Electric vehicle seat stowing structure

An electric vehicle seat stowing structure having a swing drive mechanism for swinging a seat cushion between a seating position and a stowing position, the swing drive mechanism provided on a floor of a vehicle in the vicinity of a wheel house including a group of reduction gears disposed in a gear case or in a bracket and an actuator for driving the group of reduction gears placed vertically on a side of the gear case or the bracket and a striker for locking the seat cushion to the seating position.

The present invention claims foreign priority to Japanese patent application no. 2003-188909, filed on Jun. 30, 2004, the contents of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an electric vehicle seat stowing structure for electrically stowing and restoring to a previous position a rearmost seat disposed rearward of a front seat.

2. Description of the Related Art

Among vehicles, there are known vehicles of a type in which a first rear seat and a second rear seat are provided rearward of a front seat so as to secure a riding capacity of 6 to 7 people, the second rear seat, for example, being folded down to form a large space within a passenger compartment thereof (refer to Japanese Utility Model Unexamined Publication JP-UM-A-5-40029 (pages 5 to 6, FIG. 3))

FIG. 39is a cross-sectional view which is shown in FIG. 3 of Japanese Utility Model Patent Unexamined Publication JP-UM-A-5-40029. Note that different reference numerals are imparted inFIG. 39.

A vehicle seat stowing structure300is constructed such that a second rear seat301disposed at a rearmost portion of an vehicle is normally disposed at a position indicated by solid lines so that an occupant302can be seated on it (hereinafter, referred to as a “seating position”), and when large cargo needs to be installed within a passenger compartment303, for example, the second rear seat301is stowed in a recessed stowing portion formed in a floor at the rear of the vehicle.

An example of stowing the vehicle seat stowing structure300in the floor recessed stowing portion304will be described in detail in the following drawing.

FIGS. 40A to 40Care drawings which explain the function of the conventional vehicle seat stowing structure.

InFIG. 40A, when the second rear seat301of the vehicle seat stowing structure300is stowed in the floor recessed stowing portion304, first of all, a seat back306is made to fall forward as indicated by an arrow so as to be overlie a seat cushion307.

InFIG. 40B, head restraints308are removed from the seat back306which is made to fall forward to overlie the seat cushion307and are then stowed in a head restraint stowing portion309(refer toFIG. 40B) provided within the passenger compartment303.

Next, the seat cushion307is swung to the rear together with the seat back306about a support shaft portion310.

InFIG. 40C, the seat cushion307and the seat back306(the second rear seat301) are then stowed in the floor recessed stowing portion304.

Here, the second rear seat301itself is relatively heavy, and therefore, a large operating force is required to swing the second rear seat301to the rear of the vehicle body with the hands so as to stow it in the floor recessed stowing portion304.

In addition, in stowing the second rear seat301in the floor recessed stowing portion304, the second rear seat301needs to be swung with the hands while the seat is unlocked by hand.

Due to this, relatively more labor is required to stow the second rear seat301in the floor recessed stowing portion304, and in this respect, an improvement has been demanded.

As a means for improving the inconvenient situation, it is considered, for example, to stow the second rear seat301in the floor recessed stowing portion304in an electric fashion.

Incidentally, in order to swing the second rear seat301to the rear around the support shaft portion310so as to electrically stow the seat in the floor recessed stowing portion304, a driving actuator for driving the support shaft portion310needs to be mounted on the vehicle body side.

Since the support shaft portion310is provided in the vicinity of a rear end portion of the second rear seat301, it is considered that the driving actuator protrudes from the rear end of the second rear seat301to the rear of the vehicle body.

In the event that the driving actuator protrudes to the rear of the vehicle body, the actuator and a garnish which constitutes a partition for a cargo space behind the second rear seat need to be moved to the rear.

Due to this, it is considered that the cargo space behind the second rear seat301becomes more limited.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Then, an object of the present invention is to provide an electric vehicle seat stowing structure which can secure a wide cargo space.

With a view to attaining the object, according to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided an electric vehicle seat stowing structure having a swing drive mechanism for swinging a seat cushion between a seating position and a stowing position, the swing drive mechanism provided on a floor of a vehicle in the vicinity of a wheel house including a group of reduction gears disposed in a gear case or in a bracket and an actuator for driving the group of reduction gears placed vertically on a side of the gear case or the bracket and a striker for locking the seat cushion to the seating position.

The group of reduction gears is disposed in the gear case or on the bracket and that the actuator is placed vertically on the side of the gear case or the bracket.

Consequently, the protrusion of the swing drive mechanism into the cargo space provided behind the seat cushion can be prevented.

By this construction, a large cargo space can be secured so that the cargo space can be utilized effectively to satisfy various applications.

According to a second aspect of the invention as set forth in the first aspect of the invention, there is provided an electric vehicle seat stowing structure, further having a rear member for reinforcing the floor, wherein the swing drive mechanism and the striker are mounted on the rear member.

Here, when swing back and force the seat cushion by means of the swing drive mechanism, a relatively large magnitude of force is applied to the swing drive mechanism. Due to this, the swing drive mechanism is preferably mounted on a relatively rigid location.

Then, according to the second aspect of the invention, the swing drive mechanism is provided on the rear member which reinforces the floor, whereby even if the relatively large magnitude of force is applied to the swing drive mechanism, the mounting accuracy of the swing drive mechanism can preferably be maintained.

On the other hand, in order to lock the seat cushion to the seating position, the seat cushion needs to be locked to the striker when the seat cushion is returned to the seating position. As this occurs, it is considered that a relatively large magnitude of force is applied to the striker.

Then, according to the second aspect of the invention, the striker is mounted on the rear member which reinforce the floor, whereby even if the relatively large magnitude of force is applied to the striker, the mounting accuracy of the striker can preferably be maintained.

According to a third and a fourth aspects of the invention as set forth in the first and second aspects of the present invention, there is provided the electric vehicle seat stowing structure further having a reinforcement cross member disposed on the floor in the vicinity of the striker, wherein an end portion of the cross member is connected to a gusset reinforcing the wheel house additionally.

Consequently, since the rigidity of a portion in the vicinity of the striker can be increased, even if a relatively large magnitude of force is applied to the striker, the mounting accuracy of the striker can be maintained more preferably.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention as set forth in the first aspect of the present invention, the electric vehicle seat stowing structure is adopted to a vehicle of which riding capacity ranges from 6 to 7 occupants.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention as set forth in the first aspect of the present invention, the electric vehicle seat stowing structure is adopted to a vehicle of which riding capacity ranges from 4 to 5 occupants.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided an assembling method of an electric vehicle seat stowing structure, having steps of mounting a cross member on a floor of a vehicle, mounting a first support shaft on the floor, and disposing a first mounting plate provided on the first support shaft so as to be inclined at the predetermined angle, mounting a second support shaft on the floor via a swing drive mechanism, and disposing a second mounting plate provided on the second support shaft so as to be inclined at the predetermined angle, mounting first and second strikers, respectively, at positions being spaced apart at the predetermined distance relative to the first and second support shafts, inclining the seat cushion according to an inclination angles of the respective first and second mounting plates, engaging first and second locking brackets of the seat cushion with the first and second mounting plate, respectively, swinging the seat cushion to a floor recessed stowing portion, and mounting the left and right mounting plates on a bottom portion of the seat cushion, wherein the swing drive mechanism includes a group of reduction gears disposed in a gear case or in a bracket and an actuator for driving the group of reduction gears placed vertically on a side of the gear case or the bracket.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention as set forth in the seventh aspect of the present invention, the first support shaft and the first mounting plate are a right support shaft and a right mounting plate, respectively, and the second support shaft and the second mounting plate are a left support shaft and a left mounting plate, respectively.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention as set forth in the seventh aspect of the present invention, the first support shaft and the first mounting plate are a left support shaft and a left mounting plate, respectively, and the second support shaft and the second mounting plate are a right support shaft and a right mounting plate, respectively.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention as set forth in the first aspect of the present invention, further comprising a lock mechanism including a base mounted on a cushion frame, a plate mounted on the base via a rotational shaft portion, a first and second gears provided at an upper end portion of the base, a lower lever mounted on the plate via a pin so as to freely swing thereon, a lock gear formed on the lower lever, the lock gear meshing with the first and second gears, a intermediate lever mounted on the plate via an intermediate pin so as to freely swing thereon, the intermediate lever pressing a distal end of the lower swing lever, an upper lever mounted on the plate via an upper pin so as to freely swing thereon, and an a tension spring extended between the lower swing lever and the upper swing lever.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention as set forth in the tenth aspect of the present invention, further comprising an automatic lock release mechanism including a mounting bracket mounted on the cushion frame, a driving motor provided on the mounting bracket, a fluctuating shaft protruded from the driving motor, a magnet mounted on the fluctuating shaft, and an upper and lower sensor mounted, respectively, on locations which corresponds to upper and lower ends of the fluctuating shaft.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention as set forth in the eleventh aspect of the present invention, further comprising a manual lock release mechanism including a lever of which an lower end is mounted thereon via a pin in such a manner that the lever freely swings on the pin, an arm provided in such a manner as to extend to the lower end portion of the manual lever, an inner cable of which a proximal end portion is connected to the distal end portion of the arm, and a coil spring mounted on the pin.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention as set forth in the twelfth aspect of the present invention, the cable branches to a first and second cable at a connecting portion, the first and second cable is connected to the automatic lock release mechanism and manual lock release mechanism, respectively.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

An embodiment of the invention will be described below based on the accompanying drawings. Note that the drawings are to be viewed in a direction in which reference numerals are viewed properly.

FIG. 1is a schematic view showing a vehicle provided with an electric vehicle seat stowing structure according to the invention.

A vehicle10is provided on a floor12constituting a passenger compartment11thereof with a front seat13including a driver seat and a passenger seat, a first rear seat14disposed behind the front seat13and an electric vehicle seat stowing structure20disposed behind the first rear seat14for stowing a second rear seat (a vehicle seat)15in a floor recessed stowing portion16by changing the posture thereof.

The second rear seat15is such that a seat back is constructed to be divided into two transversely independent seat backs.

Hereinafter, the electric vehicle seat stowing structure20will be described in detail.

FIG. 2is a perspective view showing the electric vehicle seat stowing structure according to the invention.

The electric vehicle seat stowing structure20is provided with the second rear seat15. The second rear seat15is such that a seat cushion21is provided on the floor12, left and right seat backs (seat backs)22,23are provided at a rear portion of the seat cushion21in such a manner as to fall forward and rearward, a left head restraint24is provided at a top portion of the left seat back22in such a manner as to be tilted forward and rearward, and a right head restraint25is provided at a top portion of the right seat back23in such a manner as to be tilted forward and rearward.

