Electrically-operated seat for automobiles, and set of electrically-operated seat and manually-operated seat

Abstract

The present invention provides a technology for preventing a user from being confused during a switch / lever operation when moving an electrically-operated seat (10) forward or backward. The electrically-operated seat (10) disclosed in the present specification comprises an electrically-operated seat base (11), an actuator (18), and a switch lever (13). The electrically-operated seat base (11) is attached to the cabin floor inside an automobile in a manner slidable in the forward-backward direction. The actuator (18) can move the electrically-operated seat in the forward-backward direction. The switch lever (13) is a switch for actuating the actuator (18), and is rotatably attached to a lateral surface of the electrically-operated seat base (11). When the switch lever (13) is rotated in one direction, the actuator (18) is actuated so as to move the electrically-operated seat (10) backward. When the switch lever is rotated in the opposite direction, the actuator (18) is actuated so as to move the electrically-operated seat (10) forward.

Description

Electric seats for automobiles and combinations of electric and manual seats

[0001] (Cross-reference to related applications) This application is a related application of Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-118365 filed on July 20, 2023, and claims priority based on this Japanese patent application, and all contents of this Japanese patent application are incorporated by reference as constituting this specification.

[0002] The technology disclosed in this specification relates to an electric seat for a vehicle, and a combination of an electric seat and a manual seat for a vehicle.

[0003] Known automobile seats include those that are manually moved forward and backward (manual seats) and those that are moved forward and backward by an actuator (power seats). Power seats have a switch that activates the actuator provided on the side of the seat cushion. An example of such a switch is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-117104. The switch disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-117104 has two degrees of freedom: forward and backward movement and rotation. Moving the switch forward (or backward) moves the seat forward (or backward), and rotating it reclines the back of the seat.

[0004] On the other hand, manual seats have a lever on the side of the seat. Pulling the lever upward unlocks the seat body, allowing the user to move the seat forward or backward. Examples of such levers are disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Nos. 2012-183923 and 2014-94672.

[0005] Users who drive both cars with power seats and cars with manual seats may be confused because the switch operation direction and lever operation direction for moving the seat forward and backward are different. In particular, in cars that have a mixture of power seats and manual seats, users are more likely to become confused about switch / lever operation. This specification provides technology that prevents users from becoming confused about switch / lever operation when moving a power seat forward and backward.

[0006] The electric seat disclosed in this specification includes an electric seat cushion, an actuator, and a switch lever. The electric seat cushion is attached to the floor of the vehicle interior so as to be slidable in the front-to-rear direction. The actuator can move the electric seat in the front-to-rear direction. The switch lever is rotatably attached to the side of the electric seat cushion. The switch lever is a switch that operates the actuator. When the switch lever is rotated in one direction, the actuator operates to move the electric seat rearward, and when the switch lever is rotated in the opposite direction, the actuator operates to move the electric seat forward. Typically, the switch lever extends forward from its rotation axis, and when the switch lever is pulled up, the actuator operates to move the electric seat rearward, and when the switch lever is pushed down, the actuator operates to move the electric seat forward. This electric seat can activate the actuator that moves the seat forward or backward with the same rotation operation as the release lever of a typical manual seat. Users who use both electric and manual seats will not be confused by the seat switch operations.

[0007] The switch lever may be configured as follows: the switch lever extends rearward from the rotational axis of the switch lever, and when the switch lever is pushed down, the actuator operates to move the power seat rearward, and when the switch lever is pulled up, the actuator operates to move the power seat forward; or the switch lever extends upward from the rotational axis of the switch lever, and when the switch lever is tilted rearward, the actuator operates to move the power seat rearward, and when the switch lever is tilted forward, the actuator operates to move the power seat forward.

[0008] This specification also provides a combination of the above-described power seat and a manual seat without an actuator. The manual seat includes a manual seat seat portion slidably mounted to the floor of the vehicle interior in the forward / backward direction, and a release lever rotatably mounted to the side of the manual seat seat portion. The release lever is a switch that switches between locking and unlocking the manual seat relative to the vehicle interior floor. The release lever of the manual seat and the switch lever of the power seat preferably have the same shape. Furthermore, the initial position of the switch lever and the initial position of the release lever preferably are the same. Here, the initial position refers to the position of the lever when not being touched by the user. Furthermore, the "same position" means that the extension direction of the switch lever and the release lever in the initial position is the same. Such a configuration allows the user to handle the switch lever and the release lever in the same way. In particular, if the switch lever and the release lever have the same shape and initial position within a single vehicle, the interior of the vehicle will have a unified appearance. Furthermore, for vehicle manufacturers, the lever components can be standardized, thereby reducing costs.

[0009] Details and further improvements of the technology disclosed in this specification are described in the following "Description of Embodiments of the Invention."

