Seat cushion adjuster, seat, and adjustment method of seat

A seat cushion adjuster in one aspect of the present disclosure comprises at least one bracket, at least one slider, at least one first interposing member, and at least one second interposing member. The slider is inserted into an inner hollow portion of the bracket. The slider comprises a base plate part of a plate shape and a pair of raised parts. The pair of raised parts is raised from a pair of ends of the base plate part so as to be raised with respect to one surface of the base plate part. The first interposing member is disposed between an inner wall of the bracket and the slider. The second interposing member is disposed between the inner wall of the bracket and the slider so as to face the first interposing member.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No. 2016-101588 filed on May 20, 2016 with the Japan Patent Office, and the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to adjustment of a seat cushion.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2011-015867 discloses a seat for a vehicle, which comprises a cushion body part, a cushion adjustable part, and an adjustment mechanism serving as a seat cushion adjuster.

The cushion body part includes a seating surface of the seat. The cushion adjustable part is configured to change its position with respect to the cushion body part. The adjustment mechanism is configured such that sliding of a rod causes the cushion adjustable part to change its position, thereby changing a size of the seating surface of the seat cushion.

SUMMARY

On a section of the seat cushion extended by the seat cushion adjuster, that is, on the cushion adjustable part, a human body is to be seated. For this purpose, the seat cushion adjuster needs to function as a seat frame that supports the cushion adjustable part; thus, rigidity of the seat cushion adjuster needs to be ensured.

In addition, it has been desired to downsize the seat cushion adjuster.

It is desirable in one aspect of the present disclosure to achieve downsizing of the seat cushion adjuster, while ensuring rigidity of the seat cushion adjuster.

A seat cushion adjuster in one aspect of the present disclosure comprises at least one bracket, at least one slider, at least one first interposing member, and at least one second interposing member.

The at least one bracket is configured to be secured to a first one of a cushion body part and a cushion adjustable part. The cushion body part comprises a first seating surface. The cushion adjustable part comprises a second seating surface and is arranged in an arrangement direction pre-specified with respect to the cushion body part. The at least one bracket comprises an inner wall configured to provide an inner hollow portion extending in the arrangement direction.

The at least one slider is configured to be secured to a second one of the cushion body part and the cushion adjustable part, and the second one is different from the first one. The at least one slider is inserted into the inner hollow portion of the at least one bracket. The at least one slider comprises a base plate part and a pair of raised parts; the base plate part is formed of a plate shape and comprises a pair of ends that extends in the arrangement direction and that faces each other; the pair of raised parts is raised from the pair of ends of the base plate part so as to be raised with respect to one surface of the base plate part. The base plate part and the pair of raised parts provide a concave portion.

The at least one first interposing member comprises a convex disposed inside the concave portion and is disposed between the inner wall of the at least one bracket and the at least one slider.

The at least one second interposing member comprises a concave accommodating the at least one slider therein and is disposed between the inner wall of the at least one bracket and the at least one slider so as to face the at least one first interposing member.

With the seat cushion adjuster as described above, the at least one slider, to which an external force has been applied, is caused to slide with respect to the at least one bracket, thereby changing a position of the cushion adjustable part.

The at least one slider is inserted in the at least one bracket in a state where the at least one slider is disposed between the at least one first interposing member and the at least one second interposing member. Thus, rigidity for supporting the cushion adjustable part can be obtained.

Moreover, in the at least one slider, it is possible to reduce a length of a seat in a width direction, while maintaining the rigidity in a height direction of the seat by the above-described base plate part and the pair of raised parts. Accordingly, in the seat cushion adjuster, a size of the seat in the width direction can be reduced.

As described above, the seat cushion adjuster can ensure rigidity and downsize the seat cushion adjuster.

The at least one bracket may have a tubular shape.

In this case, rigidity of the at least one bracket can be enhanced. Also, because the at least one bracket has a tubular shape, it is possible to increase a contact area thereof for contacting the aforementioned first one. This configuration allows easy attachment of the at least one bracket to the first one.

Furthermore, the at least one first interposing member may comprise at least one sliding projection protruding toward the at least one slider.