A seat operating button26is provided at a location which is rearward of the second rear seat15and which is spaced apart from a side of the rear seat15(also refer toFIGS. 7,8).

FIG. 3is a perspective view showing in detail the electric vehicle seat stowing structure according to the invention.

The electric vehicle seat stowing structure21is such that left and right support shafts (support shafts)31,32are mounted at left and right rear end portions of a cushion frame27which constitutes the seat cushion21(refer toFIG. 2), respectively, the right support shaft32is rotationally mounted on the floor12via a mounting member33, the left support shaft31is mounted on a swing drive mechanism35, and the swing drive mechanism35is mounted on the floor12.

In addition, the electric vehicle seat stowing structure20is such that left and right cushion locking mechanisms (cushion locking mechanisms)36,37are provided at left and right front end portions of the cushion frame27, respectively, and a control unit42is provided at a central location41(refer toFIG. 2) of the cushion frame27which deviates both from left and right seating locations38,39thereof.

To be specific, three leg portions46. . . are caused to extend from the control unit42, and the three leg portions46. . . are then attached to a substantially central portion of the cushion frame27with bolts43. . . and nuts45. . . ( . . . denote a plural number).

A dome-type frame48is provided above the control unit42as a cover member, so that the control unit42is covered with the dome-type frame48, where by the control unit42is protected by the dome-type frame48.

Note that the dome-type frame48is fastened also with the bolts43. . . and the nuts45. . .

This control unit42is such as to be formed into, as an example, a box-like body having a rectangular outer frame and to be, as shown inFIG. 2, installed in the seat cushion21at the central location41.

Note that while, in the embodiment, the example where the control unit42is attached with the bolts43and the nuts45is explained, it is also possible to attach the control unit42using other means.

In addition, while, in the embodiment, the outer frame of the control unit42is described as a rectangular box-like body, the shape of the control unit42is not limited thereto, and it is also possible to adopt other shapes.

Since the control unit42is installed in the seat cushion21at the central location41(refer toFIG. 2) which deviates from the seating locations38,39thereof, occupants can be seated on the locations (that is, the seating locations38,39) which are spaced apart from the control unit42.

Consequently, when the occupants are seated on the second rear seat15, there is no risk that the seated comfort of the occupants is disturbed by the control unit42.

Furthermore, the electric vehicle seat stowing structure20is such that a left back frame51of the left seat back22(refer toFIG. 2) is mounted on a left-hand side of the rear end portion of the cushion frame27via a left reclining adjuster50in such a manner as to swing in longitudinal directions of the vehicle, and a right back frame54of the right seat back23(refer toFIG. 2) is mounted on a right-hand side of the rear end portion of the cushion frame27via a right reclining adjuster53in such a manner as to swing in the longitudinal directions of the vehicle.

In addition, the electric vehicle seat stowing structure20is such that a left lock releasing mechanism57for releasing a left lock mechanism (a lock mechanism)56of the left reclining adjuster50is provided on the left back frame51via a mounting bracket58, a right lock releasing mechanism62for releasing a right lock mechanism (a lock mechanism)61of the right reclining adjuster53is provided on the right back frame54via a mounting bracket63, and the seat operating button26is provided on a passenger compartment decorating garnish18(refer toFIGS. 7,8) which is disposed rearward of the left seat back22(refer toFIG. 2).

The swing drive mechanism35is designed to rotate the left support shaft31forwards by transmitting the rotation of a cushion driving motor (an actuator)65to the left support shaft31via a group of reduction gears66(refer toFIG. 6). This action will allow the cushion driving motor65to rotate, for example, backwards and thereby rotate the left support shaft31backwards by allowing the cushion driving motor65to rotate forwards.

The cushion driving motor65and the group of reduction gears66are mounted on the floor12via a bracket123. The cushion driving motor65is connected to the control unit42via a first wiring harness68.

The left cushion lock mechanism36includes a cushion lock actuator70, a lock/release detection switch71and a latch switch72, which are shown inFIG. 12.

The cushion lock actuator70, the lock/release detection switch71and the latch switch72are connected to the control unit42via a second wiring harness73.

Note that since the right cushion lock mechanism37has the same construction as that of the left cushion lock mechanism36, like reference numerals to those imparted to constituent members of the left cushion lock mechanism36are imparted to constituent members of the right cushion lock mechanism37, and the description of the constituent members of the right cushion lock mechanism37will be omitted.

The left lock mechanism56of the left reclining adjuster50includes a lock-on detection switch75, a fall-forward detection switch76and a lock-off detection switch77, which are shown inFIG. 13.

The lock-on detection switch75, the fall-forward detection switch76and the lock-off detection switch77are connected to the control unit42via a third wiring harness78.

Note that since the right lock mechanism61has the same construction as that of the left lock mechanism56, like reference numerals to those imparted to constituent members of the left lock mechanism56are imparted to constituent members of the right lock mechanism61, and the description of the constituent members of the right cushion lock mechanism61will be omitted.

The left lock release mechanism57includes a driving motor (an actuator)80and upper and lower Hall sensors81,82, which are shown inFIG. 13.

Note that since the lock release mechanism62has the same construction as that of the left lock release mechanism57, like reference numerals to those imparted to constituent members of the left lock release mechanism57are imparted to constituent members of the right lock release mechanism62, and the description of the constituent members of the right lock release mechanism62will be omitted.

The driving motor80and the upper and lower Hall sensors81,82are connected to the control unit42via a fourth wiring harness83.

A stowing switch28and a restoring switch29which are operated via the seat operating button26are connected to the control unit42via a fifth wiring harness85. The fifth wiring harness85is such as to extend to the control unit42after being made as an integral part of the first wiring harness68from and onward an intermediate portion along the length thereof.

The seat operating button26includes a stowing operation part26aand a restoration operating part26b. The stowing switch28can be switched on by depressing the stowing operation part26a, and the restoring switch29can be switched on by depressing the restoration operating part26b.

FIG. 4is a perspective view showing a state in which the vehicle seat of the electric vehicle seat stowing structure is disassembled from the vehicle body.

Left and right rear members (a rear member)91,92are disposed at a predetermined interval in a transverse direction of the vehicle, the floor12is provided between the rear members91,92so disposed, the swing drive mechanism35is mounted at a location93on the floor12which is on the left rear member91, the left support shaft31is made to extend inwardly from the swing drive mechanism35towards the center of the vehicle body, the mounting member33is mounted at a location94on the floor12which is on the right rear member92, the right support shaft32is made to extend inwardly from the mounting member33towards the center of the vehicle body, and the left and right support shafts31,32are disposed on the same axis.

Left and right mounting plates96,97are mounted at end portions of the left and right support shafts31,32, respectively, and the left and right plates96,97are then mounted on bottom portions (bottom portions)98,99which are located on left- and right-hand sides of the seat cushion, respectively, with mounting bolts101. . .

By this construction, the seat cushion21can be swung back and forth around the left and right support shafts31,32.

Since the seat cushion21is swung back and forth around the left and right support shafts31,32, a relatively large magnitude of force is applied to the left and right support shafts31,32. Due to this, it is preferable that the left and right support shafts31,32or the swing drive mechanism35and the mounting member33are mounted on locations which have high rigidity.

Then, a left reinforcement plate104is provided on a left rear wheel house (a wheel house)102at a location in the vicinity of the swing drive mechanism35, and a right reinforcement plate105is provided on a right rear wheel house (a wheel house) at a location in the vicinity of the mounting member33, whereby the rigidity of the rear wheel houses102,103at the locations in the vicinity of the left and right support shafts31,32is increased.

In addition, the left and right rear members91,92are highly rigid members.

Thus, the mounting accuracy of the left and right support shafts31,32can preferably be maintained by increasing the rigidity of the rear wheel houses102,103at the locations in the vicinity of the swing drive mechanism35and the mounting member33and mounting the swing drive mechanism35and the mounting member33on the left and right rear members which are highly rigid.

By this construction, the seat cushion21can be swung smoothly between a seating position P1(a position shown inFIG. 2) and a stowing position P2(refer toFIG. 33).

Incidentally, in order to lock the seat cushion21to the seating position P1when the seat cushion21is restored to the seating position P1, latches167,167(refer toFIG. 12for one facing the viewer, and the other disposed on the other side of the seat cushion is not shown) are provided on the seat cushion21, and left and right strikers107,107(refer toFIGS. 10,12for a left striker) are provided on the floor12, whereby the latches167,167need to be locked to the left and right strikers107,107, respectively, when the seat cushion21is restored to the seating position P1.

However, it is considered that the latches167,167are brought into abutment with the left and right strikers107,107, respectively, with a relatively stronger force when the seat cushion21is restored to the seating position P1electrically than when the seat cushion21is restored to the same position with the hands.

Then, the right striker107is mounted on the floor12at a location112which is on the rear member92and is forward of the mounting member33, and the left striker107is mounted on the floor12at a location111which is on the left rear member91(refer toFIGS. 10,12) and is forward of the swing drive mechanism35(refer toFIGS. 10,12).

Furthermore, a cross member115is provided in the vicinity of the left and right strikers107,107. This cross member115is disposed on the floor12and is connected at left and right end portions (an end portion)115a,115a(refer toFIG. 18for a left end portion115a) thereof to left and right gussets (a gusset)116,116(refer toFIG. 18for a left gusset116) which additionally function to reinforce the left and right rear wheel houses102,103, respectively.

Forces applied to the left and right gussets116,116are preferably dispersed by forming the left and right gussets116,116relatively larger. Furthermore, the left and right rear wheels houses can be reinforced by attaching the relatively larger left and right gussets116,116to the left and right rear wheel houses102,103.

Consequently, the rigidity of the left and right rear wheel houses102,103can be increased.

Since the left and right rear members91,92are the highly rigid members and, furthermore, the cross member115is provided in the vicinity of the left and right strikers107,107as a reinforcement member, the rigidity of the peripheries of the left and right strikers107,107can be increased.

Furthermore, the rigidity of the left and right rear wheel houses102,103at the locations in the vicinity of the left and right strikers107,107can be increased by the left and right gussets116,116by allowing the left and right ends115a,115aof the cross member115to be connected, respectively to the left and right gussets116,116which also function to reinforce the left and right rear wheel houses102,103.

Consequently, even in the event that the latches167,167(refer toFIG. 12) are brought into abutment with the left and right strikers107,107, respectively, with the relatively stronger force, the left and right strikers107,107can be retained at the predetermined preferred positions.

An opening115bis formed in the cross member115at a center thereof, and an air duct117(indicated by imaginary lines) of a rear-seat air conditioner (not shown) is mounted in the opening115bso formed.

Note that the air duct117will be described later on.

FIG. 5is a perspective view showing a state in which a spring is mounted on the right support shaft of the electric vehicle seat stowing structure according to the invention.

The mounting member33is mounted at the location94of the floor12shown inFIG. 4which is on the right rear member92with mounting bolts118,118, the right support shaft32is rotationally mounted on the mounting member33, the right mounting plate97is fixed to a distal end portion of the right support shaft32, a coil-like spring121is mounted on the right support shaft32which protrudes from the mounting member33, one end portion121aof the spring121is inserted through insertion holes33a,33ain the mounting member33, and the other end portion121bof the spring121is inserted through an insertion hole97ain the right mounting plate97.

Note that the right mounting plate97is mounted on the right bottom portion99(also refer toFIG. 4) of the seat cushion21with the mounting bolts101. . . the seat cushion21can be swung around the right support shaft32between the seating position P1(refer toFIG. 24A) where occupants can be seated and the stowing position P2(refer toFIG. 33).

Thus, by attaching the spring121to the right support shaft32, a repulsive force of the spring121increases gradually as the seat cushion21is moved from the seating position P1to the stowing position P2as indicated by an arrow Fo1.

Namely, the repulsive force of the spring121becomes minimum as indicated by the arrow Fo1in a state (a position shown inFIG. 5) where the seat cushion121is disposed at the seating position P1.

On the other hand, when the seat cushion21is swung to the rear stowing position P2, the repulsive force of the spring121becomes maximum as indicated by the arrow Fo1.

The reason why the spring121is attached to the right support shaft33will be explained in detail by reference toFIGS. 31B to 32.

Note that the adjustment of the repulsive force of the spring121is not limited to what has been described above. For example, by providing a spring which exerts a repulsive force in an opposite direction to the direction of the repulsive force of the spring121in addition to the spring121, the repulsive force may be adjusted such that the repulsive force becomes substantially zero in a state where the seat cushion21is swung backwards from the seating position P1to an intermediate position and the repulsive force becomes maximum as indicated by the arrow Fo1when the seat cushion21is swung from the intermediate position to the stowing position P2.

FIG. 6is a perspective view showing the swing drive mechanism of the electric vehicle seat stowing structure according to the invention.

In the swing drive mechanism35, the group of reduction gears66is disposed on the bracket123, and the cushion driving motor65(the actuator) for driving the group of reduction gears66is disposed vertically on an outer side (a side) of the bracket123at a position above the group of reduction gears66.

This swing drive mechanism35is designed to transmit the rotation of the cushion driving motor65to the left support shaft31via the group of reduction gears66.

In the group of reduction gears66, a pinion gear127is mounted on a drive shaft126of the cushion driving motor65, a first intermediate gear128is brought into mesh engagement with the pinion gear127, a second intermediate gear129is provided coaxially with the first intermediate gear128, a third intermediate gear131is brought into mesh engagement with the second intermediate gear129, a fourth intermediate gear132is brought into mesh engagement with the third intermediate gear131, and the fourth intermediate gear132is attached to the left support shaft31.

The left mounting plate96is mounted on the end portion of the left support shaft31, and the left mounting plate96is mounted on the left-hand side bottom portion98(refer toFIG. 4) of the seat cushion21.

By this construction, the seat cushion21(refer toFIGS. 2,4) can be swung around the left support shaft31between the seating position P1(refer toFIG. 24A) and the stowing position P2(refer toFIG. 33).

According to the swing drive mechanism35, the pinion gear127is rotated in a direction indicated by an arrow a by allowing the cushion driving motor65to rotate backwards, and the first intermediate gear is rotated in a direction indicated by an arrow b by virtue of the rotation of the pinion gear127.

The second intermediate gear129is also rotated in the direction indicated by the arrow b by virtue of the rotation of the first intermediate gear128, and the third intermediate gear131is rotated in a direction indicated by an arrow c by virtue of the rotation of the second intermediate gear129. The fourth intermediate gear132is rotated in a direction indicated by an arrow d by virtue of the rotation of the third intermediate gear131, whereby the left support shaft31is rotated together with the fourth intermediate gear132in the direction indicated by the arrow d.

By this construction, the seat cushion21(refer toFIGS. 2,4) is swung around the left support shaft31to the rear.

On the other hand, the seat cushion21(refer toFIGS. 2,4) is swung around the left support shaft131to the front by allowing the cushion driving motor65to rotate forwards.

The pinion gear127, the first intermediate gear128, the second intermediate gear129, the third intermediate gear131and the fourth intermediate gear132are covered with a cover134(refer toFIG. 7).

Note that while, in this embodiment, the example is described where the cover134is assembled to the bracket123so as to cover the pinion gear127, the first intermediate gear128, the second intermediate gear129, the third intermediate gear131and the fourth intermediate gear132therewith, the cover134may be made to be an integral part of the bracket123so as to constitute a gear case.

FIG. 7is a perspective view showing a state where the swing drive mechanism of the electric vehicle seat stowing structure according to the invention is mounted on the floor.

The swing drive mechanism35is mounted on the floor12at the location93which is rearward of the left rear wheel house102and is on the left rear member91(refer toFIG. 4), the left support shaft31is made to extend inwardly from the swing drive mechanism35towards the center of the vehicle body, the mounting plate96is mounted on the distal end portion of the left support shaft31, and the left mounting plate96is mounted on the left-hand side bottom portion98of the seat cushion21with the mounting bolts101. . . (every . . . means that there are plurality of ones).

Here, since the width W1of the left rear wheel house102is relatively wide, a relatively larger space135can be secured rearward of the left rear wheel house102.

Then, as shown inFIG. 6, the cushion driving motor65of the swing drive mechanism35is disposed at the location which is on the outer side (the side)123a(refer toFIG. 4) of the bracket123which faces outwardly of the vehicle body and which is above the group of reduction gears66in such a manner as to be oriented upwardly, so that the cushion driving motor65is accommodated in the relatively larger space135.

Thus, by disposing the cushion driving motor65outwardly of the group of reduction gears66, the cushion driving motor65can be disposed by making use of the relatively larger space135.

Furthermore, by mounting the cushion driving motor65of the swing drive mechanism35at the location which is on the outer side123aof the bracket123and which is above the group of reduction gears66, a longitudinal width W2of the swing drive mechanism35can be limited.

In addition, by disposing the cushion driving motor65vertically or upwardly, the driving motor65can be mounted in such a manner as not to protrude rearward.

Consequently, when the left rear wheel house102and the swing drive mechanism35are covered with a cover portion18aof the garnish18, a rear wall surface18bof the cover portion18acan be disposed so as to become close to the left rear wheel house side.

Thus, the width W3of an accommodation space138provided rearward of the swing drive mechanism35can be largely secured.

The accommodation space138is a space which constitutes a left-hand side portion of a cargo space140provided behind the second rear seat15. Consequently, by increasing the width W3of the accommodation space138, the cargo space140can be largely secured.

FIG. 8is a perspective view showing a state in which the swing drive mechanism of the electric vehicle seat stowing structure according to the invention is mounted on the floor.

Long cargo such as golf bags141. . . Cane disposed transversely in the cargo space140by securing largely the longitudinal width W3of the accommodation space135provided behind the swing drive mechanism35(refer toFIG. 7).

Loading and unloading cargo is facilitated by enabling the transverse placement of long cargo such as the golf bags141. . . in the cargo space, thereby making it possible to improve the convenience in handling.

In addition, by securing the large cargo space140, the cargo space140can be used effectively to satisfy various applications, thereby making it possible to improve further the convenience in handling.

FIG. 9shows explanatory diagrams of the swing drive mechanism of the electric vehicle seat stowing structure according to the invention, in whichFIG. 9Ashows a comparison example, andFIG. 9Bshows the embodiment of the invention.

InFIG. 9A, in order to expand the space within the passenger compartment, for example, it is considered that of a space351formed between a cover portion350of a passenger compartment decorating garnish and a rear side panel (not shown), a transverse space is narrowed.

In order to mount a swing drive mechanism352in the narrow space, in the swing drive mechanism352, a driving motor353is normally disposed rearward of a group of reduction gears352.

When the drive motor353is disposed rearward of the group of reduction gears352, a rear wall surface350aof the cover portion350needs to be spaced apart largely from a left rear wheel house354.

Consequently, the longitudinal width W4of a cargo space355behind the rear wall surface350aof the cover portion350is reduced.

Due to this, it becomes difficult to load transversely long cargo such as a golf bag in the cargo space355, and therefore, from the perspective of convenience in handling, an improvement has been demanded.

InFIG. 9B, keeping in mind the fact that the relatively larger space135can be secured behind the left rear wheel house102, the cushion driving motor65of the swing drive mechanism35is disposed vertically or upwardly at the location which is on the outer side123aof the bracket123and which is above the group of reduction gears66(refer toFIGS. 6,7).

By this construction, the cushion diving motor65can be mounted in such a manner as not to protrude rearward, and the rear wall surface18bof the cover portion18ais allowed to approach the left rear wheel house102side.

Thus, the longitudinal width W3of the cargo space140resulting behind the rear wall surface18bof the cover portion18acan be secured largely.

Due to this, since the long cargo such as the golf bags141. . . can be loaded in the cargo space140transversely, loading and unloading cargo is facilitated, thereby making it possible to attempt to improve the convenience in handling.

FIG. 10is a cross-sectional view of a vehicle provided with the electric vehicle seat stowing structure according to the invention.

The swing drive mechanism35(refer toFIG. 4) and the mounting member33are mounted, respectively, on the locations93,94on the floor12which are on the left and right rear members91,92(refer toFIG. 4with respect to the left rear member92), respectively, and the left and right mounting plates96,97(refer toFIG. 4with respect to the right mounting plate97) are mounted, respectively, on the left- and right-hand side bottom portions98,99(refer toFIG. 4with respect to the right-hand side bottom portion98) of the seat cushion21with the mounting bolts101. . .

By this construction, the seat cushion21is mounted in such a manner as to be swung around the left and right support shafts31,32(refer toFIG. 4with respect to the left support shaft32) at the rear portion thereof.

In addition, the left and right strikers107,107(refer toFIG. 4with respect to the right striker107) are mounted, respectively, on the locations111,112which are forward of the swing drive mechanism35(refer toFIG. 4) and the mounting member33and are on the left and right rear members91,92, respectively.

The left and right cushion lock mechanisms36,37(refer toFIG. 3with respect to the right cushion lock mechanism37) are locked, respectively, to the left and right strikers107,107, whereby the seat cushion21can be locked to the seating position P1.

Left and right seat cushion push-up mechanisms145,145(a right seat cushion push-up mechanism145is not shown) which function as seat cushion push-up mechanisms are provided in the vicinity of the left and right strikers107,107, or, to be specific, at the locations111,112on the floor12which are on the left and right rear members91,92, respectively.

The left and right seat cushion push-up mechanisms145,145are members designed to push up the seat cushion21which is disposed at the seating position P1so that the seat cushion21is separated apart from the floor by virtue of the spring force of metallic springs functioning as lift-up springs146.

Note that since the left and right seat cushion push-up mechanisms145,145are the same members, hereinafter, only the left seat cushion push-up mechanism145will be described, and the description of the right seat cushion push-up mechanism145will be omitted.

In order to dispose the left seat cushion push-up mechanism145in an underneath-the-seat space151formed between the seat cushion21and the floor12, the underneath-the-seat space151is set relatively largely.

Due to this, a space152between a front end portion21aof the seat cushion21and the floor12can be secured relatively largely. Then, it is configured that the cross member115is mounted by making use of the relatively large space152.

The cross member115is a reinforcement member disposed on the floor12.

Furthermore, by making the underneath-the-seat space151relatively large, the air duct153of the rear seat air conditioner (not shown) is configured to be mounted by making use of the relatively large space151.

An outlet154of the air duct153is made to extend towards the front of the vehicle body via the opening115b(refer toFIG. 4) in the cross bar115.

Thus, even if the underneath-the-seat space151is made relatively large by using the metallic spring functioning as the lift-up spring146of the left seat cushion push-up mechanism145, the space152and the underneath-the-seat space151can effectively used by mounting the cross member115in the space152and mounting the air duct153in the underneath-the-seat space151.

In the drawing, reference numeral155denotes a floor sheet which constitutes the surface of the floor of the passenger compartment.

FIG. 11is a perspective view showing the left seat cushion push-up mechanism of the electric vehicle seat stowing structure according to the invention.

The left striker107is formed substantially into a U-shape, a pair of lower end portions107a,107aof the left striker107so formed are mounted on a base157, and the left seat cushion push-up mechanism145is mounted on he base157with mounting bolts158as an example.

Note that the base157is mounted on the location111of the floor12which is on the left rear member91(refer toFIG. 4) with the pair of bolts as an example.

The left seat cushion push-up mechanism145is such that a push-up member162is mounted on a support member159via a support pin161in such a manner as to be swung freely, the coil-like lift-up spring (the metallic spring)146is mounted on the support pin161, one end portion146aof the lift-up spring146is locked in the support member159, and the other end146bof the lift-up spring146is mounted to the push-up member162.

The push-up member162is swung around the support pin161in a direction indicated by an arrow by virtue of the spring force of the lift-up spring146so as to lift a distal end portion163of the push-up member162upwardly.

Here, when the push-up member146is swung in the direction indicated by the arrow through a predetermined angle, a proximal end164of the push-up member162is brought into abutment with an abutment portion159aof the support member159, whereby the rising amount of the distal end portion163of the push-up member162is restricted to a predetermined position.

Spring materials formed, for example, of spring steel, piano wire and stainless steel can be raised as spring materials for the lift-up spring146.

Note that while the example is described where the coil-like spring is used as the lift-up spring146, the type of spring is not limited thereto, and for example, other types of springs such as a leaf spring and a spiral spring can be used.

As has been described above, the left seat cushion push-up mechanism145can be made simple and compact by constructing the left seat cushion push-up mechanism145by compact members such as the support member159, the support pin161, the push-up member162and the lift-up spring146.

Consequently, the left seat cushion push-up mechanism145can be disposed in a relatively small space.

FIG. 12is an explanatory diagram showing the cushion lock mechanism and the seat cushion push-up mechanism of the electric vehicle seat stowing structure according to the invention.

The left cushion lock mechanism36is such that a bracket166is mounted on the cushion frame27which constitutes the seat cushion21, the latch167is rotationally mounted on the bracket166via a latch pin168, and a ratchet169is rotationally mounted at a location confronting the latch167via a ratchet pin171.

In addition, the left cushion lock mechanism36is such that a front end portion of an operating rod172is connected to the ratchet169via a connecting pin165and a rear end of the operating rod172is connected to an elongate hole173ain a drive rod173via a slide pin172in such a manner as to freely slide in the elongate hole173a, whereby the ratchet169is connected to the cushion lock actuator70via the operating rod172.

Note that the reason why the rear end portion of the operating rod172is connected to the elongate hole173ain the drive rod173in such a manner as to freely slide in the elongate hole173awill described later on.

Furthermore, the left cushion lock mechanism36includes the lock/release detection switch71for detecting the movement of the ratchet169and the latch switch72for detecting the movement of the latch167.

According to the left cushion lock mechanism36, the ratchet169is swung around the ratchet pin171in a direction indicated by an arrow e so as to release the lock of the latch167(to bring the latch into an unlocked state) to thereby cause the seat cushion21to be separated apart from the floor12by pulling the operating rod172by the cushion lock actuator70.

The latch167rotates around the latch pin168in a direction indicated by an arrow f to thereby cause the left striker107to be dislocated from an engagement groove in the latch167by lifting the bracket166upwardly together with the seat cushion21.

On the other hand, the latch167is locked to the left striker107to thereby produce a locked state when the seat cushion21is restored to the seating position P1(refer toFIG. 10), whereby the floor12is linked with the seat cushion21, so that the seat cushion21is retained at the seating position P1.

In this state, the distal end portion163of the push-up member162which constitutes the left seat cushion push-up mechanism145is brought into abutment with a lower portion166aof the bracket166.

The spring force Fo2of the lift-up spring146is applied to the push-up member162in a direction indicated by an arrow, whereby the seat cushion21is pushed up so as to be separated apart from the floor12by virtue of this spring force Fo2.

Here, the metallic spring is adopted as the lift-up spring146for the left seat cushion push-up mechanism145, whereby the seat cushion21is pushed up so as to be separated apart from the floor by means of this lift-up spring146.

By using the metallic spring as the lift-up spring146, the lift-up spring146can avoid a risk that the spring-back force is damaged even in a low temperature area, which happens with an elastic rubber.

Thus, even in a case where the occupants are not seated on the seat cushion21, the latch167and the striker107are locked to each other in an ensured fashion so as to eliminate looseness between the latch167and the striker107as an example.

By this construction, since the state can be maintained in which the seat cushion21is held at the seating position P1(refer toFIG. 10), the generation of vibration noise can be prevented which would otherwise be generated when there occurs an interference between the latch167and the left striker107while the vehicle is running.

Here, when the seat cushion21is returned to the seating position P1, the seat cushion21is brought into the abutment with the left seat cushion push-up mechanism145, whereby an abutment force is generated in the left seat cushion push-up mechanism145.

The abutment force so applied to the left seat cushion push-up mechanism145can be absorbed by the lift-up spring146by providing the left seat cushion push-up mechanism145with the lift-up spring146.

By this construction, the exertion of a relatively large magnitude of force onto the floor can be prevented.

Incidentally, the operating rod172can be pulled backwards by the hand without driving the cushion lock actuator70by connecting the rear end portion of the operating rod172of the left cushion lock mechanism36to the elongate hole173ain the drive rod173via the slide pin172ain such a manner as to freely slide in the elongate hole173a.

By pulling the operating rod172backwards by the hand, as when the cushion rod actuator70is driven, the ratchet169is swung about the ratchet pin171in the direction indicated by the arrow e to thereby release the lock of the latch167.

Note that while, in the embodiment, the example is described where the left and right seat cushion push-up mechanisms145are mounted on the floor12side, the left and right seat cushion push-up mechanisms145can be provided on the seat cushion21side.

In this case, too, a similar advantage to that obtained by the embodiment can be obtained.

Here, a cross member can be removed from a lower side of the floor12by mounting the cross member115on the floor12in front of the left seat cushion push-up mechanism145, whereby a large mounting space can be secured on the lower side of the floor12so that a fuel tank (not shown), for example, can be disposed.

By this construction, the degree of freedom in layout when a fuel tank is mounted on the lower side of the floor12can be increased.

Note that the air duct153of the rear seat air conditioner (not shown) is mounted rearward of the cross member115.

FIG. 13is an explanatory diagram explaining the lock mechanism and the lock release mechanism of the reclining adjuster of the electric vehicle seat stowing structure according to the invention.

The left lock mechanism56of the left reclining adjuster50is such that a base174is mounted on the cushion frame27with mounting bolts175. . . , a plate177is mounted on the base174via a rotational shaft portion176in such a manner as to swing in the longitudinal directions of the vehicle body, first and second lock gears178,179are provided at an upper end portion of the base174, a lock gear181which can mesh with the first and second gears178,179is formed on a lower swing lever182, the lower swing lever182is mounted on the plate177via a lower pin183in such a manner as to freely swing thereon, an intermediate swing lever184for pressing a distal end of the lower swing lever182is mounted on the plate177via an intermediate pin185in such a manner as to freely swing thereon, an upper swing lever188in which an operating pin186of the intermediate swing lever184is fitted in a fitting hole187is mounted on the plate177via an upper pin189in such a manner as to freely swing thereon, and a tension spring191is extended between the lower swing lever182and the upper swing lever188.

The upper swing lever188is biased abut the upper pin189in a direction indicated by an arrow h by virtue of the spring force of the tension spring191, whereby the operating pin186in the fitting hole187is pressed against in a direction indicated by an arrow i by the upper swing lever188.

By this construction, a distal end of the lower swing lever182is pushed down by a distal end of the intermediate swing lever184, whereby the lock gear181of the lower swing lever182is made to mesh with the first gear178, thereby making it possible to retain the plate177at a predetermined position.

In addition, the left lock mechanism56of the left reclining adjuster50includes the lock-off detection switch77for detecting the movement of the upper swing lever188, the fall-forward detection switch76which is activated by a cam192which is provided on the plate177side and the lock-on detection switch75for detecting the movement of the intermediate swing lever184.

The left lock release mechanism57is connected to the upper swing ever188of the left lock mechanism56via an operating cable195.

The left lock release mechanism57is such that the mechanism includes the operating cable195which operates the upper swing lever188of the left lock mechanism56so as to release the lock thereof, the operating cable191is bifurcated at a connecting portion200, one cable (a second cable)201of the bifurcated cables is connected to a left automatic lock release portion196, and the other cable (a third cable)202is connected to a left manual lock release portion197, whereby releasing the lock of the left lock mechanism56can be implemented either automatically or manually.

The operating cable195is such that a distal end portion194aof a first inner cable194which constitutes a first cable198is connected to the upper swing lever188via a connecting pin199, and a second inner cable208of the second cable201and a third inner cable209of the third cable202are connected to the first inner cable194via the connecting portion200in a bifurcated fashion.

