figure 24(c), the pin 222 of the base member 210 is fitted into the connecting hole 243 of the rotation interlocking member 241 for rotation operation. For example, when the rotation operation part 56 located on the left side armrest 4L of seat 1 is operated, the first rotation operation cable 121L is pulled (arrow in Figure 24(c)).

[0100] As a result, the interlocking member 241 for rotation is pulled together with the base member 210 due to the fitting relationship between the connecting hole 243 and the pin 222, and the operating force is transmitted to the second rotation operation cable 122 (arrow in Figure 24(d)). This releases the constraint on the rotation angle of the seat 1 by the rotation lock mechanism 50 at the end of the second rotation operation cable 122. The same operation occurs when the reclining operation part 76 located on the right side armrest 4L of the seat 1 is operated.

[0101] Furthermore, when the base member 210 itself moves, not only the second rotation control cable 122 directly connected to it, but also the pair of second reclining control cables 112R and 112L are all pulled. Therefore, when the rotational restraint of seat 1 is released, the restraints on the left and right pair of backrests 3, 3 are also released simultaneously, and each backrest 3 automatically returns to its upright position. This is because if the backrests 3 are not raised at the same time as the rotation of seat 1, they will hit wall A.

[0102] C. Manual Operation Next, as shown in Figures 24(e) and (f), manual operation by the railway operator will be explained. In Figure 4, when the special lever member 82 of the special rotation operation unit 81 is operated, the constraint on the rotation angle of the seat 1 by the special rotation lock mechanism 80 is released via the manual operation cable 131. At this time, the lever member 54 of the rotation lock mechanism 50 also swings in sync with the operation of the special lever member 82, so the interlocking operation cable 132 is pulled (arrow in Figure 24(e)).

[0103] As a result, the base member 210 itself, to which the end of the interlocking control cable 132 is connected via the pin 214, also moves. This pulls not only the second rotation control cable 122 directly connected to the base member 210, but also the pair of second reclining control cables 112R and 112L (arrows in Figure 24(f)). Therefore, according to manual operation, the rotational restraint of seat 1 is released, and the restraints on the left and right pair of backrests 3, 3 are also released at the same time, and each backrest 3 automatically returns to its upright position.

[0104] <<Operation of clutch mechanism 200 when seat 1 is in the extended position>> When seat 1 is converted to the long position, as shown in Figure 9, the engaged portion 92 on the movable base 20 engages with the engaging portion 91 on the leg rest 11 side. The engaged portion 92 is then pushed and, as shown in Figure 14, rotates in the direction that pulls the arm 304 against the biasing force of the spring member 305 together with the link 303. As a result, the switching member 220 of the clutch mechanism 200 moves from the retracted position to the extended position, and the clutch mechanism 200 switches to a separated state in which the operating force of the power transmission system 100 cannot be transmitted. Figure 25 shows the power transmission by the clutch mechanism 200 when seat 1 is in the long position.

[0105] A. Reclining operation First, the reclining operation of the backrest 3 will be explained, as shown in Figures 25(a) and (b). When the clutch mechanism 200 is disengaged, as shown in Figure 25(a), the pin 233 of the lower interlocking member 232 (not shown) is movably fitted into the guide groove 235 of the upper interlocking member 231 for reclining operation. For example, when the reclining operation part 76 located on the left side of the armrest 4L of the seat 1 is operated, the first reclining operation cable 111L is pulled (arrow in Figure 25(a)).

[0106] As a result, the upper interlocking member 231L is pulled to the right in the figure, as shown in Figure 25(b). At this time, the pin 233 moves relatively within the guide groove 235, which extends parallel to the direction in which the upper interlocking member 231L is pulled. Therefore, the operating force from the upper interlocking member 231L is not transmitted to the lower interlocking member 232L (outside the figure) via the pin 233, and the operation of the reclining operation unit 76 is wasted. In other words, the constraint on the tilt angle of the backrest 3 by the locking mechanism of the reclining mechanism 70 is not released. The same operation occurs when the reclining operation unit 76 located on the right side of the armrest 4R of the seat 1 is operated.

