Vehicle seat

Abstract

Provided is a vehicle seat including a drive unit that can unlock a plurality of locking devices and allows for size reduction.　A vehicle seat (S) including a first seat (S1) and a second seat (S2) comprises: a first locking device (15) that locks a first portion (12) of the first seat (S1); a second locking device (25) that locks a second portion (22) of the second seat; a drive unit (40) that unlocks the first portion (12) locked by the first locking device 15 and the second portion (22) locked by the second locking device (25); a first pull member (14) that connects the drive unit (40) and the first locking device (15); and a second pull member (24) that connects the drive unit (40) and the second locking device (25). The drive unit (40) is provided with a pulling unit (42) that pulls the first pull member (14) by rotation in one direction to unlock the first locking device (15), and pulls the second pull member (24) by rotation in the other direction to unlock the second locking device (25).

Description

Vehicle seats

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle seat, and more particularly to a vehicle seat having a drive unit.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a structure in which driving forces from two motors are transmitted to locking devices for seat backs arranged on the left and right sides of a rear seat to unlock the seat backs. Patent Document 2 discloses a structure in which two seat backs are moved and stored separately using a single motorized actuator.

[0003] JP 2004-203353 A JP 2010-155582 A

[0004] The seat described in Patent Document 1 uses two motors to unlock the two seat locking devices, which increases the number of components and may increase manufacturing costs. Therefore, it is desirable to reduce the number of drive units, such as motors and actuators, or the number of drive unit components. Furthermore, the structure described in Patent Document 2 uses an electromagnetic clutch to switch between transmitting the drive force of one actuator to two seat backs, which may increase the size of the structure.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and its object is to provide a vehicle seat that can release locks from multiple locking devices and has a drive unit that can be made compact.

[0006] The above problem is solved by the vehicle seat of the present invention, which is a vehicle seat having a first seat and a second seat, comprising: a first locking device that locks a first portion of the first seat; a second locking device that locks a second portion of the second seat; a drive unit that unlocks the first portion by the first locking device and the second portion by the second locking device; a first towed member that connects the drive unit and the first locking device; and a second towed member that connects the drive unit and the second locking device, wherein the drive unit comprises a pulling part that pulls the first towed member by rotating in one direction to unlock the first locking device, and pulls the second towed member by rotating in the other direction to unlock the second locking device.

[0007] According to the vehicle seat of the present invention configured as described above, by changing the rotation direction in which the first towed member is pulled and the rotation direction in which the second towed member is pulled, it is possible to unlock the first locking device and the second locking device with a single drive unit. Therefore, it is possible to provide a vehicle seat that can unlock multiple locking devices and has a drive unit that can be made compact.

[0008] In the above configuration, the towing unit may have a rotating pulley to which the first towed member and the second towed member are attached. By having the towing unit have a rotating pulley to which the first towed member and the second towed member are attached, a drive unit that can unlock multiple locking devices with a simple structure can be realized.

[0009] In the above configuration, the vehicle may further include a seat cushion, a first seat back that supports the back of an occupant seated on the first seat, and a second seat back that supports the back of an occupant seated on the second seat, wherein the first portion is the first seat back, the second portion is the second seat back, and the drive unit is disposed on the seat cushion forward of a center of the seat cushion in a seat front-rear direction. In a drive unit having a rotating pulley, the first towed member and the second towed member extend outward from the same side of the drive unit. However, by disposing the drive unit forward of the center of the seat cushion, a distance for bending the first towed member and the second towed member to connect the first towed member to the first locking device and the second towed member to the second locking device can be secured.

[0010] In the above configuration, the seat cushion may have a lateral hanging groove extending in the seat width direction, and the drive unit may be disposed on the seat cushion forward of the lateral hanging groove. In a drive unit having a rotating pulley, the first towed member and the second towed member extend outward from the same side of the drive unit. However, by disposing the drive unit forward of the lateral hanging groove, a distance for bending the first towed member and the second towed member to connect the first towed member to the first locking device and the second towed member to the second locking device can be secured.

[0011] In the above configuration, the seat cushion may be provided with an occupancy detection switch that detects the presence of an occupant on the first seat or the second seat, and the drive unit may be disposed on the seat cushion forward of the occupancy detection switch. In a drive unit having a rotating pulley, the first towed member and the second towed member extend outward from the same side of the drive unit. However, by disposing the drive unit forward of the occupancy detection switch, a distance for bending the first towed member and the second towed member to connect the first towed member to the first locking device and the second towed member to the second locking device can be secured.

[0012] In the above configuration, the towing unit may have a rack to which the first towed member and the second towed member are attached and which slides in a predetermined direction. By having the towing unit have a rack to which the first towed member and the second towed member are attached and which slides in a predetermined direction, a drive unit that can unlock multiple locking devices with a simple structure can be realized.

[0013] In the above configuration, the vehicle may further include a seat cushion, a first seat back that supports the back of an occupant seated on the first seat, and a second seat back that supports the back of an occupant seated on the second seat, the first portion being the first seat back, the second portion being the second seat back, and the drive unit being disposed on the seat cushion rearward of a center of the seat cushion in a seat front-rear direction. In a drive unit having a rack, the first towed member and the second towed member extend outward from different sides of the drive unit, but by disposing the drive unit rearward of the center of the seat cushion in a seat front-rear direction, the lengths of the first towed member and the second towed member can be shortened.

[0014] In the above configuration, the seat cushion may have a lateral hanging groove extending in the seat width direction, and the drive unit may be disposed rearward of the lateral hanging groove on the seat cushion. In a drive unit having a rack, the first towed member and the second towed member extend outward from different sides of the drive unit. However, by disposing the drive unit rearward of the lateral hanging groove, the lengths of the first towed member and the second towed member can be shortened.

[0015] In the above configuration, the seat cushion may be provided with an occupancy detection switch that detects the presence of an occupant on the first seat or the second seat, and the drive unit may be disposed on the seat cushion behind the occupancy detection switch. In a drive unit having a rack, the first towed member and the second towed member extend outward from different sides of the drive unit, but by disposing the drive unit behind the occupancy detection switch, the lengths of the first towed member and the second towed member can be shortened.

[0016] In the above configuration, the vehicle may include a seat cushion, a first seatback that supports the back of an occupant seated in the first seat, and a second seatback that supports the back of an occupant seated in the second seat, the first part being the first seatback, the first locking device being a first reclining locking device that locks the rotation of the first seatback relative to the seat cushion, and the second locking device being a second reclining locking device that locks the rotation of the second seatback relative to the seat cushion. A single drive unit can unlock the first seatback by the first reclining locking device and the second seatback by the second reclining locking device.

[0017] Furthermore, in the above configuration, the seat cushion may include a first seat cushion that supports the buttocks of an occupant seated on the first seat, a second seat cushion that supports the buttocks of an occupant seated on the second seat, a first slide device that slides the first seat cushion in the seat fore-and-aft direction, and a second slide device that slides the second seat cushion in the seat fore-and-aft direction, wherein the first slide device has a first fixed-side rail fixed to a floor surface of the vehicle and a first movable-side rail attached to the first seat cushion and sliding on the first fixed-side rail, the first locking device is a first slide rail locking device that locks the sliding of the first movable-side rail relative to the first fixed-side rail, and the second slide device has a second fixed-side rail fixed to the floor surface of the vehicle and a second movable-side rail attached to the second seat cushion and sliding on the second fixed-side rail, and the second locking device is a second slide rail locking device that locks the sliding of the second movable-side rail relative to the second fixed-side rail. A single drive unit can release the lock by the first slide rail locking device and the lock by the second slide rail locking device.

[0018] According to the vehicle seat of the present invention, by changing the rotation direction of the first towed member and the rotation direction of the second towed member, a single drive unit can unlock the first locking device and the second locking device. Therefore, a vehicle seat can be provided that is capable of unlocking multiple locking devices and includes a compact drive unit. Furthermore, by having the tow unit include a rotating pulley to which the first towed member and the second towed member are attached, a drive unit that can unlock multiple locking devices with a simple structure can be realized. Furthermore, in a drive unit with a rotating pulley, the first towed member and the second towed member extend outward from the same side of the drive unit. However, by locating the drive unit forward of the center of the seat cushion, a distance can be secured for bending the first towed member and the second towed member to connect the first towed member to the first locking device and the second towed member to the second locking device. Furthermore, by arranging the drive unit forward of the lateral hanging groove, the first and second towed members can bend over a sufficient distance to connect the first towed member to the first locking device and the second towed member to the second locking device. By arranging the drive unit forward of the seat occupancy detection switch, the first and second towed members can bend over a sufficient distance to connect the first towed member to the first locking device and the second towed member to the second locking device. Furthermore, by having a rack on the tow unit to which the first and second towed members are attached and which slides in a predetermined direction, a drive unit capable of unlocking multiple locking devices can be realized with a simple structure. Furthermore, in a drive unit with a rack, the first and second towed members extend outward from different sides of the drive unit. However, by arranging the drive unit rearward of the center of the seat cushion in the front-to-rear direction, the lengths of the first and second towed members can be shortened. Furthermore, in a drive unit having a rack, the first towed member and the second towed member extend outward from different sides of the drive unit, but by positioning the drive unit rearward of the lateral hanging groove, the length of the first towed member and the second towed member can be shortened.Furthermore, in a drive unit having a rack, the first and second towed members extend outward from different sides of the drive unit, but by locating the drive unit behind the seat occupancy detection switch, the lengths of the first and second towed members can be shortened. Furthermore, a single drive unit can unlock the first seat back locked by the first reclining locking device and the second seat back locked by the second reclining locking device. Furthermore, a single drive unit can unlock the first slide rail locking device and the second slide rail locking device.

[0019] 3. A perspective view showing the appearance of a vehicle seat of a first embodiment. A perspective view showing a frame of the vehicle seat. A top view, as viewed from above, schematically showing the configuration of the vehicle seat. A cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in FIG. 3. A bottom view of the seat cushion, as viewed from below. A cross-sectional view taken along line B-B in FIG. 3. A cross-sectional view taken along line C-C in FIG. 3. A cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a drive unit having a rotating pulley. A top view, as viewed from above, schematically showing the configuration of a vehicle seat of a second embodiment. A cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a drive unit having a rack. A front view, as viewed from the front, schematically showing the configuration of a vehicle seat of a third embodiment. A front view, as viewed from the front, schematically showing the configuration of a vehicle seat of a fourth embodiment. A top view, as viewed from above, schematically showing the configuration of a vehicle seat of a fifth embodiment. A top view, as viewed from above, schematically showing the configuration of a vehicle seat of a sixth embodiment. A top view, as viewed from above, schematically showing the configuration of a vehicle seat of a seventh embodiment. Fig. 10 is a front view, seen from the front, schematically showing the configuration of a vehicle seat of an eighth embodiment. Fig. 11 is a front view, seen from the front, schematically showing the configuration of a vehicle seat of a ninth embodiment. Fig. 12 is a front view, seen from the front, schematically showing the configuration of a vehicle seat of a tenth embodiment. Fig. 13 is a perspective view showing a state in which a joint portion is temporarily fastened to a cover. Fig. 14 is a perspective view showing another example of a state in which a joint portion is temporarily fastened to a cover.

[0020] <<First Example>> The configuration of a vehicle seat according to one embodiment of the present invention (first example) will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, the embodiment described below is an example to facilitate understanding of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. In other words, the present invention may be modified or improved without departing from the spirit thereof, and of course, equivalents thereof are also included in the present invention.

[0021] In the following, a vehicle seat mounted on a vehicle will be taken as an example of a vehicle seat, and an example configuration thereof will be described. In the following description, the "front-rear direction" refers to the front-rear direction of the vehicle seat, which is the direction that coincides with the direction of travel when the vehicle is traveling. The "seat width direction" refers to the width direction of the vehicle seat, which is the direction that coincides with the left-right direction as seen by an occupant seated in the vehicle seat. The "up-down direction" refers to the up-down direction of the vehicle seat, which is the direction that coincides with the vertical direction when the vehicle is traveling on a horizontal plane.

[0022] In the following description, when various directions are described with the word "seat" added, such as "seat width direction" and "seat height direction," they refer to directions relative to the vehicle seat, and when directions are described with the word "vehicle" added, such as "inside of the vehicle" and "outside of the vehicle," they refer to directions relative to the vehicle. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, the shape, position, and posture of each part of the vehicle seat described below will be described assuming that the vehicle seat is in an occupied state.

[0023] <Basic Structure of Vehicle Seat S> The basic structure of a vehicle seat according to this embodiment (hereinafter referred to as vehicle seat S) will be described with reference to Figs. 1 and 2. Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing the exterior of the vehicle seat S. In Fig. 1, for convenience of illustration, a portion of the vehicle seat S is shown with the cover T removed. Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing a frame F provided inside the vehicle seat S.

[0024] The vehicle seat S is a seat that is placed on the floor of a vehicle and in which a vehicle occupant can sit. In this embodiment, the vehicle seat S is used as a rear seat corresponding to the rear seat of the vehicle. However, the vehicle seat S is not limited to this, and may be a front seat of the vehicle, or may be used as a middle seat in the second row or a rear seat in the third row in a vehicle that has three rows of seats in the front-to-rear direction.

[0025] As shown in Fig. 1 , the vehicle seat S is a bench seat capable of seating two occupants, and includes a first seat S1 on the right side of the vehicle seat S where the occupant sits, and a second seat S2 on the left side of the vehicle seat S where the occupant sits. The vehicle seat S includes a seat cushion 1 that supports the buttocks of the occupant. In the vehicle seat S of the first embodiment, a portion that serves as the seat cushion of the first seat S1 (sometimes referred to as a seat cushion portion) and a portion that serves as the seat cushion of the second seat S2 are integrally formed as the seat cushion 1. However, this is just one example, and the first seat S1 and the second seat S2 may each be provided with a separate seat cushion.

[0026] The vehicle seat S also includes a first seatback 12 that supports the back of a right-side occupant and a second seatback 22 that supports the back of a left-side occupant. The vehicle seat S also includes a first headrest 13 that is disposed above the first seatback 12 and supports the head of the occupant, and a second headrest 23 that is disposed above the second seatback 22 and supports the head of the occupant. The seat cushion 1 and the first seatback 12 are connected to each other via a first reclining device 17 (see FIG. 2 ). The seat cushion 1 and the second seatback 22 are connected to each other via a second reclining device 27. A sliding device 8 is provided below the seat cushion 1, and the sliding device 8 allows the vehicle seat S to be placed on the vehicle floor surface in a state where it can slide in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle.

[0027] 2, a frame F is provided inside the vehicle seat S, and the frame F is mainly composed of a cushion frame 30 and a back frame 31. The cushion frame 30 forms the framework of the seat cushion 1, and the back frame 31 forms the framework of the first seat back 12 and the second seat back 22.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 2 , the cushion frame 30 of the frame F has a generally rectangular frame-like outer shape. The cushion frame 30 has a pair of cushion side frames 30a that respectively define the left and right ends of the cushion frame 30 in the seat width direction. The pair of cushion side frames 30a are spaced apart in the left-right direction and extend in the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle to define the width of the cushion frame 30. A front pipe 30b that connects the pair of cushion side frames 30a is attached to the front end, and a rear pipe 30d is attached to the rear end. A connecting pipe 30c that connects the pair of cushion side frames 30a is provided between the front pipe 30b and the rear pipe 30d. The cushion frame 30 also has a pressure-receiving portion (not shown) that spans between the front pipe 30b and the rear pipe 30d.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 2 , each of the back frames 31 forming the framework of the first seat back 12 and the second seat back 22 is formed of a rectangular frame. Each back frame 31 has a pair of back side frames 31a arranged on the left and right in the seat width direction. The back frame 31 also has an upper frame 31b connecting the upper ends of the pair of back side frames 31a and a lower frame 31c connecting the lower ends of the pair of back side frames 31a. A pressure-receiving portion 32 is provided between the pair of back side frames 31a. The upper frame 31b of the back frame 31 also has a headrest guide holding portion 31d that supports a headrest pillar 33 extending from the first headrest 13 or the second headrest 23.

[0030] The seat cushion 1 is constructed by disposing a pad P for the seat cushion 1 on a cushion frame 30 and further covering the pad P with a cushion skin T. The first seat back 12 and the second seat back 22 are constructed by disposing a pad P for the seat back on a back frame 31 and covering it with a seat back skin T.

[0031] The pad P of the seat cushion 1 is composed of two layers of padding material with different hardness. Specifically, a soft urethane pad 51 is placed on the seating surface side, and a harder EPP (expanded polypropylene) 52 is placed on the back layer side (see Figure 4). This configuration of the pad P maintains rigidity while improving seating comfort. The cover T is made of cloth, film, leather, sheet, etc. The cover T is attached so as to cover the pad P with a predetermined tension applied.

[0032] 1, a horizontal hanging groove 1a extending in the seat width direction is provided on the seating surface of the seat cushion 1. In other words, the horizontal hanging groove 1a is provided so as to cross the seat cushion portion of the first seat S1 and the seat cushion portion of the second seat S2.

[0033] In addition, a first occupancy detection switch 16 that detects the presence of an occupant sitting on the first seat S1 and a second occupancy detection switch 26 that detects the presence of an occupant sitting on the second seat S2 are provided on the seating surface of the seat cushion 1. The first occupancy detection switch 16 and the second occupancy detection switch 26 are configured, for example, by pressure sensors that detect the load applied by the occupant. As shown in Figure 1, the first occupancy detection switch 16 and the second occupancy detection switch 26 are arranged at approximately the same position in the front-to-rear direction of the seat.

[0034] As described above, the seat cushion 1 and the first seatback 12 are connected via the first reclining device 17. The first reclining device 17 allows the first seatback 12 to rotate relative to the seat cushion 1, making its tilt angle adjustable. The rotation of the first reclining device 17 is locked by a first reclining locking device 17a. The first reclining locking device 17a corresponds to the first locking device 15 of the present invention.

[0035] For example, as shown in Figure 1, a striker 63 extending from the vehicle body side wall W is held by the first reclining lock device 17a, thereby locking the first seat back 12 from rotating in the fore-and-aft direction. The locked state of the first reclining lock device 17a can be released by pulling a first cable 14 extending from the first reclining lock device 17a. The first cable 14 connects the first reclining lock device 17a to a drive unit 40 (described later), and is pulled when the drive unit 40 is driven. The first cable 14 corresponds to a first pulled member in the present invention.

[0036] As described above, the seat cushion 1 and the second seatback 22 are connected via the second reclining device 27. The second reclining device 27 allows the second seatback 22 to rotate relative to the seat cushion 1, making its tilt angle adjustable. Rotation by the second reclining device 27 is locked by a second reclining locking device 27a. The second reclining locking device 27a corresponds to the second locking device 25 of the present invention.

[0037] The second reclining lock device 27a holds a striker 63 extending from the vehicle body side wall W, thereby locking the rotation of the second seatback 22 in the fore-and-aft direction. The locked state of the second reclining lock device 27a can be released by pulling a cable (second cable 24) extending from the second reclining lock device 27a. The second cable 24 connects the second reclining lock device 27a to the drive unit 40, and is pulled when the drive unit 40 is driven. The second cable 24 corresponds to a second pulled member in the present invention.

[0038] As described above, the slide device 8 is installed under the vehicle seat S. The slide device 8 is composed of a fixed rail 8b fixed to the floor surface of the vehicle and a movable rail 8a slidable relative to the fixed rail 8b. The fixed rail 8b is also called the lower rail, and the movable rail 8a is also called the upper rail. The movable rail 8a is connected to the cushion side frame 30a of the cushion frame 30 and supports the vehicle seat main body Sm, which is mainly composed of the seat cushion 1, the first seat back 12, and the second seat back 22. The slide device 8 is provided with a slide rail lock device 8c that locks the fixed rail 8b of the movable rail 8a from sliding.

[0039] <Driver 40> The arrangement and configuration of the driver 40, which releases the locks set by the first reclining lock device 17a and the second reclining lock device 27a, will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 8. FIG. 3 is a top view schematically illustrating the configuration of the vehicle seat. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in FIG. 3. FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the seat cushion 1, viewed from below, showing the underside of the pad P with the underside cover T removed. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B in FIG. 3. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C in FIG. 3. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the driver 40 having a rotating pulley 42.

[0040] The drive unit 40 includes a motor 41 and a rotating pulley 42 that is an actuator, and is a device that pulls the first cable 14 and the second cable 24 that extend from the rotating pulley 42. The drive unit 40 is connected to a control device, such as an ECU (not shown), provided in the vehicle or vehicle seat S, and is configured to be driven by receiving a control signal from the control device.

[0041] As described above, the first cable 14, which connects to the first reclining lock device 17a, and the second cable 24, which connects to the second reclining lock device 27a, are connected to the drive unit 40. As shown in Fig. 8, the drive unit 40 has a rotating pulley 42 to which the first cable 14 and the second cable 24 are attached and which pulls the first cable 14 or the second cable 24 when a motor 41 rotates. The rotating pulley 42 corresponds to the pulling unit of the present invention.

[0042] When the rotating pulley 42 rotates in one direction (the direction of arrow D1 in FIG. 8), the first cable 14 is pulled in the direction of arrow E1, unlocking the first reclining locking device 17a. When the rotating pulley 42 rotates in the other direction (the direction of arrow D2 in FIG. 8), the second cable 24 is pulled in the direction of arrow E2, unlocking the second reclining locking device 27a.

[0043] By using the rotating pulley 42 to change the rotation direction in which the first cable 14 is pulled and the second cable 24 is pulled, it is possible to unlock the first reclining locking device 17a and the second reclining locking device 27a using a single drive unit 40. Because the rotating pulley 42 is smaller and has a simpler structure than an electromagnetic clutch, it is possible to realize a drive unit 40 that can unlock multiple locking devices and can be made smaller.

[0044] 8, a first attachment 44a may be attached to the rotating pulley 42 to adjust the amount of movement of the first cable 14 and the second cable 24. By changing the size of the first attachment 44a attached to the first cable 14 side and the size of the first attachment 44a attached to the second cable 24 side, the amount of movement (retraction amount) of the first cable 14 and the second cable 24 can be made different.

[0045] 8, a second attachment 44b may be attached to a stopper 43 that stops the rotation of the rotating pulley 42, thereby making it possible to adjust the amount of movement of the first cable 14 and the second cable 24. By changing the sizes of the second attachment 44b attached to the first cable 14 side and the second attachment 44b attached to the second cable 24 side, the amount of movement (amount of retraction) of the first cable 14 and the second cable 24 can be made different.

[0046] 4, the drive unit 40 is disposed on the front side of the seat cushion 1. A sheet metal plate 46 is provided on the front side of the seat cushion 1 and is attached by being foamed integrally with the EPP 52, and the drive unit 40 is attached to the underside of the sheet metal plate 46.

[0047] As shown in Figure 3, a first cable 14 and a second cable 24 extend rearward from the same side of the drive unit 40 (the rear end of the drive unit 40). The first cable 14 bends at the rear end of the seat cushion 1 and extends toward the right of the seat. The first cable 14 also bends upward at the right end of the seat cushion 1 and connects to the first reclining lock device 17a. The second cable 24 bends at the rear end of the seat cushion 1 and extends toward the left of the seat. The second cable 24 also bends upward at the left end of the seat cushion 1 and connects to the second reclining lock device 27a.

[0048] As shown in Fig. 3 , the drive unit 40 having the rotary pulley 42 is preferably disposed in front of the center of the seat cushion 1 in the front-rear direction (dotted line M in Fig. 3 ) in the seat cushion 1. The drive unit 40 is preferably disposed in front of the lateral hanging groove 1a in the seat cushion 1. The drive unit 40 is preferably disposed in front of the first seat occupancy detection switch 16 and the second seat occupancy detection switch 26 in the seat cushion 1.

[0049] As described above, in the drive unit 40 having a rotating pulley 42, the first cable 14 and the second cable 24 extend rearward from the same side (the rear end of the drive unit 40). However, by positioning the drive unit 40 forward of the center of the seat cushion 1, the lateral hanging groove 1a, the first seating detection switch 16, and the second seating detection switch 26, it is possible to increase the distance for bending the first cable 14 and the second cable 24.

[0050] As described above, the seat cushion 1 of the vehicle seat S of this embodiment is composed of two layers of padding material with different hardness. However, not all surfaces are composed of two layers, and in order to improve seating comfort, the area where the occupant's buttocks come into contact is supported only by a soft urethane pad. Specifically, as shown in Figure 5, three oval through-holes 54 are formed in the EPP 52, and the urethane pads 51 are configured to be inserted into the through-holes 54.

[0051] Only the urethane pad 51 is disposed in the through-holes 54 of the EPP 52, but in the centrally disposed through-hole 54, a space 57 is provided between the underside 51a of the urethane pad 51 and the first and second cables 14 and 24, as shown in Figures 4 and 8. In other words, the first and second cables 14 and 24 are disposed a predetermined distance away from the underside 51a of the urethane pad 51. By disposing them in this manner, even if the urethane pad 51 bends downward when an occupant sits on it, a load is less likely to be applied to the first and second cables 14 and 24.

[0052] Furthermore, the first cable 14 and the second cable 24 are attached to the underside of the EPP 52 by engaging with groove-shaped engaging portions 56 formed in the EPP 52 in areas other than the through holes 54. As shown in Fig. 7, the engaging portion 56 has a protrusion 55 provided in the center in the seat width direction. As shown in Fig. 5, multiple protrusions 55 are arranged at intervals in the front-rear direction within the engaging portion 56.

[0053] Second Embodiment A vehicle seat SA according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 9 and 10. Figure 9 is a top view schematically showing the configuration of the vehicle seat SA according to the second embodiment, as viewed from above, and Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a drive unit 40A having a rack 45.

[0054] The vehicle seat SA differs from the vehicle seat S of the first embodiment in the configuration and position of the drive unit 40. The other configurations are the same as those of the vehicle seat S of the first embodiment, so the same functions are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0055] <Drive Unit 40A> In the vehicle seat S of the first embodiment, the first cable 14 or the second cable 24 is pulled by a drive unit 40 having a rotating pulley 42. However, in the vehicle seat SA of the second embodiment, the first cable 14 or the second cable 24 is pulled by a drive unit 40A having a rack 45. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10 , the drive unit 40A includes a motor 41 and a rack 45 that moves left and right as the motor 41 rotates. The rack 45 corresponds to the pulling unit of the present invention. Specifically, when the motor 41 rotates in one direction (the direction of arrow F1 in FIG. 10 ), the rack 45 slides in the direction of arrow G1, pulling the first cable 14. When the motor 41 rotates in the other direction (the direction of arrow F2 in FIG. 10 ), the rack 45 slides in the direction of arrow G2, pulling the second cable 24. The drive unit 40A is connected to a control device, such as an ECU (not shown), provided in the vehicle or vehicle seat SA, and is configured to be driven by receiving a control signal from the control device.

[0056] 10 , in the case of the drive unit 40A using the rack 45, the first cable 14 and the second cable 24 are configured to extend in different directions. Therefore, unlike the drive unit 40 having the rotating pulley 42, by arranging the drive unit 40A on the rear side of the seat cushion 1, the first cable 14 can be connected to the first reclining lock device 17a without being bent on the rear side of the seat cushion 1. Also, the second cable 24 can be connected to the second reclining lock device 27a without being bent on the rear side of the seat cushion 1.

[0057] Therefore, as shown in Fig. 9, the drive unit 40A using the rack 45 is preferably disposed rearward of the center in the fore-and-aft direction of the seat cushion 1 (dashed line M in Fig. 9). The drive unit 40A is also preferably disposed rearward of the lateral hanging groove 1a of the seat cushion 1. The drive unit 40A is also preferably disposed rearward of the first seating detection switch 16 and the second seating detection switch 26 provided on the seat cushion 1. By disposing the drive unit 40A in this manner, the distance to the first reclining lock device 17a and the second reclining lock device 27a is shortened, and the lengths of the first cable 14 and the second cable 24 can be shortened.

[0058] <<Third Embodiment>> A vehicle seat SB according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 11. Fig. 11 is a front view, as seen from the front, that schematically illustrates the configuration of the vehicle seat SB according to the third embodiment.

[0059] The vehicle seat SB differs from the vehicle seat S of the first embodiment mainly in that the seat cushion portion is flipped up for storage and in the position of the drive unit 40. The vehicle seat SB has a first seat S1 for an occupant seated on the right side of the vehicle seat SB and a second seat S2 for an occupant seated on the left side of the vehicle seat SB, but in the third embodiment, the portion that becomes the seat back of the first seat S1 and the portion that becomes the seat back of the second seat S2 are integrally formed as a seat back 2.

[0060] The vehicle seat SB also includes a first seat cushion 11 that supports the buttocks of an occupant seated in the first seat S1 on the right side, and a second seat cushion 21 that supports the buttocks of an occupant seated in the second seat S2 on the left side. A first headrest 13 that supports the head of an occupant seated in the first seat S1, and a second headrest 23 that supports the head of an occupant seated in the second seat S2 on the left side are provided on the upper part of the seat back 2. The seat back 2 also includes a horizontal hanging groove 2a that extends in the seat width direction near the center of the seat in the vertical direction.

[0061] The seat back 2 and the first seat cushion 11 are connected via a first reclining device 17. The first seat cushion 11 is rotatable relative to the seat back 2 by the first reclining device 17, and can be flipped up to a stowed state by rotating the first seat cushion 11 upward, for example. The rotation by the first reclining device 17 is locked by a first reclining lock device 17a.

[0062] The second seat cushion 21 also has a configuration similar to that of the first seat cushion 11, and the seat back 2 and the second seat cushion 21 are connected to each other via a second reclining device 27. The second seat cushion 21 is rotatable relative to the seat back 2 by the second reclining device 27, and can be flipped up to a stowed state, for example, by rotating the second seat cushion 21 upward. The rotation by the second reclining device 27 is locked by a second reclining lock device 27a.

[0063] As shown in Fig. 11 , the first reclining lock device 17a in the third embodiment is provided on the right side of the first seat cushion 11 and is configured to grip and lock a striker 63 provided on the vehicle side wall W. As shown in Fig. 11 , the second reclining lock device 27a in the third embodiment is provided on the left side of the second seat cushion 21 and is configured to grip and lock a striker 63 provided on the vehicle side wall W.

[0064] The vehicle seat SB includes a drive unit 40 that unlocks the first seat cushion 11 locked by the first reclining lock device 17a and the second seat cushion 21 locked by the second reclining lock device 27a. The drive unit 40 of the third embodiment is a device that includes a rotating pulley 42 as a traction unit, similar to the first embodiment. The drive unit 40 and the first reclining lock device 17a are connected by a first cable 14. The drive unit 40 and the first reclining lock device 17a are also connected by a second cable 24.

[0065] In the vehicle seat SB of the third embodiment, the drive unit 40 is disposed above the seat back 2, as shown in Fig. 11. The drive unit 40 is also disposed so as to be located at the center of the seat back 2 in the seat width direction. The drive unit 40 is attached to the seat back 2, for example, via a sheet metal plate (not shown) provided within the seat back 2.

[0066] As shown in Figure 11, a first cable 14 and a second cable 24 extend downward from the same side (lower end) of the drive unit 40. The first cable 14 bends to the right near the center of the seat back 2 and extends toward the right of the seat. The first cable 14 also bends downward at the right end of the seat back 2 and connects to the first reclining lock device 17a. The second cable 24 bends to the left near the center of the seat back 2 and extends toward the left of the seat. The second cable 24 also bends downward at the left end of the seat back 2 and connects to the second reclining lock device 27a.

[0067] 11, the drive unit 40 having the rotating pulley 42 is preferably disposed above the center of the seat back 2 in the vertical direction of the seat. The drive unit 40 is also preferably provided at a position in the seat back 2 that passes through approximately the center of the seat in the vertical direction, and is disposed above the horizontal hanging groove 2a that extends in the seat width direction.

[0068] In the drive unit 40 having a rotating pulley 42, the first cable 14 and the second cable 24 extend downward from the same side (the lower end of the drive unit 40), but by positioning the drive unit 40 above the center of the seat back 2 or the lateral hanging groove 2a, a distance can be gained to bend the first cable 14 and the second cable 24.

[0069] <<Fourth Embodiment>> A vehicle seat SC according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 12. Fig. 12 is a front view, as seen from the front, that schematically shows the configuration of the vehicle seat SC according to the fourth embodiment.

[0070] The vehicle seat SC differs from the vehicle seat SB of the third embodiment in that the drive unit mounted thereon is a drive unit 40A having a rack 45, and in the location of the drive unit 40A. As the other configurations are the same as those of the vehicle seat SB of the third embodiment, the same functions are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0071] In the vehicle seat SB of the third embodiment, the first cable 14 or the second cable 24 is pulled by a drive unit 40 having a rotating pulley 42, but in the vehicle seat SC of the fourth embodiment, the first cable 14 or the second cable 24 is pulled by a drive unit 40A having a rack 45. The drive unit 40A having the rack 45 is similar to the drive unit 40A used in the vehicle seat SA of the second embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0072] 12 , in the case of the drive unit 40A using the rack 45, the first cable 14 and the second cable 24 can be extended in different directions. Therefore, unlike the vehicle seat SB of the third embodiment, by arranging the drive unit 40A below the seat back 2, the first cable 14 can be connected to the first reclining lock device 17a without bending near the center of the seat back 2. Furthermore, the second cable 24 can be connected to the second reclining lock device 27a without bending near the center of the seat back 2.

[0073] 12, the drive unit 40A using the rack 45 is preferably positioned below the center in the vertical direction of the seat back 2. The drive unit 40A is also preferably provided at a position that passes through approximately the center in the vertical direction of the seat back 2, and is positioned below the lateral hanging groove 2a that extends in the seat width direction. By positioning the drive unit 40A in this manner, the distance from the drive unit 40A to the first reclining lock device 17a and the second reclining lock device 27a is shortened, and the lengths of the first cable 14 and the second cable 24 can be shortened.

[0074] <<Fifth Embodiment>> A vehicle seat SD according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 13. Fig. 13 is a top view, as viewed from above, that schematically shows the configuration of the vehicle seat SD.

[0075] The vehicle seat SD of the fifth embodiment differs from the vehicle seat S of the first embodiment in that the first cable 14 and the second cable 24 are separated. Specifically, the first cable 14 is separated into a first cable A member 14a extending from the drive unit 40 and a first cable B member 14b extending from the first reclining lock device 17a, and these are joined by a joint 60 behind the seat cushion 1. The second cable 24 is separated into a second cable A member 24a extending from the drive unit 40 and a second cable B member 24b extending from the second reclining lock device 27a, and these are joined by a joint 60 behind the seat cushion 1. The other configurations are similar to those of the vehicle seat S of the first embodiment, and therefore, the same functions are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0076] When assembling the vehicle seat SD, if the first cable 14 and the second cable 24 are a single cable, they will be routed after assembling the seat cushion 1 and the first and second seat backs 12 and 22. By dividing the first cable 14 into the first cable A member 14a and the first cable B member 14b and dividing the second cable 24 into the second cable A member 24a and the second cable B member 24b, it is possible to attach the first cable A member 14a and the second cable A member 24a to the seat cushion 1 and attach the first cable B member 14b and the second cable B member 24b to the first and second seat backs 12 and 22 before assembly. Therefore, they can be connected by the joint portion 60 after assembly, improving the ease of assembly of the vehicle seat SD.

[0077] <<Sixth Embodiment>> A vehicle seat SE according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 14. Fig. 14 is a top view, seen from above, schematically illustrating the configuration of the vehicle seat SE. The vehicle seat SD of the sixth embodiment differs from the vehicle seat SA of the second embodiment in that the first cable 14 is divided into a first cable A member 14a and a first cable B member 14b, and the second cable 24 is divided into a second cable A member 24a and a second cable B member 24b.

[0078] Specifically, the first cable 14 is divided into a first cable A member 14a extending from the drive unit 40A and a first cable B member 14b extending from the first reclining lock device 17a, and these are joined by a joint 60 behind the seat cushion 1. The second cable 24 is also divided into a second cable A member 24a extending from the drive unit 40 and a second cable B member 24b extending from the second reclining lock device 27a, and these are joined by a joint 60 behind the seat cushion 1. The other configuration is the same as that of the vehicle seat SA of the second embodiment, so the same functions are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0079] As with the vehicle seat SD of the fifth embodiment, the first cable 14 is divided into a first cable A member 14a and a first cable B member 14b, and the second cable 24 is divided into a second cable A member 24a and a second cable B member 24b, thereby improving the ease of assembly of the vehicle seat SE.

[0080] Seventh Embodiment A vehicle seat SF according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 15. Fig. 15 is a top view, seen from above, schematically illustrating the configuration of the vehicle seat SF. The vehicle seat SD of the seventh embodiment differs from the vehicle seat SD of the fifth embodiment in that a first reclining lock device 17a is provided on each of the left and right sides of the first seat back 12 of the first seat S1, and a second reclining lock device 27a is provided on each of the left and right sides of the second seat back 22 of the second seat S2.

[0081] In order to operate the two first reclining lock devices 17a that lock the rotation of the first seatback 12, the first cable B member 14b is branched by the separator 61 into a first cable C member 14c and a first cable D member 14d. In other words, the first cable B member 14b is connected via the separator 61 to the first cable C member 14c and the first cable D member 14d extending from the left and right first reclining lock devices 17a. In addition, in order to operate the two second reclining lock devices 27a that lock the rotation of the second seatback 22, the second cable B member 24b is branched by the separator 61 into a second cable C member 24c and a second cable D member 24d. In other words, the second cable B member 24b is connected via the separator 61 to the second cable C member 24c and the second cable D member 24d extending from the left and right second reclining lock devices 27a.

[0082] When the drive unit 40 pulls the first cable A member 14a, the first cable B member 14b pulls the first cable C member 14c and the first cable D member 14d, thereby unlocking the two first reclining locking devices 17a. When the drive unit 40 pulls the second cable A member 24a, the second cable B member 24b pulls the second cable C member 24c and the second cable D member 24d, thereby unlocking the two second reclining locking devices 27a.

[0083] By branching the first cable 14 and the second cable 24 using a separator 61 and connecting them to multiple reclining lock devices, the lock can be released by a single drive unit 40 even if three or more reclining lock devices are installed.

[0084] In the vehicle seat SF of the seventh embodiment, the first cable B member 14b is branched by the separator 61 into the first cable C member 14c and the first cable D member 14d. However, the first cable A member 14a and the first cable B member 14b may not be connected by the joint portion 60, and the first cable A member 14a may be branched by the separator 61 into the first cable C member 14c and the first cable D member 14d. Similarly, the second cable A member 24a may be branched by the separator 61 into the second cable C member 24c and the second cable D member 24d. In addition, in this embodiment, two first reclining locking devices 17a and two second reclining locking devices 27a are provided, but if there is only one first reclining locking device 17a or one second reclining locking device 27a, the separator 61 may not be provided.

[0085] Eighth Embodiment A vehicle seat SG according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 16 . FIG. 16 is a front view, as viewed from the front, that schematically illustrates the configuration of the vehicle seat SG. The vehicle seat SG of the eighth embodiment is similar to the vehicle seat SC of the third embodiment shown in FIG. 12 in that the first seat cushion 11 and the second seat cushion 21 can be rotated upward to a stowed position. However, the vehicle seat SG of the eighth embodiment differs in that first reclining lock devices 17a that lock the rotation of the first seat cushion 11 are provided at the left and right ends of the underside of the first seat cushion 11 of the first seat S1, respectively, and are locked to the floor of the vehicle body, rather than the side wall W of the vehicle body. Similarly, second reclining lock devices 27a that lock the upward rotation of the second seat cushion 21 are provided at the left and right ends of the underside of the second seat cushion 21 of the second seat S2, respectively, and are locked to the floor of the vehicle body, rather than the side wall W of the vehicle body.

[0086] Furthermore, first cable 14 connecting drive unit 40A and first reclining lock device 17a is divided into first cable A member 14a and first cable B member 14b, which are joined by joint 60. Further, second cable 24 connecting drive unit 40A and second reclining lock device 27a is divided into second cable A member 24a and second cable B member 24b, which are joined by joint 60.

[0087] In addition, in order to operate the two first reclining lock devices 17a that lock the rotation of the first seat cushion 11, the first cable B member 14b is branched by a separator 61 into a first cable C member 14c and a first cable D member 14d.

[0088] In addition, in order to operate the two second reclining lock devices 27a that lock the rotation of the second seat cushion 21, the second cable B member 24b is branched by a separator 61 into a second cable C member 24c and a second cable D member 24d.

[0089] By branching the first cable 14 and the second cable 24 using a separator 61 and connecting them to multiple reclining lock devices, even if three or more reclining lock devices are installed, the lock can be released by a single drive unit 40A.

[0090] Although two first and two second reclining locking devices 17a and 27a are provided in this embodiment, if there is only one first reclining locking device 17a or one second reclining locking device 27a, the separator 61 may be omitted. In this case, the first cable B member 14b may be directly connected to the first reclining locking device 17a, and the second cable B member 24b may be directly connected to the second reclining locking device 27a. Alternatively, the joint 60 may be omitted, and the first cable A member 14a may be directly connected to the first reclining locking device 17a, and the second cable A member 24a may be directly connected to the second reclining locking device 27a.

[0091] <<Ninth Embodiment>> A vehicle seat SH according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 17. Fig. 17 is a front view, as viewed from the front, schematically illustrating the configuration of the vehicle seat SH. The vehicle seat SH of the ninth embodiment differs from the vehicle seat SG of the eighth embodiment in that, instead of the first reclining lock device and the second reclining device, the vehicle seat SH of the ninth embodiment includes a first slide device 18 below the first seat cushion 11, which slides the first seat cushion 11 in the front-rear direction of the seat, and a second slide device 28 below the second seat cushion 21, which slides the second seat cushion 21 in the front-rear direction of the seat.

[0092] The first slide device 18 has a first fixed rail 18b fixed to the vehicle floor surface and a first movable rail 18a attached to the first seat cushion 11 and sliding on the first fixed rail 18b. The first slide device 18 is also provided with a first slide rail locking device 18c that locks the first movable rail 18a from sliding relative to the first fixed rail 18b. A first slide rail locking device 18c is provided on each of the first movable rails 18a on the left and right sides of the first seat cushion. The first slide rail locking device 18c corresponds to the first locking device 15 of the present invention.

[0093] The second slide device 28 has a second fixed rail 28b fixed to the vehicle floor surface and a second movable rail 28a attached to the second seat cushion 21 and sliding on the second fixed rail 28b. The second slide device 28 is also provided with a second slide rail locking device 28c that locks the second movable rail 28a from sliding relative to the second fixed rail 28b. A second slide rail locking device 28c is provided on each of the second movable rails 28a on the left and right sides of the second seat cushion 21. The second slide rail locking device 28c corresponds to the second locking device 25 of the present invention.

[0094] The drive unit 40A and the first slide rail locking device 18c are connected by a first cable 14. The drive unit 40A and the second slide rail locking device 28c are connected by a second cable 24. Therefore, when the drive unit 40A pulls the first cable 14, the lock by the first slide rail locking device 18c is released, and when the drive unit 40A pulls the second cable 24, the lock by the second slide rail locking device 28c is released.

[0095] Similar to the vehicle seat SG of the eighth embodiment, the first cable 14 connecting the drive unit 40A and the first slide rail locking device 18c is divided into a first cable A member 14a and a first cable B member 14b, which are joined by a joint 60. In addition, the second cable 24 connecting the drive unit 40A and the second slide rail locking device 28c is divided into a second cable A member 24a and a second cable B member 24b, which are joined by a joint 60.

[0096] In addition, in order to operate the two first slide rail locking devices 18c that lock the sliding of the first seat cushion 11, the first cable B member 14b is branched by a separator 61 into a first cable C member 14c and a first cable D member 14d.

[0097] In addition, in order to operate two second slide rail locking devices 28c that lock the sliding of the second seat cushion 21, the second cable B member 24b is branched by a separator 61 into a second cable C member 24c and a second cable D member 24d.

[0098] By branching the first cable 14 and the second cable 24 using a separator 61 and connecting them to multiple slide rail locking devices, even if three or more slide rail locking devices are installed, the lock can be released by a single drive unit 40A.

[0099] <<Tenth Embodiment>> In the first to ninth embodiments, the vehicle seats S, SA to SH are described in which a locking device is provided for each of the first seat S1 and the second seat S2, and the multiple locking devices are released by a single drive unit. However, there are cases in which multiple locking devices are provided for a single seat, and even in such cases, it would be desirable to have a drive unit that can release the locks of the multiple locking devices and that can be made compact.

[0100] The above problem is solved by a vehicle seat comprising: a first locking device that locks a first portion of the vehicle seat; a second locking device that locks a second portion of the vehicle seat; a drive unit that unlocks the first portion by the first locking device and the second portion by the second locking device; a first towed member that connects the drive unit to the first locking device; and a second towed member that connects the drive unit to the second locking device, wherein the drive unit comprises a towing unit that rotates in one direction to pull the first towed member and unlock the first locking device, and rotates in the other direction to pull the second towed member and unlock the second locking device.

[0101] A vehicle seat SI according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 18 . FIG. 18 is a front view, seen from the front, that schematically illustrates the configuration of the vehicle seat SI. The vehicle seat SI of the tenth embodiment is configured with a first seat S1 and a second seat S2, which are separate components. The first seat S1 includes a first reclining device 17 and a first sliding device 18, while the second seat S2 includes a second reclining device 27 and a second sliding device 28. The first seat S1 also includes a first reclining locking device 17a that locks the first reclining device 17 from rotating, and a first slide rail locking device 18c that locks the first sliding device 18 from sliding. The second seat S2 also includes a second reclining locking device 27a that locks the second reclining device 27 from rotating, and a second slide rail locking device 28c that locks the second sliding device 28 from sliding.

[0102] More specifically, the first seat cushion 11 and the first seat back 12 of the first seat S1 are connected to each other with a first reclining device 17 sandwiched therebetween. The first reclining device 17 allows the first seat back 12 to rotate relative to the first seat cushion 11, making its tilt angle adjustable. Rotation by the first reclining device 17 is locked by a first reclining locking device 17a. In the first seat S1, one first reclining locking device 17a is provided at the lower end of the right side of the first seat back 12. The first reclining locking device 17a may also be provided at the lower end of the left side of the first seat back 12.

[0103] The second seat cushion 21 and second seat back 22 of the second seat S2 are connected to each other via a second reclining device 27. The second reclining device 27 allows the second seat back 22 of the vehicle seat SH to rotate relative to the second seat cushion 21, making its tilt angle adjustable. Rotation by the second reclining device 27 is locked by two second reclining locking devices 27a. The two second reclining locking devices 27a are provided at the left and right lower ends of the second seat back 22. The two second reclining locking devices 27a are connected to each other by a shaft 47 (a rod-shaped rotating member), and by rotating the shaft 47, both second reclining locking devices 27a can be unlocked simultaneously.

[0104] The first seat S1 is provided with a first sliding device 18 below the first seat cushion 11, which slides the first seat cushion 11 in the front-rear direction of the seat. That is, the first seat S1 is placed on the vehicle floor surface in a state where it can slide in the front-rear direction of the vehicle. The second seat S2 is provided with a second sliding device 28 below the second seat cushion 21, which slides the second seat cushion 21 in the front-rear direction of the seat. That is, the second seat S2 is placed on the vehicle floor surface in a state where it can slide in the front-rear direction of the vehicle. The first sliding device 18 and the second sliding device 28 have the same configuration as the first sliding device 18 and the second sliding device 28 of the vehicle seat SH of the ninth embodiment, so the same components are designated by the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0105] In the vehicle seat SI, a drive unit 40A is provided in each of the first seat S1 and the second seat S2, and is capable of releasing multiple locking devices mounted on the vehicle seat SI. Specifically, a first drive unit 40A1 is provided in the first seat back 12 of the first seat S1, and a second drive unit 40A2 is provided in the second seat back 22 of the second seat S2. The first drive unit 40A1 and the second drive unit 40A2 are connected to a control device (e.g., an ECU) provided in the vehicle or the vehicle seat SI, and are configured to be driven by receiving control signals from the control device. The configurations of the first drive unit 40A1 and the second drive unit 40A2 are similar to the configuration of the drive unit 40A having a rack 45 used in the second embodiment, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0106] The first drive unit 40A1 releases the lock provided by the first reclining lock device 17a and the lock provided by the first slide rail lock device 18c. The second drive unit 40A2 releases the lock provided by the second reclining lock device 27a disposed on the left and right sides of the second seat back 22 and the lock provided by the second slide rail lock device 28c.

[0107] The first drive unit 40A1 is connected to the first reclining lock device 17a via a first cable 14. The first drive unit 40A1 is also connected to the two first slide rail locking devices 18c via a second cable 24. The second cable 24 is divided into a second cable A member 24a and a second cable B member 24b, which are joined by a joint 60. The second cable B member 24b is also branched by a separator 61 into a second cable C member 24c and a second cable D member 24d in order to operate the two first slide rail locking devices 18c.

[0108] The second cable C member 24c is directly connected to the first slide rail locking device 18c located on the right side of the first seat S1, and the second cable D member 24d is directly connected to the first slide rail locking device 18c located on the left side of the first seat S1. When the first drive unit 40A1 pulls the second cable A member 24a, the second cable C member 24c and the second cable D member 24d are pulled, and the locks established by the two first slide rail locking devices 18c are released.

[0109] The second drive unit 40A2 is connected by the first cable 14 to a shaft 47 that connects the second reclining lock devices 27a provided on the left and right sides of the second seat back 22. The first cable 14 and the shaft 47 are connected by a connection unit 48. When the second drive unit 40A2 pulls the first cable 14, the shaft 47 rotates, and the second reclining lock device 27a is unlocked. When the second drive unit 40A2 pulls the first cable 14, the second reclining lock device 27a provided on both sides of the second seat back 22 is unlocked.

[0110] The second drive unit 40A2 is also connected to the two second slide rail locking devices 28c by a second cable 24. The second cable 24 is divided into a second cable A member 24a and a second cable B member 24b, which are joined by a joint 60. The second cable B member 24b is also branched by a separator 61 into a second cable C member 24c and a second cable D member 24d in order to operate the two second slide rail locking devices 28c.

[0111] The second cable C member 24c is directly connected to the second slide rail locking device 28c located on the right side of the second seat S2, and the second cable D member 24d is directly connected to the first slide rail locking device 18c located on the left side of the second seat S2. When the second drive unit 40A2 pulls the second cable A member 24a, the second cable C member 24c and the second cable D member 24d are pulled, and the locks established by the two second slide rail locking devices 28c are released.

[0112] In this manner, the locking by the first reclining locking device 17a provided on the first seat back 12 and the locking by the first slide rail locking device 18c provided on the first seat cushion 11 can be released using a single first drive unit 40A1. Furthermore, the locking by the second reclining locking device 27a provided on the second seat back 22 and the locking by the first slide rail locking device 18c provided on the second seat cushion 21 can be released using a single second drive unit 40A2. That is, even if a single seat is provided with multiple locking devices, the locks can be released using a single drive unit provided on the seat, eliminating the need for multiple drive units and allowing for a more compact seat. Note that, in this embodiment, the drive unit 40A having the rack 45 is used as the drive unit for pulling the first cable 14 and the second cable 24. However, the drive unit may be the drive unit 40 having the rotating pulley 42 used in the first embodiment.

[0113] <Temporarily fastening the joint portion 60> When the first cable 14 and the second cable 24 are divided and joined by the joint portion 60, as in the vehicle seats SD to SI of the fifth to tenth embodiments, the ease of assembly is improved if the joint portion 60 is temporarily fastened to the seat cushion or the like when assembling the vehicle seats SD to SI.

[0114] 19 , for example, a joint portion 60 provided on the second cable A member 24a, more specifically, the female connector 60a of the joint portion 60, is inserted into and temporarily fastened to a through-hole 64 provided in a skin T that covers the seat cushion 1, etc. When joining, for example, the temporarily fastened joint portion 60 is pulled out from the through-hole 64, and the male connector 60b of the second cable B member 24b is inserted into the female connector 60a of the joint portion 60.

[0115] By configuring in this manner, when fixing a vehicle seat SD or the like to a vehicle, the seat cushion 1 and the second seat back 22 can be fixed separately, and then the male connector 60b of the second cable B member 24b can be connected to the female connector 60a of the second cable A member 24a, thereby joining the second cable A member 24a and the second cable B member 24b.

[0116] Incidentally, when joining the first cable A member 14a and the first cable B member 14b of the first cable 14, it is also preferable to temporarily fasten the joint portion 60 to a through-hole 64 provided in the cover T. The location where the through-hole 64 is provided is not limited to the cover T, but it may be provided in a cloth member provided separately from the cover T. Furthermore, the through-hole 64 may be provided in the cover T of the seat back 2 or in a cloth member provided separately on the seat back 2, and the joint portion 60 may be temporarily fastened thereto. In this case, the joint portion 60 is provided at the end of the second cable B member 24b, and the male connector 60b provided on the second cable A member 24a is inserted into the joint portion 60.

[0117] Furthermore, when the color of the skin T is a low-brightness color such as black, the visibility of the temporarily fastened joint portion 60 can be improved by making the joint portion 60 a high-brightness color such as white or yellow. Conversely, when the color of the skin T is a high-brightness color, the visibility can be improved by making the joint portion 60 a low-brightness color.

[0118] 19, the joint portion 60 is inserted into the through-hole 64 from the inside to the outside of the skin T and temporarily fastened, but as shown in Fig. 20, the joint portion 60 may be inserted into the through-hole 64 from the outside to the inside of the skin T and temporarily fastened. When joining, the joint portion 60 may be removed from the through-hole 64, and the male connector 60b of the second cable B member 24b may be inserted.

[0119] <Method of Manufacturing Vehicle Seat> The vehicle seats S, SA to SI are a method of manufacturing vehicle seats S to SI having a first seat S1 and a second seat S2, and include a step of preparing a first locking device 15 that locks a first portion (first seat cushion 11, first seat back 12) of the first seat S1, a second locking device 25 that locks a second portion (second seat cushion 21, second seat back 22) of the second seat S2, and drive units 40, 40A that unlock the first portion by the first locking device 15 and the second portion by the second locking device 25; The drive units 40, 40A may be manufactured by a manufacturing method including a connecting step of connecting the drive units 40, 40A and the first locking device 15 by a first cable 14 and connecting the drive units 40, 40A and the second locking device 25 by a second towed member (second cable 24), wherein the drive units 40, 40A are provided with a towing unit (rotating pulley 42, rack 45) that rotates in a first direction to tow the first towed member (first cable 14) and unlock the first locking device 15, and rotates in a second direction to tow the second towed member (second cable 24) and unlock the second locking device 25.

[0120] In addition, the vehicle seat S may be manufactured by a manufacturing method in which the towing portion has a rotating pulley 42 to which a first towed member (first cable 14) and a second towed member (second cable 24) are attached.

[0121] The vehicle seat S includes a seat cushion 1, a first seat back 12 that supports the back of an occupant seated in the first seat S1, and a second seat back 22 that supports the back of an occupant seated in the second seat S2, and the first portion is the first seat back 12, the second portion is the second seat back 22, and the drive unit 40 is preferably manufactured by a manufacturing method in which the drive unit 40 is positioned in the seat cushion 1 forward of the center of the seat in the fore-and-aft direction.

[0122] In addition, the vehicle seat S is preferably manufactured by a manufacturing method in which a lateral hanging groove 1a extending in the seat width direction is formed in the seat cushion 1, and the drive unit 40 is positioned forward of the lateral hanging groove 1a in the seat cushion 1.

[0123] In addition, the vehicle seat S is provided with seating detection switches (first seating detection switch 16, second seating detection switch 26) on the seat cushion 1 that detect the presence of an occupant, and the drive unit 40 is preferably manufactured using a manufacturing method in which the drive unit 40 is positioned forward of the seating detection switches (first seating detection switch 16, second seating detection switch 26) on the seat cushion 1.

[0124] In addition, the vehicle seat SA may be manufactured by a manufacturing method in which the towing portion has a rack 45 to which a first towed member (first cable 14) and a second towed member (second cable 24) are attached and which slides in a predetermined direction.

[0125] Furthermore, the vehicle seat SA has a seat cushion 1, a first seat back 12 that supports the back of an occupant seated in the first seat S1, and a second seat back 22 that supports the back of an occupant seated in the second seat S2, the first portion being the first seat back 12 and the second portion being the second seat back 22, and the drive unit 40A is preferably manufactured by a manufacturing method in which the drive unit 40A is positioned rearward of the center of the seat cushion 1 in the fore-and-aft direction of the seat.

[0126] In addition, the vehicle seat S is preferably manufactured by a manufacturing method in which a lateral hanging groove 1a extending in the seat width direction is formed in the seat cushion 1, and the drive unit 40A is positioned rearward of the lateral hanging groove 1a in the seat cushion 1.

[0127] In addition, the vehicle seat S is provided with seating detection switches (first seating detection switch 16, second seating detection switch 26) on the seat cushion 1 to detect whether an occupant is seated, and the drive unit 40A is preferably manufactured using a manufacturing method in which the drive unit 40A is positioned rearward of the seating detection switches (first seating detection switch 16, second seating detection switch 26) on the seat cushion 1.

[0128] Furthermore, the vehicle seat S may be manufactured by a manufacturing method that includes a seat cushion 1, a first seat back 12 that supports the back of an occupant seated in the first seat S1, and a second seat back 22 that supports the back of an occupant seated in the second seat S2, in which the first part is the first seat back 12, the first locking device 15 is a first reclining locking device 17a that locks the rotation of the first seat back 12 relative to the seat cushion 1, and the second locking device 25 is a second reclining locking device 27a that locks the rotation of the second seat back 22 relative to the seat cushion 1.

[0129] The vehicle seat S also includes a first seat cushion 11 that supports the buttocks of an occupant seated on the first seat S1, a second seat cushion 21 that supports the buttocks of an occupant seated on the second seat S2, a first slide device 18 that slides the first seat cushion 11 in the front-rear direction of the seat, and a second slide device 28 that slides the second seat cushion 21 in the front-rear direction of the seat, and the first slide device 18 includes a first fixed-side rail 18b that is fixed to the floor surface of the vehicle and a first movable-side rail 18b that is attached to the first seat cushion 11 and slides on the first fixed-side rail 18b. 8a, the first locking device 15 is a first slide rail locking device 18c that locks the sliding of the first movable side rail 18a relative to the first fixed side rail 18b, the second slide device 28 has a second fixed side rail 28b fixed to the floor surface of the vehicle and a second movable side rail 28a attached to the second seat cushion 21 and sliding on the second fixed side rail 28b, and the second locking device 25 is a second slide rail locking device 28c that locks the sliding of the second movable side rail 28a relative to the second fixed side rail 28b.

[0130] The vehicle seats S, SA to SI according to the embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings. The vehicle seats S, SA to SI in the present embodiments are mounted on vehicles, but the present invention is not limited to vehicle seats mounted on ground-traveling vehicles with wheels, such as automobiles and trains, and can also be applied to vehicle seats mounted on aircraft, ships, and other vehicles that travel on non-ground surfaces, for example.

[0131] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS S, SA to SI Vehicle seat Sm Vehicle seat body W Vehicle body side wall F Frame T Cover P Pad 1 Seat cushion 1a Horizontal hanging groove 2 Seat back 2a Horizontal hanging groove 8 Slide device 8a Movable side rail 8b Fixed side rail S1 First seat 11 First seat cushion (first portion) 12 First seat back (first portion) 13 First headrest 14 First cable (first towed member) 14a First cable A member 14b First cable B member 14c First cable C member 14d First cable D member 15 First locking device 16 First seat occupancy detection switch 17 First reclining device 17a First reclining locking device 18 First slide device 18a First movable side rail 18b First fixed side rail 18c First slide rail locking device S2 Second seat 21 Second seat cushion (second portion) 22 Second seat back (second portion) 23 Second headrest 24 Second cable (second pulled member) 24a Second cable A member 24b Second cable B member 24c Second cable C member 24d Second cable D member 25 Second locking device 26 Second seat occupancy detection switch 27 Second reclining device 27a Second reclining locking device 28 Second slide device 28a Second movable side rail 28b Second fixed side rail 28c Second slide rail locking device 30 Cushion frame 30a Cushion side frame 30b Front pipe 30c Connecting pipe 30d Rear pipe 31 Back frame 31a Back side frame 31b Upper frame 31c Lower frame 31d Headrest guide holding portion 32 Pressure receiving portion 33 Headrest pillar 40, 40A Drive unit 40A1 First drive unit 40A2 Second drive unit 41 Motor 42 Rotating pulley (pulling unit) 43 Stopper 44a First attachment 44b Second attachment 45 Rack (pulling unit) 46 Sheet metal plate47 Shaft 48 Connection portion 51 Urethane pad 52 EPP 54 Through hole 55 Convex portion 56 Engagement portion 57 Space 60 Joint portion 60a Female side connector 60b Male side connector 61 Separator 63 Striker 64 Through hole

Claims

1. A vehicle seat having a first seat and a second seat, comprising: a first locking device that locks a first portion of the first seat; a second locking device that locks a second portion of the second seat; a drive unit that unlocks the first portion by the first locking device and the second portion by the second locking device; a first pulled member that connects the drive unit to the first locking device; and a second pulled member that connects the drive unit to the second locking device, wherein the drive unit comprises a pulling part that pulls the first pulled member by rotating in one direction to unlock the first locking device, and pulls the second pulled member by rotating in the other direction to unlock the second locking device.

2. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, wherein said towing portion comprises a pivot pulley to which said first towed member and said second towed member are attached.

3. A vehicle seat as described in claim 2, comprising a seat cushion, a first seat back supporting the back of an occupant seated in the first seat, and a second seat back supporting the back of an occupant seated in the second seat, wherein the first portion is the first seat back, the second portion is the second seat back, and the drive unit is positioned on the seat cushion forward of the center of the seat cushion in the fore-and-aft direction.

4. The vehicle seat according to claim 3, characterized in that the seat cushion is formed with a lateral hanging groove extending in the seat width direction, and the drive unit is positioned on the seat cushion forward of the lateral hanging groove.

5. A vehicle seat as described in claim 3, wherein the seat cushion is provided with a seating detection switch that detects whether an occupant is seated, and the drive unit is disposed on the seat cushion forward of the seating detection switch.

6. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, wherein the towing section has a rack to which the first towed member and the second towed member are attached and which slides in a predetermined direction.

7. A vehicle seat as described in claim 2, further comprising: a seat cushion; a first seat back supporting the back of an occupant seated in the first seat; and a second seat back supporting the back of an occupant seated in the second seat, wherein the first portion is the first seat back, the second portion is the second seat back, and the drive unit is disposed on the seat cushion rearward of the center of the seat cushion in the fore-and-aft direction.

8. The vehicle seat according to claim 7, characterized in that the seat cushion is formed with a lateral hanging groove extending in the seat width direction, and the drive unit is positioned on the seat cushion rearward of the lateral hanging groove.

9. A vehicle seat as described in claim 7, characterized in that the seat cushion is provided with a seating detection switch that detects the presence of an occupant sitting on the first seat or the second seat, and the drive unit is disposed on the seat cushion rearward of the seating detection switch.

10. A vehicle seat as described in claim 1, comprising a seat cushion, a first seat back that supports the back of an occupant seated in the first seat, and a second seat back that supports the back of an occupant seated in the second seat, wherein the first part is the first seat back, the first locking device is a first reclining locking device that locks the rotation of the first seat back relative to the seat cushion, and the second locking device is a second reclining locking device that locks the rotation of the second seat back relative to the seat cushion.

11. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, comprising: a first seat cushion supporting the buttocks of an occupant seated on the first seat; a second seat cushion supporting the buttocks of an occupant seated on the second seat; a first slide device for sliding the first seat cushion in the seat fore-and-aft direction; and a second slide device for sliding the second seat cushion in the seat fore-and-aft direction, wherein the first slide device has a first fixed side rail fixed to a floor surface of the vehicle and a first movable side rail attached to the first seat cushion and sliding on the first fixed side rail, the first locking device is a first slide rail locking device for locking the sliding of the first movable side rail relative to the first fixed side rail, the second slide device has a second fixed side rail fixed to a floor surface of the vehicle and a second movable side rail attached to the second seat cushion and sliding on the second fixed side rail, and the second locking device is a second slide rail locking device for locking the sliding of the second movable side rail relative to the second fixed side rail.

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