US20010048239A1 - Motor-driven footrest device of seat - Google Patents
Motor-driven footrest device of seat Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20010048239A1 US20010048239A1 US09/835,846 US83584601A US2001048239A1 US 20010048239 A1 US20010048239 A1 US 20010048239A1 US 83584601 A US83584601 A US 83584601A US 2001048239 A1 US2001048239 A1 US 2001048239A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- footrest
- motor
- driven
- seat
- footrest device
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60N3/00—Arrangements or adaptations of other passenger fittings, not otherwise provided for
- B60N3/06—Arrangements or adaptations of other passenger fittings, not otherwise provided for of footrests
- B60N3/063—Arrangements or adaptations of other passenger fittings, not otherwise provided for of footrests with adjustment systems
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60N2/00—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
- B60N2/62—Thigh-rests
Definitions
- the present invention relates in general to automotive seats and more particularly to automotive seats of a type which is equipped with a footrest device for putting thereon the feet of a seat occupant. More specifically, the present invention is concerned with a motor-driven footrest device for an automotive seat, which has an Ottoman (viz., footrest) movable between an operative (or projected) position and an inoperative (or stowed) position by an electric power.
- Ottoman viz., footrest
- the device of the publication generally comprises an electric drive unit, a slider unit having a sliding rail driven by the electric drive unit, a link unit actuated by the slider rail and an Ottoman (viz., footrest) driven by the link unit to move between an operative (viz., projected) position and an inoperative (viz., stowed) position.
- an operative (viz., projected) position a link unit actuated by the slider rail
- an Ottoman viz., footrest
- the known footrest device of the publication has failed to provide makers and users with a satisfaction.
- the complicated construction tends to induce not only a bulky and heavier structure but also a time-consumed assembling work and thus bring about costly products of the footrest device.
- a motor-driven footrest device of a seat which comprises a footrest; an expanding mechanism having one end equipped with the footrest, the expanding mechanism being movable to assume a shrunk condition wherein the footrest is received in an opening formed in a seat cushion of the seat and an expanded condition wherein the footrest is projected from the opening to permit a seat occupant's feet to put thereon; an electric drive unit connected to the other end of the expanding mechanism to move the same to assume the shrunk condition and the expanded condition by the force of an electric power; and a mounting structure secured to a base structure of the seat, the mounting structure carrying both of the expanding mechanism and the electric drive unit.
- a motor-driven footrest device for use with a sliding seat, which comprises a footrest; an expanding mechanism having one end equipped with the footrest, the expanding mechanism being movable to assume a shrunk condition where the footrest is received in an opening formed in a seat cushion of the seat and an expanded condition wherein the footrest is projected from the opening to permit the feet of a seat occupant to be put thereon; an electric drive unit connected to the other end of the expanding mechanism to move the same to assume the shrunk condition and the expanded condition by the force of an electric power; a seat slide mechanism for sliding the seat, the seat slide mechanism including two fixed rails secured to a fixed structure, and two slide rails slidably engaged with the fixed rails and mounting thereon the seat; and a mounting structure secured to the two slide rails to move therewith, the mounting structure carrying both of the expanding mechanism and the electric drive unit.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an automotive seat to which a motor-driven footrest device of the present invention is practically applied;
- FIG. 2 is a side view of the automotive seat taken from the direction of the arrow “II” of FIG. 1, with the Ottoman (viz., footrest) assuming an inoperative (or stowed) position;
- FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a seat cushion of the automotive seat, a seat slide device for the automotive seat and the motor-driven footrest device of the invention incorporated with the seat slide device;
- FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a unit which includes the seat slide device and the motor-driven footrest device of the present invention, showing a condition wherein the Ottoman assumes its inoperative (or stowed) position;
- FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 4, but showing a condition wherein the Ottoman assumes its operative (or projected) position;
- FIG. 6 is an exploded view of a first link mechanism which constitutes part of the motor-driven footrest device of the present invention.
- FIG. 7 is a sectional view of the motor-driven footrest device of the present invention, showing a condition wherein the Ottoman assumes its inoperative (or stowed) position;
- FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIG. 7, but showing a condition wherein the Ottoman assumes its operative (or projected) position;
- FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a longer link member which is a part of second link mechanism of the motor-driven footrest device of the present invention.
- FIG. 10 is a modification of the longer link member of FIG. 9;
- FIG. 11 is an exploded view of plastic sliders which are parts of the Ottoman;
- FIG. 12 is a sectional view of one of the plastic sliders in an assembled condition
- FIGS. 13A, 13B and 13 C are views showing steps for assembling each plastic slider to a sliding frame which is a part of the Ottoman proper;
- FIG. 14 is an exploded view of parts which constitute an essential portion of the Ottoman proper
- FIG. 15 is a sectional view of the parts of the Ottoman in an assembled condition.
- FIGS. 16A to 16 D are views showing the steps for assembling the Ottoman proper.
- FIGS. 1 and 2 there is shown an automotive seat 1 (particularly, front passenger's seat) to which the motor-driven footrest device 4 according to the present invention is practically applied.
- the seat 1 comprises a seat cushion 2 and a seat back 3 which is pivotally connected to a rear end of the seat cushion 2 through a reclining mechanism (not shown).
- the seat cushion 2 is formed at its front end portion with a rectangular opening 2 a .
- the rectangular opening 2 a receives therein an Ottoman 10 (viz., footrest) of the motor-driven footrest device 4 of the present invention.
- the seat cushion 2 generally comprises a cushion frame 5 , a pad member 2 b mounted on the cushion frame 5 and a skin member 2 c covering the pad member 2 b .
- the cushion frame 5 has two front connecting portions 5 a and two rear connecting portions 5 b , as shown.
- Denoted by numeral 6 is a power seat slide mechanism on which the seat cushion 2 is mounted.
- the power seat slide mechanism comprises two fixed rails 6 a and 6 b which are fixed to a floor of an associated motor vehicle, two slide rails 6 c and 6 d which are slidably engaged with the two fixed rails 6 a and 6 b and a drive mechanism 6 f (see FIG. 5) which drives or moves the slide rails 6 c and 6 d relative to the fixed rails 6 a and 6 b by the force of an electric power.
- each slide rail 6 c or 6 d carries a threaded drive rod which has a screw thread formed therearound.
- the threaded drive rod is operatively engaged with a nut member (not shown) fixed to the fixed rail 6 a or 6 b , so that upon rotation of the threaded drive rod about its axis, the slide rail 6 c or 6 d slides on and along the fixed rail 6 a or 6 b forward or rearward.
- the drive mechanism 6 f comprises an electric motor 6 e which has output shafts. Each output shaft is connected through a speed reduction gear SRG to the corresponding drive rod in a manner to rotate the same.
- the slide rails 6 c and 6 d are. moved on and along the fixed rails 6 a and 6 b forward or rearward.
- the slide rails 6 c and 6 d have at their front portions base brackets 6 g and 6 h secured thereto.
- Two front cushion supporting brackets 6 j and 6 k are secured to the base brackets 6 g and 6 h respectively.
- the slide rails 6 c and 6 d have at their rear portions two rear cushion supporting brackets 6 m and 6 n secured thereto.
- the above-mentioned two front connecting portions 5 a (see FIG. 3) of the cushion frame 5 of the seat cushion 2 are mounted on and bolted to the front cushion supporting brackets 6 j and 6 k
- the two rear connecting portions 5 b of the cushion frame 5 are mounted on and bolted to the rear cushion supporting brackets 6 m and 6 n .
- the seat cushion 2 (more specifically, the seat 1 ) and the slide rails 6 c and 6 d constitute a single unit which is movable relative to the fixed rails 6 a and 6 b . That is, when the electric motor 6 e is energized to rotate the output shafts in one direction, the seat 1 is moved forward or rearward relative to the fixed rails 6 a and 6 b.
- a mounting structure 60 which serves as a structural base of the motor-driven footrest device 4 of the present invention.
- the mounting structure 6 o comprises two metal pipes 6 p and 6 q each extending between the base brackets 6 g and 6 h , and three, that is, first, second and third brackets 6 s, 6 r and 6 t each extending between the two metal pipes 6 p and 6 q . It is to be noted that these elements are welded to the corresponding portions.
- the motor-driven footrest device 4 comprises two holding arms 8 which are secured to lower surfaces of the first and third brackets 6 s and 6 t of the mounting structure 6 o .
- the Ottoman 10 is connected to the holding arms 8 through a first link mechanism 9 in such a manner that the Ottoman 10 is movable between an operative (viz., projected) position as shown in FIG. 8 and an inoperative (viz., stowed) position as shown in FIG. 7.
- the first link mechanism 9 comprises two front links 9 A which are pivotally connected to the holding arms 8 and two rear links 9 B which are pivotally connected to the holding arms 8 . Leading ends of these front and rear links 9 A and 9 B are bent inward, as shown in FIG. 6.
- the leading ends of the front and rear links 9 A and 9 B are pivotally connected to respective supporting arms 13 which are respectively secured to side portions of a reversed U-shaped supporting frame 12 .
- a supporting bracket 31 is secured to an upper bridge portion of the supporting frame 12 for the reason which will become apparent hereinafter.
- the reversed U-shaped supporting frame 12 constitutes a base structure of the Ottoman 10 . That is, as is seen from FIG. 3, the side portions of the supporting frame 12 are formed with respective guide grooves 12 b (see FIGS. 3 and 12) in which a rectangular sliding frame 14 is slidably received. To the sliding frame 14 , there are mounted a spring wire frame 15 , a base frame 16 , a pad member 17 and a trim member 18 to constitute the entirety of the Ottoman 10 . The detailed construction of the Ottoman 10 will be described hereinafter.
- the distance between the pivoted portions of the front and rear links 9 A and 9 B of each unit to corresponding holding arm 8 is set larger than the distance between the pivoted portions of the front and rear links 9 A and 9 B to the corresponding supporting arm 13 .
- a drive mechanism 22 for moving the Ottoman 10 in the above-mentioned manner, there is further provided a drive mechanism 22 .
- the drive mechanism 22 is installed in an elongate case 21 which is secured to a lower surface of the above-mentioned second bracket 6 r of the mounting structure 60 .
- the elongate case 21 has a reversed U-shaped cross section and is arranged to cover the later-mentioned threaded drive shaft 26 .
- the drive mechanism 22 comprises a motor unit which includes an electric motor 23 , a speed reduction gear 24 having an input member engaged with an output member of the motor 23 , an output shaft 25 extending from the speed reduction gear 24 and a threaded drive bolt 26 coaxially connected to the output shaft 25 .
- the threaded drive bolt 26 may be of a double spiral type.
- the motor unit is pivotally held at the speed reduction gear 24 by the elongate case 21 , and the leading end of the threaded drive bolt 26 is rotatably supported by a front end of the elongate case 21 .
- a nut member 27 is operatively engaged with the threaded drive bolt 26 .
- the threaded drive bolt 26 has front and rear stoppers 25 B and 25 A mounted thereon by which the axial movement of the nut member 27 relative to the bolt 26 is restricted.
- the second link mechanism 28 comprises a longer link member 29 which, as is seen from FIG. 8, has a rear or right end vertically pivotally connected to the nut member 27 .
- the longer link member 29 generally comprises two parallel side walls 29 a and 29 b and front and rear connecting walls 29 c and 29 d each extending between the side walls 29 a and 29 b .
- the parallel side walls 29 a and 29 b have at rear or right ends thereof circular openings 29 p respectively and at front or left portions thereof outwardly swelled portions 29 e and 29 f respectively.
- Each swelled front portion 29 e or 29 f is provided with an outwardly projected pin 29 m for the reasons which will be described hereinafter.
- each side wall 29 a or 29 b has at front and rear portions of the swelled front portion 29 e or 29 f front and rear inclined walls (no numerals).
- Each of these front and rear inclined walls is formed with a reinforcing ridge (or bead) 29 k for reinforcing such inclined walls.
- each side wall 29 a or 29 b has near the rear inclined wall an elongate cut 29 g or 29 h , and near the front inclined wall an opening 29 i or 29 j.
- These cuts 29 g and 29 h and the openings 29 i and 29 j are used for providing the longer link member 29 with a suitable flexibility, that is, suitable shock absorbing ability. That is, when an abnormally big force is applied to the longer link member 29 from a front (or left) direction, the swelled front portions 29 e and 29 f are forced to expand outward reducing the length of the longer link member 29 . Because of provision of the reinforcing ridges 29 k , deformation of the longer link member 29 caused by such big force takes place at just portions of the cuts 29 g and 29 h and the openings 29 i and 29 j .
- each cut 29 g or 29 h extends upward from a lower edge of the side wall 29 a or 29 b to a middle portion of the same. Due to the nature of the cuts 29 g and 29 h and provision of the openings 29 i and 29 j , the front portion of the longer link member 29 has a tendency to be bent downward upon receiving such big force.
- the front (or left) end of the longer link member 29 is pivotally connected to lower ends of two links 30 of which upper ends are pivotally connected to a shaft 14 b fixed to a rear center part of the rectangular sliding frame 14 (see FIG. 3).
- the two links 30 become in parallel with the sliding frame 14 .
- the outwardly projected pins 29 m of the longer link member 29 are pivotally held by the above-mentioned supporting bracket 31 fixed to the sliding frame 14 .
- the nut member 27 is pivotally connected to the circular openings 29 p of the longer link member 29 through respective spacers 29 r.
- the drive mechanism 22 , the first link mechanism 9 and the second link mechanism 28 constitute a so-called expanding mechanism for the Ottoman 10 .
- FIG. 10 there is shown a modification 29 ′ of the longer link mechanism 29 .
- the radially swelled portions 29 e and 29 f are semi-cylindrical in shape and the elongate cuts 29 g and 29 h are triangular in shape. Due to similarity of this modification 29 ′ to the longer link member 29 , similar function to the longer link member 29 is possessed by the modification 29 ′.
- the rectangular sliding frame 14 , the spring wire frame 15 , the base frame 16 and the trim member 18 constitute the entirety of the Ottoman 10 .
- the spring wire frame 15 is used for providing the Ottoman with a suitable resiliency.
- the sliding frame 14 has plastic sliders 19 A and 19 B fixed to side edges thereof for smoothing movement in the guide grooves of the supporting frame 12 .
- FIGS. 11 to 19 D there is shown the detail of the Ottoman 10 .
- each plastic slider 19 A or 19 B generally comprises a longer side wall 19 b and a shorter front wall 19 c which are united, and thus each plastic slider has a generally L-shaped cross section.
- Each slider 19 A or 19 B is formed with various engaging pawls 19 a , 19 d and 19 e .
- each slider 19 A or 19 B is formed at the inner surface thereof with inwardly projected two boss portions 19 f and at the outer surface thereof with two elongate recesses 19 g and 19 h.
- the longer side wall 19 b covers the corresponding side edge 14 a of the sliding frame 14 , and the engaging pawls 19 a engage an open end of the sliding frame 14 .
- the shorter front wall 19 c mates with the front wall portion 14 b of the sliding frame 14 .
- the engaging paws 19 d and 19 e project obliquely.
- the two boss portions 19 f are engaged with engaging openings 14 c formed in the front wall portion 14 b of the sliding frame 14 . Due to provision of the two elongate recesses 19 g and 19 h , the sliding movement of the slider 19 A or 19 B relative to the guide frame 12 b of the supporting frame 12 is smoothly made.
- FIGS. 13A to 13 C show the steps for assembling each slider 19 A or 19 B to the corresponding side edge 14 a of the sliding frame 14 . That is, as is shown in FIG. 13A, at first, the engaging pawls 19 of the slider 19 A or 19 B is brought into engagement with the open end of the sliding frame 14 . With this, the boss portions 19 f are brought into contact with a rounded outer surface of the sliding frame 14 , which is defined between side edge 14 a and the front wall portion 14 b . Then, keeping this condition, a certain external force is applied to the slider 19 A or 19 B to press the same toward the side edge 14 a . With this, as is seen from FIG.
- the sliding frame 14 comprises a rectangular base portion 14 A which has the side edges equipped with the above-mentioned sliders 19 A and 19 B, and a smaller rectangular portion 14 B which is integrally formed on a front face of the base portion 14 A.
- the smaller rectangular portion 14 B is formed with four bolt holes 14 C.
- the wire frame 15 generally comprises a rectangular metal block 15 a which is secured to the front face of the smaller rectangular portion 14 B of the sliding frame 14 , and a pair of rectangular wire structures 15 b and 15 c which are secured to the metal block 15 a and extend radially outwardly as shown.
- the metal block 15 a For securing the metal block 15 a to the smaller rectangular portion 14 B, four bolts 15 d are used, each passing through a bolt hole 15 e of the metal block 15 a and the above-mentioned bolt hole 14 C of the smaller rectangular portion 14 B.
- each bolt hole 15 e is formed somewhat greater than the diameter of the bolt 15 d .
- Each wire structure 15 b or 15 c is made of a steel wire and has both ends welded to the metal block 15 a.
- the base frame 16 is sized to cover the wire frame 15 , and comprises a flat major portion 16 a and a side wall portion 16 b which extend along the side and lower edges of the major portion 16 a .
- On a rear upper surface of the major portion 16 a there are formed four hooks 16 c which catch J-hooks 18 a (see FIG. 8) provided by the trim member 18 .
- the major portion 16 a of the base frame 16 is formed at upper sides thereof with two small openings 16 f and 16 g by which respective plastic clips 16 h and 16 i are held.
- the clips 16 h and 16 i hold upper sections of the rectangular wire structures 15 b and 15 c.
- each clip 16 h or 16 i comprises a flat part 16 j , front and rear side parts 16 m and 16 n which extend from front and rear ends of the flat part 16 j , two bent back parts 16 o and 16 p which extend obliquely upward from lower ends of the front and rear side parts 16 m and 16 n , two wire holding parts 16 q and 16 q ′ which are arranged to face the bent back parts 16 o and 16 p , a triangular engaging part 16 r which is formed on the flat part 16 j and two resilient tongue parts 16 t and 16 u which extend obliquely outward from the flat part 16 j.
- the pad member 17 comprises a thicker pad proper 17 a which is bonded to the flat major portion 16 a of the base frame 16 (see FIG. 14) and a side wall portion 17 b which extends along the side and lower edges of the pad proper 17 a and is bonded to the side wall portion 16 b of the base frame 16 .
- the positional relation between the pad member 17 and the base frame 16 is clearly understood from FIG. 3.
- the trim cover 18 is shaped and sized to cover the pad member 17 .
- a first group of J-hooks 18 a which are engaged with the lower edge of the side wall portion 16 b of the base frame 16
- a second group of J-hooks 18 b which are engaged with the hooks 16 c of the base frame 16 .
- the pad member 17 is fixed to the base frame 16 by using a suitable adhesive, and then the trim member 18 is fixed to the pad member 17 having the J-hooks 18 a and 18 b respectively engaged with the side wall portion 16 b of the base frame 16 and the hooks 16 c of the same.
- the plastic clips 16 h and 16 i are fixed to the base frame 16 having the triangular engaging parts 16 r mated with the two openings 16 f and 16 g of the base frame 16 . Due to function of the resilient tongue parts 16 t and 16 u pressed against the lower surface of the flat major portion 16 a of the major frame 16 , the clips 16 h and 16 i can be tightly fitted to the base frame 16 without producing undesirable play.
- the sliding frame 14 is attached to the rear surface of the base frame 16 in such a manner that the lower sections of the paired rectangular wire structures 15 b and 15 c thereof abut against the rear hooks 16 d and 16 e of the base frame 16 .
- the sliding frame 14 is somewhat moved so as to induce a contact between the lower sections of the wire structures 15 b and 15 c and leading ends of the rear hooks 16 d and 16 e of the base frame 16 and then the unit of the base frame 16 , pad member 17 and trim member 18 is pivoted in a counterclockwise direction in FIG. 16B so as separate the clips 16 h and 16 i from upper sections of the wire structures 15 b and 15 c.
- the unit of the base frame 16 , pad member 17 and trim member 18 is pivoted in a clockwise direction in FIG. 16C about the mutually engaged portion between the lower sections of the wire structures 15 b and 15 c and the rear hooks 16 d and 16 e.
- the upper sections of the wire structures 15 b and 15 c are gripped by the respective clips 16 h and 16 i . That is, the unit ( 16 , 17 and 18 ) is properly coupled with the sliding frame 14 to constitute the Ottoman 10 (viz., footrest).
- the nut member 27 takes a deeper position relative to the threaded drive bolt 26 causing the Ottoman 10 to assume the stowed position wherein the Ottoman is neatly received in the rectangular opening 2 a formed in the front end portion of the seat cushion 2 . That is, as has been described hereinabove, the distance between the pivoted portion of the front link 9 A to the holding arm 8 and the pivoted portion of the rear link 9 B to the holding arm 8 is determined larger than the distance between the pivoted portion of the front link 9 A to the supporting arm 13 and the pivoted portion of the rear link 9 B to the supporting arm 13 .
- the front and rear links 9 A and 9 B of the first link mechanism 9 come close to each other showing an inclination angle of about 30 degrees relative to a horizontal plane. That is, the first imaginary line passing through the pivoted portions of the front and rear links 9 A and 9 B to the corresponding holding arm 8 and a second imaginary line passing through the pivoted portions of the front and rear links 9 A and 9 B to the corresponding supporting arm 13 cross each other at an acute angle, so that the Ottoman 10 inclines by about 70 degrees relative to the horizontal plane as shown.
- the sliding frame 14 is deeply received in the guide grooves 12 b of the reversed U-shaped supporting frame 12 , so that the supporting frame 12 is fully concealed by the Ottoman 10 and the upper end of the pad member 17 abuts against the lower surface of the seat cushion 2 leaving the lower end of the pad member 17 away from the vehicle floor.
- the motor-driven footrest device 4 of the invention can be made into a module.
- the device 4 can be readily assembled before being fixed to the seat cushion 2 .
- the longer link member 29 and its associated elements are constructed to absorb abnormally big force.
- the seat occupant's feet are safely protected even when, with his or her feed being put on the Ottoman 10 , an associated motor vehicle encounters an head-on vehicle collision.
Abstract
A motor-driven footrest device of a seat, comprises a footrest; an expanding mechanism having one end equipped with the footrest, the expanding mechanism being movable to assume a shrunk condition wherein the footrest is received in an opening formed in a seat cushion of the seat and an expanded condition wherein the footrest is projected from the opening to permit the feet of a seat occupant to be put thereon; an electric drive unit connected to the other end of the expanding mechanism to move the same to assume the shrunk condition and the expanded condition by the force of an electric power; and a mounting structure secured to a base structure of the seat, the mounting structure carrying both of the expanding mechanism and the electric drive unit.
Description
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The present invention relates in general to automotive seats and more particularly to automotive seats of a type which is equipped with a footrest device for putting thereon the feet of a seat occupant. More specifically, the present invention is concerned with a motor-driven footrest device for an automotive seat, which has an Ottoman (viz., footrest) movable between an operative (or projected) position and an inoperative (or stowed) position by an electric power.
- 2. Description of the Prior Art
- In order to clarify the task of the present invention, description on a conventional motor-driven footrest device will be briefly commenced with respect to a device that is shown in Japanese Patent First Provisional Publication 9-206157. The device of the publication generally comprises an electric drive unit, a slider unit having a sliding rail driven by the electric drive unit, a link unit actuated by the slider rail and an Ottoman (viz., footrest) driven by the link unit to move between an operative (viz., projected) position and an inoperative (viz., stowed) position. However, due to its complicated construction, the known footrest device of the publication has failed to provide makers and users with a satisfaction. As is known, the complicated construction tends to induce not only a bulky and heavier structure but also a time-consumed assembling work and thus bring about costly products of the footrest device.
- It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a motor-driven footrest device of a seat, which is simple and compact in construction, light in weight and can be produced readily and economically.
- It is another object of the present invention to provide a motor-driven footrest device of a seat, which can be constructed into a module.
- It is another object of the present invention to provide a motor-driven footrest device of a seat, which can provide an adequate space in front of the seat even when the Ottoman is in the operative (viz., projected) position.
- It is still another object of the present invention to provide a motor-driven footrest device of a seat, which is smoothly operated without generating undesired noises.
- It is a further object of the present invention to provide a motor-driven footrest device of an automotive seat, which, upon receiving an abnormally big force due to a vehicle collision or the like by the Ottoman assuming the operative position, can effectively and safely absorb such abnormal force thereby to protect the seat occupant, particular the feet of the seat occupant.
- It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a motor-driven footrest device of an automotive seat, which is readily assembled.
- According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a motor-driven footrest device of a seat, which comprises a footrest; an expanding mechanism having one end equipped with the footrest, the expanding mechanism being movable to assume a shrunk condition wherein the footrest is received in an opening formed in a seat cushion of the seat and an expanded condition wherein the footrest is projected from the opening to permit a seat occupant's feet to put thereon; an electric drive unit connected to the other end of the expanding mechanism to move the same to assume the shrunk condition and the expanded condition by the force of an electric power; and a mounting structure secured to a base structure of the seat, the mounting structure carrying both of the expanding mechanism and the electric drive unit.
- According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided with a motor-driven footrest device for use with a sliding seat, which comprises a footrest; an expanding mechanism having one end equipped with the footrest, the expanding mechanism being movable to assume a shrunk condition where the footrest is received in an opening formed in a seat cushion of the seat and an expanded condition wherein the footrest is projected from the opening to permit the feet of a seat occupant to be put thereon; an electric drive unit connected to the other end of the expanding mechanism to move the same to assume the shrunk condition and the expanded condition by the force of an electric power; a seat slide mechanism for sliding the seat, the seat slide mechanism including two fixed rails secured to a fixed structure, and two slide rails slidably engaged with the fixed rails and mounting thereon the seat; and a mounting structure secured to the two slide rails to move therewith, the mounting structure carrying both of the expanding mechanism and the electric drive unit.
- Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an automotive seat to which a motor-driven footrest device of the present invention is practically applied;
- FIG. 2 is a side view of the automotive seat taken from the direction of the arrow “II” of FIG. 1, with the Ottoman (viz., footrest) assuming an inoperative (or stowed) position;
- FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a seat cushion of the automotive seat, a seat slide device for the automotive seat and the motor-driven footrest device of the invention incorporated with the seat slide device;
- FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a unit which includes the seat slide device and the motor-driven footrest device of the present invention, showing a condition wherein the Ottoman assumes its inoperative (or stowed) position;
- FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 4, but showing a condition wherein the Ottoman assumes its operative (or projected) position;
- FIG. 6 is an exploded view of a first link mechanism which constitutes part of the motor-driven footrest device of the present invention;
- FIG. 7 is a sectional view of the motor-driven footrest device of the present invention, showing a condition wherein the Ottoman assumes its inoperative (or stowed) position;
- FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIG. 7, but showing a condition wherein the Ottoman assumes its operative (or projected) position;
- FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a longer link member which is a part of second link mechanism of the motor-driven footrest device of the present invention;
- FIG. 10 is a modification of the longer link member of FIG. 9;
- FIG. 11 is an exploded view of plastic sliders which are parts of the Ottoman;
- FIG. 12 is a sectional view of one of the plastic sliders in an assembled condition;
- FIGS. 13A, 13B and13C are views showing steps for assembling each plastic slider to a sliding frame which is a part of the Ottoman proper;
- FIG. 14 is an exploded view of parts which constitute an essential portion of the Ottoman proper;
- FIG. 15 is a sectional view of the parts of the Ottoman in an assembled condition; and
- FIGS. 16A to16D are views showing the steps for assembling the Ottoman proper.
- In the following, a motor-driven footrest device4 according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
- For ease of understanding, various directional terms, such as, upper, lower, upward, downward, right, left and the like are used in the description. However, such terms are to be understood with respect to only a drawing or drawings on which the corresponding part is shown.
- Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is shown an automotive seat1 (particularly, front passenger's seat) to which the motor-driven footrest device 4 according to the present invention is practically applied.
- The
seat 1 comprises aseat cushion 2 and aseat back 3 which is pivotally connected to a rear end of theseat cushion 2 through a reclining mechanism (not shown). As is seen from FIG. 1, theseat cushion 2 is formed at its front end portion with arectangular opening 2 a. As will become apparent as the description proceeds, therectangular opening 2 a receives therein an Ottoman 10 (viz., footrest) of the motor-driven footrest device 4 of the present invention. - As is seen from FIG. 3, the
seat cushion 2 generally comprises acushion frame 5, apad member 2 b mounted on thecushion frame 5 and askin member 2 c covering thepad member 2 b. Thecushion frame 5 has twofront connecting portions 5 a and two rear connectingportions 5 b, as shown. - Denoted by
numeral 6 is a power seat slide mechanism on which theseat cushion 2 is mounted. - As is best shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the power seat slide mechanism comprises two
fixed rails slide rails fixed rails drive mechanism 6 f (see FIG. 5) which drives or moves theslide rails fixed rails slide rail fixed rail slide rail fixed rail - As is seen from FIG. 5, the
drive mechanism 6 f comprises anelectric motor 6 e which has output shafts. Each output shaft is connected through a speed reduction gear SRG to the corresponding drive rod in a manner to rotate the same. Thus, upon energization of themotor 6 e, theslide rails fixed rails - As is seen from FIG. 5, the
slide rails portions base brackets cushion supporting brackets base brackets slide rails cushion supporting brackets - In assembly, the above-mentioned two
front connecting portions 5 a (see FIG. 3) of thecushion frame 5 of theseat cushion 2 are mounted on and bolted to the frontcushion supporting brackets portions 5 b of thecushion frame 5 are mounted on and bolted to the rearcushion supporting brackets slide rails fixed rails electric motor 6 e is energized to rotate the output shafts in one direction, theseat 1 is moved forward or rearward relative to thefixed rails - Referring back to FIG. 5, between the two
base brackets slide rails mounting structure 60 which serves as a structural base of the motor-driven footrest device 4 of the present invention. - The mounting structure6 o comprises two
metal pipes base brackets third brackets metal pipes - As is seen from FIGS. 3 and 5, the motor-driven footrest device4 comprises two holding
arms 8 which are secured to lower surfaces of the first andthird brackets Ottoman 10 is connected to the holdingarms 8 through afirst link mechanism 9 in such a manner that theOttoman 10 is movable between an operative (viz., projected) position as shown in FIG. 8 and an inoperative (viz., stowed) position as shown in FIG. 7. - As is seen from FIGS. 6 and 8, the
first link mechanism 9 comprises twofront links 9A which are pivotally connected to the holdingarms 8 and tworear links 9B which are pivotally connected to the holdingarms 8. Leading ends of these front andrear links - As is seen from FIGS. 6 and 8, the leading ends of the front and
rear links arms 13 which are respectively secured to side portions of a reversed U-shaped supportingframe 12. As shown in FIG. 6, a supportingbracket 31 is secured to an upper bridge portion of the supportingframe 12 for the reason which will become apparent hereinafter. - As is best shown in FIGS. 5 and 8, the leading ends of the front and
rear links arm 13. - The reversed U-shaped supporting
frame 12 constitutes a base structure of theOttoman 10. That is, as is seen from FIG. 3, the side portions of the supportingframe 12 are formed withrespective guide grooves 12 b (see FIGS. 3 and 12) in which a rectangular slidingframe 14 is slidably received. To the slidingframe 14, there are mounted aspring wire frame 15, abase frame 16, apad member 17 and atrim member 18 to constitute the entirety of theOttoman 10. The detailed construction of theOttoman 10 will be described hereinafter. - As is seen from FIG. 8, the distance between the pivoted portions of the front and
rear links arm 8 is set larger than the distance between the pivoted portions of the front andrear links arm 13. - With this, as is seen from FIG. 7, when the
Ottoman 10 is in the inoperative (viz., stowed) position, that is, when theOttoman 10 is neatly put in therectangular opening 2 a of theseat cushion 2, the front andrear links rear links front link 9A to the holdingarm 8 and the pivoted portion of therear link 9B to the holdingarm 8 is determined larger than the distance between the pivoted portion of thefront link 9A to the supportingarm 13 and the pivoted portion of therear link 9B to the supportingarm 13. Under the stowed condition of theOttoman 10, a first imaginary line passing through the pivoted portions of the front andrear links arm 8 and a second imaginary line passing through the pivoted portions of the front andrear links arm 13 cross each other at an acute angle. With this arrangement, when assuming the inoperative (viz., stowed) position, theOttoman 10 inclines by about 70 degrees relative to the horizontal plane as shown. - When now the
Ottoman 10 is moved forward (viz., leftward in FIG. 7) from the inoperative stowed position, the front andrear links Ottoman 10 is gradually pivoted upward and finally, pivoted to the operative (viz., projected) position as shown. In this operative position, each of the front andrear links arm 8 causing theOttoman 10 to be in parallel with the holdingarm 8, as shown. - As is seen from FIG. 3, for moving the
Ottoman 10 in the above-mentioned manner, there is further provided adrive mechanism 22. Thedrive mechanism 22 is installed in anelongate case 21 which is secured to a lower surface of the above-mentionedsecond bracket 6r of the mountingstructure 60. Theelongate case 21 has a reversed U-shaped cross section and is arranged to cover the later-mentioned threadeddrive shaft 26. - As is seen from FIGS. 3 and 8, the
drive mechanism 22 comprises a motor unit which includes anelectric motor 23, aspeed reduction gear 24 having an input member engaged with an output member of themotor 23, anoutput shaft 25 extending from thespeed reduction gear 24 and a threadeddrive bolt 26 coaxially connected to theoutput shaft 25. If desired, the threadeddrive bolt 26 may be of a double spiral type. The motor unit is pivotally held at thespeed reduction gear 24 by theelongate case 21, and the leading end of the threadeddrive bolt 26 is rotatably supported by a front end of theelongate case 21. Anut member 27 is operatively engaged with the threadeddrive bolt 26. - As Is shown in FIG. 8, the threaded
drive bolt 26 has front andrear stoppers nut member 27 relative to thebolt 26 is restricted. - As is seen from FIGS. 3 and 8, to the
nut member 27, there is connected asecond link mechanism 28 for actuating theOttoman 10. - The
second link mechanism 28 comprises alonger link member 29 which, as is seen from FIG. 8, has a rear or right end vertically pivotally connected to thenut member 27. - As is seen from FIG. 9, the
longer link member 29 generally comprises twoparallel side walls walls side walls parallel side walls circular openings 29 p respectively and at front or left portions thereof outwardly swelledportions front portion pin 29 m for the reasons which will be described hereinafter. With provision of the swelledfront portions side wall front portion side wall opening cuts openings longer link member 29 with a suitable flexibility, that is, suitable shock absorbing ability. That is, when an abnormally big force is applied to thelonger link member 29 from a front (or left) direction, the swelledfront portions longer link member 29. Because of provision of the reinforcingridges 29 k, deformation of thelonger link member 29 caused by such big force takes place at just portions of thecuts openings side wall cuts openings longer link member 29 has a tendency to be bent downward upon receiving such big force. - As will be seen from FIGS. 8 and 4, the front (or left) end of the
longer link member 29 is pivotally connected to lower ends of twolinks 30 of which upper ends are pivotally connected to ashaft 14 b fixed to a rear center part of the rectangular sliding frame 14 (see FIG. 3). As will be seen from FIG. 7, when the slidingframe 14 is brought to the inoperative (or stowed) position, the twolinks 30 become in parallel with the slidingframe 14. - As is seen from FIG. 8, the outwardly projected pins29 m of the
longer link member 29 are pivotally held by the above-mentioned supportingbracket 31 fixed to the slidingframe 14. As is seen from FIGS. 8 and 9, thenut member 27 is pivotally connected to thecircular openings 29 p of thelonger link member 29 throughrespective spacers 29 r. - It is now to be noted that, as is seen from FIG. 3, the
drive mechanism 22, thefirst link mechanism 9 and thesecond link mechanism 28 constitute a so-called expanding mechanism for theOttoman 10. - Referring to FIG. 10, there is shown a
modification 29′ of thelonger link mechanism 29. In this modification, the radially swelledportions elongate cuts modification 29′ to thelonger link member 29, similar function to thelonger link member 29 is possessed by themodification 29′. - As has been described hereinabove (see FIG. 3), the rectangular sliding
frame 14, thespring wire frame 15, thebase frame 16 and thetrim member 18 constitute the entirety of theOttoman 10. Thespring wire frame 15 is used for providing the Ottoman with a suitable resiliency. The slidingframe 14 hasplastic sliders frame 12. - Referring to FIGS.11 to 19D, there is shown the detail of the
Ottoman 10. - In FIG. 11, there is shown the detail of the
plastic sliders plastic slider longer side wall 19 b and a shorterfront wall 19 c which are united, and thus each plastic slider has a generally L-shaped cross section. Eachslider pawls slider boss portions 19 f and at the outer surface thereof with twoelongate recesses - As is seen from FIG. 12, upon assembly, the
longer side wall 19 b covers thecorresponding side edge 14 a of the slidingframe 14, and the engagingpawls 19 a engage an open end of the slidingframe 14. The shorterfront wall 19 c mates with thefront wall portion 14 b of the slidingframe 14. The engagingpaws boss portions 19 f are engaged withengaging openings 14c formed in thefront wall portion 14 b of the slidingframe 14. Due to provision of the twoelongate recesses slider guide frame 12 b of the supportingframe 12 is smoothly made. - FIGS. 13A to13C show the steps for assembling each
slider corresponding side edge 14 a of the slidingframe 14. That is, as is shown in FIG. 13A, at first, the engaging pawls 19 of theslider frame 14. With this, theboss portions 19 f are brought into contact with a rounded outer surface of the slidingframe 14, which is defined between side edge 14 a and thefront wall portion 14 b. Then, keeping this condition, a certain external force is applied to theslider side edge 14 a. With this, as is seen from FIG. 13B, thelonger side wall 19 b is flexed outward against its own resiliency, and when the pressing is further continued, as is seen from FIG. 13C, theboss portions 19 f are finally brought into engagement with the engagingopenings 14 c of thefront wall portion 14 b of the slidingframe 14. With this, theslider frame 14. - As is seen from FIG. 12, when the sliding
frame 14 thus assembled is put into theguide grooves frame 12, the outwardly projectedengaging pawls guide grooves frame 14 relative to the supportingframe 12. - In FIG. 14, there is shown the detail of the sliding
frame 14. As shown, the slidingframe 14 comprises arectangular base portion 14A which has the side edges equipped with the above-mentionedsliders rectangular portion 14B which is integrally formed on a front face of thebase portion 14A. The smallerrectangular portion 14B is formed with four bolt holes 14C. - As is seen from FIG. 14, the
wire frame 15 generally comprises arectangular metal block 15 a which is secured to the front face of the smallerrectangular portion 14B of the slidingframe 14, and a pair ofrectangular wire structures metal block 15 a and extend radially outwardly as shown. For securing themetal block 15 a to the smallerrectangular portion 14B, fourbolts 15 d are used, each passing through abolt hole 15 e of themetal block 15 a and the above-mentioned bolt hole 14C of the smallerrectangular portion 14B. For adjusting relative positioning between themetal block 15 a and the smallerrectangular portion 14B of the slidingframe 14, eachbolt hole 15 e is formed somewhat greater than the diameter of thebolt 15 d. Eachwire structure metal block 15 a. - As is seen from FIG. 14, the
base frame 16 is sized to cover thewire frame 15, and comprises a flatmajor portion 16 a and aside wall portion 16 b which extend along the side and lower edges of themajor portion 16 a. On a rear upper surface of themajor portion 16 a, there are formed fourhooks 16 c which catch J-hooks 18 a (see FIG. 8) provided by thetrim member 18. While on a rear lower surface of themajor portion 16 a, there are provided tworear hooks rectangular wire structures major portion 16 a of thebase frame 16 is formed at upper sides thereof with twosmall openings plastic clips clips rectangular wire structures - As is seen from FIG. 15, each
clip flat part 16 j, front andrear side parts flat part 16 j, twobent back parts 16 o and 16 p which extend obliquely upward from lower ends of the front andrear side parts wire holding parts bent back parts 16 o and 16 p, a triangularengaging part 16 r which is formed on theflat part 16 j and tworesilient tongue parts flat part 16 j. - As shown in the same drawing, the
pad member 17 comprises a thicker pad proper 17 a which is bonded to the flatmajor portion 16 a of the base frame 16 (see FIG. 14) and aside wall portion 17 b which extends along the side and lower edges of the pad proper 17 a and is bonded to theside wall portion 16 b of thebase frame 16. The positional relation between thepad member 17 and thebase frame 16 is clearly understood from FIG. 3. - As is seen from FIGS. 8 and 3, the
trim cover 18 is shaped and sized to cover thepad member 17. As shown in FIG. 8, at one end of thetrim cover 18, there are provided a first group of J-hooks 18 a which are engaged with the lower edge of theside wall portion 16 b of thebase frame 16, and at the other end of thetrim cover 18, there are provided a second group of J-hooks 18 b which are engaged with thehooks 16 c of thebase frame 16. - For assembling the
Ottoman 10, the following steps are needed, which will be described with reference to FIGS. 3, 14, 15 and 16A to 16D. - First, as is understood from FIGS. 3 and 15, the
pad member 17 is fixed to thebase frame 16 by using a suitable adhesive, and then thetrim member 18 is fixed to thepad member 17 having the J-hooks 18 a and 18 b respectively engaged with theside wall portion 16 b of thebase frame 16 and thehooks 16 c of the same. - Then, as is seen from FIG. 14, the plastic clips16 h and 16 i are fixed to the
base frame 16 having the triangularengaging parts 16 r mated with the twoopenings base frame 16. Due to function of theresilient tongue parts major portion 16 a of themajor frame 16, theclips base frame 16 without producing undesirable play. - Then, as is seen from FIGS. 16A and 14, the sliding
frame 14 is attached to the rear surface of thebase frame 16 in such a manner that the lower sections of the pairedrectangular wire structures base frame 16. - Then, as is seen from FIGS. 16B and 14, the sliding
frame 14 is somewhat moved so as to induce a contact between the lower sections of thewire structures base frame 16 and then the unit of thebase frame 16,pad member 17 andtrim member 18 is pivoted in a counterclockwise direction in FIG. 16B so as separate theclips wire structures - With this, as is seen from FIGS. 16C and 14, the lower sections of the
wire structures base frame 16 and the upper sections of thewire structures respective clips wire structures respective clips bolts 15 d are loosen to adjust the positioning of thewire structures frame 14. Of course, after achieving the position adjusting, thebolts 15 d are fastened. - Then, the unit of the
base frame 16,pad member 17 andtrim member 18 is pivoted in a clockwise direction in FIG. 16C about the mutually engaged portion between the lower sections of thewire structures - With this, as is seen from FIG. 16D, the upper sections of the
wire structures respective clips frame 14 to constitute the Ottoman 10 (viz., footrest). - In the following, operation of the motor-driven footrest device4 having the above-mentioned arrangement will be described with the aid of the drawings.
- For ease of understanding, the description will be commenced with respect to an inoperative (or stowed) position of the
Ottoman 10 as shown in FIG. 7. - Under this condition, the
nut member 27 takes a deeper position relative to the threadeddrive bolt 26 causing theOttoman 10 to assume the stowed position wherein the Ottoman is neatly received in therectangular opening 2 a formed in the front end portion of theseat cushion 2. That is, as has been described hereinabove, the distance between the pivoted portion of thefront link 9A to the holdingarm 8 and the pivoted portion of therear link 9B to the holdingarm 8 is determined larger than the distance between the pivoted portion of thefront link 9A to the supportingarm 13 and the pivoted portion of therear link 9B to the supportingarm 13. Under the stowed condition of theOttoman 10, the front andrear links first link mechanism 9 come close to each other showing an inclination angle of about 30 degrees relative to a horizontal plane. That is, the first imaginary line passing through the pivoted portions of the front andrear links arm 8 and a second imaginary line passing through the pivoted portions of the front andrear links arm 13 cross each other at an acute angle, so that theOttoman 10 inclines by about 70 degrees relative to the horizontal plane as shown. Furthermore, under this stowed condition of theOttoman 10, the slidingframe 14 is deeply received in theguide grooves 12 b of the reversed U-shaped supportingframe 12, so that the supportingframe 12 is fully concealed by theOttoman 10 and the upper end of thepad member 17 abuts against the lower surface of theseat cushion 2 leaving the lower end of thepad member 17 away from the vehicle floor. - When now the
electric motor 23 is energized to turn in one direction due to manipulation of a control switch (not shown), the threadeddrive bolt 26 is rotated in one direction. With this, thenut member 27 is moved forward along the threadeddrive bolt 26 thereby moving thelonger link member 29 forward. With this movement, as is seen from FIG. 8, the front andrear links rear links arm 13, to approach a horizontal line. During this movement, theOttoman 10 is moved forward while turning in a clockwise direction. Furthermore, during this movement, the angle between thelonger link member 29 and the supportingbracket 31 gradually increases causing thelinks 30 to slide theOttoman 10 forward in theguide grooves 12 b of the supportingframe 12. - Finally, the
Ottoman 10 is brought to the operative (viz., projected) position of FIG. 8. Upon this, thenut member 27 abuts against thefront stopper 25B on the threadeddrive bolt 26 and theelectric motor 23 becomes deenergized. - When now the control switch is manipulated to turn the
electric motor 23 to in the other direction, theOttoman 10 is gradually brought to the inoperative (or stowed) position carrying out a reversed operation of the motor-driven footrest device 4. When theOttoman 10 is brought to the inoperative position, thenut member 27 abuts against therear stopper 25A on the threadeddrive bolt 26 and at the same time the energization of theelectric motor 23 is canceled. - In the following, safety movement of the motor-driven footrest device4 expected when, due to a vehicle collision or the like, the footrest device 4 is applied with an abnormal big shock will be described with reference to FIG. 8.
- For ease of understanding, the description will be made with respect to a case wherein the footrest device4 of the invention is applied to a front passenger's seat.
- When, with feet of a seat occupant being put on the
Ottoman 10 in the operative (viz., projected) position, an associated motor vehicle encounters a head-on collision causing a dashboard of the vehicle to rush theOttoman 10, theOttoman 10 is violently pushed rightward applying thelonger link member 29 with an abnormal big force through thelinks 30 and the supportingbracket 31. Upon this, thelonger link member 29 is crushed at the outwardly swelledportions Ottoman 10 while absorbing the shock. For the above-mentioned reasons, the crushing of thelonger link member 29 tends to induce a bending of the front portion of themember 29 in a downward direction, which permits an adequate shift of theOttoman 10 for protecting the seat occupant's feet. - Of course, such desirable shock absorbing movement is expected even when the
Ottoman 10 is in the inoperative (viz., stowed) position. That is, if the big force is transmitted from the dashboard to the foldedOttoman 10 through the seat occupant's feet, the force induces the shock absorbing crush of thelonger link member 29. Due to this crush, the seat occupant's feet are permitted to move rightward by a certain distance, which protects his or her feet. - In the following, advantages of the present invention will be itemized.
- The pivotal movement of the
Ottoman 10 and the forward and rearward movement of the same are simultaneously carried out by actuating the first andsecond link mechanism electric motor 23. This arrangement brings about a simple construction of the motor-driven footrest device 4 of the invention. - In the inoperative (viz., stowed) position, the
Ottoman 10 is neatly received in therectangular opening 2 a formed in the front end portion of theseat cushion 2. Thus, adequate foot space is provided before theseat cushion 2. - Due to the above-mentioned construction, the motor-driven footrest device4 of the invention can be made into a module. Thus, the device 4 can be readily assembled before being fixed to the
seat cushion 2. - Due to usage of the front and
rear links Ottoman 10 is obtained, which assures the movement of theOttoman 10 between the inoperative and operative positions. - The
longer link member 29 and its associated elements are constructed to absorb abnormally big force. Thus, the seat occupant's feet are safely protected even when, with his or her feed being put on theOttoman 10, an associated motor vehicle encounters an head-on vehicle collision. - The entire contents of Japanese Patent Applications 2000-115016 (filed Apr. 17, 2000), 2000-115019 (filed Apr. 17, 2000), 2000-115020 (filed Apr. 17, 2000) and 2000-115021 (filed Apr. 17, 2000) are incorporated herein by reference.
- Although the invention has been described above with reference to the embodiment of the invention, the invention is not limited to such embodiment as described above. Various modifications and variations of such embodiment may be carried out by those skilled in the art, in light of the above description.
Claims (21)
1. A motor-driven footrest device of a seat, comprising:
a footrest (10);
an expanding mechanism having one end equipped with said footrest, said expanding mechanism being movable to assume a shrunk condition (FIG. 7) wherein said footrest is received in an opening formed in a seat cushion of said seat and an expanded condition (FIG. 8) wherein said footrest is projected from said opening to permit the feet of a seat occupant to be put thereon;
an electric drive unit (22) connected to the other end of said expanding mechanism to move the same to assume said shrunk condition and said expanded condition by the force of an electric power; and
a mounting structure (6 o) secured to a base structure of said seat, said mounting structure carrying both of said expanding mechanism and said electric drive unit.
2. A motor-driven footrest device as claimed in , in which said expanding mechanism comprises:
claim 1
a first link mechanism (9) including a supporting frame (12) which is pivotally supported by said mounting structure (6 o) and has mutually opposed guide grooves (12 b), said guide grooves slidably receiving therein side edges of said footrest (10); and
a second link mechanism (28) including a link member (29) which has one end pivotally connected to said footrest and the other end actuated by said electric drive unit (22); and
a power transmission mechanism (24, 26, 27) arranged between said electric drive unit and the other end of said second link mechanism to transmit a power of said electric drive unit to said second link mechanism;
whereby when said electric drive unit is energized, said link member (29) of the second link mechanism (28) is moved to pivot said footrest (10) together with said supporting frame (12) while inducing a sliding movement of said footrest in said guide grooves (12 b) of said supporting frame.
3. A motor-driven footrest device as claimed in , in which said first link mechanism further comprises:
claim 2
two holding arms (8) secured to said mounting structure;
two supporting arms (13) secured to said supporting frame (12); and
two pivot units each being arranged between one of said holding arms (8) and the corresponding of said supporting arms (13) thereby to induce a pivotal movement of said supporting frame relative to holding arms (8).
4. A motor-driven footrest device as claimed in , in which each of said pivot units comprises:
claim 3
front and rear links (9A, 9B), each having one end pivotally connected to the corresponding holding arm (8) and the other end pivotally connected to the corresponding supporting arm (13),
wherein the distance between the pivoted portions of said front and rear links to said holding arm (8) is greater than the distance between the pivoted portions of said front and rear links to said supporting arm (13).
5. A motor-driven footrest device as claimed in , in which said second link mechanism (28) further comprises:
claim 2
a supporting bracket (31) secured to said supporting frame (12), said supporting bracket (31) being pivotally connected to said link member (29).
6. A motor-driven footrest device as claimed in , in which said power transmission mechanism comprises:
claim 5
a speed reduction gear (24) driven by said electric drive unit 23);
a threaded drive shaft (26) driven by said speed reduction gear (24); and
a nut member (27) operatively engaged with said threaded drive shaft, said nut member being pivotally connected to the other end of said link member (29).
7. A motor-driven footrest device as claimed in , in which said second link mechanism (28) further comprises an elongate case (21) which is secured to said mounting structure (6 o) to cover said threaded drive shaft (26).
claim 6
8. A motor-driven footrest device as claimed in , in which said footrest comprises:
claim 1
a rectangular sliding frame (14);
a metal block (15 a) secured to said sliding frame;
a spring wire structure (15) secured to said metal block;
a base frame (16) detachably coupled with said sliding frame having said spring wire structure interposed therebetween;
a pad member (17) covering said base frame; and
a trim member (18) covering said pad member,
wherein said spring wire structure (15) is arranged to cause said base frame to have a resiliency relative to said sliding frame.
9. A motor-driven footrest device as claimed in , in which said spring wire structure (15) comprises a pair of rectangular spring wire structures (15 b, 15 c) which are secured to the metal block (15 a) and extend radially outward from the metal block.
claim 8
10. A motor-driven footrest device as claimed in , in which said base frame (16) is equipped with hooks which catch lower sections of said rectangular wire structures.
claim 9
11. A motor-driven footrest device as claimed in , further comprising clips (16 h, 16 i) held by openings formed in said base frame (16), said clips catching upper sections of said rectangular wire structures.
claim 10
12. A motor-driven footrest device as claimed in , in which said footrest further comprises sliders (19A, 19B) which are connected to side edges of said rectangular sliding frame (14) to smooth a sliding movement of said sliding frame relative to guide grooves (12 b) defined by a supporting frame (12), said supporting frame being an element of said expanding mechanism.
claim 11
13. A motor-driven footrest device as claimed in , in which each of the sliders is constructed of a plastic and comprises:
claim 12
a longer side wall (19 b);
a shorter front wall (19 c) integrally connected to said longer side wall to form a unit having a generally L-shaped cross section; and
a plurality of engaging pawls (19 a) integrally formed on said unit, said engaging pawls being detachably engaged with said rectangular sliding frame (14).
14. A motor-driven footrest device as claimed in , in which said link member (29) is formed with an expanded portion to serve as a shock absorber.
claim 2
15. A motor-driven footrest device as claimed in , in which said link member comprises:
claim 14
two parallel side walls having outwardly swelled portions (29 e, 29 f) at one end portions thereof; and
two connecting walls each extending between said two parallel side walls.
16. A motor-driven footrest device as claimed in , in which each of said swelled portions of said parallel side walls is shaped to have a trapezoidal cross section.
claim 15
17. A motor-driven footrest device as claimed in , in which each of said swelled portions of said parallel side walls of said link member is shaped to have a semi-cylindrical cross section.
claim 15
18. A motor-driven footrest device as claimed in , in which the two parallel side walls of said link member are formed with respective cuts (29 g) with which the mechanical strength of the parallel side walls around said cuts is lowered.
claim 15
19. A motor-driven footrest device for use with a sliding seat, comprising:
a footrest (10);
an expanding mechanism having one end equipped with said footrest, said expanding mechanism being movable to assume a shrunk condition (FIG. 7) where said footrest is received in an opening formed in a seat cushion of said seat and an expanded condition (FIG. 8) wherein said footrest is projected from said opening to permit a seat occupant's feet to put thereon;
an electric drive unit (22) connected to the other end of said expanding mechanism to move the same to assume said shrunk condition and said expanded condition by the force of an electric power;
a seat slide mechanism (6) for sliding the seat, said seat slide mechanism including two fixed rails (6 a, 6 b) secured to a fixed structure, and two slide rails slidably engaged with said fixed rails and mounting thereon the seat; and
a mounting structure (6 o) secured to said two slide rails to move therewith, said mounting structure carrying both of said expanding mechanism and said electric drive unit.
20. A motor-driven footrest device as claimed in , in which said expanding mechanism comprises:
claim 19
a first link mechanism (9) including a supporting frame (12) which is pivotally supported by said mounting structure (6 o) and having mutually opposed guide grooves (12 b), said guide grooves slidably receiving therein side edges of said footrest; and
a second link mechanism (28) including a link member (29) which has one end pivotally connected to said footrest and the other end actuated by said electric drive unit (22), said link member having an breakable portion to serve as a shock absorbing member; and
a power transmission mechanism (24, 26, 27) arranged between said electric drive unit and the other end of said second link mechanism to transmit a power of said electric drive unit to said second link mechanism,
whereby when said electric drive unit is energized, said link member (29) of the second link mechanism (28) is forced to move to pivot said footrest together with said supporting frame (12) while inducing a sliding movement of the side edges of said footrest in said guide grooves (12 b) of said supporting frame.
21. A motor-driven footrest device as claimed in , in which said seat slide mechanism (6) further comprises an electric motor (6 e) for moving the slide rails relative to the fixed rails by the force of an electric power.
claim 19
Applications Claiming Priority (5)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
JP2000115016A JP2001292857A (en) | 2000-04-17 | 2000-04-17 | Motor-driven ottoman device |
JP2000115019A JP3721934B2 (en) | 2000-04-17 | 2000-04-17 | Electric ottoman device |
JP2000115020A JP2001292862A (en) | 2000-04-17 | 2000-04-17 | Motor-driven ottoman device |
JP2000-115016 | 2000-04-17 | ||
JP2000115021A JP2001292860A (en) | 2000-04-17 | 2000-04-17 | Motor-driven ottoman device |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20010048239A1 true US20010048239A1 (en) | 2001-12-06 |
Family
ID=27481225
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US09/835,846 Abandoned US20010048239A1 (en) | 2000-04-17 | 2001-04-17 | Motor-driven footrest device of seat |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20010048239A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1147939A3 (en) |
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US7743441B2 (en) | 2004-09-13 | 2010-06-29 | Kreg Therapeutics, Inc. | Expandable width bed |
US7757318B2 (en) | 2004-09-13 | 2010-07-20 | Kreg Therapeutics, Inc. | Mattress for a hospital bed |
US7779494B2 (en) | 2004-09-13 | 2010-08-24 | Kreg Therapeutics, Inc. | Bed having fixed length foot deck |
US20110260506A1 (en) * | 2010-04-23 | 2011-10-27 | Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki Kaisha | Vehicle seat |
CN104108334A (en) * | 2013-04-19 | 2014-10-22 | 长春博泽汽车部件有限公司 | Seat of automobile |
US9119753B2 (en) | 2008-06-27 | 2015-09-01 | Kreg Medical, Inc. | Bed with modified foot deck |
US20150321587A1 (en) * | 2012-08-31 | 2015-11-12 | Nhk Spring Co., Ltd. | Power seat operation device and power seat |
US20160029800A1 (en) * | 2013-05-10 | 2016-02-04 | L&P Property Management Company | Motorized linkage mechanism for hi-leg seating unit |
US20160144744A1 (en) * | 2014-11-25 | 2016-05-26 | Hyundai Motor Company | Seat cushion extension apparatus |
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JP3662329B2 (en) | 1996-01-31 | 2005-06-22 | デルタ工業株式会社 | Chair footrest structure |
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JP2000115020A (en) | 1998-09-28 | 2000-04-21 | Data Investments Ltd | Delay reset mode model for electronic identification system |
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JP2000115016A (en) | 1998-10-08 | 2000-04-21 | Kokusai Electric Co Ltd | Full duplex radio equipment and its sneaking preventing method |
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2001
- 2001-04-17 US US09/835,846 patent/US20010048239A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2001-04-17 EP EP01109521A patent/EP1147939A3/en not_active Withdrawn
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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EP1147939A2 (en) | 2001-10-24 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: JOHNSON CONTROLS AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS CORPORATION, J Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:KOGURE, MASAAKI;REEL/FRAME:011983/0762 Effective date: 20010605 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |