Vehicle seats

Abstract

To provide a vehicle seat which allows a user to recognize that an occupant support member is properly attached.SOLUTION: A vehicle seat S includes: a first member 6A and a second member 6B serving as occupant support members which are locked to a lock mechanism 7 provided at a vehicle body or the vehicle seat S; first indicators (indicators 8A, 8C, 8E) configured to indicate a lock state of the first member 6A; and second indicators (indicators 8B, 8D, 8F) configured to indicate a lock state of the second member 6B.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

Technical Field

[0006]

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there is known a vehicle seat in which an ottoman provided in the vehicle seat is configured to be detachable, and the removed ottoman can be attached to a seat cushion or a seat back. In this case, the ottoman can function as a passenger support member.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 describes applying an ottoman provided in a vehicle seat as a detachable plate member. Specifically, by attaching an ottoman (plate member) to a seat back or a seat cushion, it is possible to prevent the load of the luggage placed on the vehicle seat from collapsing and to prevent passengers from colliding with each other during cornering.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in the invention described in Patent Document 1, a user such as a passenger in a vehicle has no way to grasp whether the ottoman (plate member) is properly attached to a seat back or a seat cushion. Therefore, even if the user intends to attach the ottoman to a seat back or a seat cushion, there is a possibility that the ottoman is not properly attached.

[0006] This invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a vehicle seat that allows for the recognition of whether the occupant support member is properly installed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To solve the above problems, the vehicle seat described in claim 1 is: A first member and a second member, which serve as occupant support members that are locked to a locking mechanism provided on the vehicle body or vehicle seat, A first indicator that shows the locked state of the first member, A second indicator showing the locked state of the second member, It is equipped with.

[0008] The invention described in claim 2 is a vehicle seat described in claim 1, The first member is provided on one side of the vehicle seat, The second member is provided on the other side of the vehicle seat, The first indicator is provided on one side of the vehicle seat, The second indicator is provided on the other side of the vehicle seat.

[0009] The invention described in claim 3 is a vehicle seat as described in claim 1, The first indicator and the second indicator are provided adjacent to each other.

[0010] The invention described in claim 4 is a vehicle seat as described in claim 1, The distance between the first indicator and the second indicator is shorter than the distance between the first member and the second member.

[0011] The invention described in claim 5 is a vehicle seat as described in claim 1, Equipped with a seat cushion, The first indicator and the second indicator are provided on the front side of the vehicle seat in the seat cushion, and on the central side inside the vehicle.

[0012] The invention described in claim 6 is a vehicle seat as described in claim 2, The first indicator is covered by the first cover member. The second indicator is covered by the second cover member.

[0013] The invention described in claim 7 is a vehicle seat as described in claim 3, The first and second indicators are covered by a common cover member.

[0014] The invention described in claim 8 is a vehicle seat as described in claim 1, The device comprises a first indicator and a first locking mechanism, the locking mechanism, in which the first member is locked, and a first connecting member. The first indicator is, A first display unit that displays the unlocked state of the first member and the first locking mechanism, A second display unit that shows the locked state of the first member and the first locking mechanism, A biasing member that biases the first display unit so that it is displayed, Equipped with, When the first member is locked to the first locking mechanism, the first connecting member is pulled toward the first locking mechanism, thereby preventing the first display unit from displaying against the biasing member, while the second display unit displays. The device includes a second indicator and a second locking mechanism, the locking mechanism in which the second member is locked, and a second connecting member. The second indicator is, A third display unit that shows the unlocked state of the second member and the second locking mechanism, A fourth display unit that shows the locked state between the second member and the second locking mechanism, A biasing member that biases the third display unit so that it is displayed, comprising When the second member is locked to the second locking mechanism, the second connecting member is pulled toward the second locking mechanism side, so that while the third display unit is not displayed against the biasing member, the fourth display unit is displayed.

[0015] The invention according to claim 9 is the vehicle seat according to claim 1, wherein the first member and the second member are armrests.

[0016] The invention according to claim 10 is the vehicle seat according to claim 1, wherein the first member and the second member are side supports.

Advantages of the Invention

[0017] According to the invention of claim 1, the locking states of the first member and the second member with respect to the locking mechanism can be respectively indicated. That is, a user such as a passenger can recognize whether the passenger support members (the first member and the second member) are properly attached.

[0018] According to the invention of claim 2, the positional relationship between the first member provided on one side and the first indicator, and the positional relationship between the second member provided on the other side and the second indicator are matched. Therefore, it is easy for the user to recognize the locking states of the first member and the second member.

[0019] According to the invention of claim 3, the user can recognize the first indicator and the second indicator at once.

[0020] According to the invention of claim 4, since the first indicator and the second indicator are arranged in a close region within a predetermined distance, the user can recognize the first indicator and the second indicator at once.

[0021] According to the invention described in claim 5, when the first indicator and the second indicator are viewed from the front of the vehicle seat, the user who is in front of the vehicle seat can easily recognize the first indicator and the second indicator. In the above case, for example, it is when checking the first and second indicators provided on the rear seats of the vehicle from the driver's seat.

[0022] According to the invention described in claim 6, the first indicator and the second indicator can be covered by separate cover members.

[0023] According to the invention described in claim 7, the number of parts can be reduced compared to a configuration in which the first indicator and the second indicator are each covered by separate cover members.

[0024] According to the invention described in claim 8, the indicator can have a simple configuration.

[0025] According to the invention described in claim 9, the locked state of the locking mechanism when the first member and the second member are used as armrests can be shown, respectively.

[0026] According to the invention described in claim 10, the locked state of the locking mechanism when the first member and the second member function as side supports can be shown, respectively. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0027] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of a vehicle seat having an ottoman according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view of a vehicle seat having an armrest according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view of a vehicle seat having side supports according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 1 is a side view of a vehicle seat. [Figure 5]This diagram shows the seat frame of a vehicle seat. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view of the first and second members. [Figure 7] This is a schematic diagram of the locking mechanism. [Figure 8] Figure 1 is a front view of the vehicle seat shown. [Figure 9] Figure 2 is a front view of the vehicle seat shown. [Figure 10] Figure 3 is a front view of the vehicle seat. [Figure 11] Figure 2 is a front view of the vehicle seat shown. [Figure 12A] This is a schematic diagram of the lock mechanism and indicator in the unlocked state. [Figure 12B] This is a schematic diagram of the locking mechanism and indicator in the locked state. [Figure 13] This diagram shows the arrangement structure of the connecting members. [Figure 14] Figure 13 shows a cross-sectional view along the cross-sectional line XIV-XIV. [Figure 15] Figure 13 shows a cross-sectional view taken along the cross-sectional line XV-XV. [Figure 16] This figure shows another example of a seat frame for a vehicle seat. [Figure 17] This is a cross-sectional view taken along the cross-sectional line XVII-XVII shown in Figure 16. [Figure 18] This diagram shows the arrangement structure of the connecting members. [Figure 19] This is a cross-sectional view taken along the cross-sectional line XIX-XIX shown in Figure 18. [Figure 20] Figure 18 shows a cross-sectional view along the cross-sectional line XX-XX. [Figure 21] This is a view from above of a vehicle seat with a mounting cover. [Figure 22A] This is an example showing the first or second member. [Figure 22B] This is an example showing the first or second member. [Figure 22C] This is an example showing the first or second member. [Figure 22D] This is an example showing the first or second member. [Figure 23A] This is an example of a mounting cover. [Figure 23B] This is an example of a mounting cover. [Figure 23C] This is an example of a mounting cover. [Figure 23D] This is an example of a mounting cover. [Figure 24] This figure shows an instrument panel with indicators. [Figure 25] This is a front view of the seats for the first and second vehicles. [Figure 26] This is a front view of a vehicle seat in ottoman mode. [Figure 27] This is a side view of a vehicle seat in armrest mode. [Figure 28A] This figure shows an example of a locking mechanism and indicator for the unlocked state. [Figure 28B] This figure shows an example of a locking mechanism and indicator in the locked state. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0028] The configuration of the vehicle seat according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, the embodiments described below are for the purpose of facilitating understanding of the present invention and do not limit the present invention. That is, the present invention can be modified and improved without departing from its spirit, and of course, equivalents thereof are included in the present invention. Furthermore, the descriptions below regarding the material, shape, and size of the seat components are merely examples and do not limit the present invention.