[0107] B. Rotation operation Next, the rotation operation of seat 1 will be described as shown in Figures 25(c) and (d). When the clutch mechanism 200 is disengaged, as shown in Figure 25(c), the pin 222 of the base member 210 is movably fitted into the guide groove 242 of the rotation interlocking member 241 for rotation operation. For example, when the rotation operation part 56 located on the left side armrest 4L of seat 1 is operated, the first rotation operation cable 121L is pulled (arrow in Figure 25(c)).

[0108] As a result, the rotational interlocking member 241 is pulled to the right in the figure, as shown in Figure 25(d). At this time, the pin 222 moves relatively within the guide groove 242, which extends parallel to the direction in which the rotational interlocking member 241 is pulled. Therefore, no operating force is transmitted from the rotational interlocking member 241 to the base member 210 via the pin 222, and the operation of the rotational operation unit 56 is wasted. In other words, the constraint on the rotation angle of the seat 1 by the rotational lock mechanism 50 is not released. The same operation occurs when the rotational operation unit 56 located on the right-hand side armrest 4R of the seat 1 is operated.

[0109] C. Manual Operation Next, as shown in Figures 25(e) and (f), manual operation by the railway operator will be explained. In Figure 4, when the special lever member 82 of the special rotation operation unit 81 is operated, the constraint on the rotation angle of the seat 1 by the special rotation lock mechanism 80 is released via the manual operation cable 131. At this time, the lever member 54 of the rotation lock mechanism 50 also swings in sync with the operation of the special lever member 82, so the interlocking operation cable 132 is pulled (arrow in Figure 25(e)).

[0110] As a result, the rotational restraint of seat 1 is released by the same operation as when manually operating in the cross position described above, and the restraints on the left and right pair of backrests 3,3 are also released simultaneously, and each backrest 3 automatically returns to the upright position. Such manual operation can be performed at any time regardless of the state of seat 1. In addition, the special rotation lock mechanism 80 is originally intended to prevent passengers from changing from the cross position to the long position, but when seat 1 is in the long position, it can be used to simultaneously release all restraints by the lock mechanism of the reclining mechanism 70 and the rotation lock mechanism 50.

[0111] <<Conversion of Seat 1's Status>> Next, we will explain the transformation of the state of seat 1. As shown in Figure 1, when seat 1 is in the extended position, the interlocking mechanism 60 restrains the movable platform 20 from moving forward or backward relative to the leg rest 11, and the rotation lock mechanism 50 further restrains the frame 30 of seat 1 from rotating relative to the movable platform 20. In the rotation lock mechanism 50, the lock pin 51 shown in Figure 6 engages with the locking hole 52a (see Figure 5) in the frame 30. As shown in Figure 26(a), when seat 1 is in the extended position, the rotation axis 41, which is the rotation center of seat 1, is in the position closest to wall A, ensuring a wide aisle width in the passenger compartment.

[0112] As shown in Figures 26(a) to 26(c), in order to convert seat 1 from the long position (0 degrees) to the cross position (90 degrees), as mentioned above, the constraint imposed by the rotation lock mechanism 50 cannot be directly released in the long position. Therefore, first, the constraint imposed by the special rotation lock mechanism 80 is released by manual operation, and the constraint imposed by the rotation lock mechanism 50 is also released.

[0113] Subsequently, the seat 1 is rotated counterclockwise in the diagram while extending the link members 61 and 62 of the interlocking mechanism 60. As a result, the movable platform 20 slides toward the aisle side (forward) away from wall A, and the rotation axis 41 of the seat 1 also slides together with the movable platform 20, so that the seat 1 is in a cross position (90 degrees).

[0114] As shown in Figure 2, when seat 1 is in a cross position, the interlocking mechanism 60 restrains the movable platform 20 from moving forward or backward relative to the leg rest 11, and the rotation lock mechanism 50 further restrains the base frame 30 of seat 1 from rotating relative to the movable platform 20. In the rotation lock mechanism 50, the lock pin 51 shown in Figure 6 engages with the locking hole 52b (see Figure 5) in the base frame 30.

[0115] As shown in Figures 26(c) to 26(d), to change seat 1 from a crossed position (90 degrees) to a reversed position (270 degrees), the constraint by the rotation lock mechanism 50 is released, and then seat 1 is rotated 180 degrees counterclockwise in the figure. At this time, the interlocking mechanism 60 does not operate, seat 1 does not move forward or backward with the rotation, and the rotation axis 41 is supported in a fixed position. In the reversed position of seat 1, the lock pin 51 shown in Figure 6 is engaged with the locking hole 52c (see Figure 5) in the frame 30.