In this case, a contact area between the at least one first interposing member and the at least one slider can be reduced, thereby enabling the at least one slider to slide smoothly.

The at least one sliding projection may comprise a plurality of sliding projections. In this case, further reduction of the contact area between the at least one first interposing member and the at least one slider can be achieved, thereby enabling the at least one slider to slide more smoothly.

The at least one first interposing member may comprise at least one supporting protrusion portion protruding toward the at least one bracket.

In this case, the at least one first interposing member is supported by the at least one bracket by means of the at least one supporting protrusion portion. For this reason, deformation of the at least one first interposing member caused by sliding of the at least one slider is allowed corresponding to a height of the at least one supporting protrusion portion. Thus, it is possible to ensure sliding of the at least one slider.

The at least one supporting protrusion portion may comprise a plurality of supporting projections. In this case, it is possible to further ensure the sliding of the at least one slider.

The at least one second interposing member may comprise at least one sliding projection protruding toward the at least one slider.

In this case, a contact area between the at least one second interposing member and the at least one slider can be reduced, thereby enabling the at least one slider to slide smoothly.

The at least one sliding projection may comprise a plurality of sliding projections. In this case, further reduction of the contact area between the at least one second interposing member and the at least one slider can be achieved, enabling the at least one slider to slide more smoothly.

The at least one second interposing member may comprise at least one supporting protrusion portion protruding toward the at least one bracket.

In this case, the at least one second interposing member is supported by the at least one bracket by means of the at least one supporting protrusion portion. For this reason, deformation of the at least one second interposing member caused by sliding of the at least one slider is allowed corresponding to a height of the at least one supporting protrusion portion. Thus, the sliding of the at least one slider can be secured.

The at least one supporting protrusion portion may comprise a plurality of supporting projections. In this case, the sliding of the at least one slider can be further ensured.

The at least one bracket may comprise a plurality of brackets. The at least one slider may comprise a plurality of sliders. The at least one first interposing member may comprise a plurality of first interposing members. The at least one second interposing member may comprise a plurality of second interposing members.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is a seat that comprises the cushion body part, the cushion adjustable part, the at least one bracket, the at least one slider, the at least one first interposing member, and the at least one second interposing member.

Because this seat comprises the above-described seat cushion adjuster, the same effects as those obtained by the above-described seat cushion adjuster can be obtained.

Still another aspect of the present disclosure is an adjustment method of a seat that comprises a cushion body part and a cushion adjustable part; the cushion body part comprises a first seating surface, and the cushion adjustable part comprises a second seating surface and is arranged in an arrangement direction pre-specified with respect to the cushion body part.

This adjustment method comprises:

providing at least one bracket that comprises an inner wall configured to provide an inner hollow portion extending linearly;

providing at least one slider that comprises a base plate part of a plate shape comprising a pair of ends that extends in an extending direction of the inner hollow portion and that faces each other, and that comprises a pair of raised parts raised from the pair of ends of the base plate part so as to be raised with respect to one surface of the base plate part, wherein the base plate part and the pair of raised parts provide a concave portion;

providing at least one first interposing member that comprises a convex configured to be disposed inside the concave portion;

providing at least one second interposing member that comprises a concave configured to accommodate the at least one slider therein;

inserting the at least one slider into the inner hollow portion of the at least one bracket;

interposing the at least one first interposing member between the inner wall of the at least one bracket and the at least one slider;

interposing the at least one second interposing member between the inner wall of the at least one bracket and the at least one slider so as to face the at least one first interposing member;

arranging the at least one bracket such that the extending direction of the inner hollow portion coincides with the arrangement direction;

securing the at least one bracket to a first one of the cushion body part and the cushion adjustable part; and

securing the at least one slider to a second one of the cushion body part and the cushion adjustable part, wherein the second one is different from the first one.

With this adjustment method, the same effects as those obtained by the above-described seat cushion adjuster can be obtained.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

<1-1. Structure of a Seat>

FIG. 1shows a seat1that is configured to be mounted in a moving object so that a person can be seated thereon. In the present embodiment, the seat1is assumed to be mounted in four-wheeled vehicles; however, a moving object in which the seat1is to be mounted is not limited to four-wheeled vehicles. Specifically, the seat1can be mounted in airplanes, trains, and ships. Also, the seat1is not limited to be mounted in a moving object and can be configured as a general chair.

Directions mentioned hereinafter correspond to directions viewed from a person seated on the seat1. Specifically, “front” corresponds to a forward direction from the person seated on the seat1; “rear” corresponds to a rearward direction from the person seated on the seat1. “Left” corresponds to a leftward direction from the person seated on the seat1; “right” corresponds to a rightward direction from the person seated on the seat1. Moreover, “up” corresponds to an upward direction from the person seated on the seat1, i.e., an upward direction along a height direction of the seat1; “down” corresponds to a downward direction from the person seated on the seat1, i.e., a downward direction along the height direction of the seat1.

The seat1comprises a seatback3, a cushion body part9, a cushion adjustable part15, lifter links20,21,22,23, and a seat cushion adjuster (hereinafter, simply referred to as “adjuster”)40.

The seatback3functions as a backrest for supporting an upper body of an occupant. The seatback3comprises a seatback pad5and a seatback frame7.

The seatback pad5comprises a cushion for the seatback3. The seatback frame7supports the seatback pad5.

The cushion body part9functions as a main part of a seating surface for supporting the occupant's lower limbs, including the hip and legs. The cushion body part9comprises a body-part pad11and a seat cushion frame13.

The body-part pad11is a cushion pad that corresponds to the main part of the seating surface. The seat cushion frame13supports the body-part pad11.

The cushion adjustable part15functions as one part of the seating surface for supporting the occupant's lower limbs, and is disposed at a front end portion of the cushion body part9.

The adjustable-part pad17changes its position with respect to the cushion body part9; when being extended, the adjustable-part pad17supports the occupant's lower limbs. The adjustable-part pad17is provided to extend forwardly and downwardly from a front end of the body-part pad11. The adjustable-part pad17of the present embodiment is provided integrally with the body-part pad11; however, the adjustable-part pad17can be provided separately from the body-part pad11.

The adjustable-part frame19is a plate member that supports the adjustable-part pad17. With a drive force transmitted from a drive mechanism80, the adjustable-part frame19relatively changes a position of the adjustable-part pad17with respect to the body-part pad11. Hereinafter, the adjustable-part frame19is also referred to as a drum19.

Each of the lifter links20,21,22,23is a bracket for mounting the seat1on a floor of a moving object and, in the present embodiment, has an elongated shape. Each of the lifter links20,21,22,23has a first end and a second end; the first end is pivotally attached to the seat cushion frame13, and the second end is pivotally attached to an upper rail25included in a slide rail24.

The lifter links20,21,22,23attached to the seat cushion frame13and the upper rail25as described above are swingable with respect to the upper rail25. The swinging motion of the lifter links20,21,22,23causes the seat cushion frame13to change its position in the height direction. This enables to change a height of the seat cushion frame13with respect to the upper rail25and therefore, the height of the seat1can be adjusted.

The upper rail25is included in the slide rail24and is slidably attached to a lower rail26to be fixed to the floor of the moving object.

The adjuster40relatively changes a position of the cushion adjustable part15with respect to the cushion body part9.

As shown inFIGS. 2 and 3, the adjuster40comprises adjustment mechanisms44,46, link mechanisms76,78, and the drive mechanism80.

Each of the adjustment mechanisms44,46comprises a slider50that slides in a front-rear direction of a vehicle with the drive force from the drive mechanism80. When the cushion adjustable part15is extended, the adjustment mechanisms44,46function as a seat frame that supports such an extended cushion adjustable part15.

Each of the link mechanisms76,78changes a position of the cushion adjustable part15with respect to the cushion body part9. Each of the link mechanisms76,78comprises a plurality of links. The plurality of links is coupled to one another so as to extend or contract in a front-rear direction of the seat1with the drive force from the drive mechanism80. Specifically, in each of the link mechanisms76,78, among the plurality of links, one link of which located at its front end is fixed to the drum19, and another link of which is coupled to the drive mechanism80.