[0029] In the following, a vehicle seat will be given as an example of a vehicle seat, and its configuration will be described. However, the present invention can also be applied to vehicle seats other than those for vehicles, such as seats installed in ships and aircraft.

[0030] Furthermore, in the following explanation, "front-to-back direction" refers to the front-to-back direction of the vehicle seat (in other words, the front-to-back direction of the seat itself), which is the direction of travel when the vehicle is driven manually. Also, "seat width direction" refers to the width direction of the vehicle seat (in other words, the width direction of the seat itself), which is the direction of left-to-right direction as seen from the perspective of an occupant seated in the vehicle seat. Also, "up-down direction" refers to the up-and-down direction of the vehicle seat, which is the direction of the vertical direction when the vehicle is traveling on a horizontal plane.

[0031] Furthermore, in the seat width direction, "outside of the vehicle" refers to the side closer to the outside of the vehicle body (more simply, the side closer to the nearest door), while "inside of the vehicle" refers to the side closer to the inside of the vehicle body (more simply, the side further away from the nearest door).

[0032] First, the configuration of the vehicle seat S according to this embodiment will be described. Figures 1 to 3 are perspective views of the vehicle seat S. Figure 4 is a side view of the vehicle seat S shown in Figure 1. Figure 5 shows the seat frame (seat back frame 10 and seat cushion frame 20) of the vehicle seat S.

[0033] The vehicle seat S is a seat placed on the vehicle floor in which the vehicle's occupants sit. In this embodiment, the vehicle seat S is used as a rear seat, corresponding to the rear seat of the vehicle. However, it is not limited to this, and the vehicle seat S can also be used as a second-row middle seat or a third-row rear seat in a vehicle equipped with three rows of seats in the front-to-back direction.

[0034] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, the vehicle seat S comprises a seat body Sh which forms the main body, a support member 9a, and a base cover 9. The support member 9a is fixed to the vehicle floor and supports the seat back 1. The base cover 9 is positioned below the sheet body Sh and covers the support member 9a from above. As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the seat body Sh comprises a seat back 1, a seat cushion 2, and a headrest 3.

[0035] The seatback 1 supports the lower back and back of the occupant (hereinafter referred to as the occupant) when seated in the seat. The seat back 1 comprises a metal seat back frame 10 that forms the skeleton of the seat back 1, a cushion pad (not shown), and a cover. The seat back frame 10 is covered with a cushion pad made of a relatively soft resin foam material such as urethane foam. The cushion pad of seatback 1 is covered with a cover made of leather, woven fabric, or the like.

[0036] The seat cushion 2 supports the seated person's buttocks and thighs. The seat cushion 2 comprises a metal seat cushion frame 20 that forms the framework of the seat cushion 2, a cushion pad (not shown), and a cover. The seat cushion frame 20 is covered with a cushion pad made of a relatively soft resin foam material such as urethane foam. The cushion pad of seat cushion 2, like seat back 1, is covered with a cover made of leather, woven fabric, or the like. The rear end of the seat cushion 2 is connected to the lower end of the seat back 1 by a connecting member 5.

[0037] The vehicle seat S also includes a surface material 4, detachable first member 6A and second member 6B, and a locking mechanism 7. In the examples shown in Figures 1 and 4, the first member 6A and the second member 6B function as ottomans, which are occupant support members. The mode of the vehicle seat S shown in Figures 1 and 4 is defined as the ottoman specification mode. Furthermore, in the example shown in Figure 2, the first member 6A and the second member 6B function as armrests as occupant support members. The mode of the vehicle seat S shown in Figure 2 is defined as the armrest specification mode. Furthermore, in the example shown in Figure 3, the first member 6A and the second member 6B function as side supports as occupant support members. The mode of the vehicle seat S shown in Figure 3 is defined as the side support specification mode.

[0038] As shown in Figure 6, the first member 6A and the second member 6B each include a connecting portion 61 and a cushioning portion 62. The connecting portion 61 is a U-shaped striker for connecting with the locking mechanism 7. In this embodiment, the first member 6A and the second member 6B each have two U-shaped strikers, as shown in Figure 6. The cushion section 62 comprises a metal frame (not shown), a cushion pad (not shown) covering the frame, and a cover covering the cushion pad.

[0039] As shown in Figure 7, the locking mechanism 7 includes a latch 71, a ratchet 72, a connecting member 74, a base plate 75, and the like. The base plate 75 has an entry groove 75a into which the connecting portion 61 of the first member 6A or the second member 6B enters. The entry groove 75a is open on only one side in the longitudinal direction. A latch 71 is rotatably mounted on the base plate 75 by a pivot shaft 71b. The latch 71 is biased in the clockwise direction in Figure 7 by a biasing member (not shown), such as a tension coil spring. The latch 71 has an engagement groove 71a that abuts and engages with the connecting portion 61 of the first member 6A or the second member 6B.

[0040] The ratchet 72 is configured to be rotatable around the rotation axis 72a relative to the base plate 75. The ratchet 72 is a component that maintains a locked state by engaging with the latch 71 and maintains an unlocked state by disengaging from the latch 71.

[0041] In the unlocked state, when the connecting portion 61 is inserted into the entry groove 75a of the base plate 75, the connecting portion 61 comes into contact with the inner circumference of the engagement groove 71a of the latch 71, and the latch 71 rotates counterclockwise in Figure 7 against the elasticity of the biasing member (not shown), engaging with the ratchet 72 and entering the locked state. The rotation of the latch 71 is then restricted by the ratchet 72.

[0042] The connecting member 74 has one end connected to the ratchet 72 and the other end connected to the indicator 8 (see Figures 8 to 12A and 12B), which will be described later, and is a member that transmits the operation of the ratchet 72 to the indicator 8. For example, a cable, a rod, or the like can be used as the connecting member 74.

[0043] The locking mechanism 7 includes the locking mechanisms 7A to 7F shown in Figure 5. The locking mechanisms 7A to 7F are fixed to the seat back frame 10 or the seat cushion frame 20, as shown in Figure 5.

[0044] Specifically, in ottoman mode, the locking mechanism 7A that connects to the connecting portion 61 of the first member 6A is fixed to the right side of the front portion of the seat cushion frame 20, on the side opposite to the side where the entry groove 75a is formed. Furthermore, in ottoman mode, the locking mechanism 7B, which connects to the connecting portion 61 of the second member 6B, is fixed to the left side of the front portion of the seat cushion frame 20, on the side opposite to the side where the entry groove 75a is formed. The locking mechanisms 7A and 7B are fixed to the front of the pipe frame, which is the seat cushion frame 20, as shown in Figure 5.

[0045] Furthermore, in the armrest specification mode, the locking mechanism 7C that connects to the connecting portion 61 of the first member 6A is fixed to the right portion of the seat cushion frame 20 on the side opposite to the side in which the entry groove 75a is formed. Furthermore, in the armrest configuration mode, the locking mechanism 7D, which connects to the connecting portion 61 of the second member 6B, is fixed to the left portion of the seat cushion frame 20 on the side opposite to the side where the entry groove 75a is formed. The locking mechanisms 7C and 7D are fixed to the upper surface of the pipe frame, which is the seat cushion frame 20, as shown in Figure 5.

[0046] Furthermore, in the side support specification mode, the locking mechanism 7E that connects to the connecting portion 61 of the first member 6A is fixed to the right portion of the seat back frame 10 on the side opposite to the side in which the entry groove 75a is formed. Furthermore, in the side support specification mode, the locking mechanism 7F that connects to the connecting portion 61 of the second member 6B is fixed to the left portion of the seat back frame 10 on the side opposite to the side in which the entry groove 75a is formed. The locking mechanisms 7E and 7F are fixed to the front of the pipe frame, which is the seat back frame 10, as shown in Figure 5.

[0047] In other words, the first member 6A is connected to the locking mechanism 7A, locking mechanism 7C, or locking mechanism 7E. That is, the first member 6A is provided on one side (right side) of the vehicle seat S. Furthermore, the second member 6B is connected to the locking mechanism 7B, locking mechanism 7D, or locking mechanism 7F. That is, the second member 6B is provided on the other side (left side) of the vehicle seat S.