[0116] Furthermore, to convert seat 1 from the reverse cross position to the single cross position, the same procedure as described above for converting from the single cross position to the reverse cross position is followed by releasing the constraint imposed by the rotation lock mechanism 50 and then rotating seat 1 180 degrees in the opposite direction. It is preferable that the conversion of seat 1 to the single cross position or the reverse cross position be performed manually, without relying on the electric motor 42.

[0117] Furthermore, while passengers can change seat 1 to a single-cross configuration or a reverse-cross configuration, they cannot change it from a cross configuration (more precisely, a single-cross configuration) to a long configuration. Therefore, as mentioned above, manual operation by the railway operator is required to change seat 1 from a cross configuration to a long configuration. In other words, the railway operator will release the constraint imposed by the special rotation operation unit 81, as well as the constraint imposed by the rotation lock mechanism 50.

[0118] <Construction and Effects of the Invention> Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. The present invention derived from the embodiments described above will be described below.

[0119] First, the present invention relates to a seating device 10 capable of changing the state of seat 1, A reclining mechanism 70 that supports the backrest 3 of seat 1 so as to be tiltable and can restrain it at a predetermined tilting angle, A reclining operation unit 76 that can release the constraint on the tilt angle of the backrest 3 by the reclining mechanism 70, A power transmission system 100 transmits the operating force input to the reclining operation unit 76 to the reclining mechanism 70 to release the constraint on the tilt angle of the backrest 3, The power transmission system 100 includes a clutch mechanism 200 that is provided in the middle of the system and can be switched between a connected state in which the operating force can be transmitted and a disconnected state in which the force cannot be transmitted. The clutch mechanism 200 is characterized in that when the seat 1 is converted to a specific state, it switches from the coupled state, which is the state when the seat 1 is not in a specific state, to the disengaged state.

[0120] In this seating system 10, the seat 1 is positioned along wall A, maximizing the aisle width within the passenger compartment. Therefore, when seat 1 is in the extended position, the backrest 3 is close to wall A. When seat 1 is converted to this specific position, the clutch mechanism 200 becomes disengaged. Consequently, even when the reclining control unit 76 is operated, the operating force is not transmitted to the reclining mechanism 70.

[0121] As a result, when seat 1 is in a specific state, the passenger cannot release the restriction on the tilt angle of the backrest 3 by the reclining mechanism 70, preventing the backrest 3 from being unintentionally tilted and interfering with wall A. In conventional seating systems, a locking mechanism that disables the reclining mechanism is provided in the armrest, which sometimes made it difficult to install in the limited space within the armrest. Furthermore, even when a locking mechanism is provided in the armrest, the actual space required for the locking mechanism within the armrest becomes large, making it impossible to install, for example, an in-arm table.

[0122] This seating device 10 can solve the problems of conventional seating devices. In other words, in this seating device 10, the clutch mechanism 200 does not necessarily need to be placed close to the reclining operation unit 76, and can be installed in the power transmission system 100 between the reclining mechanism 70 and the reclining operation unit 76. Therefore, there is a high degree of freedom in the placement layout of the clutch mechanism 200, and it can be installed in a location where there is ample space.

[0123] Furthermore, in the present invention, an engaging portion 91 is provided on the fixed side of the seat 1, The seat 1 is provided on the movable side and includes an engaged portion 92 that is displaceable by engaging with the engaging portion 91 when the seat 1 is in the specific state, The engaged portion 92 and the clutch mechanism 200 are connected to each other via a transmission means 300, and when the displacement of the engaged portion 92 is transmitted to the clutch mechanism 200 via the transmission means 300, the clutch mechanism 200 switches from the connected state to the disconnected state.

[0124] With this seat device 10, due to the mechanical engagement relationship between the engaging portion 91 and the engaged portion 92, the clutch mechanism 200 can prevent the backrest 3 from tilting even when the passenger operates the reclining control 76. Therefore, with a simple configuration and without the use of electric power, the tilt angle of the backrest 3 can be maintained only when the seat 1 is in a specific state.

