Vehicular seat system

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a vehicular seat system in which front seats can be positioned further rearward than rear seats in use. [Solution] A vehicular seat system 1 has: a floor 3 that extends in the front-rear direction; an accommodation recess 6 that is provided at a rear portion of the floor 3; lower rails 18A that are provided on the floor 3 and extend in the front-rear direction; upper rails 18B that are slidably supported by the lower rails 18A; front-seat second row seats 12 that are supported by the upper rails 18B; and rear-seat third row seats 13 that are provided between use positions located on the floor 3 and accommodation positions located in the accommodation recess 6 in a manner rotatable about the rotation axis extending in the left-right direction. The rear ends of the lower rails 18A are positioned below the rear-seat third row seats 13 at the use positions.

Description

Vehicle seat system

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a vehicle seat device having a storage recess provided in an upper floor and a rear row seat arranged in the storage recess via a link arm. The rear row seat can be stored in the storage recess under the floor by raising and lowering the link arm. In front of the upper floor, a lower floor lower than the upper floor is formed, and a front row seat is provided on this lower floor so as to be slidable in the front-rear direction. In a state where the rear row seat is stored in the storage recess, the front row seat can be moved above the storage recess, that is, above the stored rear row seat, showing a configuration for effectively using the vehicle interior space.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-41378

[0004] However, in the above prior art, there is a problem that the front row seat cannot be sufficiently moved rearward beyond the use position of the rear row seat, and the rearward movement range of the front row seat is limited. Therefore, it has been difficult to ensure a comfortable seating posture for the occupant and to improve the degree of freedom in the seat layout within the vehicle.

[0005] In view of the above background, an object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle seat system in which the front row seat can be arranged rearward of the rear row seat in the use state.

[0006] To solve the above problems, one aspect of the present invention is a vehicle seat system, including a floor extending in the front-rear direction, a storage recess provided at the rear part of the floor, a lower rail provided on the floor and extending in the front-rear direction, an upper rail supported by the lower rail so as to be slidable, a front row seat supported by the upper rail, and a rear row seat provided so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis extending in the left-right direction between a use position located on the floor and a storage position located in the storage recess, and the rear end of the lower rail is arranged below the rear row seat in the use position.

[0007] According to this embodiment, a vehicle seating system can be provided in which the front seats can be positioned behind the rear seats when they are in use.

[0008] Plan view of the vehicle seat system according to the embodiment Side view of the vehicle seat system Explanatory diagram showing the process of storing the third-row seats Explanatory diagram showing the stored state of the third-row seats viewed from the side Explanatory diagram showing the stored state of the third-row seats viewed from above Explanatory diagram showing the state in which the second-row seats are at their furthest rear as viewed from the side Explanatory diagram showing the state in which the second-row seats are at their furthest rear as viewed from above Explanatory diagram showing an example of a seat arrangement of the vehicle seat system Explanatory diagram showing an example of a seat Block diagram showing the configuration of a seat Flowchart showing the control procedure of a seat Flowchart showing the control procedure of femtech control Flowchart showing the control procedure of sports warm-up control

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the vehicle seat system 1 of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The vehicle 2 to which the vehicle seat system 1 is applied may be, for example, a passenger car such as a minivan. Hereinafter, the directions of the vehicle seat system 1 will be described with reference to the front-rear, left-right, and up-down directions of the vehicle 2 to which the vehicle seat system 1 is applied.

[0010] As shown in Figure 1, the vehicle seat system 1 has a floor 3 that extends in the front-rear direction. The floor 3 constitutes the bottom of the passenger compartment 4 of the vehicle 2. The upper surface of the floor 3 is preferably formed to be flat. A storage recess 6 is provided at the rear of the floor 3. The storage recess 6 is recessed downward relative to the floor 3.

[0011] The vehicle seat system 1 has left and right first-row seats 11, left and right second-row seats 12, and a third-row seat 13. Each second-row seat 12 is positioned behind the corresponding first-row seat 11. The third-row seat 13 is positioned behind the left and right second-row seats 12.

[0012] Each first-row seat 11 has a seat cushion 11A and a seat back 11B that is rotatably mounted on the seat cushion 11A. Each first-row seat 11 is supported on the floor 3 via a sliding device 15 and a rotating device 16. The sliding device 15 supports the first-row seat 11 so that it can move forward and backward relative to the floor 3. The rotating device 16 supports the first-row seat 11 so that it can rotate around a pivot axis that extends vertically relative to the floor 3.

[0013] The sliding device 15 is provided on the floor 3 and has left and right lower rails 15A that extend in the front-rear direction, and left and right upper rails 15B that are slidably supported on each of the left and right lower rails 15A.

[0014] The rotating device 16 has a base plate 16A attached to the left and right upper rails 15B, and a rotating plate 16B supported on the base plate 16A so as to be rotatable around a pivot axis extending in the vertical direction. The seat cushion 11A of the first row seat 11 is attached to the rotating plate 16B.

[0015] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, each second-row seat 12 has a seat cushion 12A and a seat back 12B that is rotatably mounted on the seat cushion 12A. Each second-row seat 12 is supported on the floor 3 via a sliding device 18 and a rotating device 19. The sliding device 18 supports the second-row seat 12 so that it can move in the front-rear direction relative to the floor 3. The rotating device 19 supports the second-row seat 12 so that it can rotate around a pivot axis that extends vertically relative to the floor 3.

[0016] The sliding device 18 is provided on the floor 3 and has left and right lower rails 18A extending in the front-rear direction, and left and right upper rails 18B supported so as to be slidable on each of the left and right lower rails 18A. The front end of the lower rail 18A is positioned behind the rear end of the lower rail 15A. The front end of the lower rail 18A may be joined to the rear end of the lower rail 15A. That is, the lower rail 15A and the lower rail 18A may be configured as a single continuous lower rail. The rear end of the lower rail 18A is positioned in front of the front end of the housing recess 6.

[0017] The rotating device 19 includes a base plate 19A attached to the left and right upper rails 18B, and a rotating plate 19B supported on the base plate 19A so as to be rotatable around a pivot axis extending in the vertical direction. The seat cushion 12A of the second-row seat 12 is attached to the rotating plate 19B. The second-row seat 12 is supported by the left and right upper rails 18B via the rotating device 19. The rotating device 19 is not an essential component and may be omitted. In this case, the second-row seat 12 may be directly supported by the left and right upper rails 18B.

[0018] The third-row seat 13 has a seat cushion 13A and a seat back 13B that is rotatably mounted on the seat cushion 13A. The third-row seat 13 is a bench seat having multiple seating areas. In other embodiments, the third-row seat 13 may be divided into two independent seats, left and right.

[0019] In relation to the left and right second-row seats 12 and the third-row seats 13, the left and right second-row seats 12 are located behind the left and right second-row seats 13, and can therefore be called rear seats. Also, the left and right second-row seats 12 are located in front of the third-row seats 13, which are rear seats, and can therefore be called front seats.

[0020] The third-row seat 13 has a plurality of rear legs 21 that rotatably connect the rear of the seat cushion 13A to the floor 3, and a plurality of front legs 22 that extend downward from the front of the seat cushion 13A. The upper end of each rear leg 21 is rotatably connected to the rear of the seat cushion 13A about a pivot axis that extends in the left-right direction. The lower end of each rear leg 21 is rotatably connected to a connecting portion 23 provided on the floor 3 about a pivot axis that extends in the left-right direction.

[0021] The connecting portion 23 is located behind the rear end of the lower rail 18A. The connecting portion 23 is preferably positioned between the rear end of the lower rail 18A and the accommodating recess 6. The connecting portion 23 is preferably configured as a recess that is recessed downward from the upper surface of the floor 3. The connecting portion 23 is preferably connected to the accommodating recess 6.

[0022] The seat cushion 13A has a locking mechanism 25 that restricts the rotation of each rear leg 21 relative to the seat cushion 13A. The locking mechanism 25 may restrict the rotation of each rear leg 21 by, for example, locking each rear leg 21. The locking mechanism 25 may be configured to restrict the rotation of each rear leg 21 under normal conditions and allow the rotation of each rear leg 21 when operated by the user. For example, the locking mechanism 25 may have an operating strap, and the operator may release the lock on each rear leg 21 by pulling the operating strap.

[0023] In the normal state, each rear leg 21 is locked in an upright position by a locking mechanism 25, extending downward from the rear of the seat cushion 13A. When the user performs a release operation to disengage the locking mechanism 25, each rear leg 21 becomes rotatable relative to the seat cushion 13A.

[0024] Each front leg 22 is detachably engaged with a plurality of engagement portions 27 provided on the floor 3 at its lower end. Each front leg 22 is rotatably joined to the seat cushion 13A. The locking mechanism 25 controls the rotation of each front leg 22 relative to the seat cushion 13A and the engagement state between each front leg 22 and the engagement portion 27. In the normal state, each front leg 22 is locked by the locking mechanism 25 in an upright position extending downward from the front of the seat cushion 13A. Also in the normal state, each front leg 22 is locked by the locking mechanism 25 in a state that maintains engagement with the engagement portion 27. When the user performs a release operation to release the locking mechanism 25, each front leg 22 becomes rotatable relative to the seat cushion 13A and releases its engagement with the engagement portion 27. The engagement portion 27 is, for example, a striker joined to the floor 3, and each front leg 22 may have a hook that is detachably connected to the striker.

[0025] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, the third-row seat 13 is configured to be movable between a usage position located on the floor 3 and a storage position located within the storage recess 6. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, when the third-row seat 13 is in the usage position, each rear leg 21 is locked in the upright position, each front leg 22 is locked in the upright position, and each front leg 22 is engaged with the engaging portion 27. In this state, when the seat back 13B is raised relative to the seat cushion 13A, the user can sit in the third-row seat 13.

[0026] When moving the third-row seat 13 from the usage position to the storage position, the user first rotates the seat back 13B forward relative to the seat cushion 13A, as shown in Figure 3, and folds the seat back 13B over the seat cushion 13A. In this state, the user releases the locking mechanism 25, which allows each rear leg 21 to rotate relative to the seat cushion 13A, and also releases the engagement between each front leg 22 and the engaging portion 27. This allows the user to rotate the seat cushion 13A and seat back 13B backward around each rear leg 21. As a result, the seat cushion 13A and seat back 13B are placed in the storage recess 6. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, within the storage recess 6, the seat cushion 13A is positioned above the seat back 13B, with the bottom surface of the seat cushion 13A facing upward. Subsequently, the user rotates each front leg 22 relative to the seat cushion 13A, positioning each front leg 22 along the bottom surface of the seat cushion 13A.

[0027] When the third-row seats 13 are in the stowed position, each rear leg 21 extends from the connection portion 23 into the storage recess 6 and is positioned below the upper surface of the floor 3. A plate is provided on the bottom surface of the seat cushion 13A.

[0028] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the rear end of the lower rail 18A is positioned below the third-row seat 13 in its usable position. Also, when the third-row seat 13 is in its usable position, the front leg 22 is positioned in front of the rear end of the lower rail 18A. That is, the rear of the lower rail 18A extends below the third-row seat 13 in its usable position. Each engaging portion 27 is positioned between adjacent lower rails 18A. This allows the second-row seat 12 to move to the usable position of the third-row seat 13.

[0029] In the second-row seat 12, the rear end of the base plate 19A is positioned further back than the rear end of the upper rail 18B. Similarly, the rear end of the second rotating plate is positioned further back than the rear end of the upper rail 18B. As a result, as shown in Figures 6 and 7, when the upper rail 18B is in its rearmost position relative to the lower rail 18A, the rear ends of the base plate 19A and the second rotating plate can be positioned further back.

[0030] When the upper rail 18B is in its rearmost position relative to the lower rail 18A, the rear end of the base plate 19A is positioned behind the rear end of the lower rail 18A. Also, when the upper rail 18B is in its rearmost position relative to the lower rail 18A, it is preferable that the rear end of the base plate 19A is positioned above the accommodating recess 6. This allows the second-row seat 12 to move further rearward than the usable position of the third-row seat 13.

[0031] The first-row seat 11 is configured to be movable forward and backward and rotatable by the sliding device 15 and the rotating device 16, and the second-row seat 12 is configured to be movable forward and backward and rotatable by the sliding device 18 and the rotating device 19, making it possible to arrange the seats as shown in Figure 8. The second-row seat 12 can be moved further back than the third-row seat 13 which is in use, thus improving the flexibility of seat arrangement.

[0032] This concludes the description of specific embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and can be broadly modified and implemented. For example, the number of rear legs 21 and front legs 22 of the third-row seat 13 may be arbitrarily changed. Also, the rear legs 21 and connecting portion 23 may be arranged on the left and right sides of the rear end of the lower rail 18A.

[0033] The first row seats 11 may be omitted. In this case, the second row seats 12 may be used as the front row seats, forming the driver's and passenger's seats of the vehicle 2. The front end of the lower rail 18A that supports the second row seats 12 may be positioned at the front of the passenger compartment 4. The length of the lower rail 18A may be arbitrarily changed according to the front-to-back length of the floor 3 and the passenger compartment 4.

[0034] An auxiliary leg extending downward may be provided at the rear of the base plate 19A of the rotating device 19. The auxiliary leg should be positioned opposite the upper surface of the floor 3 with a small gap between them. Therefore, when the second-row seat 12 moves back and forth by the sliding device 18, the auxiliary leg does not come into contact with the floor 3. When a user is seated in the second-row seat 12 and the base plate 19A flexes by a small amount, the lower end of the auxiliary leg comes into contact with the floor 3, thereby suppressing deformation of the base plate 19A. The auxiliary leg should be positioned so as not to interfere with the engaging portion 27.

[0035] The first row seats 11 and second row seats 12 described above may be replaced with the seat 40 shown in Figure 9. The seat 40 has a seat cushion 41 and a seat back 42. Multiple fluid bags 44 are provided on the seat surface of the seat cushion 41 and the seat surface of the seat back 42. The multiple fluid bags 44 inflate when a fluid such as air is supplied to them, and press against the occupant seated on the seat 40. Each fluid bag 44 is connected to a fluid supply source 46 that supplies fluid via a valve device 45. The fluid supply source 46 may be, for example, a compressor that supplies compressed air. The valve device 45 controls the fluid supplied from the fluid supply source 46 to the multiple fluid bags 44. The multiple fluid bags 44 may be arranged between the pad and the surface material that constitute the seat cushion 41, and between the pad and the surface material that constitute the seat back 42.

[0036] A heater 48 is provided on the seat surface of the seat cushion 41 and the seat surface of the seat back 42. The heater 48 includes a sheet-like member and a heating wire bonded to the surface of the sheet-like member. The heater 48 is divided into multiple regions, and the temperature can be adjusted for each region. For example, the heating wires may be divided amongst themselves in each region. Each region may include, for example, a first region which is the front part of the seat surface of the seat cushion 41, a second region which is the rear part of the seat cushion 41, a third region which is the lower part of the seat surface of the seat back 42, and a fourth region which is the upper part of the seat back 42. The first region may correspond to the thighs of the user seated on the seat 40, the second region may correspond to the user's buttocks, the third region may correspond to the user's lower back, and the fourth region may correspond to the user's upper back. The heater 48 may be positioned between the pad and the surface material that constitute the seat cushion 41, and between the pad and the surface material that constitute the seat back 42.

[0037] Multiple pressure sensors 49 are provided on the seat surface of the seat cushion 41 and the seat surface of the seat back 42. The pressure sensors 49 detect the pressure received from the user sitting on the seat 40.

[0038] As shown in Figure 10, the fluid supply source 46, valve device 45, heater 48, and multiple pressure sensors 49 are connected to the control device 51. The control device 51 is an electronic control device having a processor 52 and a memory 53 that is communicatively connected to the processor 52. The processor 52 may include, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The memory 53 may include at least one of volatile memory and non-volatile memory. The control device 51 is also connected to a car navigation device 55 and an input / output device 56. The car navigation device 55 outputs information about the destination to the control device 51. The input / output device 56 may be, for example, a touch panel display, a microphone and speaker, etc. Based on the destination, the information input from the input / output device 56, and the signals from the multiple pressure sensors 49, the control device 51 controls the fluid supply source 46, valve device 45, and heater 48.

[0039] The control device 51 may, for example, control the fluid supply source 46, valve device 45, and heater 48 based on the control procedures shown in Figures 11 to 13. As shown in Figure 11, the control device 51 first determines whether the control mode is femtech mode (ST1). The user can select the control mode from three options: femtech mode, sports warm-up mode, or no selection, by operating the input / output device 56. The input / output device 56 outputs the selected control mode to the control device 51, and the control device 51 stores the selected control mode in the memory 53. Femtech mode is a control mode designed to improve women's comfort, specifically to alleviate menstrual pain. Sports warm-up mode is a control mode designed to assist with warming up before sports. Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-124159 discloses a seat that detects the posture of a sitter and corrects the sitter's posture, but it does not disclose a seat with additional functions to improve women's comfort or assist with warming up before sports.

[0040] If the control mode is femtech mode (ST1: Yes), the control device 51 executes femtech control (ST2). If the control mode is not femtech mode (ST1: No), the control device 51 determines whether the control mode is sports warm-up mode or not (ST3). If the control mode is sports warm-up mode (ST3: Yes), the control device 51 executes sports warm-up control (ST4).

[0041] Figure 12 is a flowchart showing the procedure for femtech control. In femtech control, the control device 51 first determines whether the angle of the user's pelvis is within the appropriate range when the user sits on the seat 40 (ST11). The control device 51 may determine the angle of the user's pelvis based on multiple pressures or pressure distributions detected by multiple pressure sensors 49, and then determine whether the determined pelvic angle is within the appropriate range.

[0042] When the angle of the user's pelvis is not within the appropriate range (ST11: No), the control device 51 executes correction control to correct the angle of the pelvis (ST12). In the correction control, the control device 51 controls the fluid supply source 46 and the valve device 45 to inflate a specific fluid bag 44. The control device 51 may select the fluid bag 44 to be inflated according to the angle of the user's pelvis. The control device 51 maintains the inflated fluid bag 44 in an inflated state. After executing the correction control (ST12), the control device 51 determines again whether the angle of the user's pelvis is within the appropriate range (ST11).

[0043] When the angle of the user's pelvis is within the appropriate range (ST11: Yes), the control device 51 turns on the heater 48 in the region corresponding to the user's pelvis (ST13). The control device 51 may turn on the heaters 48 in the second and third regions of the heater 48. The control device 51 may maintain the on state of the heater 48 for a predetermined period.

[0044] Subsequently, the control device 51 executes pelvis support control to support the user's pelvis (ST14). In the pelvis support control, the control device 51 controls the fluid supply source 46 and the valve device 45 to inflate a specific fluid bag 44 so as to support the pelvis from the left and right sides. The fluid bag 44 to be inflated is the fluid bag 44 located on the left and right sides of the user's pelvis. For example, it may be the fluid bags 44 provided at both left and right ends of the rear part of the seat cushion 41 and the fluid bags 44 provided at both left and right ends of the lower part of the seat back 42. The control device 51 maintains the inflated fluid bag 44 in an inflated state for a predetermined period. In the pelvis support control, the fluid bag 44 to be inflated may be arbitrarily set.

[0045] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the procedure of sports warm-up mode control. In the sports warm-up mode control, the control device 51 first determines whether a destination is set in the car navigation device 55 (ST21). The control device 51 may determine whether a destination is set based on the destination information output from the car navigation device 55.

[0046] When the destination is not set (ST21: No), the control device 51 causes the input / output device 56 to output a question to ask the user about the destination. The output may be image output by characters or the like, or voice output (ST22). Subsequently, the control device 51 acquires the user's answer via the input / output device 56 (ST23). The answer may be a touch input or a voice input to the input / output device 56. Subsequently, the control device 51 determines the destination of the vehicle 2 based on the user's answer (ST24). When the user's answer includes information regarding the destination, the control device 51 may determine the destination based on that information. Also, when the user's answer does not include information regarding the destination, the control device 51 may estimate the destination based on other information such as the schedule included in the answer, and determine the destination based on the estimation result.

[0047] When the destination of the car navigation device 55 is set (ST21: Yes), or after determining the destination based on the user's answer (ST24), the control device 51 determines whether the destination is a sports facility (ST25). Sports facilities include golf courses, golf driving ranges, sports gyms, stadiums, ball game fields, and the like. The control device 51 may search a database in which facility information is recorded, and determine whether the destination corresponds to a sports facility.

[0048] When the destination is a sports facility (ST25: Yes), the control device 51 turns on the heater 48 (ST26). The control device 51 may turn on at least one of the first region and the second region of the seat cushion 41, and the third region and the fourth region of the seat back 42. The regions and temperature (heat generation amount) to be turned on may be arbitrarily set.

[0049] Next, the control device 51 performs warm-up massage control (ST27). The purpose of warm-up massage control is to assist in warming up before exercise by inflating and deflating the fluid bags 44 to press and move various parts of the user's body. In warm-up massage control, the control device 51 controls the fluid supply source 46 and the valve device 45 to inflate and deflat specific fluid bags 44. For example, the control device 51 may inflate and deflate the fluid bags 44 corresponding to the user's shoulder blades, hip joints, waist, and hamstrings. The control device 51 may control the fluid bags 44 corresponding to each part simultaneously or sequentially. The control device 51 may continue the warm-up massage control for a predetermined period of time.

[0050] With the above configuration, the seat 40 can provide comfort suitable for women and assist in warming up before sports.

[0051] The above embodiments may also be described as follows:

[0052] One embodiment is a vehicle seat system 1 comprising a floor 3 extending in the front-rear direction, a storage recess 6 provided at the rear of the floor 3, a lower rail 18A provided on the floor 3 and extending in the front-rear direction, an upper rail 18B slidably supported on the lower rail 18A, a front seat (second row seat 12) supported on the upper rail 18B, and a rear seat (third row seat 13) rotatably provided about a pivot axis extending in the left-right direction between a usage position located on the floor 3 and a storage position located in the storage recess 6, wherein the rear end of the lower rail 18A is positioned below the rear seat (third row seat 13) in the usage position.

[0053] According to this embodiment, by positioning the rear end of the lower rail 18A below the rear row seat (third row seat 13) in its usage position, the front row seat (second row seat 12) can be moved further back than the usage position of the rear row seat (third row seat 13). This improves the flexibility of the seat layout.

[0054] In the above embodiment, the rear seat (third row seat 13) has a seat cushion 13A, a rear leg 21 that rotatably connects the rear of the seat cushion 13A to the floor 3, and a front leg 22 that extends downward from the front of the seat cushion 13A and detachably engages with an engaging portion 27 provided on the floor 3. When the rear seat (third row seat 13) is in use, the front leg 22 may be positioned in front of the rear end of the lower rail 18A.

[0055] According to this embodiment, the rear end of the lower rail 18A can be positioned below the rear row seat (third row seat 13) in the position of use.

[0056] In the above embodiment, the connection portion 23 between the rear leg 21 and the floor 3 may be located behind the rear end of the lower rail 18A.

[0057] According to this embodiment, interference between the lower rail 18A and the rear leg 21 can be avoided.

[0058] In the above embodiment, the connecting portion 23 may be positioned between the rear end of the lower rail 18A and the receiving recess 6.

[0059] According to this embodiment, interference between the lower rail 18A and the rear leg 21 can be avoided.

[0060] In the above embodiment, the rear leg 21 may be rotatably joined to the seat cushion 13A and also rotatably joined to the floor 3.

[0061] According to this embodiment, when the rear seats (third-row seats 13) are stored, the rear legs 21 can be rotated relative to the seat cushion 13A, thereby positioning the rear legs 21 along the floor 3.

[0062] In the above embodiment, the front leg 22 may be rotatably joined to the seat cushion 13A.

[0063] According to this embodiment, when the rear seats (third-row seats 13) are stored, the front legs 22 can be rotated relative to the seat cushion 13A, thereby positioning the front legs 22 along the seat cushion 13A.

[0064] In the above embodiment, the front seat (second row seat 12) may be supported by the upper rail 18B via a pivoting device 19 that supports the front seat (second row seat 12) so that it can rotate about a pivot axis that extends vertically with respect to the upper rail 18B.

[0065] According to this embodiment, the front seats (second row seats 12) can be rotated around a pivot axis extending in the vertical direction, thereby improving the degree of freedom in the seat layout.

[0066] In the above embodiment, the rotating device 19 includes a base plate 19A joined to the upper rail 18B, and a rotating plate 19B that is rotatably supported by the base plate 19A and joined to the seat back 12B of the front seat (second row seat 12), and the rear end of the base plate 19A may be positioned behind the rear end of the upper rail 18B.

[0067] According to this embodiment, the rear of the front row seat (second row seat 12) can be positioned behind the rear end of the lower rail 18A.

[0068] In the above embodiment, the rear end of the rotating plate 19B may be positioned behind the rear end of the upper rail 18B.

[0069] According to this embodiment, the rear of the front row seat (second row seat 12) can be positioned behind the rear end of the lower rail 18A.

[0070] In the above embodiment, when the upper rail 18B is located furthest rearward relative to the lower rail 18A, the rear end of the base plate 19A may be located above the receiving recess 6.

[0071] According to this embodiment, the rear of the front row seat (second row seat 12) can be positioned above the accommodating recess 6.

[0072] 1: Vehicle seat system 2: Vehicle 3: Floor 6: Retaining recess 11: First row seat 12: Second row seat 12A: Seat cushion 12B: Seat back 13: Third row seat 13A: Seat cushion 13B: Seat back 18: Sliding device 18A: Lower rail 18B: Upper rail 19: Rotating device 19A: Base plate 19B: Rotating plate 21: Rear leg 22: Front leg 23: Connection part 27: Engaging part

Claims

1. A vehicle seat system comprising: a floor extending in the front-rear direction; a storage recess provided at the rear of the floor; a lower rail provided on the floor and extending in the front-rear direction; an upper rail slidably supported on the lower rail; a front seat supported on the upper rail; and a rear seat rotatably provided about a pivot axis extending in the left-right direction between a usage position located on the floor and a storage position located in the storage recess, wherein the rear end of the lower rail is positioned below the rear seat in the usage position.

2. The vehicle seat system according to claim 1, wherein the rear seat comprises a seat cushion, a rear leg that rotatably connects the rear of the seat cushion to the floor, and a front leg that extends downward from the front of the seat cushion and detachably engages with an engaging portion provided on the floor, and when the rear seat is in use, the front leg is positioned in front of the rear end of the lower rail.

3. The vehicle seat system according to claim 2, wherein the connection between the rear leg and the floor is located behind the rear end of the lower rail.

4. The vehicle seat system according to claim 3, wherein the connecting portion is disposed between the rear end of the lower rail and the receiving recess.

5. The vehicle seat system according to claim 4, wherein the rear leg is rotatably joined to the seat cushion and rotatably joined to the floor.

6. The vehicle seat system according to claim 5, wherein the front leg is rotatably joined to the seat cushion.

7. The vehicle seat system according to claim 1, wherein the front seat is supported on the upper rail via a pivoting device that supports the front seat so as to be rotatable about a pivot axis extending vertically with respect to the upper rail.

8. The vehicle seat system according to claim 7, wherein the rotating device comprises a base plate joined to the upper rail and a rotating plate rotatably supported by the base plate and joined to the seat back of the front seat, the rear end of the base plate being positioned rearward of the rear end of the upper rail.

9. The vehicle seat system according to claim 8, wherein the rear end of the rotating plate is positioned behind the rear end of the upper rail.

10. The vehicle seat system according to claim 8 or 9, wherein when the upper rail is in its rearmost position relative to the lower rail, the rear end of the base plate is located above the receiving recess.

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