In addition, the operating cable195is such that the second inner cable208of the second cable201is connected to the left automatic lock release portion196, and the third inner cable209of the third cable202is connected to the left manual lock release portion197.

The left automatic lock release portion196is such that the mounting bracket58is mounted on the left back frame51(refer toFIG. 3), the driving motor80is provided on the mounting bracket58, a fluctuating shaft203is caused to protrude from the driving motor80, a magnet204is mounted on the fluctuating shaft203, an extension205of the magnet204is inserted into a guide206, and the upper and lower Hall sensors81,82are mounted, respectively, on locations which corresponds to upper and lower ends of the fluctuating shaft203.

In addition, the left automatic lock release portion196is such that a connecting piece207is mounted on a distal end of the fluctuating shaft203, and a proximal end portion208bof the second inner cable208is connected to the connecting piece.

The left manual lock release portion197is such that a recessed portion22b(refer to FIG.FIG. 4as well) is formed in a back side22aof the left seat back22, a manual lever (a manual operating portion)211is disposed in the recessed portion22b, a lower end portion of the manual lever211is mounted therein via pin212in such a manner that the manual lever211freely swings on the pin212, an arm213is provided in such a manner as to extend to the lower end portion of the manual lever211, a proximal end portion209bof the third inner cable209is connected to a distal end portion of the arm213, and a coil spring215is mounted on the pin212, whereby the manual lever211is biased in a direction indicated by an arrow j by virtue of the spring force of the coil spring215.

Here, while, in the embodiment, the example has been described where the manual lever211of the left manual lock release portion197is provided in the back side22aof the left seat back22, the location where the manual lever211is provided is not limited to the back side22aof the left seat back22, and the manual lever211can be provided at other locations appropriately.

FIG. 14is a cross-sectional view showing the connecting portion of the electric vehicle seat stowing structure according to the invention.

The connecting portion200is such that a slider218is disposed within a tubular casing217in such a manner as to slide in directions indicated by arrows, a proximal end portion194bof the first inner cable194is connected to the center of the slider218by means of a first stopper225, a distal end portion208aof the second inner cable208is connected to a right end portion of the slider218by means of a second stopper226, and a distal end portion209aof the third inner cable209is connected to a left end portion of the slider218by means of a third stopper227, whereby the second and third inner cables208,209are connected to the first inner cable104in the bifurcated fashion.

Note that the second and third stoppers226,227are mounted in mounting holes in the slider218in such a manner as to be pulled thereout freely.

In addition, the connecting portion200is such that a proximal end portion219aof a first outer cable219is attached to one end portion (a lower end portion)217aof a casing217, a cap221is placed on the other end portion (an upper end portion)217bof the casing217, a distal end portion222aof a second outer cable222is mounted in the cap221, and a distal end portion223aof a third outer cable223is mounted in the cap221.

Here, the first cable198is constituted by the first outer cable219and the first inner cable194, and the second cable201is constituted by the second outer cable222and the second inner cable208. In addition, the third cable202is constituted by the third outer cable223and the third inner cable209.

Returning toFIG. 13, according to the left lock release mechanism57, the second and third cables201,202can be connected to the first cable198via the connecting portion200in the bifurcated fashion, the left automatic lock release portion196can be connected to the second cable201, and the left manual lock release portion197can be connected to the third cable202.

Note that while, inFIG. 13, the example has been described where the left automatic lock release portion196and the left manual lock release portion197of the left lock release mechanism57are connected to the left lock mechanism56via the operating cable195, as with the left lock release mechanism57, the right lock release mechanism62shown inFIG. 3is also such that the right automatic lock release portion196and the right manual lock mechanism197(refer toFIG. 4) are connected to the left rock mechanism62via the operating cable195.

Note that since the right lock release mechanism62has the same constituent members as those of the left lock release mechanism57, like reference numerals to those imparted to the left lock release mechanism57are imparted, and the description of the right lock release mechanism62will be omitted.

In addition, inFIG. 3, to facilitate the understanding thereof, as the left and right lock release mechanisms57,62, only the left and right automatic lock release portions196,196are shown, and the left and right manual lock release portions197,197are omitted.

FIG. 15is an explanatory diagram which explains an example where the lock mechanism of the reclining adjuster of the electric vehicle seat stowing structure according to the invention is released by the left automatic lock release portion.

According to the left automatic lock release portion196, by driving the drive motor80, the fluctuating shaft203is lowered, and the slider218of the connecting portion200is raised upwardly by the second inner cable208.

As this occurs, the third stopper227is dislocated from the mounting hole of the slider218to thereby maintain the third inner cable209in a stationary state.

The first cable194is pulled up by pulling up the slider218so as to rotate the upper swing lever188in a clockwise direction (a direction indicated by an arrow) against the spring force of the tension spring191.

By this operation, the lock gear181of the lower swing lever182is separated apart from the first gear178so that the plate177is allowed to fall about the rotational shaft portion176in the longitudinal directions of the vehicle body.

FIG. 16is an explanatory diagram which explains the release of the lock mechanism of the reclining adjuster of the electric vehicle seat stowing structure according to the invention by the left manual lock release portion.

According to the left manual lock release portion197, the manual lever211is swung in a direction indicated by an arrow against the spring force of the coil spring215, so that the arm213is raised in a direction indicated by an arrow. The slider218of the connecting portion200is pulled upwardly by the third inner cable209.

As this occurs, the second stopper226is dislocated from the mounting hole, whereby the stationary state of the second inner cable208is maintained.

The first cable194is pulled up by pulling up the slider218so as to rotate the upper swing lever188in the clockwise direction (the direction indicated by an arrow) against the spring force of the tension spring191.

By this operation, the lock gear181of the lower swing lever182is separated apart from the first gear178so that the plate177is allowed to fall about the rotational shaft portion176in the longitudinal directions of the vehicle body.

Returning toFIG. 13, according to the left lock release mechanism57, the second and third cables201,202can be connected to the first cable198via the connecting portion200in the bifurcated fashion, the left automatic lock release portion196is connected to the second cable201, and the left manual lock release portion197is connected to the third cable202, whereby the lock release of the left lock mechanism56of the left reclining adjuster50can be implemented either manually or automatically.

By this construction, normally, the lock of the lock mechanism56is released using the left automatic lock release portion196, so that the left seat back22can be folded down.

On the other hand, for example, with a main switch of the vehicle being switched off or with the driving motor80of the left automatic lock release portion196being not driven, it can be considered that there occurs a case where the left seat back22needs to be folded down.

In this case, by using the left manual lock release portion197, the lock of the left lock mechanism56is released so that the left seat back22can be folded down back and forth manually.

Returning toFIG. 3, the operating cable195of the left lock release mechanism57is installed in the left seat back22(refer toFIG. 2) and is loosened in an S-like shape.

In the event that the left seat back22is deformed when the occupant leans back against the left seat back22, the deformation of the left seat back22can be absorbed by virtue of the looseness of the operating cable195when the operating cable195is installed in the left seat back22while being loosened substantially in the S-like shape, where by the operating cable195is prevented from being pulled with an external force.

InFIG. 3, while the example is explained where the operating cable195is loosened substantially in the S-like shape so that the operating cable195is prevented from being pulled with the external force, the shape in which the operating cable195is loosened is not limited to the S-like shape, but the operating cable195can be loosened in other shapes including, for example, a U-like shape in order to obtain the same effect as that described above.

Note that while the operating cable195of the left lock release mechanism57is described, the operating cable195of the right lock release mechanism62can be loosened in the S-lie or U-like shape as with the operating cable195of the left lock release mechanism57so as to obtain the same effect as that obtained with the operating cable195of the left lock release mechanism57.

Next, with reference toFIGS. 17 to 22, an assembling procedure of the electric vehicle seat stowing structure20will be described.

FIG. 17is a flowchart showing an assembling procedure of the electric vehicle seat stowing structure according to the invention, and in the drawing, numbers which follow ST denote step numbers.

ST01: The cross member is mounted on the floor, and the left and right reinforcement plates are mounted on the left and right rear wheel houses, respectively.

ST02: The right support shaft is mounted on the floor, the right mounting plate provided on the right support shaft is disposed in such a manner as to be inclined at the predetermined angle, the left support shaft is mounted on the floor via the swing drive mechanism, and the left mounting plate provided on the left support shaft is disposed in such a manner as to be inclined at the predetermined angle.

ST03: The left and right strikers are mounted, respectively, at the positions which are spaced apart at the predetermined distance relative to the left and right support shafts.

ST04: With the seat back being folded towards the seat cushion side, the seat cushion is inclined according to the inclination angles of the left and right mounting plates. In this state, the seat cushion is moved towards the left and right mounting plates.

ST05: The left locking bracket provided on the left-hand side bottom portion of the seat cushion is brought into engagement with the left mounting plate, and the right locking plate provided on the right-hand side bottom portion is brought into engagement with the right mounting plate.

By this construction, the left and right mounting plates are temporarily fastened to the bottom portion of the seat cushion.

ST06: With the left and right mounting plates being temporarily fastened to the bottom portion of the seat cushion, the seat back and the seat cushion are swung to the floor recessed stowing portion while being supported on the left and right support shafts.

ST07: The left and right mounting plates are mounted on the left- and right-hand side bottom portions of the seat cushion with the mounting bolts.

Hereinafter, what has been described in ST01to ST07will be described in detail.

FIGS. 18A,18B are first assembling process diagrams explaining the assembling procedure of the electric vehicle seat stowing structure according to the invention.

InFIG. 18A, the cross member115is disposed on the floor12and is then attached to the left and right rear wheel houses102,103via the left and right gussets116,116, respectively.

In addition, the left and right reinforcement plates104,105are attached to the left and right rear wheel houses102,105, respectively.

InFIG. 18B, the swing drive mechanism35is mounted on the location93of the floor12which is on the left rear member91, and the left support shaft31is provided on the swing drive mechanism35. The left mounting plate96is attached to the end portion of the left support shaft31.

Furthermore, the mounting member33is mounted on the location94of the floor12which is on the right rear member92, and the right support shaft12is provided on the mounting member33. The right mounting plate97is attached to the end portion of the right support shaft32.

The left and right mounting plates96,97are held in the state where those mounting plates are inclined at the predetermined inclination angle.

Here, it is preferable that the state where the left and right mounting plates96,97are inclined at the predetermined angle, respectively, means, for example, a state where the left and right mounting plates96,97are made to rest at a position resulting when the seat cushion21is swung to an intermediate position, and the resting positions are inclined at the predetermined inclination angle.

As a method for maintaining the left and right mounting plates96,97in the state where the plates are inclined at the predetermined inclination angle, a method can be considered for example in which the spring force of the coil-like spring121is adjusted. Specifically speaking, for example, a method can be considered in which a spring is mounted which provides a spring force which applies in an opposite direction to that in which the spring force of the coil-like spring121applies, but the adjustment of spring force is not limited thereto.

Note that it is possible to maintain the left and right mounting plates96,97in the state where they are inclined at the predetermined inclination angle using a jig.

FIGS. 19A,19B are second assembling process diagrams that explain the assembling procedure of the electric vehicle seat stowing structure according to the invention.FIG. 19Aexplains ST03, andFIG. 19Bexplains ST04.

InFIG. 19A, the left and right strikers107,107are mounted using a positioning jig230. The position jig230is such that a rear end recessed portion231is formed in a rear end portion230a, a front end recessed portion232is formed in a front end portion230b, and an interval between the rear end recessed portion231and the front end recessed portion232is set to a predetermined interval L.

To be specific, the left striker107is made to rest on the floor12at the location111which is on the left rear member91(refer toFIG. 18B) and which is forward of the swing drive mechanism35.

Note that the pair of lower end portions107a,107a(refer toFIG. 11) of the striker107are mounted on the base157, when the base157is placed on the location111, the striker107can be disposed in a state where the striker is erected on the location111.

Next, the rear end recessed portion231of the positioning jig230is fitted on the left support shaft31, and the front end recessed portion232of the positioning jig230is fitted on the striker107. By this construction, the left striker107can be positioned at the position which is spaced apart the predetermined interval L from the left support shaft31.

In this state, the base157is mounted on the location111with the mounting bolts158(refer toFIG. 11as well), whereby the left striker107is secured.

As with the left striker107, the right striker107is fixed to the floor12at the location112(refer toFIG. 4) which is on the right rear member92and which is forward of the mounting member33.

InFIG. 19B, with the left and right seat backs22,23(refer toFIG. 2) being folded over the seat cushion21side, the seat cushion21is inclined according to the inclination angle of the left and right mounting plates96,97.

In this state, the seat cushion21is moved in a horizontal direction as indicated by an arrow k, and the left and right bottom portions98,99of the seat cushion21are brought into abutment with the left and right mounting plates96,97, respectively.

In this state, the seat cushion21is lowered as indicated by an arrow i.

The seat cushion21has left and right locking brackets235,236on the left and right bottom portions98,99, respectively.

FIGS. 20A,20B are third assembling process diagrams which explain the assembling procedure of the electric vehicle seat stowing structure according to the invention.

InFIG. 20A, the left locking bracket235of the seat cushion21is moved as indicated by an arrow l towards an engaging portion96aof the left mounting plate96.

The left locking bracket235is raised by a height H from the right-hand side bottom portion99of the seat cushion21. Consequently, the engaging portion96aof the left mounting plate96can be inserted into a space between the left-hand side bottom portion98and the left locking bracket235.

InFIG. 20B, the right locking bracket236of the seat cushion21is moved as indicated by an arrow l towards an engaging portion97aof the right mounting plate97.

The right locking bracket236is raised by the height H from the right-hand side bottom portion99of the seat cushion21. Consequently, the engaging portion97aof the right mounting plate97can be inserted into a space between the right-hand side bottom portion99and the locking bracket236.

FIGS. 21A to 21Care fourth assembling process diagrams which explain the assembling procedure of the electric vehicle seat stowing structure according to the invention.

InFIG. 21A, the engaging portion96aof the left mounting plate96is inserted into the space between the left-hand side bottom portion98of the seat cushion21and the left locking bracket235, where by the left locking bracket235is brought into engagement with the engaging portion96aof the left mounting plate96.

By this construction, the left mounting plate96can temporarily be fastened to the left-hand side bottom portion98of the seat cushion21.

As this occurs, an opening235ain the left locking bracket235is aligned with one of mounting holes96b. . . in the left mounting plate96.

InFIG. 21B, the engaging portion97aof the right mounting plate97is inserted into the space between the right-hand side bottom portion99of the seat cushion21and the right locking bracket236, whereby the right locking bracket236is brought into engagement with the engaging portion97aof the right mounting plate97.

By this construction, the right mounting plate97can temporarily be fastened to the right-hand side bottom portion99of the seat cushion21.

As this occurs, an opening236ain the right locking bracket236is aligned with one of mounting holes97b. . . in the right mounting plate97.

InFIG. 21C, the left and right bottom portions98,99of the seat cushion21are supported by the left and right support shafts31,32(the right support shaft32is shown inFIG. 21B) via the left and right mounting plates96,97(the right mounting plate97is shown inFIG. 21B).

FIGS. 22A,22B are fifth assembling process diagrams that explain the assembling procedure of the electric vehicle seat stowing structure according to the invention.FIG. 22Aexplains ST06, andFIG. 22Bexplains ST07.

InFIG. 22A, while the left and right seat backs22,23and the seat cushion21are being supported by the left and right support shafts31,32, the seat cushion21is swung as indicated by an arrow m to the floor recessed stowing portion16.

By this construction, the left and right seat backs22,23and the seat cushion21can be stowed in the floor recessed stowing portion16.

As this occurs, the state is maintained where the engaging portion96aof the left mounting plate96is in engagement with the left locking bracket235, and the state is maintained where the engaging portion97aof the right mounting plate93is in engagement with the right locking bracket236.

Consequently, the state can be maintained where the left and right mounting plates96,97are temporarily fastened to the left- and right-hand side bottom portions98,99of the seat cushion21, respectively.

InFIG. 22B, the left mounting plate96can be attached to the left-hand side bottom portion98of the seat cushion21by inserting the mounting bolts101. . . into the mounting holes96b. . . and screwing the bolts into the left-hand side bottom portion98of the seat cushion21.

Here, by stowing the seat cushion21in the floor recessed stowing portion16(refer toFIG. 22A) so as to make the left-hand side bottom portion98of the seat cushion21face upwardly, the seat cushion21can be prevented from constituting an interruption to a fixing operation of the left mounting plate96when the operation actually occurs.

InFIG. 22C, the right mounting plate97can be attached to the right-hand side bottom portion99of the seat cushion21by inserting the mounting bolts101. . . into the mounting holes97b. . . and screwing the bolts into the right-hand side bottom portion99of the seat cushion21.

Here, by stowing the seat cushion21in the floor recessed stowing portion16(refer toFIG. 22B) so as to make the right-hand side bottom portion99of the seat cushion21face upwardly, the seat cushion21can be prevented from constituting an interruption to a fixing operation of the right mounting plate97when the operation actually occurs.

This completes the assembling process of the electric vehicle seat stowing structure20.

According to the method for assembling the electric vehicle seat stowing structure20, the left and right locking brackets235,236are provided on the left- and right-hand side bottom portions98,99of the seat cushion21, so that the left and right locking brackets235,236are allowed to be brought into engagement with the left and right mounting plates96,97, respectively.

The left and right mounting plates96,97can temporarily be fastened to the left- and right-hand side bottom portions98,99of the seat cushion21with ease by bringing the left and right locking brackets235,236into engagement with the left and right mounting plates96,97.

Furthermore, the seat cushion21is swung rearward about the left and right support shafts31,32so as to bestowed in the floor recessed stowing portion16, whereby the seat cushion21can easily be positioned to the stowing position P2(refer toFIG. 33) with the left and right mounting plates96,97being temporarily fastened to the left- and right-hand side bottom portions98,99.

In addition, the seat cushion can be prevented from constituting an interruption to an operation of fixing the left and right mounting plates96,97when the operation really happens by stowing the seat cushion21in the floor recessed stowing portion16with the left- and right-hand side bottom portions98,99being made to face upwardly.

By this construction, the assembling operation of the seat cushion21can be performed with ease without spending much time.

Incidentally, the electric vehicle seat stowing structure20has the left and right strikers107,107provided on the floor12in order to lock the seat cushion21to the seating position P1(refer toFIG. 10). In order to bring the seat cushion21into engagement with the strikers107,107, the left and right strikers107,107need to be mounted on the positions which are spaced apart the predetermined distance L (refer toFIG. 19A) from the left and right support shafts31,32, respectively.

However, for example, the left and right rear wheel houses102,103are provided in the vicinity of the left and right strikers107,107or the left and right support shafts31,32, and it is considered that these members102,103constitute interruptions to mounting operations of the left and right strikers107,107when the operations really happen.

In the event that it is the case, there may be caused a risk that it takes much time to mount the left and right strikers107,107and that heavy burden is exerted on those who are involved in the mounting operations.

Then, positioning the left and right strikers107,107using the positioning jig130makes it possible for the left and right strikers107,107to be mounted with ease without spending much time, and furthermore, load can be alleviated which would otherwise be exerted on those who are involved in the mounting operation.

Next, the operation of the electric vehicle seat stowing structure20will be described based onFIGS. 23 to 37. Note that while the left and right seat backs22,23and the left and right head restraints24,25operate similarly as the electric vehicle seat stowing structure20operates, here, only the left seat back22and the left head restraint24will be described and the description of the right seat back23and the right head restraint25will be omitted for the purpose of easing understanding.

First of all, a stowing operation of the electric vehicle seat stowing structure20will be described based onFIGS. 23 to 33.

FIG. 23is a flowchart which explains a stowing operation of the electric vehicle seat stowing structure according to the invention.

ST10: A tailgate is opened, and the seat operating button is depressed so as to turn on the stowing switch.

ST11: The lock of the lock mechanism is released, and the seat back is made to fall forward by virtue of the spring force.

ST12: After the seat back has been locked to the fall-forward position, the lock of the seat cushion is released.

ST13: The seat cushion is swung to the rear of the vehicle body.

ST14: The second rear seat (the seat cushion and the left seat back) is stowed into the floor recessed stowing portion.

FIGS. 24A,24B are first operation explanatory diagrams.FIG. 24Aexplains ST10, andFIG. 24Bexplains a former half part of the process in ST11.

InFIG. 24A, a user240opens upwardly a tailgate241provided at the rear of the vehicle body19. A tailgate opening switch (not shown) is turned on when the tailgate241is so opened.

Next, the stowing operation part26aof the seat operating button26provided rearward of the second rear seat15is depressed with the finger242so as to turn on the stowing switch28.

InFIG. 24B, after the control unit42(refer toFIG. 24A) has detected that the tailgate opening switch has been turned on, the driving motor80of the left automatic lock release portion196is driven. When the driving motor80is driven, the fluctuating shaft203is moved downwardly as indicated by an arrow A.

When the fluctuating shaft230moves downwardly, the second inner cable208of the second cable201is pulled by a connecting piece207in a direction indicated by an arrow B.

FIGS. 25A,25B are second operation explanatory diagrams which explain the stowing operation of the electric vehicle seat stowing structure according to the invention, the diagrams being such as to explain an intermediate part of the process in ST11.

