Vehicle seat

Abstract

Provided is a vehicle seat that makes it possible to, as compared to conventional technology, more suitably utilize a storage space section (storage space) provided at a position below a seat cushion.　A vehicle seat (S1) comprises: a seat cushion (1); a support base (40) that supports the seat cushion from below; a cushion swinging device (60) that swings the rear end of the seat cushion upward with respect to the support base; and support legs (70) that are provided on the bottom surface of the seat cushion and support the seat cushion from below. The seat cushion (1) can be switched between a reference position at which an occupant can sit thereon and an open position at which the rear end of the seat cushion is swung upward from the reference position and a storage space section (48) provided in the support base (40) is exposed. The support legs (70) support the seat cushion from below when the seat cushion (1) is positioned at a swing position between the reference position and the open position.

Description

Vehicle seats

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle seat, and more particularly to a vehicle seat provided with a seat cushion.

[0002] A vehicle seat including a seat cushion, a support base that supports the seat cushion from below, and a cushion rotation device that flips up the rear end of the seat cushion relative to the support base has been known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In the vehicle seat described in Patent Document 1, the seat cushion is configured to be switchable between a "standard position" in which an occupant can sit and an "extended position" in which the rear end of the seat cushion is rotated upward from the standard position to expose a storage space provided in the support base. Therefore, luggage can be stored using the storage space (luggage storage space) provided below the seat cushion.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-224780

[0004] However, there has been a demand for a technology that allows for more optimal use of the storage space provided below the seat cushion in vehicle seats such as those described in Patent Document 1. For example, when a large item is stored in the storage space, if the item protrudes upward from the storage space, there is a risk that the seat cushion will come into contact with the item when the seat cushion is returned from the deployed position to the reference position. In other words, the height position of the seat cushion cannot be adjusted (the height position cannot be adjusted), and there is a risk that the item cannot be optimally stored.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle seat that allows for more efficient use of a storage space provided below the seat cushion than conventionally possible.

[0006] The above-mentioned object is achieved by a vehicle seat according to the present invention, which provides a vehicle seat including a seat cushion, the vehicle seat including a support base that supports the seat cushion from below, a cushion rotation device that rotates one end of the seat cushion in the front-rear direction or the width direction upward relative to the support base, and support legs that are provided on a bottom surface of the seat cushion or an upper surface of the support base and support the seat cushion from below, the seat cushion being switchable between a standard position where an occupant can be seated and a deployed position where the one end of the seat cushion is rotated upward from the standard position to expose a storage space provided in the support base, the support legs protruding from the bottom surface of the seat cushion or an upper surface of the support base and supporting the seat cushion from below when the seat cushion is positioned at a rotation position between the standard position and the deployed position. With the above configuration, a vehicle seat can be realized that allows for more efficient use of the storage space (storage space) provided below the seat cushion than conventional vehicle seats. More specifically, the vehicle seat is provided with support legs that support the seat cushion from below when the seat cushion is in a "rotated position" between a "standard position" and an "expanded position." Therefore, by using the support legs, the height of the seat cushion can be adjusted to support the seat cushion from below (the height of the seat cushion can be adjusted). This allows luggage to be stored conveniently even if it protrudes upward from the storage space.

[0007] In this case, the support legs are provided on the bottom surface of the seat cushion, and a storage recess is formed on the bottom surface of the seat cushion in which the support legs can be stored. The support legs are configured to be switchable between a storage position in which they are stored in the storage recess and a protruding position in which they protrude from the bottom surface of the seat cushion. When the support legs are in the protruding position, they abut against the support base to support the seat cushion from below. With this configuration, when the support legs are not in use, the support legs can be stored compactly in the storage recess of the seat cushion. Furthermore, with this configuration, the seat cushion can be held at a predetermined height position (rotated position) by the support legs abutting against the support base.

[0008] In this case, the cushion pivoting device is attached to the support base and pivots the rear end of the seat cushion upward relative to the support base. The support base is disposed on the left and right sides in the seat width direction and includes left and right side bases extending in the seat front-rear direction, a connecting member connecting rear portions of the left and right side bases, and a support member attached to the connecting member for supporting the support leg. When the support leg is in the protruding position, the support leg abuts against the support member to support the seat cushion from below. As described above, when the support leg is in the protruding position, the support leg is supported by the support member. That is, the support leg is firmly supported by the support member attached to the connecting member connecting the left and right side bases of the support base. Therefore, the support leg can be supported more stably.

[0009] In this case, the support legs are preferably attached to the seat cushion so as to be rotatable via leg pivot shafts, and the support members supporting the support legs are preferably disposed rearward of the leg pivot shafts. As described above, in a vehicle seat in which the rear end of the seat cushion is rotated upward, by disposing the support members rearward of the leg pivot shafts provided on the seat cushion, the support legs can be supported more stably by the support members.

[0010] In this case, the support member may have a plate-shaped support body and a positioning member attached to the support body for positioning the support leg, and the positioning member may position the support leg in a state where the support leg is in contact with the support body. With the above configuration, slippage of the support leg can be suppressed when the support leg is in contact with the support member, and the support leg can be supported more stably.

[0011] In this case, it is preferable that a biasing member be attached to the back surface of the seat cushion to bias the support legs from the storage position toward the protruding position. With the above configuration, it becomes easier to protrude the support legs to the protruding position, and it becomes easier to adjust the height of the seat cushion using the support legs.

[0012] In this case, the support leg is attached to the seat cushion so as to be rotatable via a leg rotation shaft, and a restricting member for restricting the rotation of the support leg is attached to the back surface of the seat cushion at the leg rotation shaft or a peripheral portion of the leg rotation shaft, and the restricting member restricts the rotation of the support leg when the support leg rotates to the protruding position. With the above configuration, the support leg can be restricted at the protruding position, making it easier to support the seat cushion with the support leg and to adjust the height position of the seat cushion.

[0013] In this case, the support legs preferably have an extension / retraction mechanism for adjusting the length of the support legs and a fixing member for fixing the support legs at a predetermined extended position. With the above configuration, the support legs can be extended and retracted, and the height position of the seat cushion can be suitably adjusted. This allows the height position of the seat cushion to be changed depending on the size of luggage. Alternatively, the seating surfaces of the seat cushion and seat back can be arranged to be continuously flat.

[0014] In this case, it is preferable to include a detection unit that detects that the support leg is in contact with the support base, and a control unit that receives the detection result from the detection unit and notifies the occupant that the support leg is in contact with the support base. With the above configuration, the occupant can confirm that the support leg is in a protruding state from the retracted position to the protruding position, making it easier for the occupant to operate the rotational movement of the seat cushion.

[0015] In this case, the cushion pivoting device is attached to the support base and pivots the rear end of the seat cushion upward relative to the support base, the support base being disposed on the left and right sides in the seat width direction and having left and right side bases extending in the seat front-rear direction, and the support legs are rotatably attached to the side bases via leg pivot shafts and protrude from upper surfaces of the side bases to support the seat cushion from below by abutting against support members formed on the seat cushion. With the above configuration, the support legs protrude from upper surfaces of the side bases and are supported by support members provided on the seat cushion. This allows the support legs and support members to be arranged compactly.

[0016] According to the present invention, a vehicle seat can be realized that allows for more efficient use of a storage space (storage space) provided below the seat cushion than conventional seat cushions. For example, the height position of the seat cushion can be adjusted to support the seat cushion from below. Therefore, even if luggage protrudes slightly upward from the storage space, luggage can be stored efficiently. Furthermore, according to the present invention, when the support legs are not in use, the support legs can be compactly stored in the storage recesses of the seat cushion. Furthermore, according to the present invention, the support legs are firmly supported by the support members, allowing for more stable support of the support legs. Furthermore, according to the present invention, the support legs can be easily extended to the extended position, making it easier to adjust the height position of the seat cushion using the support legs. Furthermore, according to the present invention, the height position of the seat cushion can be suitably adjusted by extending or retracting the support legs. This allows the height position of the seat cushion to be changed depending on the size of luggage. Alternatively, the seating surfaces of the seat cushion and seat back can be arranged to be continuously flat. Furthermore, according to the present invention, the occupant can confirm that the support legs are extended to the extended position, making it easier for the occupant to operate the rotational movement of the seat cushion. Furthermore, according to the present invention, the support legs and support members can be arranged compactly.

[0017] 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle seat according to a first embodiment; FIG. 2 is a view showing a state in which the seat cushion has been switched from a "standard position" to an "extended position"; FIG. 3 is a view showing a state in which the seat cushion is in an "intermediate position" supported by support legs, and the seating surfaces of the seat cushion and seat back are flat; FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a support base and a cushion rotating device; FIG. 5 is a rear view of the seat cushion, showing the support legs and the cushion rotating device (locking member, release strap); FIG. 6 is a side cross-sectional view of the seat cushion and the support base, showing a state in which the support legs are in a "storage position"; FIG. 7 is a view showing a state in which the support legs have been switched from the "storage position" to the "extended position", and the support legs are supported by the support members; FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a vehicle seat according to a second embodiment, showing a state in which the seat cushion is in an "extended position"; FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a support base and a cushion rotating device; FIG. 10 is a rear view of the seat cushion, showing the support legs and the cushion rotating device (locking member); FIG. 11 is a view showing a state in which the support legs have been switched from the "storage position" to the "extended position", and the support legs are supported by the support members; 1 is a first modified example of the support legs and support members; FIG. 2 is a second modified example of the support legs and support members; FIG. 3 is a third modified example of the support legs and support members; FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a vehicle seat according to a third embodiment; FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a support base and a cushion pivoting device; FIG. 6 is a view showing a state in which the seat cushion is in a "reference position", and a state in which the locking member is engaged with the striker (first engagement state); FIG. 7 is a view showing a state in which the seat cushion is in an "intermediate position", and a state in which the locking member is engaged with the striker (second engagement state); FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a vehicle seat according to a fourth embodiment; FIG. 9 is a side view of a vehicle seat showing a state in which the seat cushion is supported by support legs; FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a vehicle seat according to a fifth embodiment; FIG. 11 is a view showing a state in which the support base of the vehicle seat is in a "reference position"; FIG. 12 is a view showing a state in which the support base is in a "first deployed position"; FIG. 13 is a view showing a state in which the support base is in a "second deployed position"; 23B is a diagram showing a state in which the support base of Fig. 23A has switched from the "reference position" to the "first deployed position"; Fig. 23C is a diagram showing a state in which the support base of Fig. 23A has switched from the "reference position" to the "second deployed position".10 is a perspective view of a vehicle seat according to a sixth embodiment, showing a state in which the support base is in the "normal position". FIG. 11 is a view showing a state in which the support base has been switched from the "reference position" to the "first deployed position". FIG. 12 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the support base, showing a state in which the movement restricting member is engaged with the first engagement portion. FIG. 13 is a view showing a state in which the support base has been switched from the "reference position" to the "second deployed position". FIG. 14 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the support base, showing a state in which the movement restricting member is engaged with the second engagement portion. FIG. 15 is a side view of the vehicle seat, showing a rail device, a connecting member, and the support base. FIG. 16 is a rear view of the vehicle seat, showing a rail device and a fastener (double fastener). FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a vehicle seat according to a seventh embodiment, showing a state in which the support base is in the "second deployed position" and the support legs are in the "support position". FIG. 18 is a view showing a state in which the support legs are in the "storage position". FIG. 19 is a side view of a vehicle seat according to an eighth embodiment, showing a state in which the support base is in the "first deployed position" and the support legs are in the "first support position". FIG. 10 is a side view of the vehicle seat, showing the support base in the "second deployed position" and the support legs in the "second support position."

[0018] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 31. The first to fourth embodiments relate to a "vehicle seat" that allows the height position of the seat cushion to be adjusted to suitably use a storage space (storage space) provided below the seat cushion. Note that the side of the vehicle seat where a seat occupant sits relative to the seat back (headrest) is the front side of the seat.

[0019] First Embodiment First, a vehicle seat S1 according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 7. As shown in Figure 1, the vehicle seat S1 is a vehicle seat, for example, a front seat (also referred to as a front seat or a passenger seat) that is located at the front of the vehicle. Note that the vehicle seat S1 may be a middle seat or a rear seat.

[0020] The vehicle seat S1 includes a seat body having a seat cushion 1, a seat back 2, and a headrest 3, a slide rail device 10 that supports the seat body so that it can move back and forth relative to the vehicle floor, a height link device 20 that connects the seat body to the vehicle floor so that it can be raised and lowered, and a reclining device 30 that connects the seat back 2 so that it can rotate relative to the seat cushion 1. The vehicle seat S1 also includes a support base 40 that is attached between the seat cushion 1 and the slide rail device 10 (height link device 20) and supports the seat cushion 1 from below, a storage container 50 that is detachably attached to the support base 40, a cushion rotation device 60 that rotates the rear end of the seat cushion 1 upward relative to the support base 40, and support legs 70 that are attached to the bottom of the seat cushion 1 and support the seat cushion from below.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 2 , the vehicle seat S1 is configured so that the seat cushion 1 can be adjusted between a “reference position” where an occupant can sit and a “deployed position” where the rear end of the seat cushion 1 is rotated upward from the reference position to expose the storage container 50. As shown in FIG. 3 , the vehicle seat S1 is also configured so that the seat cushion 1 can be adjusted to an “intermediate position (predetermined rotation position)” between the “reference position” and the “deployed position.” In the “intermediate position” shown in FIG. 3 , the support legs 70 protrude from the bottom surface of the seat cushion 1 and support the seat cushion 1 from below. Note that the “intermediate position” is a position closer to the “reference position” within the rotation range of the seat cushion 1, but is not particularly limited thereto. The “intermediate position” may be a position closer to the “deployed position” within the rotation range of the seat cushion 1, or may be a position intermediate between the “reference position” and the “deployed position.”

[0022] As shown in Fig. 1, the seat cushion 1 is a seating portion that supports a seated occupant (passenger) from below and includes a cushion frame 1a as a framework, a padding 1b placed on the cushion frame 1a, and a skin 1c that covers the cushion frame 1a and the padding 1b. The cushion frame 1a is, for example, a resin member (resin plate). The seat back 2 is a backrest portion that supports the seated occupant from behind and includes a back frame 2a as a framework, a padding 2b, and a skin 2c. The headrest 3 is a headrest that supports the seated occupant's head from behind.

[0023] 1 and 2, the slide rail device 10 is disposed between the seat body and the vehicle floor in the vertical direction, and includes left and right lower rails 11 fixed to the vehicle floor and extending in the front-to-rear direction of the seat, left and right upper rails 12 supported slidably along the lower rails 11, a locking member 13 that locks the upper rails 12 to prevent them from sliding relative to the lower rails 11, and a rail operating lever (not shown) that unlocks the locked state of the locking member 13. A support base 40 and a seat cushion 1 (cushion frame 1a) are attached to the top surfaces of the left and right upper rails 12 via height link devices 20.

[0024] 1, the height link device 20 is attached between the slide rail device 10 and the support base 40, and includes left and right first links 21 located on the front side of the seat, left and right second links 22 located on the rear side of the seat, a locking member (not shown) that locks the seat body so that it cannot be raised or lowered, and a height operating lever (not shown) that unlocks the locking member. The height link device 20 can adjust the height of the seat body by, for example, using the second link 22 as a driving link.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 1, the reclining device 30 includes a reclining body 31 that is driven when rotating the seat back 2 (back frame 2a), a back rotation shaft 32, a spiral spring 33 that urges the seat back 2 to rotate forward around the back rotation shaft 32, and a reclining operation lever (not shown) that is operated to release the locked state of the seat back 2.

[0026] The reclining body 31 has a known locking mechanism, and can switch the state of the seat back 2 between a locked state in which it is fixed to the seat cushion 1 and an unlocked state in which it is rotatable relative to the seat cushion 1. The back rotation shaft 32 is axially supported on the seat cushion 1 side and the seat back 2 side in the seat width direction. One end of the spiral spring 33 is anchored on the seat cushion 1 side, and the other end is anchored on the seat back 2 side.

[0027] 1 to 4, the support base 40 is a frame member that supports the seat body from below. The support base 40 includes left and right side bases 41 arranged along the left and right upper rails 12, a front connecting member 42 that connects the front portions of the side bases 41, and a rear connecting member 43 that connects the rear portions of the side bases 41.

[0028] 4, the side base 41 extends longitudinally in the seat front-rear direction. The seat cushion 1 (cushion frame 1a) is attached to the front end of the side base 41 via a cushion rotation shaft 61 and a rotation bracket 62. The seat back 2 (back frame 2a) is attached to the rear end of the side base 41 via a connecting bracket 44.

[0029] A striker 64 that is long in the seat width direction is attached to the center portion in the longitudinal direction of the rear connecting member 43 via left and right brackets 45. The left and right brackets 45 are long in the vertical direction and are welded to straddle the upper surface and rear surface of the rear connecting member 43. The striker 64 is disposed above the rear connecting member 43 with a gap therebetween and is engageable with a locking member 63 of the cushion rotating device 60.

[0030] 4 and 6, support members 46 that support the support legs 70 from below and leg lock members 47 that are provided on the upper surfaces of the support members 46 are attached to both longitudinal ends of the rear connecting member 43. The support members 46 have plate-shaped support main body portions 46a and positioning members 46b that are attached to the support main body portions 46a and that position the support legs 70. The support members 46 are disposed rearward of the leg rotation shafts 71 as shown in FIG.

[0031] The support body 46a is a generally L-shaped plate member that is welded to straddle the upper and front surfaces of the rear connecting member 43. The positioning member 46b positions the support leg 70 from the rear when the support leg 70 abuts against the support body 46a. The leg lock member 47 is a member that locks the support leg 70 in a state where it is supported by the support member 46. The leg lock member 47 can sandwich the support leg 70 between itself and the rear connecting member 43.

[0032] As shown in FIGS. 1 , 2 , and 6 , the storage container 50 is a container capable of holding an object and is detachably attached to a storage space 48 provided in the center of the support base 40. The storage container 50 includes a container body 51 and a container flange 52 provided along the entire upper edge of the container body 51. The container flange 52 is supported from below by the left and right side bases 41, the front connecting member 42, and the rear connecting member 43. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 6 , the rear end of the container flange 52 rests on the upper surface of the rear connecting member 43 (support member 46). The rear end of the container flange 52 may be formed with a notch (notch groove) to prevent interference with the support legs 70. Alternatively, the rear end of the container flange 52 may extend rearward and have an opening (through-hole) formed therein to prevent interference with the support legs 70.

[0033] 1 to 6, the cushion rotation device 60 is a device that locks the rotational movement of the seat cushion 1 when the seat cushion 1 is in a "reference position." As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the cushion rotation device 60 includes a cushion rotation shaft 61 journaled to the front end portion of the support base 40 (side base 41), and a rotation bracket 62 that connects the support base 40 and the seat cushion 1 via the cushion rotation shaft 61. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, the cushion rotation device 60 further includes a locking member 63 (latch member) provided on the bottom surface of the seat cushion 1, a striker 64 that is provided on the support base 40 (rear connecting member 43) and engages with the locking member 63, and a release strap 65 that releases the locked state of the locking member 63.

[0034] The pivoting bracket 62 is a member that pivots (flips up and rotates) the seat cushion 1 (the rear end of the seat cushion 1) upward around the cushion pivot shaft 61 relative to the support base 40. The locking member 63 protrudes downward from the bottom surface of the seat cushion 1 and is attached to a position corresponding to a striker 64 provided on the support base 40. The locking member 63 engages with the striker 64 from a position rearward of the striker 64, thereby locking the seat cushion 1. The release strap 65 is connected to the locking member 63 and extends so as to be exposed from the rear end of the seat cushion 1.

[0035] 1 and 2, the occupant rotates the seat cushion 1 from the "deployed position" to the "reference position," causing the locking member 63 to engage with the striker 64, thereby locking the seat cushion 1. The cushion rotating device 60 also releases the locked state of the seat cushion 1 when the occupant pulls the release strap 65.

[0036] As shown in Figures 3 and 5 to 7, the support leg 70 is a member that supports the seat cushion 1 at an "intermediate position" and is attached to the rear end portion of the bottom surface of the seat cushion 1. The support leg 70 is rotatably attached to the seat cushion 1 via a leg rotation shaft 71 and is switchable between a "storage position" in which the support leg 70 is stored in a storage recess 1d formed in the bottom surface of the seat cushion 1 and a "protrusion position" in which the support leg 70 protrudes from the bottom surface of the seat cushion 1. As shown in Figure 3, when the support leg 70 is in the "protrusion position," the support leg 70 abuts against the support member 46, thereby supporting the seat cushion 1 at the "intermediate position."

[0037] As shown in FIG. 3 , the support legs 70 are U-shaped rod-like members with telescopic mechanisms. The support legs 70 include left and right leg body portions 70a, left and right leg extension portions 70b that are retractably attached to the extended ends of the left and right leg body portions 70a, and leg connector portions 70c that connect the extended ends of the left and right leg extension portions 70b. The support legs 70 also include telescopic mechanisms 70d that telescopically connect the leg extension portions 70b to the leg body portions 70a, and fixing members 70e that fix the leg extension portions 70b in a predetermined extended position. The telescopic mechanisms 70d and fixing members 70e allow the length of the support legs 70 to be adjusted appropriately, thereby changing the height of the seat cushion 1. The structure of the telescopic mechanisms 70d is not particularly limited; for example, the telescopic movement of the support legs 70 may be achieved by using a folding structure. The support legs 70 may not include the telescopic mechanisms 70d.

[0038] In the above configuration, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 , a biasing spring 72 (biasing member) that biases the support leg 70 from the storage position toward the extended position is attached to the back surface of the seat cushion 1. The biasing spring 72 is wound around and fixed to the leg rotation shaft 71. This makes it easier to extend the support leg 70 to the "extended position," and makes it easier to support the seat cushion 1 at a predetermined height using the support leg 70. It is preferable that a stopper (not shown) be attached to the storage recess 1d of the seat cushion 1 to hold the support leg 70 in the "storage position." This allows the support leg 70 to be held in the storage position against the biasing force of the biasing spring 72.

[0039] In the above configuration, as shown in Fig. 6, a restricting member 73 that restricts the rotation of the support leg 70 is attached to the rear end of the leg rotation shaft 71 on the back surface of the seat cushion 1. The restricting member 73 is a plate-shaped member that restricts the rotation of the support leg 70 when the support leg has rotated to the "extended position" shown in Fig. 7. This allows the support leg 70 to be restricted at the "extended position," making it easier for the support leg 70 to support the seat cushion 1. It also makes it easier to adjust the height position of the seat cushion 1.

[0040] 6 and 7, the support members 46 that support the support legs 70 are disposed at positions rearward of the leg rotation shafts 71. This allows the support legs 70 to be more stably supported by the support members 46 when the rear end of the seat cushion 1 is raised upward.

[0041] In the above configuration, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 , when the support leg 70 is in the "protruding position," the support leg 70 protrudes obliquely rearward from the rear surface of the seat cushion 1, and the lower end of the support leg 70 is supported on the upper surface of the support member 46. The support leg 70 (leg connecting portion 70c) engages with the leg lock member 47 and is positioned by the positioning member 46b. Specifically, the lower end surface of the support leg 70 is cut, and the lower end surface abuts along the upper surface of the support member 46. The front surface of the positioning member 46b is cut, and the front surface abuts along the rear surface of the support leg 70. This allows the support leg 70 to be suitably held by the support base 40 (support member 46). As a result, the seat cushion 1 can be stably supported. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 7 , the support leg 70 protrudes obliquely rearward from the seat cushion 1, thereby suppressing interference between the support leg 70 and the container 50 (container flange 52). The support leg 70 may protrude directly downward from the rear surface of the seat cushion 1 and be supported by the support member 46 .

[0042] The vehicle seat S1 described above can realize a seat that can effectively utilize a storage space provided below the seat cushion 1. Specifically, the seat cushion 1 can be rotated between a "standard position" and an "expanded position," and the seat cushion 1 can be adjusted to a predetermined height position (intermediate position). By moving the seat cushion 1 to the "intermediate position," the seating surfaces of the seat cushion 1 and the seat back 2 can be made flat, as shown in FIG. 2, for example.

[0043] Second Embodiment Next, a vehicle seat S2 according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 8 to 12C. Note that a description of the vehicle seat S2 that overlaps with the above-described vehicle seat S1 will be omitted.

[0044] 8 and 9, the vehicle seat S2 includes a seat cushion 101, a seat back 102, a support base 140, a container 150, a cushion rotating device 160, and a support leg 170. The vehicle seat S2 also includes a detection sensor 185 that detects whether the support leg 170 is in contact with the support base 140, and a control device 180 that receives the detection result from the detection sensor 185 and notifies the user that the support leg 170 is in contact with the support base 140.

[0045] The control device 180 and the detection sensor 185 are mounted inside the vehicle seat S2. The provision of the control device 180 and the detection sensor 185 allows the occupant to easily confirm that the support legs 170 are protruding from the "storage position" to the "extended position." This also makes it easier for the occupant to operate the rotational movement of the seat cushion 101. The detection sensor 185 may be mounted, for example, on the support member 146. The vehicle seat S2 may further include a seating sensor that detects when the occupant is seated. In this case, the control device 180 may notify the user when it receives detection signals from the detection sensor 185 and the seating sensor. This allows the occupant to be advised not to sit on the seat cushion 101, for example, when the seat cushion 101 is in the "intermediate position" shown in FIG. 11 .

[0046] 8 and 9, the support base 140 includes left and right side bases 141, a front connecting member 142, a rear connecting member 143, a connecting bracket 144, a bracket 145, a support member 146, and a storage space 148. A striker 164 is attached to the longitudinal center of the rear connecting member 143 via the left and right brackets 145. In addition, support members 146 that support the support legs 170 from below are welded to the upper portions (upper end portions) of the left and right brackets 145.

[0047] 11 , the support member 146 is disposed at a predetermined interval in the front-to-rear direction of the seat, and has a first support portion 146a and a second support portion 146b that protrude upward from the upper end portion of the bracket 145. The first support portion 146a and the second support portion 146b are members that detachably hold the support leg 170 (leg connecting portion 170c) and protrude diagonally forward from the bracket 145. As shown in FIG. 11 , when the seat cushion 101 is disposed in the "intermediate position" and the support leg 170 is disposed in the "protruding position," the support member 146 holds the support leg 170 and can hold the support leg 170 in a locked state.

[0048] 9 to 11, the cushion rotation device 160 includes a cushion rotation shaft 161, a rotation bracket 162, a locking member 163 (latch member), a striker 164, and a release strap 165. As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the support leg 170 is a U-shaped leg member that is attached to the bottom surface of the seat cushion 101 at a portion that sandwiches the locking member 163.

[0049] 9 to 11, the locking member 163, striker 164, support leg 170, and support member 146 are disposed in the center of the seat width direction. In other words, they are disposed in the same position (overlapping positions) in the seat width direction. This allows these components to be disposed compactly.

[0050] 11, the support member 146 is attached to the upper surface of the bracket 145. Therefore, when the support leg 170 is supported by the support member 146, the seat cushion 101 can be held at a higher position (middle position).

[0051] (Variation 1) FIG. 12A shows Variation 1 of the support leg 170, bracket 145, and support member 146. The bracket 145 is a vertically long bracket and is welded to straddle the upper surface and rear surface of the rear connecting member 143. The left and right brackets 145 hold the strikers 164. The support member 146 corresponds to a support recess formed at the upper end of the bracket. The support leg 170 is a U-shaped rod-like member (pipe member), and the extending end (leg connecting portion 170c) of the support leg 170 engages with and is supported by the support member 146. Even in Variation 1, the support leg 170 is suitably supported by the support member 146, and the seat cushion 101 can be stably held.

[0052] (Variation 2) Fig. 12B shows Variation 2 of the support leg 170, bracket 145, and support member 146. The bracket 145 is a long bracket in the seat front-rear direction, welded to the upper surface of the rear connecting member 143, and protruding forward and rearward of the rear connecting member 143. The left and right brackets 145 hold strikers 164. The support member 146 corresponds to a support recess formed at the upper end of the bracket. The support leg 170 is a U-shaped rod-like member (pipe member) that engages with and is supported by the support member 146. Even in Variation 2, the support leg 170 is suitably supported by the support member 146, and the seat cushion 101 can be stably held.

[0053] 12C shows a third modification of the support leg 170 and the support member 146. In the third modification, the bracket 145 is not required, and the support leg 170 directly contacts the upper surface of the rear connecting member 143 and is supported by the rear connecting member 143. In other words, the upper surface of the rear connecting member 143 corresponds to the support portion 146 (support member). A curved surface portion 170f corresponding to the surface of the rear connecting member 143 is formed at the extending end of the support leg 170. The curved surface portion 170f engages with the rear connecting member 143, so that the support leg 170 is supported by the support portion 146 of the rear connecting member 143. Even in the third modification, the seat cushion 101 can be stably held by the support leg 170.

[0054] Third Embodiment Next, a vehicle seat S3 according to a third embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 13 to 16. Note that descriptions that overlap with those of the vehicle seats S1 and S2 described above will be omitted.

[0055] 13 to 15, the vehicle seat S3 includes a seat cushion 201, a seat back 202, a support base 240, a storage container 250, and a cushion rotation device 260. In this embodiment, the locking members 263 of the cushion rotation device 260 correspond to the support legs and have the function of the support legs. The seat cushion 201 includes a cushion frame 201a, a pad material 201b, a cover material 201c, and a recessed portion 201e.

[0056] As shown in Figure 14, the support base 240 includes left and right side bases 241, a front connecting member 242, a rear connecting member 243, a connecting bracket 244, a bracket 245, and a storage space 248. A plurality of strikers 264 are attached to the longitudinal center of the rear connecting member 243 via the left and right brackets 245. As shown in Figures 13 and 14, the cushion rotation device 260 includes a cushion rotation shaft 261, a rotation bracket 262, a locking member 263 (latch member), a striker 264, and a release strap 265.

[0057] The left and right brackets 245 are long in the vertical direction and are welded to straddle the upper and rear surfaces of the rear connecting member 243. The left and right brackets 245 hold a plurality of strikers 264 aligned in the vertical direction. The strikers 264 are arranged at predetermined intervals in the vertical direction. Each striker 264 is positioned above the rear connecting member 243 and is engageable with a locking member 263 of the cushion rotating device 260. As shown in FIG. 15 , an interference suppression portion (recess 201 e) is formed on the bottom surface of the seat cushion 201 to suppress interference with the left and right brackets 245.

[0058] As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 , the height of the seat cushion 201 relative to the support base 240 can be changed by engaging the locking member 263 with a predetermined striker 264. For example, as shown in FIG. 15 , the height of the seat cushion 201 can be lowered by engaging the locking member 263 with the striker 264 at the lowest position. At this time, the seat cushion 201 is in the "standard position," allowing an occupant to sit. Also, as shown in FIG. 16 , the height of the seat cushion 201 can be raised by engaging the locking member 263 with the striker 264 at the highest position. At this time, the seat cushion 201 is in the "intermediate position," allowing a relatively large load to be stored in the storage space 248. Alternatively, the seating surfaces of the seat cushion 201 and the seat back 202 can be arranged to be continuously flat. In other words, the height of the seat cushion 201 can be adjusted in stages.

[0059] The bracket 245 may be attached to the rear connecting member 243 so as to be slidable in the up and down direction. Alternatively, the bracket 245 may have an extension mechanism. This allows the height position of the striker 264 to be adjusted. This also eliminates the need to provide multiple strikers 264 at different height positions (one striker 264 is sufficient). In other words, the height position of the seat cushion 1 can be adjusted by changing the height position of the bracket 245.

[0060] Even in the above embodiment, it is possible to realize a vehicle seat that allows for optimal use of the storage space portion (storage space) provided below the seat cushion.

[0061] Fourth Embodiment Next, a vehicle seat S4 according to a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 17 and 18. Note that descriptions that overlap with the vehicle seats S1 to S3 described above will be omitted.

[0062] The vehicle seat S4 includes a seat cushion 301, a seat back 302, a support base 340, a container 350, a cushion rotation device 360, and support legs 370.

[0063] Left and right support portions 301f (support recesses) that support the support legs 370 from above are formed on the bottom surface of the center portion of the seat cushion 301 (cushion frame 301a). The support base 340 includes left and right side bases 341, a front connecting member 342, a rear connecting member 343, and a storage space 348. The cushion rotation device 360 ​​includes a cushion rotation shaft 361, a rotation bracket 362, a locking member 363 (latch member), a striker 364, and a release strap 365.

[0064] The support legs 370 are U-shaped leg members and are attached as a pair to the central portions of the left and right side bases 341. The support legs 370 may be stored in storage recesses formed in the upper surfaces of the side bases 341 or on the outer surfaces of the side bases 341. The support legs 370 are switchable between a "storage position" in which they are stored in the side bases 341 and a "protrusion position" in which they protrude upward from the side bases 341. Specifically, the support legs 370 are attached to the side bases 341 so as to be rotatable via leg rotation shafts 371. The support legs 370 protrude upward from the side bases 341 and abut against the support portions 301f of the seat cushion 301, thereby supporting the seat cushion 301 from below.

[0065] In the above embodiment, the seat cushion can be held in the intermediate position, and a vehicle seat can be realized that allows for optimal use of the storage space provided below the seat cushion.

[0066] <Method of Manufacturing Vehicle Seat> Next, a method of manufacturing the vehicle seat S1 will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 7. Note that in the method of manufacturing the vehicle seat S1, a description of manufacturing steps other than those described below will be omitted.

[0067] First, the seat cushion 1 is prepared, and the support base 40 is positioned so as to support the seat cushion 1 from below. Then, the cushion rotation device 60 is attached to the support base 40 so that the rear end of the seat cushion 1 can be rotated upward. At this time, the seat cushion 1 is configured to be switchable between a "reference position" where an occupant can sit and a "deployed position" in which the rear end of the seat cushion 1 is rotated upward from the reference position. When the seat cushion 1 is switched to the "deployed position," the storage space 48 provided in the support base 40 is exposed to the outside.

[0068] Then, support legs 70 for supporting the seat cushion 1 from below are attached to the bottom surface of the seat cushion 1. When the seat cushion 1 is positioned at a "rotation position" between the "reference position" and the "deployed position," the support legs 70 protrude from the bottom surface of the seat cushion 1 and support the seat cushion 1 from below.

[0069] The above manufacturing method makes it possible to realize a vehicle seat that allows for optimal use of the storage space provided below the seat cushion.

[0070] <Others> In the above embodiment, as shown in Fig. 1, the cushion rotation device 60 is configured to rotate the rear end of the seat cushion 1 upward relative to the support base 40, but this is not particularly limited. For example, the cushion rotation device 60 may rotate the front end of the seat cushion 1 upward. Alternatively, the cushion rotation device 60 may rotate the left end or the right end of the seat cushion 1 upward.

[0071] In the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the support legs 70 are provided on the bottom surface of the seat cushion 1, but this is not particularly limited, and they may be provided on the top surface of the support base 40.

[0072] In the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the storage container 50 (storage basket) is detachably attached to the center of the support base 40, but this is not particularly limited, and the storage container 50 may be omitted.

[0073] In the above embodiment, a vehicle seat (automobile seat) was described as a specific example, but the present invention is not limited to this and can be used as a seat for vehicles such as trains, buses, airplanes, ships, etc.

[0074] Fifth Embodiment Next, a vehicle seat S5 according to a fifth embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 19 to 23C. Description of content that overlaps with the vehicle seats S1 to S4 described above will be omitted.

[0075] The vehicle seat S5 realizes a seat that can appropriately support the support base provided in the lower portion of the seat back. Furthermore, the vehicle seat S5 realizes a seat that allows the support base and the components that support the support base to be compactly arranged. The same applies to the vehicle seats S6 to S8.

[0076] 19 , the vehicle seat S5 is a vehicle seat, for example, a front seat (also referred to as a front seat or a driver's seat) located at the front of the vehicle. The vehicle seat S5 includes a seat body having a seat cushion 401, a seat back 402, and a headrest 403, a slide rail device 410 that supports the seat body so that it can move back and forth relative to the vehicle floor, a height link device 420 that connects the seat body to the vehicle floor so that it can be raised and lowered, and a reclining device 430 that connects the seat back 402 so that it can rotatably move relative to the seat cushion 401. The vehicle seat S5 also includes a support base 460 attached to a lower portion of the seat back 402 and deployed rearward from the seat back 402, leg members 470 attached to the support base 460 and supporting the support base 460, and a locking device 480 that locks the deployment of the support base 460.

[0077] 23A to 23C, the vehicle seat S5 includes attachment members 440 (440A, 440B) provided on the rear surface of the lower portion of the seat back 402, and a rotation shaft 450 (450A, 450B) attached to the seat back 402 via the attachment members 440. The support base 460 is rotatably attached to the seat back 402 via the rotation shaft 450, and is configured to be switchable among a "reference position" shown in FIG. 20, a "first deployed position" shown in FIG. 21, and a "second deployed position" shown in FIG. 22.

[0078] 19, the seat cushion 401 is a seating portion that supports a seated occupant (passenger) from below and includes a cushion frame 401a as a framework, a padding material 401b placed on the cushion frame 401a, and a covering material 401c that covers the cushion frame 401a and the padding material 401b. The seat back 402 is a backrest portion that supports the seated occupant from behind and includes a back frame 402a as a framework, a padding material 402b, and a covering material 402c. The headrest 403 is a head portion that supports the seated occupant's head from behind.

[0079] 19 and 20 , the slide rail device 410 is disposed between the seat body and the vehicle floor in the vertical direction, and includes left and right lower rails 411 fixed to the vehicle floor and extending in the front-to-rear direction of the seat, left and right upper rails 412 supported slidably along the lower rails 411, a locking member 413 that locks the upper rails 412 to prevent them from sliding relative to the lower rails 411, and a rail operating lever (not shown) that releases the locked state of the locking member 413. The seat cushion 401 (cushion frame 401 a) is attached to the top surfaces of the left and right upper rails 412 via height link devices 420.

[0080] 19, the height link device 420 is attached between the slide rail device 410 and the seat cushion 401, and includes left and right first links 421 located on the front side of the seat, left and right second links 422 located on the rear side of the seat, a locking member (not shown) that locks the seat body so that it cannot be raised or lowered, and a height operation lever (not shown) that releases the locked state of the locking member. The height link device 420 can adjust the height of the seat body by, for example, using the second link 422 as a driving link.

[0081] As shown in Figures 19 and 20, the reclining device 430 includes a reclining body 431 that is driven when rotating the seat back 402 (back frame 402a), a back rotation shaft 432, a spiral spring 433 that urges the seat back 402 to rotate forward around the back rotation shaft 432, and a reclining operation lever (not shown) that is operated to release the locked state of the seat back 402.

[0082] The reclining body 431 has a known locking mechanism, and can switch the state of the seat back 402 between a locked state in which the seat back is fixed to the seat cushion 401 and an unlocked state in which the seat back is rotatable relative to the seat cushion 401. The back rotation shaft 432 is axially supported on the seat cushion 401 side and the seat back 402 side in the seat width direction. One end of the spiral spring 433 is anchored on the seat cushion 401 side, and the other end is anchored on the seat back 402 side.

[0083] As shown in Figures 23A to 23C, a first attachment member 440A that detachably holds a first pivot shaft 450A and a second attachment member 440B that detachably holds a second pivot shaft 450B are attached to the rear surface of the lower portion of the seat back 402 (back frame 402a). The attachment members 440A and 440B are attachment brackets that protrude rearward from the back frame 402a and sandwich the pivot shafts 450A and 450B from above and below. The first attachment member 440A is positioned lower than the second attachment member 440B.

[0084] The first rotation shaft 450A extends along the seat width direction and is a rotation shaft for rotating the support base 460 from the "reference position" shown in Fig. 23A to the "first deployed position" shown in Fig. 23B. The second rotation shaft 450B extends along the seat width direction and is a rotation shaft for rotating the support base 460 from the "reference position" shown in Fig. 23A to the "second deployed position" shown in Fig. 23C. In other words, the support base 460 is rotatably attached to the seat back 402 by multiple rotation shafts 450A, 450B and rotates around one rotation shaft as the rotation center.

[0085] The first rotating shaft 450A is disposed below the second rotating shaft 450B. The first rotating shaft 450A is disposed below the back rotating shaft 432 of the reclining device 430, and the second rotating shaft 450B is disposed above the back rotating shaft 432 of the reclining device 430.

[0086] As shown in FIGS. 19 to 23C , the support base 460 is a plate-shaped support member that is attached to the rear surface of the lower portion of the seat back 402 via an attachment member 440 and a rotation shaft 450. When the support base 460 is switched from the "reference position" shown in FIG. 20 to the "first deployed position" shown in FIG. 21 , the support base 460 is used as a footrest that supports the feet of an occupant (a passenger sitting in the rear seat). When the support base 460 is switched from the "reference position" shown in FIG. 20 to the "second deployed position" shown in FIG. 22 , the support base 460 is used as a support base. For example, the support base 460 is used as an auxiliary seat (auxiliary seat) on which an occupant sits. Alternatively, the support base 460 is used as a support base on which an object is placed.

[0087] As shown in Fig. 19, the support base 460 includes a plate-shaped support base main body 461 and left and right side members 462 fixed to both widthwise sides of the support base main body 461 and extending along the length of the support base main body 461. Left and right storage holes 463 are formed on the front (back) surface of the support base main body 461, penetrating the support base main body 461 in the thickness direction and for storing left and right leg members 470. A leg rotation shaft 464 extending along the width direction of the support base main body 461 is journaled at one end of the support base main body 461 in the lengthwise direction. Note that a holding member (e.g., a stopper) (not shown) for detachably holding the leg member 470 may be attached to the edge (peripheral portion) of the storage hole 463.

[0088] The side members 462 are rod-shaped members with a rectangular cross section, and are arranged so that the left and right side members 462 sandwich the support base main body 461. A first rotating shaft 450A is journaled at one end of the side members 462 in the longitudinal direction, and a second rotating shaft 450B is journaled at the other end of the side members 462. A predetermined gap is formed between the support base main body 461 and the first rotating shaft 450A, and a predetermined gap is also formed between the support base main body 461 and the second rotating shaft 450B.

[0089] As shown in FIGS. 21 and 23B , the support base 460 has a first support surface 461 a when switched from the "reference position" to the "first deployed position" by a rotational movement about the first rotation shaft 450A. As shown in FIG. 21 , the first support surface 461 a is arranged on the upper surface of the support base 460 as a support surface that supports the feet of an occupant (a passenger sitting in the rear seat). Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 22 and 23C , the support base 460 has a second support surface 461 b when switched from the "reference position" to the "second deployed position" by a rotational movement about the second rotation shaft 450B. As shown in FIG. 22 , the second support surface 461 b is arranged on the upper surface of the support base 460 as a seating surface for the occupant. In other words, the first support surface 461 a and the second support surface 461 b are surfaces that are located on opposite sides of each other in the thickness direction of the support base 460. Therefore, the support surface can be switched between the first function (function as a footrest) and the second function (function as an auxiliary seat), thereby increasing the convenience of the support base 460.

[0090] As shown in FIGS. 19 , 22 , and 23A to 23C , the leg member 470 is a leg (support leg) that supports the support base 460 from below and is rotatably attached to the support base 460 (support base main body 461) via a leg rotation shaft 464. The leg member 470 is configured to be switchable between a "storage position" in which it is stored in the support base 460 (storage hole portion 463) and a "support position" in which it protrudes from the support base 460 and supports the support base 460 from below. As shown in FIGS. 23A and 5B , when the leg member 470 is in the "storage position," the outer surface of the leg member 470 is positioned so as to be substantially flush with the outer surface of the support base 460 (strictly speaking, the second support surface 461b). Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 23C , when the leg member 470 is in the "support position," the leg member 470 extends downward, extending perpendicular to the support base 460. By increasing the thickness of the leg member 470, both surfaces of the leg member 470 in the thickness direction can be configured to be approximately flush with the first support surface 461a and the second support surface 461b, respectively.

[0091] The leg member 470 is a rod-shaped member (pipe member) with an extension mechanism, and includes a long leg body 471, a leg extension 472 that is retractably attached to the extended end of the leg body 471, and an extension mechanism 473 that extends and contracts to connect the leg extension 472 to the leg body 471. This allows the length of the leg member 470 to be adjusted appropriately in accordance with the height position of the support base 460. Note that the leg member 470 does not necessarily have to include the extension mechanism 473.

[0092] In the above configuration, as shown in FIGS. 23B and 23C , the leg members 470 are disposed at positions corresponding to the "first deployed position" and "second deployed position" of the support base 460. Specifically, when the support base 460 is in the "first deployed position" shown in FIG. 23B , the leg members 470 are housed in the housing holes 463 of the support base 460 and are not disposed at a position that supports the support base 460 from below. In other words, when the support base 460 is used as a footrest, the support force of the leg members 470 is not necessarily required, and by housing the leg members 470, space around the support base 460 is secured. Furthermore, when the support base 460 is in the "second deployed position" shown in FIG. 23C , the leg members 470 protrude from the support base 460 and are disposed at a position that supports the support base 460 from below. In other words, when the support base 460 is used as a supplementary seat, the support force of the leg members 470 is required, and the leg members 470 are disposed at the "support position." When the support base 460 is in the "first deployed position" shown in FIG. 23B, the leg members 470 may protrude slightly and support the support base 460 from below.

[0093] 23A to 23C, the locking device 480 has a first locking member 481 that locks the first pivot shaft 450A in a state where it is attached to the first attachment member 440A on the rear surface of the seat back 402, a second locking member 482 that locks the second pivot shaft 450B in a state where it is attached to the second attachment member 440B, and an unlocking member 483. The locking device 480 can switch the locked states of the first locking member 481 and the second locking member 482 by, for example, the occupant operating the unlocking member 483.

[0094] Specifically, when the support base 460 is moved from the "reference position" shown in FIG. 23A to the "first deployed position" shown in FIG. 23B, the locking device 480 locks the first rotating shaft 450A and unlocks the second rotating shaft 450B. Note that the "locked state" means a state in which the rotating shaft 450 is rotatable and is held in an unremovable state. This allows the support base 460 to rotate around the first rotating shaft 450A. Furthermore, when the support base 460 is moved from the "reference position" shown in FIG. 23A to the "second deployed position" shown in FIG. 23C, the locking device 480 unlocks the first rotating shaft 450A and locks the second rotating shaft 450B. This allows the support base 460 to rotate around the second rotating shaft 450B.

[0095] Note that the locking device 480 may lock the first rotating shaft 450A in an unrotatable state (which may be referred to as a second locked state) when the support base 460 is in the "first deployed position." By doing so, the locking device 480 can fix the support base 460 in the "first deployed position." Similarly, the locking device 480 may lock the second rotating shaft 450B in an unrotatable state (second locked state) when the support base 460 is in the "second deployed position."

[0096] As a result, it is possible to realize a vehicle seat S5 that can suitably support the support base 460 provided in the lower portion of the seat back 402. It is also possible to realize a vehicle seat S5 that allows the support base 460 and the leg members 470 to be arranged compactly. Furthermore, it is possible to realize a vehicle seat S5 that allows the support base 460 to be used as a footrest and an auxiliary seat.

[0097] Sixth Embodiment Next, a vehicle seat S6 according to a sixth embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 24 to 27B. Note that a description of the same content as in the vehicle seat S5 will be omitted.

[0098] 24, the vehicle seat S6 includes a seat cushion 501, a seat back 502, a support base 560 attached to a lower portion of the seat back 502 and deployed rearward from the seat back 502, leg members 570 supporting the support base 560, and a locking device 580 that locks the deployment movement of the support base 560. The vehicle seat S6 also includes a rail device 590 attached to the rear surface of the seat back 502, supporting the support base 560 so that it can move up and down, and locking the movement of the support base 560.

[0099] A first pivot shaft 550A and a second pivot shaft 550B are provided on the rear surface of the lower portion of the seat back 502 (back frame 502a). The first pivot shaft 550A is attached to the rear surface of the seat back 502 via a rail device 590. More specifically, the first pivot shaft 550A is attached to a base end of a connecting member 540 that connects the rail device 590 and the support base 560. In other words, the first pivot shaft 550A connects the rail device 590 and the connecting member 540. The second pivot shaft 550B is attached to an extending end of the connecting member 540. In other words, the second pivot shaft 550B connects the connecting member 540 and the support base 560.

[0100] The connecting member 540 is a rod-shaped member extending in the extension direction of the support base 560 and is arranged to sandwich the support base 560 from both sides. As shown in FIGS. 25A to 26B , a movement restricting member 541 that engages with the first engagement recess 565 or the second engagement recess 566 of the support base 560 is attached to the base end portion of the connecting member 540. The movement restricting member 541 is a member that restricts the rotational movement of the support base 560 and positions the support base 560 at the "first deployed position" or the second deployed position. The movement restricting members 541 are substantially cylindrical members that protrude from the inner surface of the connecting member 540 and are arranged in a pair on the left and right. Note that the movement restricting members 541 may be members that are elongated in the width direction of the support base 560.

[0101] The support base 560 is switchable among a "reference position" shown in FIG. 24, a "first deployed position" shown in FIGS. 25A and 25B, and a "second deployed position" shown in FIGS. 26A and 26B. When the support base 560 is in the "first deployed position," it is used as a footrest. When the support base 560 is in the "second deployed position," it is used as an auxiliary seat. When the support base 560 is in the "first deployed position" shown in FIG. 25A, the support base 560 is positioned at the lowest position, but this is not particularly limited. The support base 560 may be positioned slightly higher than the position shown in FIG. 25A. The same applies when the support base 560 is in the "second deployed position" shown in FIG. 26A, and the height position of the support base 560 may be slightly changed.

[0102] 25A to 26B, the support base 560 has a support base main body 561, left and right storage holes 563 formed through the support base main body 561 in the thickness direction, and leg rotation shafts 564 provided in the storage holes 563 and serving as rotation shafts for the leg members 570. A first engagement recess 565 and a second engagement recess 566 that engage with the movement restricting member 541 are formed at the base end and the extending end of the support base 560. As shown in FIG. 25B, a holding member 567 that detachably holds the movement restricting member 541 engaged with the first engagement recess 565 is attached to the base end of the support base 560. A holding member 567 is also attached to the extending end of the support base 560 (see FIG. 26B).

[0103] The leg member 570 is configured to be switchable between a "storage position" shown in Figures 25A and 25B and a "support position" shown in Figures 26A and 26B. The leg member 570 is a rod-shaped member having an extension and contraction mechanism, but may not have an extension and contraction mechanism.

[0104] The case where the support base 560 is in the "first deployed position" shown in FIGS. 25A and 25B will be described. When the support base 560 is in the "first deployed position," the leg members 570 are stored in the storage holes 563. The support base 560 is positioned so that its first support surface 561a faces upward. At this time, as shown in FIG. 25B , the movement restricting member 541 provided on the inner surface of the connecting member 540 engages from above with a first engagement recess 565 formed in the support base 560 (base end portion). The movement restricting member 541 is held by a holding member 567. This allows the movement restricting member 541 to support the support base 560 (base end portion of the support base 560) when the support base 560 is used as a footrest. In other words, the support base 560 used as a footrest can be suitably supported.

[0105] The case where the support base 560 is in the "second deployed position" shown in Figures 26A and 26B will be described. When the support base 560 is in the "second deployed position," the leg members 570 move to the "support position" and support the support base 560 from below. The support base 560 is positioned so that the second support surface 561b is the upper surface. More specifically, the support base 560 rotates 580 degrees around the second rotation shaft 550B, and the support surface (upper surface) of the support base 560 switches from the first support surface 561a to the second support surface 561b. At this time, as shown in Figure 26B, the movement restricting member 541 engages from below with the second engagement recess 566 formed on the support base 560 (extending end portion). The movement restricting member 541 is held by the holding member 567. This allows the movement restricting member 541 to support the support base 560 when the support base 560 is used as an auxiliary seat. That is, the support base 560 used as an auxiliary seat can be supported suitably.

[0106] The locking device 580 may lock the first rotating shaft 550A and the second rotating shaft 550B in an unrotatable state when the support base 560 is in the "first deployed position". Similarly, the locking device 580 may lock the first rotating shaft 550A and the second rotating shaft 550B in an unrotatable state when the support base 560 is in the "second deployed position".

[0107] 24, 27A, and 27B, rail device 590 is a device that moves support base 560 in the vertical direction. Rail device 590 is attached to the inside of the rear surface of seat back 502 and has fixed rails 591 that extend in the vertical direction, a slider 592 that is slidably attached to fixed rail 591 and supports support base 560, and a locking member 593 that fixes slider 592. A connecting member 540 is connected to slider 592 via a first rotating shaft 550A.

[0108] In the above configuration, as shown in Figures 27A and 27B, the seat back 502 has a fastener 504 attached to its upholstery material 502c and extending along a fixed rail 591. The fastener 504 is a double fastener and is configured to be able to open and close a portion of the rear surface of the seat back 502 in response to the up and down movement of the connecting member 540 and the support base 560. More specifically, the fasteners 504a and 504b are connected to sandwich the connecting member 540 from above and below. Therefore, the fasteners 504a and 504b can open and close in response to the up and down movement of the connecting member 540. As a result, the rail device 590 can be prevented from being exposed from the opening in the rear surface of the seat back 502.

[0109] Even in the above embodiment, it is possible to realize a vehicle seat S6 that can suitably support the support base 560 provided in the lower portion of the seat back 502. Furthermore, the support base 560 and the leg member 570 can be arranged compactly.

[0110] Seventh Embodiment Next, a vehicle seat S7 according to a seventh embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 28 and 29. Note that descriptions of the vehicle seats S5 and S6 described above will be omitted.

[0111] As shown in Figure 28, the vehicle seat S7 comprises a seat cushion 601, a seat back 602, a support base 660 attached to the lower portion of the seat back 602 and deployed rearward from the seat back 602, a plurality of leg members 670 supporting the support base 660, and a locking device 680 that locks the deployment operation of the support base 660.

[0112] The support base 660 is switched from a "reference position" (not shown) to a "first deployed position" (not shown) by rotating about the first rotating shaft 650A, and is used as a footrest (for example, similar to FIG. 20). The support base 660 is switched from the "reference position" to a "second deployed position" shown in FIG. 28 by rotating about the second rotating shaft 650B, and is used as an auxiliary seat.

[0113] The support base 660 has a support base main body 661, left and right side members 662, a plurality of storage recesses 663, and leg rotation shafts 664 attached to each of the storage recesses 663. The storage recesses 663 are recesses formed in the bottom surface of the support base main body 661, and a plurality of storage recesses 663 are formed at intervals in the width direction of the support base 660.

[0114] When the support base 660 is in the "reference position" and the "first deployed position", the leg members 670 are stored in the storage recesses 663. When the support base 660 is in the "second deployed position" shown in Fig. 28, the leg members 670 protrude from the storage recesses 663 and support the support base 660 from below.

[0115] In the above configuration, a plurality of leg members 670 (for example, four leg members 670) are configured to support the support base 660 from below. This allows the leg members 670 to more firmly support the support base 660 when the support base 660 is used as an auxiliary seat.

[0116] Even in the above embodiment, it is possible to realize the vehicle seat S7 that can suitably support the support base 660 provided in the lower portion of the seat back 602. Furthermore, the support base 660 and the leg member 670 can be arranged compactly.

[0117] Eighth Embodiment Next, a vehicle seat S8 according to an eighth embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 30 and 31. Note that descriptions that overlap with the vehicle seats S5 to S7 described above will be omitted.

[0118] The vehicle seat S8 includes a seat cushion 701, a seat back 702, a support base 760, leg members 770 that support the support base 760, and a locking device 780 that locks the deployment operation of the support base 760. The support base 760 is switchable among a "reference position," a "first deployed position" shown in FIG. 30, and a "second deployed position" shown in FIG. 31. The leg members 770 are rod-shaped members that have a link mechanism 771. The leg members 770 are switchable among a "storage position," a "first support position" shown in FIG. 30, and a "second support position" shown in FIG. 31.

[0119] As shown in FIG. 30 , the leg member 770 supports the support base 760 in the "first deployed position" from below by bending the link mechanism 771. Also, as shown in FIG. 31 , the leg member 770 supports the support base 760 in the "second deployed position" from below by tensioning the link mechanism 771. Note that the leg member 770 can be extended or retracted by an occupant manually operating the link mechanism 771, but this is not limited thereto. The link mechanism 771 may also be operated automatically by using a hydraulic cylinder or a drive motor.

[0120] Even in the above embodiment, it is possible to realize a vehicle seat S8 that can suitably support the support base 760 provided in the lower portion of the seat back 702. Furthermore, the support base 760 and the leg member 770 can be arranged compactly.

[0121] <Method of Manufacturing Vehicle Seat> Next, a method of manufacturing the vehicle seat S5 will be described with reference to Figures 19 to 23C. Note that in the method of manufacturing the vehicle seat S5, a description of manufacturing steps other than those described below will be omitted.

[0122] First, the seat back 402 is prepared, and the support base 460 is attached to the rear surface of the lower portion of the seat back 402. Specifically, the support base 460 is attached to the seat back 402 so as to be rotatable via rotation shafts 450A and 450B. At this time, the support base 460 is configured to be switchable between a "reference position" where it is disposed on the rear surface of the seat back 402 and a "deployed position" where it is deployed rearward from the seat back 402. Then, the leg members 470 are attached to the support base 460 so as to be rotatable relative to 460. At this time, the leg members 470 are configured to be switchable between a "storage position" where they are stored in the support base 460 and a "support position" where they protrude from the support base 460 and support the support base 460.

[0123] By the above manufacturing method, it is possible to manufacture the vehicle seat S5 that can suitably support the support base 460 provided in the lower portion of the seat back 402.

[0124] <Others> In the above embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 20 to 22 , the support base 460 is switchable from the "reference position" to the "first deployed position" and the "second deployed position." However, this is not particularly limited, and the support base 460 may be switchable to only one of the deployed positions. In that case, there may be only one rotation shaft 450. If the support base 460 is configured to be switchable only from the "reference position" to the "first deployed position," it is preferable that the leg members 470 protrude so as to support the support base 460 when the support base 460 is in the "first deployed position" (it is preferable that the leg members 470 are in the "support position"). In other words, even when the support base 460 is used as a footrest, the leg members 470 may protrude from the support base 460 and support the support base 460.

[0125] <Notes on Vehicle Seats of Fifth to Eighth Embodiments> The vehicle seat described above may include a seat back, a support base provided on a rear surface of a lower portion of the seat back and rotatably attached to the seat back via a rotation shaft, and leg members provided on the support base and rotatably attached to the support base to support the support base. The support base may be configured to be switchable between a reference position at the rear surface of the seat back and a deployed position in which the support base is deployed rearward from the seat back, and the leg members may be configured to be switchable between a storage position in which the support base is stored in the support base and a support position in which the leg members protrude from the support base and support the support base. As described above, the vehicle seat includes the support base and the leg members rotatably attached to the support base and support the support base. This allows for a vehicle seat that can optimally support the support base provided on the lower portion of the seat back. The leg members may be configured to be switchable between a storage position in which the support base is stored in the support base and a support position in which the leg members protrude from the support base and support the support base. Therefore, the support base and the support legs can be arranged compactly in the lower portion of the seat back.

[0126] In this case, the vehicle seat may include a seat cushion and a reclining device that rotatably connects the seat back to the seat cushion and locks the rotation of the seat back, and the rotation axis is preferably located above the back rotation axis of the reclining device. With the above configuration, the support base can be deployed at a relatively high position behind the seat cushion. Therefore, the support base can also be used as a storage stand, for example. Furthermore, by providing the leg members as described above, the support base can be appropriately supported when the support base is switched from the standard position to the deployed position.

[0127] In this case, the support base may be configured to be switchable between the reference position, a first deployed position where it is deployed from the reference position to support the feet of an occupant positioned rearward of the vehicle seat, and a second deployed position where it is further deployed from the first deployed position to serve as a support base. With this configuration, the support base can be used as a footrest to support the feet of the occupant when in the first deployed position, and as a support base when in the second deployed position. For example, the support base can be used as a support base for placing objects or a support base for the occupant to sit on.

[0128] In this case, the support base may be attached to the seat back so as to be rotatable about a first rotation axis serving as the rotation axis and a second rotation axis, and the support base may have a first support surface when switched from the reference position to the first deployed position by rotation about the first rotation axis, and may have a second support surface located on the opposite side to the first support surface when switched from the reference position to the second deployed position by rotation about the second rotation axis. This configuration allows the first and second support surfaces to be switched, thereby improving the convenience of the support base. For example, the support base may be used as a footrest or for another purpose.

[0129] In this case, it is preferable that the leg members are stored in storage holes formed in the support base when in the stored position, the leg members are attached to the support base so as to be rotatable about leg rotation shafts provided in the storage holes, and the leg members are configured to be rotatable about the leg rotation shafts corresponding to the first and second deployed positions of the support base. With the above configuration, the leg members can be rotated corresponding to the deployed positions of the support base, and the support base can be supported by the leg members.

[0130] In this case, the first rotation shaft and the second rotation shaft are preferably attached to the seat back, the first rotation shaft is disposed at a position lower than the second rotation shaft, and the first rotation shaft and the second rotation shaft are preferably detachably attached to a first attachment member and a second attachment member provided on the seat back, respectively. By providing different rotation shafts in the vertical direction as described above, the support base can be suitably rotated and deployed depending on the purpose of use (the support base can be deployed to different height positions).

[0131] In this case, the seat back may include a locking device having a first locking member that locks the first pivot shaft when attached to the first mounting member and a second locking member that locks the second pivot shaft when attached to the second mounting member, and the locking device may switch the locking states of the first locking member and the second locking member. By including the locking device as described above, the support base can be suitably deployed from the reference position to the first deployed position or the second deployed position. For example, when deploying from the reference position to the first deployed position, the first pivot shaft may be locked and the second pivot shaft may be set to be removable from the seat back.

[0132] In this case, it is preferable that the first pivot shaft is attached to the seat back, the second pivot shaft is attached to a connecting member that connects the seat back and the support base, and a movement restricting member that restricts the pivoting movement of the support base and positions the support base at the first deployed position or the second deployed position is attached to the connecting member. By providing the movement restricting member as described above, it is possible to appropriately position and fix the support base that has been deployed from the reference position.

[0133] In this case, a first engaging portion and a second engaging portion that engage with the movement restricting member may be provided at the base end and the extending end of the support base, respectively, and the first engaging portion may engage with the movement restricting member when the support base is in the first deployed position, and the second engaging portion may engage with the movement restricting member when the support base is in the second deployed position. By providing the movement restricting member and the engaging portions (first engaging portion, second engaging portion) as described above, the support base can be more suitably positioned and fixed.

[0134] In this case, the seat back may further include a rail device attached to the rear surface of the seat back, supporting the support base so that it can move up and down, and locking the movement of the support base. The rail device may include a fixed rail attached to the rear surface of the seat back and extending up and down, and a slider slidably attached to the fixed rail and supporting the support base. The seat back may also include a fastener attached to the rear surface of the seat back and extending along the fixed rail, the fastener being configured to open and close a portion of the rear surface of the seat back in response to the up and down movement of the support base. The provision of the rail device as described above allows the support base to move up and down. Furthermore, the provision of a fastener (e.g., a double fastener) as described above prevents the rail device (a portion of the rail device) from being exposed from the rear surface of the seat back.

[0135] In the above embodiment, a vehicle seat according to the present invention has been mainly described. However, the above embodiment is merely an example for facilitating understanding of the present invention and does not limit the present invention. The present invention may be modified or improved without departing from the spirit thereof, and of course, the present invention includes equivalents thereof.

[0136] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS <First embodiment> S1 Vehicle seat (vehicle seat) 1 Seat cushion 1a Cushion frame (cushion plate) 1b Pad material 1c Cover material 1d Storage recess 2 Seat back 2a Back frame 2b Pad material 2c Cover material 3 Headrest 10 Slide rail device 11 Lower rail 12 Upper rail 13 Lock member 20 Height link device 21 First link 22 Second link 30 Reclining device 31 Reclining body 32 Rotating shaft 33 Spiral spring 40 Support base 41 Side base 42 Front connecting member 43 Rear connecting member (connecting member) 44 Connecting bracket 45 Bracket 46 Support member 46a Support body portion 46b Positioning member 47 Leg lock member 48 Storage space portion 50 Storage container 51 Container body 52 Container flange DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 60 Cushion pivoting device 61 Cushion pivoting shaft 62 Pivoting bracket 63 Locking member 64 Striker 65 Release strap 70 Support leg 70a Leg body 70b Leg extension 70c Leg connecting portion 70d Telescopic mechanism 70e Fixing member 71 Leg pivoting shaft 72 Biasing spring (biasing member) 73 Restricting member <Second embodiment> S2 Vehicle seat (vehicle seat) 101 Seat cushion 102 Seat back 140 Support base 141 Side base 142 Front connecting member 143 Rear connecting member (connecting member) 144 Connecting bracket 145 Bracket 146 Support member, support portion 146a First support portion 146b Second support portion 148 Storage space portion 150 Storage container 160 Cushion pivoting device 161 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS Cushion rotation shaft 162 Rotating bracket 163 Locking member 164 Striker 165 Release strap 170 Support leg 170c Leg connecting portion 170f Curved surface portion 171 Leg rotation shaft 180 Control device (control unit) 185 Detection sensor (detection unit) <Third embodiment> S3 Vehicle seat 201 Seat cushion 201a Cushion frame 201b Pad material 201c Cover material 201e Recessed portion (interference suppression portion) 202 Seat back 240 Support base 241 Side base 242 Front connecting member243 Rear connecting member (connecting member) 244 Connecting bracket 245 Bracket 248 Storage space 250 Storage container 260 Cushion rotating device 261 Cushion rotating shaft 262 Rotating bracket 263 Locking member 264 Striker 265 Release strap <Fourth embodiment> S4 Vehicle seat (vehicle seat) 301 Seat cushion 301a Cushion frame 301f Support portion (support member) 302 Seat back 340 Support base 341 Side base 342 Front connecting member 343 Rear connecting member (connecting member) 348 Storage space 350 Storage container 360 Cushion rotating device 361 Cushion rotating shaft 362 Rotating bracket 363 Locking member 364 Striker 365 Release strap 370 Support leg 371 Leg pivot shaft <Fifth embodiment> S5 Vehicle seat (vehicle seat) 401 Seat cushion 401a Cushion frame 401b, 402b Pad material 401c, 402c Cover material 402 Seat back 402a Back frame 403 Headrest 410 Slide rail device 411 Lower rail 412 Upper rail 413 Lock member 420 Height link device 421 First link 422 Second link 430 Reclining device 431 Reclining body 432 Pivoting shaft 433 Spiral spring 440, 440A First mounting member 440B Second mounting member 450, 450A First pivot shaft 450B Second pivot shaft 460 Support base 461 Support base body 461a First support surface 461b Second support surface 462 Side member 463 Storage hole portion 464 Leg pivot shaft 470 Leg member 471 Leg body portion 472 Leg extension portion 473 Extension mechanism 480 Locking device 481 First locking member 482 Second locking member 483 Lock release member Sixth embodiment S6 Vehicle seat (vehicle seat) 501 Seat cushion 502 Seat back 502a Back frame 502b Pad material 502c Cover material 504 Fastener (double fastener) 504a First fastener 504b Second fastener 540 Connecting member 541 Movement restricting member 550A First pivot shaft 550B Second pivot shaft560 Support base 561 Support base main body 561a First support surface 561b Second support surface 563 Storage hole portion 564 Leg rotation shaft 565 First engagement recess (first engagement portion) 566 Second engagement recess (second engagement portion) 567 Holding member 570 Leg member 580 Locking device 590 Rail device 591 Fixed rail 592 Slider 593 Locking member <Seventh embodiment> S7 Vehicle seat 601 Seat cushion 602 Seat back 650A First rotation shaft 650B Second rotation shaft 660 Support base 661 Support base main body 662 Side member 663 Storage hole portion 664 Leg rotation shaft 670 Leg member 680 Locking device <Eighth embodiment> S8 Vehicle seat (vehicle seat) 701 seat cushion 702 seat back 750 pivot shaft 760 support base 770 leg member 771 link mechanism 780 locking device

Claims

1. A vehicle seat equipped with a seat cushion, comprising: a support base that supports the seat cushion from below; a cushion rotation device that rotates one end of the seat cushion in the front-to-rear or width direction upward relative to the support base; and support legs that are provided on a bottom surface of the seat cushion or an upper surface of the support base and support the seat cushion from below, wherein the seat cushion is configured to be switchable between a standard position where an occupant can be seated and an expanded position in which the one end of the seat cushion is rotated upward from the standard position to expose a storage space provided in the support base, and the support legs protrude from the bottom surface of the seat cushion or the upper surface of the support base and support the seat cushion from below when the seat cushion is located at a rotation position between the standard position and the expanded position.

2. The vehicle seat described in claim 1, characterized in that the support legs are provided on a bottom surface of the seat cushion, the bottom surface of the seat cushion is formed with a storage recess in which the support legs can be stored, the support legs are configured to be switchable between a storage position stored in the storage recess and a protruding position protruding from the bottom surface of the seat cushion, and when the support legs are in the protruding position, the support legs abut against the support base to support the seat cushion from below.

3. The vehicle seat described in claim 2, characterized in that the cushion rotating device is attached to the support base and rotates the rear end of the seat cushion upward relative to the support base, the support base is arranged on the left and right sides in the width direction of the seat and has left and right side bases extending in the front-to-rear direction of the seat, a connecting member connecting rear portions of the left and right side bases, and a support member provided on the connecting member for supporting the support leg, and when the support leg is in the protruding position, the support leg abuts against the support member to support the seat cushion from below.

4. A vehicle seat as described in claim 3, characterized in that the support leg is attached to the seat cushion so as to be rotatable via a leg pivot shaft, and the support member supporting the support leg is positioned rearward of the leg pivot shaft.

5. A vehicle seat as described in claim 3, characterized in that the support member has a plate-shaped support main body portion and a positioning member attached to the support main body portion for positioning the support leg, and the positioning member positions the support leg with the support leg in contact with the support main body portion.

6. The vehicle seat according to claim 3, wherein a biasing member is attached to the underside of the seat cushion for biasing the support legs from the stored position side to the extended position side.

7. The vehicle seat described in claim 2, characterized in that the support leg is attached to the seat cushion so as to be rotatable via a leg pivot shaft, and a regulating member for regulating the rotation of the support leg is attached to the leg pivot shaft or a peripheral portion of the leg pivot shaft on the underside of the seat cushion, and the regulating member regulates the rotation of the support leg when the support leg is rotated to the protruding position.

8. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, characterized in that the support legs have an extension mechanism for extending or shortening the length of the support legs, and a fixing member for fixing the support legs in a predetermined extended position.

9. The vehicle seat as described in claim 1, further comprising: a detection unit that detects when the support leg is in contact with the support base; and a control unit that receives the detection result from the detection unit and notifies the user that the support leg is in contact with the support base.

10. The vehicle seat described in claim 1, characterized in that the cushion rotating device is attached to the support base and rotates the rear end of the seat cushion upward relative to the support base, the support base is arranged on the left and right sides in the seat width direction and has left and right side bases extending in the front-to-rear direction of the seat, and the support legs are attached to the side bases so as to be rotatable via leg rotation shafts, and protrude from the upper surface of the side bases and abut against support members formed on the seat cushion, thereby supporting the seat cushion from below.

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