Conveyance seat

A conveyance seat for reducing the degree of rattling includes a link group for switching a state of an ottoman, an advancing/retreating member for moving straight while advancing/retreating for moving each link, and a tip end receiver attached to a tip end portion of the advancing/retreating member and for receiving drive force of the advancing/retreating member to transmit the drive force to the link group, which includes a sub-link assembled to one of two crosslinks via a rivet and for swinging by the transmitted drive force. In a case where a first trajectory upon rotation of a fixing portion of the tip end portion of the advancing/retreating member about the point of support in rotation and a second trajectory upon rotation of a portion of the sub-link about the rivet are projected onto a virtual plane perpendicular to an axial direction of the rivet, both trajectories cross each other.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is entering into national phase of PCT Application Number PCT/JP2016/084152, filed on Nov. 17, 2016. Further, this application claims the benefit of priority from Japanese Application Number 2015-228184, filed on Nov. 20, 2015, Japanese Application Number 2015-241588, filed on Dec. 10, 2015, and Japanese Application Number 2015-241589, filed on Dec. 10, 2015, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a conveyance seat, and particularly relates to a conveyance seat capable of operating multiple links to switch a state of a seat main body.

BACKGROUND ART

A conveyance seat capable of switching a state of a seat main body has been already known. One example of the conveyance seat includes a conveyance seat including multiple movable members such as rotary links and capable of operating each of the multiple movable members to switch the state of the seat main body (see, e.g., Patent Literature 1).

The conveyance seat described in Patent Literature 1 will be described. Such a conveyance seat is a vehicle seat including a retractable/expandable ottoman. Moreover, a link mechanism including multiple links is provided between the ottoman and a seat cushion. The link mechanism includes a fixing link, a front link, a rear link, an upper link, and a drive unit. Further, the drive unit has a motor and a feed screw movable in an axial direction by drive force of the motor, and couples the fixing link and the upper link together.

In the conveyance seat of Patent Literature 1 configured as described above, the motor is actuated to move the feed screw in the axial direction, thereby moving each link. As a result, a state of the ottoman is switched by moving operation of each link, and specifically, is switchable between a housing state and a use state (a state in which the ottoman supports the lower thighs of a seated person).

CITATION LIST

Patent Literature

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

Technical Problem

In the conveyance seat described in Patent Literature 1, the feed screw is used as a member operable to move straight to operate the multiple links. However, a member (an advancing/retreating member) configured to move straight while advancing/retreating with a tip end portion being fixed to the link or a member coupled to the link might be used as a member corresponding to the above-described feed screw. In this case, the advancing/retreating member advances/retreats to transmit drive force of the advancing/retreating member to each link, and as a result, each link moves.

Note that in the above-described configuration, there is a probability that rattling occurs between the tip end portion of the advancing/retreating member and the member fixed to the tip end portion. Particularly, in a case where the direction of straight movement of the advancing/retreating member is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction or the vertical direction, the tip end portion of the advancing/retreating member is easily swingable, and for this reason, the above-described rattling becomes more notable. Meanwhile, the degree of rattling (runout) upon occurrence of the above-described rattling depends on a movable area of the tip end portion of the advancing/retreating member, and tendency shows that a broader movable area results in a higher degree of rattling.

For this reason, the present invention has been made in view of the above-described problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide a conveyance seat capable of narrowing a movable area of a tip end portion of an advancing/retreating member to reduce the degree of rattling at the tip end portion.

Solution to Problem

The above-described problem is solved by the conveyance seat of the present invention. The conveyance seat includes multiple links configured to move to switch a state of a seat main body, an advancing/retreating member configured to move straight while advancing/retreating for moving each link, and a drive force receiver attached to a tip end portion of the advancing/retreating member and configured to receive drive force of the advancing/retreating member to transmit the drive force to the multiple links. The multiple links include two crosslinks crossing each other in a state allowing relative rotation, and an auxiliary link assembled to one crosslink of the two crosslinks via a rotary shaft and configured to swing by the transmitted drive force. When a rotation trajectory upon rotation of a fixing portion, which is fixed to the drive force receiver, of the tip end portion of the advancing/retreating member about the point of support in rotation is a first trajectory and a rotation trajectory upon rotation of a portion of the auxiliary link about the rotary shaft is a second trajectory, in a case where both of the first trajectory and the second trajectory are projected onto a virtual plane perpendicular to an axial direction of the rotary shaft, both of the first trajectory and the second trajectory cross each other.

In the conveyance seat of the present invention configured as described above, the multiple links includes the two crosslinks crossing each other, and the auxiliary link assembled to the one crosslink via the rotary shaft. The rotation trajectory upon rotation of the fixing portion, which is fixed to the drive force receiver, of the tip end portion of the advancing/retreating member about the point of support in rotation is the first trajectory. Moreover, the rotation trajectory upon rotation of the portion of the auxiliary link about the rotary shaft is the second trajectory. When both of the first trajectory and the second trajectory are projected onto the virtual plane perpendicular to the axial direction of the rotary shaft, both of these trajectories cross each other. With such a configuration, a region (a movable area) where the tip end portion of the advancing/retreating member is movable is limited to the area of the first trajectory traversing the second trajectory. As a result, the movable area of the tip end portion of the advancing/retreating member can be narrowed, and therefore, the degree of rattling at the tip end portion of the advancing/retreating member can be reduced.

In the above-described conveyance seat, the multiple links may move to switch a state of an ottoman forming the seat main body and configured to support the lower thighs of a seated person between a use state and a housing state, and groups of the multiple links may be, one by one, arranged with a clearance in a width direction of the conveyance seat.

With the above-described configuration, the degree of rattling at the tip end portion of the advancing/retreating member operable to move straight can be reduced in the conveyance seat capable of switching the state of the ottoman by operation of the multiple links.

In the above-described conveyance seat, the multiple links may include a first opposing link assembled to the one crosslink and facing the other crosslink of the two crosslinks along the other crosslink when the state of the ottoman is the use state, a second opposing link assembled to the other crosslink and facing the one crosslink along the one crosslink when the state of the ottoman is the use state, a first sub-link coupled to the drive force receiver and configured to swing by the transmitted drive force, and a second sub-link as the auxiliary link positioned adjacent to the first sub-link in the width direction and configured to swing together with the first sub-link.

In the above-described configuration, the multiple links include four links forming a pantograph mechanism, and two sub-links. With these two sub-links, the movable area of the tip end portion of the advancing/retreating member can be narrowed, and the degree of rattling at the tip end portion of the advancing/retreating member can be reduced.

In the above-described conveyance, the first sub-link may be assembled to the second opposing link via a second rotary shaft. When a rotation trajectory upon rotation of a portion, which is adjacent to the fixing portion in the width direction, of the first sub-link about the second rotary shaft is a third trajectory, in a case where the first trajectory, the second trajectory, and the third trajectory are projected onto the virtual plane, the first trajectory and the third trajectory may partially overlap with each other, and the second trajectory may cross an area of the first trajectory overlapping with the third trajectory.

In the above-described configuration, when the rotation trajectory upon rotation of the portion, which is adjacent to the tip end portion of the advancing/retreating member (precisely, the fixing portion), of the first sub-link about the second rotary shaft is the third trajectory, the first trajectory and the third trajectory projected onto the above-described virtual plane partially overlap with each other. Moreover, the second trajectory projected onto the virtual plane crosses the area where the first trajectory and the third trajectory overlap with each other. Thus, the movable area of the tip end portion of the advancing/retreating member can be more effectively narrowed.

The above-described conveyance seat may further include a coupling member configured to couple the first sub-link of the multiple links arranged on one end side in the width direction and the first sub-link of the multiple links arranged on the other end side in the width direction, and the drive force receiver may be fixed onto an outer peripheral surface of the coupling member.

In the above-described configuration, the drive force receiver is fixed onto the outer peripheral surface of the coupling member. That is, the drive force receiver is arranged in a space among the multiple links arranged on one end side in the width direction and the multiple links arranged on the other end side in the width direction. With such a configuration, the arrangement space of the drive force receiver can be saved.

The above-described conveyance seat may further include a motor configured to advance/retreat the advancing/retreating member. The advancing/retreating member may be a rod-shaped member, the advancing/retreating member moving straight diagonally upward to the front upon advancing and moving straight diagonally downward to the back upon retreating.

In the above-described configuration, the advancing/retreating member includes the rod-shaped member, and is driven by the motor to advance/retreat in the diagonal direction. In such a configuration, the tip end portion of the advancing/retreating member is more easily swingable, and therefore, rattling more easily occurs at the tip end portion. For this reason, in the above-described configuration, the advantageous effect of the present invention, i.e., the effect of providing the auxiliary link to narrow the movable area of the tip end portion of the advancing/retreating member to reduce the degree of rattling is more notably provided.

In the above-described conveyance seat, when the state of the ottoman is the use state, the drive force receiver may be positioned upward with respect to the motor.

In the above-described configuration, when the state of the ottoman is the use state, the drive force receiver is positioned upward with respect to the motor. That is, when the state of the ottoman is the use state, the tip end portion of the advancing/retreating member is positioned upward with respect to the rotation support point of the advancing/retreating member. Thus, when the advancing/retreating member advances/retreats to move the multiple links to switch the state of the ottoman from the housing state to the use state, the tip end portion of the advancing/retreating member is easily swingable, and therefore, rattling more easily occurs at the tip end portion. For this reason, in the above-described configuration, the advantageous effect of the present invention, i.e., the effect of providing the auxiliary link to narrow the movable area of the tip end portion of the advancing/retreating member to reduce the degree of rattling is much more notably provided.

The above-described conveyance seat may further include a one-end-side attachment bracket arranged on one end side in the width direction and provided to attach the multiple links to a seat cushion, an other-end-side attachment bracket arranged on the other end side in the width direction and provided to attach the multiple links to the seat cushion, and a motor fixing bracket arranged between the one-end-side attachment bracket and the other-end-side attachment bracket in the width direction. The motor may be fixed to the motor fixing bracket.

In the above-described configuration, the motor fixing bracket is provided between the one-end-side attachment bracket and the other-end-side attachment bracket, and the motor is fixed to the motor fixing bracket. Thus, the space among the multiple links provided on one end side in the width direction and the multiple links provided on the other end side in the width direction can be utilized to fix (arrange) the motor, and therefore, the arrangement space of the motor can be saved.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

According to the present invention, the movable area of the tip end portion of the advancing/retreating member can be narrowed, and therefore, the degree of rattling at the tip end portion of the advancing/retreating member can be reduced.

Moreover, according to the present invention, the degree of rattling at the tip end portion of the advancing/retreating member operable to move straight can be reduced in the configuration of switching the state of the ottoman by operation of the multiple links.

Further, according to the present invention, the two sub-links are provided. Thus, the movable area of the tip end portion of the advancing/retreating member can be narrowed, and the degree of rattling at the tip end portion of the advancing/retreating member can be effectively reduced.

In addition, according to the present invention, the movable area of the tip end portion of the advancing/retreating member can be more effectively narrowed.

Moreover, according to the present invention, the arrangement space of the drive force receiver can be saved.

Further, according to the present invention, the configuration in which the advancing/retreating member including the rod-shaped member is driven by the motor to advance/retreat in the diagonal direction is employed, and therefore, the advantageous effect of the present invention is more notably provided.

In addition, according to the present invention, when the advancing/retreating member advances/retreats to move the multiple links to switch the state of the ottoman from the housing state to the use state, rattling more easily occurs at the tip end portion of the advancing/retreating member. Thus, the advantageous effect of the present invention is much more notably provided.

Moreover, according to the present invention, the arrangement space of the motor can be saved.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, one embodiment (the present embodiment) of the present invention will be described. Note that the embodiment described below will be set forth merely as an example for the sake of easy understanding of the present invention, and is not intended to limit the present invention. That is, changes or modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention, and needless to say, the present invention includes equivalents thereof.

Moreover, a vehicle seat S will be described as an example of a conveyance seat according to the present embodiment. Note that the present invention is also applicable to other conveyance seats than the vehicle seat, i.e., seats mounted on other conveyances (e.g., ships and airplanes) than a vehicle.

As a side note, a “front-to-back direction” in description below means a front-to-back direction of the vehicle seat S, and specifically, is a direction coincident with a vehicle travelling direction. Moreover, a width direction means a width direction of the vehicle seat S, and specifically, is a direction coincident with a vehicle horizontal width direction (a right-to-left direction).

First, an outline of a basic configuration of the vehicle seat S according to the present embodiment will be described with reference toFIG. 1. As illustrated inFIG. 1, the vehicle seat S according to the present embodiment includes a seat cushion S1configured to support the buttocks of a seated person from below, a seat back S2on which the back of the seated person leans, and a headrest S3configured to support the head of the seated person from the back. A configuration of each of the seat cushion S1, the seat back S2, and the headrest S3is similar to a well-known configuration, and therefore, description thereof will not be made.

Note that the seat cushion S1according to the present embodiment includes a side cover Fs at each end portion in the width direction as illustrated inFIG. 1. The side cover Fs is a resin cover configured to cover, from the lateral side, a side frame provided at each end portion of a not-shown seat cushion frame in the width direction, the seat cushion frame forming a framework of the seat cushion S1.

Moreover, the vehicle seat S according to the present embodiment includes an ottoman10arranged forward with respect to the seat cushion S1as illustrated inFIG. 1. The ottoman10is configured to support, from below, the lower thighs of the seated person in the front of the seat cushion S1, and the ottoman10, the seat cushion S1, the seat back S2, and the headrest S3together form a seat main body.

Further, the ottoman10is capable of moving (precisely, rotating) in an upper-to-lower direction and the front-to-back direction. With this configuration, a state of the ottoman10is switchable between a state (i.e., a use state) in which the ottoman10is at a position indicated by a solid line inFIG. 2and a state (i.e., a housing state) in which the ottoman10is at a position indicated by a dashed line inFIG. 2. The “use state” is a state in which the ottoman10can support the lower thighs of the seated person, and specifically, is a state in which a back end of the ottoman10is at the substantially same height as that of a front end portion of the seat cushion S1in the upper-to-lower direction and a front end of the ottoman10is somewhat lower than the back end of the ottoman10. The “housing state” is a state in which the ottoman10is retracted from the position in the use state toward the front end portion of the seat cushion S1, and specifically, is a state in which the ottoman10suspends at a position right in the front of the seat cushion S1. Note that in description below, a “use position” is a position when the ottoman10is in the use state, and a “housing position” is a position when the ottoman10is in the housing state.

The vehicle seat S according to the present embodiment has, as peripheral equipment of the ottoman10, link groups20illustrated inFIG. 3. The link group20corresponds to multiple links, and is movable to switch the state of the ottoman10as part of the seat main body between the use state and the housing state. Moreover, in the present embodiment, the link groups20in a pair are arranged with a clearance in the width direction as illustrated inFIG. 3.

Moreover, the vehicle seat S according to the present embodiment has a link cover40illustrated inFIG. 4. The link cover40is a resin cover member configured to cover the link groups20from the front and lateral sides. Note that in the present embodiment, the link cover40is divided into three pieces as illustrated inFIG. 4, and specifically, is divided into an upper cover41, an intermediate cover42, and a lower cover43. Note that the link cover40is not limited to the link cover divided into multiple pieces as in the present embodiment, and may include a single piece.

The link cover40is deformable in association with switching of the state of the ottoman10, i.e., operation of the link groups20. Description will be made with reference toFIGS. 5 and 6. When the state of the ottoman10is in the use state, each link of the link group20is at one end position (an expansion position) in a movable area of such a link. In this state, the link cover40is in such a form (an expansion form) that the upper cover41, the intermediate cover42, and the lower cover43are arranged in the upper-to-lower direction as illustrated inFIG. 5.

On the other hand, when the state of the ottoman10is at the housing position, each link of the link group20is at the other end position (a housing position) in the movable area of such a link. In this state, the link cover40is in such a form (a housing form) that the upper cover41and the lower cover43are inserted to the inside (the inside in the width direction) of the intermediate cover42as illustrated inFIG. 6.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the form of the link cover40is switchable in association with operation of the link groups20. With this configuration, when the link groups20operate (in other words, when the state of ottoman10is switched), contact among the link groups20and the link cover40is avoided so that each link of the link group20can smoothly operate.

Hereinafter, a configuration of the link group20will be described in detail with reference toFIG. 3. Note that the link group20on one end side (the left side inFIG. 3) in the width direction and the link group20on the other end side (the right side inFIG. 3) in the width direction form a right-left symmetrical structure. Thus, only the configuration of the link group20on one end side in the width direction will be described below.

The link group20corresponds to an operation body of the present invention, and is equipment for moving the ottoman10between the use position and the housing position. Specifically, the link group20is movable together with the ottoman10with the link group20being attached to a lower portion of the ottoman10. With this configuration, the ottoman10is movable between the use position and the housing position.

The link group20includes the multiple links (rotary links), and includes seven links in the present embodiment. More specifically, the multiple links forming the link group20include a single fixing target link fixed to the ottoman10, four main body links forming a pantograph mechanism, and two sub-links. These seven links cooperate (perform moving operation) with each other, thereby switching the state of the ottoman10.

Specifically, the link group20expands as illustrated inFIG. 3 or 4upon use of the ottoman10. On the other hand, upon housing of the ottoman10, the link group20is folded such that the rotary links lie over one another. Note that any of the seven links forming the link group20is formed from a resin molded article.

Each link will be separately described. The link (hereinafter referred to as a “first link21”) corresponding to the above-described fixing target link is fixed to a substantially rectangular pan frame11forming a base portion (a bottom wall) of the ottoman10as illustrated inFIG. 3. The first link21is bolted to an end portion of the pan frame11in the width direction. When the ottoman10is in the use state (at the use position), an extension direction of the first link21and the front-to-back direction are parallel to each other.

Four links (hereinafter referred to as a “second link22,” a “third link23,” a “fourth link24,” and a “seventh link27”) corresponding to the above-described main body links form the pantograph mechanism as described above. Specifically, the third link23and the fourth link24correspond to two crosslinks crossing each other in a state allowing relative rotation. Note that the fourth link24corresponds to “one crosslink” of the present invention, and the third link23corresponds to “the other crosslink” of the present invention.

The third link23is a relatively-long link in a substantially Z-shape as viewed from the lateral side. When the ottoman10is in the use state (at the use position), the third link23extends downward from the pan frame11of the ottoman10at a position in the back of the second link22as illustrated inFIG. 3. Specifically, one end portion of the third link23in an extension direction thereof is, via a rivet R, rotatably assembled to an end portion of the first link21in the extension direction thereof (precisely, an end portion positioned backward when the state of the ottoman10is in the use state). When the ottoman10is in the use state (at the use position), the third link23is in such a posture that the extension direction thereof is slightly inclined with respect to the upper-to-lower direction, one end portion of the third link23on the side assembled to the first link21is at the uppermost position, and a portion closer to the other end of the third link23in the extension direction thereof is positioned lower.

The fourth link24is a substantially straight link as viewed from the lateral side. When the ottoman10is in the use state (at the use position), the fourth link24crosses the second link22and the third link23as illustrated inFIG. 3. Specifically, one end portion of the fourth link24in an extension direction thereof is, via a rivet R as a rotary shaft, rotatably assembled to an end portion of the second link22in an extension direction thereof (precisely, a portion positioned at a lower end portion of the ottoman10in the use state). Moreover, a center portion of the fourth link24in the extension direction thereof is, via a rivet R, rotatably assembled to a center portion of the third link23in the extension direction thereof. When the ottoman10is in the use state (at the use position), the fourth link24is in such a posture that the extension direction thereof is slightly inclined with respect to the front-to-back direction, and precisely, is in a posture inclined downward toward the back. That is, when the ottoman10is at the use position, one end portion, which is assembled to the second link22, of the fourth link24in the extension direction thereof is at the foremost position, and a portion closer to the other end of the fourth link24in the extension direction thereof is positioned backward.

The second link22corresponds to a first opposing link, and is a link in a substantially lighting arrow shape as viewed from the lateral side. When the ottoman10is in the use state (at the use position), the second link22extends downward from the pan frame11of the ottoman10as illustrated inFIG. 3. Specifically, one end portion of the second link22in the extension direction thereof is, via a rivet R, rotatably assembled to an end portion of the first link21in the extension direction thereof (precisely, an end portion positioned forward when the state of the ottoman10is the use state). Moreover, the other end portion of the second link22in the extension direction thereof is, via the rivet R, rotatably assembled to the end portion of the fourth link24in the extension direction thereof (precisely, the end portion positioned forward when the state of the ottoman10is the use state). When the state of the ottoman10is the use state, the second link22faces the third link23in a posture substantially parallel to the third link23, one end portion of the second link22on the side assembled to the first link21is at the uppermost position, and a portion closer to the other end of the second link22in the extension direction thereof is positioned lower.