[0125] Furthermore, the present invention includes a rotation mechanism 40 that rotates the seat 1 around a rotation axis, The system includes a sliding mechanism 15 that moves the seat 1 forward and backward together with the rotation mechanism 40 from the fixed side, The state of the seat 1 is determined by the interlocking of the rotating mechanism 40 and the sliding mechanism 15. In a long configuration, the seat back is roughly parallel to wall A, It is possible to convert between the aforementioned long state and a cross state, which is located away from wall A in a direction approximately perpendicular to it. The specific state of seat 1 is characterized by corresponding to the long state.

[0126] With this seating device 10, the rotation mechanism 40 and the sliding mechanism 15 of the seat 1 are linked, making it possible to easily switch the seat 1 between a long position and a cross position in a series of operations. This configuration can be directly applied to general rotating seats installed in railway vehicles.

[0127] Furthermore, in this invention, the fixed side of the seat 1 includes a leg rest 11 fixed to the floor surface, The movable side of the seat 1 includes a movable platform 20 which is attached to the leg rest 11 so as to be able to move forward and backward via the sliding mechanism 15, and the base frame 30 of the seat 1 is rotatably supported via the rotating mechanism 40, The engagement portion 91 is provided on the leg base 11, The engaged portion 92 and the clutch mechanism 200 are characterized in that they are provided on the frame 30.

[0128] With this seating device 10, the engaging portion 91, the engaged portion 92, and the clutch mechanism 200 can be arranged in an optimal configuration within the minimum necessary components of the seating device 10. In particular, since the engaged portion 92 and the clutch mechanism 200 are provided on the same frame 30, it is possible to prevent the transmission means 300 connecting them from becoming large. Furthermore, the engaged portion 92 and the clutch mechanism 200 together can be configured and arranged in a compact overall manner.

[0129] Furthermore, in the present invention, the power transmission system 100 includes reclining operation cables 111 and 112 that connect the reclining operation unit 76 and the reclining mechanism 70 in a power transmission manner. The aforementioned reclining operation cables 111 and 112 are A first reclining operation cable 111 connects the reclining operation unit 76 and the clutch mechanism 200, It consists of a clutch mechanism 200 and a second reclining operation cable 112 connecting the reclining mechanism 70, When the clutch mechanism 200 is engaged, the first reclining operation cable 111 and the second reclining operation cable 112 are connected in a way that allows power transmission, When the clutch mechanism 200 is in a disengaged state, the first reclining operation cable 111 and the second reclining operation cable 112 are separated in a way that prevents power transmission.

[0130] With this configuration, the operating force at the reclining control unit 76 is first transmitted to the clutch mechanism 200 via the first reclining control cable 111. If the seat 1 is not in a specific state, the operating force from the first reclining control cable 111 is then transmitted directly to the second reclining control cable 112 via the clutch mechanism 200. Therefore, the constraint on the tilt angle of the backrest 3 by the reclining mechanism 70 can be released via the second reclining control cable 112.

[0131] On the other hand, when seat 1 is in a specific state, the operating force from the first reclining operation cable 111 is not transmitted to the second reclining operation cable 112 via the clutch mechanism 200. Therefore, it is not possible to release the constraint on the tilt angle of the backrest 3 by the reclining mechanism 70 via the second reclining operation cable 112.

[0132] Furthermore, in the present invention, the clutch mechanism 200 is A mounting bracket 201 fixed to the frame 30, A base member 210 is provided on the mounting bracket 201 and is movable in a direction parallel to the axial direction through which the reclining operation cables 111 and 112 are routed, A switching member 220 is provided on the base member 210, is movable integrally with the base member 210 in the direction in which the base member 210 moves, is also movable in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the base member 210 moves, is connected to the engaged portion 92 via the transmission means 300, and when the displacement of the engaged portion 92 is transmitted via the transmission means 300, the switching member 220 moves from one of the perpendicular directions to the other. The switching member 220 is provided above and below it, and each is movable in the same direction as the base member 210, with an upper interlocking member 231 to which the tip of the first reclining operation cable 111 is connected on the upper side of the switching member 220, and a lower interlocking member 232 to which the base end of the second reclining operation cable 112 is connected on the lower side of the switching member 220, The upper interlocking member 231 is provided with a guide groove 235 extending in a direction parallel to its direction of movement, and a connecting hole 236 communicating perpendicularly to the guide groove 235. The upper interlocking member 231 is connected to the lower interlocking member 232 by a pin 233 provided on the lower interlocking member 232 which is fitted relatively movably into the guide groove 235 or the connecting hole 236. The switching member 220 is provided with a bypass groove 223 through which the pin 233 passes so as to be relatively movable at a position overlapping with the guide groove 235 or the connecting hole 236. When the switching member 220 moves in the other direction, the pin 233 moves in the guide groove 235 of the upper interlocking member 231, and the operating force transmitted to the upper interlocking member 231 is not transmitted to the lower interlocking member 232. When the switching member 220 moves in one direction, the pin 233 fits into the connecting hole 236 of the upper interlocking member 231, and the operating force transmitted to the upper interlocking member 231 is transmitted to the lower interlocking member 232.

[0133] With this specific configuration of the clutch mechanism 200, it can be fixed to the frame 30 via the mounting bracket 201, and by arranging the main components, the base member 210, the switching member 220, the upper interlocking member 231, and the lower interlocking member 232, to overlap each other vertically, the overall configuration can be made compact. Therefore, the arrangement of the clutch mechanism 200 can also meet the requirement for space saving.

[0134] Furthermore, in the present invention, the seat 1 is rotatable around a rotation axis, and a rotation lock mechanism 50 is provided that can restrain the seat 1 at multiple predetermined rotation angles. The seat 1 is equipped with a rotation operation unit 56 that can release the constraint on the rotation angle of the seat 1 by the rotation lock mechanism 50, The rotational operating section 56 and the rotational locking mechanism 50 are also connected so as to be able to transmit operating force via the clutch mechanism 200 through the power transmission system 100 provided in the middle. When the clutch mechanism 200 is in the engaged state, the operating force input to the rotation operation unit 56 is transmitted to the rotation lock mechanism 50, which releases the constraint on the rotation angle of the seat 1. When the clutch mechanism 200 is in the disengaged state, the operating force input to the rotation operation unit 56 is not transmitted to the rotation lock mechanism 50, and the constraint on the rotation angle of the seat 1 cannot be released.

[0135] With this seating device 10, when the seat 1 is in the extended position, the passenger cannot release the restriction on the rotation angle of the seat 1 by the rotation lock mechanism 50, in addition to the restriction by the reclining mechanism 70, thus preventing the seat 1 from being unintentionally rotated and interfering with the wall A. Conventional seating devices require a special mechanism to house and restrain the foot pedal of the rotation lock mechanism, which sometimes made it difficult to assemble in the limited space within the leg rest. Furthermore, if the release operation of the rotation lock mechanism is performed by an operating part with a configuration other than the foot pedal, it was difficult to directly apply the device to such an operating part.

[0136] The present seating device 10 can solve the problems of such conventional seating devices. Specifically, in the present seating device 10, the clutch mechanism 200 does not need to be attached to the foot pedal of the rotation lock mechanism 50, but can be installed in the power transmission system 100 between the rotation lock mechanism 50 and the rotation operating unit 56.

[0137] Furthermore, in the present invention, the power transmission system 100 includes rotation operation cables 121 and 122 that connect the rotation operation unit 56 and the rotation lock mechanism 50 in a power transmission manner. The aforementioned rotation operation cables 121 and 122 are A first rotation operation cable 121 connects the rotation operation unit 56 and the clutch mechanism 200, It consists of a second rotation operation cable 122 connecting the clutch mechanism 200 and the rotation lock mechanism 50, When the clutch mechanism 200 is engaged, the first rotational operation cable 121 and the second rotational operation cable 122 are connected in a way that allows power transmission, When the clutch mechanism 200 is disengaged, the first rotational operation cable 121 and the second rotational operation cable 122 are separated in a way that prevents power transmission.

[0138] With this configuration, the operating force in the rotary operating section 56 is first transmitted to the clutch mechanism 200 via the first rotary operating cable 121. If the seat 1 is not in a specific state, the operating force from the first rotary operating cable 121 is then transmitted directly to the second rotary operating cable 122 via the clutch mechanism 200. Therefore, the constraint on the rotation angle of the seat 1 by the rotary lock mechanism 50 can be released via the second rotary operating cable 122.

