Patent Application
20080290706
This application is based on and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. ยง119 to Japanese Patent Application 2007-139409, filed on May 25, 2007, and Japanese Patent Application 2007-139410, filed on May 25, 2007 the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
The present invention relates to a seat system for a vehicle.
A conventional rear seat (seat) mounted on a vehicle such as a minivan (a multi-purpose vehicle) is configured to be variously arrangeable in order to improve vehicle interior comfortability and convenience. For example, a seat system disclosed in JP2001347858A enables seats in a third row to be stored and seats in a second row to be movable in a rear direction close to a position where the third row seats are originally positioned. The second row seats are structured so as to be movable in a front-rear direction of the vehicle along slide rails provided on a vehicle compartment floor.
However, in many cases, wheel housings for rear wheels (hereinafter referred to as rear wheel housings) need to be formed on rear portions of the compartment floor in a protruding manner, which results in narrowing an area for the third row seats in a vehicle width direction compared to an area for the second row seats. Therefore, the second row seats may not sufficiently move in the rearward direction when being moved in the rearward direction because second row seats contact the corresponding rear wheel housings.
In order to prevent the second row seats from contacting the corresponding rear wheel housings, the seat system disclosed in JP2001347858A includes the slide rails being arranged so that forward portions thereof face outward the vehicle and rearward portions thereof face inward of the vehicle compartment. In other words, the slide rails are provided so as to be oblique relative to the front-rear direction of the vehicle on a plane view. Hence, the second row seats are arranged so as to be spaced away from each other when being positioned at forward positions and so as to approach each other in accordance with the rearward movement. As the second row seats are less likely to contact the corresponding wheel housings for the rear wheels when the second row seats are moved in the front-rear direction, the second row seats become sufficiently movable in the rearward direction of the vehicle.
In order to prevent the seats from contacting the corresponding rear wheel housings, detailed designs such as increasing oblique angles of the slide rails relative to the front-rear direction of the vehicle, narrowing a clearance between the second row seats when being positioned at the forward positions, changing shapes of the second row seats and the like, may be required. However, in a case where the oblique angle is set to be large, a moving range within which the second row seats moves is narrowed because the second row seats are allowed to be rearwardly moved up to a position where the second row seats do not contact each other. On the other hand, in a case where the slide rails are arranged so that the clearance between the second row seats is narrowed when being positioned at the forward positions, a walk-through function in which the clearance is used as a passage to the third row seats may be deteriorated, and further, usability of the seat system may be degraded.
A need thus exists to provide a seat system for a vehicle which is not susceptible to the drawback mentioned above.
According to an aspect of the present invention, a seat system for a vehicle, includes a first pair of slide rails and a second pair of slide rails adapted to be arranged on a compartment floor of the vehicle so as to extend in a front-rear direction of the vehicle, a first seat and a second seat arranged alongside each other in a vehicle width direction, a forward-rearward movement mechanism provided under each of the first and second seats and supported at each of the first and second pairs of slide rails so that each of the first and second seats is movable in the front-rear direction of the vehicle along each of the first and second pairs of slide rails, and a sway mechanism provided between each of the first and second seats and the forward-rearward movement mechanism and swayably supporting each of the first and second seats about a preset rotation center point at least in a direction where each of the first and second seats is approaching another of the first and the second seats.
According to an another aspect of the present invention, a seat system for a vehicle, includes a first slide rail structure and a second slide rail structure adapted to be arranged on a compartment floor of the vehicle so that front ends of the first and second slide rail structures in a front-rear direction of the vehicle outwardly spread in the vehicle width direction and rear ends thereof converge on a vehicle center line in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, a first seat and a second seat arranged alongside each other in a vehicle width direction, a forward-rearward movement mechanism provided below each of the first and second seats and supported at each of the first and second slide rail structures so that each of the first and second seats is movable along each of the first and second slide rail structures, and a rotation retaining mechanism provided between each of the first and second rear seats and the forward-rearward movement mechanism, the rotation retaining mechanism rotatably supporting each of the first and second seats and retaining each of the first and second seats at a position where each of the first and second seats faces the same direction as a extending direction of each of the first and second rail structure.
According to a further aspect of the present invention, a seat system for a vehicle, includes a first pair of slide rails and a second pair of slide rails adapted to be arranged on a compartment floor of the vehicle so as to extend in a front-rear direction of the vehicle, a first seat and a second seat arranged alongside each other in a vehicle width direction, a forward-rearward movement mechanism provided under each of the first and second seats and supported at each of the first and second pairs of slide rails so that each of the first and second seats is movable in the front-rear direction along each of the first and second pairs of slide rails, a contact avoiding mechanism provided between each of the first and second seats and the forward-rearward movement mechanism and movably supporting each of the first and second seats in a direction where each of the first and second seats approach each other so that each of the first and second seats does not contact each of rear wheel housings protruding towards a vehicle compartment when each of first and second seats is rearwardly moved, and a movement restricting mechanism (30/60) for restricting a rearward movement of each of the first and second seat at a position anterior to a position where each of the first and second seats contacts each of the rear wheel housings when each of the first and second seat is moved backward in a state where each of the first and second seat contacts each of the rear wheel housings, wherein the movement restricting mechanism derestricts the rearward movement of each of the first and second seats in conjunction with an avoidance movement when each of the first and second seats is moved to a state where each of the first and second seats does not contact each of the rear wheel housings.
The foregoing and additional features and characteristics of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description considered with the reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:
A first embodiment of the present invention will be described below in accordance with
As illustrated in
A pair of first slide rails 7, which support the first rear seat 5a so as to be movable in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, is provided on the compartment floor 3 so as to extend parallel to the front-rear direction of the vehicle. Likewise, a pair of second slide rails 8, which support the second rear seat 5b so as to be movable in the front-rear-direction of the vehicle, is provided on the compartment floor 3 so as to extend parallel to the front-rear direction of the vehicle. The first slide rails 7 and the second slide rails 8 are arranged so as to form a sufficient clearance between the first rear seat 5a and the second rear seat 5b. As illustrated in
More specifically, the upper rail 10 includes a base 12 attached at the second slide rails 8 via rolling elements 11. The base 12 is movable in the front-rear direction of the vehicle along the second slide rails 8 by the rolling elements 11 rolling relative to the second slide rails 8.
Plural engaging holes 8a (7a) are provided through the second slide rails 8 (7) at predetermined intervals. The base 12 is provided with engaging portions 13 each of which engages with any one of the plural engaging holes 8a (7a). Therefore, movement of the upper rails 10 in the front-rear direction of the vehicle is restricted by each of the engaging portions 13 engaging with any one of the plural engaging holes 8a (7a). As a result, the second rear seat 5b (5a) is fixedly positioned.
A slide operating lever 14, which is tiltable in a direction of an arrow A in
A pair of lower sway rails 21 (first sway rails), which form a part of the sway mechanism 20, is fixed at the front end and a rear end respectively in the front-rear direction of the vehicle on an upper surface of the base 12. As illustrated in
As illustrated in
Therefore, the upper sway rails 23 become swayable relative to the lower sway rails 21 in the vehicle width direction by the first and second rollers 22a and 22b rolling. More specifically, the lower sway rails 21 and the upper sway rails 23 become swayable along the arcs of the concentric circle centered on the center point Ob (Oa). Hence, as illustrated in
Further, as illustrated in
As illustrated in
As illustrated in
The interlocking mechanism 32 provided at each of the first and second rear seats 5a and 5b includes a connecting plate 33 provided at a lower surface of the first upper sway rail 23a, a pair of first links 34, 35 rotatably supported on an upper surface of the base 12, and a pair of second links 37 rotatably supported on inner wall surfaces of the base.
As illustrated in
As illustrated in
Thus, as illustrated in
Additionally, as illustrated in
In a process of moving the second row seats 5 to the rear-most position, the first and second rear seats 5a and 5b face outward, i.e. in a direction where each of the first and second rear seats 5a and 5b face opposite from each other. Hence, although the clearance between the first and second rear seats 5a and 5b is narrowed, legs of occupants seated on the rear seats 5a and 5b respectively are less likely to contact each other. Further, because the second row seats 5 are moved to the rear-most position, a personal space that effectively utilizes a space between the first row seats 4 and the second row seats 5 is created.
On the other hand, as illustrated in
According to the seat system for the vehicle associated with the first embodiment, the following effects and benefits are achievable.
As the first and second rear seats 5a and 5b, which form the second row seats 5, are swayable along the arcs centered on the rotational center point Oa and Ob respectively, the first and second rear seats 5a and 5b are less likely to contact the corresponding rear wheel housings la by swaying the first and second rear seats 5a and 5b in a direction where the first and second rear seats 5a and 5b approach each other, i.e. inwardly towards the vehicle compartment 2, when the first and second rear seats 5a and 5b are moved backward to the rear positions of the vehicle compartment 2. Hence, the moving amount of each of the first and second rear seats 5a and 5b in the front-rear direction of the vehicle are widely secured. Further, the first and second slide rails 7 and 8 are not necessarily provided obliquely relative to the front-rear direction of the vehicle in the seat system of the first embodiment. The first and second rear seats 5a and 5b are prevented from contacting each other when being backwardly moved while maintaining the clearance therebetween formed when being position at the forward positions. In addition, when the first and second rear seats 5a and 5b are swayed in the direction where the first and second rear seats 5a and 5b face each other, the communication between the occupants seated thereon respectively may be encouraged. Hence, various seat arrangements having high usability is realized with the seat system for the vehicle having a simple structure.
Each of rotational center points Oa and Ob of respective first and second rear seats 5a and 5b are set further ahead of the forward position of each of the first and second rear seats 5a and 5b. Therefore, while the first and second rear seats 5a and 5b are positioned at the rearward positions, each of the first and second rear seats 5a and 5b slightly faces inward of the vehicle compartment 2. Thus, the personal space is widely formed for the occupants seated on the first and second rear seats 5a and 5b respectively while the first and second rear seats 5a and 5b are positioned at the rearward positions. As a result, comfortability for the occupants may be enhanced.
Each of the first and second rear seats 5a and 5b is supported by each of the pairs of sway rails. Each of the pairs of sway rails is formed with the pair of the lower sway rails 21 and the pair of the upper sway rails 23. Hence, each of the first and second rear seats 5a and 5b are stably swayed in the vehicle width direction.
When each of the first and second rear seats 5a and 5b is moved backwardly in the state where each of the first and second rear seats 5a and 5b contacts the rear wheel housings 1a if each of the first and second rear seats 5a and 5b is further moved backward along the respective first and second rails 7 and 8 which are arranged straight in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, the rearward movement of each of the first and second rear seats 5a and 5b is restricted by means of respective movement restricting mechanisms 30 before each of the rear seats 5a and 5b contacts the corresponding rear wheel housings 1a. Thus, damage caused by each of the first and second rear seats 5a and 5b contacting the corresponding rear wheel housings la is surely prevented from occurring. Further, when each of the first and second rear seats 5a and 5b are moved to a position where the contact with the rear wheel housings 1a is prevented (preventive movement), the rearward movement in the front-rear direction of the vehicle by the respective movement restricting mechanisms 30 is derestricted in conjunction with the preventive movement of each of the rear seats 5a and 5b. Hence, the amount of movement of each of the first and second rear seats 5a and 5b is widely ensured. Further, various seat arrangements having the high usability is achieved. Moreover, each of the first and second rear seats 5a and 5b is surely prevented from contacting each of the rear wheel housings 1a.
The first links 34 and 35 and the second links 37 are interlocked in conjunction with the preventive movement of each of the first and second rear seats 5a and 5b. In the state where the each of the rear seats 5a and 5b is about to contact each of the rear wheel housings 1a, the second links 37 are engaged with the corresponding restricting protrusions 31. On the other hand, when each of the rear seats 5a and 5b is in the state where each of the rear seats 5a and 5b does not contact each of the rear wheel housings 1a, the second links 37 are disengaged from the corresponding restricting protrusions 31. Hence, by employing the mechanical movement restricting mechanism 30, the rearward movement of each of the first and second rear seats 5a and 5b is surely restricted/allowed.
The seat system of the first embodiment may be changed and modified as follows.
Each of the first and second rear seats 5a and 5b forming the second row seats, does not need to be set so as to sway along the rotational arcs centered on each of the center points Oa and Ob, each of which is set in front in the front-rear direction of the vehicle. For example, as illustrated in
The rotational center of each of the first and second rear seats 5a and 5b does not need to be set individually as illustrated in, for example,
The seat system associated with a second embodiment will be described below in accordance with
As illustrated in
A pair of first slide rails 7 (first slide rail structure), which serves as a slide rail mechanism for supporting the first rear seat 5a so as to be movable in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, is provided on the compartment floor 3. Likewise, a pair of second slide rails 8 (second slide rail structure), which serves as the slide rail mechanisms for supporting the second rear seat 5b so as to be movable in the front-rear-direction of the vehicle, is provided on the compartment floor 3. Each pairs of the first and second slide rails 7 and 8 extend obliquely relative to the front-rear direction of the vehicle on the compartment floor 3 so that front portion thereof are widely apart from each other and end portion thereof approach each other. In other words, the first and second pair of the slide rails 7 and 8 are arranged on the compartment floor 3 so that the front ends thereof extend so as to outwardly expand in the vehicle width direction and the rear ends thereof extend so as to converge on the center line of the vehicle extending in the front-rear direction of the vehicle. As a result, when each of the first and second rear seats 5a and 5b is positioned at the forward positions illustrated in
As illustrated in
The plural engaging holes 8a (7a) are provided through each of the second slide rails 8 (7) at predetermined intervals. The base 12 is provided with the engaging portion 13 that engages with any one of the plural engaging holes 8a (7a). Therefore, the movement of the upper rails 10 in the front-rear direction of the vehicle is restricted by each of the engaging portions 13 being engaged with any one of the plural engaging holes 8a (7a). As a result, the second rear seat 5b (5a) is fixedly positioned.
The slide operating lever 14, which is tiltable in a direction of an arrow A in
The seat rotation retaining mechanism 40 is provided between the second rear seat 5b (5a) and the bases 12. As illustrated in
The first upper base 42 is arranged at the upper most, the second upper base 44 is arranged at the lower most, and the lower base 41 is held by the first and second upper bases 42 and 44. Further, a first rolling member 45 in a ring shape is provided between the lower base 41 and the first upper base 42. A second rolling member 46 in a ring shape is provided between the lower base 41 and the second upper base 44. Hence, the first and second upper bases 42 and 44 are rotatable relative to the lower base 41.
A operating lever 49 is hold on the second upper base 44 by means of a pin 47 and a spring 48 so as to be rotatable relative to the second upper base 44. A locking nail 49a is formed on the operating lever 49. Further, the operating lever 49 is attached to the second upper base 44 so that the locking nail 49a is biased towards the lower base 41a by means of the spring 48. More specifically, plural locking holes 50 (a first locking hole 50a, a second locking hole 50b, a third locking hole 50c and a fourth locking hole 50d) are provided through an outer circumferential surface of the lower base 41 at predetermined intervals. The operating lever 49 is biased by the spring 48 in a direction where the locking nail 49a is engaged with any one of the locking holes 50a, 50b, 50c and 50d. When the locking lever 49 is at a position where the locking nail 49a is positioned so as to correspond to any one of the locking holes 50a, 50b, 50c and 50d, the locking nail 49a is engaged with any one of the locking holes 50a, 50b, 50c and 50d. In this embodiment, the first locking hole 50a is provided so as to correspond to the locking nail 49a when the second rear seat 5b (5a) faces forward in the front-rear direction of the vehicle as illustrated in
A movement restricting mechanism 60 for restricting the rearward movement of each of the first and second rear seats 5a and 5b is provided below each of the first and second rear seats 5a and 5b. More specifically, the movement restricting mechanism 60 includes restricting protrusions 61 provided at each of the second slide rails 8 (7) and an interlocking mechanism 62 provided at the second rear seats 5b (5a). The same structured symmetrical movement restricting mechanisms 60 are provided below the first and second rear seats 5a and 5b respectively. Hence, structure and functions of the movement restricting mechanisms 60 will be described below with the movement restricting mechanism 60 provided below the second rear seat 5b as an example. Further, the upper rails 10 are omitted in
As is also illustrated in
The interlocking mechanism 62 includes a plate-shaped connecting plate 63 provided on an upper surface of the first upper base 42, interlocking cables 64 whose one ends are connected to the interlocking plate 63 at points symmetrical with respect to a rotational center point O of the first upper base 42 in a longitudinal direction of the interlocking plate 63, a pair of first links 65 each of which is rotatably supported at a lower surface of the lower base 41 at a position in vicinity of each of the second slide rails 8 and to which each of the other end of the interlocking cables 64 is connected, and a pair of second links 66 rotatably supported at an inner wall surface of respective bases 12.
Each of the first links 65 is formed with a plate material forming substantially L-shape and is rotatably supported at the lower surface of the lower base 41 at the bent portion of each of the first links 65 so that one end thereof faces inward of the seat rotation retaining mechanism 40 and the other end thereof faces outward the seat rotation retaining mechanism 40. Hence, each of the first links 65 is formed to be rotatable in the horizontal direction of the vehicle. Further, each of the interlocking cables 64 is connected at an inner end portion of each of the first links 65 facing inward of the seat rotation retaining mechanism 40. More specifically, the other end of the interlocking cable 64 connected to one of the first links 65 arranged at an outward position (the firs link 65 arranged at the left side in
As is also illustrated in
When the second rear seat 5b is further rearwardly moved in the front-rear direction of the vehicle in the state where the second rear seat 5b possibly contacts the rear wheel housing 1a, the lower end 66b of each of the second links 37 contacts each of the restricting protrusions 31 before the second rear seat 5b contacts the rear wheel housing 1a. As a result, the amount of movement of the second rear seat 5b in the front-rear direction of the vehicle is restricted.
Additionally, when the second rear seat 5b is rotated toward the outward the vehicle 1 so as to be parallel to the direction the slide rails 8 extend as illustrated in
When the second row seats 5 are moved at the rear-most positions, the first and second rear seats 5a and 5b face opposite from each other, i.e. so as to face slightly outward the vehicle as illustrated with dashed lines in
On the other hand, as illustrated in
On the other hand, as illustrated in
Additionally, the first rear seat 5a is operated in the same manner as the second rear seat 5b. Hence, the first rear seat 5a has the same functions and effects.
According to the second embodiment, the following effects and benefits may be achieved.
The slide rails 7 and 8, each of which forms the slide rail structure, are arranged on the compartment floor 3 so that the first and second slide rails 7 and 8 are spaced away towards the front of the vehicle, and so that the first and second slide rails 7 and 8 approach each other towards the rear of the vehicle. Therefore, the first and second rear seats 5a and 5b are spaced away when being positioned at the forward positions, and the first and second rear seats 5a and 5b approach each other when being positioned at the rearward positions. Hence, the first and second rear seats 5a and 5b are less likely to contact the corresponding rear wheel housings 1a formed on the compartment floor 3 so as to protrude towards the vehicle compartment 2, when the rear seats 5a and 5b are backwardly moved. Moreover, each of the first and second rear seats 5a and 5b is rotatably supported by means of the rotation retaining mechanism 40, and each of the first and second rear seats 5a and 5b is retained at a state where each of the rear seats 5a and 5b face the same direction as the extending direction of each of the first and second slide rails 7 and 8. In other words, each of the first and second rear seats 5a and 5b is retained at the state where each of the rear seats 5a and 5b faces the same direction as the moving direction thereof. Therefore, an outer edge of each of the first and second rear seats 5a and 5b follows along the moving direction, so that the outer edge of each of the first and second rear seats 5a and 5b is less likely to contact the rear wheel housing 1a. Hence, the clearance between the first and second rear seats 5a and 5b is sufficiently secured when the second row seats 5 are positioned at the forward positions, and the amount of movement thereof in the front-rear direction of the vehicle is sufficiently ensured. As a result, the seat system having the simple structure realizes various seat arrangements having the high usability.
The first and second rear seats 5a and 5b are retainable at the positions where the rear seats 5a and 5b face inward of the vehicle compartment 2, which allows the occupants seated thereon respectively to face each other more easily. As a result, the communication between the occupants seated on the first and second rear seats 5a and 5b respectively may be encouraged and enhanced.
Each of the first and second rear seats 5a and 5b is rotated and retained at the position where each of the rear seats 5a and 5b faces towards the entrance 1b. Hence, passenger may easily get on/off each of the first and second rear seat 5a and 5b .
When each of the first and second rear seats 5a and 5b is further backwardly moved in the state where each of the rear seats 5a and 5b contacts the corresponding rear wheel housings 1a, the rearward movement of each of the rear seats 5a and 5b is restricted by means of the movement restricting mechanism 60 before each of the rear seats 5a and 5b contacts the corresponding rear wheel housings 1a. Hence, damage caused by each of the first and second rear seats 5a and 5b contacting the corresponding rear wheel housings 1a is surely prevented and avoidable. Further, when each of the first and second rear seats 5a and 5b is rotated so as to be in the sate where each of the rear seats 5a and 5b does not contact the corresponding rear wheel housings 1a, the rearward movement restricted by the movement restricting mechanism 60 is derestricted in response to the rotational operation of each of the rear seats 5a and 5b. Hence, the amount of movement of each of the first and second rear seats 5a and 5b is sufficiently ensured, and further, each of the rear seats 5a and 5b is surely prevented from each of the corresponding rear wheel housings 1a.
The first links 65 and the second links 66 are operated in conjunction with the avoidance movement of each of the first and second rear seats 5a and 5b. When each of the rear seats 5a and 5b is in the state where each of the rear seats 5a and 5b contacts the corresponding rear wheel housing 1a, the second links 66 engage the restricting protrusions 31 respectively. On the other hand, when each of the rear seats 5a and 5b is in the sate where each of the rear seats 5a and 5b does not contact each of the rear wheel housings 1a, the second links 66 are disengaged from the restricting protrusions 31 respectively. Hence, by employing the mechanical movement restricting mechanism 60 to each of the first and second rear seats 5a and 5b, the rearward movement of each of the rear seats 5a and 5b is surely restricted and allowed.
The seat system for the vehicle associated with the embodiments may be changed and modified as follows.
The seat system for the vehicle associated with the first embodiment may have the first and second slide rails 7 and 8, which are arranged so as to obliquely extend relative to the front-rear direction of the vehicle as the slide rails 7 and 8 of the seat system for the vehicle associated with the second embodiment.
The locking holes 50 of the seat system for the vehicle associated with the second embodiment do not need to be provided through the lower base 41 at the positions of the first locking hole 50a, the second locking hole 50b, the third locking hole 50c and the fourth locking hole 50d as illustrated in
The movement restricting mechanism 30 of the seat system for the vehicle associated with the first embodiment and the movement restricting mechanism 60 of the seat system for the vehicle associated with the second embodiment are not necessarily provided.
The first and second rear seats 5a and 5b forming the second row seats 5 do not need to be structured so as to avoid the contact with the corresponding rear wheel housings 1b by means of the sway mechanism 20 described in the first embodiment or the seat rotation retaining mechanism 40 described in the second embodiment. For example, each of the first and second rear seats 5a and 5b may be structured so as to avoid the contact with each of the rear wheel housings 1b by means of a lateral movement mechanism that is disclosed in JP2003118443A and that is moveable in a lateral direction of the vehicle. When the lateral movement mechanism is employed to the seat system for the vehicle, for example, the movement restriction mechanism 30 is employed, and the interlocking mechanism 32 is moved in response to a lateral movement of each of the rear seats 5a and 5b so that the movement restricting mechanism 30 is disengaged from the restricting protrusions 31.
Accordingly, the first and second rear seats 5a and 5b are swayable along the arcs centered on the rotation center points Oa and Ob respectively. Hence, the first and second rear seats 5a and 5b are less likely to contact the corresponding rear wheel housings 1a formed on the compartment floor 3 so as to protrude towards the vehicle compartment 2 by the rear seats 5a and 5b swaying in the direction where rear seats 5a and 5b approach each other, i.e. by swaying the rear seats 5a and 5b inward of the vehicle compartment 2. As a result, the amount of movement of each of the first and second rear seats 5a and 5b in the front-rear direction of the vehicle is sufficiently ensured. Further, the first and second pair of the slide rails 7 and 8 do not necessarily need to be arranged on the compartment floor 3 so as to obliquely extend relative to the front-rear direction of the vehicle. As a result, the clearance between the first and second rear seats 5a and 5b is sufficiently ensured when being positioned at the forward positions, and rear seats 5a and 5b are less likely to contact each other when being positioned at the rearward positions. Moreover, when each of the first and second rear seats 5a and 5b is swayed in the direction where rear seats 5a and 5b face each other, the occupants seated on the rear seats 5a and 5b respectively may easily communicate with each other. Consequently, the seat system for the vehicle having the simple structure realizes the various seat arrangements having the high usability.
According to the first embodiment, the rotation center points Oa and Ob of the first and second rear seats 5a and 5b are set at the forward positions respectively. Alternatively, the rotation center points Oc and Od of the first and second rear seats 5a and 5b are set at the rearward positions respectively in the front-rear direction of the vehicle.
Accordingly, when each of the rotation center points Oa and Ob of each of the first and second rear seats 5a and 5b is set ahead thereof in front-rear direction of the vehicle, the personal space for the occupants is sufficiently ensured when the rear seats 5a and 5b are positioned at the rearward positions, because each of the rear seats 5a and 5b faces slightly outward the vehicle when being positioned at the rearward position. As a result, the comfortability for the occupants seated on the first and second rear seats 5a and 5b respectively may be enhanced. On the other hand, when each of the rotation center points Oc and Od of each of the first and second rear seats 5a and 5b is set behind thereof in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, the seat system for the vehicle may encourage and enhance the communication between the occupants seated on the rear seats 5a and 5b respectively, because each of the first and second rear seats 5a and 5b faces slightly inward of the vehicle compartment 2. As a result, the usability of the seat system for the vehicle may be further enhanced.
According to the first embodiment, the sway mechanism 20 includes the pair of lower sway rails 21 fixed at the forward-rearward movement mechanism 10 and forming a part of concentric arcs centered on each of the rotation center points Oa and Ob (Oc, Od), the pair of upper sway rails 23 fixed at a bottom portion of each of the first and second seats 5a and 5b and swayably supporting each of the first and second rear seats 5a and 5b along the pair of lower sway rails 21, and the plural connecting portions 22a and 22b supported between the pair of the lower sway rails 21 and the pair of upper sway rails 23.
Accordingly, each of the first and second rear seats 5a and 5b is stably swayable because each of the rear seats 5a and 5b is supported by the pair of the lower sway rails 21, the first upper sway rail 23a and the pair of the second upper sway rails 23b.
Accordingly, the first and second pairs of slide rails 7 and 8 are arranged on the compartment floor 3 so as to be spaced away from each other towards the front of the vehicle, and so as to approach each other towards the rear of the vehicle. Hence, the first and second rear seats 5a and 5b are spaced away from each other when being positioned at the forward positions, and the rear seats 5a and 5b approach each other when being positioned at the rearward positions. Therefore, the first and second rear seats 5a and 5b are less likely to contact the corresponding rear wheel housings 1a protruding towards the vehicle compartment 2 when the rear seats 5a and 5b are rearwardly moved. Furthermore, each of the first and second rear seats 5a and 5b is rotatably supported by means of the rotation retaining mechanism 40, and each of the rear seats 5a and 5b is retained at the state where each of the rear seats 5a and 5b faces the same direction as the extending direction of the corresponding slide rails. That is, each of the first and second rear seats 5a and 5b is retained so as to face the same direction as the moving direction thereof. Therefore, the outer edge of each of the first and second rear seats 5a and 5b moves along the sliding direction thereof, so that the outer edge thereof is less likely to contact the corresponding rear wheel housing 1a when each of the rear seats 5a and 5b is backwardly moved. Consequently, the clearance between the first and second rear seats 5a and 5b is sufficiently ensured when being positioned at the forward positions, and the amount of movement of each of the rear seats 5a and 5b in the front-rear direction of the vehicle is sufficiently secured. Hence, the seat system for the vehicle having the simple structure achieves the various seat arrangements having the high usability.
According to the second embodiment, the seat rotation retaining mechanism 40 retains each of the first and second rear seats 5a and 5b at the position where each of the first and second rear seats 5a and 5b faces inward of a vehicle compartment 2.
Accordingly, the occupants seated on the first and second rear seats 5a and 5b respectively easily face each other by retaining the rear seats 5a and 5b so as to be oblique towards the vehicle compartment 2. Hence, the seat system for the vehicle may encourage and enhance the communication between the occupants seated on the first and second rear seats 5a and 5b respectively.
According to the second embodiment, the seat rotation retaining mechanism 40 retains each of the first and second rear seats 5a and 5b so as to face at least towards a vehicle entrance when each of the first and second rear seats 5a and 5b is moved to a position corresponding to the vehicle entrance.
Accordingly, each of the first and second rear seats 5a and 5b is rotated and retained at the position where each of the rear seats 5a and 5b faces towards the vehicle entrance. Hence, the passenger may easily get on/off each of the first and second rear seats 5a and 5b.
According to the first and second embodiments, the seat system for the vehicle includes the movement restricting mechanism 30 (60) restricting rearward movement of each of the first and second rear seats 5a and 5b at the position anterior to the position where each of the first and second rear seats 5a and 5b contacts each of rear wheel housings 1a protruding towards a vehicle compartment 2 when each of the first and second rear seat 5a and 5b is moved backward in a state where each of the first and second rear seat 5a and 5b contacts each of the rear wheel housings 1a, wherein the movement restricting mechanism 30 (60) derestricts the rearward movement of each of the first and second rear seats 5a and 5b in conjunction with an avoidance movement when each of the first and second rear seats 5a and 5b is moved to a state where each of the first and second rear seats 5a and 5b does not contact each of the rear wheel housings 1a.
Accordingly, when each of the first and second rear seats 5a and 5b is further rearwardly moved in the state where each of the rear seats 5a and 5b contacts the corresponding rear wheel housing 1a, the rearward movement of each of the rear seats 5a and 5b is restricted by means of the movement restricting mechanism 30 (60) before each of the rear seats 5a and 5b contacts the corresponding rear wheel housing 1a. Therefore, the damage caused on each of the first and second rear seats 5a and 5b by contacting the corresponding rear wheel housing 1a is surely prevented. Further, when each of the first and second rear seats 5a and 5b is moved so as to avoid contact with the corresponding rear wheel housing 1a, the rearward movement of each of the rear seats 5a and 5b restricted by the movement restricting mechanism 30 (60) is derestricted in response to the avoidance movement of each of the first and second rear seats 5a and 5b. Hence, the amount of the movement of each of the first and second rear seats 5a and 5b is sufficiently ensured, and further, the various seat arrangements having the high usability is achievable.
According to the first and second embodiments, the movement restricting mechanism 30 (60) includes the restricting protrusions 31 (61) provided on each of the first and second slide rails 7 and 8, the interlocking mechanism 32 (62) provided at each of the first and second rear seats 5a and 5b for restricting the rearward movement of each of the first and second rear seats 5a and 5b at the position anterior to the position where each of the first and second rear seats 5a and 5b contacts each of the rear wheel housings 1a by the interlocking mechanism engaging with the restricting protrusions 31 (61) and disengaging from the restricting protrusions 31 (61) in conjunction with the avoidance movement, the interlocking mechanism 32 (62) includes the first links 34 and 35 (65) rotated in the horizontal direction in conjunction with the avoidance movement of each of the first and second rear seats 5a and 5b, the second links 37 (66) rotated in a vertical direction in conjunction with the horizontal rotation of the first links 34 and 35 (65), wherein the forward and rearward movement of the first and second rear seats 5a and 5b is restricted/derestricted by an end portion of the second links 37 (66) engaging/disengaging with/from the restricting protrusions 31 (61).
Accordingly, the first links 34 and 35 (65) and the second links 37 (66) are structured so as to interlock with the avoidance movement of each of the first and second rear seats 5a and 5b. When each of the first and second rear seats 5a and 5b is in the state where each of the rear seats 5a and 5b contacts the corresponding rear wheel housing 1a, the second links 37 (66) engage with the corresponding restricting protrusions 31 (61). On the other hand, when each of the first and second rear seats 5a and 5b is in the state where each of the rear seats 5a and 5b does not contact the corresponding rear wheel housing 1a, the second links 37 (65) do not engage with the corresponding restricting protrusions 31 (61). Hence, by employing the mechanical movement restricting mechanism 30 (60), the rearward movement of each of the first and second rear seats 5a and 5b is surely restricted/allowed.
Accordingly, when each of the first and second rear seats 5a and 5b is further rearwardly moved in the state where each of the rear seats 5a and 5b contacts the corresponding rear wheel housing 1a, the rearward movement of each of the rear seats 5a and 5b is restricted by means of the movement restricting mechanism 30 (60) before each of the rear seats 5a and 5b contacts the corresponding rear wheel housing 1a. Therefore, the damage caused on each of the first and second rear seats 5a and 5b by contacting the corresponding rear wheel housing 1 a is surely prevented. Further, when each of the first and second rear seats 5a and 5b is moved so as to avoid the contact with the corresponding rear wheel housing 1a, the rearward movement of each of the rear seats 5 a and 5b restricted by the movement restricting mechanism 30 (60) is derestricted in response to the avoidance movement of each of the first and second rear seats 5a and 5b. Hence, the amount of the movement of each of the first and second rear seats 5a and 5b is sufficiently ensured, and further, the various seat arrangements having the high usability is achievable. Moreover, each of the first and second rear seats 5a and 5b is surely prevented from contacting the corresponding rear wheel housing 1a.
According to the first and the second embodiments, the movement restricting mechanism 30 (60) includes the restricting protrusions 31 (61) provided on each of the first and second slide rails 7 (8), the interlocking mechanism 32 (62) provided at each of the first and second rear seats 5a and 5b for restricting the rearward movement of each of the first and second rear seats 5a and 5b at the position anterior to the position where each of the first and second rear seats 5a and 5b contacts each of the rear wheel housings 1a by the interlocking mechanism engaging with the restricting protrusions 31 (61) and disengaging from the restricting protrusions 31 (61) in conjunction with the avoidance movement, the interlocking mechanism 32 (62) includes the first links 34 and 35 (65) rotated in the horizontal direction in conjunction with the avoidance movement of each of the first and second rear seats 5a and 5b, the second links 37 (66) rotated in a vertical direction in conjunction with the horizontal rotation of the first links 34 and 35 (65), wherein the forward and rearward movement of the first and second rear seats 5a and 5b is restricted/derestricted by the end portions of the second links 37 (66) engaging/disengaging with/from the corresponding restricting protrusions 31 (61).
Accordingly, the first links 34 and 35 (65) and the second links 37 (66) are structured so as to interlock with the avoidance movement of each of the first and second rear seats 5a and 5b. When each of the first and second rear seats 5a and 5b is in the state where each of the rear seats 5a and 5b contacts the corresponding rear wheel housing 1a, the second links 37 (66) engage with the corresponding restricting protrusions 31 (61). On the other hand, when each of the first and second rear seats 5a and 5b is in the state where each of the rear seats 5a and 5b does not contact the corresponding rear wheel housing 1a, the second links 37 (66) do not engage with the corresponding restricting protrusions 31 (61). Hence, by employing the mechanical movement restricting mechanism 30 (60), the rearward movement of each of the first and second rear seats 5a and 5b is surely restricted/allowed.
The principles, preferred embodiment and mode of operation of the present invention have been described in the foregoing specification. However, the invention which is intended to be protected is not to be construed as limited to the particular embodiments disclosed. Further, the embodiments described herein are to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. Variations and changes may be made by others, and equivalents employed, without departing from the sprit of the present invention. Accordingly, it is expressly intended that all such variations, changes and equivalents which fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined in the claims, be embraced thereby.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2007-139409 | May 2007 | JP | national |
| 2007-139410 | May 2007 | JP | national |