The drive mechanism80generates a drive force for driving the drum19. The drive mechanism80comprises a motor82, a shaft84, and a pipe86.

The motor82generates a drive force. The shaft84is a rod-like member. The shaft84is coupled to the motor82so as to move linearly in the front-rear direction with the drive force generated by the motor82.

The pipe86is attached to the shaft84so as to move in the front-rear direction of the seat1with the drive force generated by the motor82. Furthermore, the pipe86couples the slider50of the adjustment mechanism44to the aforementioned link located in the front end of the link mechanism76; the pipe86couples the slider50of the adjustment mechanism46to the aforementioned link located in the front end of the link mechanism78.

In the adjuster40, the shaft84performs the linear movement toward the front with the drive force generated by the motor82. This linear movement of the shaft84causes the pipe86to be pushed forward from the seat1. In accordance with the forward movement of the pipe86, the link mechanisms76,78are extended to push the drum19upwardly.

As a result, the cushion adjustable part15provided externally to the drum19is extended, thereby increasing the seating surface of the seat1.

When the shaft84performs the linear movement toward the rear with the drive force generated by the motor82, the pipe86is retracted rearward in the seat1. Consequently, in accordance with the rearward movement of the pipe86, the link mechanisms76,78become unextended to retract the drum19downwardly.

Consequently, the cushion adjustable part15is in an non-extended state, thereby reducing the seating surface of the seat1.

Detailed structures of the adjustment mechanisms44,46will be described.

As shown inFIGS. 4 and 5, each of the adjustment mechanisms44,46comprises a bracket48, the slider50, a first interposing member58, and a second interposing member66.

InFIG. 4, the broken line shows a position of the slider50and a position of the pipe86when the cushion adjustable part15is in the non-extended state, and the solid line shows a position of the slider50and a position of the pipe86when the cushion adjustable part15is in an extended state.

The bracket48is secured to the seat cushion frame13. As shown inFIG. 6, the bracket48has a closed-ring-shaped cross section orthogonal to the front-rear direction of the seat1; that is to say, the bracket48has a tubular contour in which an inner hollow portion extends linearly in the front-rear direction. Both ends of the bracket48in the front-rear direction are open. The bracket48may be formed by bending a plate member and joining its lower surfaces together. In this case, the joined portions in the lower surfaces of the bracket48may have mutually-engaging concaves and convexes. The bracket48may be made of, for example, a metal material (iron and steel material).

The slider50is inserted into the inner hollow portion of the bracket48. In one end of the slider50, a recess part51to be engaged with the pipe86is provided. The pipe86is disposed to bridge between the recess part51in the slider50of the adjustment mechanism44and the recess part51in the slider50of the adjustment mechanism46. The pipe86disposed to bridge between these recess parts51of the sliders50is secured to these sliders50.

Because the pipe86is coupled to the drum19via the link mechanisms76,78, the one end of the slider50is indirectly secured to the cushion adjustable part15.

It is to be noted that the securing of the pipe86to the slider50may be achieved by welding or by other methods.

Moreover, as shown inFIG. 5, the slider50comprises a base plate part52and a pair of raised parts54,55. The base plate part52is a rectangular plate-like portion. The raised parts54,55are rectangular plate-like portions provided on both ends of the base plate part52along a longitudinal direction of the base plate part52, so as to be raised with respect to the surface of the base plate part52(in the present embodiment, an upper surface of the base plate part52). In the present embodiment, the pair of raised parts54,55is raised in the same direction, i.e., parallel to each other; however, the pair of raised parts54,55may be raised in directions crossing each other.

The slider50configured as described above comprises a concave space (region) defined by the base plate part52and the pair of raised parts54,55, and has a generally U-shaped cross section in a direction orthogonal to the front-rear direction. The term “concave” as used herein means a recess extending in the front-rear direction.

The slider50is inserted into the bracket48along a longitudinal direction of the slider50.

It is to be noted that the slider50may be, for example, made of a metal material (e.g., iron and steel material).

The first interposing member58is disposed between an inner wall of the bracket48and the slider50. As shown inFIG. 7, the first interposing member58comprises a base part59and a convex60.

The base part59is a rectangular plate-like portion and is disposed between an upper portion of the inner wall of the bracket48and the slider50.

The base part59comprises a stopper61and supporting protrusion portions62,63.

The stopper61is a protrusion provided on a rear end of the first interposing member58in the front-rear direction of the seat1. The stopper61facilitates positioning of the first interposing member58with respect to the bracket48.

Each of the supporting protrusion portions62,63comprises a pair of projections projecting upwardly from a top side of the base part59. The pair of projections is disposed to face each other in a cross-sectional direction of the base part59. In addition, the pair of projections extends along a longitudinal direction of the base part59.

The supporting protrusion portions62,63are disposed spaced apart from each other along the front-rear direction. In this embodiment, as merely one example, the supporting protrusion portion62is disposed on the top side of the base part59at a position facing to a front-end-side upper portion of the inner wall of the bracket48; the supporting protrusion portion63is disposed on the top side of the base part59at a position facing to a rear-end-side upper portion of the inner wall of the bracket48. The supporting protrusion portions62,63may be disposed at different positions from those in this example.

The convex60is a portion protruding downwardly from the base part59and is disposed in the aforementioned concave region of the slider50. The convex60comprises a plurality of sliding projections64(seeFIG. 9). The sliding projections64protrude downwardly from an underside of the convex60.

The first interposing member58may be made of, for example, resin material. The base part59and the convex60of the first interposing member58are formed in a ribbed shape so as to have a hollow structure. However, structures of the base part59and the convex60of the first interposing member58are not limited to the aforementioned structure; the base part59and the convex60of the first interposing member58may be formed as a solid structure.

The first interposing member58may be secured to the bracket48via fastening members90, for example.

The second interposing member66is disposed between the inner wall of the bracket48and the slider50. As shown inFIG. 8, the second interposing member66comprises a base part67and a pair of side walls68,69.

The base part67is a plate-like portion and is disposed between a bottom portion of the inner wall of the bracket48and an underside of the base plate part52of the slider50. The base part67has a shape of a rectangle having short sides longer than short sides of the base plate part52of the slider50. The side walls68,69are rectangular plate-like portions provided on both ends of the base part67along a longitudinal direction of the base part67, so as to be raised with respect to the surface of the base part67(in the present embodiment, an upper surface of the base part67). The side wall68is disposed between an inner-left side of the inner wall of the bracket48and an outer side of the raised part54of the slider50. The side wall69is disposed between an inner-right side of the inner wall of the bracket48and an outer side of the raised part55of the slider50.

That is to say, the second interposing member66has a concave outer profile to accommodate the slider50therein.

Moreover, the base part67comprises supporting protrusions70,71(seeFIG. 9) and a plurality of sliding projections72.

Each of the supporting protrusion portions70,71comprises a pair of projections projecting downwardly from an underside of the base part67. The pair of projections is disposed to face each other along a cross-sectional direction of the base part67. In addition, the pair of projections extends in a longitudinal direction of the base part67.

The supporting protrusion portions70,71are disposed spaced apart from each other along the front-rear direction. In this embodiment, as merely one example, the supporting protrusion portion70is disposed in the underside of the base part67at a position facing to a rear-end-side bottom portion of the inner wall of the bracket48; the supporting protrusion portion71is disposed in the underside of the base part67at a position facing to a front-end-side bottom portion of the inner wall of the bracket48. The supporting protrusion portions70,71may be disposed at different positions from those in this example.

The sliding projection72is a protrusion protruding upwardly from the upper surface of the base part67. The term “protrusion” as used herein means a protrusion extending in the front-rear direction.

The second interposing member66may be made of, for example, resin material.

Next, operations of the adjustment mechanisms44,46will be described.

In the adjustment mechanisms44,46, as shown inFIG. 9, the slider50disposed between the first interposing member58and the second interposing member66is inserted in an inner space or the inner hollow portion of the bracket48.

In the adjustment mechanisms44,46, the supporting protrusion portions62,63of the first interposing member58are in contact with the upper portion of the inner wall of the bracket48; the supporting protrusion portions70,71of the second interposing member66are in contact with the bottom portion of the inner wall of the bracket48. Moreover, the supporting protrusion portion62of the first interposing member58, the supporting protrusion portion71of the second interposing member66, the supporting protrusion portion63of the first interposing member58, and the supporting protrusion portion70of the second interposing member66are arranged alternately (i.e., in zig-zag fashion) along the front-rear direction, so as not to overlap one another in the up-down direction in a cross section taken orthogonal to the front-rear direction. Specifically, these protrusion portions are arranged in the following order from front to rear in the front-rear direction: the supporting protrusion portion71, the supporting protrusion portion62, the supporting protrusion portion70, and the supporting protrusion portion63.

Each of the supporting protrusion portion71, the supporting protrusion portion62, the supporting protrusion portion70, and the supporting protrusion portion63may comprise, instead of the pair of projections, one projection, or three or more projections.

In the adjustment mechanisms44,46, the base part59of the first interposing member58is disposed between the inner wall of the bracket48and the slider50. The convex60of the first interposing member58is disposed in the concave region defined by the base plate part52of the slider50and the pair of raised parts54,55.

Moreover, the sliding projections64protruding downwardly from a lower end of the convex60are in contact with the upper surface of the base plate part52of the slider50.

Furthermore, in the adjustment mechanisms44,46, the base part67of the second interposing member66is disposed between the inner wall of the bracket48and the underside of the base plate part52of the slider50. Also, the side wall68of the second interposing member66is disposed between the inner wall of the bracket48and the raised part54of the slider50, and the side wall69of the second interposing member66is disposed between the inner wall of the bracket48and the raised part55of the slider50. That is, the slider50is accommodated in the concave space defined by the base part67of the second interposing member66and the side walls68,69.

The sliding projections72protruding upwardly from the upper surface of the base part67are in contact with the underside of the base plate part52of the slider50.

In the adjustment mechanisms44,46configured as described above, when the pipe86is moved forwardly with the drive force generated in the drive mechanism80, the slider50secured to this pipe86is made to move forwardly from a retracted position inside the bracket48. The term “retracted position” as used herein means a position at which the slider50in the non-extended state is present.

In accordance with the aforementioned forward movement of the slider50, the link mechanisms76,78are extended to push the drum19upwardly. Consequently, the cushion adjustable part15externally attached to the drum19is extended, thereby increasing the seating surface of the seat1. The sliders50of the adjustment mechanisms44,46function as frames for supporting the cushion adjustable part15.

Meanwhile, in the adjustment mechanisms44,46, when the pipe86is moved rearwardly with the drive force generated in the drive mechanism80, the slider50secured to this pipe86is moved rearwardly from an extended position inside the bracket48. The term “extended position” as used herein means a position at which the slider50in the extended state is present.

In accordance with the aforementioned rearward movement of the slider50, the link mechanisms76,78are made to be in the non-extended state so as to retract the drum19downwardly. Consequently, the cushion adjustable part15is in the non-extended state, thereby reducing the seating surface of the seat1.

[Effects of the Embodiment]

In the adjuster40, the slider50is inserted into the bracket48while being disposed between the first interposing member58and the second interposing member66. Therefore, rigidity for supporting the cushion adjustable part15can be ensured.

In addition, because the slider50has a U-shaped cross section formed by the base plate part52and the pair of raised parts54,55, it is possible to reduce a length of the slider50in the width direction (i.e., inward-outward direction), while maintaining the rigidity along the height direction of the seat1. Accordingly, with this adjuster40, size reduction in the width direction can be achieved.

That is, with the adjuster40, it is possible to downsize the adjuster40, while ensuring the rigidity.

Moreover, in the aforementioned embodiment, the bracket48is formed in a tubular shape. For this reason, in the adjuster40, rigidity of the bracket48can be enhanced.

In addition, in the adjuster40, because the bracket48is formed in a tubular shape, it is possible to increase a contact area of the bracket48, which is in contact with a surface of the cushion body part9to which the bracket48is attached. This enables easy attachment of the bracket48.

Furthermore, in the first interposing member58in the aforementioned embodiment, the sliding projections64are in contact with the upper surface of the base plate part52of the slider50; in the second interposing member66, the sliding projections72are in contact with the underside of the base plate part52of the slider50.

Thus, the adjuster40enables to reduce a contact area between the first interposing member58and the slider50and also a contact area between the second interposing member66and the slider50. Consequently, the slider50can be slid smoothly.

In the aforementioned embodiment, the first interposing member58comprises the supporting protrusion portions62,63and is in contact with the bracket48via the supporting protrusion portions62,63. Also, the second interposing member66comprises the supporting protrusion portions70,71and is in contact with the bracket48via the supporting protrusion portions70,71.

In the adjuster40, when the slider50is slid with the drive force generated in the drive mechanism80, this sliding of the slider50causes a load acting in the up-down direction to be applied to the first interposing member58and the second interposing member66. The first interposing member58and the second interposing member66, to which the load has been applied, are allowed to bend corresponding to the height of the supporting protrusion portions.

When the first interposing member58and the second interposing member66are bent in the above-described manner, it is possible to reduce the contact area between the first interposing member58and the slider50and the contact area between the second interposing member66and the slider50. Consequently, it is possible to reduce a contact load to be applied to the slider50from the first interposing member58and a contact load to be applied to the slider50from the second interposing member66, thereby reducing a load necessary for driving the slider50.

The embodiment of the present disclosure has been described. However, the present disclosure should not be limited to the above-described embodiment and can be practiced in various modes without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure.

For example, each of the adjustment mechanisms44,46in the above-described embodiment comprises one first interposing member58and one second interposing member66. However, the number of the interposing members is not limited to the aforementioned number, and additional interposing members may be provided. In such a case, for example, the first interposing member58may include two members.

In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the first interposing member58and the second interposing member66are arranged to interpose the slider50therebetween in the up-down direction. However, the interposition of the slider50between the first interposing member58and the second interposing member66is not limited to this configuration. That is, the first interposing member58and the second interposing member66may interpose the slider50in any manner as long as the following conditions are satisfied: the first interposing member58and the second interposing member66are located between the slider50and the inner wall of the bracket48; the convex60of the first interposing member58is disposed in the concave region formed by the base plate part52and the pair of raised parts54,55of the slider50; and the second interposing member66is formed in a concave shape to accommodate the slider50therein and is disposed to face an opposite surface of the slider50, which is opposite to the surface of the slider50where the first interposing member58is disposed. For example, the slider50may be disposed between the first interposing member58and the second interposing member66in the left-right direction.

Moreover, although the bracket48has a tubular shape in the above-described embodiment, the shape of the bracket48is not limited to this shape. For example, the bracket48may be a member having a U-shaped cross section with one side being open. That is, the bracket48may be a member that is to be secured to the cushion body part9and that has any shape forming a tubular space (region).

Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the bracket48is secure to the cushion body part9and the one end of the slider50is secured to the cushion adjustable part15; however, the securing of the bracket48and the securing of the slider50are not limited to the aforementioned parts. For example, it may be configured such that the one end of the slider50is secured to the cushion body part9and that the bracket48is secured to the cushion adjustable part15. In other words, the adjustment mechanisms44,46may comprise any structure that enables increase of the seating surface of the seat1by extending the cushion adjustable part15due to sliding of the slider50.

Moreover, in the above-described embodiment, the seat1is mounted in a vehicle by means of the lifter links20,21,22,23. However, the parts used for mounting the seat1in a vehicle is not limited to the aforementioned links. For example, brackets may be used to mount the seat1in a vehicle.

It is to be noted that a mode in which part of the configuration in the above-described embodiment is omitted is included in the embodiment of the present disclosure. Also, a mode made by appropriately combining the aforementioned embodiment with modified examples is included in the embodiment of the present disclosure. In addition, any modes that can be conceived without departing from the spirit of the invention defined in the following claims are included in the embodiment of the present disclosure.