The seventh link27corresponds to a second opposing link, and is a link in a substantially V-shape (precisely, a V-shape in which a bending angle is an obtuse angle) as viewed from the lateral side. When the ottoman10is in the use state (at the use position), the seventh link27is, below the fourth link24, arranged next to the fourth link24, and crosses the third link23as illustrated inFIG. 3. Specifically, one end portion of the seventh link27in an extension direction thereof is, via a rivet R, rotatably assembled to an end portion of the third link23in the extension direction thereof (precisely, an end portion positioned lower when the state of the ottoman10is the use state). Moreover, a middle portion of the seventh link27in the extension direction thereof is, via a rivet R as a rotary shaft, rotatably assembled to a predetermined portion of a sixth link26(precisely, a portion positioned lower than the fourth link24when the ottoman10is in the use state). When the state of the ottoman10is the use state (the use position), the seventh link27faces the fourth link24along the fourth link24at the position below the fourth link24, and the end portion of the seventh link27on the side assembled to the third link23is at the foremost position. That is, one end portion, which is assembled to the third link23, of the seventh link27in the extension direction thereof is at the foremost position, and a portion closer to the other end of the seventh link27in the extension direction thereof is positioned backward.

Two links (hereinafter referred to as a “fifth link25” and the “sixth link26”) corresponding to the above-described sub-links are links configured to operate for moving the above-described four links (i.e., the second link22, the third link23, the fourth link24, and the seventh link27) forming the pantograph mechanism. Note that the sixth link26corresponds to a “first sub-link” of the present invention. Moreover, the fifth link25corresponds to an “auxiliary link” of the present invention, and also corresponds to a “second sub-link” of the present invention.

The fifth link25is a link in a substantially V-shape (precisely, a V-shape in which a bending angle is an obtuse angle) as viewed from the lateral side, and is a sub-link somewhat smaller than other links. The fifth link25is assembled to an end portion of the fourth link24in the extension direction thereof (precisely, the opposite end portion of the side assembled to the second link22). More specifically, one end portion of the substantially V-shaped fifth link25is, via a rivet R as a rotary shaft, rotatably assembled to the end portion of the fourth link24in the extension direction thereof. The fifth link25itself operates (precisely, performs swing operation) to drag and move the fourth link24.

The sixth link26is a link in a substantially V-shape (precisely, a V-shape in which a bending angle is an obtuse angle) as viewed from the lateral side, and is a sub-link. The sixth link26is assembled to the fifth link25with the sixth link26being adjacent to the fifth link25on the opposite side of the fourth link24in the width direction. More specifically, one end portion of the substantially V-shaped sixth link26is, via a rivet R, rotatably assembled to an end portion of the fifth link25(the opposite end portion of the side assembled to the fourth link24). The sixth link26itself operates (precisely, performs swing operation) to drag and move the fifth link25. In other words, the fifth link25swings together with the sixth link26when the sixth link26performs the swing operation.

The end portion of the sixth link26on the opposite side of the side assembled to the fifth link25is, via the rivet R as the second rotary shaft, rotatably assembled to the middle portion of the seventh link27in the extension direction thereof as illustrated inFIG. 10, for example. The sixth link26itself operates (precisely, performs the swing operation) to drag and move the seventh link27.

The link group20configured as described above expands from a folding state or folds from an expansion state in such a manner that each link performs moving operation (swing operation) within the movable area. With this configuration, the state of the ottoman10is switchable between the use state and the housing state.

Note that the rivet R used as a component for assembling the links together in the present embodiment is arranged such that an axial direction thereof is along the width direction. Moreover, the rivet R is assembled to each link in such a manner that the rivet R is inserted into a not-shown bush fitted in an insertion hole formed at each link and an end portion of the rivet R is swaged at the last stage.

The link group20is, via an attachment bracket28illustrated inFIG. 3, fixed to the seat cushion S1, precisely the not-shown seat cushion frame. The attachment bracket28will be described. The attachment bracket28includes a plate-shaped member extending in the upper-to-lower direction, and is provided at each of the right and left link groups20in a pair. That is, in the present embodiment, the attachment bracket28(a one-end-side attachment bracket) for attaching the link group20arranged on one end side in the width direction to the seat cushion S1and the attachment bracket28(an other-end-side attachment bracket) for attaching the link group20arranged on the other end side in the width direction to the seat cushion S1are provided.

The fourth link24and the seventh link27of the link group20are, via rivets R, rotatably attached to the attachment bracket28. Specifically, a flange portion28abent to extend forward is, as illustrated inFIG. 3, formed at an outer end portion of the attachment bracket28in the width direction. Of link support portions provided at two upper and lower spots of the flange portion28a, the upper link support portion rotatably supports, via the rivet R, an end portion of the fourth link24in the extension direction thereof (precisely, the opposite end portion of the side assembled to the second link22). The lower link support portion rotatably supports, via the rivet R, an end portion of the seventh link27in the extension direction thereof (precisely, the opposite end portion of the side assembled to the third link23).

As illustrated inFIG. 3, coupling members configured to couple the links of the link groups20to operate both link groups20in association with each other are provided between the right and left link groups20in a pair. Specifically, a first coupling member31including a rod material is arranged between the first links21, a second coupling member32including a pipe material is arranged between the fourth links24, a third coupling member33including a pipe material is arranged between the sixth links26, and a fourth coupling member34including a rod material is arranged between the seventh links27. Note that the third coupling member33corresponds to a “coupling member” of the present invention.

Note that the first coupling member31, the second coupling member32, and the fourth coupling member34are also used as components for holding the link cover40. Specifically, the upper cover41is attached to the first coupling member31, the intermediate cover42is attached to the second coupling member32, and the lower cover43is attached to the fourth coupling member34.

The link group20configured as described above expands from the folding state or folds from the expansion state by rotation of each link about the rivet R as the rotary shaft. Note that the rivet R is arranged such that the center axis thereof is along the width direction. Moreover, the rivet R is assembled to each link in such a manner that the rivet R is inserted into the not-shown bush fitted in the insertion hole formed at each link and the end portion of the rivet R is swaged at the last stage.

When the ottoman10is at the use position, i.e., the link group20expands, the rotary links (specifically, the second link22, the third link23, and the fourth link24) positioned forward in the link group20are, below the ottoman10, positioned forward with respect to the front end portion of the seat cushion S1. On the other hand, the rotary links (specifically, the fifth link25, the sixth link26, and the seventh link27) positioned backward when the ottoman10is at the use position are positioned backward with respect to the front end of the seat cushion S1and positioned inward in the width direction with respect to the side cover Fs of the seat cushion S1. That is, the rotary links positioned backward are covered with the side cover Fs from the lateral side.

The person seated on the vehicle seat S according to the present embodiment can automatically switch the state of the ottoman10by operating a not-shown switch. That is, a drive device configured to operate the pair of right and left link groups20is provided at the vehicle seat S according to the present embodiment. Such a drive device will be described. As illustrated inFIGS. 3 and 7, a motor M and an advancing/retreating member Ms form the drive device in the present embodiment. The advancing/retreating member Ms is a rod-shaped member, and is specifically a lead screw.

When the motor M is actuated (rotates), the advancing/retreating member Ms receives such rotation force to move straight. In this state, the direction of traveling the advancing/retreating member Ms is switched according to a rotation direction of the motor M, and therefore, the advancing/retreating member Ms moves straight while advancing/retreating.

A tip end portion of the advancing/retreating member Ms is attached to the third coupling member33via a tip end receiver33a. The tip end receiver33afunctions as a drive force receiver configured to receive drive force of the advancing/retreating member Ms to transmit the drive force to each link group20. More specifically, the tip end receiver33ais a substantially plate-shaped component for holding the tip end portion of the advancing/retreating member Ms, and is fixed onto an outer peripheral surface of the third coupling member33.

When the motor M rotates to advance/retreat the advancing/retreating member Ms, the tip end receiver33aand the third coupling member33accordingly move, together with the tip end portion of the advancing/retreating member Ms, in a direction in which such a tip end portion directs. Thus, the sixth link26operates (performs the swing operation). Thereafter, the drive force from the advancing/retreating member Ms is sequentially transmitted to the remaining links via the sixth link26. For example, when the sixth link26swings, the fifth link25and the sixth link26together swing, and therefore, the drive force from the advancing/retreating member Ms is transmitted to the fifth link25.

Note that in the present embodiment, the advancing/retreating member Ms advances/retreats in a direction somewhat inclined with respect to the horizontal direction. Specifically, the advancing/retreating member Ms moves straight diagonally upward to the front upon advancing, and moves straight diagonally downward to the back upon retreating. Such movement of the advancing/retreating member Ms depends on a position relationship between the motor M and the tip end receiver33a. Hereinafter, the position relationship between the motor M and the tip end receiver33awill be described.

First, the arrangement position of the motor M will be described. As illustrated inFIG. 3, the motor M is, in the present embodiment, arranged between the right and left link groups20in a pair. More specifically, a horizontally-elongated motor fixing bracket35is provided to bridge between the attachment bracket28on one end side in the width direction and the attachment bracket28on the other end side in the width direction. The motor M is fixed to a front surface of the motor fixing bracket35. According to such an arrangement position, the motor M is housed inside the pair of right and left link groups20in the width direction, and therefore, the mechanisms of the vehicle seat S around the ottoman10can be more downsized.

Next, the position of the tip end receiver33awill be described. As described above, the tip end receiver33ais fixed onto the outer peripheral surface of the third coupling member33, and precisely, is fixed with the tip end receiver33aextending upward from an upper portion of the outer peripheral surface. As illustrated in, e.g.,FIG. 9, the third coupling member33is at the substantially same position as that of the motor M in the upper-to-lower direction. Thus, the tip end receiver33a(specifically, a portion of the tip end receiver33afixed to the tip end of the advancing/retreating member Ms) is positioned upward with respect to the motor M.

More specifically, when the state of the ottoman10is the housing state as illustrated in, e.g.,FIG. 9, the tip end receiver33ais positioned slightly upward with respect to the motor M. On the other hand, when the state of the ottoman10is brought into the use state, the tip end receiver33ais lifted as compared to an initial position (a position when the state of the ottoman10is the housing state), and is positioned somewhat upward with respect to the motor M.

The motor M and the tip end receiver33aare in the above-described position relationship, and therefore, the advancing/retreating member Ms advances/retreats in the direction somewhat inclined with respect to the horizontal direction.

Note that in the present embodiment, the link group20is operated by means of the rotation force of the motor M, but the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. For example, it may be configured such that the above-described motor M is not provided and the seated person manually operates the link groups20to change the position of the ottoman10.

Moreover, the link group20is not limited to the configuration of the present embodiment as long as the link group20moves the ottoman10between the use position and the housing position. For example, the link group20may include a smaller (or greater) number of links than that of the present embodiment.

Next, the flow of switching the state of the ottoman10will be, with reference toFIGS. 8 to 10, described mainly focusing on operation of the link groups20and the advancing/retreating member Ms. Note that each ofFIGS. 8 to 10illustrates states of three scenes different from each other in the state of the ottoman10. Specifically, in each figure, an upper view is a view when the state of the ottoman10is the use state, a lower view is a view when the state of the ottoman10is the housing state, and a middle view is a view when the state of the ottoman10is a state in the middle of switching.

When the state of the ottoman10is the housing state, the advancing/retreating member Ms retreats most as illustrated inFIG. 9. Moreover, in such a state, the link group20is in the folding state. Specifically, as illustrated inFIGS. 8 and 10, the four main body links (i.e., the second link22, the third link23, the fourth link24, and the seventh link27) forming the pantograph mechanism are in a closed state.

In the above-described state, when the motor M is actuated (rotates), the advancing/retreating member Ms moves straight diagonally upward to the front. Accordingly, as illustrated inFIG. 9, the tip end receiver33aand the third coupling member move, together with the tip end portion of the advancing/retreating member Ms, diagonally upward to the front. Moreover, the sixth link26swings to move diagonally upward to the front in association with movement of the third coupling member33. In this state, the fifth link25swings together with the sixth link26, and the fourth link24moves in association with swinging of the fifth link25. Specifically, the fourth link24rotates such that the end portion (precisely, the end portion on the side assembled to the second link22) in the extension direction is lifted about the rivet R assembled to the attachment bracket28.

Meanwhile, when the sixth link26swings to move diagonally upward to the front, the sixth link26drags and moves the seventh link27. Specifically, as illustrated inFIG. 10, the seventh link27rotates such that the end portion (precisely, the end portion on the side assembled to the third link23) in the extension direction is lifted about the rivet R assembled to the attachment bracket28.

Then, the third link23moves in association with rotary operation of both of the fourth link24and the seventh link27. Specifically, the third link23rotates such that the end portion (precisely, the end portion on the side assembled to the first link21) in the extension direction moves upward about the rivet R assembled to the seventh link27. In this state, the second link22moves in association with rotary operation of the third link23. Specifically, the second link22rotates such that the end portion (precisely, the end portion on the side assembled to the first link21) in the extension direction moves upward about the rivet R assembled to the fourth link24.

By a series of movement as described above, the state of the ottoman10is switched from the housing state to the use state. Moreover, by following the above-described flow in the opposite order, the state of the ottoman10is switched from the use state to the housing state. As described above, in the present embodiment, the drive force from the advancing/retreating member Ms is transmitted to each link of the link group20, and accordingly, each link moves. As a result, the state of the ottoman10is switched.

As described in the “SOLUTION TO PROBLEM” section, rattling might occur between the tip end portion of the advancing/retreating member Ms and the tip end receiver33afixed to such a tip end portion. Specifically, in a case where the direction of moving the advancing/retreating member Ms straight is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction as in the present embodiment, the tip end portion of the advancing/retreating member Ms is easily swingable, and for this reason, rattling is more notable. In response to such a situation, a configuration for reducing the degree of rattling upon occurrence of rattling is employed in the present embodiment. Specifically, the link group20includes the above-described sub-links, and the degree of rattling is reduced by these sub-links.

Hereinafter, the effect of reducing the degree of rattling by the sub-links will be described in detail with reference toFIGS. 11 and 12. Note thatFIG. 11is a view for describing a movable area of the tip end portion of the advancing/retreating member Ms according to the present embodiment, the view being a schematic view of frameworks and rotation trajectories of the sub-links and the advancing/retreating member Ms. Moreover, the movable area of the tip end portion of the advancing/retreating member Ms is illustrated as a hatched area inFIG. 11.

FIG. 12is a view for describing a movable area of a tip end portion of an advancing/retreating member Ms according to a comparative example.FIG. 12illustrates a case where no sub-links are provided and drive force of the advancing/retreating member Ms is transmitted to main body links. Specifically, a case where a component (hereinafter referred to as another “tip end receiver32x”) similar to the tip end receiver33ais provided at a second coupling member32coupling fourth links24together is illustrated. Moreover,FIG. 12schematically illustrates frameworks and rotation trajectories of the fourth link24and the advancing/retreating member Ms, and the movable area of the tip end portion of the advancing/retreating member Ms is illustrated as a hatched area inFIG. 12.

Note thatFIGS. 11 and 12illustrate states when the state of the ottoman10is the housing state.

First, the degree of rattling in the comparative example will be described with reference toFIG. 12. Of the tip end portion of the advancing/retreating member Ms, a fixing portion fixed to the tip end receiver32xis rotatable about the point (indicated by a character “a” inFIG. 12) of support in rotation. A rotation trajectory in this state will be referred to as a “first trajectory RA1.”

Meanwhile, the fourth link24rotates about a rivet R (precisely, a rivet R assembled to an attachment bracket28and indicated by “R0” inFIG. 12) as a rotary shaft. Of the fourth link24, a portion adjacent to the tip end portion (precisely, the fixing portion of the tip end portion fixed to the tip end receiver32x) of the advancing/retreating member Ms in the width direction also rotates about the above-described rivet R, needless to say. A rotation trajectory in this state will be referred to as a “comparative trajectory RA0.”

When the first trajectory RA1and the comparative trajectory RA0are projected onto a virtual plane (i.e., a virtual plane corresponding to the plane of paper ofFIG. 12) perpendicular to the width direction, both trajectories are, although the trajectories are different from each other in a curving direction, parallel to each other, and overlap with each other across a relatively-broad area as illustrated inFIG. 12. Such an overlapping area of both trajectories corresponds to the movable area of the tip end portion of the advancing/retreating member Ms. Rattling of the tip end portion of the advancing/retreating member Ms might occur within the movable area of the tip end portion. For this reason, in a case where the movable area is relatively broad as in the case illustrated inFIG. 12, tendency shows that the degree of rattling is relatively high.

On the other hand, the two sub-links are, in the present embodiment, provided to narrow the above-described movable area specifically in the front-to-back direction. More specifically, in the present embodiment, the fixing portion of the tip end portion of the advancing/retreating member Ms fixed to the tip end receiver33ais rotatable about the point (indicated by a character “a” inFIG. 11) of support in rotation. A rotation trajectory in this state will be, as in the comparative example, referred to as a “first trajectory RA1.”

Of the two sub-links, the fifth link25positioned outside in the width direction is rotatable about the rivet R (precisely, the rivet R assembled to the fourth link24and indicated by “R1” inFIG. 11) as the rotary shaft. Of the fifth link25, a portion at a position corresponding to the tip end portion of the advancing/retreating member Ms is, needless to say, rotatable about the above-described rivet R. A rotary trajectory in this state will be referred to as a “second trajectory RA2.” Note that the portion of the fifth link25at the position corresponding to the tip end portion of the advancing/retreating member Ms is a portion of the tip end portion on the opposite side of the sixth link26from the fixing portion fixed to the tip end receiver33a, and more specifically, is a portion at the same position as that of the above-described fixing portion in a circumferential direction of the third coupling member33.

Of the two sub-links, the sixth link26positioned inward in the width direction is rotatable about the rivet R (precisely, the rivet R assembled to the seventh link27and indicated by “R2” inFIG. 11) as the second rotary shaft. In this state, a portion of the sixth link26adjacent to the tip end portion (precisely, the fixing portion of the tip end portion fixed to the tip end receiver33a) of the advancing/retreating member Ms in the width direction is, needless to say, rotatable about the above-described rivet R. A rotation trajectory in this state will be referred to as a “third trajectory RA3.”

When the first trajectory RA1, the second trajectory RA2, and the third trajectory RA3are projected onto a virtual plane (i.e., a virtual plane corresponding to the plane of paper ofFIG. 11) perpendicular to the width direction, the first trajectory RA1and the third trajectory RA3partially overlap with each other as illustrated inFIG. 11. Moreover, as illustrated in this figure, the second trajectory RA2crosses (traverses) the area of the first trajectory RA1overlapping with the third trajectory RA3. An area where three trajectories overlap with each other corresponds to the movable area of the tip end portion of the advancing/retreating member Ms.

As will be seen from comparison betweenFIG. 11andFIG. 12, the movable area of the tip end portion of the advancing/retreating member Ms according to the present embodiment is, specifically in the front-to-back direction, narrowed as compared to the movable area of the comparative example. Thus, the degree of rattling (specifically, rattling in the front-to-back direction) which might occur at the tip end portion of the advancing/retreating member Ms is reduced.

Note that the degree of rattling in the front-to-back direction is reduced so that rattling of the tip end portion of the advancing/retreating member Ms in the front-to-back direction can be reduced when the state of the ottoman10is the housing state during vehicle travelling, for example.

The configuration of the conveyance seat (specifically, the vehicle seat S) of the present invention has been described above by way of example. Note that the above-described embodiment is for the sake of easy understanding of the present invention, and is not intended to limit the present invention. That is, changes or modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention, and needless to say, the present invention includes equivalents thereof.

In the above-described embodiment, the rod-shaped lead screw is used as the advancing/retreating member Ms configured to move straight while advancing/retreating to move each link of the link group20. Note that the present invention is not limited to such a configuration, and other members than the rod-shaped member may be employed as long as the drive force can be transmitted to each link by advancing/retreating in a straight movement direction.

Moreover, in the above-described embodiment, the motor M is used as a drive source of the advancing/retreating member Ms, but other devices than the motor M may be used as the drive source of the advancing/retreating member Ms as long as the advancing/retreating member Ms can be driven.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the link group20includes the seven links, but the number of links forming the link group20can be set as necessary. In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the link group20includes the two sub-links (i.e., the fifth link25and the sixth link26). With these two sub-links, the movable area of the tip end portion of the advancing/retreating member Ms is narrowed, and in this manner, the degree of rattling at the tip end portion is reduced. Note that the number of sub-links provided to narrow the movable area of the tip end portion of the advancing/retreating member Ms can be set as necessary.

Moreover, in the above-described embodiment, the link group20, the advancing/retreating member Ms, and the motor M are used as a mechanism for switching the state of the ottoman10. That is, in the above-described embodiment, the configuration of switching the state of the ottoman10by operation of each link of the link group20will be described as an application example of the present invention. Note that the present invention is applicable to a conveyance seat capable of switching a seat main body state by multiple links, and needless to say, is also applicable to the configuration of switching a portion of a seat main body other than an ottoman10. For example, the present invention is also applicable to a conveyance seat having a mechanism (i.e., a height link mechanism) configured to move the position of a seat main body (specifically, a seat cushion) in the upper-to-lower direction by operation of multiple links.

Next, the link cover40will be described. For describing the link cover40, a typical link cover (specifically, a link cover described in JP2013-252257A) will be described. The typical link cover is formed from, e.g., a carpet, and is provided to reduce adherence of a foreign substance etc. to a link mechanism. Moreover, the link cover is normally arranged at the periphery of the link mechanism, such as a position in the front of the link mechanism.

When the link cover is attached, the cover needs to be attached not to interfere with operation of the link mechanism. Preferably, the process of attaching the cover is easily performed, needless to say. Note that in the typical case, a J-hook is attached to the link cover, and for attachment of the cover, is hooked on a frame provided at a lower portion of an ottoman, for example. A configuration allowing attachment of the cover in a simpler manner than such a configuration has been demanded. That is, in a configuration in which an operation body configured to operate to move the ottoman is covered with the cover, proper and easy attachment of the cover is taken as a challenge.

According to the vehicle seat of the present embodiment, the above-described challenge can be solved by a vehicle seat including an ottoman configured to support the lower thighs of a seated person in the front of a seat cushion, an operation body (specifically, a link group20; the same shall apply hereinafter) configured to move together with the ottoman with the operation body being attached to the ottoman for moving the ottoman between a use position as a position when the ottoman supports the lower thighs and a housing position as a position when the ottoman is retracted from the use position toward a front end portion of the seat cushion, and a cover having, at a surface facing a protruding portion protruding from a side surface of the operation body, an engagement portion engaging with the protruding portion and configured to cover the operation body with the engagement portion engaging with the protruding portion.

In the vehicle seat configured as described above, the protruding portion protruding from the side surface of the operation body engages with the engagement portion provided on the surface of the cover facing the protruding portion, and in this manner, the cover is attached. With such a configuration, the cover is attached by engagement of the protruding portion with the engagement portion so that the process of attaching the cover can be easily performed. Moreover, the above-described protruding portion is provided on the side surface of the operation body so that engagement (in other words, attachment of the cover) between the protruding portion and the engagement portion can be performed at a position not contacting the operation body. As described above, according to the vehicle seat of the present invention, the cover can be properly and easily attached.

Moreover, in the present embodiment, the engagement portion is an insertion hole formation portion forming an insertion hole into which the protruding portion is to be inserted. In such a configuration, the protruding portion is inserted into the insertion hole upon attachment of the cover. With such a configuration, the process of attaching the cover can be more facilitated.

Further, in the present embodiment, an opening is formed at a surface of the insertion hole formation portion positioned at a back end surface when the ottoman is at the use position. In such a configuration, when the protruding portion is inserted into the insertion hole, the insertion hole can be easily expanded due to the opening, and therefore, the protruding portion can be smoothly inserted into the insertion hole. With this configuration, the process of attaching the cover can be further facilitated.

In addition, in the present embodiment, the cover has a front wall portion configured to cover the operation body from the front thereof, and the front wall portion is positioned forward with respect to the operation body when the ottoman is at the use position. In such a configuration, the front wall of the cover is arranged at the position in the front of the operation body when the ottoman is at the use position, and therefore, adherence of a foreign substance to the operation body upon use of the ottoman can be effectively reduced.

Moreover, in the present embodiment, the operation body has a rotary shaft along the width direction of the vehicle seat, and a rotary link rotatable about the rotary shaft. The protruding portion is provided outward with respect to the rotary link in the width direction. In such a configuration, the protruding portion is provided outward with respect to the rotary link in the width direction of the vehicle seat, and therefore, engagement (in other words, attachment of the cover) between the protruding portion and the engagement portion can be performed at a position not contacting the rotary link. That is, the above-described configuration allows attachment of the cover without interfering with rotary operation of the rotary link.

Further, in the present embodiment, the cover has a side wall portion configured to cover the operation body from the lateral side thereof, the side wall portion is positioned outward with respect to the protruding portion in the width direction of the vehicle seat, and the surface of the cover facing the protruding portion is a surface of the side wall portion facing inward in the width direction. In such a configuration, the side wall portion of the cover is positioned outward with respect to the protruding portion in the width direction of the vehicle seat, and the engagement portion is provided at the surface of the side wall portion facing inward in the width direction. With such a configuration, the inside of a space positioned inward in the width direction with respect to the side wall portion of the cover is effectively utilized so that engagement of the protruding portion with the engagement portion can be performed.

In addition, in the present embodiment, the vehicle seat further includes a motor configured to rotate to operate the operation body, and the cover covers both of the operation body and the motor. In such a configuration, the cover for covering the operation body is also used as the cover for covering the motor. With such a configuration, the number of components can be reduced as compared to the case of separately providing covers for the operation body and the motor.

Moreover, in the present embodiment, the operation body has a rotary shaft along the width direction of the vehicle seat, and multiple rotary links rotatable about the rotary shaft with the rotary links being coupled together via the rotary shaft. The protruding portion is provided at a portion of the rotary shaft positioned outward in the width direction with respect to those, which are positioned outward in the width direction, of the multiple rotary links. Of the rotary shaft coupling the rotary links together, the portion positioned outward with respect to the outer rotary links is provided with the protruding portion in this configuration. With such a configuration, the protruding portion can be provided integrally with the rotary shaft, and therefore, the number of components can be reduced as compared to the case of separately providing the rotary shaft and the protruding portion.

As described above, according to the vehicle seat of the present embodiment, the cover configured to cover the operation body configured to operate to move the ottoman can be properly and easily attached.

Moreover, in the present embodiment, it is configured such that the protruding portion is inserted into the insertion hole upon attachment of the cover, and therefore, the process of attaching the cover is more facilitated.

Further, in the present embodiment, the protruding portion can be smoothly inserted into the insertion hole, and therefore, the process of attaching the cover is further facilitated.

In addition, in the present embodiment, the front wall of the cover is arranged at the position in the front of the operation body when the ottoman is at the use position, and therefore, adherence of a foreign substance to the operation body upon use of the ottoman can be effectively reduced.

Moreover, in the present embodiment, engagement between the protruding portion and the engagement portion is performed at the position not contacting the rotary link, and therefore, the cover can be attached not to interfere with the rotary operation of the rotary link.

Further, in the present embodiment, the inside of the space positioned inward in the width direction with respect to the side wall portion of the cover is effectively utilized, and therefore, engagement of the protruding portion with the engagement portion can be performed.

In addition, in the present embodiment, the cover for covering the operation body is also used as the cover for covering the motor, and therefore, the number of components can be more reduced.

Moreover, in the present embodiment, the protruding portion is provided integrally with the rotary shaft, and therefore, the number of components can be more reduced.

Hereinafter, a configuration of the link cover40of the present embodiment will be described with reference toFIGS. 13 to 19. Note that unless otherwise provided, the position, posture, etc. of each portion of the link cover40as described below are in accordance with the contents when the ottoman10is at the use position.

The link cover40corresponds to a cover of the present invention, and is attached to reduce adherence of a foreign substance to the link group20. The link cover40includes a resin cover, and is configured to cover the link group20from the front and lateral sides.

The configuration of the link cover40according to the present embodiment will be described. As illustrated inFIG. 4, the link cover40is divided into three pieces, and specifically, is divided into the upper cover41, the intermediate cover42, and the lower cover43. Note that the link cover40is not limited to the link cover divided into multiple pieces as in the present embodiment, and may include a single piece.

Each piece of the link cover40will be described. The upper cover41mainly covers the rotary link positioned on the upper side, specifically the second link22. The intermediate cover42mainly covers the rotary links at a middle position of the link group20in the upper-to-lower direction, specifically the third link23, the fourth link24, and the fifth link25. The lower cover43mainly covers the rotary links positioned on the lower side, specifically the sixth link26and the seventh link27.

As illustrated inFIG. 4, each piece is formed in a substantially U-shape, and includes a front wall portion41a,42a,43aand side wall portions41b,42b,43b. The front wall portion41a,42a,43ais a portion positioned in the front of the corresponding rotary link(s) (the rotary link(s) covered with each piece) to cover the rotary link(s) from the front when the ottoman10is at the use position. Note that in the present embodiment, the front wall portion41a,42a,43acovers the corresponding rotary link (s) in a state in which the front wall portion41a,42a,43ais slightly inclined (inclined forward) with respect to the upper-to-lower direction when the ottoman10is at the use position. Moreover, the horizontal width of the front wall portion41a,42a,43ahave a sufficient length to simultaneously cover the rotary links of both of the left link group20and the right link group20.

The side wall portions41b,42b,43bare each positioned on both sides of a corresponding one of the front wall portions41a,42a,43a, and extend in a direction crossing a corresponding one of the front wall portions41a,42a,43a. When the ottoman10is at the use position, the side wall portions41b,42b,43bare positioned outward in the width direction with respect to the corresponding rotary link(s) to cover the rotary link(s) from the lateral side.

In the present embodiment, the lower cover43includes, at a lower end portion thereof, a lower extending portion43sextending downward as illustrated inFIG. 4. The lower extending portion43sis, when the ottoman10is at the use position, positioned in the front of the above-described motor M to cover the motor M from the front. Thus, the link cover40according to the present embodiment has the function of covering the link group20, as well as having the function of covering the motor M. With the configuration of covering both of the link group20and the motor M with the link cover40, the number of components can be reduced as compared to the configuration of separately providing covers for the link group20and the motor M.

Moreover, each piece forming the link cover40is attached to move in association with the rotary link(s) of the link group20. In other words, the upper cover41, the intermediate cover42, and the lower cover43are attached not to interfere with the rotary operation of each rotary link. When the rotary links of the link group20integrally perform the rotary operation, each piece of the link cover40operates accordingly. More specifically, when the ottoman10is at the housing position (i.e., when the link group folds), the link cover40is in a state in which the pieces lie over one another, i.e., in the folding state. On the other hand, when the ottoman10is at the use position (i.e., when the link group20expands), the link cover40is in a state in which the pieces somewhat shift from each other in the upper-to-lower direction, i.e., the expansion state.

In the present embodiment, attachment of the link cover40is performed such that the link cover40expands or folds without interfering with operation of the link group20as described above. Hereinafter, a mechanism for attaching the link cover40in the present embodiment will be described.

First, a mechanism for attaching the upper cover41will be described. As illustrated inFIG. 13, a substantially U-shaped locking groove formation portion41cis provided at an upper end portion of the front wall portion41aof the upper cover41. The locking groove formation portion41cforms a locking groove41d, and extends elongated along the width direction. Moreover, the locking groove41dis formed elongated along the width direction, and the width of the locking groove41dis slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the first coupling member31of the rod material arranged between the first links21.

As illustrated inFIG. 13, the first coupling member31is fitted in the locking groove41d. More specifically, the upper cover41is set such that the entire opening area of the locking groove41dfaces an outer peripheral surface of the first coupling member31, and thereafter, the first coupling member31is fitted in such a groove through the opening of the locking groove41d. At this point, the first coupling member31is fitted in the locking groove41dwhile expanding the width of the locking groove41d. Eventually, the first coupling member31engages with the locking groove41dwith the first coupling member31being sandwiched between portions of the locking groove formation portion41cpositioned on both sides of the locking groove41d. When reaching such a state, the upper cover41is attached to the first coupling member31.

In the present embodiment, the upper cover41is, via tapping screws T, fixed to a front end portion (precisely, a portion positioned at the front end portion of the ottoman10at the use position) of the second link22. More specifically, the front end portion of the second link22bends outward in the width direction at a substantially right angle, thereby forming a flange as illustrated inFIG. 3. The front wall portion41aof the upper cover41is, via the tapping screws T, fastened to such a flange portion. With such a configuration, the front wall portion41aof the upper cover41is, when the ottoman10is at the use position, positioned forward with respect to the front end portion of the second link22, thereby covering the second link22from the front.

Next, a mechanism for attaching the intermediate cover42will be described. As illustrated inFIG. 14, an insertion hole formation portion42cas an engagement portion is formed at an inner surface of each side wall portion42bof the intermediate cover42in the width direction (FIG. 14illustrates only the side wall portion42bon one end side in the width direction). The insertion hole formation portion42cis a protrusion formed integrally with an intermediate cover main body (other portions of the intermediate cover42than the insertion hole formation portion42c) upon shaping of the intermediate cover42. Moreover, the insertion hole formation portion42cforms an insertion hole42dtherein. Further, a through-hole42eillustrated inFIG. 14is formed at a portion of the insertion hole formation portion42cadjacent to the insertion hole42don the inside in the width direction. Further, as illustrated in this figure, an opening42fcommunicating with the insertion hole42dis formed at a portion of the insertion hole formation portion42cdifferent from the portion provided with the through-hole42e. The portion provided with the opening42fdefines a surface positioned at a back end surface of the insertion hole formation portion42cwhen the ottoman10is at the use position.

Meanwhile, a protruding portion50to be engaged with the above-described insertion hole42dis provided at each link group20. As illustrated inFIG. 15, the protruding portion50is provided at the rivet R forming the rotary shaft upon rotation of the rotary links, specifically the rivet R (hereinafter referred to as a “specified rivet R”) coupling the third link23and the fourth link24. The specified rivet R will be described. As illustrated inFIG. 3, a top portion of the specified rivet R is thicker than top portions of other rivets R. The top portion of the specified rivet R as described herein is an end portion on the outside in the width direction. More precisely, the top portion of the specified rivet R is an end portion positioned outward in the width direction with respect to one (specifically, the third link23), which is positioned outward in the width direction, of the two rotary links coupled via the specified rivet R.

As illustrated inFIG. 15, the above-described protruding portion50protrudes from a side surface (an outer end surface in the width direction) of the top portion of the specified rivet R. The protruding portion50will be described. The protruding portion50includes a base portion50aextending outward in the width direction, and a horizontal spinning top-shaped tip end portion50b. The outer diameter of the tip end portion50bis greater than the outer diameter of the base portion50a. Moreover, the outer diameter of the base portion50ais slightly smaller than the diameter of the through-hole42eprovided at the insertion hole formation portion42c. Further, the size of the tip end portion50bis such a size that the entirety of the tip end portion50bcan be housed in the insertion hole42d.

Note that in the present embodiment, the protruding portion50is formed integrally with the specified rivet R. That is, in the present embodiment, the protruding portion50is provided integrally with the specified rivet R, and the number of components is, by such a configuration, reduced as compared to the case of separately providing the specified rivet R and the protruding portion50.

The protruding portion50configured as described above is positioned inward in the width direction with respect to the side wall portion42bof the intermediate cover42in a state in which the intermediate cover42is set at the arrangement position thereof. Further, when the intermediate cover42is set, the protruding portion50faces the insertion hole formation portion42cprovided at the inner surface of the side wall portion42bof the intermediate cover42in the width direction. In other words, the side wall portion42bof the intermediate cover42is positioned outward with respect to the protruding portion50in the width direction, and the inner surface (the surface facing inward in the width direction) of the side wall portion42bis a surface facing the protruding portion50.

Then, the protruding portion50is inserted into the insertion hole42das illustrated inFIG. 16. More specifically, the intermediate cover42is set such that the tip end portion50bof the protruding portion50faces the through-hole42eformed at an inner portion of the insertion hole formation portion42cin the width direction. Thereafter, the protruding portion50is inserted into the insertion hole42dthrough the through-hole42e. At this point, the protruding portion50is inserted into the insertion hole42dwhile expanding the through-hole42eby the tip end portion50b. That is, the insertion hole formation portion42celastically deforms such that the through-hole42eis expanded by pressing of the tip end portion50bof the protruding portion50against a peripheral portion of the through-hole42e.

Note that in the present embodiment, the opening42fillustrated inFIG. 14is formed at the back end surface (precisely, the surface positioned at the back end surface of the ottoman10at the use position) of the insertion hole formation portion42c. With this opening42f, the insertion hole42dcan be, in the present embodiment, easily expanded when the protruding portion50is inserted into the insertion hole42d. As a result, the protruding portion50is smoothly inserted into the insertion hole42d.

Eventually, the protruding portion50engages with the insertion hole42dat the time of inserting the protruding portion50until the entirety of the tip end portion50bis housed in the insertion hole42d. Precisely, the tip end portion50bof the protruding portion50is locked at an edge portion of the insertion hole42dof the insertion hole formation portion42c. When reaching such a state, the intermediate cover42is attached to the protruding portion50provided at the specified rivet R.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the protruding portion50protruding from the side surface (the outer end surface of the top portion in the width direction) of the specified rivet R is inserted into the insertion hole42dprovided at the inner surface of the side wall portion42bof the intermediate cover42in the width direction, and in this manner, the intermediate cover42is attached. With such a configuration, the process of attaching the intermediate cover42is facilitated. Moreover, the protruding portion50is provided outward in the width direction with respect to one (specifically, the third link23), which is on the outside in the width direction, of the rotary links coupled via the specified rivet R. Thus, insertion of the protruding portion50into the insertion hole42d(in other words, attachment of the intermediate cover42) can be performed at the position not contacting the above-described rotary links. As a result, the intermediate cover42is properly attached not to interfere with the rotary operation of the above-described rotary links.

Attachment of the intermediate cover42will be described in more detail. In the present embodiment, the front wall portion42aof the intermediate cover42is attached to the second coupling member32via an intermediate cover fixing bracket36illustrated inFIGS. 3 and 4. The intermediate cover fixing bracket36is welded to a front end portion (precisely, a portion positioned at the front end portion of the ottoman10at the use position) of the second coupling member32. Moreover, an upper end portion of the front wall portion42aof the intermediate cover42is, via tapping screws T, fastened to a front surface of the intermediate cover fixing bracket36. With such a configuration, the front wall portion42aof the intermediate cover42is, when the ottoman10is at the use position, positioned forward with respect to the rotary links (specifically, the third link23, the fourth link24, and the fifth link25) covered with the intermediate cover42, thereby covering the rotary links from the front.

Next, a mechanism for attaching the lower cover43will be described. As illustrated inFIG. 17, an insertion hole formation portion43cas an engagement portion is formed at an inner surface of each side wall portion43bof the lower cover43in the width direction (FIG. 17illustrates only the side wall portion43bon one end side in the width direction). The insertion hole formation portion43cis a protrusion formed integrally with a lower cover main body (other portions of the lower cover43than the insertion hole formation portion43c) upon shaping of the lower cover43. Note that the insertion hole formation portion43cprovided at the side wall portion43bof the lower cover43has a configuration similar to that of the insertion hole formation portion42cprovided at the side wall portion42bof the intermediate cover42. That is, the insertion hole formation portion43cprovided at the side wall portion43bof the lower cover43forms an insertion hole43dtherein. Moreover, a through-hole43eillustrated inFIG. 17is formed at a portion of the insertion hole formation portion43cadjacent to the insertion hole43don the inside in the width direction. Further, an opening43fillustrated inFIG. 17is formed at a back end surface (a surface positioned at the back end surface of the ottoman10at the use position) of the insertion hole formation portion43c.

Meanwhile, a protruding portion51to be engaged with the above-described insertion hole43dis provided at each link group20. As illustrated inFIG. 18, the protruding portion51is provided at the rivet R (hereinafter referred to as a “second specified rivet R”) coupling the sixth link26and the seventh link27together. As illustrated inFIG. 3, the second specified rivet R is thicker than top portions of other rivets R as in the specified rivet R described earlier. As illustrated inFIG. 19, the protruding portion51protrudes from a side surface (an end surface on the outside in the width direction) of a top portion of the second specified rivet R. Moreover, the protruding portion51includes a base portion51aextending along the width direction, and a horizontal spinning top-shaped tip end portion51b. Note that a configuration of each portion of the protruding portion51is similar to that of the protruding portion50described earlier, and therefore, description thereof will not be repeated.

The protruding portion51is positioned inward in the width direction with respect to the side wall portion43bof the lower cover43in a state in which the lower cover43is set at the arrangement position thereof. Further, when the lower cover43is set, the protruding portion51faces the insertion hole formation portion43cprovided at the inner surface of the side wall portion43bof the lower cover43in the width direction.

Then, the protruding portion51is inserted into the insertion hole43das illustrated inFIG. 19. More specifically, the lower cover43is set such that the tip end portion51bof the protruding portion51faces the through-hole43eformed at the inner portion of the insertion hole formation portion43cin the width direction. Thereafter, the protruding portion51is inserted into the insertion hole43dthrough the through-hole43e. At this point, the protruding portion51is inserted into the insertion hole43dwhile expanding the through-hole43eby the tip end portion51b. Note that in the present embodiment, the opening43fis formed at the back end surface (precisely, the surface positioned at the back end surface of the ottoman10at the use position) of the insertion hole formation portion43c, and therefore, the insertion hole43dis easily expanded. As a result, the protruding portion51is smoothly inserted into the insertion hole43d.

Eventually, the protruding portion51engages with the insertion hole43dat the time of inserting the protruding portion51until the entirety of the tip end portion51bis housed in the insertion hole43d. That is, as illustrated inFIG. 19, the tip end portion51bof the protruding portion51is locked at an edge portion of the insertion hole43dof the insertion hole formation portion43c. When reaching such a state, the lower cover43is attached to the protruding portion51provided at the second specified rivet R.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the protruding portion51protruding from the side surface (the outer end surface of the top portion in the width direction) of the second specified rivet R is inserted into the insertion hole43dprovided at the inner surface of the side wall portion43bof the lower cover43in the width direction, and in this manner, the lower cover43is attached. With such a configuration, the process of attaching the lower cover43is easily performed. Moreover, the protruding portion51is provided outward in the width direction with respect to one (specifically, the seventh link27), which is on the outside in the width direction, of the rotary links coupled together via the second specified rivet R. Thus, insertion of the protruding portion51into the insertion hole43d(in other words, attachment of the lower cover43) can be performed at the position not contacting the above-described rotary links. As a result, the lower cover43is properly attached not to interfere with the rotary operation of the above-described rotary links.

Attachment of the lower cover43will be described in more detail. In the present embodiment, the front wall portion43aof the lower cover43is attached to the fourth coupling member34via a lower cover fixing bracket37illustrated inFIGS. 3 and 4. The lower cover fixing bracket37is welded to a front end portion (precisely, a portion positioned at the front end portion of the ottoman10at the use position) of the fourth coupling member34. Moreover, a lower end portion of the front wall portion43aof the lower cover43, precisely the lower extending portion43s, is fastened to a front surface of the lower cover fixing bracket37via tapping screws T. With such a configuration, the front wall portion43aof the lower cover43is, when the ottoman10is at the use position, positioned forward with respect to the rotary links (specifically, the sixth link26, the fourth link24, and the fifth link25) covered with the lower cover43, thereby covering the rotary links from the front. Further, when the ottoman10is at the use position, the lower extending portion43sprovided at the lower end portion of the front wall portion43aof the lower cover43is positioned forward with respect to the motor M, thereby covering the motor M from the front.

The configuration example of the vehicle seat S according to the present embodiment has been described so far, but other configurations than the above-described configuration are conceivable. For example, in the above-described embodiment, when the link cover40is attached, the protruding portions50,51provided at the link group20are each inserted into the insertion holes42d,43dprovided at the link cover40, and in this manner, the link group20and the link cover40engage with each other. Note that other methods for engaging the protruding portion50,51provided at the link group20with the engagement portion provided at the link cover40are conceivable. For example, it may be configured such that a claw portion is provided at the link cover40and is hooked on the protruding portion50,51.

Moreover, in the above-described embodiment, the link cover40has the front wall portion as the portion for covering the link group20from the front thereof, and the side wall portions as the portions for covering the link group20from the lateral side. Note that the present invention is not limited to such a configuration, and it may be configured such that only either one of the front wall portion or the side wall portions is provided.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the protruding portions50,51provided at the link group20are positioned inward in the width direction with respect to the side wall portions of the link cover40. That is, in the above-described embodiment, the inside of the space positioned inward in the width direction with respect to the side wall portions of the link cover40is effectively utilized for insertion of the protruding portions50,51into the insertion holes42d,43d. Note that a position relationship among the side wall portions of the link cover40and the protruding portions50,51is not specifically limited, and the protruding portions50,51may be provided at the substantially same position as those of the side wall portions of the link cover40in the width direction.

In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the protruding portion50,51is shaped integrally with the rivet (the specified rivet R or the second specified rivet R). However, the protruding portion50,51and the rivet R may be shaped as separate members, and thereafter, these members may be bonded together.

Moreover, in the above-described embodiment, the link cover40is also used as the cover for protecting the motor M, but the cover for protecting the motor M may be provided separately from the link cover40.

<<Variation of Link Cover>>

Hereinafter, a variation of the above-described link cover will be described. For describing the link cover according to the variation, a problem regarding the link cover will be described. One example of the link cover includes a plate surface-shaped cover member described in JP2006-239291A. In the case of using this cover member, link members (a main link, a swing link, an operation link) forming a link mechanism and the periphery thereof are, without clearance, covered with the cover member in a state in which an ottoman is at a use position.

When the link members (operation bodies) are completely covered with the cover, adherence of a foreign substance to the link members can be properly reduced while it is difficult to check whether or not there is an abnormality in the link members or whether or not the operation bodies are properly assembled. In response to such a problem, a vehicle seat has been demanded, which is capable of easily checking the state of the link members (the operation bodies) operating together with the ottoman to move the ottoman even in the case of covering the link members with the cover.

The above-described problem is solved by a vehicle seat according to the following variation. The vehicle seat has an ottoman configured to support the lower thighs of a seated person in the front of a seat cushion, an operation body (specifically, a link group; the same shall apply hereinafter) configured to move together with the ottoman with the operation body being attached to the ottoman for moving the ottoman between a use position as a position when the ottoman supports the lower thighs and a housing position as a position when the ottoman is retracted from the use position toward a front end portion of the seat cushion, and a cover configured to cover, from the front and lateral sides, a portion of the operation body positioned forward with respect to the front end portion below the ottoman when the ottoman is at the use position. When the ottoman is at the use position, part of the portion is exposed at a position shifted from a position covered with the cover.

In the vehicle seat configured as described above, the portion (hereinafter also referred to as a “specified portion”) of the operation body configured to operate together with the ottoman with the operation body being attached to the ottoman is covered with the cover, the specified portion being positioned forward with respect to the seat cushion below the ottoman. Meanwhile, when the ottoman is at the use position, part of the specified portion is exposed at the position shifted from the position covered with the cover. That is, when the ottoman is at the use position, part of the specified portion is visible. With such a configuration, even when the operation body is covered with the cover, part of the specified portion is viewed so that the state of the operation body can be easily checked.

Moreover, in the variation, the operation body includes multiple links. Of the multiple links, at least one link is positioned forward with respect to the front end portion below the ottoman, and the remaining links are, in the back of the front end of the seat cushion, positioned inward in the width direction with respect to a side cover provided at each end portion of the seat cushion in the width direction of the vehicle seat. According to such a configuration, the multiple links forming the operation body can be effectively covered with the cover and the side covers of the seat cushion. Meanwhile, when the ottoman is at the use position, part of at least one link is exposed at the position shifted from the position covered with the cover. Thus, even when the operation body is covered with the cover and the side covers of the seat cushion, part of the link (corresponding to part of the specified portion) is viewed so that the state of the operation body can be easily checked.

Further, in the variation, a hole is formed at a side wall portion of the cover for covering the operation body from the lateral side, and part of the above-described portion is at the position exposed through the hole when the ottoman is at the use position. In such a configuration, when the ottoman is at the use position, part of the specified portion is at the position exposed through the hole formed at the side wall portion of the cover. That is, part of the specified portion is visible from the lateral side of the cover through the hole. With such a configuration, the state of the operation body can be more easily checked.

In addition, in the variation, the hole is a slit formed at a position of the side wall portion adjacent to part of the above-described portion when the ottoman is at the use position. In such a configuration, the slit is formed at the position of the side wall portion of the cover adjacent to part of the specified portion when the ottoman is at the use position. Part of the specified portion is viewed through the slit. When the slit is formed as a viewing hole as described above, a visible area becomes more broader, and therefore, the state of the operation body can be much more easily checked.

Moreover, in the variation, the operation body includes a link configured to rotate about a rotary shaft whose axial direction is along the width direction of the vehicle seat, and the slit faces the link along the link when the ottoman is at the use position. In such a configuration, when the ottoman is at the use position, the slit faces the link forming the operation body along such a link. With such a configuration, part (corresponding to part of the specified portion) of the link forming the operation body is easily viewed through the slit, and as a result, checking of the state of the operation body is more facilitated.

Further, in the variation, part of the above-described portion at the position exposed through the slit when the ottoman is at the use position includes the rotary shaft. In such a configuration, part of the specified portion to be viewed includes the rotary shaft of the link. It is particularly important for proper operation of the operation body to check a rotary shaft assembly state included in the state of the operation body. With the above-described configuration, the rotary shaft assembly state can be easily checked, and therefore, the state of the operation body can be properly checked.

In addition, in the variation, the operation body includes a link configured to rotate about a rotary shaft whose axial direction is along the width direction of the vehicle seat, and the hole is a circular hole formed at a position of the side wall portion adjacent to the rotary shaft when the ottoman is at the use position. In such a configuration, the circular hole is formed at the position of the side wall portion of the cover adjacent to the rotary shaft of the link when the ottoman is at the use position. With such a configuration, the size of the viewing hole provided at the side wall portion of the cover can be reduced as much as possible while the rotary shaft assembly state particularly important for checking the state of the operation body can be easily checked.

Moreover, in the variation, a recessed portion recessed toward the link in the width direction is provided at the side wall portion, and the hole is formed at a bottom portion of the recessed portion at the side wall portion. In such a configuration, the viewing hole is formed at the bottom portion of the recessed portion provided at the side wall portion of the cover. With such a configuration, the hole is closer to the link (part of the specified portion), and therefore, part of the link is easily viewed through the hole. With the recessed portion, cover stiffness is improved. Further, the hole is formed at the bottom portion of the recessed portion at the side wall portion of the cover, and therefore, entering of a foreign substance through the hole is less caused as compared to the case of forming a hole at other portions than the recessed portion.

Further, in the variation, part of the above-described portion is exposed at the position shifted from the position covered with a front wall portion of the cover covering the above-described portion from the front when the ottoman is at the use position. In such a configuration, when the ottoman is at the use position, part of the specified portion is exposed at the position shifted from the position covered with the front wall portion of the cover. With such a configuration, part of the specified portion can be viewed from the front of the cover, and therefore, the state of the operation body can be more easily checked.

As described above, according to the vehicle seat of the above variation, part of the portion (the specified portion) of the operation body configured to move together with the ottoman with the operation body being attached to the ottoman can be viewed when the ottoman is at the use position, the specified portion being positioned forward with respect to the seat cushion below the ottoman. Thus, the state of the operation body can be easily checked even when the operation body is covered with the cover.

Moreover, in the variation, the operation body can be effectively covered with the cover and the side covers of the seat cushion while the state of the operation body can be easily checked.

Further, in the variation, part of the specified portion can be viewed from the lateral side of the cover through the hole formed at the side wall portion of the cover, and therefore, the state of the operation body can be more easily checked.

In addition, in the variation, the slit is formed as the viewing hole, and therefore, the state of the operation body can be much more easily checked.

Moreover, in the variation, the slit faces the link forming the operation body along such a link, and therefore, checking of the state of the operation body is further facilitated.

Further, in the variation, the assembly state of the rotary shaft of the link forming the operation body can be easily checked, and therefore, the state of the operation body can be properly checked.

In addition, in the variation, the circular viewing hole is formed at the position adjacent to the rotary shaft of the link when the ottoman is at the use position, and therefore, the size of the hole can be reduced as much as possible while the rotary shaft assembly state can be easily checked.

Moreover, in the variation, the viewing hole is formed at the bottom portion of the recessed portion provided at the side wall portion of the cover, and therefore, part of the link can be easily viewed through the hole. With the recessed portion, the cover stiffness is improved, and entering of the foreign substance through the hole is less caused.

Further, in the variation, part of the specified portion can be viewed from the front of the cover, and therefore, the state of the operation body can be more easily checked.

Hereinafter, a configuration of a link cover140according to the variation will be described with reference toFIGS. 20 to 26. Note that unless otherwise provided, the position, posture, etc. of each portion of the link cover140described below are in accordance with the contents when the ottoman10is at the use position.

The configuration of the link cover140according to the variation will be described. As illustrated inFIG. 20, the link cover140is divided into an upper cover141, an intermediate cover142, and a lower cover143. Note that the link cover140is not limited to the link cover divided into multiple pieces, and may include a single piece.