[0139] On the other hand, when seat 1 is in a specific state, the operating force from the first rotation control cable 121 is not transmitted to the second rotation control cable 122 via the clutch mechanism 200. Therefore, the constraint on the rotation angle of seat 1 by the rotation lock mechanism 50 cannot be released via the second rotation control cable 122.

[0140] Furthermore, in the present invention, the clutch mechanism 200 is A rotation interlocking member 241 is provided above the switching member 220, is movable in the same direction as the base member 210, and has the tip of the first rotation operation cable 121 connected to it. The aforementioned rotating interlocking member 241 is provided with a guide groove 242 extending in a direction parallel to its direction of movement, and a connecting hole 243 communicating perpendicularly to the guide groove 242. The rotational interlocking member 241 is connected to the switching member 220 by a pin 222 provided on the switching member 220, which is fitted relatively movably into the guide groove 242 or the connecting hole 243. The base end of the second rotation operation cable 122 is connected to the base member 210. When the switching member 220 moves in the other direction, the pin 222 moves in the guide groove 242 of the rotational interlocking member 241, and the operating force transmitted to the rotational interlocking member 241 is not transmitted to the switching member 220 and the base member 210. When the switching member 220 moves in one direction, the pin 222 engages with the connecting hole 243 of the rotating interlocking member 241, and the operating force transmitted to the rotating interlocking member 241 is transmitted to the switching member 220 and the base member 210.

[0141] With this specific configuration of the clutch mechanism 200, in addition to the aforementioned base member 210, switching member 220, upper interlocking member 231, and lower interlocking member 232, the rotational interlocking member 241 can also be arranged so as to overlap the switching member 220, making the overall configuration compact.

[0142] Furthermore, the present invention includes a special rotation lock mechanism 80 that restrains the rotation of the seat 1 to convert it to the specific state, It includes a special rotation operation unit 81 that can release the restriction on the rotation of the seat 1 by the special rotation lock mechanism 80, The special rotational operating unit 81 and the clutch mechanism 200 are also connected via the power transmission system 100 so as to be able to transmit operating force. The operating force input to the special rotation operation unit 81 is transmitted to the special rotation lock mechanism 80, which releases the constraint on the rotation of the seat 1, and is also transmitted to the rotation lock mechanism 50 via the power transmission system 100 and the clutch mechanism 200, which simultaneously releases the constraint on the rotation angle of the seat 1 by the rotation lock mechanism 50.

[0143] With this seating device 10, the rotation angle of seat 1 can be constrained not only when seat 1 is in a specific state, but also when seat 1 is being converted to a specific state, by the special rotation locking mechanism 80, separate from the restrictions of the rotation locking mechanism 50. If the operation of the special rotation operation unit 81 is restricted to the railway operator and not the passenger, for example, passengers can be prevented from converting seat 1 to a specific state.

[0144] When the special rotation control unit 81 is operated, the operating force is transmitted to the special rotation lock mechanism 80, and the restriction on the rotation of the seat 1 by the special rotation lock mechanism 80 can be released. However, at this time, the restriction by the rotation lock mechanism 50 also needs to be released. Therefore, by simultaneously transmitting the operating force of the special rotation control unit 81 to the rotation lock mechanism 50 via the power transmission system 100 and the clutch mechanism 200, the restriction by the rotation lock mechanism 50 can also be released.

[0145] Furthermore, the present invention is characterized in that the operating force input to the special rotation operation unit 81 is also transmitted to the reclining mechanism 70 via the power transmission system 100 and the clutch mechanism 200, and at the same time the constraint on the tilt angle of the backrest 3 can be released.

[0146] This configuration prevents the significantly tilted backrest 3 from unintentionally hitting the wall A when the seat 1 is rotated. Of course, the operating force of the rotation lock mechanism 50, as well as the operating force of the special rotation operation unit 81, may also be similarly transmitted to the reclining mechanism 70 via the power transmission system 100 and the clutch mechanism 200.

[0147] Although embodiments have been described above with reference to the drawings, the specific configurations are not limited to these embodiments, and any changes or additions that do not depart from the spirit of the present invention are also included. For example, the shapes of the leg base 11, the mobile base 20, the frame 30, the wiring of the power transmission system 100, and the specific configuration of the clutch mechanism 200 are not limited to those shown.

[0148] Furthermore, while seat 1 was described as a two-seater, it could also be a three-seater or a single-seater. Moreover, the transformation of seat 1's state is not limited to long, one-cross, or reverse-cross configurations. [Industrial applicability]

[0149] This invention can be widely used as a seating system for seats in vehicles such as railway cars, aircraft, automobiles, and ships, as well as for theater, home, and office chairs. [Explanation of symbols]

[0150] 10…Seat equipment 11...Step stool 15…Slide mechanism 20... Mobile platform 30...frame 40…Rotation mechanism 50…Rotation locking mechanism 56... Rotary operation unit 60... Interlocking mechanism 70…Reclining mechanism 76... Reclining control unit 80...Special rotation locking mechanism 81...Special Rotary Operation Unit 82...Special lever component 91...Engaging part 92...Engaged part 100... Power transmission system 111...First reclining control cable 112...Second reclining control cable 121...First rotation control cable 122...Second rotation control cable 131…Manual operation cable 132... Operation cable for interlocking 200...Clutch mechanism 201…Mounting bracket 210...Base component 220… Switching component 231... Upper interlocking member 232... Lower interlocking member 241... Rotation interlocking member 300...Transmission means

Claims

1. In a seating device capable of changing the seating configuration, A reclining mechanism that supports the seat back in a tiltable manner and can restrain it at a predetermined tilting angle, A reclining control unit that can release the constraint on the tilt angle of the backrest by the aforementioned reclining mechanism, A power transmission system that transmits the operating force input to the reclining control unit to the reclining mechanism to release the constraint on the tilt angle of the backrest, The power transmission system includes a clutch mechanism provided in the middle of the power transmission system, which can be switched between a connected state in which the operating force can be transmitted and a disconnected state in which the force cannot be transmitted. When the seat is converted to a specific state, the clutch mechanism switches from the coupled state (when the seat is not in a specific state) to the disengaged state. An engaging portion provided on the fixed side of the seat, The seat comprises an engaged portion provided on the movable side of the seat, which is displaceable by engaging with the engaging portion when the seat is in the specific state described above, The seating device is characterized in that the engaged portion and the clutch mechanism are connected to each other via a transmission means, and when the displacement of the engaged portion is transmitted to the clutch mechanism via the transmission means, the clutch mechanism switches from the engaged state to the disengaged state.

2. A rotating mechanism that rotates the seat around a pivot axis, It includes a sliding mechanism that moves the seat forward and backward together with the rotation mechanism from the fixed side, The seat's position is determined by the interlocking of the aforementioned rotation mechanism and the aforementioned sliding mechanism. In a long configuration, the seat back is roughly parallel to the wall, It can be converted to a cross state, which is approximately perpendicular to the long state and away from the wall. The seating device according to claim 1, characterized in that the aforementioned specific state of the seat corresponds to the long state.

3. As the fixed side of the seat, there is a leg base fixed to the floor, The movable side of the seat includes a movable platform which is attached to the leg rest so as to be able to move forward and backward via the sliding mechanism, and the seat frame is rotatably supported via the rotating mechanism, The engagement portion is provided on the leg base, The seating device according to claim 2, characterized in that the engaged portion and the clutch mechanism are provided on the underframe.

4. The power transmission system includes a reclining operation cable that connects the reclining operation unit and the reclining mechanism in a way that enables power transmission. The aforementioned reclining control cable is A first reclining operation cable connecting the reclining operation unit and the clutch mechanism, It consists of a clutch mechanism and a second reclining operation cable connecting the reclining mechanism, When the clutch mechanism is engaged, the first reclining operation cable and the second reclining operation cable are connected in a way that allows power transmission, The seating device according to claim 3, characterized in that when the clutch mechanism is in a disengaged state, the first reclining operation cable and the second reclining operation cable are separated in a way that prevents power transmission.

5. The aforementioned clutch mechanism is A mounting bracket fixed to the frame, A base member provided on the mounting bracket and movable in a direction parallel to the axial direction through which the reclining operation cable is routed, A switching member is provided on the base member, is movable integrally with the base member in the direction in which the base member moves, and is also movable in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the base member moves, is connected to the engaged portion via the transmission means, and when the displacement of the engaged portion is transmitted via the transmission means, moves from one of the perpendicular directions to the other, The switching member is provided above and below the switching member, each movable in the same direction as the base member, and comprises an upper interlocking member to which the tip of the first reclining operation cable is connected at the upper side of the switching member, and a lower interlocking member to which the base end of the second reclining operation cable is connected at the lower side of the switching member, The aforementioned upper interlocking member is provided with a guide groove extending in a direction parallel to its direction of movement, and a connecting hole communicating perpendicularly to the guide groove. The upper interlocking member is connected to the lower interlocking member by a pin provided on the lower interlocking member, which is fitted relatively movably into the guide groove or the connecting hole. The switching member is provided with an avoidance groove through which the pin can move relative to the guide groove or the connecting hole at a position that overlaps with it. When the switching member moves in the other direction, the pin moves in the guide groove of the upper interlocking member, and the operating force transmitted to the upper interlocking member is not transmitted to the lower interlocking member. The seating device according to claim 4, characterized in that when the switching member moves in one direction, the pin fits into the connecting hole of the upper interlocking member, and the operating force transmitted to the upper interlocking member is transmitted to the lower interlocking member.

6. The seat is rotatable around a pivot axis, and the seat is provided with a rotation lock mechanism that can restrain it at multiple predetermined rotation angles. It includes a rotation operating unit that can release the constraint on the rotation angle of the seat by the rotation lock mechanism, The aforementioned rotational operating section and the rotational locking mechanism are also connected so as to be able to transmit operating force via a power transmission system in which the clutch mechanism is provided in between. When the clutch mechanism is in the engaged state, the operating force input to the rotational operating section is transmitted to the rotational locking mechanism, which releases the constraint on the rotation angle of the seat. The seating device according to claim 5, characterized in that when the clutch mechanism is in the disengaged state, the operating force input to the rotational operating section is not transmitted to the rotational locking mechanism, and the constraint on the rotational angle of the seat cannot be released.

7. The power transmission system includes a rotation operation cable that connects the rotation operation unit and the rotation lock mechanism in a manner that enables power transmission. The aforementioned rotation control cable is A first rotation operation cable connecting the rotation operation unit and the clutch mechanism, It consists of a second rotational operation cable connecting the clutch mechanism and the rotational lock mechanism, When the clutch mechanism is engaged, the first rotational operating cable and the second rotational operating cable are connected in a way that allows power transmission, The seating device according to claim 6, characterized in that when the clutch mechanism is in a disengaged state, the first rotational operation cable and the second rotational operation cable are separated in a way that prevents power transmission.

8. The aforementioned clutch mechanism is A rotation interlocking member is provided above the switching member, is movable in the same direction as the base member, and has the tip of the first rotation operation cable connected to it. The aforementioned rotating interlocking member is provided with a guide groove extending in a direction parallel to its direction of movement, and a connecting hole communicating perpendicularly to the guide groove. The aforementioned rotating interlocking member is connected to the switching member by a pin provided on the switching member, which is fitted relatively movably into the guide groove or the connecting hole. The base member is connected to the base end of the second rotation operation cable. When the switching member moves in the other direction, the pin moves along the guide groove of the rotating interlocking member, and the operating force transmitted to the rotating interlocking member is not transmitted to the switching member and the base member. The seating device according to claim 7, characterized in that when the switching member moves in one direction, the pin fits into the connecting hole of the rotating interlocking member, and the operating force transmitted to the rotating interlocking member is transmitted to the switching member and the base member.

9. A special rotation locking mechanism that restrains rotation for converting the seat to the aforementioned specific state, It includes a special rotation operation unit that can release the restriction on the rotation of the seat by the special rotation lock mechanism, The special rotating operating section and the clutch mechanism are also connected via the power transmission system so as to be able to transmit operating force. The seating device according to claim 8, characterized in that the operating force input to the special rotation operation unit is transmitted to the special rotation lock mechanism, thereby releasing the constraint on the rotation of the seat, and is also transmitted to the rotation lock mechanism via the power transmission system and the clutch mechanism, thereby simultaneously releasing the constraint on the rotation angle of the seat by the rotation lock mechanism.

10. The seating device according to claim 9, characterized in that the operating force input to the special rotating operating unit is transmitted to the reclining mechanism via the power transmission system and the clutch mechanism, and at the same time the constraint on the tilt angle of the backrest can be released.

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