U.S. patent application number 09/835846 was filed with the patent office on 2001-12-06 for motor-driven footrest device of seat.
Invention is credited to Kogure, Masaaki.
Application Number | 20010048239 09/835846 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 27481225 |
Filed Date | 2001-12-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010048239 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kogure, Masaaki |
December 6, 2001 |
Motor-driven footrest device of seat
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.
Inventors: |
Kogure, Masaaki; (Kanagawa,
JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Richard L. Schwaab
FOLEY & LARDNER
Washington Harbour
3000 K Street, N.W., Suite 500
Washington
DC
20007-5109
US
|
Family ID: |
27481225 |
Appl. No.: |
09/835846 |
Filed: |
April 17, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
297/423.2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60N 2/62 20130101; B60N
3/063 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
297/423.2 |
International
Class: |
A47C 007/50; A47C
020/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 17, 2000 |
JP |
2000-115016 |
Apr 17, 2000 |
JP |
2000-115019 |
Apr 17, 2000 |
JP |
2000-115020 |
Apr 17, 2000 |
JP |
2000-115021 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
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 (6o) 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 claim 1, in which
said expanding mechanism comprises: a first link mechanism (9)
including a supporting frame (12) which is pivotally supported by
said mounting structure (6o) and has mutually opposed guide grooves
(12b), 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 (12b) of said supporting frame.
3. A motor-driven footrest device as claimed in claim 2, in which
said first link mechanism further comprises: 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 claim 3, in which
each of said pivot units comprises: 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 claim 2, in which
said second link mechanism (28) further comprises: 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 claim 5, in which
said power transmission mechanism comprises: 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 claim 6, in which
said second link mechanism (28) further comprises an elongate case
(21) which is secured to said mounting structure (6o) to cover said
threaded drive shaft (26).
8. A motor-driven footrest device as claimed in claim 1, in which
said footrest comprises: a rectangular sliding frame (14); a metal
block (15a) 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 claim 8, in which
said spring wire structure (15) comprises a pair of rectangular
spring wire structures (15b, 15c) which are secured to the metal
block (15a) and extend radially outward from the metal block.
10. A motor-driven footrest device as claimed in claim 9, in which
said base frame (16) is equipped with hooks which catch lower
sections of said rectangular wire structures.
11. A motor-driven footrest device as claimed in claim 10, further
comprising clips (16h, 16i) held by openings formed in said base
frame (16), said clips catching upper sections of said rectangular
wire structures.
12. A motor-driven footrest device as claimed in claim 11, 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 (12b) defined by a supporting frame (12), said supporting
frame being an element of said expanding mechanism.
13. A motor-driven footrest device as claimed in claim 12, in which
each of the sliders is constructed of a plastic and comprises: a
longer side wall (19b); a shorter front wall (19c) integrally
connected to said longer side wall to form a unit having a
generally L-shaped cross section; and a plurality of engaging pawls
(19a) 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 claim 2, in which
said link member (29) is formed with an expanded portion to serve
as a shock absorber.
15. A motor-driven footrest device as claimed in claim 14, in which
said link member comprises: two parallel side walls having
outwardly swelled portions (29e, 29f) 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 claim 15, in which
each of said swelled portions of said parallel side walls is shaped
to have a trapezoidal cross section.
17. A motor-driven footrest device as claimed in claim 15, 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.
18. A motor-driven footrest device as claimed in claim 15, in which
the two parallel side walls of said link member are formed with
respective cuts (29g) with which the mechanical strength of the
parallel side walls around said cuts is lowered.
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 (6a, 6b) secured to a
fixed structure, and two slide rails slidably engaged with said
fixed rails and mounting thereon the seat; and a mounting structure
(6o) 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 claim 19, in which
said expanding mechanism comprises: a first link mechanism (9)
including a supporting frame (12) which is pivotally supported by
said mounting structure (6o) and having mutually opposed guide
grooves (12b), 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
(12b) of said supporting frame.
21. A motor-driven footrest device as claimed in claim 19, in which
said seat slide mechanism (6) further comprises an electric motor
(6e) for moving the slide rails relative to the fixed rails by the
force of an electric power.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] 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.
[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0004] 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.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] 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.
[0006] 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.
[0007] 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.
[0008] 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.
[0009] 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.
[0010] 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.
[0011] 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.
[0012] 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.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] 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:
[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an automotive seat to which
a motor-driven footrest device of the present invention is
practically applied;
[0015] 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;
[0016] 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;
[0017] 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;
[0018] FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 4, but showing a condition
wherein the Ottoman assumes its operative (or projected)
position;
[0019] FIG. 6 is an exploded view of a first link mechanism which
constitutes part of the motor-driven footrest device of the present
invention;
[0020] 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;
[0021] FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIG. 7, but showing a condition
wherein the Ottoman assumes its operative (or projected)
position;
[0022] 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;
[0023] FIG. 10 is a modification of the longer link member of FIG.
9;
[0024] FIG. 11 is an exploded view of plastic sliders which are
parts of the Ottoman;
[0025] FIG. 12 is a sectional view of one of the plastic sliders in
an assembled condition;
[0026] FIGS. 13A, 13B and 13C are views showing steps for
assembling each plastic slider to a sliding frame which is a part
of the Ottoman proper;
[0027] FIG. 14 is an exploded view of parts which constitute an
essential portion of the Ottoman proper;
[0028] FIG. 15 is a sectional view of the parts of the Ottoman in
an assembled condition; and
[0029] FIGS. 16A to 16D are views showing the steps for assembling
the Ottoman proper.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0030] In the following, a motor-driven footrest device 4 according
to the present invention will be described in detail with reference
to the accompanying drawings.
[0031] 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.
[0032] Referring to 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.
[0033] 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). As is seen from FIG. 1,
the seat cushion 2 is formed at its front end portion with a
rectangular opening 2a. As will become apparent as the description
proceeds, the rectangular opening 2a receives therein an Ottoman 10
(viz., footrest) of the motor-driven footrest device 4 of the
present invention.
[0034] As is seen from FIG. 3, the seat cushion 2 generally
comprises a cushion frame 5, a pad member 2b mounted on the cushion
frame 5 and a skin member 2c covering the pad member 2b. The
cushion frame 5 has two front connecting portions 5a and two rear
connecting portions 5b, as shown.
[0035] Denoted by numeral 6 is a power seat slide mechanism on
which the seat cushion 2 is mounted.
[0036] As is best shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the power seat slide
mechanism comprises two fixed rails 6a and 6b which are fixed to a
floor of an associated motor vehicle, two slide rails 6c and 6d
which are slidably engaged with the two fixed rails 6a and 6b and a
drive mechanism 6f (see FIG. 5) which drives or moves the slide
rails 6c and 6d relative to the fixed rails 6a and 6b by the force
of an electric power. Although not shown in the drawing, each slide
rail 6c or 6d 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 6a or 6b, so
that upon rotation of the threaded drive rod about its axis, the
slide rail 6c or 6d slides on and along the fixed rail 6a or 6b
forward or rearward.
[0037] As is seen from FIG. 5, the drive mechanism 6f comprises an
electric motor 6e 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 the motor 6e, the slide rails 6c and 6d are. moved on and along
the fixed rails 6a and 6b forward or rearward.
[0038] As is seen from FIG. 5, the slide rails 6c and 6d have at
their front portions base brackets 6g and 6h secured thereto. Two
front cushion supporting brackets 6j and 6k are secured to the base
brackets 6g and 6h respectively. The slide rails 6c and 6d have at
their rear portions two rear cushion supporting brackets 6m and 6n
secured thereto.
[0039] In assembly, the above-mentioned two front connecting
portions 5a (see FIG. 3) of the cushion frame 5 of the seat cushion
2 are mounted on and bolted to the front cushion supporting
brackets 6j and 6k, and the two rear connecting portions 5b of the
cushion frame 5 are mounted on and bolted to the rear cushion
supporting brackets 6m and 6n. With this, the seat cushion 2 (more
specifically, the seat 1) and the slide rails 6c and 6d constitute
a single unit which is movable relative to the fixed rails 6a and
6b. That is, when the electric motor 6e is energized to rotate the
output shafts in one direction, the seat 1 is moved forward or
rearward relative to the fixed rails 6a and 6b.
[0040] Referring back to FIG. 5, between the two base brackets 6g
and 6h on the slide rails 6c and 6d, there extends a mounting
structure 60 which serves as a structural base of the motor-driven
footrest device 4 of the present invention.
[0041] The mounting structure 6o comprises two metal pipes 6p and
6q each extending between the base brackets 6g and 6h, and three,
that is, first, second and third brackets 6s, 6r and 6t each
extending between the two metal pipes 6p and 6q. It is to be noted
that these elements are welded to the corresponding portions.
[0042] As is seen from FIGS. 3 and 5, the motor-driven footrest
device 4 comprises two holding arms 8 which are secured to lower
surfaces of the first and third brackets 6s and 6t of the mounting
structure 6o. As is seen from FIG. 3, 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.
[0043] As is seen from FIGS. 6 and 8, the first link mechanism 9
comprises two front links 9A which are pivotally connected to the
holding arms 8 and two rear links 9B which are pivotally connected
to the holding arms 8. Leading ends of these front and rear links
9A and 9B are bent inward, as shown in FIG. 6.
[0044] As is seen from FIGS. 6 and 8, the leading ends of the front
and rear links 9A and 9B are pivotally connected to respective
supporting arms 13 which are respectively secured to side portions
of a reversed U-shaped supporting frame 12. As shown in FIG. 6, a
supporting bracket 31 is secured to an upper bridge portion of the
supporting frame 12 for the reason which will become apparent
hereinafter.
[0045] As is best shown in FIGS. 5 and 8, the leading ends of the
front and rear links 9A and 9B of each unit are pivotally connected
to different portions of the corresponding supporting arm 13.
[0046] 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 12b (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.
[0047] As is seen from FIG. 8, the distance between the pivoted
portions of the front and rear links 9A and 9B of each unit to
corresponding holding arm 8 is set larger than the distance between
the pivoted portions of the front and rear links 9A and 9B to the
corresponding supporting arm 13.
[0048] With this, as is seen from FIG. 7, when the Ottoman 10 is in
the inoperative (viz., stowed) position, that is, when the Ottoman
10 is neatly put in the rectangular opening 2a of the seat cushion
2, the front and rear links 9A and 9B of each unit come close to
each other showing an inclination of about 30 degrees relative to a
horizontal plane. For achieving this inclination of the front and
rear links 9A and 9B, the distance between the pivoted portion of
the front link 9A to the holding arm 8 and the pivoted portion of
the rear link 9B to the holding arm 8 is determined larger than the
distance between the pivoted portion of the front link 9A to the
supporting arm 13 and the pivoted portion of the rear link 9B to
the supporting arm 13. Under the stowed condition of the Ottoman
10, a first imaginary line passing through the pivoted portions of
the front and rear links 9A and 9B to the corresponding holding arm
8 and a second imaginary line passing through the pivoted portions
of the front and rear links 9A and 9B to the corresponding
supporting arm 13 cross each other at an acute angle. With this
arrangement, when assuming the inoperative (viz., stowed) position,
the Ottoman 10 inclines by about 70 degrees relative to the
horizontal plane as shown.
[0049] When now the Ottoman 10 is moved forward (viz., leftward in
FIG. 7) from the inoperative stowed position, the front and rear
links 9A and 9B are forced to pivot in a counterclockwise direction
increasing the distance therebetween. During this, as is seen from
FIG. 8, the 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 and rear links 9A and 9B
stands generally perpendicular to the corresponding holding arm 8
causing the Ottoman 10 to be in parallel with the holding arm 8, as
shown.
[0050] As is seen from FIG. 3, 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 6r 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.
[0051] As is seen from FIGS. 3 and 8, 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. If desired, 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.
[0052] As Is shown in FIG. 8, the threaded drive bolt 26 has front
and rear stoppers 25B and 25A mounted thereon by which the axial
movement of the nut member 27 relative to the bolt 26 is
restricted.
[0053] As is seen from FIGS. 3 and 8, to the nut member 27, there
is connected a second link mechanism 28 for actuating the Ottoman
10.
[0054] 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.
[0055] As is seen from FIG. 9, the longer link member 29 generally
comprises two parallel side walls 29a and 29b and front and rear
connecting walls 29c and 29d each extending between the side walls
29a and 29b. The parallel side walls 29a and 29b have at rear or
right ends thereof circular openings 29p respectively and at front
or left portions thereof outwardly swelled portions 29e and 29f
respectively. Each swelled front portion 29e or 29f is provided
with an outwardly projected pin 29m for the reasons which will be
described hereinafter. With provision of the swelled front portions
29e and 29f, each side wall 29a or 29b has at front and rear
portions of the swelled front portion 29e or 29f front and rear
inclined walls (no numerals). Each of these front and rear inclined
walls is formed with a reinforcing ridge (or bead) 29k for
reinforcing such inclined walls. As shown, each side wall 29a or
29b has near the rear inclined wall an elongate cut 29g or 29h, and
near the front inclined wall an opening 29i or 29j. These cuts 29g
and 29h and the openings 29i and 29j 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 29e and 29f are forced
to expand outward reducing the length of the longer link member 29.
Because of provision of the reinforcing ridges 29k, deformation of
the longer link member 29 caused by such big force takes place at
just portions of the cuts 29g and 29h and the openings 29i and 29j.
As shown, each cut 29g or 29h extends upward from a lower edge of
the side wall 29a or 29b to a middle portion of the same. Due to
the nature of the cuts 29g and 29h and provision of the openings
29i and 29j, the front portion of the longer link member 29 has a
tendency to be bent downward upon receiving such big force.
[0056] 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 two links 30 of which upper ends are pivotally connected to a
shaft 14b fixed to a rear center part of the rectangular sliding
frame 14 (see FIG. 3). As will be seen from FIG. 7, when the
sliding frame 14 is brought to the inoperative (or stowed)
position, the two links 30 become in parallel with the sliding
frame 14.
[0057] As is seen from FIG. 8, the outwardly projected pins 29m of
the longer link member 29 are pivotally held by the above-mentioned
supporting bracket 31 fixed to the sliding frame 14. As is seen
from FIGS. 8 and 9, the nut member 27 is pivotally connected to the
circular openings 29p of the longer link member 29 through
respective spacers 29r.
[0058] It is now to be noted that, as is seen from FIG. 3, 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.
[0059] Referring to FIG. 10, there is shown a modification 29' of
the longer link mechanism 29. In this modification, the radially
swelled portions 29e and 29f are semi-cylindrical in shape and the
elongate cuts 29g and 29h 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'.
[0060] As has been described hereinabove (see FIG. 3), 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 19A and 19B fixed to side edges thereof for
smoothing movement in the guide grooves of the supporting frame
12.
[0061] Referring to FIGS. 11 to 19D, there is shown the detail of
the Ottoman 10.
[0062] In FIG. 11, there is shown the detail of the plastic sliders
19A and 19B. As shown, each plastic slider 19A or 19B generally
comprises a longer side wall 19b and a shorter front wall 19c which
are united, and thus each plastic slider has a generally L-shaped
cross section. Each slider 19A or 19B is formed with various
engaging pawls 19a, 19d and 19e. Furthermore, each slider 19A or
19B is formed at the inner surface thereof with inwardly projected
two boss portions 19f and at the outer surface thereof with two
elongate recesses 19g and 19h.
[0063] As is seen from FIG. 12, upon assembly, the longer side wall
19b covers the corresponding side edge 14a of the sliding frame 14,
and the engaging pawls 19a engage an open end of the sliding frame
14. The shorter front wall 19c mates with the front wall portion
14b of the sliding frame 14. The engaging paws 19d and 19e project
obliquely. The two boss portions 19f are engaged with engaging
openings 14c formed in the front wall portion 14b of the sliding
frame 14. Due to provision of the two elongate recesses 19g and
19h, the sliding movement of the slider 19A or 19B relative to the
guide frame 12b of the supporting frame 12 is smoothly made.
[0064] FIGS. 13A to 13C show the steps for assembling each slider
19A or 19B to the corresponding side edge 14a of the sliding frame
14. That is, as is shown in FIG. 13A, at first, the engaging pawls
19 of the slider 19A or 19B is brought into engagement with the
open end of the sliding frame 14. With this, the boss portions 19f
are brought into contact with a rounded outer surface of the
sliding frame 14, which is defined between side edge 14a and the
front wall portion 14b. Then, keeping this condition, a certain
external force is applied to the slider 19A or 19B to press the
same toward the side edge 14a. With this, as is seen from FIG. 13B,
the longer side wall 19b is flexed outward against its own
resiliency, and when the pressing is further continued, as is seen
from FIG. 13C, the boss portions 19f are finally brought into
engagement with the engaging openings 14c of the front wall portion
14b of the sliding frame 14. With this, the slider 19A or 19B is
tightly coupled with the sliding frame 14.
[0065] As is seen from FIG. 12, when the sliding frame 14 thus
assembled is put into the guide grooves 12b and 12c of the reversed
U-shaped supporting frame 12, the outwardly projected engaging
pawls 19d and 19e are pressed against the inner Surfaces of the
guide grooves 12b and 12c thereby to suppress undesired play of the
entirety of the sliding frame 14 relative to the supporting frame
12.
[0066] In FIG. 14, there is shown the detail of the sliding frame
14. As shown, the sliding frame 14 comprises a rectangular base
portion 14A which has the side edges equipped with the
above-mentioned sliders 19A and 19B, and a smaller rectangular
portion 14B which is integrally formed on a front face of the base
portion 14A. The smaller rectangular portion 14B is formed with
four bolt holes 14C.
[0067] As is seen from FIG. 14, the wire frame 15 generally
comprises a rectangular metal block 15a which is secured to the
front face of the smaller rectangular portion 14B of the sliding
frame 14, and a pair of rectangular wire structures 15b and 15c
which are secured to the metal block 15a and extend radially
outwardly as shown. For securing the metal block 15a to the smaller
rectangular portion 14B, four bolts 15d are used, each passing
through a bolt hole 15e of the metal block 15a and the
above-mentioned bolt hole 14C of the smaller rectangular portion
14B. For adjusting relative positioning between the metal block 15a
and the smaller rectangular portion 14B of the sliding frame 14,
each bolt hole 15e is formed somewhat greater than the diameter of
the bolt 15d. Each wire structure 15b or 15c is made of a steel
wire and has both ends welded to the metal block 15a.
[0068] As is seen from FIG. 14, the base frame 16 is sized to cover
the wire frame 15, and comprises a flat major portion 16a and a
side wall portion 16b which extend along the side and lower edges
of the major portion 16a. On a rear upper surface of the major
portion 16a, there are formed four hooks 16c which catch J-hooks
18a (see FIG. 8) provided by the trim member 18. While on a rear
lower surface of the major portion 16a, there are provided two rear
hooks 16d and 16e which catch lower sections of the rectangular
wire structures 15b and 15c respectively. Furthermore, the major
portion 16a of the base frame 16 is formed at upper sides thereof
with two small openings 16f and 16g by which respective plastic
clips 16h and 16i are held. In assembly, the clips 16h and 16i hold
upper sections of the rectangular wire structures 15b and 15c.
[0069] As is seen from FIG. 15, each clip 16h or 16i comprises a
flat part 16j, front and rear side parts 16m and 16n which extend
from front and rear ends of the flat part 16j, two bent back parts
16o and 16p which extend obliquely upward from lower ends of the
front and rear side parts 16m and 16n, two wire holding parts 16q
and 16q' which are arranged to face the bent back parts 16o and
16p, a triangular engaging part 16r which is formed on the flat
part 16j and two resilient tongue parts 16t and 16u which extend
obliquely outward from the flat part 16j.
[0070] As shown in the same drawing, the pad member 17 comprises a
thicker pad proper 17a which is bonded to the flat major portion
16a of the base frame 16 (see FIG. 14) and a side wall portion 17b
which extends along the side and lower edges of the pad proper 17a
and is bonded to the side wall portion 16b of the base frame 16.
The positional relation between the pad member 17 and the base
frame 16 is clearly understood from FIG. 3.
[0071] As is seen from FIGS. 8 and 3, the trim cover 18 is shaped
and sized to cover the pad member 17. As shown in FIG. 8, at one
end of the trim cover 18, there are provided a first group of
J-hooks 18a which are engaged with the lower edge of the side wall
portion 16b of the base frame 16, and at the other end of the trim
cover 18, there are provided a second group of J-hooks 18b which
are engaged with the hooks 16c of the base frame 16.
[0072] 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.
[0073] First, as is understood from FIGS. 3 and 15, 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 18a and 18b respectively engaged with the side wall portion
16b of the base frame 16 and the hooks 16c of the same.
[0074] Then, as is seen from FIG. 14, the plastic clips 16h and 16i
are fixed to the base frame 16 having the triangular engaging parts
16r mated with the two openings 16f and 16g of the base frame 16.
Due to function of the resilient tongue parts 16t and 16u pressed
against the lower surface of the flat major portion 16a of the
major frame 16, the clips 16h and 16i can be tightly fitted to the
base frame 16 without producing undesirable play.
[0075] Then, as is seen from FIGS. 16A and 14, 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 15b and 15c thereof abut against the rear hooks 16d and
16e of the base frame 16.
[0076] 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 the wire structures 15b and 15c and leading ends of the
rear hooks 16d and 16e 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 16h
and 16i from upper sections of the wire structures 15b and 15c.
[0077] With this, as is seen from FIGS. 16C and 14, the lower
sections of the wire structures 15b and 15c become engaged with the
rear hooks 16d and 16e of the base frame 16 and the upper sections
of the wire structures 15b and 15c assume a position to face the
respective clips 16h and 16i. When the upper sections of the wire
structures 15b and 15c fails to assume a right position relative to
the respective clips 16h and 16i, the four bolts 15d are loosen to
adjust the positioning of the wire structures 15b and 15c relative
to the sliding frame 14. Of course, after achieving the position
adjusting, the bolts 15d are fastened.
[0078] Then, 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 15b and 15c and the rear hooks 16d and 16e.
[0079] With this, as is seen from FIG. 16D, the upper sections of
the wire structures 15b and 15c are gripped by the respective clips
16h and 16i. That is, the unit (16, 17 and 18) is properly coupled
with the sliding frame 14 to constitute the Ottoman 10 (viz.,
footrest).
[0080] In the following, operation of the motor-driven footrest
device 4 having the above-mentioned arrangement will be described
with the aid of the drawings.
[0081] 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.
[0082] Under this condition, 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 2a 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 9A to the holding arm 8 and the pivoted portion of the rear
link 9B to the holding arm 8 is determined larger than the distance
between the pivoted portion of the front link 9A to the supporting
arm 13 and the pivoted portion of the rear link 9B to the
supporting arm 13. Under the stowed condition of the Ottoman 10,
the front and rear links 9A and 9B 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 9A and 9B to the corresponding holding arm 8 and a
second imaginary line passing through the pivoted portions of the
front and rear links 9A and 9B 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. Furthermore, under this stowed condition of the Ottoman 10,
the sliding frame 14 is deeply received in the guide grooves 12b 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.
[0083] When now the electric motor 23 is energized to turn in one
direction due to manipulation of a control switch (not shown), the
threaded drive bolt 26 is rotated in one direction. With this, the
nut member 27 is moved forward along the threaded drive bolt 26
thereby moving the longer link member 29 forward. With this
movement, as is seen from FIG. 8, the front and rear links 9A and
9B are forced to pivot in a counterclockwise direction causing the
second imaginary line, which passes through the pivoted portions of
the front and rear links 9A and 9B to the supporting arm 13, to
approach a horizontal line. During this movement, the Ottoman 10 is
moved forward while turning in a clockwise direction. Furthermore,
during this movement, the angle between the longer link member 29
and the supporting bracket 31 gradually increases causing the links
30 to slide the Ottoman 10 forward in the guide grooves 12b of the
supporting frame 12.
[0084] Finally, the Ottoman 10 is brought to the operative (viz.,
projected) position of FIG. 8. Upon this, the nut member 27 abuts
against the front stopper 25B on the threaded drive bolt 26 and the
electric motor 23 becomes deenergized.
[0085] When now the control switch is manipulated to turn the
electric motor 23 to in the other direction, the Ottoman 10 is
gradually brought to the inoperative (or stowed) position carrying
out a reversed operation of the motor-driven footrest device 4.
When the Ottoman 10 is brought to the inoperative position, the nut
member 27 abuts against the rear stopper 25A on the threaded drive
bolt 26 and at the same time the energization of the electric motor
23 is canceled.
[0086] In the following, safety movement of the motor-driven
footrest device 4 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.
[0087] For ease of understanding, the description will be made with
respect to a case wherein the footrest device 4 of the invention is
applied to a front passenger's seat.
[0088] 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 the Ottoman 10, the Ottoman 10 is violently pushed
rightward applying the longer link member 29 with an abnormal big
force through the links 30 and the supporting bracket 31. Upon
this, the longer link member 29 is crushed at the outwardly swelled
portions 29e and 29f permitting a certain rightward movement of the
Ottoman 10 while absorbing the shock. For the above-mentioned
reasons, the crushing of the longer link member 29 tends to induce
a bending of the front portion of the member 29 in a downward
direction, which permits an adequate shift of the Ottoman 10 for
protecting the seat occupant's feet.
[0089] 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 folded Ottoman 10 through the seat occupant's
feet, the force induces the shock absorbing crush of the longer
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.
[0090] In the following, advantages of the present invention will
be itemized.
[0091] The pivotal movement of the Ottoman 10 and the forward and
rearward movement of the same are simultaneously carried out by
actuating the first and second link mechanism 9 and 28 by the power
of the electric motor 23. This arrangement brings about a simple
construction of the motor-driven footrest device 4 of the
invention.
[0092] In the inoperative (viz., stowed) position, the Ottoman 10
is neatly received in the rectangular opening 2a formed in the
front end portion of the seat cushion 2. Thus, adequate foot space
is provided before the seat cushion 2.
[0093] Due to the above-mentioned construction, the motor-driven
footrest device 4 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.
[0094] Due to usage of the front and rear links 9A and 9B (two
pairs), much complicated pivotal movement of the Ottoman 10 is
obtained, which assures the movement of the Ottoman 10 between the
inoperative and operative positions.
[0095] 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 the Ottoman 10, an associated motor vehicle
encounters an head-on vehicle collision.
[0096] 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.
[0097] 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.
* * * * *