[0010] 1 is a plan view of a vehicle equipped with an electric seat and a manual seat (first embodiment); FIG. 2 is a side view of the vehicle as seen from the direction of arrow II in FIG. 1; FIG. 3 is a side view of the vehicle as seen from the direction of arrow III in FIG. 1; FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing a state when a seated user slides the manual seat forward (in the case of a conventional manual seat); FIG. 5 is a schematic view showing a state when a seated user slides the manual seat forward (in the case of the manual seat of the embodiment); FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing a state when a user outside the vehicle slides the manual seat forward (in the case of a conventional manual seat); FIG. 7 is a schematic view showing a state when a user outside the vehicle slides the manual seat forward (in the case of the manual seat of the embodiment); FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a seat slide device for a manual seat; FIG. 9 is a side view of a locking mechanism in a third position; FIG. 10 is a side view of a locking mechanism in a first position; FIG. 11 is a side view of an electric seat of a second embodiment; FIG. 12 is a side view of the electric seat and manual seat of the second embodiment; FIG. 13 is a side view of an electric seat of a third embodiment; FIG. 14 is a side view of the electric seat and manual seat of the third embodiment.

[0011] (First embodiment) A power seat 10 of the first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The power seat 10 is mounted on an automobile 400 together with a manual seat 100. FIG. 1 shows a plan view of the automobile 400. In FIG. 1, all seats except the front seats (power seat 10 and manual seat 100) are drawn in phantom lines. The power seat 10 is provided in the driver's seat (right front seat), and the manual seat 100 is provided in the passenger seat (left front seat).

[0012] Figure 2 shows a side view of the automobile 400 as seen from the direction of arrow II in Figure 1. In other words, Figure 2 is a view of the automobile 400 as seen from the right side. In Figure 2, everything except the power seat 10 is drawn in phantom lines. As mentioned above, the automobile 400 is equipped with the power seat 10 in the driver's seat (right front seat).

[0013] The electric seat 10 can slide back and forth by an actuator 18. The electric seat 10 includes a seat 11, a back 12, an actuator 18, and a switch lever 13. The seat 11 is attached to a floor panel 401 so as to be able to slide back and forth. The floor panel 401 corresponds to the floor of the interior of the automobile 400. An enlarged view of the side of the seat 11 is shown in the lower part of Figure 2.

[0014] The electric seat 10 can slide back and forth by an actuator 18. More specifically, the seat bottom 11 is attached to a floor panel 401 via a seat slide device 15, and the seat slide device 15 and the actuator 18 allow the electric seat 10 to slide back and forth relative to the floor panel 401. The seat slide device 15 includes a long lower rail 17 fixed to the floor panel 401, and an upper rail 16 fixed to the seat bottom 11 and slidably engaged with the lower rail 17. The actuator 18 is attached to the upper rail 16 and electrically moves the upper rail 16 back and forth. The structures of the actuator 18 and the seat slide device 15 may be conventional, so detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0015] A switch lever 13 is provided on the side of the seat 11. The base of the switch lever 13 is connected to a rotation shaft 14, and the switch lever 13 is rotatable within a predetermined range around the rotation shaft 14. The switch lever 13 can rotate from an initial position (reference numeral 13c) between an upper limit position (reference numeral 13a) and a lower limit position (reference numeral 13b). A spring (not shown) is attached to the switch lever 13, and the switch lever 13 returns to the position reference numeral 13c when not touched by the user. Hereinafter, the position reference numeral 13c will be referred to as the initial position 13c of the switch lever 13, the upper limit of the rotation range will be referred to as the upper limit position 13a, and the lower limit of the rotation range will be referred to as the lower limit position 13b.

[0016] The switch lever 13 is long, and in the initial position 13c, the longitudinal direction of the switch lever 13 (straight line L1 in FIG. 2) is set to a position extending forward (upper-front) from the rotation shaft 14. An angle Ang-a from the initial position 13c to the upper limit position 13a and an angle Ang-b from the initial position 13c to the lower limit position 13b are both set to within 30 degrees.

[0017] When the switch lever 13 is pulled up (when the switch lever 13 reaches the upper limit position 13a), the actuator 18 operates to move the electric seat 10 rearward. When the switch lever 13 is pushed down (when the switch lever 13 reaches the lower limit position 13b), the actuator 18 operates to move the electric seat 10 forward. The linkage between the switch lever 13 and the actuator 18 may be realized by a known mechanism, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0018] The above-described interlocking of the movement of the switch lever 13 and the actuator 18 provides the following advantages. A typical conventional manual seat has a release lever on the side of the seat, and when the release lever is pulled up, the seat is unlocked, allowing the user to move the seat. The operation of pulling up the switch lever 13 is the same as the operation of unlocking a typical conventional manual seat. Therefore, the user can move the power seat backwards with the same feeling as moving the release lever of a manual seat.

[0019] Although not shown, a lever (reclining lever) for reclining the back 12 is attached to the connecting portion of the seat 11 and the back 12 of the electric seat 10. The switch lever 13 is disposed forward of the reclining lever.

[0020] Figure 3 shows a side view of the automobile 400 as seen from the direction of arrow III in Figure 1. In other words, Figure 3 is a view of the automobile 400 as seen from the left side. In Figure 3, everything except the manual seat 100 is drawn in phantom lines. As mentioned above, the automobile 400 is equipped with the manual seat 100 in the passenger seat (front left seat).

[0021] The manual seat 100 is attached to a floor panel 401 so as to be slidable in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle. A seat slide device 120 is disposed between the seat portion 101 of the manual seat 100 and the floor panel 401. The seat slide device 120 is composed of a lower rail 130 fixed to the floor panel 401 and an upper rail 140 attached below the seat portion 101. The upper rail 140 is slidably engaged with the lower rail 130. As will be described in detail later, the seat slide device 120 has a locking mechanism that fixes the upper rail 140 to the lower rail 130. Locking the upper rail 140 to the lower rail 130 means that the manual seat 100 is locked to the floor panel 401. Here, "the upper rail 140 (manual seat 100) is locked" means that the upper rail 140 (manual seat 100) cannot move relative to the lower rail 130 (floor panel 401).

[0022] Although not shown in the figure, a lever (reclining lever) for reclining the back is attached to the connecting portion between the seat portion 101 and the back portion 102 of the manual seat 100.

[0023] A release lever 110 is rotatably attached to the side of the seat 101 of the manual seat 100. More specifically, a rotation shaft 111 is disposed on the side of the seat 101, and the release lever 110 is attached to the rotation shaft 111. The release lever 110 rotates within a predetermined range. The release lever 110 can rotate within a plane perpendicular to the axis of the rotation shaft 111. The release lever 110 is moved by the user. When the user pulls up (or pushes down) the release lever 110, the manual seat 100 is released from the lock on the floor panel 401, and the user can move the manual seat 100 forward and backward by his or her own force.

[0024] The release lever 110 can rotate within a range from a first position (the release lever position indicated by reference numeral 110a) to a second position (the release lever position indicated by reference numeral 110b). A third position (the release lever position indicated by reference numeral 110c) exists between the first and second positions. Hereinafter, the first, second, and third positions will be denoted by reference numerals 110a, 110b, and 110c, respectively. Although not shown, a spring is attached to the release lever 110, and when the user releases the release lever 110, the restoring force of the spring causes the release lever 110 to return to the third position 110c. The third position 110c may also be referred to as a neutral position or an initial position.

[0025] The first position 110a is a position rotated by an angle Ang-a from the third position 110c in a direction toward the back 102 of the manual seat 100. The second position 110b is a position rotated by an angle Ang-b from the third position 110c in a direction away from the back 102 of the manual seat 100. Both of the rotation angles Ang-a and Ang-b are set to angles within 30 degrees. In other words, the rotation range of the release lever 110 is set to within 60 degrees.

[0026] However, if the first position 110a is located behind a vertical line passing through the rotation axis 111, it may be difficult for a seated user to operate the release lever 110. Therefore, it is desirable that the first position 110a be set to the position at which the release lever 110 extends upward from the rotation axis 111. Furthermore, to ensure ease of use for a seated user, the first position 110a should be set within an angle of 60 degrees forward and upward from the horizontal. The second position 110b should be set within an angle of 15 degrees forward and downward from the horizontal. The third position 110c is set between the first position 110a and the second position 110b. Most preferably, the third position 110c should be set between the position at which the release lever 110 extends horizontally forward from the rotation axis 111 and a position 30 degrees forward and upward. The rotation angle Ang-a is preferably within 30 degrees in the direction in which the release lever 110 approaches the back portion 102 , and the rotation angle Ang-b is preferably within 30 degrees in the direction in which the release lever 110 moves away from the back portion 102 .

[0027] The release lever 110 also works in conjunction with the locking mechanism described above. When the release lever 110 is in the third position 110c, the manual seat 100 (upper rails 140) is locked to the floor panel 401 (lower rails 130). When the release lever 110 is in the first position 110a or the second position 110b, the lock is released. In other words, when the release lever 110 is in the first position 110a or the second position 110b, the manual seat 100 can slide forward or backward relative to the floor panel 401.

[0028] The shape of the release lever 110 of the manual seat 100 is the same as the shape of the switch lever 13 of the power seat 10. Furthermore, the third position 110c (initial position) of the release lever 110 of the manual seat 100 is the same as the initial position 13c of the switch lever 13 of the power seat 10. The rotation angle Ang-a of the release lever 110 from the third position 110c (initial position) to the first position 110a is the same as the rotation angle Ang-a of the switch lever 13 from the initial position 13c to the upper limit position 13a. The rotation angle Ang-b of the release lever 110 from the third position 110c (initial position) to the second position 110b is the same as the rotation angle Ang-b of the switch lever 13 from the initial position 13c to the lower limit position 13b. In other words, the release lever 110 and the switch lever 13 have the same initial positions and the same upper and lower limit positions of their rotation ranges.

[0029] The above configuration allows the user to operate the switch lever 13 of the power seat 10 and the release lever 110 of the manual seat 100 with the same feel. This advantage is particularly advantageous when a single vehicle (automobile 400) contains a mixture of power seats 10 and manual seats 100. Furthermore, having the switch lever 13 and the release lever 110 have the same shape helps reduce the manufacturing costs of the vehicle.

[0030] In a conventional manual seat, the seat is locked at the lower limit of the rotation range of the release lever and unlocked at the upper limit. On the other hand, in the manual seat 100, the manual seat 100 is locked when the release lever 110 is in the third position 110c (initial position), and the manual seat 100 can be unlocked by either pulling up or pushing down the release lever 110 from the third position 110c. The advantages of this structure will be explained with reference to Figures 4 and 5.

[0031] 4A and 4B are schematic diagrams showing a state in which a user U seated on a manual seat slides the manual seat forward. Fig. 4A is a comparative example showing the case of a conventional manual seat 900. Fig. 4B shows the case of the manual seat 100.

[0032] As described above, in the case of the conventional manual seat 900, the lock is released when the release lever 910 is pulled upward (arrow A1). To pull the release lever 910 upward, the user U pulls their arm upward and backward (arrow A2). On the other hand, to move the manual seat 900 forward, the user U leans forward (arrow A3). As can be seen from arrows A2 and A3 in FIG. 4A , part of the force of pulling the arm (arrow A2) faces backward, and part of the force of moving the manual seat 900 forward (arrow A3) faces forward. Because part of the force of moving the manual seat 900 forward (arrow A3) is offset by part of the force of pulling the arm (arrow A2), the user U must exert extra force to move the manual seat 900 forward.

[0033] On the other hand, in the case of the manual seat 100 (FIG. 4B), when the user U exerts a force forward (arrow B3) to move the manual seat 100 forward, part of that force is transmitted to the arm (arrow B2), which pushes down the release lever 110 (arrow B1). The release lever 110 moves from the third position 110c (initial position) to the second position 110b, and the lock is released. The action of pushing down the tip of the release lever 110 extending forward is well-suited to the action of moving the manual seat 100 forward, allowing the user U to smoothly move the manual seat 100 forward.

[0034] Although not shown, when moving the manual seat 100 rearward, the user U leans their upper body backward and simultaneously pulls the release lever 110 upward (rotating the release lever 110 from the third position 110c to the first position 110a) to release the lock. The action of pulling up the tip of the release lever 110 is compatible with the action of moving the manual seat 100 rearward, allowing the user U to smoothly move the manual seat 100 forward. This action is the same as with the conventional manual seat 900.

[0035] 5A and 5B are schematic diagrams showing a state in which a user U standing outside the vehicle slides the manual seat forward. Fig. 5A is a comparative example showing the case of a conventional manual seat 900. Fig. 5B shows the case of the manual seat 100.

[0036] In the case of the conventional manual seat 900, the user U pulls his / her arm upward and backward (arrows A1 and A2) to pull the release lever 910 upward. Meanwhile, the user U pushes the manual seat 900 forward (arrow A3). In this case, as in the case of FIG. 4A , part of the force pulling the arm (arrow A2) faces backward, and part of the force pushing the manual seat 900 forward (arrow A3) faces forward. Because part of both forces cancel each other out, the user U must exert extra force to move the manual seat 100 forward.

[0037] On the other hand, in the case of the manual seat 100, when the user U shifts their weight forward, a force (arrow B3) pushing the manual seat 100 forward is generated, and a force (arrow B2) pushing their arm downward and forward is also generated, causing the release lever 110 to lower (arrow B1). The release lever 110 moves from the third position 110c to the second position 110b, and the lock is released. In this case, too, the action of pushing down the tip of the release lever 110 extending forward is compatible with the action of moving the manual seat 100 forward, allowing the user U to smoothly move the manual seat 100 forward.

[0038] As described above, the manual seat 100 is unlocked by moving the release lever 110 either toward the seat back 102 or away from the seat back 102. This mechanism allows the user to smoothly move the manual seat 100 forward or backward.

[0039] The preferred setting ranges of the first, second, and third positions will now be described. In the case of FIG. 1 , the second position 110b is a position where the longitudinal direction of the release lever 110 extends horizontally forward from the rotation axis 111. The third position 110c is a position where the longitudinal direction of the release lever 110 extends forward and upward. The first position 110a is a position where the longitudinal direction of the release lever 110 extends forward and upward at a larger angle than the third position 110c. The third position 110c is preferably a position where the longitudinal direction of the release lever 110 extends forward or forward and upward. Such angle settings are easy for the user to use. The rotation angle range is as described above.

[0040] The switch lever 13 of the power seat 10 may be set to extend horizontally forward from the rotation shaft 14 in the initial position. In this case, it is desirable that the release lever 110 of the manual seat 100 is also set to extend horizontally forward from the rotation shaft 111 in the initial position.

[0041] An example of a locking mechanism in which the lock is released regardless of whether the release lever 110 is in the first position 110a or the second position 110b is shown in FIGS.

[0042] As described above, the seat slide device 120 is disposed between the seat portion 101 of the manual seat 100 and the floor panel 401. Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the seat slide device 120. Fig. 7 is a side view of the locking mechanism. The manual seat 100 and the floor panel 401 are omitted from Figs. 6-8.

[0043] The seat slide device 120 includes a pair of lower rails 130 (130R, 130L) and a pair of upper rails 140 (140R, 140L). The lower rails 130 are fixed to the floor panel 401 with their longitudinal directions oriented in the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle. The upper rails 140R (140L) are slidably engaged with the lower rails 130R (130L). The seat bottom 101 of the manual seat 100 is fixed onto the pair of upper rails 140.

[0044] The right lower rail 130R is provided with a plurality of lock holes 131 aligned along the longitudinal direction. As shown in FIG. 7 , the right upper rail 140R is provided with a lock lever 146, and the lock lever 146 is provided with a lock claw 147 that engages with the lock hole 131. When the lock claw 147 engages with the lock hole 131, the right upper rail 140R cannot move relative to the right lower rail 130R. In other words, the manual seat 100 is locked (fixed) to the floor panel 401.

[0045] As described above, the seat slide device 120 has a locking mechanism that unlocks the upper rail 140 (manual seat 100) in conjunction with the rotation of the release lever 110. Next, the locking mechanism will be described.

[0046] The lock lever 146 is pivotable about an axis extending in the rail longitudinal direction, and when the lock lever 146 pivots, the lock claw 147 disengages from the lock hole 131, and the right upper rail 140R is unlocked from the right lower rail 130R, i.e., the manual seat 100 is unlocked.

[0047] The lock lever 146 swings in conjunction with the right release link 144R. The right release link 144R swings back and forth. The right release link 144R has an elongated hole 145 formed along the swing direction, and one end 142R of the right cable 141R is engaged with the elongated hole 145. The other end of the right cable 141R is connected to the release lever link 113.

[0048] A bracket 112 is fixed to the seat portion 101 (not shown), and the rotation shaft 111 is attached to the bracket 112 so as to rotate relative to the bracket 112. A release lever 110 and a release lever link 113 are fixed to the rotation shaft 111. The release lever link 113 rotates together with the release lever 110.

[0049] One end of the left cable 141L is also connected to the release lever link 113, and the other end of the left cable 141L is connected to a left release link 144L provided on the left upper rail 140L (FIG. 6). As shown in FIG. 6, the right release link 144R and the left release link 144L are connected by a connecting rod 149. When the right release link 144R swings, the left release link 144L also swings. The left release link 144L has the same structure as the right release link 144R, and the other end of the left cable 141L is engaged with an elongated hole 145.

[0050] One end 142R of the right cable 141R is fastened to the rear end of the elongated hole 145 of the right release link 144R, and one end of the left cable 141L is fastened to the rear end of the elongated hole 145 of the left release link 144L. The one end 142R (142L) is simply hooked into the elongated hole 145 and can move within the elongated hole 145.

[0051] The release lever 110 and the right release link 144R are interlocked via the right cable 141R, and the release lever 110 and the left release link 144L are interlocked via the left cable 141L. Figure 8 shows how the release lever 110 and the release link 144 (144R, 144L) are interlocked when the release lever 110 moves from the third position 110c to the first position 110a. When the release lever 110 rotates from the third position 110c to the first position 110a (arrow A), the right cable 141R is pulled forward (arrow B). One end 142R of the right cable 141R pulls the right release link 144R rearward (arrow C), causing the right release link 144R to swing rearward (arrow D). In conjunction with the right release link 144R swinging rearward, the lower end (lock claw 147) of the lock lever 146 swings toward the front of the paper, and the lock claw 147 comes out of the lock hole 131. In other words, the lock is released.

[0052] As described above, the right release link 144R and the left release link 144L are connected by the connecting rod 149, and when the right release link 144R swings rearward, the left release link 144L also swings rearward. The connection between the left release link 144L and the left cable 141L will now be described.

[0053] The right cable 141R extends rearward from the release lever link 113 and engages with the right release link 144R. The left cable 141L extends forward from the release lever link 113 and engages with the left release link 144L. When the release lever 110 moves from the third position 110c to the first position 110a, the right cable 141R is pulled forward (arrow B), and the left cable 141L is pushed forward (arrow E). The dashed rectangle in Figure 8 is a view of the left release link 144L connected to the left upper rail 140L. Although the left cable 141L is pushed out (arrow F), one end 142L of the left cable 141L moves through the elongated hole 145 of the left release link 144L and does not affect the movement of the left release link 144L.

[0054] When the release lever 110 moves from the third position 110c to the second position 110b, the arrows in Figure 8 are reversed. The left cable 141L pulls the left release link 144L rearward, causing the left release link 144L to swing rearward. The right release link 144R, which is connected to the left release link 144L, also swings rearward. As described above, when the right release link 144R swings rearward, the lock is released.

[0055] The right cable 141R is pushed out, but one end 142R moves within the elongated hole 145 of the right release link 144R, so the movement of the right cable 141R does not affect the right release link 144R.

[0056] As described above, the lock mechanism releases the lock whether the release lever 110 is moved to the first position 110a or the second position 110b.

[0057] The locking mechanism shown in Figures 6-8 is an example, and other mechanisms may be used. For example, the locking mechanism may use a solenoid that inserts and removes the locking claw of the manual seat from the locking hole in the lower rail. When the solenoid is not energized, the locking claw engages with the locking hole due to a spring. When the solenoid is energized, the locking claw retracts and disengages from the locking hole. In such a locking mechanism, whether the release lever is in the first position or the second position, a switch that energizes the solenoid is turned on, and the lock is released. When the release lever is in the third position, the switch is turned off, and the manual seat is locked. Such a mechanism may be used.

[0058] (Second embodiment) An electric seat 210 of a second embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 9. The electric seat 210 is provided in an automobile 420. The electric seat 210 corresponds to the driver's seat (front right seat) of the automobile 420. Figure 9 is a side view of the automobile 420 as seen from the right side. Figure 9 corresponds to Figure 2. In Figure 9 as well, everything except the electric seat 210 is drawn in phantom lines.

[0059] The electric seat 210 is equipped with a switch lever 213. The electric seat 210 differs from the electric seat 10 of the first embodiment only in the direction in which the switch lever 213 extends. In Figures 9 and 2, the same reference numerals are used to designate common parts.

[0060] The electric seat 210 also includes an actuator 18 that moves the seat forward and backward. The actuator 18 is operated by moving a switch lever 213.

[0061] The switch lever 213 is attached to a rotation shaft 14 provided on the side of the seat 11. The switch lever 213 is rotatable within a predetermined range around the rotation shaft 14. The switch lever 213 is equipped with a spring (not shown). When the user is not touching the switch lever 213, the spring returns the switch lever 213 to the position indicated by reference numeral 213c. The position indicated by reference numeral 213c will be referred to as the initial position 213c below. The front limit position of the rotation range of the switch lever 213 will be referred to as the front limit position 213a, and the rear limit position will be referred to as the rear limit position 213b. The initial position 213c is located between the front limit position 213a and the rear limit position 213b.

[0062] The switch lever 213 is long, and in the initial position 213c, the switch lever 213 extends upward from the rotation shaft 14. In Fig. 9, a straight line L1 is an auxiliary line that indicates the direction in which the switch lever 213 extends in the initial position 213c.

[0063] An angle Ang-a from the initial position 213c of the switch lever 213 to the front limit position 213a and an angle Ang-b from the initial position 213c to the rear limit position 213b are both set to within 30 degrees.

[0064] When the switch lever 213 is tilted forward from the initial position 213c (when the switch lever 213 reaches the front limit position 213a), the actuator 18 operates to move the electric seat 210 forward. When the switch lever 213 is tilted rearward (when the switch lever 213 reaches the rear limit position 213b), the actuator 18 operates to move the electric seat 210 rearward. The interlocking of the switch lever 213 and the actuator 18 may be realized by a known mechanism, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0065] FIG. 10 shows a side view of the manual seat 240 that forms a pair with the power seat 210. The manual seat 240 is provided in the automobile 420 and is arranged next to the power seat 210. In other words, the manual seat 240 corresponds to the passenger seat (left front seat) of the automobile 420. FIG. 10 is a side view of the automobile 420 as seen from the left side. FIG. 10 corresponds to FIG. 3. In FIG. 10 as well, everything except the manual seat 240 is drawn in phantom lines.

[0066] The manual seat 240 slides forward and backward in the same manner as the manual seat 100. A release lever 250 is provided on the side of the seat portion 101 of the manual seat 240. The release lever 250 locks the manual seat 240 (seat portion 101). When the user operates the release lever 250, the lock is released, and the user can move the manual seat 240 forward and backward.

[0067] The manual seat 240 differs from the manual seat 100 shown in Figure 3 only in the direction in which the release lever 250 extends. In Figures 10 and 3, the same reference numerals are used to designate common parts.

[0068] The release lever 250 is attached to a rotation shaft 111 provided on the side of the seat 101. The release lever 250 is rotatable within a predetermined range around the rotation shaft 111. The release lever 250 is rotatable within a predetermined range around the rotation shaft 111. The release lever 250 is provided with a spring (not shown), and when the user is not touching it, the release lever 250 is returned to the position indicated by reference numeral 250c by the spring. The position indicated by reference numeral 250c will be referred to below as the initial position 250c. The front limit position of the rotation range of the release lever 250 will be referred to as the front limit position 250a, and the rear limit position will be referred to as the rear limit position 250b. The initial position 250c is located between the front limit position 250a and the rear limit position 250b.

[0069] The release lever 250 is long, and in the initial position 250c, the release lever 250 extends upward from the rotation shaft 111. In Figure 10, a straight line L2 is an auxiliary line that indicates the extension direction of the release lever 250 in the initial position 250c.

[0070] When the user pushes the release lever 250 forward (when the release lever 250 reaches the front limit position 250a), the manual seat 240 is unlocked. When the user pushes the release lever 250 backward (when the release lever 250 reaches the rear limit position 250b), the manual seat 240 is also unlocked. Once unlocked, the user can move the manual seat forward (or backward). When the user releases the release lever 250, the spring returns the release lever 250 to the initial position 250c, and the manual seat 240 is locked.

[0071] 9 and 10, the switch lever 213 and the release lever 250 have the same shape, and the initial position 213c of the switch lever 213 is the same as the initial position 250c of the release lever 250. The front limit position 213a of the switch lever 213 is the same as the front limit position 250a of the release lever 250, and the rear limit position 213b of the switch lever 213 is the same as the rear limit position 250b of the release lever 250.

[0072] The power seat 210 and the manual seat 240 form a pair and are installed in one vehicle. The switch lever 213 of the power seat 210 and the release lever 250 of the manual seat 240 are operated in the same manner. A user can move the power seat 210 and the manual seat 240 using the same operation method. The combination of the power seat 210 and the manual seat 240 also has the advantages of the combination of the power seat 10 and the manual seat 100 described using Figures 4A and 4B and Figures 5A and 5B.

[0073] (Third embodiment) An electric seat 310 of a third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 11. The electric seat 310 is provided in an automobile 430. The electric seat 310 corresponds to the driver's seat (front right seat) of the automobile 430. Fig. 11 is a side view of the automobile 430 as seen from the right side. Fig. 11 corresponds to Fig. 2. In Fig. 11, everything except the electric seat 310 is drawn in phantom lines.

[0074] The electric seat 310 is equipped with a switch lever 313. The electric seat 310 differs from the electric seat 10 of the first embodiment only in the direction in which the switch lever 313 extends. In Figures 11 and 2, the same reference numerals are used to designate common parts.

[0075] The electric seat 310 also includes an actuator 18 that moves the seat forward and backward. The actuator 18 is operated by moving a switch lever 313.

[0076] The switch lever 313 is attached to a rotation shaft 14 provided on the side of the seat 11. The switch lever 313 is rotatable around the rotation shaft 14 within a predetermined range. The switch lever 313 is equipped with a spring (not shown). When the user is not touching the switch lever 313, the spring returns the switch lever 313 to the position indicated by reference numeral 313c. The position indicated by reference numeral 313c will be referred to as the initial position 313c below. The upper limit position of the rotation range of the switch lever 313 will be referred to as the upper limit position 313a, and the lower limit position will be referred to as the lower limit position 313b. The initial position 313c is located between the upper limit position 313a and the lower limit position 313b.

[0077] The switch lever 313 is long, and in the initial position 313c, the switch lever 313 extends rearward and upward from the rotation shaft 14. In Fig. 11, a straight line L1 is an auxiliary line indicating the direction in which the switch lever 313 extends in the initial position 313c.

[0078] An angle Ang-a from the initial position 213c to the upper limit position 313a of the switch lever 313 and an angle Ang-b from the initial position 313c to the lower limit position 313b are both set to within 30 degrees.

[0079] When the switch lever 313 is pulled up from the initial position 313c (when the switch lever 313 reaches the upper limit position 313a), the actuator 18 operates to move the electric seat 310 forward. When the switch lever 313 is pushed down (when the switch lever 313 reaches the lower limit position 313b), the actuator 18 operates to move the electric seat 310 rearward. The linkage between the switch lever 313 and the actuator 18 may be realized by a known mechanism, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0080] Fig. 12 shows a side view of the manual seat 340 that forms a pair with the power seat 310. The manual seat 340 is provided in the automobile 430 and is arranged next to the power seat 310. In other words, the manual seat 340 corresponds to the passenger seat (left front seat) of the automobile 430. Fig. 12 is a side view of the automobile 430 as seen from the left side. Fig. 12 corresponds to Fig. 3. In Fig. 12 as well, everything except the manual seat 340 is drawn in phantom lines.

[0081] The manual seat 340 slides forward and backward in the same manner as the manual seat 100. A release lever 350 is provided on the side of the seat portion 101 of the manual seat 340. The release lever 350 locks the manual seat 340 (seat portion 101). When the user operates the release lever 350, the lock is released, and the user can move the manual seat 240 forward and backward.

[0082] The manual seat 340 differs from the manual seat 100 shown in Figure 3 only in the direction in which the release lever 350 extends. In Figures 12 and 3, the same reference numerals are used to designate common parts.

[0083] The release lever 350 is attached to a rotation shaft 111 provided on the side of the seat 101. The release lever 350 is rotatable within a predetermined range around the rotation shaft 111. The release lever 350 is rotatable within a predetermined range around the rotation shaft 111. The release lever 350 is provided with a spring (not shown), and when the user is not touching it, the release lever 350 is returned to the position indicated by reference numeral 350c by the spring. The position indicated by reference numeral 350c will be referred to as the initial position 350c below. The upper limit position of the rotation range of the release lever 350 will be referred to as the upper limit position 350a, and the lower limit position will be referred to as the lower limit position 350b. The initial position 350c is located between the upper limit position 350a and the lower limit position 350b.

[0084] The release lever 350 is long, and in the initial position 350c, the release lever 350 extends rearward and upward from the rotation shaft 111. In Figure 12, a straight line L2 is an auxiliary line that indicates the extension direction of the release lever 350 in the initial position 350c.

[0085] When the user pulls up the release lever 350 (when the release lever 350 reaches the upper limit position 350a), the manual seat 340 is unlocked. When the user pushes down the release lever 350 (when the release lever 350 reaches the lower limit position 350b), the manual seat 340 is also unlocked. Once unlocked, the user can move the manual seat forward (or backward). When the user releases the release lever 350, the spring returns the release lever 350 to the initial position 350c, and the manual seat 340 is locked.

[0086] 11 and 12, the switch lever 313 and the release lever 350 have the same shape, and the initial position 313c of the switch lever 313 is the same as the initial position 350c of the release lever 350. The upper limit position 313a of the switch lever 313 is the same as the upper limit position 350a of the release lever 350, and the lower limit position 313b of the switch lever 313 is the same as the lower limit position 350b of the release lever 350.

[0087] The power seat 310 and the manual seat 340 form a pair and are installed in one vehicle. The switch lever 313 of the power seat 310 and the release lever 350 of the manual seat 340 are operated in the same manner. A user can move the power seat 310 and the manual seat 340 using the same operation method. The combination of the power seat 310 and the manual seat 340 also has the advantages of the combination of the power seat 10 and the manual seat 100 described using Figures 4A and 4B and Figures 5A and 5B.

[0088] The switch lever 313 of the power seat 310 may be set to extend horizontally rearward from the rotating shaft 111 in the initial position. In this case, it is desirable that the release lever 350 of the manual seat 340 also be set to extend horizontally rearward from the rotating shaft 111 in the initial position.

[0089] Here are some points to note regarding the technology described in the embodiment. The manual seat 100 is unlocked by either pushing down or pulling up the release lever 110. Therefore, the user can move the manual seat 100 forward or backward by moving the release lever as shown in Figures 4A and 5A. Furthermore, the user can move the manual seat 100 backward by moving the release lever as shown in Figures 4B and 5B.

[0090] The shapes of the release lever 110 and the switch lever 13 are not limited to the shapes exemplified in the figures, but it is desirable that they have the same shape. The release lever 110 / switch lever 13 may have any shape as long as they are elongated. The release lever 110 is arranged on the side of the seat 101 of the manual seat 100. Preferably, the release lever 110 is arranged in the front half of the seat 101. In addition to the release lever 110, a lever for adjusting the reclining angle of the back 102 may be arranged on the side of the manual seat 100. The lever for adjusting the reclining angle is arranged on the side of the manual seat 100, at the boundary between the seat 101 and the back 102, or on the side of the back 102. The same applies to the shape and position of the switch lever 13 of the electric seat 10.

[0091] The switch lever 213 of the power seat 210 and the release lever 250 of the manual seat 240 of the second embodiment have the same advantages as the switch lever 13 and the release lever 110 of the first embodiment. The switch lever 313 of the power seat 310 and the release lever 350 of the manual seat 340 of the third embodiment have the same advantages as the switch lever 13 and the release lever 110 of the first embodiment.

[0092] The seat portion 11 of the electric seat 10 is an example of an electric seat seat portion. The seat portion 101 of the manual seat 100 is an example of a manual seat seat portion. The initial position 13c, the upper limit position 13a, and the lower limit position 13b of the switch lever 13 may be referred to as the initial position 13c, the upper limit position 13a, and the lower limit position 13b, respectively. The same applies to the electric seats 210, 310 and the manual seats 240, 340.

[0093] The front limit position 250a of the release lever 250 and the upper limit position 350a of the release lever 350 also correspond to an example of the first position. The rear limit position 250b of the release lever 250 and the lower limit position 350b of the release lever 350 also correspond to an example of the second position.

[0094] Although specific examples of the present invention have been described in detail above, these are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the claims. The technology described in the claims includes various modifications and variations of the specific examples exemplified above. The technical elements described in this specification or drawings exhibit technical utility alone or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of filing. Furthermore, the technology exemplified in this specification or drawings can achieve multiple objectives simultaneously, and achieving one of these objectives alone is technically useful.

Claims

1. An electric seat for an automobile comprising: an electric seat base that is attached to the floor of the automobile interior so as to be slidable in the fore-and-aft direction; an actuator that moves the electric seat in the fore-and-aft direction; and a switch lever that is rotatably attached to the side of the electric seat base and operates the actuator; when the switch lever is rotated in one direction, the actuator operates to move the electric seat backwards, and when the switch lever is rotated in the opposite direction, the actuator operates to move the electric seat forwards.

2. The electric seat according to claim 1, wherein the switch lever extends forward from a rotation axis of the switch lever, and when the switch lever is pulled up, an actuator operates to move the electric seat rearward, and when the switch lever is pushed down, the actuator operates to move the electric seat forward.

3. The electric seat according to claim 1, wherein the switch lever extends rearward from a rotation axis of the switch lever, and when the switch lever is pushed down, an actuator operates to move the electric seat rearward, and when the switch lever is pulled up, the actuator operates to move the electric seat forward.

4. The electric seat according to claim 1, wherein the switch lever extends upward from a rotation axis of the switch lever, and when the switch lever is tilted rearward, an actuator operates to move the electric seat rearward, and when the switch lever is tilted forward, the actuator operates to move the electric seat forward.

5. A combination of an electric seat as described in any one of claims 1 to 4 and a manual seat not equipped with an actuator, the manual seat comprising: a manual seat base part which is attached to the floor of the interior of the automobile so as to be slidable in the front-to-rear direction; and a release lever which is rotatably attached to the side of the manual seat base part and switches between locking and unlocking the manual seat to the floor, wherein when a user releases the release lever, the release lever is returned to its initial position by a spring, the switch lever and the release lever have the same shape, and the initial position of the switch lever and the initial position of the release lever are the same.

6. The set according to claim 5, wherein the manual seat is unlocked when the release lever is located at a first position which is one end of a rotation range, and the manual seat is unlocked when the release lever is located at a second position which is the other end of a rotation range, and the initial position of the release lever is located between the first position and the second position, and the manual seat is locked when the release lever is located at the initial position.

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