InFIG. 25A, by pulling the second inner cable208(refer toFIG. 24B) of the second cable201, the first inner cable194is pulled up as indicated by an arrow B via the connecting portion200shown inFIG. 15.

By pulling up the first inner cable194as indicated by an arrow B, the upper swing lever188is rotated around the upper pin189as indicated by an arrow C, whereby the operating pin186within the fitting hole187is moved by the upper swing lever188, and the intermediate swing lever184is rotated about the intermediate pin185in a direction indicated by an arrow D.

InFIG. 25B, a distal end184aof the intermediate swing lever184is disengaged from a distal end182aof the lower swing lever182, and a projection182bof the lower swing lever182is pressed against by an intermediate cam surface184bof the intermediate swing lever184.

By pressing against the projection182bof the lower swing lever182, the lower swing lever182is rotated about the lower pin183as indicated by an arrow E, so that the lock gear181of the lower swing lever182is pushed upwardly.

By this operation, the mesh engagement of the lock gear181with the first gear178is released, whereby the locked state of the left locking mechanism56is released.

By releasing the locked state of the left locking mechanism56, the plate177is made to fall forward about the rotational shaft portion176to the front of the vehicle body as indicated by an arrow F by virtue of the spring force of a spiral spring243provided on the left reclining adjuster50.

As this occurs, the lock-off detection switch77is switched on by the upper swing lever188.

Note that the spiral spring243is identical with springs used to fold forward a normal seat back, and therefore, the detailed description thereof will be omitted here.

FIG. 26is a third operation explanatory drawing which explains the stowing operation of the electric vehicle seat stowing structure according to the invention, the drawing being such as to explain the intermediate part of the process in ST11.

When the lock-off detection switch77shown inFIG. 25Bis switched on, the control unit42detects that the lock-off switch77has been switched on, and the driving motor80of the left automatic lock release portion196is stopped.

By this operation, the second inner cable208of the second cable201is maintained as being pulled downwardly.

Note that should a failure occur in the lock-off detection switch77, when the magnet204reaches the lower Hall sensor82, the lower Hall sensor82detects the magnet204, and the control unit42stops the driving motor80based on a detection signal of the lower Hall sensor82.

By this operation, the excessive descend of the fluctuating shaft203can prevented to thereby protect the driving motor80.

FIGS. 27A,27B are fourth operation explanatory diagrams which explain the stowing operation of the electric vehicle seat stowing structure according to the invention, the diagrams being such as to explain the intermediate part of the process in ST11.

InFIG. 27A, when the plate177has completely fallen forward, the fall-forward detection switch76is pushed by the cam192to thereby be turned on.

InFIG. 27B, the control unit42(refer toFIG. 3) detects that the fall-forward detection switch76shown inFIG. 27Ahas been switched on, and the driving motor80of the left automatic lock release portion196is driven, whereby the fluctuating shaft203is moved upwardly as indicated by an arrow G.

When the fluctuating shaft203ascends upwardly to a predetermined position and the magnet204has reached the upper Hall sensor81, the upper Hall sensor81detects the magnet204. The control unit42stops the driving motor80based on a detection signal from the upper Hall sensor81.

By this operation, the downward tensile force of the second inner cable208of the second cable201is released.

FIGS. 28A,28B are fifth operation explanatory diagrams which explain the stowing operation of the electric vehicle seat stowing structure according to the invention, the diagrams being such as to explain a latter half part of the process in ST11.

InFIG. 28A, by releasing the downward tensile force of the second inner cable208of the second cable201, the upper swing lever188is made to rotate about the upper pin189as indicated by an arrow H by virtue of the spring force of the tension spring191.

By this operation, the operating pin186within the fitting hole187is pressed against as indicated by an arrow I by the upper swing lever188, whereby the intermediate swing lever182is made to rotate about the intermediate pin185as indicated by an arrow J, and the distal end182aof the lower swing lever182is pushed downward by the distal end184aof the intermediate swing lever184.

By pressing against the distal end182aof the lower swing lever182, the lock gear181of the lower swing lever182is made to mesh with the second gear179, whereby the left lock mechanism56is put in a locked state, and the plate177is held at the fall-forward position.

FIG. 28Billustrates a state in which the left seat back22is moved to the fall-forward position P3together with the plate177, so that the left seat back22is locked to the fall-forward position P3by putting the left lock mechanism56(refer toFIG. 28A) in the locked state.

Returning toFIG. 28A, the lock-on detection switch75is switched on by rotating the intermediate pin185of the intermediate swing lever184as indicated by the arrow J.

FIGS. 29A,29B are sixth operation explanatory diagrams which explain the stowing operation of the electric vehicle seat stowing structure according to the invention, the diagrams being such as to explain a first half part of the process in ST12.

InFIG. 29A, the control unit42(refer toFIG. 3) detects that the lock-on detection switch75(refer toFIG. 28A) has been switched on, and the cushion lock actuator70is activated to thereby move the operating rod172as indicated by an arrow.

By this operation, the ratchet169is swung about the ratchet pin171as indicated by an arrow K.

InFIG. 29B, a lock piece169aof the ratchet169is disengaged from a lock pawl167bof the latch167so as to release the lock of the latch167. At the same time, the lock/release detection switch71is operated by the pin165so as to switch on the lock/release detection switch71.

FIGS. 30A,30B are seventh operation explanatory diagrams which explain the stowing operation of the electric vehicle seat stowing structure, the diagrams being such as to explain a latter half part of the process in ST12.

InFIG. 30A, the control unit42detects that the lock/release switch71(refer toFIG. 29A) has been switched on, and the control unit42stops the cushion lock actuator70(refer toFIG. 29A) and drives the cushion driving motor65of the swing drive mechanism35.

In a state in which the cushion driving motor65is driven to thereby rotate the left support shaft32forward, and the left seat back is locked to the fall-forward position, the seat cushion21is swung from the seating position P1to the rear of the vehicle body as indicated by an arrow M.

InFIG. 30B, as the bracket166of the left cushion lock mechanism36rises as indicated by an arrow m together with the seat cushion21(refer toFIG. 30A), the latch167provided on the bracket166rises.

Since the striker107is disposed within an engagement groove167ain the latch167, as the latch167rises, a lower side167cof the engagement groove167ainterferes with the striker107, whereby the latch167rotates about the latch pin168as indicated by an arrow N.

FIGS. 31A,31B are eighth operation explanatory diagrams which explain the stowing operation of the electric vehicle seat stowing structure according to the invention, the diagrams being such as to explain a first half part of the process in ST13.

InFIG. 31A, the latch switch72is switched on, and the striker107is dislocated from the engagement groove167aof the latch167, the lock of the left cushion lock mechanism36is released (is put to an unlocked state).

The control unit42(refer toFIG. 3) detects that the latch switch72has been switched on, and the control unit42activates the cushion lock actuator70so as to move the operating rod172as indicated by arrow P.

The ratchet169is swung about the ratchet pin171as indicated by an arrow Q, whereby a cam surface169bof the ratchet169is pressed against a cam surface137dof the latch167.

By this operation, the latch167can be held at a position where the striker107has been disengaged from the engagement groove167a.

InFIG. 31B, by releasing the lock of the left cushion lock mechanism36, the seat cushion21can continue to be swung about the left and right support shafts31,32to the rear of the vehicle body as indicated by an arrow M.

As this occurs, the control unit42detects a motor current of the cushion driving motor65and determines whether or not a detection value exceeds a threshold value.

Should the seat cushion21interfere with an obstacle (not shown), whereby the motor current value exceeds the threshold, the cushion driving motor65is stopped.

On the other hand, in the event that the seat cushion21does not interfere with the obstacle, since the motor current value is smaller than the threshold, the seat cushion21can continue to be swung to the rear of the vehicle body as indicated by an arrow M.

Here, as shown inFIG. 5, by additionally providing the spring121on the right support shaft32, the repulsive force of the spring121increases gradually as indicated by the arrow Fo1as the seat cushion21moves from the seating position P1to the stowing position P2.

Consequently, the repulsive force Fo1of the spring is small within a range where the seat cushion21moves from a position in the vicinity of the seating position P1to a vertical position P4.

By this construction, the seat cushion21can smoothly be swung from the seating position P1to the rear of the vehicle as indicated by the arrow M by the cushion driving motor65.

FIGS. 32A,32B are ninth operation explanatory diagrams which explain the stowing operation of the electric vehicle seat stowing structure according to the invention, the diagrams being such as to explain a latter half part of the process in ST13.

InFIG. 32A, the seat cushion21is swung to the vertical position P4, and then the seat cushion21continues to be swung from the vertical position P4to the rear of the vehicle body as indicated by an arrow M.

Here, while the seat cushion21stays within a range from the vertical position P4to the stowing position P2, the weights of the seat cushion21and the left seat back22are applied to a direction in which the seat cushion21is swung.

On the other hand, by additionally providing on the right support shaft32the spring121(refer toFIG. 5) whose repulsive force Fo1increases as the seat cushion21moves towards the stowing position P2, the repulsive force Fo1of the spring121is secured relatively large which results when the seat cushion21continues to be swung over the vertical position P4to the stowing position P2.

Consequently, the weights of the seat cushion21and the left seat back22can be offset by the repulsive force Fo1of the spring121.

By this construction, the seat cushion21can smoothly be swung from the vertical position P4to the stowing position P2as indicated by the arrow M.

InFIG. 32B, the seat cushion21is smoothly swung to the rear of the vehicle body so as to be stowed in the floor recessed stowing portion16. As this occurs, a rear side of the left head restraint24is brought into abutment with an upper end16bof a rear wall16awhich constitutes the floor recessed stowing portion16.

By this construction, a load Fo3is exerted on the rear side of the left head restraint24as indicated by an arrow, and the left head restraint24is folded up as indicated by an arrow R against the spring force of a spring (not shown) for supporting the head restraint24.

In this state, the seat cushion21continues to be swung to the rear of the vehicle as indicated by an arrow M.

FIG. 33is a tenth operation explanatory diagram showing the stowing operation of the electric vehicle seat stowing structure according to the invention, the diagram being such as to explain ST14.

The seat cushion21is brought into abutment with a bottom surface16cof the floor recessed stowing portion16. The current value of the cushion driving motor65exceeds the threshold, and the cushion driving motor65is stopped.

By this operation, the stowing process of the seat cushion21and the left seat back22(the second rear seat15) in the floor recessed stowing portion16is completed.

Next, a restoring operation of the electric vehicle seat stowing structure20will be described with reference toFIGS. 34 to 37.

FIG. 34is a flowchart which explains a restoring operation of the electric vehicle seat stowing structure according to the invention.

ST20: The tailgate is opened, and the seat operating button is depressed so as to switch on the restoring switch, whereby the seat cushion is swung to the front of the vehicle body.

ST21: As the seat cushion is swung to the front of the vehicle body through a predetermined angle, the seat back is separated apart from the seat cushion.

ST22: The seat cushion is locked to the restoring position.

The details of ST20to ST22will be described below.

FIGS. 35A,35B first operation explanatory diagrams which explain the restoring operation of the electric vehicle seat stowing structure according to the invention, in whichFIG. 35Adescribes ST20, whereasFIG. 35Bdescribes ST21.

InFIG. 35A, the user240opens upwardly the tailgate241provided at the rear of the vehicle body19. The tailgate opening switch (not shown) is switched on by the opening of the tailgate.

Next, the restoration operating part26bof the seat operating button26provided rearward of the second rear seat15is depressed with the finger so as to turn on the restoring switch29.

After the control unit42has detected that the tailgate opening switch is on, the cushion driving motor65(refer toFIGS. 2,3, as well)of the swing drive mechanism35is driven.

By this operation, the cushion drive motor65is driven, whereby the seat cushion21is swung about the left and right support shafts31,32to the front of the vehicle body as indicated by an arrow S together with the left seat back22so as to be taken out of the floor recessed stowing portion16.

The left head restraint24is released from the rear wall16aof the floor recessed stowing portion16by taking out the seat cushion21from the floor recessed stowing portion16together with the left seat back22.

The left head restraint24is restored to an in-use position (refer toFIG. 35B) by a spring (not shown) which support it.

InFIG. 35B, as the seat cushion21is swung to the front of the vehicle body only through a predetermined angle θ, the left seat back22is separated apart from the seat cushion21.

Namely, the mesh engagement of the lock gear181of the lower swing lever182with the second gear179is released, whereby the left seat back22descends by its own weight as indicated by an arrow T about the rotational shaft portion176.

Here, as has been described with reference toFIG. 32, by additionally providing on the right support shaft32the spring121(refer toFIG. 5) whose repulsive force Fo1increases as the seat cushion21moves toward the stowing position P2, the repulsive force Fo1of the spring121can be secured relatively large which results when the seat cushion21is swung over the vertical position P4to the stowing position P2.

Due to this, when the seat cushion21is swung from the stowing position P1to the vertical position P4, the weight of the seat cushion21and the left seat back22can be offset with the repulsive force Fo1of the spring121.

By this construction, the seat cushion21can smoothly be swung from the stowing position P2to the vertical position P4as indicated by an arrow S.

FIGS. 36A,36B are second explanatory diagrams which explain the restoring operation of the electric vehicle seat stowing structure according to the invention, the diagrams being such as to explain a first half part of the process in ST22.

InFIG. 36A, when the seat cushion21is swung toward the front of the vehicle as indicated by an arrow S, the seat cushion approaches the seating position P1.

InFIG. 36B, an upper side167eof the engagement groove167aof the latch167is brought into abutment with the striker107.

In this state, the bracket166and the latch167of the left cushion lock mechanism36descend together with the seat cushion21(refer toFIG. 36A, as well) as indicated by an arrow S, whereby the upper side167eof the engagement groove167ais pushed up by the striker107, and the latch167rotates about the latch pin168as indicated by an arrow U.

FIGS. 37A,37B are third operation explanatory diagrams which explain the restoring operation of the electric vehicle seat stowing structure according to the invention, the diagrams being such as to explain a latter half part of the process in ST22.

InFIG. 37A, the seat cushion21is restored to the seating position P1(refer toFIG. 37B), the latch167is returned to the lock position, and the latch switch72is turned off.

The control unit42shown inFIG. 37Bdetects that the latch switch72has been turned off and stops the cushion driving motor65(refer toFIGS. 2,3, as well) of the swing drive mechanism35.

By this operation, the restoring operation of the second rear seat15is completed.

Thus, according to the electric vehicle seat stowing structure20, the second rear seat15can be stowed in the floor recessed stowing portion16and can restore the same structure to the in-use position from the floor recessed stowing portion16in an electric fashion.

Here, when the seat cushion21is restored to the seating position P1, the seat cushion21, or, to be specific, a lower-portion166aof the bracket166is brought into the distal end portion163of the push-up member162which constitutes the left seat cushion push-up member145.

However, since the distal end portion163of the push-up member162is supported by the spring of the lift-up spring146, when the seat cushion21is brought into abutment with the distal end portion163of the push-up member162, a force exerted on the distal end portion163of the push-up member162can be absorbed by an elastic displacement of the lift-up spring146.

By this construction, when the seat cushion21is restored to the seating position P1, the application of a relatively large magnitude of force to the floor12can be prevented.

In addition, the spring force Fo2of the lift-up spring146is applied in a direction as indicated by an arrow through the abutment of the distal end portion163of the push-up member162with the lower portion166aof the bracket166, and seat cushion21is pushed up so as to be separated apart from the floor with this spring.

Consequently, even in a case where no occupant is seated in the seat cushion21, the latch167and the striker107are made to lock together in an ensured fashion, whereby, as an example, the looseness between the latch167and the left striker107can be eliminated.

InFIG. 37B, since the state where the seat cushion21is held at the seating position P1can be maintained, the generation of vibration noise can be prevented which would otherwise result from the interference of the latch167(refer toFIG. 37B) and the left striker107while the vehicle is running.

Note that while, in the embodiment that has been described heretofore, an example of the assembling method of the electric vehicle seat stowing structure20has been described with reference toFIGS. 17 to 22, it is possible to adopt an assembling method that will be described below.

FIGS. 38A to 38Care explanatory diagrams which explain another example of assembling the electric vehicle seat stowing structure according to the invention.

InFIG. 38A, left and right L-shaped brackets250,250are attached to the left and right bottom portions98,99of the seat cushion21, respectively.

The left and right seat backs22,23are folded over the seat cushion21, and the seat cushion21is inclined through a predetermined angle, in which condition, lower end portions of the left and right seat backs22,23are placed on the bottom portion of the floor recessed stowing portion16.

In this state, the seat cushion21moves in a direction indicated by an arrow. Here, the left and right mounting plates96,97are set in a state where they are inclined through a predetermined angle.

InFIG. 38B, the left and right mounting plates96,97(refer toFIG. 20as well) are brought into abutment with the left and right bottom portions98,99of the seat cushion21, respectively.

In this state, with locking pawls251,251of the left and right L-shaped brackets250,250being locked to the left and right mounting plates96,97, the distal end portion of the seat cushion is swung downwardly as indicated by an arrow.

InFIG. 38C, the seat cushion21and the left and right seat backs22,23are received in the floor recessed stowing portion16, and the left and right bottom portions98,99of the seat cushion21are made to face upwardly.

As this occurs, the left and right mounting plates96,97are guided by the locking pawls251,251of the left and right L-shaped brackets250,250and follow the motion of the seat cushion21while abutting with the left and right bottom portions98,99of the seat cushion21.

Consequently, the state is maintained where the left and right bottom portions98,99of the seat cushion21are press secured to the left and right mounting plates96,97.

After the seat cushion21has been stowed in the floor recessed stowing portion16in such a manner that the left and right bottom portions98,99of the seat cushion21are made to face upwardly, the seat cushion21is pulled to the rear of the vehicle body as indicated by an arrow, so that the locking pawls251,251of the left and right L-shaped brackets250,250are locked to the left and right mounting plates96,97, respectively, in an ensured fashion.

By this construction, the seat cushion21is positioned relative to the left and right mounting plates96,97, and threaded holes (not shown) in the seat cushion21are aligned with the mounting holes96b. . . ,97b. . . in the mounting plates96,97(refer toFIGS. 21A,21B) In this state, the left and right mounting plates96,97can be attached to the left and right bottom portions98,99of the seat cushion21, respectively, by screwing the mounting bolts101. . . (refer toFIGS. 22B,22C) into the threaded holes in the seat cushion21via the mounting holes96b. . . ,97b . . .

Thus, the mounting bolts101. . . can be screwed into the seat cushion21from above while maintaining the state where the left and right bottom portions98,99of the seat cushion21are press secured to the left and right mounting plates96,97.

Consequently, even with this assembling method being adopted for the electric vehicle seat stowing structure20, as with the method for assembling the electric vehicle seat stowing structure20shown inFIGS. 17 to 22, the mounting operation of the left and right mounting plates96,97to the left and right bottom portions98,99of the seat cushion21can be implemented with ease without spending much time.

Furthermore, while, in the embodiment, the example has been described where the electric vehicle seat stowing structure20is applied to the vehicle whose riding capacity ranges from 6 to 7 occupants, the invention is not limited thereto, and the electric vehicle seat stowing structure20can be applied to a vehicle whose riding capacity ranges 4 to 5 occupants, as well.

In addition, while, in the embodiment, the example has been described where the left and right lock release mechanisms57,62are installed in the left and right seat backs22,23, the invention is not limited thereto, and the left and right lock release mechanisms57,62can be installed in the seat cushion21.

Furthermore, while, in the embodiment, the example has been described where the swing drive mechanism35is provided on the left-hand side of the floor12, whereas the mounting member33is provided on the right-hand side of the floor12, the invention is not limited thereto, and on the contrary, the swing drive mechanism35can be provided on the right-hand side of the floor12, whereas the mounting member33can be provided on the left-hand side of the floor12.

With the aforesaid construction, the invention provides the following advantages.

According to the first aspect of the invention, the group of reduction gears is disposed on the gear case or the bracket, and the actuator is disposed on the side of the gear case or the bracket.

Consequently, the protrusion of the swing drive mechanism into the cargo space provided behind the seat cushion can be prevented.

By this construction, the cargo space can be secured largely, and the cargo space can be used effectively by allowing it to satisfy various applications, thereby making it possible to improve the convenience in handling.

According to the second aspect of the invention, the swing drive mechanism is mounted on the rear member which reinforces the floor, whereby, even if a relatively large magnitude of force is exerted on the swing drive mechanism so mounted, the seat cushion can smoothly be swung between the seating position and the stowing position while preferably maintaining the mounting accuracy of the swing drive mechanism.

In addition, the strikers are mounted on the rear members which reinforces the floor, whereby even if a relatively large magnitude of force is applied to the strikers, the seat cushion can be locked to the seating position in an ensured fashion while maintaining the mounting accuracy of the strikers.

According to the third aspect of the invention, the reinforcing cross member is disposed on the floor in the vicinity of the strikers, and the end portions of the cross member are joined to the gussets which additionally function to reinforce the wheel houses.

Consequently, since the rigidity of the vicinity of the strikers can be increased, even if a relatively large magnitude of force is applied to the strikers, the seat cushion can be locked to the seating position in the ensured fashion while maintaining the mounting accuracy of the strikers more preferably.