[0048] In addition, in ottoman mode, the first member 6A connected to the locking mechanism 7A and the second member 6B connected to the locking mechanism 7B may be configured to change their angle relative to the seat cushion 2, as shown in Figure 4.

[0049] The outer layer member 4 is made of a material similar to that of a cover, such as leather or woven fabric. In ottoman mode, as shown in Figures 1 and 4, the surface member 4 is removably fixed to the seat cushion 2 at one end and to the first member 6A and second member 6B at the other end by known methods such as fasteners (surface or linear). In this case, the surface member 4 prevents the connection between the connecting part 61 and the locking mechanism 7 from being visible from above and from the front. Furthermore, in the armrest specification mode and the side support specification mode, the surface member 4 is fixed to the seat cushion 2 at one end and the other end by known methods such as fasteners (surface or linear), as shown in Figures 2 and 3.

[0050] Furthermore, the vehicle seat S has an indicator 8, as shown in Figures 8 to 11. Figure 8 is a front view of the vehicle seat S in the ottoman configuration shown in Figure 1. Figure 9 is a front view of the vehicle seat S in the armrest configuration shown in Figure 2. Figure 10 is a front view of the vehicle seat S in the side support configuration shown in Figure 3. Figure 11 is another example of the front view of the vehicle seat S in the armrest configuration shown in Figure 2. In Figures 8 to 11, the right side of the vehicle seat S is considered the outer side of the vehicle in the seat width direction, and the left side of the vehicle seat S is considered the inner side of the vehicle in the seat width direction. Indicator 8 includes indicators 8A to 8F, as shown in Figures 8 to 11.

[0051] The indicator 8A indicates whether the connecting portion 61 of the first member 6A and the locking mechanism 7A are properly connected. In the examples shown in Figures 8 to 10, the indicator 8A is located on the right side of the seat cushion 2. Furthermore, the indicator 8B indicates whether the connecting portion 61 of the second member 6B and the locking mechanism 7B are properly connected. In the examples shown in Figures 8 to 10, the indicator 8B is located on the left side of the seat cushion 2.

[0052] Furthermore, the indicator 8C indicates whether the connecting portion 61 of the first member 6A and the locking mechanism 7C are properly connected. In the examples shown in Figures 8 to 10, indicator 8C is located on the right side of the seat cushion 2 and above indicator 8A. Furthermore, the indicator 8D indicates whether the connecting portion 61 of the second member 6B and the locking mechanism 7D are properly connected. In the examples shown in Figures 8 to 10, indicator 8D is located on the left side of the seat cushion 2 and above indicator 8B.

[0053] Furthermore, the indicator 8E indicates whether the connecting portion 61 of the first member 6A and the locking mechanism 7E are properly connected. In the examples shown in Figures 8 to 10, the indicator 8E is located on the right side of the seat back 1. Furthermore, the indicator 8F indicates whether the connecting portion 61 of the second member 6B and the locking mechanism 7F are properly connected. In the examples shown in Figures 8 to 10, the indicator 8F is located on the left side of the seat back 1.

[0054] In other words, the first indicator (indicator 8A, indicator 8C, indicator 8E) is provided on one side (right side) of the vehicle seat S. Furthermore, the second indicators (indicator 8B, indicator 8D, and indicator 8F) are provided on the other side (left side) of the vehicle seat S. Therefore, the positional relationship between the first member 6A and the first indicator on one side, and the positional relationship between the second member 6B and the second indicator on the other side, are aligned. As a result, the user can easily recognize the locked state of the first member 6A and the second member 6B.

[0055] Furthermore, indicators 8A to 8D are provided on the front of the seat cushion 2. Indicators 8E and 8F are provided on the front of the seat back 1. This allows the driver or other user to easily see the displays of indicators 8A to 8F from the front of the vehicle seat S.

[0056] The location where the indicator 8 is provided is not limited to the example above. The indicator 8 may also be provided on the front lower part of the seat back 1, or on the front part of the base cover 9, etc. In this case as well, the driver or other user can easily see the displays of indicators 8A to 8F from the front of the vehicle seat S.

[0057] Furthermore, at least two of the indicators 8A to 8F may be provided adjacent to each other on the vehicle seat S. In other words, the first and second indicators among indicators 8A to 8F are installed adjacent to each other.

[0058] Figure 11 shows a front view of a vehicle seat S in armrest specification mode, in which the first indicator and the second indicator are located next to each other. In the example shown in Figure 11, indicators 8A and 8B are adjacent to each other, indicators 8C and 8D are adjacent to each other, and indicators 8E and 8F are adjacent to each other, and these indicators are installed on the vehicle seat S. This allows the user to recognize both the first and second indicators at the same time.

[0059] Furthermore, at least two of the indicators 8A to 8F may be provided on the vehicle seat S at intervals shorter than the distance between the first member 6A and the second member 6B. In other words, the distance between the first indicator and the second indicator among the indicators 8A to 8F provided on the vehicle seat S is shorter than the distance between the first member 6A and the second member 6B. As a result, the first and second indicators are positioned in close proximity within a predetermined distance, allowing the user to recognize both the first and second indicators at the same time.

[0060] Furthermore, in the example shown in Figure 11, indicators 8A to 8F are provided on the interior side of the vehicle seat S. In other words, the first indicator and the second indicator are provided on the front side of the vehicle seat S on the seat cushion 2, and on the central side (inside the vehicle) of the vehicle. This allows the driver or other user to easily see the indicators 8A to 8F from the front of the vehicle seat S.

[0061] Next, we will explain the display of indicator 8. The indicator 8 displays "LOCKED" to indicate that the connecting part 61 and the locking mechanism 7 are properly connected. On the other hand, if the connecting part 61 and the locking mechanism 7 are not connected, the indicator 8 displays "UNLOCK" to indicate this.

[0062] In the example shown in Figure 8, the indicator 8A displays "LOCKED" because the connecting portion 61 of the first member 6A and the locking mechanism 7A are properly connected. Furthermore, because the connecting portion 61 of the second member 6B and the locking mechanism 7B are properly connected, the indicator 8B displays "LOCKED". Furthermore, since the connecting part 61 is not connected to the locking mechanism 7C~7F, the indicators 8C~8F display "UNLOCK".

[0063] In the examples shown in Figures 9 and 11, the connecting portion 61 of the first member 6A and the locking mechanism 7C are properly connected, so the indicator 8C displays "LOCKED". Furthermore, because the connecting portion 61 of the second member 6B and the locking mechanism 7D are properly connected, the indicator 8D displays "LOCKED". Furthermore, since the connecting part 61 is not connected to the locking mechanisms 7A, 7B, 7E, and 7F, the indicators 8A, 8B, 8E, and 8F display "UNLOCK".

[0064] In the example shown in Figure 10, the indicator 8E displays "LOCKED" because the connecting portion 61 of the first member 6A and the locking mechanism 7E are properly connected. Furthermore, because the connecting portion 61 of the second member 6B and the locking mechanism 7F are properly connected, the indicator 8F displays "LOCKED". Since the connecting section 61 is not connected to the locking mechanisms 7A to 7D, the indicators 8A to 8D display "UNLOCK".

[0065] Next, Figure 12A shows a schematic diagram of the lock mechanism 7 and indicator 8 in the unlocked state, with the connecting portion 61 not connected. Figure 12B shows a schematic diagram of the lock mechanism 7 and indicator 8 in the locked state, with the connecting portion 61 connected.

[0066] As shown in Figures 12A and 12B, the indicator 8 includes an unlock indicator 81, a lock indicator 82, a rotating gear 83, a biasing member 84 made of a spring or rubber, a cover member 85, and the like. The cover member 85 covers at least a portion of the unlock indicator 81 and the lock indicator 82. The cover member 85 further covers the rotating gear 83 and the biasing member 84.

[0067] The unlock indicator 81 is a component that displays "UNLOCK" to indicate that the connecting part 61 and the locking mechanism 7 are not connected. The lock indicator section 82 is a component that displays "LOCKED" to indicate that the connecting section 61 and the locking mechanism 7 are properly connected.

[0068] The unlock indicator unit 81 has a driven gear 81a on the lock indicator unit 82 side. The lock indicator unit 82 has a driven gear 82a on the unlock indicator unit 81 side. The driven gear 81a and the driven gear 82a are each engaged with a rotating gear 83 that is pivotally supported in an area covered by the cover member 85. The unlock indicator unit 81 is biased by a biasing member 84 positioned in the area covered by the cover member 85 to move out of the area covered by the cover member 85 through the opening 85a of the cover member 85. In other words, the biasing member 84 biases the unlock indicator unit 81 in the direction in which "UNLOCK" is displayed by the unlock indicator unit 81. The connecting member 74, which is connected to the ratchet 72, is connected to the rotating gear 83 such that when pulled towards the ratchet 72, it causes the rotating gear 83 to rotate clockwise.

[0069] As shown in Figure 12A, when the unlock indicator 81 is outside the area covered by the cover member 85, the connecting portion 61 engages with the latch 71 of the locking mechanism 7, as shown in Figure 12B, causing the latch 71 to rotate counterclockwise around the rotation axis 71b. Then, as the latch 71 rotates counterclockwise around the rotation axis 71b, it engages with the ratchet 72, and simultaneously the ratchet 72 rotates counterclockwise around the rotation axis 72a. As a result, the connecting member 74 is pulled toward the locking mechanism 7, causing the rotating gear 83 to rotate clockwise. At this time, the rotational movement of the rotating gear 83 is transmitted to the driven gear 81a, and the unlock indicator unit 81 is housed in an area covered by the cover member 85, against the biasing force of the biasing member 84. Then, the rotational movement of the rotating gear 83 is transmitted to the driven gear 82a, and the lock indicator unit 82 moves out of the area covered by the cover member 85 through the opening 85a. In the locked state, where the connecting portion 61 is engaged by the latch 71 shown in Figure 12B, the locking mechanism 7 constantly pulls the connecting member 74 toward the locking mechanism 7, so the lock indicator 82 remains outside the area covered by the cover member 85. In other words, the lock indicator 82 continues to display "LOCKED".

[0070] Furthermore, if the connecting portion 61 is not properly engaged with the latch 71, the lock indicator portion 82 will not extend beyond the area covered by the cover member 85, and therefore "LOCKED" will not be displayed. As a result, even if a user (such as a vehicle occupant) intends to attach the first member 6A or the second member 6B to the locking mechanism 7, they can recognize if the connecting portion 61 is not properly engaged with the latch 71.

[0071] Furthermore, we will explain the case in which, when the lock indicator 82 shown in Figure 12B is outside the area covered by the cover member 85, the user pushes the lock indicator 82 in a direction that will house it in the area covered by the cover member 85. In this case, the lock indicator unit 82 is housed in an area covered by the cover member 85, so "LOCKED" is not displayed. Furthermore, as the lock indicator unit 82 is housed in the area covered by the cover member 85, the rotating gear 83 rotates counterclockwise. Then, as the rotating gear 83 rotates counterclockwise, the biasing member 84 exerts a biasing force, causing the unlock indicator unit 81 to move out of the area covered by the cover member 85 through the opening 85a, and thus "UNLOCK" is displayed. Furthermore, as the rotating gear 83 rotates counterclockwise, the connecting member 74 is pulled toward the rotating gear 83, causing the ratchet 72 to rotate clockwise around the rotation axis 72a. When the ratchet 72 disengages from the latch 71, the latch rotates clockwise around the rotation axis 71b, releasing the connecting portion 61. This allows the connecting portion 61 to be removed from the locking mechanism 7.

[0072] Note that the configuration of the locking mechanism 7 and indicator 8 is not limited to the above example. For example, by making the engagement between the latch 71 and the ratchet 72 looser, the connection part 61 may be removed from the locking mechanism 7 without the user having to push the lock indicator part 82 into the area covered by the cover member 85.

[0073] In other words, the vehicle seat S includes a first connecting member (connecting member 74) that connects the first indicator (indicators 8A, 8C, 8E) and the first locking mechanism (locking mechanism 7A, 7C, 7E) in which the first member 6A of the locking mechanism 7 is locked. The first indicator includes a first display unit (unlock display unit 81) that displays the unlocked state between the first member 6A and the first locking mechanism, a second display unit (lock display unit 82) that displays the locked state between the first member 6A and the first locking mechanism, and a biasing member 84 that biases the first display unit to be displayed. When the first member 6A is locked to the first locking mechanism, the first connecting member is pulled towards the first locking mechanism, causing the first indicator to not display the first display unit against the biasing member 84, while the second display unit displays.

[0074] Furthermore, the vehicle seat S includes a second connecting member (connecting member 74) that connects the second indicator (indicators 8B, 8D, 8F) and the second locking mechanism (locking mechanism 7B, 7D, 7F) in which the second member 6B of the locking mechanism 7 is locked. The second indicator includes a third display unit (unlock display unit 81) that displays the unlocked state of the second member 6B and the second locking mechanism, a fourth display unit (lock display unit 82) that displays the locked state of the second member 6B and the second locking mechanism, and a biasing member 84 that biases the third display unit to be displayed. Furthermore, when the second member 6B is locked in the second locking mechanism, the second connecting member is pulled towards the second locking mechanism, causing the second indicator to not display the third display unit against the biasing member 84, while displaying the fourth display unit.

[0075] Next, the routing structure of the connecting member 74 will be described. Figure 13 shows the arrangement structure of the connecting member 74, which consists of the first connecting member 74a and the second connecting member 74b.

[0076] As shown in Figure 13, the seat cushion frame 20 includes a pressure-receiving member 21. The pressure-receiving member 21 is a member made of a metal or resin plate that receives the load of an occupant sitting on the vehicle seat S.

[0077] In the example shown in Figure 13, the first connecting member 74a connects the indicator 8C to the locking mechanism 7C that locks the first member 6A. Furthermore, the second connecting member 74b connects the indicator 8D to the locking mechanism 7D, which locks the second member 6B. Parts of the first connecting member 74a and the second connecting member 74b are positioned on the lower side (back surface) of the pressure-receiving member 21. In Figure 13, the portions of the first connecting member 74a and the second connecting member 74b that are positioned on the back surface of the pressure-receiving member 21 are shown by dashed lines.

[0078] Figure 14 shows a cross-sectional view along the section XIV-XIV shown in Figure 13. Figure 15 shows a cross-sectional view along the section XV-XV shown in Figure 13. As shown in Figures 14 and 15, the pressure-receiving member 21 has two recesses 21a that are parallel in the left-right direction and elongated in the front-back direction. Each recess 21a has two clip locking holes 21b formed in parallel in the front-to-back direction. Note that the number of clip locking holes 21b is not limited to the examples shown in Figures 14 and 15. A clip 21c attached to the first connecting member 74a or the second connecting member 74b is press-fitted into these clip locking holes 21b, respectively. This attaches the first connecting member 74a and the second connecting member 74b to the back surface of the pressure receiving member 21. At this time, the clip 21c is press-fitted from the back surface of the pressure receiving member 21, and the clip 21c protrudes from the front surface (upward side) of the pressure receiving member 21. The height of the portion of the clip 21c that protrudes upward from the surface of the pressure-receiving member 21 is approximately equal to the depth of the recess 21a.

[0079] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 15, the pressure-receiving member 21 is positioned to be inclined downward from the front to the rear. The first connecting member 74a and the second connecting member 74b, attached by the clip 21c, are positioned along the back surface of the pressure-receiving member 21, which slopes downward from the front to the rear. In other words, by positioning the first connecting member 74a and the second connecting member 74b in the space below the pressure-receiving member 21, the space below the pressure-receiving member 21 can be effectively utilized.

[0080] Figure 16 also shows another example of the seat frame (seat back frame 10 and seat cushion frame 20) of the vehicle seat S. Figure 17 shows a cross-sectional view along the cross-sectional line XVII-XVII shown in Figure 16. Note that the locking mechanism 7 is omitted in Figure 16.

[0081] In the examples shown in Figures 16 and 17, the seat cushion frame 20 includes a pressure-receiving member 21A. The pressure-receiving member 21A is formed by press-molding a metal plate-shaped member such as iron or aluminum, or by forming a resin member such as FRP (fiber-reinforced plastic). As shown in Figure 17, the pressure-receiving member 21A has a shape that is recessed downwards and is configured to support the buttocks of an occupant seated on the vehicle seat S with its entire surface. More specifically, the pressure-receiving member 21A has a bottom portion 21Aa located in the center in the left-right direction, at a lower height than the other portions. It also has an inclined portion 21Ab that slopes upward from the right side of the bottom portion 21Aa as it moves to the right. Furthermore, it has an inclined portion 21Ac that slopes upward from the left side of the bottom portion 21Aa as it moves to the left.

[0082] As shown in Figure 17, the first connecting member 74a is attached to the back surface (downward side) of the inclined portion 21Ab. Furthermore, the second connecting member 74b is attached to the back surface (downward side) of the inclined portion 21Ac.

[0083] Figure 18 shows another example of the routing structure of the first connecting member 74a and the second connecting member 74b. As shown in Figure 18, the seat cushion frame 20 is provided with a side frame 22a on the right side and a side frame 22b on the left side. The side frames 22a and 22b are basically symmetrical components and extend in the front-to-back direction of the seat.

[0084] As shown in Figure 18, the first connecting member 74a is routed along the inside (left side) of the side frame 22a, and the second connecting member 74b is routed along the inside (right side) of the side frame 22b. In Figure 18, the portion of the second connecting member 74b that is not visible is shown by a dashed line.

[0085] Figure 19 shows a cross-sectional view along the section XIX-XIX shown in Figure 18. Figure 20 shows a cross-sectional view along the section XX-XX shown in Figure 18. As shown in Figures 19 and 20, the first connecting member 74a is routed along the side frame 22a together with the electrical harness 30 and is fixed to the side frame 22a by the connecting member 40. The electrical harness 30 is, for example, a harness for a seat heater provided in a vehicle seat S. The connecting member 40 is, for example, a cable tie or the like. Furthermore, the second connecting member 74b is routed along the side frame 22b together with the electrical harness 30, in the same manner as the first connecting member 74a, and is fixed to the side frame 22b by the connecting member 40. In this way, the first connecting member 74a and the second connecting member 74b can be routed together with other harnesses such as the electrical component harness 30. Therefore, the risk of interference between the first connecting member 74a and the second connecting member 74b and other components can be reduced.

[0086] The cover member 85 shown in Figures 12A and 12B may be provided for each indicator 8A to 8F, or it may be provided as a common cover member that covers multiple indicators 8, for example, when the indicators 8 are located next to each other. In other words, if a cover member 85 is provided for each indicator 8A to 8F, the first indicator among the indicators 8A to 8F is covered by the first cover member, and the second indicator among the indicators 8A to 8F is covered by the second cover member. Furthermore, if the cover member 85 is provided as a common cover member that covers multiple indicators 8, then the first indicator (e.g., indicator 8A) and the second indicator (e.g., indicator 8B) among the indicators 8A to 8F are covered by the common cover member.

[0087] Furthermore, the above embodiment shows an example in which one of the two strikers (connecting portion 61) of the first member 6A or the second member 6B engages with the latch 71 of the locking mechanism 7, and an indicator 8 connected to the locking mechanism 7 indicates whether or not the connecting portion 61 and the locking mechanism 7 are properly connected, but the embodiment is not limited to this. The vehicle seat S may include a locking mechanism 7 connected to two strikers (connecting parts 61) on the first member 6A and the second member 6B, and an indicator 8 connected to each locking mechanism 7. In other words, the vehicle seat S may include two locking mechanisms 7 and two indicator 8 corresponding to the first member 6A or the second member 6B. Alternatively, the vehicle seat S may be equipped with a locking mechanism 7 connected to two strikers (connecting parts 61) of the first member 6A or the second member 6B, wherein the two locking mechanisms 7 are configured to interlock, and a single indicator 8 is connected to the two interlocking locking mechanisms 7.

[0088] Furthermore, the indicator 8 is not limited to being physically connected to the locking mechanism 7 by the connecting member 74 as described above. The indicator 8 may also be electrically connected to the locking mechanism 7.

[0089] Furthermore, the vehicle seat S may be equipped with a notification unit that notifies a user, such as a vehicle occupant, by voice whether the connecting portion 61 of the first member 6A or the second member 6B and the locking mechanism 7 are properly connected. Furthermore, the vehicle seat S may not have an indicator 8, but may have the above-mentioned notification unit.

[0090] Furthermore, the vehicle seat S has a mounting cover 11, as shown in Figure 21. Figure 21 is a view of the vehicle seat S from above. The mounting cover 11 is provided on the seat cushion 2 in ottoman mode and armrest mode. In other words, when the first member 6A or the second member 6B is connected to the locking mechanism 7, the mounting cover 11 is located between the seat cushion 2 and the first member 6A or the second member 6B. Furthermore, the mounting cover 11 is provided on the seat back 1 in the side support specification mode. In other words, when the first member 6A or the second member 6B is connected to the locking mechanism 7, the mounting cover 11 is located between the seat back 1 and the first member 6A or the second member 6B.

[0091] Furthermore, the mounting cover 11 has a mounting hole 11a for inserting the connecting portion 61 of the first member 6A or the second member 6B. When connecting the connecting portion 61 of the first member 6A or the second member 6B to the locking mechanism 7, the mounting hole 11a serves as a guide, thereby improving the ease of installation of the first member 6A or the second member 6B.

[0092] Note that the orientation of the connecting portion 61 (strike) to the cushion portion 62 in the first member 6A or the second member 6B is not limited to the example shown in Figure 6. Also, the orientation of the mounting hole 11a to the mounting portion cover 11 is not limited to the example shown in Figure 21. The orientation of the mounting hole 11a may be such that it corresponds to the orientation of the striker (connecting portion 61) of the first member 6A or the second member 6B.

[0093] Figures 22A to 22D show examples of the first member 6A and the second member 6B. Figures 23A to 23D show examples of the mounting cover 11 corresponding to the orientation of the striker (connecting portion 61) of the first member 6A and the second member 6B shown in Figures 22A to 22D.

[0094] As shown in Figure 22A, when the two connecting portions 61 of the first member 6A and the second member 6B are U-shaped in a side view (viewed from the left and right directions), as shown in Figure 23A, the longitudinal direction of the two mounting holes 11a of the mounting cover 11 is the front-to-back direction. In this case, the mounting cover 11 can be made smaller in the left-right direction.

[0095] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 22B, when the two connecting portions 61 of the first member 6A and the second member 6B are U-shaped in a front view (viewed from the front-rear direction), as shown in Figure 23B, the longitudinal direction of the two mounting holes 11a of the mounting cover 11 is the left-right direction. In this case, the mounting cover 11 can be made smaller in the front-to-back direction.

[0096] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 22C and 22D, we will explain the case where one connecting portion 61 of the first member 6A and the second member 6B is U-shaped in a side view (viewed from the left and right directions), and the other connecting portion 61 is U-shaped in a front view (viewed from the front and rear directions). In this case, when the connecting portion 61 is locked by the locking mechanism 7, the connecting portion 61 is positioned in the front-rear and left-right directions. Therefore, rattling of the connecting portion 61 relative to the locking mechanism 7 can be suppressed.

[0097] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 24, an indicator 8 may be provided on the instrument panel I of the vehicle 100, which is equipped with a vehicle seat S. The vehicle seat SA provided in the vehicle 100 is the driver's seat. In the example shown in Figure 24, the first member 6A is not provided on the vehicle seat S, and the second member 6B is provided as the left armrest of the vehicle seat S. In this case, as shown in Figure 24, indicator 8C displays "UNLOCK" and indicator 8D displays "LOCKED". Furthermore, indicators 8CA and 8DA are located on the instrument panel I. Indicator 8CA is physically or electrically connected to and operates in conjunction with indicator 8C, which is located on the vehicle seat S, via wires, cables, etc. Therefore, indicator 8CA displays "UNLOCK" just like indicator 8C. Furthermore, indicator 8DA is physically or electrically connected to indicator 8D, which is installed on the vehicle seat S, via wires, cables, etc., and they operate in conjunction. Therefore, indicator 8DA displays "LOCKED" just like indicator 8D.

[0098] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 25, the vehicle 100 may be equipped with a first vehicle seat S1 and a second vehicle seat S2. The first vehicle seat S1, like the vehicle seat S, includes a seat body Sh, a surface material 4, a connecting member 5, detachable first member 6A and second member 6B, a locking mechanism 7, an indicator 8, a base cover 9, a support member 9a, and a mounting cover 11. Specifically, the first vehicle seat S1 has an indicator 8Aa (first indicator) which indicates whether the connecting portion 61 of the first member 6A and the locking mechanism 7 are properly connected. Furthermore, the first vehicle seat S1 has an indicator 8Ba (second indicator) which indicates whether or not the connecting portion 61 of the second member 6B and the locking mechanism 7 are properly connected.

[0099] As shown in Figure 25, the first member 6A is provided on one side (right side) of the first vehicle seat S1. The second member 6B is provided on the other side (left side) of the first vehicle seat S1. Furthermore, indicator 8Aa (first indicator) is located on the front side of the seat cushion 2 of the first vehicle seat S1 and on the central side of the vehicle, and is positioned on one side (right side) of the first vehicle seat S1 than indicator 8Ba (second indicator). Furthermore, indicator 8Ba (second indicator) is located on the front side of the seat cushion 2 of the first vehicle seat S1, and on the central side of the vehicle, and is located on the other side (left side) of the first vehicle seat S1 than indicator 8Aa (first indicator).

[0100] The second vehicle seat S2 includes a seat body Sh, a surface material 4, a connecting member 5, detachable third member 6C and fourth member 6D, a locking mechanism 7, an indicator 8, a base cover 9, a support member 9a, and a mounting cover 11. The third member 6C and fourth member 6D have the same configuration as the first member 6A and second member 6B. Specifically, the second vehicle seat S2 has an indicator 8Ca (third indicator) which indicates whether the connecting portion 61 of the third member 6C and the locking mechanism 7 are properly connected. Furthermore, the second vehicle seat S2 has an indicator 8Da (fourth indicator) which indicates whether or not the connecting portion 61 of the fourth member 6D and the locking mechanism 7 are properly connected.

[0101] As shown in Figure 25, the third member 6C is provided on one side (right side) of the second vehicle seat S2. The fourth member 6D is provided on the other side (left side) of the second vehicle seat S2. Furthermore, indicator 8Ca (third indicator) is located on the front side of the seat cushion 2 of the second vehicle seat S2, and on the central side of the vehicle, and is located on one side (right side) of the second vehicle seat S2 than indicator 8Da (fourth indicator). Furthermore, indicator 8Da (fourth indicator) is located on the front side of the seat cushion 2 of the second vehicle seat S2, and on the central side of the vehicle, and is located on the other side (left side) of the second vehicle seat S2 than indicator 8Ca (third indicator).

[0102] With the above configuration, the driver or other user can simultaneously recognize the first indicator, second indicator, third indicator, and fourth indicator from the front of the vehicle seat S.

[0103] The locking mechanism 7 may be provided on the body of the vehicle 100. In this case, the first member 6A, the second member 6B, the third member 6C, and the fourth member 6D are connected to the locking mechanism 7 provided on the vehicle body.

[0104] In other words, the vehicle 100 includes a first vehicle seat S1 which comprises a first member 6A and a second member 6B as occupant support members that are locked to a locking mechanism 7 provided on the vehicle body or the first vehicle seat S1, a first indicator (indicator 8Aa) that indicates the locked state of the first member 6A, and a second indicator (indicator 8Ba) that indicates the locked state of the second member 6B. The vehicle 100 includes a second vehicle seat S2 which comprises a third member 6C and a fourth member 6D as occupant support members that are locked to a locking mechanism 7 provided on the vehicle body or the second vehicle seat S2, a third indicator (indicator 8Ca) that indicates the locked state of the third member 6C, and a fourth indicator (indicator 8Da) that indicates the locked state of the fourth member 6D. The first member 6A is provided on one side of the first vehicle seat S1, and the third member 6C is provided on one side of the second vehicle seat S2. The second member 6B is provided on the other side of the first vehicle seat S1, and the fourth member 6D is provided on the other side of the second vehicle seat S2. Furthermore, the first indicator (indicator 8Aa) is provided on one side of the first vehicle seat S1 than the second indicator (indicator 8Ba). The third indicator (indicator 8Ca) is provided on one side of the second vehicle seat S2 than the fourth indicator (indicator 8Da). The second indicator (indicator 8Ba) is located on the other side of the first vehicle seat S1 than the first indicator (indicator 8Aa). The fourth indicator (indicator 8Da) is located on the other side of the second vehicle seat S2 than the third indicator (indicator 8Ca). The first indicator (indicator 8Aa), the second indicator (indicator 8Ba), the third indicator (indicator 8Ca), and the fourth indicator (indicator 8Da) are provided on the front side of the seat cushion 2 and on the central side inside the vehicle.

[0105] Next, we will explain how to manufacture the vehicle seat S. First, the worker installs the locking mechanism 7 on the vehicle seat S (first step). Next, the worker installs a first indicator (indicators 8A, 8C, 8E) on the vehicle seat S that shows the locked state of the first member 6A, and a second indicator (indicators 8B, 8D, 8F) that shows the locked state of the second member 6B (second step). Note that the order of the first and second steps is not limited to the example above.

[0106] Then, the worker installs the first member 6A on one side (for example, the right side) of the vehicle seat S and the second member 6B on the other side (for example, the left side) of the vehicle seat S (third step). In the second step, the worker installs the first indicator on one side of the vehicle seat S and the second indicator on the other side of the vehicle seat S.

[0107] Furthermore, in the second step, the worker may set the first indicator and the second indicator adjacent to each other.

[0108] Furthermore, in the second step, the worker may position the first indicator and the second indicator such that the distance between the first indicator and the second indicator is shorter than the distance between the first member 6A and the second member 6B.

[0109] Furthermore, in the second step, the worker may install the first indicator and the second indicator on the front side of the seat cushion of the vehicle seat S, and on the central side inside the vehicle.

[0110] Furthermore, in the second step, the worker provides a first indicator covered by a first cover member (cover member 85) and a second indicator covered by a second cover member (cover member 85).

[0111] Furthermore, in the second step, the worker may provide a first indicator and a second indicator, both covered by a common cover member.

[0112] Furthermore, in the second step, the worker installs a first connecting member (connecting member 74) on the vehicle seat S, which connects the first indicator and the first locking mechanism (locking mechanisms 7A, 7C, 7E) in which the first member 6A of the locking mechanism 7 is locked. The first indicator includes a first display unit (unlock display unit 81) that displays the unlocked state between the first member 6A and the first locking mechanism, a second display unit (lock display unit 82) that displays the locked state between the first member 6A and the first locking mechanism, and a biasing member 84 that biases the first display unit to be displayed. When the first member 6A is locked to the first locking mechanism, the first connecting member is pulled towards the first locking mechanism, causing the first indicator to not display the first display unit against the biasing member 84, while the second display unit displays. Furthermore, in the second step, the worker installs a second connecting member (connecting member 74) on the vehicle seat S, which connects the second indicator and the second locking mechanism (locking mechanisms 7B, 7D, 7F) in which the second member 6B of the locking mechanism is locked. The second indicator includes a third display unit (unlock display unit 81) that displays the unlocked state between the second member 6B and the second locking mechanism, a fourth display unit (lock display unit 82) that displays the locked state between the second member 6B and the second locking mechanism, and a biasing member 84 that biases the third display unit to be displayed. Furthermore, when the second member 6B is locked in the second locking mechanism, the second connecting member is pulled towards the second locking mechanism, causing the second indicator to not display the third display unit against the biasing member 84, while displaying the fourth display unit.

[0113] Furthermore, in the third step, the worker may configure the first member 6A and the second member 6B to function as armrests.

[0114] Furthermore, in the third step, the worker may configure the first member 6A and the second member 6B to function as side supports.

[0115] Based on the above, the vehicle seat S is manufactured. The operator may also install the locking mechanism 7 on the vehicle body. In this case, the operator connects the first member 6A and the second member 6B to the locking mechanism 7 installed on the vehicle body.

[0116] As described above, the vehicle seat S in this embodiment includes a first member 6A and a second member 6B as occupant support members that are locked to a locking mechanism 7 provided on the vehicle body or the vehicle seat S, a first indicator (indicators 8A, 8C, 8E) that indicates the locked state of the first member 6A, and a second indicator (indicators 8B, 8D, 8F) that indicates the locked state of the second member 6B. Therefore, the locked state of the first member 6A and the second member 6B relative to the locking mechanism 7 can be indicated, respectively. In other words, users such as occupants can recognize whether the occupant support members (first member 6A and second member 6B) are properly installed.

[0117] Furthermore, in the vehicle seat S of this embodiment, the first member 6A is provided on one side of the vehicle seat S, the second member 6B is provided on the other side of the vehicle seat S, the first indicator (indicators 8A, 8C, 8E) is provided on one side of the vehicle seat S, and the second indicator (indicators 8B, 8D, 8F) is provided on the other side of the vehicle seat S. Therefore, the positional relationship between the first member 6A and the first indicator on one side, and the positional relationship between the second member 6B and the second indicator on the other side, are aligned. As a result, the user can easily recognize the locked state of the first member 6A and the second member 6B.

[0118] Furthermore, in the vehicle seat S of this embodiment, the first indicators (indicators 8A, 8C, 8E) and the second indicators (indicators 8B, 8D, 8F) are provided adjacent to each other. This allows the user to recognize both the first and second indicators at the same time.

[0119] Furthermore, in the vehicle seat S of this embodiment, the distance between the first indicator (indicators 8A, 8C, 8E) and the second indicator (indicators 8B, 8D, 8F) is shorter than the distance between the first member 6A and the second member 6B. As a result, the first and second indicators are positioned in close proximity within a predetermined distance, allowing the user to recognize both the first and second indicators at the same time.

[0120] Furthermore, the vehicle seat S in this embodiment includes a seat cushion 2, and the first indicators (indicators 8A, 8C, 8E) and the second indicators (indicators 8B, 8D, 8F) are provided on the front side of the vehicle seat S on the seat cushion 2, and on the central side inside the vehicle. As a result, when viewing the first and second indicators from the front of the vehicle seat S, the user positioned in front of the vehicle seat S can easily recognize the first and second indicators. In the above case, for example, it is when checking the first indicator and the second indicator provided on the vehicle seat S, which is the rear seat, from the driver's seat. In other words, drivers and other users can easily see the displays of the first and second indicators.

[0121] Furthermore, in the vehicle seat S of this embodiment, the first indicators (indicators 8A, 8C, 8E) are covered by a first cover member (cover member 85), and the second indicators (indicators 8B, 8D, 8F) are covered by a second cover member (cover member 85). Therefore, the first indicator and the second indicator can be covered by separate cover members 85.

[0122] Furthermore, in the vehicle seat S of this embodiment, the first indicators (indicators 8A, 8C, 8E) and the second indicators (indicators 8B, 8D, 8F) are covered by a common cover member. This reduces the number of parts compared to a configuration in which the first indicator and the second indicator are each covered by separate cover members.

[0123] Furthermore, the vehicle seat S in this embodiment includes a first indicator (indicators 8A, 8C, 8E) and a first locking mechanism (locking mechanism 7A, 7C, 7E) in which the first member 6A of the locking mechanism 7 is locked, and the first indicator includes a first display unit (unlock display unit 81) that displays the unlocked state of the first member 6A and the first locking mechanism, a second display unit (lock display unit 82) that displays the locked state of the first member 6A and the first locking mechanism, and a biasing member 84 that biases the first display unit to be displayed, and when the first member 6A is locked to the first locking mechanism, the first connecting member is pulled toward the first locking mechanism, thereby preventing the first display unit from being displayed against the biasing member 84, The second display unit is provided and includes a second connecting member (connecting member 74) that connects the second indicator (indicators 8B, 8D, 8F) to the second lock mechanism (lock mechanism 7B, 7D, 7F) of the lock mechanism 7 in which the second member 6B is locked. The second indicator includes a third display unit (unlock display unit 81) that displays the unlocked state of the second member 6B and the second lock mechanism, a fourth display unit (lock display unit 82) that displays the locked state of the second member 6B and the second lock mechanism, and a biasing member 84 that biases the third display unit to be displayed. When the second member 6B is locked to the second lock mechanism, the second connecting member is pulled towards the second lock mechanism, causing the third display unit not to be displayed against the biasing member 84, while the fourth display unit is displayed. Therefore, indicator 8 can be made into a simple configuration.

[0124] Furthermore, in the vehicle seat S of this embodiment, the first member 6A and the second member 6B are armrests. This allows us to show the locked state of the locking mechanism 7 when the first member 6A and the second member 6B are functioning as armrests.

[0125] Furthermore, in the vehicle seat S of this embodiment, the first member 6A and the second member 6B are side supports. This allows us to show the locked state of the locking mechanism 7 when the first member 6A and the second member 6B are functioning as side supports.

[0126] Next, a method for manufacturing a vehicle seat S in this embodiment will be described. Specifically, a method for manufacturing a vehicle seat S comprising a first member 6A and a second member 6B as occupant support members that are locked to a locking mechanism 7 provided on the vehicle body or the vehicle seat S, a first indicator (indicators 8A, 8C, 8E) that indicates the locked state of the first member 6A, and a second indicator (indicators 8B, 8D, 8F) that indicates the locked state of the second member 6B, the method comprising a first step of providing the locking mechanism 7 to the vehicle seat S, and a second step of providing the first indicator and the second indicator to the vehicle seat S. Therefore, in the vehicle seat S, the locked state of the first member 6A and the second member 6B relative to the locking mechanism 7 can be indicated, respectively. In other words, it is possible to manufacture a vehicle seat S in which a user, such as an occupant, can recognize whether the occupant support members (first member 6A and second member 6B) are properly installed.

[0127] Furthermore, in the manufacturing method of the vehicle seat S in this embodiment, the first member 6A is provided on one side of the vehicle seat S, the second member 6B is provided on the other side of the vehicle seat S, the first indicator (indicators 8A, 8C, 8E) is provided on one side of the vehicle seat S, and the second indicator (indicators 8B, 8D, 8F) is provided on the other side of the vehicle seat S. Therefore, in the vehicle seat S, the positional relationship between the first member 6A and the first indicator on one side, and the positional relationship between the second member 6B and the second indicator on the other side are aligned. As a result, a vehicle seat S can be manufactured that makes it easy for the user to recognize the locked state of the first member 6A and the second member 6B.

[0128] Furthermore, in the manufacturing method of the vehicle seat S in this embodiment, the first indicators (indicators 8A, 8C, 8E) and the second indicators (indicators 8B, 8D, 8F) are provided adjacent to each other. This makes it possible to manufacture a vehicle seat S that allows the user to recognize both the first and second indicators at the same time.

[0129] Furthermore, in the manufacturing method of the vehicle seat S in this embodiment, the distance between the first indicator (indicators 8A, 8C, 8E) and the second indicator (indicators 8B, 8D, 8F) is shorter than the distance between the first member 6A and the second member 6B. As a result, in the vehicle seat S, the first indicator and the second indicator are positioned in close proximity within a predetermined distance. Therefore, it is possible to manufacture a vehicle seat S in which the user can recognize both the first indicator and the second indicator at the same time.

[0130] Furthermore, in the manufacturing method of the vehicle seat S in this embodiment, the vehicle seat S includes a seat cushion 2, and the first indicators (indicators 8A, 8C, 8E) and the second indicators (indicators 8B, 8D, 8F) are provided on the front side of the vehicle seat S and on the central side inside the vehicle on the seat cushion 2. As a result, when viewing the first and second indicators from the front of the vehicle seat S, the user positioned in front of the vehicle seat S can easily recognize the first and second indicators. In the above case, for example, it is when checking the first indicator and the second indicator provided on the vehicle seat S, which is the rear seat, from the driver's seat. In other words, it is possible to manufacture a vehicle seat S that allows the driver or other user to easily see the displays of the first and second indicators.

[0131] Furthermore, in the manufacturing method of the vehicle seat S in this embodiment, the first indicators (indicators 8A, 8C, 8E) are covered by a first cover member (cover member 85), and the second indicators (indicators 8B, 8D, 8F) are covered by a second cover member (cover member 85). This makes it possible to manufacture a vehicle seat S in which the first indicator and the second indicator are each covered by separate cover members 85.

[0132] Furthermore, in the manufacturing method of the vehicle seat S in this embodiment, the first indicators (indicators 8A, 8C, 8E) and the second indicators (indicators 8B, 8D, 8F) are covered by a common cover member. This makes it possible to manufacture a vehicle seat S with fewer parts compared to a configuration in which the first indicator and the second indicator are each covered by separate cover members.

[0133] Furthermore, in the manufacturing method of the vehicle seat S in this embodiment, the vehicle seat S includes a first indicator (indicators 8A, 8C, 8E) and a first locking mechanism (locking mechanism 7A, 7C, 7E) in which the first member 6A of the locking mechanism 7 is locked, and the first indicator includes a first display unit (unlock display unit 81) that displays the unlocked state of the first member 6A and the first locking mechanism, a second display unit (lock display unit 82) that displays the locked state of the first member 6A and the first locking mechanism, and a biasing member 84 that biases the first display unit to be displayed, and when the first member 6A is locked to the first locking mechanism, the first connecting member is pulled toward the first locking mechanism, thereby pulling the first display unit against the biasing member 84. While not displaying the first indicator, the second display unit is displayed, and the second indicator (indicators 8B, 8D, 8F) is connected to the second lock mechanism (lock mechanism 7B, 7D, 7F) of the lock mechanism 7, which locks the second member 6B. The second indicator includes a third display unit (unlock display unit 81) that displays the unlocked state of the second member 6B and the second lock mechanism, a fourth display unit (lock display unit 82) that displays the locked state of the second member 6B and the second lock mechanism, and a biasing member 84 that biases the third display unit to be displayed. When the second member 6B is locked to the second lock mechanism, the second connecting member is pulled towards the second lock mechanism, causing the third display unit to remain hidden against the biasing member 84, while the fourth display unit is displayed. Therefore, a vehicle seat S can be manufactured in which the indicator 8 has a simple configuration.

[0134] Furthermore, in the manufacturing method of the vehicle seat S in this embodiment, the first member 6A and the second member 6B are armrests. This makes it possible to manufacture a vehicle seat S that can show the locked state of the locking mechanism 7 when the first member 6A and the second member 6B are functioning as armrests.

[0135] Furthermore, in the manufacturing method of the vehicle seat S in this embodiment, the first member 6A and the second member 6B are side supports. This makes it possible to manufacture a vehicle seat S that can show the locked state of the locking mechanism 7 when the first member 6A and the second member 6B are functioning as side supports.

[0136] The embodiments to which the present invention can be applied are not limited to those described above, and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, in the above embodiment, the first member 6A is provided on the right side of the vehicle seat S, and the second member 6B is provided on the left side of the vehicle seat S, but the embodiment is not limited to this. The first member 6A may be provided on the upper side of the vehicle seat S, and the second member 6B may be provided on the lower side of the vehicle seat S. Figure 26 shows a front view of the vehicle seat S in ottoman specification mode in this case. Furthermore, the first member 6A may be provided on the front side of the vehicle seat S, and the second member 6B may be provided on the rear side of the vehicle seat S. Figure 27 shows a side view of the vehicle seat S in the armrest specification mode in this case.

[0137] Furthermore, although the seat back frame 10 and seat cushion frame 20 are described as pipe frames in the above embodiment, they are not limited to this. The seat back frame 10 and the seat cushion frame 20 may be plate-shaped side frames. In this case, the locking mechanism 7 is fixed to the top (or side) surface of the side frame.

[0138] Figure 28A also shows another example of the lock mechanism 7 and indicator 8 in the unlocked state when the connecting portion 61 is not connected. Figure 28B also shows another example of the lock mechanism 7 and indicator 8 in the locked state when the connecting portion 61 is connected. In the example shown in Figures 28A and 28B, the locking mechanism 7 includes a latch 71A connected to the connecting member 74. From the unlocked state shown in Figure 28A, when the connecting portion 61 is inserted into the engagement groove 71Aa of the latch 71A as shown in Figure 28B, the latch 71A rotates clockwise around the rotation axis 71Ab. As the latch 71A rotates clockwise around the rotation axis 71Ab, the connecting member 74 is pulled toward the latch 71A, causing the rotating gear 83 to rotate clockwise. At this time, the rotational movement of the rotating gear 83 is transmitted to the driven gear 81a, and the unlock indicator unit 81 is housed in an area covered by the cover member 85, against the biasing force of the biasing member 84. Then, the rotational movement of the rotating gear 83 is transmitted to the driven gear 82a, and the lock indicator unit 82 moves out of the area covered by the cover member 85 through the opening 85a, thereby displaying "LOCKED". [Explanation of symbols]

[0139] 1 seat back 2 seat cushions 3 Headrests 4. Skin material 5 Connecting members 6A First Member 6B Second Member 6C Third Member 6D Fourth Member 61 Connecting part 62 Cushion part 7, 7A~7F Locking mechanism 71, 71A latch 71a, 71Aa Engagement groove 71b, 71Ab rotation axis 72 Ratchet 72a Rotation axis 74 Connecting Members 74a First connecting member 74b Second connecting member 75 Base Plate 75a Entry groove 8, 8A~8F, 8CA, 8DA, 8Aa~8Da Indicators 81 Unlock Indicator 81a Driven gear 82 Lock indicator 82a Driven gear 83 Rotating Gear 84. Biasing member 85 Cover component 85a opening 9 Base cover 9a Support member 10 Seat back frame 11 Mounting part cover 11a Mounting hole 20 Seat Cushion Frame 21 Pressure-receiving member 21a Recess 21b Clip locking hole 21c clip 21A Pressure receiving member 21Aa bottom 21Ab, 21Ac Slope section 22a, 22b Side Frames 30. Wiring harness for electrical components 40 Connecting member S Vehicle Seat S1 Seat for the first vehicle S2 Seat for the second vehicle Sh Seat Body

Claims

1. A first member and a second member, which serve as occupant support members that are locked to a locking mechanism provided on the vehicle body or vehicle seat, A first indicator that shows the locked state of the first member, A second indicator showing the locked state of the second member, A vehicle seat equipped with the following features.

2. The first member is provided on one side of the vehicle seat, The second member is provided on the other side of the vehicle seat, The first indicator is provided on one side of the vehicle seat, The vehicle seat according to claim 1, wherein the second indicator is provided on the other side of the vehicle seat.

3. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, wherein the first indicator and the second indicator are provided adjacent to each other.

4. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, wherein the distance between the first indicator and the second indicator is shorter than the distance between the first member and the second member.

5. Equipped with a seat cushion, The vehicle seat according to claim 1, wherein the first indicator and the second indicator are provided on the front side of the vehicle seat and on the central side inside the vehicle in the seat cushion.

6. The first indicator is covered by the first cover member. The vehicle seat according to claim 2, wherein the second indicator is covered by a second cover member.

7. The vehicle seat according to claim 3, wherein the first indicator and the second indicator are covered by a common cover member.

8. The device comprises a first indicator and a first locking mechanism, the locking mechanism, in which the first member is locked, and a first connecting member. The first indicator is, A first display unit that displays the unlocked state of the first member and the first locking mechanism, A second display unit that displays the locked state between the first member and the first locking mechanism, A biasing member that biases the first display unit so that it is displayed, Equipped with, When the first member is locked to the first locking mechanism, the first connecting member is pulled toward the first locking mechanism, thereby preventing the first display unit from displaying against the biasing member, while the second display unit displays. The device includes a second indicator and a second locking mechanism in which the second member of the locking mechanism is locked, with a second connecting member connecting the two indicators and the second locking mechanism in which the second member of the locking mechanism is locked. The second indicator is, A third display unit that shows the unlocked state of the second member and the second locking mechanism, A fourth display unit that shows the locked state between the second member and the second locking mechanism, A biasing member that biases the third display unit so that it is displayed, Equipped with, The vehicle seat according to claim 1, wherein when the second member is locked to the second locking mechanism, the second connecting member is pulled toward the second locking mechanism, thereby preventing the third display unit from displaying against the biasing member, while the fourth display unit is displayed.

9. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, wherein the first member and the second member are armrests.

10. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, wherein the first member and the second member are side supports.

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