The function and arrangement position of each of the upper cover141, the intermediate cover142, and the lower cover143according to the variation are similar to those of the embodiment described earlier. Moreover, the lower cover143includes a lower extending portion143sas illustrated inFIG. 20. The lower extending portion143sis positioned at a position in the front of the above-described motor M when the ottoman10is at the use position, thereby covering the motor M from the front. Thus, the lower cover143forms the link cover140, and also functions as a motor protection cover.

The upper cover141, the intermediate cover142, and the lower cover143are attached to the coupling members coupling the links of the link groups20. Specifically, the upper cover141is hooked on the first coupling member31, and in this manner, is attached to the first coupling member31. The intermediate cover142is attached to the second coupling member32via the intermediate cover fixing bracket36. The lower cover143is attached to the fourth coupling member34via the lower cover fixing bracket37. Further, the lower cover143engages with the top portion of the rivet R assembled to the middle portion of the seventh link27in the extension direction thereof, and in this manner, is attached to the seventh link27.

In the link cover140configured as described above, each piece of the link cover140operates in association with operation of the link group20. That is, upon use of the ottoman10, i.e., in a state in which the link group20expands, the link cover140also expands as illustrated inFIG. 21. On the other hand, upon housing of the ottoman10, i.e., in a state in which the link group folds, the link cover140also folds (the pieces of the link cover140lie over one another). Moreover, the link cover140expands or folds without interfering with operation of the link group20.

The link cover140covers a link (hereinafter referred to as a “specified link”) of the link group20positioned forward with respect to the front end portion of the seat cushion S1below the ottoman10when the ottoman10is at the use position. On the other hand, a link (hereinafter referred to as a “non-specified link”) of the link group20positioned backward with respect to the front end of the seat cushion S1when the ottoman10is at the use position is covered with the link cover140, and is further covered with the side cover Fs of the seat cushion S1positioned outward in the width direction with respect to the link cover140.

A position relationship between the front end portion of the seat cushion S1and the link cover140as described herein is a position relationship illustrated inFIG. 21. Specifically, the side cover Fs of the seat cushion S1is arranged such that the front end portion thereof is at the substantially same position as those of a back end portion of the intermediate cover142and a back half portion of the lower cover143in the front-to-back direction. Note that inFIG. 21, an outer edge of the front end portion of the seat cushion S1including the side cover Fs is indicated by a chain double-dashed line.

Each piece forming the link cover140includes a front wall portion141a,142a,143aand side wall portions141b,142b,143bas in the embodiment described earlier. Note that the side wall portions141b,142b,143bsomewhat extend in the front-to-back direction. Further, as illustrated inFIG. 21, a slit144as a link viewing hole is formed at the side wall portion142bof the intermediate cover142.

The slit144will be described in detail. The slit144is formed at a position of the side wall portion142bof the intermediate cover142adjacent to the specified link, precisely a position adjacent to the middle portion (corresponding to “part” of the specified link) of the third link23in the extension direction thereof. The slit144is formed to face the middle portion of the third link23in the extension direction thereof along such a middle portion in a state in which the ottoman10is at the use position. Thus, when the ottoman10is at the use position, the middle portion of the third link23in the extension direction thereof is at a position exposed through the slit144.

As described above, in the variation, when the ottoman10is at the use position, part (specifically, the middle portion of the third link23in the extension direction thereof) of the specified link is exposed at the position shifted from the position covered with the link cover140. That is, when the ottoman10is at the use position, part of the specified link can be viewed from the lateral side through the slit144. This can easily check the state of the link group20(precisely, the state of assembly of the third link23). Moreover, in a state in which the ottoman10is at the use position, the slit144faces the middle portion of the third link23in the extension direction thereof along such a middle portion, and therefore, the state of assembly of the third link23is much more easily checked.

As an additional remark regarding the slit144, the slit144is, in the present embodiment, formed such that the width thereof is greater than that of the third link23. With this configuration, checking of the state of assembly of the third link23is further facilitated.

As illustrated inFIG. 21, the rivet R functioning as the rotary shaft of the third link23is included in the middle portion of the third link23in the extension direction thereof, the middle portion being at the position exposed through the slit144when the ottoman10is at the use position. This can easily check the state of assembly of the above-described rivet R. The state of assembly of the rivet R as the rotary shaft is particularly important in proper operation of the link group20. Thus, when it is configured so that the state of assembly of the rivet R can be easily checked, the state of the link group20can be properly checked.

Note that in the present embodiment, the slit144is, as illustrated inFIG. 21, formed at the position of the side wall portion142bof the intermediate cover142so that the third link23can be viewed, and other slits144are each formed in the front and back of such a position. Specifically, the back slit144faces the end portion (the back end portion) of the fourth link24in the extension direction thereof in a state in which the ottoman10is at the use position, and further faces the rivet R as the rotary shaft assembled to such an end portion. Thus, when the ottoman10is at the use position, the end portion of the fourth link24in the extension direction thereof and the rivet R assembled to such an end portion in the extension direction are at the positions exposed through the slits144, and can be viewed from the lateral side. Thus, the assembly state for each of the fourth link24and the above-described rivet R can be easily checked, and as a result, the state of the link group20can be properly checked.

Note that the number of slits144and the formation positions of the slits144are not limited to the above-described contents, and can be set as necessary. In the above-described example, the slits144are formed only at the intermediate cover142, but the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. The slits144may be also formed at the upper cover141or the lower cover143. That is, as long as the formation positions of the slits144are set to suitable positions for viewing the viewing target link of the specified links of the link group20and satisfy such a condition, these formation positions can be set without limitation.

In the configuration described so far, the slit144is formed as the link viewing hole. When the slit144is the link viewing hole as described above, the visible area becomes broader, and the state of the link group20can be much more easily checked. Note that the present invention is not limited to such a configuration, and a circular hole145may be formed as the link viewing hole instead of the slit144, as illustrated inFIG. 22.FIG. 22is a view of one of variation examples of the variation, and corresponds toFIG. 21.

The configuration in which the circular hole145is formed as the link viewing hole, i.e., the configuration illustrated inFIG. 22, will be described. The above-described circular hole145is formed at the side wall portion142bof the intermediate cover142. More specifically, when the ottoman10is at the use position, the above-described circular hole145is formed at the position of the side wall portion142badjacent to the rivet R assembled to the middle portion of the third link23in the extension direction thereof. Moreover, the circular hole145is formed such that the diameter thereof is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the top portion of the rivet R.

With the above-described configuration, the size of the link viewing hole can be reduced as much as possible while the assembly state of the above-described rivet R can be properly and easily checked. Note that the formation position of the circular hole145and the number of circular holes145are not limited to the above-described contents, and can be set as necessary. Moreover, the present invention is not limited to the configuration in which the circular hole145is formed only at the intermediate cover142, and the circular hole145may be also formed at the upper cover141or the lower cover143. That is, the formation position of the circular hole145may be set to a suitable position for viewing the viewing target link of the specified links of the link group20, and can be set without limitation as long as such a position satisfies the above-described condition.

In the configuration described so far, the side wall portion142bof the intermediate cover142forms a flat wall, and the link viewing hole is formed at the side wall portion142b. Note that the present invention is not limited to such a configuration, and it may be configured such that the side wall portion142bhas a step as illustrated inFIGS. 23 and 24.FIG. 23is a view of a second variation example of the variation, and corresponds toFIG. 21.FIG. 24is a schematic sectional view along an A-A line ofFIG. 23.

The configuration in which the side wall portion142bhas the step will be described with reference toFIGS. 23 and 24. A region of the side wall portion142bextending from a center portion to a lower back end portion forms a recessed portion142crecessed inward in the width direction. The recessed portion142cis closer to the link group20than other portions of the side wall portion142bthan the recessed portion142c(i.e., the recessed portion142cis recessed toward the link group20in the width direction). As illustrated inFIGS. 23 and 24, the circular hole145as the link viewing hole is formed at a bottom portion (a portion positioned on the innermost side in the width direction) of the recessed portion142cof the side wall portion142b.

With the above-described configuration, the link viewing hole is closer to part (specifically, the middle portion of the third link23in the extension direction thereof) of the specified link, and therefore, part of the link is easily viewed through the hole. Moreover, the recessed portion142cis provided at the side wall portion142bso that stiffness of the intermediate cover142including the side wall portions142bis improved. Further, the link viewing hole is formed at the bottom portion of the recessed portion142cof the side wall portion142b. That is, the formation position of the hole is on the inside in the width direction as illustrated inFIG. 24. Thus, entering of a foreign substance through the hole is less caused as compared to the case of forming the link viewing hole at other portions than the recessed portion142c.

In the configuration described so far, the link viewing hole is formed at the side wall portion (precisely, the side wall portion142bof the intermediate cover142) of the link cover140. That is, the above-described embodiment has described the configuration in which part of the specified link is viewed from the lateral side through the link viewing hole. Note that the present invention is not limited to such a configuration, and part of the specified link may be viewed from the front. Hereinafter, such a configuration will be described with reference toFIG. 25.FIG. 25is a view of a third variation example of the variation, and is a perspective view when the ottoman10and the link cover140are viewed diagonally from the front.

The configuration of viewing part of the specified link from the front may include, for example, a configuration in which a cutout141cfor exposing part of the specified link is provided at the front wall portion of the link cover140, specifically an upper end portion of the front wall portion141aof the upper cover141, as illustrated inFIG. 25. Note that the configuration for exposing part of the specified link may be other configurations than the cutout141c, and may be a hole (peephole), for example. In the configuration illustrated inFIG. 25, when the ottoman10is at the use position, part (specifically, the upper end portion of the second link22) of the specified link is exposed through the above-described cutout141c. That is, part of the specified link is at the position shifted from the position covered with the front wall portion141aof the upper cover141, and therefore, can be viewed from the front. With such a configuration, the assembly state of the specified link can be also viewed from the front.

In the configuration described so far, the peephole or the cutout for exposing the specified link is provided at the link cover140to check the assembly state of the specified link. Note that the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 26, an open space such as a clearance may be formed around the link cover140due to the shape of the link cover140, and part of the specified link may be exposed through such a space.FIG. 26is a view of a fourth variation example of the variation, and corresponds toFIG. 21. The configuration illustrated inFIG. 26will be described. No link viewing hole is provided at the side wall portion142bof the intermediate cover142, but the length of the side wall portion142bin the front-to-back direction is shorter. Of the specified link, a portion (e.g., the end portion of the fourth link24in the extension direction thereof or the middle portion of the sixth link26) positioned backward with respect to the side wall portion142bof the intermediate cover142is exposed at the position shifted from the position covered with the side wall portion142bof the intermediate cover142. Thus, the portion of the specified link positioned backward with respect to the side wall portion142bof the intermediate cover142can be viewed from the lateral side.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST