Patent Description:
Unless otherwise indicated herein, the descriptions set forth in this identification are not the related art to the claims of this application and are not to be recognized as the related art as described herein.

Generally, a folding seat used in a vehicle may improve utilization of space inside the vehicle by the folding seat being folded or moved inside the vehicle. More particularly, by folding a rear seat or moving a position of the rear seat, utilization of a loading space inside the vehicle may be improved.

However, in existing folding seats, components used to fold a seat frame that supports a lower body of a passenger toward a seat back or to fix the seat frame are complicated and various, so that there is a disadvantage in that weight of a seat increases and a maintenance cost increases.

In addition, a folding direction of the seat frame or the seat back frame that configure the folding seat is limited, so that there is a disadvantage in that utilization of space around the folding seat by folding the folding seat is limited.

In this regard, <CIT> discloses a locking equipment for vehicle's folding seat and <CIT> discloses a leg rest for vehicle.

<CIT> discloses a vehicle seat including a seat back supported to a body floor of a vehicle, a seat cushion pivotally supported to the seat back so as to be tipped up relative to the seat back, the seat cushion having at least one hole formed in a bottom surface thereof, a leg member penetrating the at least one hole of the bottom surface of the seat cushion at an upper end portion thereof and pivotally supported to a lower portion of the seat cushion so as to be folded relative the bottom surface of the seat cushion and laid on the bottom surface of the seat cushion, and stopper members for stopping the leg means and keeping the leg means vertically standing from the bottom surface of the seat cushion. The leg member is provided at the upper end thereof with at least one covering for concealing the at least one hole of the bottom surface of the seat cushion when the leg member is folded and laid on the bottom surface of the seat cushion.

However, these techniques in the related art do not disclose a technique capable of providing various space by a seat back frame of a folding seat being folded together.

Accordingly, the present invention has been made keeping in mind the above problems occurring in the related art, and the present invention is intended to propose a folding seat in which the folding seat is capable of being folding to various positions by controlling a lever, and the folding seat being capable of improving utilization of space around the folding seat.

In addition, the present invention is not limited to the technical problems as described above, and it is obvious that any other technical problem could be derived from the description of the invention as described below.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the folding seat comprises the features of claim <NUM> and includes: a seat frame; a seat back frame cross-arranged in back of the seat frame, the seat back frame having a first side rotatably coupled to the seat frame; and a locking portion coupled at a first side thereof to the seat back frame and rotatably coupled at a second side thereof to the seat frame at a position between the seat frame and the seat back frame, wherein the locking portion is configured to be inserted into a rear portion of the seat frame or to be separated from the seat frame according to an operation thereof.

In addition, the locking portion includes: a first bracket coupled to a side surface of the seat back frame; a stopper slidably coupled to the first bracket so that the first bracket is inserted into or separated from the seat frame; and a leg frame rotatably coupled to the seat frame and connected to the stopper by a cable.

The seat frame includes a first frame, a second frame, and an extending frame. At an end portion of the second end of the second frame, a portion at a forward direction side of the seat expands and extends in a plate shape that surrounds the end portion of the second end of the second frame at the forward direction side of the seat, so that a first rotation member is formed. Insertion holes that penetrate opposite side surfaces of the first rotation member are formed at an upper portion and a lower portion toward the forward direction of the seat (<NUM>) of the first rotation member, respectively. In a state in which the seat frame is folded toward the rearward direction of the seat and the upward direction so that the seat frame is fixed toward a forward direction of the seat back frame, when the leg frame is separated from the floor of the seat frame by moving the center portion of the leg frame toward the forward direction of the seat, the stopper is separated from the insertion hole, and the seat frame is converted to a state of movable toward the forward direction of the seat and the downward direction.

In addition, the leg frame may be bent and extend from a lower portion of the seat frame toward the seat frame at a first side and a second side thereof and is rotatably coupled to the seat frame, and an end surface of the first side or the second side of the leg frame may be connected to the cable.

In addition, a wire inside the cable that is coupled to the leg frame may be fixed to the seat frame at a position below the leg frame when the leg frame is in a state in which the leg frame is folded so as to be positioned adjacent to the lower portion of the seat frame.

In addition, the folding seat may further include a latch portion, the latch portion being coupled to the seat back frame and being configured to adjust a folding angle of the seat back frame by an operation of a lever.

According to an embodiment disclosed in the present specification, when the folding seat is in a state in which the seat frame is folded to the seat back frame or the seat back frame is descended and folded to the seat frame, a structure of the locking portion that is configured to fix positions of the seat back frame and the seat frame is simplified, so that there is an advantage in that weight of the folding seat is reduced.

In addition, there are advantages in that the folding seat is capable of being folded by a rotation of the leg frame that is rotatably coupled to a lower portion of the seat frame, and the leg frame is capable of being operated by a switch that is for operating the locking portion while a portion of the seat frame is moved toward a frontward direction or a rearward direction.

In addition, since the leg frame of the folding seat positioned at the lower portion of the seat frame is automatically folded when the seat back frame is moved toward the frontward direction when after the lever of the latch portion formed at the upper portion is pulled, the seat back frame and the seat frame of the folding seat are converted to a foldable state, so that there is an advantage in that the seat back frame is capable of being conveniently folded toward the frontward direction and the downward direction from in back of the folding seat.

In addition, the locking portion of the folding seat is capable of being remodeled by performing a process in which brackets are additionally installed to a structure of an existing folding seat, so that there is an advantage in that the folding seat is capable of being utilized for various types of vehicles.

In addition, since the effects of the present disclosure described above are to be naturally exerted by the configuration of the content described irrespective of whether or not the inventor recognizes such effects, the above-described effects are only a few effects according to the content described, and it should not be recognized that all the effects which are understood by the inventor are actually described herein.

In addition, the effects of the present invention will be further understood by the entire description of the specification, and if those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the description belongs recognize such effects in the present specification even if the effects are not described in explicit sentences, the effects will be recognized as being described in the present specification.

The above and other objectives, features, and other advantages of the present invention will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:.

Hereinafter, the configuration, operation, and effect of a folding seat according to exemplary embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. For reference, in the drawings, each component is omitted or schematically illustrated for convenience and clarity of illustration, and the size of each component does not completely reflect a real size. Further, the same reference numerals are used throughout the different drawings to designate the same or similar components. In the individual drawings, reference numerals for the same components will be omitted.

When the folding seat <NUM> is in a state in which a seat frame is folded to a seat back frame or the seat back frame is descended and folded to the seat frame, a structure of a locking portion that is configured to fix positions of the seat back frame and the seat frame is simplified, so that there is an advantage in that weight of the folding seat <NUM> is reduced.

In addition, there are advantages in that the folding seat <NUM> is capable of being folded by a rotation of a leg frame that is rotatably coupled to a lower portion of the seat frame, and the leg frame is capable of being operated by a switch that is for operating the locking portion while a portion of the seat frame is moved toward a frontward direction or a rearward direction.

In addition, since the leg frame of the folding seat <NUM> positioned at the lower portion of the seat frame is automatically folded when the seat back frame is moved toward the frontward direction when after the lever of the latch portion formed at the upper portion is pulled, the seat back frame and the seat frame of the folding seat <NUM> are converted to a foldable state, so that there is an advantage in that the seat back frame is capable of being conveniently folded toward the frontward direction and the downward direction from in back of the folding seat <NUM>.

The folding seat <NUM> includes a fixing frame <NUM>, a seat frame <NUM>, a seat back frame <NUM>, a locking portion <NUM>, a latch portion <NUM>, and a bracket portion <NUM>.

A first end portion of each of the fixing frames <NUM> spaced apart from each other and positioned at a first side and a second side of an inside of a vehicle is coupled to the vehicle, and a second end portion of each of the fixing frames <NUM> that extends toward an upward direction allows the seat frame <NUM> and the seat back frame <NUM> to be rotatable by being cross-coupled between the seat frame <NUM> and the seat back frame <NUM>.

The seat frame <NUM> includes a first frame <NUM>, a second frame <NUM>, and an extending frame <NUM>.

A first end portion of the seat frame <NUM> has a bar shape, and both a portion of the bar shape at the first side and a portion of the bar shape at the second side extend toward the first side and the second side from a first direction <NUM> side and are bent toward a second direction <NUM>. Therefore, the first end portion of the seat frame <NUM> is formed in a rectangular frame shape in which a frame corresponding to a line at the second direction <NUM> side does not exist.

A second end portion of the seat frame <NUM> extends toward the second direction <NUM> from the first end portion of the seat frame <NUM> by a predetermined distance. Portions of respective end portions of the second end portion of the seat frame <NUM> are bent and extend toward the upward direction, and are rotatably coupled to both the fixing frames <NUM> and the seat back frame <NUM> with respect to shafts that extend toward the first side or the second side from respective outer sides of the fixing frames <NUM>.

A first end of the first frame <NUM> is formed in a hexahedral shape having a space inside thereof formed in a cylindrical shape open toward the second side, and extends toward the second direction <NUM> by a predetermined distance. Further, the first end of the first frame <NUM> is slidably coupled to a first side portion of the extending frame <NUM> so as to be slidably movable toward the first direction <NUM> or the second direction <NUM>.

A second end of the first frame <NUM> is formed in a plate shape having wide surfaces respectively facing the first side and the second side, and is bent and extends in a parabolic shape toward the upward direction from the first end of the first frame <NUM> and is rotatably coupled to both the fixing frame <NUM> at the first side and the seat back frame <NUM>.

A first end of the second frame <NUM> is formed in a hexahedral shape having a space inside thereof formed in a cylindrical shape open toward the first side so that the same structure of which the first end of the first frame <NUM> has is formed, and is arranged at a position spaced apart from the first end of the first frame <NUM> toward the second side by a predetermined distance.

A second end of the second frame <NUM> is formed in a plate shape having wide surfaces respectively facing the first side and the second side, and is bent and extends in a parabolic shape toward the upward direction from the first end of the second frame <NUM> and is rotatably coupled to both the fixing frame <NUM> at the second side and the seat back frame <NUM>.

At an end portion of the second end of the second frame <NUM>, a portion at the first direction <NUM> side expands and extends in a plate shape that surrounds the end portion of the second end of the second frame <NUM> at the first direction <NUM> side, so that a first rotation member <NUM> is formed. Further, insertion holes <NUM> and <NUM> that penetrate opposite side surfaces of the first rotation member <NUM> are formed at an upper portion and a lower portion toward the first direction <NUM> of the first rotation member <NUM>, respectively.

A portion of the locking portion <NUM> that will be described later is configured to be inserted into one of the insertion hole <NUM> and the insertion hole <NUM>. By a folding operation of the seat frame <NUM> or the seat back frame <NUM>, the portion of the locking portion <NUM> is inserted into any one of the insertion holes <NUM> and <NUM>.

A center portion of the extending frame <NUM> extends in a cylindrical stick shape toward the first side or the second side, and a first side portion of the extending frame <NUM> and a second side portion of the extending frame <NUM> that are respectively formed at the first side and the second side of the center portion of the extending frame <NUM> are bent and extend toward a downward direction and the second direction <NUM>. Therefore, the first side portion of the extending frame <NUM> and the second side portion of the extending frame <NUM> are slidably coupled to the first end portion of the first frame <NUM> and the first end portion of the second frame <NUM>, respectively, so as to be slidably movable toward the first direction <NUM> or the second direction <NUM>.

The first side portion and the second side portion of the extending frame <NUM> are inserted inside the first end of the first frame <NUM> and the first end of the second frame <NUM>, respectively, and are coupled to be slidable toward the first direction <NUM> or the second direction <NUM>.

The seat back frame <NUM> includes a connecting frame <NUM> and an upper frame <NUM>.

A first end portion of the seat back frame <NUM> is formed in a rectangular frame shape in which a portion of a frame corresponding to a line at the upward direction does not exist. Further, at a lower portion of the first end portion of the seat back frame <NUM>, the first end portion of the seat back frame <NUM> at the first side and the first end portion of the seat back frame <NUM> at the second side are rotatably coupled to the second end portion of the seat frame <NUM> at the first side and the second end portion of the seat frame <NUM> at the second side, respectively, with respect to shafts that extend toward the first side and the second side.

Second end portions of the seat back frame <NUM> extend toward the upward direction from the first end portions of the seat back frame <NUM> by a predetermined distance, and extend toward each other and are coupled therewith. Further, the second end portions of the seat back frame <NUM> are configured to be separated from or to be mounted to the vehicle by the latch portion <NUM> that is mounted to the first side or the second side of the second end portions of the seat back frame <NUM>.

The connecting frame <NUM> is formed in a cylindrical shape that extends lengthwise toward the first side or the second side, and an end portion of the first side of the connecting frame <NUM> and an end portion of the second side of the connecting frame <NUM> may be respectively coupled to the lower portions of the upper frame <NUM> or may be manufactured to be an integral shape that the connecting frame <NUM> is coupled to the upper frame <NUM>.

A center portion of the upper frame <NUM> extends toward the first side and the second side, and a first side portion of the upper frame <NUM> and a second side portion of the upper frame <NUM> that are respectively positioned at the first side and the second side are bent and extend toward the downward direction so that a rectangular frame shape is formed. Further, inner side surfaces that correspond to a lower portion of the first side portion of the upper frame <NUM> toward inside and a lower portion of the second side portion of the upper frame <NUM> toward inside are coupled to the end portion of the first side of the connecting frame <NUM> and the end portion of the second side of the connecting frame <NUM>, respectively.

At the lower portions of the first side portion and the second side portion of the upper frame <NUM>, respective outer surfaces of the upper frame <NUM> are rotatably coupled to each second ends of the fixing frame <NUM>, the first frame <NUM>, and the second frame <NUM> with respect to the shafts that extend toward the first side or the second side.

The locking portion <NUM> includes a leg frame <NUM>, a cable <NUM>, a first bracket <NUM>, a second bracket <NUM>, a spring <NUM>, a stopper <NUM>, and a fixing member <NUM>.

The locking portion <NUM> is coupled at a first side thereof to the seat back frame <NUM> and is rotatably coupled at a second side thereof to the seat frame <NUM> at a position between the seat frame <NUM> and the seat back frame <NUM>. Moreover, the locking portion <NUM> is connected to a switch having a frame shape, the switch being configured to operate the locking portion <NUM> by the cable <NUM>.

By the locking portion <NUM> being operated and the portion of the locking portion <NUM> being inserted into any one of the insertion holes <NUM> and <NUM> that are formed at the seat frame <NUM>, rotations of the seat frame <NUM> and the seat back frame <NUM> are limited.

Referring to <FIG>, a center portion of the leg frame <NUM> is formed in a cylindrical shape that extends toward the first side or the second side, and a portion of the first side of the leg frame <NUM> and a portion of the second side of the leg frame <NUM> are bent and extend toward the first direction <NUM> so that a first side portion of the leg frame <NUM> and a second side portion of the leg frame <NUM> are formed.

By using the bracket portion <NUM>, an outer side surface of the first side portion of the leg frame <NUM> and an outer side surface of the second side portion of the leg frame <NUM> are rotatably coupled to the seat frame <NUM> with respect to a shaft that extends toward the first side or the second side from inside of the first end portion of the seat frame <NUM>.

The cable <NUM> includes a wire <NUM>, a coupling member <NUM>, and a sheath <NUM>.

At an end of the first direction <NUM> side, a first end of the cable <NUM> is in a state in which the first end of the cable <NUM> is arranged to be spaced apart toward the first direction <NUM> from the first side portion of the leg frame <NUM> or the second side portion of the leg frame <NUM>, and the first end of the cable <NUM> is coupled to the end of the first side portion of the leg frame <NUM> or the end of the second side portion of the leg frame <NUM>.

A second end of the cable <NUM> extends along any one of the first frame <NUM> or the second frame <NUM>, and is coupled to the stopper <NUM>, the second end of the cable <NUM> being at a position adjacent to the second end of the second frame <NUM>.

A first end of the wire <NUM> is connected to the coupling member <NUM> that extends in a cylindrical shape toward the first side or the second side. By the coupling member <NUM>, the first end of the wire <NUM> is coupled to the portion of the first side portion of the leg frame <NUM> or the portion of the second side portion of the leg frame <NUM>.

From the first end of the wire <NUM>, a second end of the wire <NUM> extends in a wire shape along the first frame <NUM> or the second frame <NUM>, and is coupled to an end of the stopper <NUM>. Further, when the first end of the wire <NUM> is moved to the second direction <NUM> and the upward direction by an operation that the center portion of the leg frame <NUM> is moved toward the downward direction so that the center portion of the leg frame <NUM> is spaced apart from the lower portion of the seat frame <NUM>, the second end of the wire <NUM> pulls the stopper <NUM>.

On the contrary, when the first end of the wire <NUM> is moved to the first direction <NUM> and the downward direction by a folding operation that the center portion of the leg frame <NUM> is ascended so that the center portion of the leg frame <NUM> is folded toward the lower portion of the seat frame <NUM>, the stopper <NUM> is moved to an original position thereof since the second end of the wire <NUM> moves toward the stopper <NUM>.

The sheath <NUM> formed in a cylindrical shape surrounds the wire <NUM> and covers an outer surface of the wire <NUM> except the coupling member <NUM>, and a movement of the wire <NUM> by the operation of the leg frame <NUM> is safely performed inside the sheath <NUM>.

The first bracket <NUM> includes a second rotation member <NUM> and a stand member <NUM>.

A first end portion of the first bracket <NUM> is formed in a bracket shape that surrounds outer side of the second side portion of the upper frame <NUM>, and extends toward the upward direction or the downward direction and is coupled to the upper frame <NUM>.

A portion at an upper portion of the first end portion of the first bracket <NUM> extends toward the upward direction, so that a second end portion of the first bracket <NUM> is coupled to the second side portion of the upper frame <NUM>. Further, at the second end portion of the first bracket <NUM>, an edge portion thereof at the first direction <NUM> side is formed in a plate shape that is bent and extends toward the first side with passing the first direction <NUM> side of the second side portion of the upper frame <NUM>, and is coupled to the second bracket <NUM>.

Specifically, a first end of the second rotation member <NUM> is formed in a bracket shape that surrounds both portions and outside toward the first direction <NUM> and the second direction <NUM> of the lower portion of the second side portion of the upper frame <NUM>. A second end of the second rotation member <NUM> extends toward the upward direction from the first end of the second rotation member <NUM> and surrounds both outside and the second direction <NUM> side of the upper frame <NUM>, and is formed in a bracket shape that is vertically bent.

At a first end of the stand member <NUM>, an edge portion at the first direction <NUM> side of the second rotation member <NUM> extends in a vertical plate shape toward the first side by a predetermined distance, and covers at the first direction <NUM> side of the second side portion of the upper frame <NUM> and extends toward an inside of the upper frame <NUM>.

A center portion of the second bracket <NUM> is formed in a plate shape in which a wide surface faces the upward direction and the downward direction. Further, at the first side and the second side from the center portion of the second bracket <NUM>, a portion at the first side and a portion at the second side are bent and extend toward the upward direction so that a bracket shape is formed.

A front surface at the first direction <NUM> side of the second bracket <NUM> is coupled to a rear surface at the second side of the stand member <NUM>, and at the second side of the second bracket <NUM> is provided with a through-hole so that the stopper <NUM> is movable in the first side or the second side.

At the second side of the second bracket <NUM>, a first end of the spring <NUM> is coupled to the second bracket <NUM>. A second end of the spring <NUM> extends in a cylindrical spiral shape toward the second side while the spring <NUM> surrounds the stopper <NUM>, and is coupled to the stopper <NUM>.

A first end of the stopper <NUM> is formed in a cylindrical shape that extends toward the first side or the second side, and is coupled to the second end of the wire <NUM> of the cable <NUM>. Further, the first end of the stopper <NUM> is positioned to an upper portion of the center portion of the second bracket <NUM> by penetrating through the second side of the second bracket <NUM>.

From the first end of the stopper <NUM>, a second end of the stopper <NUM> extends by a predetermined distance toward the second side with passing a space inside the spring <NUM>, and penetrates through the second rotation member <NUM> and the insertion hole <NUM>, so that the second end of the stopper <NUM> protrudes toward outside of the second frame <NUM>,.

The fixing member <NUM> is formed in a cylindrical flange shape. At the second side of the spring <NUM>, the fixing member <NUM> is coupled to the stopper <NUM> by surrounding outside the stopper <NUM>, and is configured to contract or expand the spring <NUM> when in a situation in which the stopper <NUM> is moved to the first side or the second side.

Therefore, when the latch portion <NUM> is separated from the vehicle and the center portion of the leg frame <NUM> is moved toward the downward direction so that the center portion of the leg frame <NUM> is folded to be spaced apart from the lower portion of the seat frame <NUM>, the second end of the wire <NUM> pulls the stopper <NUM> toward the first side so that the seat back frame <NUM> and the seat frame <NUM> are converted to a state in which the folding operation is capable.

On the contrary, when the center portion of the leg frame <NUM> is ascended so that the leg frame <NUM> moves toward the lower portion of the seat back frame <NUM>, the wire <NUM> pulling the stopper <NUM> becomes loose so that the second end of the spring <NUM> is elastically moved toward the second side, and the stopper <NUM> and the fixing member <NUM> are moved toward the second side, so that the second end of the stopper <NUM> is inserted into the insertion hole <NUM>.

In a state in which the center portion of the upper frame <NUM> is moved to the first direction <NUM> and the downward direction so that the center portion of the upper frame <NUM> is folded to the upper portion of the seat frame <NUM>, the insertion hole <NUM> is arranged at the second side of the stopper <NUM>. Further, when the center portion of the leg frame <NUM> is ascended, the second end of the stopper <NUM> is inserted into the insertion hole <NUM> so that a position of the upper frame <NUM> that is folded is fixed.

Referring to <FIG>, when a passenger in front of the seat back frame <NUM> or another passenger operating the latch portion <NUM> in back of the seat back frame <NUM> pushes the seat back frame <NUM> toward the first direction <NUM> in a state in which the seat back frame <NUM> is separated from the vehicle by the operation of the latch portion <NUM>, the leg frame <NUM> is folded toward the lower portion of the seat frame <NUM> and the stopper <NUM> is separated from the insertion hole <NUM>, and the seat back frame <NUM> is automatically folded to the upper portion of the seat frame <NUM>.

Therefore, a passenger positioned at the second direction <NUM> side of the seat back frame <NUM> is capable of folding the seat back frame <NUM> toward the upper portion of the seat frame <NUM> by only performing a control that is controlling the latch portion <NUM> and moving the seat back frame <NUM> toward the first direction <NUM>, there is an advantage in that a convenience of control of the folding seat <NUM> is improved.

In addition, in a state in which the seat back frame <NUM> is folded toward the upper portion of the seat frame <NUM> and the stopper <NUM> is inserted into the insertion hole <NUM>, when the seat back frame <NUM> is moved to the second direction <NUM> and the upward direction, the seat frame <NUM> is moved to the upward direction and the center portion of the leg frame <NUM> is automatically descended by gravity so that the stopper <NUM> is separated from the insertion hole <NUM>.

At this time, when the stopper <NUM> is separated from the insertion hole <NUM>, the seat frame <NUM> is converted to a state of capable of being folded, and the seat frame <NUM> is descended. Further, when the latch portion <NUM> is coupled to the vehicle since the seat back frame <NUM> and the latch portion <NUM> are moved to the original positions, the stopper <NUM> automatically fixes the seat frame <NUM> by the stopper <NUM> being inserted into the insertion hole <NUM>.

Therefore, by the latch portion <NUM>, a passenger is capable of folding the seat back frame <NUM> toward the upper portion of the seat frame <NUM> by controlling of rotating the seat back frame <NUM>, or the passenger is capable of moving the seat back frame <NUM> to the original position by separating the seat back frame <NUM> from the seat frame <NUM>. In these operations, there is an advantage in that the seat frame <NUM> is capable of being stably fixed so that the seat frame <NUM> does not move to the upward direction or the downward direction.

In a tip-up operation that is moving the seat frame <NUM> toward the second direction <NUM> and the upward direction, the passenger may fold the seat frame <NUM> to the frontward direction of the seat back frame <NUM> by folding the seat frame <NUM> toward the second direction <NUM> and the upward direction when after the stopper <NUM> is separated from the insertion hole <NUM> by moving the center portion of the leg frame <NUM> toward the first direction <NUM>.

In a state in which the seat frame <NUM> is folded toward the first direction <NUM> of the seat back frame <NUM>, when the center portion of the leg frame <NUM> is moved toward the second direction <NUM>, the leg frame <NUM> is in close contact with a floor of the seat frame <NUM>, and the stopper <NUM> fixes the position of the seat frame <NUM> by being inserted into the insertion hole <NUM>.

In a state in which the seat frame <NUM> is folded toward the second direction <NUM> and the upward direction so that the seat frame <NUM> is fixed toward the first direction <NUM> of the seat back frame <NUM>, when the leg frame <NUM> is separated from the floor of the seat frame <NUM> by moving the center portion of the leg frame <NUM> toward the first direction <NUM>, the stopper <NUM> is separated from the insertion hole <NUM>, and the seat frame <NUM> is converted to a state of movable toward the first direction <NUM> and the downward direction.

Therefore, in front or in back of the folding seat <NUM>, the folding seat <NUM> is capable of folding the seat back frame <NUM> toward the frontward direction and the downward direction or capable of moving the seat back frame <NUM> to the original position, and the folding seat <NUM> is capable of folding the seat frame <NUM> toward the frontward direction of the seat back frame <NUM> by lifting the seat frame <NUM>, so that there is an advantage in that a loading space is easily secured.

The latch portion <NUM> includes a fixing bracket <NUM>, a lever <NUM>, a cable <NUM>, a first cover <NUM>, a first connecting bracket <NUM>, a second connecting bracket <NUM>, a claw <NUM>, a guide bracket <NUM>, and a second cover <NUM>.

The latch portion <NUM> is coupled to the upper portion of the first side portion of the upper frame <NUM>, and is capable of being mounted to or separated from a hook <NUM> formed at a side surface or in back of the seat back frame <NUM>. Further, a position of the latch portion <NUM> is adjustable according to a control of the passenger.

The fixing bracket <NUM> extends toward the upward direction or the downward direction, and has edge portions toward the first direction <NUM> and the second direction <NUM> formed in a shape that protrudes toward the first side. Further, the fixing bracket <NUM> is rotatably coupled to a first end portion of the claw <NUM> with respect to a shaft that extends toward the first direction <NUM> or the second direction <NUM>.

The lever <NUM> is coupled to an upper portion at the first side of the center portion of the upper frame <NUM> so as to be elastically rotatable with respect to a shaft that extends toward the first side or the second side. Further, the latch portion <NUM> is separated from or mounted to the hook <NUM> when the latch portion <NUM> is operated by controlling the lever <NUM>.

A first end of the cable <NUM> is connected to the lever <NUM>, and a second end of the cable <NUM> extends toward the downward direction from the first end of the cable <NUM> and is positioned at the first side of the upper frame <NUM>. Further, the wire <NUM> positioned inside the cable <NUM> protrudes from the second end of the cable <NUM> and is coupled to both the first cover <NUM> and the first connecting bracket <NUM>.

The first connecting bracket <NUM> covered by the first cover <NUM> has a first end connected to the wire <NUM>, and has a second end that extends toward the first side and the second end of the first connecting bracket <NUM> is rotatably coupled to the first connecting bracket <NUM> with respect to a shaft that extends toward the first direction <NUM> or the second direction <NUM>.

A lower portion of the first connecting bracket <NUM> is coupled to an upper portion of a first end portion of the claw <NUM>, and when the wire <NUM> is moved toward the upward direction by controlling the lever <NUM>, the first and the second connecting brackets <NUM> and <NUM> and the first end portion of the claw <NUM> are moved toward the upward direction.

The first end portion of the claw <NUM> is formed in a horizontal plate shape having wide surfaces arranged toward the upward direction and the downward direction, and is rotatably coupled to the fixing bracket <NUM>. A second end portion of the claw <NUM> has three edge portions at the first side positioned to be spaced apart toward the frontward direction and the rearward direction of the first end portion of the claw <NUM> protruding toward the downward direction, so that a fork shape that surrounds two fork grooves is formed.

Therefore, in a state in which the hook <NUM> is positioned toward the lower portion of the second end portion of the claw <NUM> that is moved toward the upward direction by the wire <NUM>, when the second end portion of the claw <NUM> is descended, the hook <NUM> is inserted into and fixed to any one of the pork grooves.

The second cover <NUM> is in close contact with the second end portion of the claw <NUM> and is coupled to the claw <NUM> and covers the second end portion of the claw <NUM>, and reduces noise that occurs when the claw <NUM> is fastened to the hook <NUM>.

A center portion of the guide bracket <NUM> is formed in a vertical plate shape that extends toward the first direction <NUM> or the second direction <NUM>. Portions of the center portion of the guide bracket <NUM> at the first direction <NUM> side and the second direction <NUM> side are bent and extend toward the second side, and are respectively coupled to a front surface and a rear surface of the fixing bracket <NUM> that are respectively positioned at the first direction <NUM> side and the second direction <NUM> side.

At the first side and the second direction <NUM> side of the guide bracket <NUM>, a guide groove <NUM> that is connected to the guide bracket <NUM> by passing through the first side and the second side is formed at the guide bracket <NUM>, and the hook <NUM> is inserted into the guide groove <NUM> and is inserted into the fork groove by being guided by the guide bracket <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the bracket portion <NUM> includes first lower brackets <NUM> and <NUM>, and includes second lower brackets <NUM> and <NUM>.

Between the extending frame <NUM> and the leg frame <NUM>, a portion of the bracket portion <NUM> is coupled to the extending frame <NUM>, and is rotatably coupled to the leg frame <NUM> with respect to a shaft that extends toward the first side or the second side.

Specifically, a center portion of the first lower bracket <NUM> is formed in a vertical plate shape that extends toward the first direction <NUM> and the second direction <NUM>, and edge portions at the first direction <NUM> side and the second direction <NUM> side of the center portion of the first lower bracket <NUM> are bent and extend toward the first side and are coupled to the inside of the first side portion of the extending frame <NUM>.

The portions of the first lower bracket <NUM> coupled to the extending frame <NUM> are positioned at the first direction <NUM> side of the first end of the first frame <NUM>, and are limiting a moving distance that the extending frame <NUM> in close contact with the first frame <NUM> is moved when the extending frame <NUM> is moved toward the second direction <NUM>, so that there is an advantage in that an excessive movement of the extending frame <NUM> is prevented.

At an upper portion of the second side of the center portion of the first lower bracket <NUM>, a center portion of the second lower bracket <NUM> is formed in a horizontal plate shape having wide surfaces arranged toward the upward direction and the downward direction. Portions at the first side and the second side of the center portion of the second lower bracket <NUM> are bent and extend toward the downward direction, and are rotatably coupled to an end portion of the first side portion of the leg frame <NUM>.

A second side surface of the first side of the second lower bracket <NUM> is surface-coupled to a first side surface of the center portion of the first lower bracket <NUM>. Between the center portion of the first lower bracket <NUM> and the second side of the second lower bracket <NUM>, the end portion of the first side portion of the leg frame <NUM> is rotatably coupled to both the first and the second lower brackets <NUM> and <NUM>.

Therefore, an outer side surface and an inner side surface of the first side portion of the leg frame <NUM> at the first direction <NUM> side are stably coupled to the extending frame <NUM> by the center portion of the first lower bracket <NUM> and the second side portion of the second lower bracket <NUM>.

In addition, the end of first side portion of the leg frame <NUM> is rotatably coupled to the coupling member <NUM> with respect to a shaft that extends toward the first side or the second side. Further, according to the rotation of the leg frame <NUM>, the coupling member <NUM> is pulled toward the second direction <NUM> and the upward direction or is moved toward the first direction <NUM> and the downward direction.

Each of the first and the second lower brackets <NUM> and <NUM> and each of the first and the second lower brackets <NUM> and <NUM> are formed in the same structure symmetrical to each other with the leg frame <NUM> disposed therebetween, and are rotatably coupled to the end of the second side portion of the leg frame <NUM> in the same coupling manner.

Therefore, there is an advantage in that a functionality of the folding seat <NUM> is capable of being improved by performing a process in which the leg frame <NUM>, the cable <NUM>, the first bracket <NUM>, the second bracket <NUM>, the spring <NUM>, the stopper <NUM>, and the fixing member <NUM> that configure the locking portion <NUM> are mounted to an existing seat by using the bracket portion <NUM>, and by performing the process of forming the insertion holes <NUM> and <NUM> at the seat frame <NUM>.

In addition, in the folding seat <NUM>, the seat frame <NUM> is capable of being positioned at a position adjacent to the seat back frame <NUM> by folding the seat frame <NUM> toward the second direction <NUM> and the upward direction, so that there is an advantage in that utilizing a lower space at a rear seat where the seat frame <NUM> is positioned is capable.

Claim 1:
A folding seat (<NUM>), comprising:
a seat frame (<NUM>);
a seat back frame (<NUM>) cross-arranged in back of the seat frame (<NUM>), the seat back frame (<NUM>) having a first side rotatably coupled to the seat frame (<NUM>); and
a locking portion (<NUM>) coupled at a first side thereof to the seat back frame (<NUM>) and rotatably coupled at a second side thereof to the seat frame (<NUM>) at a position between the seat frame (<NUM>) and the seat back frame (<NUM>),
wherein the locking portion (<NUM>) is configured to be inserted into a rear portion of the seat frame (<NUM>) or to be separated from the seat frame (<NUM>) according to an operation thereof,
wherein the locking portion comprises:
a first bracket (<NUM>) coupled to a side surface of the seat back frame (<NUM>);
a stopper (<NUM>) slidably coupled to the first bracket (<NUM>) so that the first bracket (<NUM>) is inserted into or separated from the seat frame (<NUM>); and
a leg frame (<NUM>) rotatably coupled to the seat frame (<NUM>) and connected to the stopper (<NUM>) by a cable (<NUM>),
wherein the seat frame (<NUM>) includes a first frame (<NUM>), a second frame (<NUM>), and an extending frame (<NUM>),
wherein at an end portion of the second end of the second frame (<NUM>), a portion at a forward direction side of the seat (<NUM>) expands and extends in a plate shape that surrounds the end portion of the second end of the second frame (<NUM>) at the forward direction side of the seat (<NUM>), so that a first rotation member (<NUM>) is formed,
wherein insertion holes (<NUM>, <NUM>) that penetrate opposite side surfaces of the first rotation member (<NUM>) are formed at an upper portion and a lower portion toward the forward direction of the seat (<NUM>) of the first rotation member (<NUM>), respectively,
wherein in a state in which the seat frame (<NUM>) is folded toward the rearward direction of the seat (<NUM>) and the upward direction so that the seat frame (<NUM>) is fixed toward a forward direction of the seat back frame (<NUM>), when the leg frame (<NUM>) is separated from the floor of the seat frame (<NUM>) by moving the center portion of the leg frame (<NUM>) toward the forward direction of the seat (<NUM>), the stopper (<NUM>) is separated from the insertion hole (<NUM>), and the seat frame (<NUM>) is converted to a state of movable toward the forward direction of the seat (<NUM>) and the downward direction.